Dear Jesus,
As your birthday approaches I wanted to write this letter and thank you for all you’ve done for me, and those who call you, Lord.
Recently while pondering the timeless story of your birth and the season of Advent, it occurred to me that so many times in my life I’ve squandered the gift you gave us. You gave us yourself. You gave us the gift of relationship. And you told us to live in relationship with others as you have with us. Actually you said we’re to love others as you have loved us.
Lord, I must confess that while I’ve tried to do this, I have not been as loving to some others as you have always been to me. I have squandered relationship opportunities due to a busy schedule. I’ve walked past some relationship conversations because I was, “in a hurry”; “had something else to do”; or simply because it did not agree with my personal agenda.
You gave us the gift of reconciliation and I haven’t done such a great job in this area either. Quite often I’ve let the wounds of conflict fester, been absorbed in my own wounds and failed to consider the “one another’s” you said were so very important. Part of reconciliation involves seeking and granting forgiveness. In the gospels you said these come together and can’t be separated, yet somehow in my humanity I have failed to exercise them simultaneously often waiting on someone else to make the first move. Your parable of the “unmerciful servant” reminds us that these can become the roots of bitterness and that forgiveness isn’t about a number, but about our attitude. Your words from the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” haunt me. How could I be so unforgiving to those who have done far less to me when you have been so forgiving in all I’ve done to you?
You spoke up for the weak, weary, abused, oppressed, and you attended to sinners. I remember how you told the church leaders of your day that the sick, not healthy people need a physician. Lord, thank you for attending to my sickness of sin. My I do likewise to others.
Lord, the story you told about the two men who came to pray hits me hard. One was dressed in all his finery, said the right things and looked good on the outside, but was hollow and infected with insincerity. He was so concerned with his position, title and appearance. Yet the other man, the poor man, stood before you naked, and pleaded for your mercy on his sinful soul. Help me to be more like that man.
Lord, there’s a man on my heart this Christmas. Several years ago we had a deep divide. Conflict ripped both our hearts. He wants nothing to do with me. I have accepted his desire. But it bothers me. It has for years. I still love this man and miss his friendship. He and I both know deep within that you want, expect and deserve more from us in this regard. Lord, bless him this season. Bless his marriage, his family, his dreams and desires. Protect his family and health. Forgive any unkind thought or deed I have committed in his regard. Pour out your blessings on him spiritually, financially, physically and emotionally. May his house ring with the joy of Advent.
And for those I’ve hurt in past experiences, whether perceived or real, forgive me. May my heart only be filled with your desires for them.
As a minister and PK I can recall my fair share of personal pain and hurt from churches and Christians. However, I know it would serve no purpose, would not exalt you, nor edify your church to do so. I realize more than ever that we are all flawed and you still love EVERY ONE of us despite our flaws. Fill me with that kind of love this season, especially for those whose names and memory are associated more with pain, or criticism than joy.
For the saints and sinners in the churches I’ve been privileged to serve over the years: Memorial Baptist in Frankfort, KY; SHBC in Lexington, KY; FBC in Easley, SC; FBC in Leesburg, FL; and Mosaic, bless each and every one. Along with every Christ-centered church in our community here in South Carolina, fill their seats/pews, may their offering plates, parking lots and baptistries be overflowing! Bless their respective shepherds, spouses and children. Help Mosaic and her leaders to continue to support, pray for, and model unconditional love to the churches in our area regardless of our small and human differences. And thank you for the overwhelming moments of joy I recall in each of the churches where I’ve served. There are too many moments of joy and needful lessons learned to recall in comparison to any past wrong (perceived or real), or wound.
Thank you Lord, Jesus for the gift of relationship. Thank you for my salvation and for thinking more of us than yourself. Thank you for coming despite knowing what would come 33 years later at the hands of humans. Thank you for a manger, a common food trough. Thank you for shepherds and Magi who proclaimed to the world that your coming is for ALL people regardless of race, birthplace, economic, or social status. Thank you Jesus, thank you! May we/I be faithful stewards of your precious gift of relationship!
