The Heart of a Sojourner

Revelation 8:13 NLT

Then I looked, and I heard a single eagle crying loudly as it flew through the air, “Terror, terror, terror to all who belong to this world because of what will happen when the last three angels blow their trumpets.”

Two weeks ago I plopped myself on my bed and I cried. I felt a displacement in my heart and uneasy. I had spent some time out and about and I was saddened by what I seen. No one smiled or said hello, everyone was honking at one another and then to top it off every store and restaurant in town's windows read "Happy Holiday's" and "Seasons Greetings". Santa's face in every store, and of course all the gift ideas flashing at you with a sign that reads in red SALE ENDS TODAY! Urging you to shop....

I know, I know, you think I'm the Christmas grinch by now and I'm sorry if you do.

 I really do love Christmas and let me tell you why. It's the time I get to spend my best friends birthday with my loved ones. I get to reflect on what a special night it was that the God of this universe sent His Son to be like you and me, to walk through life as we do, to experience and relate to all that we go through each day. He knew life on earth wasn't going to be a glorious life and He knew death would be involved to atone for the sins of the world. I get to whisper those things into my kids' hearts everyday but there is something special about the time we celebrate those truths with the world.

People around this time of year become more curious about Jesus and who He was and is to this world and I love that. The rich who are normally greedy offer money and gifts to charities and my kids get to shine and be different then the millions of kids around the world, who wait for santa to bring them gifts Christmas morning. I love that every year since I have been born the woman in my family sit around a table and make tamales and the past 7 years have been my favorite because we laugh with joy and talk about how good God is. I do, I love Christmas but just not the reasons this world loves Christmas....

As I laid on my bed with my face in my pillow I felt discouraged. I asked the Lord if He'd please speak truth into why I was feeling like this. Of course He did! He is faithful.

My sweet Father reminded me that this is not my home. He reminded me that I was just a sojourner passing through.

I was relieved to know I wasn't a grinch or a grouchy christian full of legalistic ways.

The bible tells us that we are not of this world and that this is not our home. The moment we unpack our bags and reside permanently is the day we should Fear the wrath of God.

Friend, did you read the scripture up top? Read it again....

Don't make this place your home, don't grow weary in doing good and don't lose hope that our King is coming to take us home.

Oh and don't be a grinch. You as a believer have the best reason to celebrate the birthday of your best friend!  :-)