I sat down to watch a Spurs game one night a few weeks ago and ended shedding a few tears. Not at the Spurs; they were well on their way to a win. I got sidetracked and realized that the CMA Country Christmas special was on. There's not too much that distracts me from a Spurs game, but this did! It was that night, listening to the majestic Christmas music, that drew me hook, line and sinker into the season.
Have you ever been touched by a song so much that it just continued to stay with you in your head? That night, I watched Carrie Underwood and Michael W. Smith perform "All is Well." Smith had co-written this song for his first Christmas album in 1989. Their performance was one of the more moving performances of the evening. I can't seem to get the song out of my mind.... "All is well all is well. Angels and men rejoice. For tonight darkness fell into the dawn of love's light. Sing A-le. Sing Alleluia. All is well. All is well. Let there be peace on earth. Christ is come go and tell. That He is in the manger. Sing A-le. Sing Alleluia. All is well all is well. Lift up your voice and sing. Born is now Emmanuel. Born is our Lord and Savior. Sing Alleluia. Sing Alleluia. All is well." (Words by Wayne Kirkpatrick. Music by Michael W. Smith)
Just this morning as I was driving and listening to this track, I once again was touched by this song. Why? Not sure totally, but it lifted my eyes from the here and now of life and drew me to God and his glory. I worshiped! Life is good for me, but certainly not ALL my circumstances are perfect. Far from it! How can I sing "All is well" and really believe that it is true? Because it is. The words speak of Christ's birth, and the beauty and simplicity of his humble beginnings in this world. God sent His Son Jesus to this earth in the form of a baby to draw all men to Himself. With Christ, there is peace. With Christ, there is hope. With Christ, all is well.
Being alive as long as I have, I know that life brings its share of challenges. The longer you live, you too, know this to be true. Jesus, the baby, brought a way to God that makes things well, even though they may not FEEL well at the time. Romans 5:1 says "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Even if life does not feel well, all can be well. Even when holidays aren't what we want them to be, all can be well. Even when family members aren't behaving, all can be well. Even when we feel judge, betrayed or rejected, all can be well. Even when we feel forgotten, all can be well. Even when we have been overlooked, all can be well. Even when we are way too busy, all can be well. Even when we are grieving, all can be well.
Have you felt some of these things lately? I know I have. Yet, this Christmas, I desire to lift my eyes from the darkness and experience the dawn of love's light. To worship God. Will you lift your eyes above your challenges and see the glory of this marvelous Christmas season? What would your life be like if you really believe all is well? And, by the way, if you missed this amazing special on TV, it will air again on the weekend before Christmas. God's peace to you today and always. All is well. Merry Christmas!
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, December 29, 2014
I Didn't Know!
I didn't know.... Three words that I use often with my husband. Usually these words are given in response to something that I should know, but either don't remember, don't want to remember or can't seem to remember. To tell you the truth, I may not have been paying attention to actually know what I should have known. Make sense?
There are things in our lives that we THINK we know and ultimately find out that we really didn't know at all. You might think you are a pretty confident person... until you're tested beyond what you could fathom. You might think you're pretty invincible physically, until you're flat on your back with an injury. You might think that you're a fairly humble person, until you have been wronged by someone and begin defending yourself profusely. You might think you never judge others, but don't even know that others feel your judgements.
Coming to grips with what I thought I knew and didn't remains one of my greatest lessons in the last five years of my life. It was so easy for me to believe what I wanted to believe...and think I was right. Now stop...I'm not the only one who does this, am I? We often didn't seek out input from others about our conclusions. We just make them because we THINK we're right. For example, we can judge other people so quickly, not KNOWING everything that is going on with that person. We assume we know, but we don't. We can become critical and begin withholding love from them. Our condescending coolness lets them know we're not pleased with them. And guess what? Others feel your judgements. And thus begins the circle of un-love, and not knowing the whole story.
The song, "Mary Did You Know?" comes to mind. (Buddy Green, Mark Lowry) "Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you." As I think about the Christmas story, told in Luke 1:26-38, I bet Mary DIDN'T KNOW all that was about to come. When the angel appeared out of nowhere, and told her she was highly favored, that might have scared Mary like crazy. But, she listened to the angel who said "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High." Mary was probably freaking out by now and asked "How in the world could this be?" The angel answered "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will over shadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. For nothing is impossible with God." Mary replied "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said." Mary didn't know the whole story, but she said yes to God anyway! And because of her faith and trust, she bore the baby that would rule the nations.
As we march toward Christmas this week, I encourage you to take some time to ponder the Christmas story... maybe for the first time. It was Mary's first time too! Find a Bible and read it. What if this story were really, really true and you didn't know? Just like Mary! What if you didn't really know everything there was to know about the Christmas story? What if you invited God to show you what you didn't know? I wonder what would happen in your life.... I wonder.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
There are things in our lives that we THINK we know and ultimately find out that we really didn't know at all. You might think you are a pretty confident person... until you're tested beyond what you could fathom. You might think you're pretty invincible physically, until you're flat on your back with an injury. You might think that you're a fairly humble person, until you have been wronged by someone and begin defending yourself profusely. You might think you never judge others, but don't even know that others feel your judgements.
Coming to grips with what I thought I knew and didn't remains one of my greatest lessons in the last five years of my life. It was so easy for me to believe what I wanted to believe...and think I was right. Now stop...I'm not the only one who does this, am I? We often didn't seek out input from others about our conclusions. We just make them because we THINK we're right. For example, we can judge other people so quickly, not KNOWING everything that is going on with that person. We assume we know, but we don't. We can become critical and begin withholding love from them. Our condescending coolness lets them know we're not pleased with them. And guess what? Others feel your judgements. And thus begins the circle of un-love, and not knowing the whole story.
The song, "Mary Did You Know?" comes to mind. (Buddy Green, Mark Lowry) "Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you." As I think about the Christmas story, told in Luke 1:26-38, I bet Mary DIDN'T KNOW all that was about to come. When the angel appeared out of nowhere, and told her she was highly favored, that might have scared Mary like crazy. But, she listened to the angel who said "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High." Mary was probably freaking out by now and asked "How in the world could this be?" The angel answered "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will over shadow you. So the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. For nothing is impossible with God." Mary replied "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said." Mary didn't know the whole story, but she said yes to God anyway! And because of her faith and trust, she bore the baby that would rule the nations.
As we march toward Christmas this week, I encourage you to take some time to ponder the Christmas story... maybe for the first time. It was Mary's first time too! Find a Bible and read it. What if this story were really, really true and you didn't know? Just like Mary! What if you didn't really know everything there was to know about the Christmas story? What if you invited God to show you what you didn't know? I wonder what would happen in your life.... I wonder.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Post Christmas Comparisons
Christmas was just a few days ago and I can imagine you have some remaining signs around the house that indicate just that! Perhaps the tree is still up and lights outside. Unwrapped gifts under the tree waiting for a new location. Sugar cookies still in the container. A bit of turkey soup left over in the fridge.
Christmas can be a whirl of activity, laughter, parties and busyness...and then it's done. Where did it all go? Sometimes, after it's all over, we question just how good was our Christmas? When people ask "How was your Christmas?" what will you say?
Maybe you've noticed how the holidays can bring up painful as well as pleasant feelings. For many, there are changes or losses in life that make Christmas very difficult. Just a few days before Christmas, a friend of mine lost his wife, who died from Early Alzheimer's Disease. I can't imagine his Christmas. For others, Christmas is magical, full of beautiful traditions, loving family and joyful celebrations.
Sometimes, it's not only the feelings that are the problem for most of us. Probably one of the biggest Christmas culprits at this time of year is comparison. We compare ourselves with others and think to ourselves "Everyone seems so happy; I wonder what's wrong with me?" or "Wow..everyone seems to have the perfect family, perfect Christmas and perfect life." I know I've had some of those very thoughts before. Maybe you have too. We may not care about the gifts our friends receive, but we can easily get stuck in the comparison trap with other families' holidays. Their holidays may appear more special. More happy. More memorable. More extravagant. More peaceful. Or fill in the blank for yourself. Take a look at Facebook...where we see the best side of people. How often do you see a bad hair day on Facebook? A grim declaration of how someone really feels? An open look into what's really going on in the family tree? Families don't always look as cheerful as the picture that comes on the card.
Comparison is never a good thing. If I compare to those who have what seems perfect, I feel ungrateful and insecure. If I compare to those that don't have what I have, I feel pompous and proud. God calls us to be different. To be grateful people. He calls us to look to Him, not others for our satisfaction. He was the originator of Christmas. It was not about stuff or perfect families. It was God sending His son Jesus to be born in a simple manger. A simple birth, yet glorious, beautiful and humble. When are hearts and minds are focused on Jesus, comparison goes out the window!
Will you consider starting this year with a spirit of gratitude? Stop for a moment and consider the specific ways you get caught up in comparing your life with others. Start this new day with a commitment to look to God, not people for your satisfaction. He is enough. Really, He is.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Christmas can be a whirl of activity, laughter, parties and busyness...and then it's done. Where did it all go? Sometimes, after it's all over, we question just how good was our Christmas? When people ask "How was your Christmas?" what will you say?
Maybe you've noticed how the holidays can bring up painful as well as pleasant feelings. For many, there are changes or losses in life that make Christmas very difficult. Just a few days before Christmas, a friend of mine lost his wife, who died from Early Alzheimer's Disease. I can't imagine his Christmas. For others, Christmas is magical, full of beautiful traditions, loving family and joyful celebrations.
Sometimes, it's not only the feelings that are the problem for most of us. Probably one of the biggest Christmas culprits at this time of year is comparison. We compare ourselves with others and think to ourselves "Everyone seems so happy; I wonder what's wrong with me?" or "Wow..everyone seems to have the perfect family, perfect Christmas and perfect life." I know I've had some of those very thoughts before. Maybe you have too. We may not care about the gifts our friends receive, but we can easily get stuck in the comparison trap with other families' holidays. Their holidays may appear more special. More happy. More memorable. More extravagant. More peaceful. Or fill in the blank for yourself. Take a look at Facebook...where we see the best side of people. How often do you see a bad hair day on Facebook? A grim declaration of how someone really feels? An open look into what's really going on in the family tree? Families don't always look as cheerful as the picture that comes on the card.
Comparison is never a good thing. If I compare to those who have what seems perfect, I feel ungrateful and insecure. If I compare to those that don't have what I have, I feel pompous and proud. God calls us to be different. To be grateful people. He calls us to look to Him, not others for our satisfaction. He was the originator of Christmas. It was not about stuff or perfect families. It was God sending His son Jesus to be born in a simple manger. A simple birth, yet glorious, beautiful and humble. When are hearts and minds are focused on Jesus, comparison goes out the window!
Will you consider starting this year with a spirit of gratitude? Stop for a moment and consider the specific ways you get caught up in comparing your life with others. Start this new day with a commitment to look to God, not people for your satisfaction. He is enough. Really, He is.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Christmas Countdown
It's December 1 and thirty two days from now, our YMCA's will be bursting with men and women anxious to start their New Year's Resolutions. Many will want trainers to forge ahead with the ideal fitness plan to help shed some holiday pounds. Others will just get back to a routine they left behind before Christmas chaos set in. Somehow, January 1 lends itself to a new start in life.
But what about a new start for Christmas? December 1 is a perfect time to consider making some Christmas resolutions that could change the way we approach the upcoming season. Come on, let's face it. The ushering in of December comes with a ton of expectations and feelings. Christmas provokes beautiful feelings of love, warmth, family, giving, romance, sharing and serving. However, Christmas is also a time that is hard for many. Loneliness. Financial challenges. Missing a loved one. Traveling. Family pain. Expectations too hard to meet. Life no longer like it once was.
As of this morning, our house is decorated with Thanksgiving colors, pumpkins outside, cornucopia and beautiful fall colors. By the end of the day, the orange will be exchanged for red, the decorative leaves for holiday decor and the furniture will be slightly rearranged to make way for the soon-to-be-bought Christmas tree. As I make way for Christmas externally with decorations, I have to ask myself "How am I making way for Christmas in my heart?"
In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet Isaiah proclaims "For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." It is Jesus' birth we celebrate! That's why we sing carols each year celebrating His coming! Jesus is the reason we celebrate this season in the first place! Perhaps we need to prepare our hearts even more than our homes for the advent of His birth.
Why not attempt to establish your own Christmas resolutions? A few ideas.... A family service project helping the needy. Reading the Bible each day to prepare your heart for Christmas. Planning family worship times together. Saying a special thank you to those who have invested in your life. Writing a thoughtful letter to your living parents or grandparents sharing your love for them. Making a resolution to greet people with respect and love each day. Making a resolution to pray before you eat. Making a resolution to slow down. Making a resolution to read the Christmas story this year. Determining to be a little more loving and a little more filled with compassion this Christmas. Just a few ideas to help you decorate your heart for Christmas.
I know that each year, in spite of the circumstances, that Christ would love to have a place in your heart, just as he did in that manger so many years ago. I'm so grateful that God is calling me to prepare for Christmas in my heart as well. The heart matters even more than the home. Are you ready? Christmas is coming! My resolutions are made. How about you?
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
But what about a new start for Christmas? December 1 is a perfect time to consider making some Christmas resolutions that could change the way we approach the upcoming season. Come on, let's face it. The ushering in of December comes with a ton of expectations and feelings. Christmas provokes beautiful feelings of love, warmth, family, giving, romance, sharing and serving. However, Christmas is also a time that is hard for many. Loneliness. Financial challenges. Missing a loved one. Traveling. Family pain. Expectations too hard to meet. Life no longer like it once was.
As of this morning, our house is decorated with Thanksgiving colors, pumpkins outside, cornucopia and beautiful fall colors. By the end of the day, the orange will be exchanged for red, the decorative leaves for holiday decor and the furniture will be slightly rearranged to make way for the soon-to-be-bought Christmas tree. As I make way for Christmas externally with decorations, I have to ask myself "How am I making way for Christmas in my heart?"
In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet Isaiah proclaims "For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." It is Jesus' birth we celebrate! That's why we sing carols each year celebrating His coming! Jesus is the reason we celebrate this season in the first place! Perhaps we need to prepare our hearts even more than our homes for the advent of His birth.
Why not attempt to establish your own Christmas resolutions? A few ideas.... A family service project helping the needy. Reading the Bible each day to prepare your heart for Christmas. Planning family worship times together. Saying a special thank you to those who have invested in your life. Writing a thoughtful letter to your living parents or grandparents sharing your love for them. Making a resolution to greet people with respect and love each day. Making a resolution to pray before you eat. Making a resolution to slow down. Making a resolution to read the Christmas story this year. Determining to be a little more loving and a little more filled with compassion this Christmas. Just a few ideas to help you decorate your heart for Christmas.
I know that each year, in spite of the circumstances, that Christ would love to have a place in your heart, just as he did in that manger so many years ago. I'm so grateful that God is calling me to prepare for Christmas in my heart as well. The heart matters even more than the home. Are you ready? Christmas is coming! My resolutions are made. How about you?
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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