After the Angels – First Worshipers

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

Arriving at Bethlehem and finding a place to birth the child is accomplished.  Then we learn what the first order of business is to the Father.  He sees to it the birth of the Son is announced.

The angel tells the shepherds.  The shepherds leave their livelihood to see the child.  They come and worship him.  They are the first to know that their Messiah has come.  The sign is a swaddled child laying in an ox trough in a cattle shed. 

Do we ponder how important it is that the first thing the Father wished was for the Son to be seen and acknowledged as Messiah?  He chose a small place.  He chose humble workers.  Still the event was worthy of an angel Choir and immediate worship.

We forget, I think, that this Son of God is the Son of God sent to redeem us.  He is here, God with us to bring us back into harmony with the Father.  The events that will unfold are already known by the Father who sends him.  While there is time he wants his Son worshiped.   All too soon the real work will begin.  For now, however, we take a beat to celebrate the Child who is the Light.

Celebrate the Child – Michael Card

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Now the darkness is over

No more wandering in the night

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

You know this is no fable

Godhead and manhood became one

We see He's more than able

And so we live to God the Son

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Now the darkness is over

No more wandering in the night

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

First born of creation

Lamb and Lion, God and Man

The Author of Salvation

Almighty rapped in swaddling bands

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Now the darkness is over

No more wandering in the night

Celebrate the Child who is the Light

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Closing Thoughts – The Return of the King

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

The silence descends after Malachi.  Four centuries pass through the pinch in the glass.  Generations come and go and the world changes.  Then the child is born and the Son is given.  The tapestry of the Old Testament is complete.  A new one begins in Nazareth and Bethlehem. 

The glass will pause for three decades.  The King will walk among us unseen by so many.  He will have real birthdays.  He will give us all of his human self.  He will feed, heal, love, die, rise, and ascend.

He will promise to be the eternal Immanuel.  He will promise a comforter and guide in the Holy Spirit.  He will leave.  He will leave with the promise to return.  It is reasonable that this thread woven through the millennia now weaves through us.   It is our part in the tapestry to live the example of our incarnate God.

The joy I find at Christmas is rooted in the God/man baby.  It is in following him that I find my heart to love, give, and help.  It is in this season of celebration that I find courage to carry on when I am lonely and discourage.  Each evening from December to December as I drift off to sleep I ponder the Father offering his Son for my reclamation.  How can I not love this above all things and be faithful to the Son’s requests.

For a space he walks among us offering to bring all things back to good.  He has asked me to do the same.  He says he will return.  We have forgotten this in so many ways.   Once again he will come in his own way and not in the way we demand.  How can I not honor the sacrifice with obedience?   The thread is so obvious.  The tapestry becomes so clear when I look at it honestly.  He aid I would find him when I seek him with all my heart.  In light of the images, actions, and sacrifice how can I possibly refuse to believe, obey, and follow?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Malachi

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

The last book of the Old Testament is penned by a contemporary of Ezra and Nehemiah.  His primary part in the tapestry is the heralding of the forerunner.  Since we wait for the King Malachi gives us a portent of hope.  He tells us that one will come to announce the arrival of the King.

This one comes in the spirit and power of Elijah.  This one comes as a stranger among us announcing that the King is on his way.  He reminds us that the King comes to judge and avenge.  He reminds us that we need to be prepared.

The King comes. We prepare so many things in anticipation of Christmas.  The most important thing to prepare is our hearts.  The vital thing to do is live every moment of every day in preparation for the return of the King.

All the promises are there.  The King comes in the fullness of time.  After the silence God speaks first to Mary, then to Joseph.  He speaks to Zechariah the father of John.  Then his final word cries a newborn cry in Bethlehem. 

All this happens when the final sands of the time before have run out.   The time my heart embraces is the instant when the glass is grasped and turned.   In those fleeting moments I get a glimpse of the one who came to seek and save the lost.  I get to celebrate the hope and promise of how the Father will return all things to his own.  It is in this that I find my Merry Christmas. 

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord – Godspell

Prepare ye the way of the Lord… (Many Times)

The one who comes after me is mightier than I

I am not fit to take off his shoes

I baptize you with water

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit

And with FIIRE…

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Zechariah

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

As we grow closer to the close of the Old Testament and the silence we see more vivid images in our tapestry.  This particular prophet gives us blazing images of the coming King.  The focus is on his humble redemption of our lives.

Zechariah explains that the King will come on the foal of a donkey.  He reveals that he will be handed over for thirty pieces of silver.   Other passages are quoted about and by Jesus.

Once again we see that the Advent of the Son is the path to the cross.  We see the tapestry must be taken as whole.  Each patch and panel forms the story that finds its chief ascending action on that night in Bethlehem. 

The world will wait.  We have one more panel to view.  We have many pieces that fit together.  As we move toward the celebration of the birth and the pause for joy we also move toward the moment of the turn of the tide.  We move toward the instant when the sands begin to flow again.  For now though we look to the stable, the earthly parents, and the manger.  Soon enough we will pay for the party with our dearest blood.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Haggai

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

The tapestry looks forward to the time when all things will return to good.  This prophet reminds us that the redeemer will stand in the temple.   He will claim all things as his own and cleanse it forever. 

The coming Messiah is the fountain of life and hope.  The thread here is to remind us that there is an

eternal change at the end of the story.  Jesus is the water of life.  We want all things to return to him.  We need all things to be under his authority. 

No matter how dry and desert the world gets the Water will come. The tapestry will be complete eventually.  We celebrate the child who will make so.  This will be the final weaving of this part of the story, when the fountain of hope flows for us with the water of life.

All My Fountains – Chris Tomlin

This dry and desert land

I tell myself, "Keep walking on"

Hear something up ahead

Water falling like a song

An everlasting stream

Your river carries me home

Let it flow, let if flow

All my fountains

A flood for my soul

A well that never will run dry

I've rambled on my own

Never believing I would find

An everlasting stream

Your river carries me home

Let it flow, let it flow

Open the heavens

Come Living Water

All my fountains are in You

You're strong like a river

Your love is running through

All my fountains are in You

Come on, and rain down on us

Rain down on us, Lord

Come on, and rain down on us

Rain down on us, Lord

Come on, and rain down on us

Rain down on us, Lord

Come on, and rain down on us

Rain down on us, Lord

Open the heavens

Come Living Water

All my fountains are in You

You're strong like a river

Your love is running through

All my fountains are in You

Open the heavens

Come Living Water

All my fountains are in You

You're strong like a river

Your love is running through

All my fountains are in You

All my fountains are in You

All my fountains are in You

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Zephaniah

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

So much of the nation of Israel was wiped out by the captivity.  This prophet reminds us that a remnant remains and will be restored when the Father returns all things to himself.  The prophet reminds us that the meek will be drawn to the Father when the sacrifice is made for their redemption.

So many times in our tapestry there have been moments where the Father’s faithful have thought they were alone.  Every instance is followed by the Father revealing his remnant. 

In the current climate we face Christmas with so many walking away from faith and the purpose of Christ’s birth.  The crimson thread seems thin this year.  It feels so painful to see others reject Christ and his love for us.  It feels so wrong that so many who claim to follow Christ care little for those in want and need. 

We choose to see or not to see the need.  Too many choose to walk by site and not by faith.  In the growing coldness of the aging world it can seem that following Christ becomes archaic.  It is actually vital.

As I near the end of this pondering I see the parallels of the falling away that Israel experienced.  We must learn to see the world through the eyes of Christ if we are to reclaim any respect from that world.  I must live in  way that gives me the right to be heard.

Through the Eye – Michael Card

Through the eye

They must always believe a lie

Who see with and not through the eye

With and not through the eye

You may see what angels long to see

Hear the harvest's harmony

Leave the prison of your shame

Hear the sound of your own new name

Through the eye

We see Salvation has come alive

And only those who will see survive

With and not through the eye

Only the eyes of the heart perceive

That the deaf and blind can hear and see

That insanity's saner than sanity

That only a slave can be truly free

Through the eye

We see our Life it has come alive

And only those who will see survive

With and not through the eye

With and not through the eye

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Habakkuk

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

How long must we wait for redemption?  The question that the prophet asks is asked in faith. It is also asked in pain and longing.  We have all heard the statements about the God shaped vacuum within us.  Whether we accept this or not the prophet presents it as a given.

It is said more gently in our Christmas songs.  “The world in solemn stillness lay.”  “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.”  Before the incarnation the longing was for Christ to come as the conquering King.  This is still true of his followers.  Some ask the question in faith and others in fear and anger.

We demand that God show himself on our terms instead of following in faith as he asks.  Our tapestry holds many moments of longing.  The crimson thread here is a loud echo of that longing.  We can long in faith or in faithlessness.  The former makes much more sense to me.  

I will long for his return.  I will long in faith.  I will mourn the pain and suffering in the world.  I will feel anger at the injustices.  I will also do all that I can to be good to others and be a sources of hope.

How Long – Michael Card

How long will you forget, O Lord? (How long? How long?)

How I long to see your face, O Lord? (How long will you hide?)

How I struggle with my thoughts, O Lord! (How long? How long?)

Suffer sorrow in my heart, O Lord! (How long will you hide?)

How Long? How Long?

You won't even give an answer, Lord! (How long? How long?)

Give me light or I can live no more! (How long will you hide?)

My foes rejoice when they see me fall! (How long? How long?)

We have overcome and now they call! (How long will you hide?)

How Long? (Will you hide from me?) How Long?

How Long? (Till you set me free?) How Long?

Still, O Lord, You are so good to me! (How long? How long?)

My heart rejoices how you set me free! (How long will you hide?)

You're the Savior that I'm hoping on! (How long? How long?)

How I trust in your unfailing love! (How long will you hide?)

How Long? (How long?) How Long?

How Long? (Will you wait forever?) How Long?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Nahum

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

Nahum takes us back to Nineveh.   Jonah, unfortunately, would be pleased.  Nahum weaves a thread of judgement from God against an evil city.  This ancient city was one of horrid practices. 

One of the aspects of Christ is that of one who comes to make right the injustices of the world.  The judgement of Nineveh is an image of this. There will be a reckoning.   There will be restitution.  There will also be mercy and grace. 

There must be cleansing before there can be a kingdom.  Jesus must bring all things under his authority.  The incarnation is what makes the grace and mercy possible.  The Advent of Christ is the first move in the actual reclamation of the world. 

Who Can Abide – Michael Card

A mighty storm is rising

A darkness in the land

But surely this must be a light

To those who understand

That all the prisoners of this Hope

Are about to be set free

As in one lightning moment

A familiar face at last they see

Who can abide the day of His Coming?

Who can withstand the final Call?

If you do not stand by faith

You will not stand at all

You will not stand at all

The Valley of Decision

Begins to overflow

With some confused, bewildered

And some who seem to know

That this sad separation

Was their choice so they can tell

He simply speaks the sentence

That they have passed upon themselves

Who can abide the day of His Coming?

Who can withstand the final Call?

If you do not stand by faith

You will not stand at all

You will not stand at all

Surely this must be our God

Behold the One we trusted in

He has come at last to save us

He has forgotten all our sin

Who can abide the day of His Coming?

Who can withstand the final Call?

If you do not stand by faith

You will not stand at all

You will not stand at all

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Micah

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans[a] of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old,

from ancient times.”

The crimson thread in Micah is obvious.  He tells us where the Messiah will be born.  Of significance is that there were two cities called Bethlehem.  One was in Ephrathah an one was in Zebulon.  Ephrathah hosts the Bethlehem that is David’s city. 

The King comes from the line and city of David.  The world will forget this important detail until some wandering wizards remind them about it.   It is odd that we ask the same question now.  The world is not in solemn stillness but we still wander and ask, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?”   The sadness is that many of us ask skeptically instead of with faith.

A Christmas Song – Jethro Tull

Once in Royal David's City stood a lowly cattle shed,

where a mother laid her baby.

You'd do well to remember the things He later said.

When you're stuffing yourselves at the Christmas parties,

you'll laugh when I tell you to take a running jump.

You're missing the point I'm sure does not need making;

that Christmas spirit is not what you drink.

So how can you laugh when your own mother's hungry?

And how can you smile when the reasons for smiling are wrong?

And if I messed up your thoughtless pleasures,

Remember, if you wish, this is just a Christmas song.

Hey, Santa... pass us that bottle, will you?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Jonah

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

This is a part of the tapestry known by many.  We often gloss over how wicked Jonah is.  The story of the great fish shines bright in the tapestry but the purpose of his running gets little attention.  Jonah hated the people of Nineveh.

Jonah refused to go because he knew that the people would repent.   He becomes angry when he is proven right.  So how can this hate filled man be a thread of Christ?  It is the symbolic death and resurrection of his time in the fish (not a whale).  Jesus called to this example when he spoke of his own death and resurrection.

The tapestry begins to hold clear portents of what is to come.  The birth of the child will be the begging of the realization of those portents.  It is in the manger that we are reminded that he is born do die.  I must live every day with that knowledge.  I must not indulge in the hatred that some have for those who do not believe. 

I can see that imagery of the resurrection in the story of Jonah.  I can take the portent without following his example.

A Dark Design – Among Savages

Not a vision, not a golden rule

Will keep us from the truth

Not a whisper from a high, high throne

Will keep me from telling you

That I'm a lover, I believe you are too

We're fighting for a common good

And if you love me, then say you do

Odds and ends will end where they should

Oh, there is not a God in heaven that wants to see us fighting this way

Oh, He spoke more about loving than people trying to make people change

Speak your favor as I speak my mind

Who am I to try to take that away?

There is a light that is shining from a dark design

And the beauty is that we can change

How can we love ourselves if we don't love each other, when we both feel the same pain?

An eye for an eye, a word for a word

Peace on earth could be displayed

Oh, there is not a God in heaven that wants to see us fighting this way

Oh, He spoke more about loving than people trying to make people change

When we are hungry, we are fed

When we are hungry, we are fed

With only one life to live, I'd rather live with you as my friend

When we are hungry, we are fed

When we are hungry, we are fed

I'd rather live with you as my friend than someone that I was trying to condemn

I'm a lover, I believe you are, too

And we're fighting for a common good

And if you love me, then say you do

Odds and ends will end where they should

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Obadiah

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

Kings require a kingdom.  Remember that our tapestry is the story of the birth.   The birth is not just a nice story.  It leads us to the rest of the story.  It leads us to the cross, the tomb, the resurrection, and the return of the king.

We have a King.  His kingdom is hidden at this time.  It is in the hearts and lives of faithful followers.  Obadiah weaves us and image with the reminder that his time will come.  As we move closer to the Advent of the child we do so with an eye to the coronation of the King.  Where is he that is born King of the Jews?

He must be in my heart and actions.  He must be in my thoughts and dreams.  He must be in all that I do, say, think, and believe. 

The Kingdom – Michael Card

So near and yet still so far, far away

So close, and yet still to come

Concealed, the seed is mysteriously growing

In hearts that will listen and hear

A treasure that's hidden, a pearl of great price

A fortune for fools who believe

A kingdom of beauty, a kingdom of love

A kingdom of justice and peace

A kingdom that holds all the wiles of creation

A kingdom where children will lead

For now this kingdom's a land of the lowly

A place for the tired, plundered poor

Now our gentle King comes in peace on a donkey

But then on a charger for war

A battle in heaven, a war on the earth

To shatter the long darkened siege

A kingdom of beauty, a kingdom of love

A kingdom of justice and peace

A kingdom that holds all the wiles of creation

A kingdom where children will lead

Not by our own strength

And not by the power of might

But by His Spirit it comes

Blinded eyes will see

And deafened ears will hear

The praise from the lips of the dumb

A kingdom of beauty, a kingdom of love

A kingdom of justice and peace

A kingdom that holds all the wiles of creation

A kingdom where children will lead

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Amos

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

If the history of Israel teaches us anything it is that there is a reckoning for sin.  Our sin is the darkness in our tapestry.  The prophet Amos reminds us that the coming Christ will judge that sin.

The world needs redemption.  The Father’s plan for that is his Son.  The Son comes as a human.  He will be both the sacrifice and judge.  Jesus reminds us that he will judge and that his judgment is just.   . 

The thread weaves its way through the book of Amos reminding us that there will eventually be a reckoning for sin.  The question will be where we land in that judgement.  The Judge, however, comes first to pay the penalty. 

The child in the manger becomes the man who pays for our sin.  He will also return to rid the world of that sin.   Mercy and grace are offered as the finest plea bargain ever imagined.  It is offered freely by faith.  What a beautiful gift.

The Man Comes Around – Johnny Cash

"And I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder

One of the four beasts saying,

'Come and see.' and I saw, and behold a white horse"

There's a man goin' 'round takin' names

And he decides who to free and who to blame

Everybody won't be treated all the same

There'll be a golden ladder reachin' down

When the man comes around

The hairs on your arm will stand up

At the terror in each sip and in each sup

Will you partake of that last offered cup

Or disappear into the potter's ground?

When the man comes around

Hear the trumpets hear the pipers

One hundred million angels singin'

Multitudes are marchin' to the big kettledrum

Voices callin', voices cryin'

Some are born and some are dyin'

It's alpha and omega's kingdom come

And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree

The virgins are all trimming their wicks

The whirlwind is in the thorn tree

It's hard for thee to kick against the pricks

Till Armageddon no shalam, no shalom

Then the father hen will call his chickens home

The wise man will bow down before the throne

And at his feet they'll cast their golden crowns

When the man comes around

Whoever is unjust let him be unjust still

Whoever is righteous let him be righteous still

Whoever is filthy let him be filthy still

Listen to the words long written down

When the man comes around

Hear the trumpets hear the pipers

One hundred million angels singin'

Multitudes are marchin' to the big kettledrum

Voices callin', voices cryin'

Some are born and some are dyin'

It's alpha and omega's kingdom come

And the whirlwind is in the thorn tree

The virgins are all trimming their wicks

The whirlwind is in the thorn trees

It's hard for thee to kick against the prick

In measured hundredweight and penny pound

When the man comes around

"And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts

And I looked, and behold a pale horse

And his name that sat on him was death, and hell followed with him"

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Joel

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

It is hearts that the Father seeks.  Joel’s brief part in our tapestry is a cry for Israel to rend their hearts not their garments in repentance. The crimson thread is the promise of the redeemer. 

It is in our need to return to the Father that we must see that we need a way to do so.  It is in the manger that way takes shape.  Joel reminds us that we are to be seeking the heart of God by rending our own hearts toward him.

My life needs to be a payer of love and repentance.  It needs to be a life of seeking the heart of God.  It is in these broken hearts that we meet with God and see how his own heart breaks over our need of him.  It is the Father’s broken heart that send the Son for us to break.

Make my Life a Prayer to You – Keith Green

You make my life a prayer to You

I wanna do what You want me to

No empty words and no white lies

No token prayers no compromise

I wanna shine the light You gave

Through Your Son You sent to save us

From ourselves and our despair

It comforts me to know You're really there

Well I wanna thank You now for being patient with me

Oh it's so hard to see, when my eyes are on me

I guess I'll have the trust and just believe what You say

Oh You're coming again, You're coming to take me away

I wanna die and let You give Your life to me, so I might live

And share the hope You gave to me, the love that set me free

I wanna tell the world out there, You're not some fable or fairy tale

That I've made up inside my head, You're God the Son

You've risen from the dead

Oh I wanna thank You now for being patient with me

Oh it's so hard to see, when my eyes are on me

I guess I'll have the trust and just believe what You say

Oh You're coming again, coming to take me away

I wanna die and let You give Your life to me, so I might live

And share the hope You gave to me

I wanna share the love that set me free

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Hosea

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

As our tapestry moves from the Major Prophets to the Minor Prophets we encounter a man who pursues his bride even though the cost is great.  Hosea holds the love that the Father told him to have even when Gomer leaves him to prostitute herself.

The scrim of this imagery is very thin.  We are Gomer.  We run off to sell our faithfulness to foolish desires.  Jesus, however, pursues us at any cost to rescue us from our spiritual adultery. 

As I consider this imagery I look at the state of the world and my faith is deepened.  If we ever needed a Bridegroom who would accept us at any cost we do so now.  We demand that Christ reveal himself on our terms.  This is exactly what Jesus identified as spiritual adultery.  We need to have faith and let it yield faithfulness.

I desire to remain faithful to the one who came for me when I was on the edge of death.  He has loved me and held me ever since.  Even when I have run and been unfaithful he has pursued me and brought me home.  I don’t know what he sees in me.

Song of Gomer - Michael Card

Don't know what he sees in me

He is spirit, he is free

And I the wife of adultery

Gomer is my name

Simply more than I can see

How he keeps on forgiving me

How he keeps his sanity

Hosea, you're a fool

A fool to love someone like me

A fool to suffer silently

Though sometimes through your eyes I see

I'd rather be a fool

The fondness of a father

The passion of a child

The tenderness of a loving friend

An understanding smile

All of this and so much more

You've lavished on a faithless whore

I've never known love like this before

Hosea, you're a fool

A fool to love someone like me

A fool to suffer silently

Though sometimes through your eyes I see

I'd rather be a fool

This God of yours would not have told

To lift a love that you couldn't hold

And though time and time again I flee

I'm always glad to see you coming after me

Simply more than I can see

How he keeps on forgiving me

The wife of adultery

Gomer is my name

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Daniel

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

Not all of the book of Daniel is prophecy.  Much of that which is brings the future Christ into our tapestry.  We see him in the fiery furnace protecting the three men who would not worship idols.  We see him in the portents of the end of things when the Father brings us back to good.  For me though the most vibrant crimson thread is Daniel.

We see a man who uses humility to wield power.  We see a man second only to the king use his station to further God’s cause and not his own.  Jesus’ first advent is as a servant of the law; ideal Jew.  Daniel is an excellent image of this.

We too often use the power and position we have for our own purposes.  We wield our meager power with greed and avarice.  We gather instead of giving.  We feed on pride when we should dine on humility.

As I ponder the Advent of Christ I see that the brightest thread is the one that is humility.  The tapestry has so many hidden, humble examples of it.  We must take on Daniel’s example and live under any circumstance with humility and faith.  Like Daniel and Christ it does not matter what they demand, if I live my faith with humility and honor it will win out.

Daniel – Pat Terry

I know that I usually post the lyrics but could not find a good source for them.  If you do feel free to post them in the comments. The song is worth a listen.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Ezekiel

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

Ezekiel 24:15-18 And the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Son of man, behold, I am about to take from you the desire of your eyes with a blow; but you shall not mourn and you shall not weep, and your tears shall not come. Groan silently; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban and put your shoes on your feet, and do not cover your mustache and do not eat the bread of men.” So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. And in the morning I did as I was commanded.

I cannot imagine the pain here.  I have lost both love and loved ones.  Once again we see a man providing an image of the suffering servant.  We tend to forget that our prophets have families.  We see only their hard words and outlandish deeds.  Ezekiel is woven into our tapestry as the prophet who did the strange to get our attention.

He goes to extremes to get us to see the Father.  Then in a moment of pain and courage he uses his own loss to exemplify the Father’s own pain at his children’s abandonment of him.

I wonder how often we consider the impact of our sin on a loving God.  I know that I do not ponder this enough.  Whether it is willful disobedience or outright rejection our actions impact the Father.  It is one of the unique aspects of this faith.  As a father I understand these feelings.

The son of man, Ezekiel, suffers to remind us of the suffering current and future of the Son of Man, Jesus.  I must never forget that every moment I fail to follow had an impact.  I must follow.  I must constantly be an example of those recalled from death to show others the purpose of life.  After all, our business in following is turning death in the chance to live. 

Valley of Dry Bones – Michael Card 

Behold a valley filled with bones

Bones on every side

A valley vast, the floor so full

Of bones so very dry

The Lord did ask

Can these bones live?

Might these bones rise once more?

What else was I to say but

You alone can tell, O Lord

A legion now alive

A resurrected army

A living, holy host

Of a people born again

Then prophesy, O son of man

Cry out to this dead hoard

And when they come to life again

They'll know I am the Lord

And as I spoke what I was told

There came a rattling sound

As bone to bone they formed a mass

Of bodies on the ground

Your dead will come alive

Their graves will lie abandoned

And all those dwelling in the dust

Will wake and shout for joy

And then I called upon the winds

Upon these slain to breathe

At once they stood upon their feet

A mighty, vast army

A legion now alive

A resurrected army

A living, holy host

Of a people born again

Your dead will come alive

Their grave will lie abandoned

And all those dwelling in the dust

Will wake and shout for joy

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Lamentations

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

Jeremiah continues his sorrow in the poetical form and weaves it beautifully.  He gives us his laments over the suffering of his people in a poetic form that reaches the heart in any language.

He weeps for the city of Jerusalem, the suffering of his people, and the thread of Christ.  In the third chapter he laments the affliction of the man of sorrows.  A Man of Sorrows acquainted with grief is one of the titles given Christ.

The Man of Suffering is neither weak nor guilty.  Our suffering is due to our fallen state as a species.  If we say we do not sin then we lie and, therefore, sin.  The Man of Sorrows comes to the stable knowing it leads to the cross.

Advent must be a time of joy and celebration.  There must also be a corner in my smile.  I must never forget that I am blessed and can be a blessing to others.  I must never let my celebration be perfunctory nor forget that purpose of the cradle is the cross.

Love Crucified Arose – Michael Card   

Long ago, He blessed the earth

Born older than the years

And in the stall the cross He saw

Through the first of many tears

A life of homeless wandering

Cast out in sorrow's way

The Shepherd seeking for the lost

His life, the price He paid

Love crucified arose

The risen One in splendor

Jehovah's sole defender

Has won the victory

Love crucified arose

And the grave became a place of hope

For the heart that sin and sorrow broke

Is beating once again

Throughout Your life You've felt the weight

Of what You'd come to give

To drink for us that crimson cup

So we might really live

At last the time to love and die

The dark appointed day

That one forsaken moment when

Your Father turned His face away

Love crucified arose

The One who lived and died for me

Was Satan's nail pierced casualty

Now He's breathing once again

Love crucified arose

And the grave became a place of hope

For the heart that sin and sorrow broke

Is beating once again

Love crucified arose

The risen One in splendor

Jehovah's sole defender

Has won the victory

Love crucified arose

And the grave became a place of hope

For the heart that sin and sorrow broke

Is beating once again

Love crucified arose

The One who lived and died for me

Was Satan's nail-pierced casualty

Now He's breathing once again  .   

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Jeremiah

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

“Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for the slain of my people.”

Here our tapestry becomes tear-stained.  Jeremiah weeps over the sin and suffering of his people.  He sees that they are guilty of abandoning the Father who loves them.  He sees their suffering and is moved by it.

Later as the Son weeps over Jerusalem he says. "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”

It is the willingness that is required.  The Father and Son both want us to see the crimson thread and cling to it willingly.  Neither is ignorant of the pain.  It moves them to reclaim us but not by force.  Advent is the beginning of the hope that Jeremiah clings to in his sorrow. Will you not at least listen?

Will You Not Listen – Michael Card

Is not He who formed the ear

Worth the time it takes to hear?

Should He who formed our lips for speaking

Be not heeded when He speaks?

Will you not listen?

Why won't you listen?

God has spoken love to us

Why will you not listen?

Listen to the sacred silence

Listen to the Holy Word

Listen as He speaks through living

Parables that must be heard

Will you not listen?

Why won't you listen?

God has spoken peace to us

Why will you not listen?

He spoke a word of flesh and blood

Flesh and blood that bled and died

Bled and died just to be heard

How could you not hear this Word?

Why will you not hear this Word?

Will you not listen?

Why won't you listen?

God has spoken hope to us

How could you not listen?

Why will you not listen?

How could you not listen?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Crimson Thread of Christmas – Isaiah

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

We enter the area of the prophets The crimson thread here is more deliberate in drawing us to see that a Messiah is on the horizon.  He is fulcrum in the void by which the Father will lift us from our fallen state. 

As with every tapestry there are places that catch the eye and demand attention.  Isaiah is such a place in our weaving.  He portrays the Messiah as a suffering servant.  He gives his life for his work. 

According to the Jewish Encyclopedia he was sawn in half for his prophecies to King Manasseh.  He weaves a strong image of the Messiah and how he would come to us.  When Jesus arrives in the tapestry as a servant all the priests needed to do was look to the prophet they revered to see the overwhelming presence of the thread.

The context of the passages below bears out their veracity.  As the first of the prophets we consider in the thread it is clear that the Advent is the humble beginning of the God/man whom we celebrate at Christmas.

Messiah would be born of a virgin (Is 7:14, Luke 1:34-35)
Messiah would be Immanuel "God with us" (Is 7:14, Matt 1:21-23)
Messiah would be God and Man (Is 9:6, John 10:30)
Messiah would have the 7-fold Spirit upon Him (Is 11:1-2, Matt 3:16-17)
Messiah would heal the blind, lame, deaf (Is 35:5-6, Mark 10:51-52)
Messiah would be proceeded by a forerunner (Is 40:3, Luke 1:17)
Messiah would be a light to the gentiles (Is 42:6, John 8:12)
Messiah would be despised by the Jewish nation (Is 49:7, John 10:20, Matt 27:23)
Messiah would be whipped and beaten (Is 50:6, Matt 26:67, 27:26)
Messiah would die as a guilt offering for sin (Is 53:10, John 18:11)
Messiah would be resurrected and live forever (Is 53:10, Mark 16:16)

The Prophet – Michael Card

Reluctant ride in the middle of the belly of a whale

A wheel on fire in the middle of the sky

Abandoned baby kicking on the side of the road

And a wife has died but you're denied the right to cry

Three men walk out protected from a furnace of flame

One man cries out from a miry well

See a man in the myrtles and women with the wind in their wings

Understand what these seared lips can tell

I am the prophet and I smolder and burn

I scream and cry and wonder why you never seemed to learn

To hear with your own ears with your own eyes to see

I am the prophet, won't you listen to me?

I am the prophet, won't you listen to me?

I hold out hope to everyone who hears and understands

The Word of God can echo in the voice of a man

He's the shadow of a great rock in a dry and weary land

With the names of the ones He loved carved into His hands

I am the prophet and I smolder and burn

I scream and cry and wonder why you never seemed to learn

To hear with your own ears with your own eyes to see

I am the prophet, won't you listen to me?

I am the prophet, won't you listen to me?

The sorrow in His anger, my eyes weep His tears

His life alight in me

I am the sword that cuts His people apart

I speak the Word that comforts their faithless hearts

I am the prophet and I smolder and burn

I scream and cry and wonder why you never seemed to learn

To hear with your own ears with your own eyes to see

I am the prophet, won't you listen to me?

I am the prophet, won't you listen to me?

I am the prophet and I smolder and burn

I scream and cry and wonder why you never seemed to learn

To hear with your own ears with your own eyes to see

I am the prophet, won't you listen to me?

I am the prophet, won't you listen to me?

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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