Each week, four leading up to Christmas, we pause in remembrance of the birth of our Savior. In some households a candle will be lit in recognition of each of the Advent themes. I am late in posting the first week, but it’s theme, HOPE, has been on my mind a lot.
We are currently in Florida. I have been startled by the number of motorcyclist riding without a helmet. Apparently there is no helmet law here. I cringe when I see them recklessly barreling down the streets woefully unprotected…but I have no business judging their lack of judgment. For years Scott and I have not worn bike helmets when cycling around town on errands. Two reasons for this: 1. Felt we were not cycling in risky situations 2. Vanity (for me at least). I hate HELMET HAIR. When that helmet comes off, short ride or long, my hair is a hot mess! This year I am committed to better protecting my head. Helmets have been purchased.
I am kind of shocked I allowed myself to be so carefree/careless about something this important. Protective head gear is even mentioned in scripture, because, well, life comes with collisions. Life can be remarkable and full of blessings, but sometimes life collides into us with shattering effect. But friend, God does not leave us unprotected.
The Apostle Paul, in a letter to new believers, wrote: “But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the HOPE of salvation.” (1Thess. 5:8)
Our head, the very seat of thought, wages battle daily with doubt, discouragement, disheartenment, confusion, anger, loneliness, heartache. A helmet of salvation can protect our minds from such debilitating attacks.
This season we stop and celebrate the reason for our HOPE of salvation, the birth of Jesus Christ. God sent His son, God in flesh, one night in Bethlehem. This is our helmet, the hope of salvation. When we accept/believe in His birth, life, death and resurrection, He gifts us with forgiveness of our sins and a relationship with a holy God.
He is Emmanuel, “God is with us”! When life is good, easy, and burdens light, He is with us. When life is hard, when it doesn’t make sense, when we cry out loud or cry in the depths of our hurting souls, HE IS WITH US. “The Lord is near to the broken hearted, and saves those crushed in spirit” (Ps 34:18)
BRING ON THE HELMET HAIR!
This year, in addition to my new bike helmet, I will pray on my spiritual helmet! I will guard my thoughts with the reminder that my salvation comes from God and He is with me always.
“Lord, thank you for the precious gift of forgiveness for our sins and knowing You. At all times…when life is good or when hardship visits, when satan threatens our peace, help us to tighten ours helmet straps with the assurance that we are yours and You are with us. Amen.”
Tuesday With Teri 