20 December 2011
In the holiday season, people wear the craziest things. They - in fact - dress up the craziest things: dogs, cats, homes, cars … the other day, Jude and I were leaving Target after shopping for Asa (which took us every bit of 90 minutes to spend just over $9 for his brother's gift) - and Jude yelled: "Look, Daddy, it's Rudolph!" To my surprise there was a blue VW Bug dressed up, well, like Rudolph with a nose, tail, ears, and antlers. Really, it was quite impressive.
We need to get dressed up.
Holiday wear is tacky wear: christmas sweaters, snuggies, and mansies (GC understands) abound. Holiday wear is formal wear: beautiful gowns, Sunday best, red paisley ties. Holiday wear is commercial: lampposts get in the act, donning evergreen, more lights cover store signs, Starbucks forces red upon their cups. Holiday wear changes entire homes: herds of electrical deer, blow-up creations, and Lampoon-like houses burn with a brightness that rivals the sun (for parents, there is a beautifully adorned home in the Meadows across from Kidsburg - just head in that direction - you'll see it).
Get dressed up.
Romans 13:14 - But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Isaiah 61:3 - The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
Get dressed up.
The phrase: 'All dressed up with no where to go.' does not in any way, shape, or form, pertain to the life of a Jesus-Follower. We should get dressed up because we have everywhere to go. Get clothed in righteousness. Understand, I'm not saying you're perfect or without failing - being clothed in righteousness has very little to do with you and much to do with Jesus. Wear the garment of praise. As our Senior Pastor exhorted us on Sunday - be aware of the atmosphere you bring to lives, relationships, the world.
Get dressed up.
Our righteousness, our garment of praise - that which we put on should not be gaudy, but it will be godly. It should not be tacky, it will be tantalizing to the world around us. It should not be the same as the world, but it will not shun the world. This reality, of getting dressed up, should invade every season of our lives - not just this holiday season.
Get dressed up - you look good in righteousness, and the garment of praise brings out the best in you.
May we clothe ourselves in God's righteousness and rejoice in Him as we lead others to become fully devoted followers of Christ.
Much love and many thanks.
Happy Christmas!
It only gets better.
-- C.