The early American settlers had to set aside provisions for
the hard winters ahead. They would stock things in barrels and jars and even
bury some of those things in hillsides. They were planning ahead for what was
needed. There was very little room for wants. Perhaps a tiny package of hard
candy was tucked into a corner next to the salt pork, flour and lard. When one
is in survival mode, there’s not much room for anything but necessities. For
many people around the world who live in remote or cold winter areas, this same
activity happens today.
When it comes to provisioning, one must plan ahead. One must
think through every possible need. Thinking
of what might occur, and what might not be at the ready, is critical to
survival. Firewood must be stockpiled throughout the warmer seasons. The
harvests must be prepared properly to avoid spoil and decay. The chinks and
breaches in living quarters must be filled and sealed. Oh, there is so much to do for the difficult
days!
As I have been meditating on this Christmas season, I have been
struck with how our God has laid up provisions for us. He knows our needs and he planned well in
advance for us. He provided . . .
-a promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—a promise that all
the world would be blessed through their offspring
-prophecies that affirmed that a Messiah would come to save
the world
-a star, a special star, that would guide truth-seekers to their
Savior
-a virgin, who in all humility, accepted the role of mother
for the Child-King
-an earthly father who, though he was afraid, took the courage
of the Lord to protect his family
-an inn keeper who had a barn and was willing to share
-an angel choir singing the greatest announcement in the
world
-dreams that guided the Savior’s family to a foreign land
for protection from a heinous and violent leader
-an end to the heinous and violent leader so that the Savior’s
family could return home
-costly gifts from the magi—gold, frankincense and myrrh—which
provided monetarily for the Savior’s family
-a home for the Savior to grow up in safety and comfort as a
child
-houses of worship where the young Messiah could learn and
teach
-a confirmation of our Savior’s mission and purpose on earth
through a baptism event with John
-miracles to demonstrate the Savior’s power and compassion
while he walked among us
-disciples who left everything to follow the Way, the Truth
and the Life and were dedicated enough to let others know about this Way
-a sacrifice, the greatest sacrifice of all, to purchase our
redemption through the Savior’s death on a cross
-the resurrection to speak to death and hell, in a most final
way, that they did not have the victory
-salvation for all humanity that is constantly offered by
grace and through faith
-hope, that exudes itself powerfully and quietly in the
midst of turmoil, war and devastation
-a future that is full of promise for daily provision and
eternal rest.
This Christmas we can rest in the knowledge that God
provided and provides in the most thorough and well thought-out ways. There is
nothing missing in his Christmas provision.
Everything we really need is there. May we rejoice now, and in 2016, for
the provision of Jesus Christ and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit! May we sing with the angels the ancient and
new song . . .
“Glory to God in the
highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
~Luke 2:14
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
M.R. Hyde
