Rebecca Carpenter

    As I gaze out of my window, I observe the trunks of several types of trees-pine, oak, cypress and palm.  The trunks are rough with spots splashed on them and holes etched into the sturdy trunks.  A couple of trunks seem totally straight while others are bent and growing at strange angles.  One tall, skinny live oak has dead branches protruding just beyond my grasp.  Limbs from the oaks from a cascade of uneven branches in many directions providing perches for small birds.  They also form a canopy of shade for the underlying palmettos and ferns.  During the hurricanes of the past few years, many large oaks lost limbs and some even fell completely over exposing massive roots.

     The majestic palms soar into the sky with their fronds waving in the wind but offer little shade or nesting for birds.  When storms come, they bend and sway but rarely break off or fall.

     The slow growing cypress pushes to the sky but at this time of year appears to be dead since the leaves have disappeared and exposed bare branches.  Birds continue to utilize the branches for resting and surveying the landscape. 

     Most of these trees would not be considered as prime specimens in a nursery, but they have endured in the forest and show special character.  When the land was cleared last year to build our home, these strong trees remained.  They produced a tribute to the years and years that they flourished during rainstorms, sunshine, drought, and hurricanes.  We now nurture them with water, mulch, and fertilizer, but they seemed to have done fine without us.

     I see several lessons in our backyard trees.  God took care of the trees without us–probably better, and he can also take care of our situations when we think that we are in charge.  The trees are scared by wind and weather but remain strong and sturdy because of or in spite of the storms that they went through.  We also become stronger because of the storms of life which can produce lasting scars.  However, those scars do not have to be disfiguring but can be badges of honor as a tribute to what we have encountered and overcome.  Like the cypress that appears dead, we also may need to take time to rest and recuperate before producing more outward growth.  Perhaps we need to work on ourselves for a time instead of continuing with the busyness of helping others.  Like the oak with old, twisted knarled branches which provides a haven for small animals and birds, we can nurture children, the elderly, and the lonely even though we are not rich, famous or gorgeous.  The birds are not impressed with the shape of the limb as they perch for support but only require that it is strong enough.  When we offer love, support, and encouragement, we are providing what is needed to inspire and comfort and should not be concerned with how we appear outwardly.  We may also be like the palm which bends in the wind but does not break or fall.  I never thought that gazing at trees from my window could produce such insight.  God truly delivers messages to us if we take the time to examine them.

     As I sit in my comfy chair, encased in a warm throw and flannel pj’s, with a cup of hot tea, I feel very warm and secure.  Outside, the sun is shining brightly, and the birds are chirping in the crisp December morning.  Compared to cold, snowy conditions up north, our cold snap is like a warm winter respite, but to us Floridians, it is frigid.

     The difficulty of circumstances that come into our lives are also often relative to what we are used to and what we think that we can tolerate.  Some people fall apart if the store does not have their favorite food while others quietly endure even though there is hardly any food at all for them or for their family. Some become agitated if they do not always have the most fashionable styles of clothing as others get by on old hand me downs that were probably never fashionable.  Some people feel that they must have bright, shiny expensive cars to provide transportation with a touch of pride while others make do with a rickety bike or dilapidated car that constantly breaks down.  Some think that they must have homes in prestigious communities in order to feel important as others are thankful to have a roof whether it is a FEMA trailer or a small apartment full of people.  Compare having to curtail some physical activities to not being able to walk or run at all.  While some parents are annoyed when children interrupt their favorite tv show, others do not hear from a wayward child for months or years.  When children become cranky, loud, and irritating, think of parents who do not have the opportunity to hear or see their children at all.

     Each person has personal trials and tragedies that must be overcome and endured.  However, some things that may seem monumental at the time are actually just small bumps in the journey of life. God can give strength and comfort for the small trials as well as for the huge ones.  He can also help each person determine which ones are truly significant. 

     Mary couldn’t call her mother for advice about going through labor or how to soothe a crying infant.  Joseph couldn’t happily announce the birth to his family.  Where were their families during this time?  What did they think of Mary’s unexpected pregnancy?  Were they concerned about the long journey to Bethlehem for the young couple?  Were they worried and concerned when Mary and Joseph did not return soon after the census was taken?  When did they learn that the baby had been born?  They were not there to help the couple during this special time nor to offer support and encouragement.

    As the lonely, frightened couple entered Bethlehem, the labor pains began.  Joseph desperately searched the city for a warm, inviting room where Mary could rest.  As the pains increased, he realized that the city was full and that prospects for a decent room were vanishing.  His life had been turned upsidedown in the preceding months as Mary announced her pregnancy, he had been visited by Gabriel, and the couple had begun their lives together with a child on the way that was not even his.  In spite of all of this, he remained faithful and steadfast as he protected Mary and her child.  Finally, an innkeeper offered a cave where animals stayed so that the couple could find a place to rest.  Joseph tried to make it as comfortable as possible by laying blankets over the straw on the musty floor to form a crude bed.  He shooed the animals to the sides of the cave and then eased Mary from the donkey onto the bed.  Each time a pain came, Mary grimaced while Joseph considered what he should be doing to help.  He had not been prepared to be a midwife.  That was something that Mary’s mother would have taken care of at home.  Rough hands that were accustomed to the hard work of building now must gently assist in the birth of a special baby.  As the contractions became more frequent, they both knew that the time was near.  No one else was there to help.  It was Joseph’s responsibility.  God had sent messengers to them about Jesus coming so He must also have instructions for the actual birth.  After a quick prayer, Joseph proceeded to act as a midwife.  Mary watched a determined Joseph with appreciation and knew that she was in capable hands.  Just as the angel told her that she was chosen to carry God’s child, she also knew that Joseph had been chosen to be His earthly father.  They would not be left alone to figure it all out and would be protected. 

     With a final push, a tiny, soft whimpering Jesus entered the world in his cave nursery.  Smiles of relief and exhaustion showed on the faces of Mary and Joseph.  The birth was complete so they could now attend to his immediate needs-cleaning, feeding, and sleeping.  After searching the cave, Joseph discovered that the only place to put the tiny bundle would be in the manger.  After removing the grain and cleaning it out the best that he could, Joseph carefully laid cloths to provide a cushion for the sleeping baby.  In happiness, the couple hugged each other and marveled at the birth and realized that their lives would be changed forever.  They had not planned to be parents so soon.  They had assumed that they would remain in Nazareth near their families to raise their children like others before them.  Was the beginning of their lives together a preview of things to come?  Would they continue to encounter unexpected situations for which they had no preparation?  So far, they had instructions and assistance when needed so they put aside their concerns and rested knowing that God was there protecting them.  Little did they know that a group of strange, smelly visitors was searching the area to find the child that they angels had proclaimed. Life would certainly not be normal.

    Gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  The wise men presented these gifts to the young child after they had traveled on a long, tedious journey to find him.  These costly items were included with their necessary provisions for the arduous trip.  Why did they carry these gifts when they had so many items that they needed just to survive such as food, water, tents etc.?  How did they keep the gifts safe as they journeyed over difficult terrain among robbers?  Did they ever think of lightening their load by selling or giving away the gifts? 

     We only know that they reverently presented the treasures to Jesus at the end of their search.  What did Mary and Joseph think of these foreign, learned visitors descending on their quiet family?  Were they frightened by the appearance?  Were they stunned by the lavish gifts?  Did Jesus smile at the glittering gold?  Did he inhale the aroma of the spices?  What happened to the presents?  Did they sit in a place of honor in the simple dwelling?  Were they sold to provide money for the journey of escape to Egypt?  There are so many questions and so few answers.  However, we do know that the wise men followed the sign, the bright star, on a long journey to find Jesus and presented him with their best.

     We also travel the long journey of life, and if we follow the signs that lead to Jesus, we will find Him too.  We can present our gifts to Him-our best.  We may not have an abundance of material goods , but we can present our lives with our special talents.  Each person has something special which can be utilized.  Maybe it is singing, giving, praying, encouraging, teaching, or caring.  Even though we don’t know what happened to the gifts from the magi, we do know that our gifts can be used and multiplied for God’s use.

     The uncertainty of the future.  The ostracism of the neighbors.  The harshness of the environment.  The long difficult journey.  All of those problems were brought to mind by the movie “The Nativity Story”.  Other difficulties were proposed in the movie as Mary and Joseph prepared for Jesus’ birth.

     Usually, when we think of Christmas, we see beautiful, shiny, clean nativity scenes where everything is in perfect order.  The adoring parents gaze at their beautiful baby as the shepherds kneel in worship and wise men present valuable gifts. 

     God did not send Jesus into a perfect world to be on display in a gorgeous panorama once a year.  He came to go with us through uncertain times-the snubbing from those around us, sickness, death, divorce, wayward children, depression, addictions, and natural disasters.  In the midst of the turmoil, Jesus comes to shed light and shine in our lives-not once a year but daily.  It is wonderful to celebrate His birth each year and see people more loving and giving as they get into “the Spirit of Christmas”.  However, many who get caught up the festivities aren’t even Christians, but they only love the traditions and customs of the season.

     As Christians, shouldn’t we be distinguishable from those who aren’t?  Shouldn’t we celebrate Jesus’ birth and life every day?  Shouldn’t we rejoice that He came as our Savior and share that wonderful gift with others?  Shouldn’t others be able to see that we are different because of His love for us?  As we prepare for the celebrations of Christmas, we should not get caught up in the greed and craziness that have become a part of the season but take time to really focus on Jesus.  Have a blessed Christmas.

     Cute but wiggly boys in bathrobes.  Tall silent figures grasping wooden staffs.  Robe encased bodies kneeling quietly.  These shepherds all come to mind as Christmas approaches and nativity scenes are acted out.

     In Bethlehem 2000 years ago, the image of shepherds was quite different.  They stood in watchful solitude on the hillsides poised to protect their sheep from danger.  Long days and nights at work left little time for cleanliness and personal grooming.  They were looked down upon by the respectable citizens and were not included in fancy dinner parties or invited into comfortable homes.

     Imagine the stinky, unkempt men arriving to behold the baby proclaimed by the angels.  What did Mary and Joseph think?  How did they respond to the unexpected guests?  Did they announce that they were busy and that the baby was sleeping?  Did they discourage the visitors because they were afraid of spreading germs to the newborn babe?  Did they question the motives of the shepherds? 

     Since Joseph and Mary had both received assurances from the angel about the birth of Jesus, did they graciously accept the unusual visitors?  Did they realize that the shepherds were also following instructions from the angels and were part of the heavenly plan?  Did they rejoice as the humble shepherds knelt and worshiped the king?

     How often do we ignore those who are different from us and who may also be dirty and smelly?  Do we think that only educated, “religious” individuals like us are worthy to be used by God?  As we prepare for Jesus’ birth, we should look at all of the people around us.  Who is God using?  We may be very surprised.  Perhaps we overlook those put into our path because we can’t even imagine them being a significant part of God’s plan.  He can take what seems unworthy to the world and use it in glorious ways. 

     A young girl from a small, nondescript town in a rather undistinguishable part of the world.  She was not well educated or well known.  She was not an important leader or prosperous businesswoman.  She was just a normal, Jewish teenager helping her family survive.

    Suddenly, she received a tremendous surprise!  The angel, Gabriel, appeared and announced to her that she was blessed among women.  Mary was troubled.

    Troubled sounds like a rather calm response to such a proclamation.  Flabbergasted! Dismayed!  Hysterical!  Those responses sound more fitting after being told that she would have a child, who was not Joseph’s, that would be called the Son of the Most High.  Her mind must have been filled with various scenarios about the startling event.  What would her parents think?  What would Joseph do?  What would be the response of the community?  How could she withstand the accusations of breaking the law?  As she contemplated the news, Mary was troubled.  Gabriel assured her that God was with her and that she should not be afraid.  A calmness settled over her as she was told that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that nothing was impossible with God.

     What a beautiful example she set as she answered,  “Let it be to me according to your word.”

     As we proceed through life and encounter unexpected circumstances, we often become troubled, exasperated, hysterical, or despondent.  We ask questions and wonder why-just like Mary did.  We can also be reassured that the Holy Spirit can come upon us too and that with God, nothing is impossible.  What a comfort to know that we are surrounded by God’s love and protection in the midst of our challenges and uncertainties. 

    Read Luke 2:26-38

     Christmas–a time of singing joyous songs, parties, sparkling lights, and cheery greetings.  I reflect on all of the happy aspects of the Christmas season, and then I remember recent prayer requests–family members having medical tests and surgeries, a friend losing a husband, a friend in depression, homeless families, children in foster care, soldiers at war–the list goes on and on.  How can there be joy at Christmas when there is so much suffering and turmoil in the world?

    Then I think of the tiny baby Jesus born in Bethlehem.  The world was not exactly peaceful and calm then either.  The Romans controlled much of the known world causing discord among the native peoples.  In the midst of the unrest and domination, a wee baby gave a twinkle of hope that burst into radiance across the world.  He was not born in a fancy, well known hospital with respected doctors using state of the art equipment but in an insignificant, dark cave in the small town of Bethlehem.  The hope reached the lowly shepherds as they quietly knelt in worship before Him.  Mary and Joseph did not announce the hope of His birth to the world but depended on God to do it.  They humbly allowed the shepherds and wise men to disrupt their lives to honor the baby.  In spite of difficult circumstances during the Roman occupation, God’s plan was fulfilled according to the Old Testament.

     It is so easy to look at all of the turmoil around us and become discouraged.  However, there is also hope–a granddaughter’s healed heart, a friend’s child being drug free for 6 months, good reports from medical tests, thousands of people giving toys to needy children–this list goes on and on too.  When we feel discouraged about trying events in life, we can remember the tiny baby that brought hope which has spread around the globe for generations and generations.  We can also allow that hope to grow within us and shine into the world.  

     Advent–Jesus coming.  As we prepare for Christmas, I am afraid that our preparations distract from preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ arrival.  We shop for cards, spend time writing them, and send them to those who have also have spent much time perhaps not even thinking about the reason.  We trudge through crowded stores filled with other stressed customers as we search frantically for gifts for loved ones and for those that we feel that we “must” buy for.  The anxiety of selecting the perfect gifts and then adding up the costs increases the stress level.  We become annoyed as we travel congested roads as we think of all of the errands that need to be crossed off our long lists.  We prepare food when we are exhausted so that we can share with coworkers, neighbors, friends, and even those who we barely know.  Because we “need to make an appearance”, we grudgingly attend parties even though we would rather stay at home.  We produce elaborate meals and parties and hardly enjoy the fellowship because we are so fatigued.  The entire season is filled with people who are trying to have a wonderful experience but who end up just getting through it so that they can relax in January.

      What if you could change the season?  What would you prefer to do?  Spend time reading the Bible each day–especially Matthew and Luke.  Listen to Christmas carols at home and in the car.  Attend a religious Christmas performance and then have friends over for hot cocoa.  Use an advent calendar to mark off the days until Christmas.  Have a potluck dinner with friends.  Watch an inspirational Christmas movie such as “It’s a Wonderful Life”.  Take the kids to see Christmas lights around the neighborhood and sing carols.  Write ways that you have been blessed this year.  Make Christmas ornaments or cookies with children or with friends.  Read special Christmas stories like “The Gift of the Magi”.  Go see the new release “The Nativity Story”.  Give a smile and encouraging word to the harried clerks.  Volunteer to help the lonely or less fortunate.  Look around and find someone who is hurting or lonely and include them in your preparations.  This is certainly a way to celebrate the birth of Jesus as you show His love in what you do. 

    If we get too caught up in the hustle and bustle of the world, we will probably miss the magnificent gift of the season.