Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Advent Devotional Day 3: Brut and Dentyne; The Ties that Bind

December 3:
B.C. verse:  Isaiah 11: 1-10
A.D. verse:  Ephesians 6: 10-18
Christmas hymn: “O Come, O Come Immanuel”
Hymn for today: “Build Your Kingdom Here” by Rend Collective Experiment

Yesterday, my uncle passed away. Steven was my mom’s only brother, and he was the uncle with whom I spent the most time when I was growing up. He was only 60 years old, so yes, I (we) was not prepared to say goodbye so soon.

When I think of my uncle, Brut cologne and Dentyne gum both come to mind.  As a kid, I recall that Brut was his preferred brand of “boy juice;” every time I smell it, I instantly think of him. Likewise, Uncle Steven always had a pack of Dentyne on him, and when I was little, I always made sure to bum a piece off him. One of my earliest memories is of Steven, lying on the floor, watching Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Wizard of Oz (the movie everybody else hated) with me at Grandpa and Grandma’s house. Later in life, this same uncle was sprawled out on the floor playing cars and/or tractors with Nick, and later still, with his own grandchildren.

As I read today’s verses, I learn that new life emerged from that which was dead in the form of the promised Counselor. “Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot, yes, a new branch bearing fruit from the old root” (Isaiah 11:1). Likewise, this new life came equipped with a spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and a fear of the Lord.  This is His “armor”; thus, “One breath from His mouth will destroy the wicked” (v. 4) In short, these characteristics are representative of the Counselor.  They are what He is known for, just as gentleness, patience, and kindness are all qualities I think of when Steven comes to mind. 

The armor of the promised one in Isaiah is the legacy for believers today as we are called to “put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Being rooted in Truth, faith, and the promise of salvation, striving for righteousness and peace, and the relying on the Word of God are characteristics of warriors for Christ.

Even though their last breaths have come and gone, the dead continue to live. Our memories keep them with each of us, and when we share those memories, our stories keep them in the world even though they are no longer here physically. What we remember and share about the person becomes his/her legacy. Additionally, grief and sentimentality may sometimes color the memories to the point that we remember only the good and not the bad. Either way, whatever remains - the message that we who remain share- is truly what remains.

Given all that, I can honestly say that my Uncle Steven was always attentive, tender, and respectful to me and my family. Even though he is no longer here, I remember him and his qualities with fondness. The Counselor, too, has left his legacy. In essence, our lives are meant to “bear fruit from the old root” (Isaiah 11:1). We can only do that if we “pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.” We must “stay alert and be persistent in our prayers” (v. 18). If we do, the legacy will continue, and the shoot described in Isaiah will continue to become a strong, thriving limb.


Daily Challenge: Bring someone a treat today. 

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