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Thursday, January 8, 2009

Clinging to the Old in a New Year

It's a New Year.

I like the feeling of new things.

I like the new smell of a car and the feel of new clothes on my skin. The euphoria that new brings, delights us.

I think this is a great time for new beginnings, fresh starts and decisions resolved in our hearts.

But I think I'm going to focus on the old during this new year.

I think our world, the church, my life has focused so much on the new, we've left behind some pretty important things from the past.

Sometimes, I just want my world, my faith, my church to return to the simplicity of The Cross.
The Bible. Heaven. Hell. Sin. Forgiveness. Love.

I decided to do something different this year, strange to many. I'm leaving my Nativity out all year long.

I want to remember His simple Birth. Her simple faith.


I want to smile when I see His broken porcelain fingers and our decision not to replace this manger piece. (A gentle reminder that we aren't perfect, but broken).

I want to remind myself how I felt on Christmas morning, when we celebrated the birthday of our Savior.

I want this passage of holy scripture to be on my lips and etched onto the hearts of my children. This is what it's all about, at the simplest level:

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”- Luke 2:11-1

There's nothing wrong with new. I look forward to new things in my life. But so many live "out with the old and in with the new."

And that doesn't work for me.

Because some old things are still making people new.

Isaiah 43:19
See, I am doing a
new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.






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17 Comments:

Blogger Shannon Jacobyansky said...

A great idea! We do need to remember the newness and freshness of the birth of our Lord and the faithfullness of Mary! I love that you are keeping your manger scene up all year!

January 8, 2009 at 5:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You are so wise, it amazes me.

January 8, 2009 at 6:10 AM  
Blogger BizzieLizzie said...

You know - I DID NOT want to put my Nativity set away. It sits proudly on our mantle and taking it down just did not feel right this year. You've convinced me - I'm putting it back out!! Great post!! It started my morning out - just right!!

January 8, 2009 at 7:21 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Not strange to me, I've left mine up for about 3 years now. I don't plan on putting it away. I love to celebrate the gift of Christ all year long. Thanks for the post and for sharing your faith.

January 8, 2009 at 7:25 AM  
Blogger Cathy said...

Good idea. Thanks for sharing.

January 8, 2009 at 7:29 AM  
Blogger Kelly said...

Beautifully written and a wonderful idea.

January 8, 2009 at 7:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm so glad I clicked over from your site. I'm not familair with this devotional site and am excited to RSS it. Thanks, Kristen for the reminder to keep the hope of Christ in our hearts all year round.

January 8, 2009 at 7:50 AM  
Blogger Denise said...

Such a great idea.

January 8, 2009 at 8:02 AM  
Blogger Betsy Markman said...

"Because some old things are still making people new."

Love that line! It's a beautiful truth.

January 8, 2009 at 9:11 AM  
Blogger Karen H TX said...

I have left my nativity out all year for several years now. It's become a part of my decor. And it is a constant reminder, you'll enjoy it so much more! God Bless you in this new year. Thanks for sharing.

January 8, 2009 at 9:25 AM  
Blogger Robin said...

"Because some old things are still making people new." Beautifully said! Thanks!

January 8, 2009 at 12:03 PM  
Blogger I Am Boymom said...

I struggled with the same feelings as I took mine down this year. Thanks for inspiring me to put it back out.

January 8, 2009 at 2:01 PM  
Blogger Natalie Witcher said...

I like that idea.

January 8, 2009 at 3:52 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

My nativity is still out as well. I think I will join and leave it out. I still seem to be pondering the sacrifice of Christmas. The one who took on human flesh to redeem humanity. Thanks.

January 8, 2009 at 8:57 PM  
Blogger LauraLee Shaw said...

Beautiful post. Left me with tears...

January 8, 2009 at 10:15 PM  
Blogger Julie said...

Kristen,
One of Israel's greatest mistakes was forgetting....
Over and over God reminded them. It's always good to remember.

Thanks for sharing your heart.
Julie

January 8, 2009 at 10:30 PM  
Blogger Paula said...

Hi Kristen, Love your post. I decided a few days back that I'm going to keep out both my little nativity scenes that I have so I can have a visual rememberance of Jesus all year round. I only commented on it on a Beth from Lifeboat Moments blog yesterday where Beth talked about packing baby Jesus away. Paula :-)

January 8, 2009 at 11:02 PM  

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It is good to hear from you... thank you so very much for leaving a note on the table. That makes us smile!

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