Completeness

“And our own completeness is now found in him. We are completely filled with God as Christ’s fullness overflows within us.” (Colossians 2:10 TPT)

Do you ever feel incomplete? 

Over the last few decades, I have completed most of the goals I have set for myself. Yet, like most people, I can’t help but wonder if there is more to life. No matter how hard I try, there always seems to be a bit of emptiness that never gets filled. 

The Greek translation of the New Testament uses the word pleroma to mean completeness. Pleroma essentially conveys a filling up of an empty thing or completing that which is incomplete. In Christian theology, pleroma conveys the totality of the fullness of divinity. It encompasses that which is tangible and intangible, describable and indescribable. It implies wholeness instead of brokenness. In Christ we are replete--abundantly supplied with everything necessary. Our life is perfected, finished, and topped-off. We are completely filled with God as Christ’s fullness overflows within us. 

Blooms in the Desert

“The desert will rejoice, and flowers will bloom in the wastelands.” (Isaiah 35:1 GNT)

During a dark season in my life, a friend gave me a copy of Streams in the Desert, the classic devotional written by L. B. Cowman. This little book has had a profound influence on my life. It taught me to seek God, even when everything seemed hopeless. 

Desert plants make adaptations to survive in harsh conditions. They grow extremely long roots to reach underground water tables. They learn to manufacture food in the dark. Their leaves are coated to prevent water loss through evaporation. They shed all that is not essential. 

In desert periods, streams of grace sustained me. I learned to grow deep roots that tapped into invisible reservoirs. In the dark, at the end of my sufficiency, I sensed God’s presence. Anointed by His Spirit, I was protected from dissipation. I discovered the value of shedding all that was not essential. Now, decades later, there are blooms in the desert. What once seemed like a wasteland is now flourishing. An underground river of peace has brought forth growth in unpredictable spaces. This peace is not merely due to favorable circumstances, but originates from a deeper place. Like blooms in the desert, I draw my strength from unfathomable resources. I have learned to depend on Christ. 

Christian Meditation

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7 KJV)

We are all familiar with the story of the nativity--the newborn Jesus in a manger surrounded by Mary, Joseph, a few shepherds and various farm animals. Why was Jesus out in the barn? There was no room for HIM at the inn. 

During the season of Advent, I try to clear up the clutter in my life and make space for Jesus. This year, I decided to practice meditation as a way to prepare for Christmas. I found a quiet place, turned on a timer, and tried to empty my mind. My first few attempts felt unproductive. I was more agitated after each session than before I started. After several days of frustration, I tried a different approach. 

“Then I remembered the worship songs I used to sing in the night seasons, and my heart began to fill again with thoughts of you. So my spirit went out once more in search of you.” (Psalm 77:6 VOICE)

I started meditating on verses from the Bible. I repeated them quietly to myself.  Random worship songs streamed through my soul. Silently, I sang. My spirit searched for God. Questions, praise, gratitude, and prayer were offered as they came up. Instead of emptying my mind, I let the Holy Spirit take over. Barriers were demolished. Attitudes got remodeled. Perspectives shifted. My heart began to fill again with Christ. I realized that I didn’t have to set a timer for meditating this way. I could dwell in the Lord’s presence and contemplate on His goodness all day long. 

Jesus

“He was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.” (Luke 2:21 NLT)

The name Jesus is an anglicized version of Yeshua, which means savior in Hebrew. Yeshua was a common name in Judea at that time. It represented the hope of an oppressed nation waiting for a rescuer. 

God incarnated as a human and took on an ordinary name. His beginnings were humble. He was born in a manger, raised in poverty, and surrounded by common folk. Since he was a first-born male, he was taken to the temple and dedicated to the Lord, as per custom. 

Yet, there were also signs that Jesus was destined for extraordinary things. Simeon, a prophet at the temple, said this about Jesus: 

“This child will make many in Israel rise and fall. He will be a significant person whom many will oppose. In the end, He will lay bare the secret thoughts of many hearts. And a sword will pierce even your own soul, Mary.” (Luke 2:34 VOICE)

This is not a reassuring prophecy for new parents to hear about their child. We all want to believe our children will grow up to be exceptional. We hope they will bring us joy and make us proud. We pray that they will be happy and lead comfortable lives. 

The life of Jesus was filled with opposition, rejection, and pain. His parents suffered alongside Him. What made Jesus significant? He was used by God. This is also what God wants from each of us. Let us pray that we and our children would yield to being used by God for His purposes. 

Christmas Day

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:14 NLT)

As God’s glory surrounds you, 

Let it saturate your soul.

Experience the presence of Jesus

May His peace and hope be with you always. 

Christmas Eve

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.” (Luke 2:8-9 NLT)

It’s Christmas Eve! Most of us are still rushing around trying to get done with last minute shopping, decorations, gift wrapping, baking, and other holiday preparations. Like the shepherds in the fields, we are occupied by our flocks of concerns. We are too busy to notice the radiance of the Lord’s glory that surrounds us. 

Stop! 

Pay Attention! 

Savor the presence of the Savior!

“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today...” (Luke 2:10 NLT)

Untangle Your Light

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 NIV)

A few weeks before Christmas, I bring out the strings of clear lights. They are always stuck together in a ball. Untangling them and checking to see if they still work is a big chore. It would be easier to just hang the whole ball up and call it good enough--but I don’t. I know the strings of light are meant to be spread out.

The unfolding of God’s Word gives light. It gives insight to ordinary people. We are the light of the world. Yet, conformity makes us stick together in a ball. Untangling our lights allows us to spread out. This requires effort, discomfort, and letting go of the familiar. As our lights shine forth, hearts are opened, lives are transformed.