Merry Christmas, everyone! Welcome to Greatheart’s Table. I’m Randy Greenwald, one wearied by the ubiquitous Christmas playlists found in stores and coffee shops this time of year.
I can only stand so much rockin’ around the Christmas tree.
On the other hand, were I to be enveloped in a steady diet of the hymns of advent and Christmas, I’d be far less Scroogey.
To reflect on the one who was “pleased as man with men to dwell” would be a spiritual balm. To be encouraged with “all mortal flesh” to keep silence before the son of God would be deeply orienting.
And, perhaps, to reflect on why it was the little town of Bethlehem where it all started could be transforming.
It’s this latter point I’d like to think more deeply about.
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EPISODE NOTES
Notes and resources relevant to this episode:
“On that day you shall not be put to shame
because of the deeds by which you have rebelled against me;
for then I will remove from your midst
your proudly exultant ones,
and you shall no longer be haughty
in my holy mountain.
But I will leave in your midst
a people humble and lowly.
They shall seek refuge in the name of the LORD,
those who are left in Israel;
they shall do no injustice
and speak no lies,
nor shall there be found in their mouth
a deceitful tongue.
For they shall graze and lie down,
and none shall make them afraid.” (Zephaniah 3:11-13)
Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. “They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. (Malachi 3:16-18)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9, 10)
Podcast music provided by Cool Hand Luke and used with permission.
Intro: “Holy Vanguard” / Lyrics
Outro: “Wonder Tour” / Lyrics / Video
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