by Elizabeth Burgard Fulgaro copyright 2020
Oct 22 to Jan 6 reflections from an upcoming book for tending hurting hearts at Christmas
We need to hold onto the picture of the manger, shepherds, and angels who addressed them while singing praises to God. We need to keep our focus on the true over-all, all-encompassing spiritual realities which are greater than all we are tempted to focus on here. Not to the exclusion of the requirements of daily life now. But exactly in the dailiness, while keeping our eyes on that which is greater and God’s overall view, in which this current phase of our existence finds its source and meaning.
We need to hold onto a vision of heaven. So often it’s as if we lose sight of this. Most of the time yearning for eternal, full communion with God is not the focus. It is not what we celebrate. Most of the time we spend our days focused on everything less. This is our loss. We are missing the point and ignoring puzzle pieces, which pull the whole of life together, and make where we are and where we are invited to go, more comprehensible.
In heaven, there is no need to celebrate just the birth of Christ, because there it remains the fullness of time. The Lamb is on His throne, surrounded by awe for what that Baby came to do is finished! Yet, there this One, who is enthroned and celebrated, is also praying for us. For you. Interceding at the right hand of Father. His Spirit here with us now to lead and guide us and to help us in His work. For one another in this hard place.
Yes. Here. Now. God assignments. It may be a prayer, a consoling word, a smile which comes forth as a sign of authentic love, or many other things. It may be to feed the one next to you with physical food, or emotional sustenance, or spiritual nourishment out of the resources—the harvest God has been growing in you. It might be to stand up and fight for what is right and just for one or for all.
The work of God is continuing in every moment. He is seeking to draw all to Himself. To be known. And for this place where we dwell, to be the place He dwells and rules with His righteous right hand of love. By His Spirit. Through us. This includes His love for each one in the midst. This work does not just happen supernaturally, but most often through real people, who make the choice to listen for Spirit’s leading and let Him flow through and in so doing to love each one in the midst God’s way. To be there for that one in a tangible manner. All wisdom, instructions, and strength drawn from God. The Source. The Fountain. The well. Refuge in which to hide ourselves. As living stones to be built into the Dwelling Place of God where others may find true refuge.
All the while, the celebration in heaven is ongoing for the victory has been won. The path from heaven to the manger and back completed. The Way open. Revealed and to be known. The work still before us. With how we praise Him with our lips and how we walk out our assignments, we are joining in the heavenly song. Because of the Spirit, the Kingdom of God remains near. The veil is thin! These are our moments and season for Him. As Joseph, Mary and the Magi had theirs.
May we let Him guide us fully in this year-round, day-by-day season of non-stop love as all heaven and nature (including us) continue to sing, praising Him with one voice.
In heaven the angels and all those who have gone before and entered Your presence are praising You. An atmosphere of praise surrounds You because You are worthy. It becomes like an ethereal throne. Heaven and earth declaring Your glory at all times. All Your creation singing to You non-stop as You sing over us. The song rises in a unique, blessed, bliss-filled harmony of how You made us to be. With You. In You. For You. This is where we are fulfilled. This is destiny, joy and ultimate. Holy Spirit, keep me connected moment by moment to the heart of God. Help me to hear Your voice ever more clearly. May every moment of the remaining existence here be sanctified by my heart of prayer and praise and consecration to You, my King, so that You are glorified and all those You love, find their way back to You.
25 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He also is to be [reverently] feared above all so-called gods.
26 For all the gods of the people are [lifeless] idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
27 Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary.
28 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength,
29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness and in holy array.
30 Tremble and reverently fear before Him, all the earth’s peoples; the world also shall be established, so it cannot be moved.
31 Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice; and let men say among the nations, The Lord reigns!
32 Let the sea roar, and all the things that fill it; let the fields rejoice, and all that is in them.
33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out for joy before the Lord, for He comes to judge and govern the earth.
34 O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!
1 Chron 16:25-34
1 Then he showed me the river whose waters give life, sparkling like crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb
2 Through the middle of the broadway of the city; also, on either side of the river was the tree of life with its twelve varieties of fruit, yielding each month its fresh crop; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing and the restoration of the nations.
3 There shall no longer exist there anything that is accursed (detestable, foul, offensive, impure, hateful, or horrible). But the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall worship Him [pay divine honors to Him and do Him holy service].
4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.
5 And there shall be no more night; they have no need for lamplight or sunlight, for the Lord God will illuminate them and be their light, and they shall reign [as kings] forever and ever (through the eternities of the eternities).
Revelation 22:1-3
SONG Recommended: GLORY TO YOU IN THE HIGHEST–So You Sent Your Son album
If you are just joining in these reflections, read the Introduction here to learn what these are all about.
for mini-devotions subscribe or connect on Facebook at Spiritual Armor and Ammo .
