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Bible Study Guide: Ephesians 6.10-20
Be The Student:
Bible Study Prepares You to Teach
Pray and prepare your heart to teach by first asking God what He wants to reveal to you about Himself through the daily study of His Word. As you study, record your insights in the space provided, or you may use a notebook or journal that can also be used as a prayer journal. Many times God uses study notes and prayer journals to remind you of how far He’s brought you in your study and how He answers your prayers. Regardless of the method you choose, set aside 15 minutes or more each day to be quiet before the Lord and reflect upon what He wants to teach you for that day.
Standing in Spiritual Warfare Requires God’s Armor
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
–James 4.7
Day 1
- Pray before you begin to read Ephesians 6.10-13.
- What characteristics of God are revealed as you read this scripture?
- Where can you find strength?
- See especially verse 10
- Whom do we struggle against?
- See especially verse 12
- What is the goal of wearing God’s armor?
- See especially verses 11-13
Applying the heart of the message: Ephesians 6.10-13
Consider your hardest struggle- where does your battle take place? Is it a difficult relationship? Fear? Anger? Doubt? According to Paul, a strong relationship with the Lord not only gives us access to His mighty power, it aligns us with a holy God, ensuring that we are challenged on a personal level to stand and defend God’s territory. Living under Roman guard, Paul understood Roman armor and the function of each piece in battle. As an “ambassador in chains” he understood the tactics of evil. How do you picture your enemy? Do you see the face of a difficult person? Perhaps you see your own reflection. We can’t afford to underestimate our enemy- ultimately defeated by Jesus, the devil’s greatest successes come from harassing and distracting believers into seeing each other as the enemy rather than guarding against the real spiritual forces of evil.
Day 2
- Pray before you begin to read Ephesians 6.10-20.
- How does Paul describe our belt? Consider the function of a belt, how does this serve as effective armor against spiritual attack?
- See especially verse 14
- How does Paul describe our breastplate? What area of the body is protected by this piece of armor?
- See especially verse 14
- Standing is a function of the feet- how does Paul suggest preparing our feet? What does this mean to you?
- See especially verse 15
Applying the heart of the message: Ephesians 6.14-15
Living with a Roman soldier, Paul knew that the soldier’s belt went on first, serving as a place to fasten the breastplate and scabbard for the sword. The belt of truth gives us the ability to stand before God with integrity, providing the foundation of our spiritual armor and giving us the freedom to move within His will with purpose and clarity. Without this absolute truth, there would be no righteousness. Jesus said that there is “no truth in (the devil)…for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8.44). By beginning with God’s Truth we can clearly identify the enemy of our souls. How committed are you to examining yourself every day and constantly measuring your life by God’s absolute truth, immediately repenting when you’ve fallen short of God’s standard? There is no other way to buckle the belt of truth around your waist, or wear a breastplate of righteousness.
It would be easier to prepare for a battle against flesh and blood, to take up physical pieces of armor and focus upon a physical enemy. Paul understood better than perhaps anyone that we don’t face specific physical opposition. Even when it would’ve been easy for Paul to look into a face and see an enemy with a name, his passion for the Truth of the gospel allowed him to see everyone as a child of God, manipulated by the enemy of Truth. Paul lived in physical chains, and he understood that emotional prejudice, mental weariness and spiritual weakness are far more restrictive. Search your heart- what is restricting your movement? Paul also said love rejoices in the truth, always protecting, trusting, hoping, and persevering (1 Corinthians 13.6-7)- notice a parallel to defending against a spiritual battle? Unless we can stand in love, we cannot stand in peace. Unless we prepare our hearts and our minds, we cannot defend God’s territory in our lives.
Day 3
- Pray before you begin to read Ephesians 6.10-20.
- How does Paul describe our shield? What is its specific purpose?
- See especially verse 16
- How does Paul describe our helmet?
- See especially verse 17
- How does Paul describe our sword?
- See especially verse 17
- How are we to pray? What specific prayers did Paul ask for himself?
- See especially verses 18-20
Applying the heart of the message: Ephesians 6.16-20
When Paul described our shield, he saw the Roman shield of battle- not something small and round, but a massive curved, half cylinder shield formed of wood and covered in layers of leather that protected a soldier from shoulder to mid-thigh. He described this shield as a shield of faith, understanding that in battle Roman shields could be linked together to form a united front. How strong is your faith? Are you humble enough to link with a fellow believer when your faith is weak? The Roman shield was designed to absorb and extinguish flaming arrows. Consider this in context of a spiritual battle- you will not be shielded from attack- you’ll be shielded from the EFFECTS of attack when your faith in God outweighs anything else. Trials and disappointments will come and conflicts will flare in your life, but when you trust that “the One Who is in you is greater than the one who is in this world” (1 John 4.4), these attacks will be extinguished immediately by your faith.
The only weapons described by Paul are the sword of the Spirit, and constant prayer in the Spirit. In order for a weapon to be effective, we must know how to use it. Are you committed to studying God’s Word and hiding specific verses in your heart so that you can speak Truth in the midst of crisis? Paul reminded us of the picture of linked shields among believers when he encouraged us to be alert in our prayers for one another.
Paul’s personal prayer request was not for his release from the chains that bound him, but for words and attitude that would allow him to fearlessly proclaim the gospel. How does this compare with your prayer requests? What we pray for reveals the desires of our heart. How committed are you to defending the territory God has claimed in your life? Do you stay alert to struggles of fellow believers so that you may cover them in prayer even before they make their requests known? We cannot afford to wear only part of God’s armor, because we do not know the timing or severity of our next spiritual attack, only that it will come, and WE will be called to stand OUR ground. Are you ready?
Leaving Sedona
I rest my head upon the seat.
The southwestern sun penetrates my soul,
The desert wind carries away my insecurities.
I’m finally at peace.
The red rocks are behind us,
Yet their image remains
In my mind,
And etched upon my soul.
This is my communion.
This is my submission.
I rest among the miracle of creation
I’m no longer afraid.
Grandma's Journals
My life breath is found in words- first God’s Word, then my thoughts and interaction with the application of it. There is a need, a desire, and an urgency I feel about words; the drive to write, reflect, and apply is wired into the core of my being. So many thoughts are constantly swirling inside myself- rarely do I have the quiet space necessary to process, to craft, to order the words into a tapestry that speaks to others. And so I “free-write” in my journals, meaning that the only thing I do is allow thoughts to fall out of my brain and onto the page, unedited and unorganized.
Yet as I reflect on the memory of my Grandma “making me” keep a journal on our trips to Michigan, I am reminded that writing can manifest itself completely differently in the same exercise. Grandma’s travel journals served as benchmarks of progress- departure times, clean rest stops, good places to grab lunch. Her journals, filled with decades of marking time: date, time & activity, are exactly the opposite of mine. My travel journals are reflective, an exploration of the interplay between where I’ve been and who I’m becoming. Travel seems to create a sense of suspended animation, the state of being caught in the journey between preparation and arrival.
The odd realization that my Grandma’s journals would reveal no insight into her emotional journey doesn’t lessen my wish to have them today. Somehow being able to see time marked by her own hand, to read milestones of the only travel they ever made outside their daily life, to see minutes recorded as though the very act of writing them would make them linger, would be strangely comforting to me.
The thing about Grandma’s journals is that she kept them year after year, and was even known to bring along old ones for reference. And yet, here in this collage of memories is the undeniable truth that she always went to the same place at the same time, taking the same route, year after year. If you only travel a road you know well, it takes more effort to observe new things. If you travel the same road but once a year, it takes great effort to only observe things unchanged.
I feel that my life is an unrevealed path that only God understands. Dates, places and experiences are noted in my journals to provide context, but remain the only static element in my writing. Unlike Grandma’s need to faithfully record every major mile marker along the way and the time we passed it, my writing is the journey itself.
I now see that there is also value in Grandma’s seemingly passionless recording of time, date, and place. Her journals were literally to the minute: “7:02am-pulling out.” Yep, she really said that. The funniest thing to me, as I am a self-proclaimed “journal snob” who judges value by binding, line and size, is that Grandma only used little two-by-three inch spiral notebooks- the kind you find practically free in any store, and so small that there wasn’t even room for her to write “pulling out of the driveway.” She only used a single line for each entry.
The first time I travelled to Michigan with them, Grandma proudly presented me with my own journal and proceeded to teach me how to use it. I spent the entire week erasing writing that was too big, and trying different strategies for making my volume of thoughts fit on a single small line. After growing frustrated from trying to fit the ocean in a paper cup, I forged my own method. I see now that trying to demonstrate or explain my free-writing journal technique would likely have been equally futile and puzzling to my Grandma.
Grandma’s writing became quick and efficient records of where the family was on their annual trek to Michigan. And yet is that so different from my own journal? I may write 500 words at a time and fill page after page before I finish, but am I not still trying to capture, compare, and record where I am in time and how that compares to where I expected to be?
Remembering Grandma’s journals somehow comforts me to realize a larger truth, that even as my daily life is completely different on the surface, I am still a woman seeking to keep a record of my journey. The difference lies in our voice, and our perspective. Grandma viewed their annual drive from Indiana to Michigan as the only journey worth noting. My literal travel gives me the space to reconsider and contemplate the daily journey through life that I record on a regular basis.
Matthew 12.18-21 through a mother’s eyes
God,
I come tonight so humbled and so ashamed. You’ve convicted me of how far I’ve fallen from being the light of Jesus in my own home. Thank you that others say they see You in me; I’m so ashamed that others have gotten the best part of me while my family is getting the worst of me. You timed today’s scripture perfectly as my ears sting with the echo of my harsh words and hateful tones. Jesus was a leader beyond reproach; His strength was in His gentleness. Until today, I’ve missed the truth behind Matthew 12.18-21 and Isaiah 42.1-4: “…He does not fight nor shout; He does not raise His voice! He does not crush the weak, or quench the smallest hope…” (TLB). The NIV version says, “He doesn’t break a bruised reed or extinguish a smoldering ember, He doesn’t argue.”
Why can I perceive the proper way to be sensitive to others so they “see God in me,” yet I raise my voice and argue with my family? My family is one of the most precious gifts I have and yet in my anger, frustration and fatigue, I am weakest when I am at home.
God, I’m so grateful that you love me enough to rebuke me. Please forgive me. My heart’s desire is to live for You and honor You, but I fail so often. I’m going to cling to what You’ve shown me in these verses and strive to love, lead, and live as Jesus did.
New International Version (NIV)
Matthew 12:18-21
"Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope."
Isaiah 42:1-4
"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope."
I come tonight so humbled and so ashamed. You’ve convicted me of how far I’ve fallen from being the light of Jesus in my own home. Thank you that others say they see You in me; I’m so ashamed that others have gotten the best part of me while my family is getting the worst of me. You timed today’s scripture perfectly as my ears sting with the echo of my harsh words and hateful tones. Jesus was a leader beyond reproach; His strength was in His gentleness. Until today, I’ve missed the truth behind Matthew 12.18-21 and Isaiah 42.1-4: “…He does not fight nor shout; He does not raise His voice! He does not crush the weak, or quench the smallest hope…” (TLB). The NIV version says, “He doesn’t break a bruised reed or extinguish a smoldering ember, He doesn’t argue.”
Why can I perceive the proper way to be sensitive to others so they “see God in me,” yet I raise my voice and argue with my family? My family is one of the most precious gifts I have and yet in my anger, frustration and fatigue, I am weakest when I am at home.
God, I’m so grateful that you love me enough to rebuke me. Please forgive me. My heart’s desire is to live for You and honor You, but I fail so often. I’m going to cling to what You’ve shown me in these verses and strive to love, lead, and live as Jesus did.
New International Version (NIV)
Matthew 12:18-21
"Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope."
Isaiah 42:1-4
"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope."
On Wings Like Eagles
Isaiah 40.31
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
It’s very likely you’re familiar with this verse; it’s a popular choice for greeting cards and coffee mugs. But when is the last time you really tried to hear what God is telling us here in these 32 words?
When we grow weary, we must examine ourselves and ask our heart to reveal the truth about where our hope lies. Most likely, my hope can be found hidden in tasks, responsibilities, and accomplishments that I have on MY agenda. God always shows me when my hope has been displaced because it is then that I am weary. I grow weak. I become emotionally faint, going through the motions and trying to make it through each day. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing about this verse- we so often miss the practical truth because we can’t wait to imagine soaring on eagle’s wings. We’ll get to that, but for now, don’t miss this: God isn’t telling us to stop moving. Do you see that? He’s telling us that when our hope, our future, our perspective is in Him alone, we can RUN and not grow weary. We can WALK and not grow faint. In other words, when we move with our eyes focused to an eternal perspective, God will multiply our efforts. Refresh us as we MOVE.
Much like water stations along a marathon route, God knows our path. He sets our pace. He knows when to meet us with refreshment, with nourishment that is just enough to satisfy our soul as we move. And yet, while God expects us to always move, He doesn’t always expect us to run. Or even walk. He knows when our tired and aching legs tremble for a break. That’s just when He promises to renew our strength, and true to His character, God chooses an amazing way to do it!
God promises that we can soar on wings like eagles. Now don’t read this with a coffee mug picture in your mind…really imagine EXACTLY what this means. The problem with coffee mug quotes is that they allow limited perspective. You saw this verse and had a mental image given to you by a photographer looking up at an eagle, right? Guess what- that’s not at all what God wants us to see when we read this verse.
God lifts us from the pounding cadence of feet upon earth to the clarity and perspective of an aerial view. Eagles have vision that is among the sharpest of all animals, seeing twice the distance of humans. So while God renews our strength, we are able to move at a faster pace because it is His vision that now guides us. On eagle’s wings we are able to view things from His perspective, but we must not forget the fact we’re still limited by our capacity to see with clarity. When we sense that God is moving things along at a swifter than usual pace, we must resist the urge to “see” what is going on, or to anticipate where He’s taking us. Continue to hope in Him, trust in His promise and His ability to take us places we could never imagine. Enjoy the view, but remember that you aren’t physically able with human eyes to appreciate all that lies around you.
Did you know that the largest eagles (such as the Harpy Eagle) often weigh more than 20 pounds and have a wingspan of 8 feet? 8 feet!! I’m only 5 feet tall on a good day- so in 8 feet I have plenty of space, no matter how much I stretch out, yet it’s still enough room for someone half again my height to be comfortable! Now THAT’S an image of a place to rest!
And yet there is another interesting point, that God chose an eagle. I know it doesn’t seem that interesting at first, beyond the obvious “wow” factor. But, did you know that even though God created eagles to be magnificent soaring birds that can cover large amounts of territory at a time, they aren’t exactly good at flying? This means that while they are amazing to behold in flight, they aren’t very good at taking off and landing! How funny is that? Ever sense that God was about to show you an amazing perspective, only to find that the times immediately before and after your intimate revelation with Him weren’t very comfortable? Don’t be distracted by frustration, just remember that eagles are known for soaring, and that even in the sometimes bumpy take-off and landing, you’re still moving!
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
It’s very likely you’re familiar with this verse; it’s a popular choice for greeting cards and coffee mugs. But when is the last time you really tried to hear what God is telling us here in these 32 words?
When we grow weary, we must examine ourselves and ask our heart to reveal the truth about where our hope lies. Most likely, my hope can be found hidden in tasks, responsibilities, and accomplishments that I have on MY agenda. God always shows me when my hope has been displaced because it is then that I am weary. I grow weak. I become emotionally faint, going through the motions and trying to make it through each day. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing about this verse- we so often miss the practical truth because we can’t wait to imagine soaring on eagle’s wings. We’ll get to that, but for now, don’t miss this: God isn’t telling us to stop moving. Do you see that? He’s telling us that when our hope, our future, our perspective is in Him alone, we can RUN and not grow weary. We can WALK and not grow faint. In other words, when we move with our eyes focused to an eternal perspective, God will multiply our efforts. Refresh us as we MOVE.
Much like water stations along a marathon route, God knows our path. He sets our pace. He knows when to meet us with refreshment, with nourishment that is just enough to satisfy our soul as we move. And yet, while God expects us to always move, He doesn’t always expect us to run. Or even walk. He knows when our tired and aching legs tremble for a break. That’s just when He promises to renew our strength, and true to His character, God chooses an amazing way to do it!
God promises that we can soar on wings like eagles. Now don’t read this with a coffee mug picture in your mind…really imagine EXACTLY what this means. The problem with coffee mug quotes is that they allow limited perspective. You saw this verse and had a mental image given to you by a photographer looking up at an eagle, right? Guess what- that’s not at all what God wants us to see when we read this verse.
God lifts us from the pounding cadence of feet upon earth to the clarity and perspective of an aerial view. Eagles have vision that is among the sharpest of all animals, seeing twice the distance of humans. So while God renews our strength, we are able to move at a faster pace because it is His vision that now guides us. On eagle’s wings we are able to view things from His perspective, but we must not forget the fact we’re still limited by our capacity to see with clarity. When we sense that God is moving things along at a swifter than usual pace, we must resist the urge to “see” what is going on, or to anticipate where He’s taking us. Continue to hope in Him, trust in His promise and His ability to take us places we could never imagine. Enjoy the view, but remember that you aren’t physically able with human eyes to appreciate all that lies around you.
Did you know that the largest eagles (such as the Harpy Eagle) often weigh more than 20 pounds and have a wingspan of 8 feet? 8 feet!! I’m only 5 feet tall on a good day- so in 8 feet I have plenty of space, no matter how much I stretch out, yet it’s still enough room for someone half again my height to be comfortable! Now THAT’S an image of a place to rest!
And yet there is another interesting point, that God chose an eagle. I know it doesn’t seem that interesting at first, beyond the obvious “wow” factor. But, did you know that even though God created eagles to be magnificent soaring birds that can cover large amounts of territory at a time, they aren’t exactly good at flying? This means that while they are amazing to behold in flight, they aren’t very good at taking off and landing! How funny is that? Ever sense that God was about to show you an amazing perspective, only to find that the times immediately before and after your intimate revelation with Him weren’t very comfortable? Don’t be distracted by frustration, just remember that eagles are known for soaring, and that even in the sometimes bumpy take-off and landing, you’re still moving!
This is the Season of Joy, so What is My Problem?
I’ve tried to find it this year, I really have. Ironically, I think I’ve tried harder than any other year. I refused to stress about having things perfectly done, I did my best to be intentional about Advent, but I still couldn’t find the joy. I kept thinking it was just around the corner; get the kids out of school, let things slow down- I’d feel it then. Nope. I’m just distracted by the enormous open house we’re hosting for my husband’s colleagues- once that it over, it will “feel” like Christmas. We’ll bake cookies, listen to Christmas carols, relax and watch movies as a family. Um, no. Nothing but more feelings of frustration and sadness. What is my deal? I have no excuse; I know the joy and hope that is Christmas, I understand the magnitude of celebrating the birth of my Savior, and furthermore, I didn’t even set one foot in a mall this year! What could possibly make me feel so sad right now?
Christmas Eve came and went, with the only “tragedies” our blessed family experienced was finding one of my 4th grader’s frogs dead and not finding the copy of “Night Before Christmas” that we read every year. Still no excuse for the heaviness that seemed to envelop me.
Christmas morning was white, the presents were well chosen, our family was healthy, happy and warm, but still I had that nagging sadness, an ache that I couldn’t shake or ignore. Finally, I took some time to be alone with God. I confessed my frustration and allowed myself to explore my sadness instead of trying to shove it away. I would love to say that I became filled with joy, that all I needed was a little space to reflect, but that isn’t true. What happened was something different; it seems giving myself permission to accept my feelings at face value was the key to unlocking a dimension of the Nativity I’ve never considered.
Christmas really is the season of joy and hope, but below the surface of pretty pictures it’s also all kinds of emotions being covered by grace. Jesus was born in the midst of life interrupted. Even without Gabriel’s announcements, Mary and Joseph would’ve faced a mandatory pilgrimage ordered by the government. What about Bethlehem? The heavenly hosts weren’t the only visitors in town the night Jesus was born. It wasn’t arriving without a reservation that caused Mary and Joseph to find no room at the inn; there simply wasn’t any room. Families were displaced, travelers were weary, routines were disrupted. Many things were not going as planned. And yet, here is where God touched my heart specifically as he reminded me: God’s plan was right on schedule.
God wasn’t rushed, he wasn’t adapting to an unexpected situation, he wasn’t undone by what looked and felt like chaos. Finally, I got it. No, it still wasn’t the “Go Tell it on the Mountain” joy; it was the wonder of it all. I found the peace that comes from understanding we don’t have to “feel” like Christmas for Christ to come. We can be weary and burdened and sad on December 25 without dishonoring God. He didn’t come because the world was ready and eagerly anticipating him, he came because life is messy and the world is full of reasons to feel sad.
Bethlehem wasn’t prepared to welcome a king, Mary must’ve still been trying to wrap her brain around being chosen as the mother of God’s Son, Joseph didn’t attend childbirth classes, and the shepherds weren’t standing around discussing their views on the angels of heaven. Life was simply being lived. Days were stretching out without pretense and without having “acceptable” emotions imposed upon them. People were sad, tired, worried, happy, healthy, sick- all of the feelings involved in living another day. Then, in God’s perfect way and according to his perfect timing, Emmanuel! God is with us!
It wasn’t just into the muck and mire of a stable nursery, but down into the muck and mire of our emotions that Jesus came. This year I was reminded that God doesn’t require my joy or expect me to feel like a Norman Rockwell painting in order to prove I’m “ready” for Christmas. The irony is that being prepared means being willing to be honest and face my raw emotions as I trust that Jesus came for me in spite of my failings. Actually, he came because of my failings. Feeling compelled to belt out “Joy to the World” as I bake beautiful cookies or serve the poor isn’t a sign of being ready for Christmas. Opening myself up to really feeling is the key to being ready- sad is ok. Tired is ok. Frustrated is ok. Joy? That’s a bonus!
Christmas Eve came and went, with the only “tragedies” our blessed family experienced was finding one of my 4th grader’s frogs dead and not finding the copy of “Night Before Christmas” that we read every year. Still no excuse for the heaviness that seemed to envelop me.
Christmas morning was white, the presents were well chosen, our family was healthy, happy and warm, but still I had that nagging sadness, an ache that I couldn’t shake or ignore. Finally, I took some time to be alone with God. I confessed my frustration and allowed myself to explore my sadness instead of trying to shove it away. I would love to say that I became filled with joy, that all I needed was a little space to reflect, but that isn’t true. What happened was something different; it seems giving myself permission to accept my feelings at face value was the key to unlocking a dimension of the Nativity I’ve never considered.
Christmas really is the season of joy and hope, but below the surface of pretty pictures it’s also all kinds of emotions being covered by grace. Jesus was born in the midst of life interrupted. Even without Gabriel’s announcements, Mary and Joseph would’ve faced a mandatory pilgrimage ordered by the government. What about Bethlehem? The heavenly hosts weren’t the only visitors in town the night Jesus was born. It wasn’t arriving without a reservation that caused Mary and Joseph to find no room at the inn; there simply wasn’t any room. Families were displaced, travelers were weary, routines were disrupted. Many things were not going as planned. And yet, here is where God touched my heart specifically as he reminded me: God’s plan was right on schedule.
God wasn’t rushed, he wasn’t adapting to an unexpected situation, he wasn’t undone by what looked and felt like chaos. Finally, I got it. No, it still wasn’t the “Go Tell it on the Mountain” joy; it was the wonder of it all. I found the peace that comes from understanding we don’t have to “feel” like Christmas for Christ to come. We can be weary and burdened and sad on December 25 without dishonoring God. He didn’t come because the world was ready and eagerly anticipating him, he came because life is messy and the world is full of reasons to feel sad.
Bethlehem wasn’t prepared to welcome a king, Mary must’ve still been trying to wrap her brain around being chosen as the mother of God’s Son, Joseph didn’t attend childbirth classes, and the shepherds weren’t standing around discussing their views on the angels of heaven. Life was simply being lived. Days were stretching out without pretense and without having “acceptable” emotions imposed upon them. People were sad, tired, worried, happy, healthy, sick- all of the feelings involved in living another day. Then, in God’s perfect way and according to his perfect timing, Emmanuel! God is with us!
It wasn’t just into the muck and mire of a stable nursery, but down into the muck and mire of our emotions that Jesus came. This year I was reminded that God doesn’t require my joy or expect me to feel like a Norman Rockwell painting in order to prove I’m “ready” for Christmas. The irony is that being prepared means being willing to be honest and face my raw emotions as I trust that Jesus came for me in spite of my failings. Actually, he came because of my failings. Feeling compelled to belt out “Joy to the World” as I bake beautiful cookies or serve the poor isn’t a sign of being ready for Christmas. Opening myself up to really feeling is the key to being ready- sad is ok. Tired is ok. Frustrated is ok. Joy? That’s a bonus!
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