Christmas Provisions

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