Seeking Reconciliation (12/18/2023)

We are a week away from Christmas, the celebration of the LORD’s desire for reconciliation. As I sat and pondered the lengths to which the LORD went to reconcile humanity to Himself, I understood anew how much the LORD loves us. The LORD didn’t cause the breach in our relationship; humanity did.  But the LORD didn’t wait for us to come seeking reconciliation; the LORD came to us to usher in a new life for us through His Son. And suddenly, more than ever before in my life, I understood the lengths we are called to go for love with the LORD and one another.

Yesterday I experienced a huge misunderstanding that sent me and a host of others reeling. I couldn’t shake it, try as I might, all day. And then as I pondered the season and the approach of Christmas, I understood better than ever that we are created in love for love, and when that love is strained, we are called to seek reconciliation. Then last evening, I decided that I better check the front porch for packages, and I found a beautiful angel from a friend. And the angel held a banner that read, “Believe.” And I do believe that love is stronger than separation and misunderstandings. And so, at the earliest moment possible, I will seek out the other and seek reconciliation.

As we begin our official countdown to Christmas, one week away, let us take time to reflect upon the reason for Christmas – loving reconciliation. Let us take in the LORD’s appearance on Christmas, not pompous nor pushy but humble and gentle. Let us consider how we might allow the LORD’s love to tenderize us so that we can put the restoration of our relationships ahead of our pride. Let us commit as the LORD committed to making things right and seek out an encounter with the other in love, for love, and through love.

I know that there are relationships in my life that could be stronger. I pray that during this week I will be able to reach out to the others in my life, speak of my true feelings of love, and seek forgiveness and offer forgiveness. I pray that throughout my efforts at reconciliation this week, I will be able to bear in my mind and heart the image of the Son of God sent from the Father in the Spirit so that we might be reconciled and let that inspire me to go beyond small gestures to exhibit true and great love.

I pray that we all may use this time leading up to the celebration of Christmas as a time to reconcile ourselves to one another and to the LORD. I pray that we recognize that this is the greatest preparation we could make for our LORD’s coming among us.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.