Happy New Year!

The caroling was truly Norman Rockwell-esque. Sheila, I’ve never heard that passage from The Message. It kind of wakes you up when put into new words that way. Thanks.

Last night Sharolyn and I went Christmas caroling with a group of family and friends. Very fun! While Ally and June were “na na na na-ing”, we were “fa-la-la-la-la-ing”! (No groans, please).

Coincidentally, in keeping with today’s song selection, some of us had a conversation about our church’s bell tower and the antique, reclaimed bell which rings out on Christmas day and every Sunday.

Sharolyn’s dad shared it’s interesting history and how an easy construction project turned into a major undertaking when they realized they were building on a former riverbed. They had to dig really deep until they hit solid enough ground that would support the weight of the structure and keep it standing. Through earthquakes, El Nino, and nearly twenty years of wear and tear (including countless youth trying to climb the tower), it remains firmly anchored.

Took me back to the Sunday School lesson about the wise man building his house upon the rock… And a reminder how God’s Word is our foundation to build our lives upon. (How’s that for a segue?)

“If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. When the swollen river came crashing in, it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss.” Luke 6:45 The Message.

Sharolyn and I had the joy of singing God’s words (and Jingle Bells) in our neighborhoods last night. Old, familiar carols of peace on earth, goodwill to men. The announcement of Christ’s birth. God’s word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. Hope for the lost and weary. Words that our lives are anchored upon. God’s Truth.

We’ve had many storms and battles to contend with, but being cemented in the truth of who God is and who we are in Him keeps us from complete collapse…and believe me, I know what’s it’s like to be nearly flattened. I suspect some of you here on the road do too.

So I guess what I’m trying to say in all of this is that while we each struggle with different things, some that are more difficult at this time of the year than any other, I hope that as you are reflecting on the messages inbedded in these songs that you, too, are reminded of the truths and promises for you that are written in God’s Word and that the peace of Jesus will be more than just words on a page, but an anchor for your soul.

Let the bells ring.

A little Kenny Loggins vibe. Very nicely done.

Cerise