Yup, this is totally what I think of when I hear calling birds!
BUT the lyrical picture is really speaking of the four gospels... And Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are those calling birds. But our calling birds can call all they want, but without faith, we cannot respond... And faith without God is impossible (Luke 1:37; Hebrews 11:6).
Lets go back to yesterday for a moment (I didn't exactly finish it well!). One of the three characteristics I mentioned was faith. If you were faithful (no punt intended) to make an advent wreath (like I longed to!), you can light one of the purple candles now and meditate on faith. Maybe even read Hebrews 11:6
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
And Luke 1:37
"For nothing will be impossible with God."
What are you looking at this season without faith? Is it buying presents? Is it a health issue, a job issue or the state of mind/being God has ordained for you in this present season??
What does faith mean to you?
How are you walking that out according to God?
It might be good to challenge yourself to seek out what faith means to God first before sticking with your own definition (for help, start in Hebrews 11).
I know with our move to Alaska coming up and the many goodbyes we expect, Andrew and I both are going to need more faith in God's good plan/strength to celebrate this season for CHRIST's gift to us. We know this is Hos plan (we are confident in that), but we just need faithful in the transferring process. With all our moving around, it has been hard for us to really sit still before our Lord and acknowledge our place before Him. This week, as we are in Knoxville, we will be celebrating a number of things ;)... But pray that we do not forget who we are in Christ and that God not let us forget that this life was not intended to be done on our own.
And with it being the fourth day of Christmas, I would like to celebrate four different friendships: the Carlstroms, the Kurzens, the hoppens and my honest friend and husband.
... Heres a collage that includes the Carlstrom kiddos too: Elijah, India, Mamie, Bridget, Lulu and Boaz.
I cannot tell you how much I cherish each and everyone of these friends, especially with my husband! God has truly given us an unique treasure by sending me to Columbus so I could be blessed so much by them. I just love them all so much!
Thanks again Brent and Sherry for having us over last night! We enjoyed the fellowship, the games and the yummies!! Love you all!
See you guys again in January ;)
Blessings! Xoxoxo
'With songs of joy I speak of Thee, for I know not how to cease',
Kati Thornbury
-- Jeremiah 20:9--
