From miracles to promises... we are covering a lot of ground quickly here! Are you reading along, are you praying and asking some questions and maybe even asking some other people questions. That's the point: conversations about Christmas and what Christmas is all about!
Day 9 ends with a question: What was the last promise you made and kept? What about the other end of that: what was the last promise you made but failed to keep or were hesitant or afraid or unwilling to even make? Or the flip-side: What was the last promise that someone else made to you and was the promise kept or did the words of the promise fall to pieces in the reality of everyday life? What is your typical reaction to promises from friends, parents, kids, spouses, siblings, co-workers, team-mates, politicians, pastors...? As the conversation plays out we see that God's promises are much much different than what we experience with one another. When God speaks, His words create reality. The Bible says that it is impossible for God to lie so that what He promises, He will deliver. Powerful words from Day 9 remind you that God has never lost sight of you! Which may not be the way you always feel.
I took the time to watch the Charlie Brown Christmas special this year. I have probably watched it over a dozen times but it was a peaceful 30 minutes to spend. As I watched, it seemed that good old loveable Chuck would have fit perfectly into the themes of Day 9. Charlie's problem; he sees no place for himself in all of the Christmas rush and he continually says he wants no part of a commercialized Christmas. Day 9 asks if anyone will even notice if you're not as chipper as everyone else or if you aren't caught up in the celebrating mode or if you don't feel important.
The coolest moment of that day settled upon me as I listened to Luke Chapter 2 being broadcast on network television during prime-time as Linus read THE Christmas story telling of the one who was to be born through whom peace and joy would be found. On national television during prime-time while he was holding his blue blanket, Linus proclaimed the announcement of the angels telling of a Savior born in the city of David who is Christ the Lord. Charlie Brown, frustrated and feeling left-out and a complete failure asks if "Anyone can tell me what the true meaning is?" And Linus steps to center stage to tell of the day that Jesus was born. Miraculous words of a promise fulfilled by God!
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