Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Ghost of Christmas Present

Christmas and all that it means is eternal but the day itself comes and goes.  Some come and go easily.  This one has not.  I don’t know if it’s just been how late Thanksgiving came but things have felt off to me for a long time.  The weather has been brutal too then we get freezing rain with it which is unusual for us in these parts.  Sometimes the hype is so intense you’re left sort of undone when it’s all overDSC02960.  The gifts which have sat neatly under the tree now lie in disarrayDSC02961 .  I try not to let it make me feel sad but it always doesDSC02962.  These are the times when I think my salamander has the right ideaDSC02964…things come and go as do days but you can’t let it eat you up…what’s eternal remains.  My salamander doesn’t let season’s passing bother him…each day he relishes the life he’s got…it’s perfect in its simplicity.  Outside it seems to be rather bleak as wellDSC02965.  The wind is cold but a sullen melt is progressing…and I stand here seemingly aloneDSC02966.  It feels bitter and lonely with no comfort or warmth to be foundDSC02967.  Everywhere I turn a cold wallDSC02968.  But then I remember something I preached in an Idaho maximum security prison.  You are here in prison because of crimes against the state but as far as God is concerned you’re forgiven.  If you receive Him as He’s received, loved, and forgiven you there will be no four walls that can hold you in…your spirit will be free.  That moment was something I’ll never forget…for a moment there was no prison for them or me.  We were all aware of something.  Beyond the fears and pains and even natural jails that can imprison we were free together before God because that…that is eternal…it can never be encaged though we may at times forget.  This temporal realm pails next to eternity and suddenly the darkness fades and I see the empty wrappers as fulfilled blessings and the cold winter landscape as…dare I say it…DSC02969..beautiful!  Take courage my friends.  There is a reason for the season.  Christ is eternal…this is His day…as are all the rest.  Merry Christmas!

10 comments:

  1. Beautiful post and photos, Joe. Many, unfortunately, get depressed after Christmas, and this post I have no doubt will inspire many...it has me. Your salamander is lovely. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.

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    1. It can be very difficult but in anyway this makes things a bit brighter I'm thankful for. God bless you too my friend!

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  2. This is a beautiful post Joe and such very true words of wisdom!

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    1. Bless you dear Beth. I needed this one today too.

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  3. Just wonderful words Joe every one of them. You remind us of how's truly blessed we are. :-)

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  4. Hard to believe Christmas came and went so fast.. and its New Years.. Happy New Year Joe... May this year be so very very blessed.

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    1. Now we proceed to another year of God's blessings! May it be the best year yet Lisa!

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  5. Love your aftermath of Christmas all the wrapping so reminds me of when I was a kid with my family. You sure are getting your share of snow this year.

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    1. You're right my friend...no snow shortage this year at all!

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