I have this picture that I've put up for Christmas several years now. It's an inexpensive print I purchased at some large department store as part of the Christmas decor. I've had some thoughts about what is meant by these words. I know what they mean to me, but is that what the artist had in mind? What are we to believe in this season? Is there some magical belief in miracles, Santa or wishes come true that we try to instill in our children and each other?
In One Thousand Gifts I've been reading about the importance of how we look at something. Where and how we look, will eventually determine how we live. Looking can equal believing. In the gospel of John, Chapter 3, Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus, who came to him by night with a question about salvation. Jesus said to him, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." Nicodemus knew the account in the Old Testament that told of how Moses lifted a snake on a pole, and everyone who just looked at it, was saved. The words Jesus spoke about himself, should have made sense to him, as a religious teacher. This is a real "seeing is believing and believing is seeing" kind of story.
Looking with expectancy is what this season is really all about. Believing that in this baby born in a stable, lie the answers to forgiveness and eternal life. It is in our gratefulness for the greatest gift given, that we can know real joy. No wonder the angels on that night proclaimed, "Joy to the world!" They told the shepherds to go and see . . . go and look! Because when we look we give ourselves the chance to believe. And believing brings joy.
9 comments:
May we all look...see...believe...and know that real joy this Christmas! I like your print for the season.
I have had this same feeling about all the Christmas cards and wall plaques that say "BELIEVE" as though believing is an end in itself and has mystical power. Of course, it is the object of what one believes that gives it its value. Faith in the Lord has substance partly because it can be held up to scrutiny, to history, to prophecy, to experience and much more.
It is a good season for believing as we have reminders all around us that Jesus came into the world to redeem us.
You've hit the nail on the head with this post. So often words can mean various things and it's good to clarify them from one's perspective. The modern use of words such as these also leads to great conversations with people who use them in different ways.
Lovely thoughts. This made me think of Anna at the temple when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus and she was looking for this sign and really was blessed for her "looking and believing".
Yes! I believe...in the reason for the season... another phrase that could be used for different ideas.
Thanks for the post. That print is beautiful.
I believe that He came as a baby, He lived, He died, and rose again. I believe in the whole wonderful story. I think the ability to believe is a gift from the Spirit. I feel bad for those who cannot. It would be a shallow holiday indeed without Jesus.
Your beautifully-written post reminds me of the song "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face . . . " I need reminding often to do just that! This Advent season is the perfect time to check out our spiritual vision!
Very meaningful post! "Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed;Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 So glad to have received the gift of Faith!
I think it's good to have phrases in our homes like this one to make us and maybe others stop and think.
I too believe as you do!
i received that book as a gift from our daughter this year.
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