December Street ©

There once was a happy walker on December Street,

Saying hello,  joying in whomever he would meet.

Never tiring of each grin,

What? When? A disappearing chin?

Mouths covered, his gaze humbled to their faceless feet.

I usually try to avoid placing an actual date next to my writings but we are living in such an historical moment I am going to break that rule.  Almost from day one of 2020, there was unrest, conspiracies, riots, fake news, a plague, and the presidential election.  Most of us did our best to believe the overseers of our states were trying to keep us safe.  But here we are at the end of the year and what did we do by handing that power over?  Have they brought us good news?

A once pleasant, habitual, and healthy daily walker found himself sick as December approached. He had never tired of saying hello to the same people.  Sometimes there would be a little more banter.  Perhaps some words on the weather, or for more friendly people some news on a child getting married or a new grandbaby. As the months wore on and the truth the curve of covid was never about flattening, just a false narrative to keep us suppressed, believing a mask was the cure for it all, this once happy walker realized he was now just nodding to people.  Some people even made sure to be on the opposite side of the road. At first, he told himself it’s all for the good and things will be back to normal soon.  He hadn’t understood this simple act of socialization was life food for his spirit and soul.  Before long his walks were shorter and even his appetite decreased.  Being the optimistic sort of guy he would tell himself he was gaining more time and even saving more money on groceries.  But little by little his desire to walk was waning. He convinced himself one day of not walking would be okay.  That turned into two and within a few weeks, he didn’t walk at all.  Eventually, he didn’t leave his house unless it was absolutely necessary. 

Sadder still, all those people he said hello to didn’t notice he wasn’t out walking.

Why?    Because they too fell victim to this subtle form of control.

How are we to get back up and start walking again? 

Let’s gaze upon the feet of the one who brings good news.  Christmas is almost here and our hearts are needing good news. Christmas is always the story of good news and hope.  Even if the “powers” try to shut down what they believe they can control, they can never control the feet of the one who brings good news. They too will one day gaze at His feet and either fall down and worship Him or forever fall into the abyss where there is eternal lockdown. 

Let’s look up and gaze upon the feet of the One who brings good news. 

Pray this prayer with me.

Lord, help me lift my gaze from what is all around me to see the feet of the One who has brought good news.  I surrender my control for Your control. Forgive my insistence on wanting things my way.  Help my nation and its leaders seek You,  understanding that when we surrender control to the One who loves us,  He makes even our enemies to be at peace with us.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Isaiah 52:7 (KJV)  How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Proverbs 16:7 (KJV) When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Isaiah 9:6,7 (KJV) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.