I shiver as I write this. The cold is gliding down from the wind sills, nestling in my lap and curling around my ankles like an unwelcome cat. Still, I love this time of year. Christmas music never fails to remind me that, after all, it is “the most wonderful time of the year.” And who doesn’t want to walk down the street to Andrea Bocelli singing “Jingle Bells” over the street speakers?
My head is full of more than dancing sugar plums today. No, it’s full of Christmas plans–that last minute gift, Christmas cooking and baking, a neglected newsletter, and a shopping list that’s growing by the minute. But beneath all of this, anticipation swells.
As I make my Christmas plans, I see this framed print on my shelf: Jesus washing Peter’s feet. Jesus–Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace–washing the feet of a created one only hours before His crucifixion. Behold your God!
It’s no wonder Peter cries: “You shall never wash my feet.”
But Jesus replies: “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” (Jn. 13:8)
This is what Christmas is about, isn’t it? God in flesh bent over our filth, gently washing us clean. He says:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” (Lk. 4:18-19)
This is Christmas.
Have a joy-filled-to-the-brim Christmas, everyone! ❤️
Art in the photo above available here.
My Thoughts From Afar | 
Thanks, Trish, for this wonderful reminder of Jesus washing and making us clean. I thought of you last evening at the school Christmas program. Watching Albert, Clark and Carissa sing and knowing that you’d love to see their sweet smiles. I love your family! You are in our hearts, knowing it can feel lonely so far from home. We pray that God will give you grace for this week, wonderful encounters with neighbors to share the Hope of the world.
I recently finished reading the book of Isaiah and was amazed at how often he referred to the coming Light, even to the Gentiles. Can you imagine writing prophecy and not comprehending what it was about? Jesus truly is The Light that shines in our hearts.
Thank you, Lois, for your love and prayers. 🙂 It has been a good Christmas, but there is always that twinge that comes from missing family and church over this special time of year.
And AMEN that Jesus is the Light.