Christmas: '...and for love of us came to us ...'

When we celebrate Christmas we are celebrating that amazing time when the Word that shouted all the galaxies into being, limited all power, and for love of us came to us in the powerless body of a human baby.

-Madeleine L'Engle

As the season of Christmas is still with us - until Epiphany on Jan. 6 - I wanted to add this quote from Madeleine L'Engle, best know as the author of "A Wrinkle in Time."

These are words to ponder. Celebrating the birth of, from outward appearances, a human baby - but knowing that this baby was the embodiment of the one who created you and loves you. What am amazing time that must have been.

So today, as people are so tempted to move past Christmas as if we can just put it away, keep Ms. L'Engle's quote in mind. Before that first Christmas, God first "shouted all the galaxies in being" and made humanity.

Yes, we celebrate that birth during this time of year. But that love is more than a day, a season. God's love for you was your gift on Dec. 25, today, tomorrow and as the New Year dawns. Every and all days, God's love is present and accessible for you.

'Do not be anxious about anything'

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

-Philippians 4:6-7

Photo from the National Institutes of Health

Anxiety never helps.

Paul gave valid guidance to the Philippians. Instead of worrying, bring your issues to God. Now, did Paul say that's the only thing to do? No. It is, though, the first thing to do.

And recently, I saw stories that anxiety is linked to higher long-term risk of stroke:

The greater your anxiety level, the higher your risk of having a stroke, according to new research published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke.

The study is the first in which researchers linked anxiety and stroke independent of other factors such as depression. Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mental health problems. Symptoms include feeling unusually worried, stressed, nervous or tense.

You might say that Paul was way ahead of his time in giving stroke prevention advice. Follow it!

'Will become perfect'

Last Friday, people in the United States and around the world marked the 50th anniversary of the tragic death of President John Kennedy.

Another great figure died the exact same day - great Christian apologist C.S. Lewis.

Recently, I received an email from The Ranch with this great C.S. Lewis quote:

Those who put themselves in His hands will become perfect, as He is perfect - perfect in love, wisdom, joy, beauty, health, and immortality. The change will not be completed in this life, for death is an important part of the treatment. How far the change will have gone before death in any particular Christian is uncertain.

As a stroke survivor, I'm damaged goods in this imperfect body. Indeed, you can't find any perfect human being. Not on this side of the great divide. But as Lewis reminded his readers, perfection awaits all who accept it.

(Photo from Wikimedia Commons)

'Come to me, all you who are weary'

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

-Matthew 11:28-30

I've heard many stories of people in stroke recovery who tire easily. Personally, I became weary, too. Things eventually improved, which, as a distance runner with a busy work schedule, I'm grateful for.

But sometimes, life can make anyone feel weary and burdened.

Physical weariness and heavy burdens are one thing. But Jesus, in this passage, is using that metaphor for the wearied and burdened spirit. The burdens can sap strength and hope.

Remember the promise, though: "I will give you rest." Find your hope, strength and rest.

'Straining toward what is ahead'

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

-Philippians 3:13-14

"Forgetting what is behind..."

I must admit, sometimes I look backward. Decisions made. Events that I had no control over. Tragedies and disappointments. Thrills and accomplishments.

And yet, those backward glances change nothing that is ahead. Yes, remembering lessons are important. But learning lessons and reliving the past are not the same thing.

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, got it right: Strain toward what is ahead, and "press on toward the goal... ."

'The love of God'

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

-Romans 8:38-39

Last Thursday's posting was about life's trials - big and small - that can produce perseverance in faith.

Today, I re-read these verses from Paul's letter to the Romans and saw they fit that message, too. Trials are in the present and test us for the future. But despite these trials, they cannot separate us from God's love.

The trial I wrote about last week - harassment and tomato-throwing - is small compared to the trial of stroke recovery. But God's love is large - bigger than any trial, love that cannot be separated from you.

You might have seen these words on this blog before, but they're so worth repeating.

'For we are God's handiwork'

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

-Ephesians 2:10

After my stroke, I considered the idea that I was "damaged goods" somehow. I struggled with recovering my speaking and writing abilities, despite the damage.

Yet, we hear Paul's words to the Ephesians that echo to this day. No matter my "damage," I am - just as you are - God's handiwork.

Perfect? No one is. Accepted by Christ? All of us.

Running forward

So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

-John 20:3-4

I feel for Peter for the moment depicted above. Yes, Peter ran slowly – I suppose he was the oldest, and people my age do eventually slow down.

But consider Peter's situation at the moment. In the previous mention of Peter in John's Gospel, he had betrayed Jesus not once, not twice, but three times - as predicted. Then, Jesus - his mentor, friend and Lord - was tortured and savagely killed.

Still, Peter ran. He ran forward that day and he ran forward to lead the rise of Christ followers. Peter ran forward despite his weakness and despair. And his acts echo to this day.

How many times do we face challenges? Stroke recovery, for example, can be a seemingly endless struggle.

With God's help, we can run forward.

There was a best-selling book a few years ago titled “Born to Run.” Are we all supposed to run? For some, it’s physically impossible. Some people don’t find it appealing at all. But we all can run forward with Christ. The author of Hebrews did not mean physical running when he wrote some of my favorite words:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

-Hebrews 12:1-2

Separate us? Never

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

-Romans 8:38-39

After a stroke, it's easy to feel separated. In my own experience, with a difficulty to read and speak, I spent time seemingly apart - even in a crowded place.

Paul's words serve as a reminder that despite what life throws at any of us, we can't be separated from God. His love is always with you.

Does that mean that post-stroke life is rosy and always ideal, always easy? Certainly not. Life will not stop giving out  challenges on a daily basis, large and small. But through at all, no matter the outcome on this life and on this earth, that love abides. Always.

'Endurance and encouragement'

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

-Romans 15:5-6

For the last seven months, I've had some serious back problems - pain, sometimes searing pain, has certainly challenged my endurance as a runner and encouragement in general.

I also must admit that much of the time, I do not like to ask for help. And this self-reliance attitude can serve well, in some ways. But when it comes down to it, we all need help for endurance and encouragement.

Paul's word is a great reminder that we're here to provide said help to each other.

You say umbrella, I say elevator...

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  

-Romans 5:8

Back in May 1998, almost 13 years ago, I lost the ability to speak.

Thank God, and I mean it, I regained that ability. It took me several weeks of speech therapy to be able to engage in intelligent conversation, and to this day, I stumble over words that I think - but will never really know for sure - that I would not stumble over if the stroke had never happened.

A few days ago, I said "elevator" in conversation with my wife when I meant to say "umbrella." In my defense, I was about to head to work, was extremely busy and my mind was preoccupied. Still, I do wonder.

So from time to time, I might be at a loss of words. But are we loss from God, when our speech, gait or vision are flawed?

No. As mentioned before in this blog, perfection is not required.

On this Easter Sunday - coming soon - remember that. Jesus Christ died for the sins of the imperfect. Jesus Christ defeated death for me, the imperfect, and for you, the imperfect. Not for the flawless and sinless. But for us.

Thanks be to God.

'The old has gone, the new is here!'

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

-2 Corinthians 5:17

As the Christmas season is ending, the gift of God's new creation remains. We can constantly celebrate God's gift that reminds us that "The old is gone, new new is here!"

Enjoy being part of God's new creation.

'And be thankful'

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

-Colossians 3:15

After a long Thanksgiving weekend, I'm thankful for my own recovery those years ago. Sometimes, it's hard to find something to give thanks for. Health, money and other struggles interfere with being thankful.

But there are blessings. Despite the darkness of any situation, Christ is with you and beside you. He will not abandon you. Let his peace rule your heart. Consider the blessings. Give thanks.

(Image from Heartlight)

'I will give you rest'

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

-Matthew 11:28

Burdens. Stress.

Welcome to the human condition. If you or someone you know has struggled with stroke recovery, you know the stress. And the burden of frustration. The weariness and worries.

Lift up your burden to Christ. Rest in Christ, with Christ, secured by Christ.

'The door will be opened'

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.


"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

-Luke 11:9-13

It seems, so often, that the gifts of life are passing us by. Think about material gifts - a bigger house, a new car, expensive clothes. We see people ask and ask and ask for these gifts. I've done it myself, in my unguarded moments.

The question is, what are we supposed to be asking for? What are we seeking? Why are we knocking? The Scripture above, the words of Christ Jesus, is about asking for his gift, seeking his gift, knocking on the door for his gift.

The gift of all gifts - a relationship with God, a discipleship with Christ. Comforting for those afflicted. Rest of those who are fatigued. The confident knowledge that with Christ, you are never alone.

All of this world's material gifts will turn to dust. The gift of all gifts, though, never ends.

Out with the old - in with the new

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

-2 Corinthians 5:17

As Stroke Awareness Month approaches, remember stroke survivors, caregivers, friends and loved ones. Prayer for them. Many are struggling with recovery - stroke is the major cause of permanent disability in the United States.

Even still, hope is not lost. Paul gave these powerful words to the Corinthians - accept Christ, and you are a new creation. Be with Christ, and what matters the most - not the fading exterior that everyone bears - the old has gone, and new has come.

And beyond, despite earthly suffering that every human being experiences, Paul reminds us of the promise before us. Be in Christ, and your spirit is renewed. Be in Christ, and you will find the ultimate hope, with renewal. All of us in Christ will be new creations. Our old forms - with all our imperfections - will be gone. The new will come again.

'Let us fix our eyes on Jesus'

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

-Hebrews 12:2

Today, we mark the day that changed everything. Today, we mark the day that saved our very souls. Today, we mark the day that sealed the defeat of death.

For today, we mark the day when followers found an open tomb. An open door for humanity. But specifically, an open door for you.

Today, on this resurrection day, celebrate that open door. Take the door. Go with him. He will always be with you.

From Korea 2006

'Qualities in increasing measure'

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

-2 Peter 1:5-8

A logical chain of growth - you take one step, master one level, move on, continue to climb.

Stroke recovery is often that way. For years after mine, from time to time, I felt something changed from time to time, like another piece clicked into place.

And faith is a matter of progress - sometimes, slow progress - as well. Let it happen, even slowly. In your stroke recovery, in your faith journey.

'God of all comfort' - pass it on

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

-2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Who doesn't need comforting words? And who among us do not confront troubles, even daily?

Paul reminded the Corinthians about the comforts that God can provide. But that comfort is not only a balm, but a joy to share. Stroke awareness means not only being conscious of the signs and symptoms, but awareness of the needs that follow.

So take comfort in Paul's words. Receive God's comfort - then pass it along to those in need.

(Image from Heartlight)

God loves you - with love that cannot be separated

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

-Romans 8:35,37-39

Ever had trying times? If you're reading this as a stroke survivor or a caregiver, the answer is likely a resounding yes. Even if you haven't had that experience, the human condition dictates that we will face some hardship. In this world, it's unavoidable.

Paul's great, comforting words here, though, can remind you, even in your hours of suffering, that God loves you. A speaker I recently heard phrased it like this: "God desperately loves you."

Paul had his own difficulties - just read Acts starting at Chapter 9 sometime if you're unfamiliar - but had the courage to write these words.

When you need some words of prayer and strength, remember these words of Paul. And remember, too, that God desperately loves you.