One of the factors I love about creativity is how it brings out the many unique perspectives in the world. I thought about that and Isaiah 55:8-9 when I drew this His thoughts are not our thoughts cartoon.
I like eccentric, non-conforming characters. When I was in art school, I admired those students with the courage to be unique. At least I thought they were unique. It turns out they got their cues from others too. It just wasn’t the characters or culture I was used to in the Midwest.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
James 1:17 (KJV) from BibleGateway.com
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. I’ve written before how I love this time of year.
This holiday weekend, I’ve read about flash mob robberies. It is where a group of thieves organize themselves to rob a store. The number of criminals overwhelms store employees so that they get away with the goods through brute force. As a result, thieves take what does not belong to them There is nothing good about taking what doesn’t belong to you.
You can’t take a gift. No one can take what is already given. When a gift-giver gives something with no strings attached, it is a sign of goodwill and generosity. A gift isn’t earned. It cannot be taken. It is frequently a sign of affection and love.
I have witnessed love through generosity and affection this weekend. And I will witness it today as I go to church and get ready to teach elementary kids about how contentment can prepare our hearts to be generous no matter how rich or poor they are. We will say, “You can always use what you have to help someone else.”
Good and perfect gifts come with no strings attached. There is no emotional baggage or terms. Advent reminds me that a good and perfect gift is coming. It will change the world forever. While it’s true the world can still be a dark place, there is hope in a good and perfect gift.
May the light of this season illuminate our hearts as we realize we can be the recipients, and perhaps the patron, of good and perfect gifts.
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”
Isaiah 9:2 (KJV) via Bible Gateway
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to interview a pastor about a fruitful fall event his church held. The children’s pastor at Celebration Church at Arrow Heights held a a family-friendly event the day before Halloween. They christened it the Trunk and Treat Hallelujah Party. Here is a link to the article:
Indiana Church Celebrates Fruitful Fall Outreach, Looks Ahead to Winter and Spring - Church of God Ministries
The organizer of the event has experienced a year of tragedy. But instead of turning inward, she channeled her heartache to ministering in her community. As a result, the area families had a safe, fun fall event that attracted all ages.
Yesterday, I wrote that a prayer of thanks is so powerful. That can be easy when things are going our way. But what about when things are far from ideal? What if we are in a season of tragedy and loss? Can anything good come from sorrow and morning?
By the grace of God, the answer is yes! Granted, it is not healthy to deny our emotions when we experience pain and suffering. We must be honest and allow ourselves to express grief.
But instead of turning inward, we can take our pain and make something beautiful of it.
“He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.”
Isaiah 61:3 NLT
Whatever you are going through, may you find a crown of beauty for ashes.
Yesterday, My pastor, Jim Lyon, preached on Isaiah’s prophecy about Jesus. He said we needed to accept the gift Christ gave us when He came to earth. So here are the notes I took for this week. By the way, only twenty-eight days until Christmas!