When our team started thinking about this season of thankfulness, Christmas, and turning the page on a new year we landed on the theme of "Word". Not only the living Word of Jesus and the scriptures, but also our words to one another and ourselves. Words carry life, healing, and comfort. And so we concluded this would be a beautiful message to come around — with all the words!
However... these days have made me... speechless.
I have been overwhelmed by the holy God of the universe arriving in a humble stable to a willing teenage girl. Beheld and surrounded by dirty animals. Sought and maveled by common shepherds.
This was the answer to years of silence?
Here is where we find a king? A savior?
HE is the rescuer and redeemer of our souls?
Throughout scripture people are at a loss for words (or the right words) in the presence of the Almighty God — Job, Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, and Mary — his own mother. Yet, we live in an age and culture with more than one million words at our disposal. Unfiltered thoughts and random comments flow from our mouths (or phones) about everything — including God and His word mixed with our perspectives and opinions. We rarely shut our mouths (literally and figuratively). But shouldn't we?
Do we stand in awe — like Job?
Do we humbly bow in reverence — like David?
Do we ponder Him in our hearts — like Mary?
The mystery and majesty of Jesus is compelling me to this year and in these days. As I read the miraculous story of a holy and all-consuming God becoming not only the priest but the sacrifice as the forerunner of our faith — I have hope.
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus. — Hebrews 6:19-20
It is astounding that the Lord of all creation became a servant for us and He continues to wash, comfort, nurture, and serve our needs — I am humbled.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. — Philippians 2:5-7
It is indescribable that this perfect, righteous, and divine Father sent His Son to deliver us from bondage to liberation, from darkness to light, from death to life — I am speechless.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. — Ephesians 2:4-5
During this season you'll employ hundreds or possibly thousands of words — writing Christmas cards, expressing gratitude, and singing Christmas carols. We'll say "thank you" and "I love you" and "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."
But I want to challenge you to read a portion of scripture and ponder it (like Mary). Here are some powerful passages:
Luke 2
Romans 8
Ephesians 2
Hebrews 6 & 7
Sit silently with no adoration (which He deserves) and no thanksgiving (which He invites) and no requests (which He knows).
Posture your heart and mind to be in awe. Be overwhelmed. Be still.
Be speechless.
Janelle Nobles is lead creator at Hey Ladybirds! and Team Development Coordinator at Passion City Church in Atlanta where she lives with her husband. All the heart-eyes for her nest — kids, in-loves, & g-babies as well as running and quac. She’s obsessed with reading and memorizing the Word and building the local church. Connect on Instagram or Facebook.
