by Hallie Dye | Dec 14, 2023 | Bible Reading / Study, Hope, Joy, Life Advice, LO Library
This phrase bounces around the Christian culture this time of year. It’s the question nearly every Christmas movie silently asks as it depicts the main character focusing for the entirety of the movie on something other than what truly matters—missing the joy of Christmas until the last 15 minutes. The answer to this Christmas struggle varies in each movie, but we know the answer point blank: Jesus. And yet, perhaps this answer oversimplifies the most beautiful story ever born. He’s the reason we celebrate the season—because He loved us enough to come. But this still begs the question: why did we need him to come? What was the original reason for the season?
The answer is not found in Luke 2, though the beautiful display of God’s love culminates there in those passages, but in order for that baby lying in a manger to hold the power that indeed holds, we have to recognize and understand the before. If this was a movie, we’d have to flashback to the beginning. Yes, the very beginning.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were created through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.”
(John 1:1-3, ESV)
This Word that was there, existing and needing nothing, this Word in which everything that was ever made was created through, this is Jesus. Sometimes we picture him as entering the scene for the very first time in that manger, but that’s not the case, and it truly does change the story. A baby has no control over when he is born or where he is born, but the God of the universe that created that universe and has been rejected and betrayed by those in that universe over and over still to this day? He has every choice, power, and right to not show up. Yet, we know He did.
You know those shows or books when you find out that all along this person truly had this other identity or motive? When you find out, every scene that’s happened before it shifts on its axis. I have to immediately go back and watch or re-read with the knowledge, because now I’m in on the secret. Now, I can go back and look at it with different eyes and read it with the secret identity’s point of view. Everything they did, walked through, heard, sacrificed, for the sake of all leading up to this moment. This story incites that same excitement for me. Jesus was there in the beginning all along—and we have to run back and read it with that in the forefront of our minds.
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”
(Genesis 1:1-2, ESV)
He was there. Amidst the unformed chaos of what could be. In that moment with darkness and potential mingling together—the potential only existing because He did. So it began. As God began to create, He spoke each creature and creation into existence. As He spoke, the Word was there—and each thing was created through Him. Man, I wish I could know the emotions and the feeling as they created. It’s something I want to ask one day. What was it like?? They move through the days creating light, land, structure, stars, order, gravity, birds, fish, animals of all kinds. It was beauty formed and life given, and we see the heart of the Father in it. Jordan Raynor once said that before we learn anything else about God, “the first thing God shows us is that He is creative.”
And then the sixth day comes—the day of man.
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heaven and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in his image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
(Genesis 1:26-27; ESV)
After this, the Lord blesses them, and then He ends the day calling it very good. Jesus was there, creating, blessing, and loving. He was there calling mankind very good. And we know what’s coming—sin enters the world at our choice, we reach outside of his presence and good limit. Consequences unfold, the biggest being the separation that now stains the once perfect communion we had with the God of the garden who walked and talked with His people. And I always say that as a young person, I pictured the scene of this playing out a little differently than it actually did. I pictured God giving each their consequence and then pointing them towards the door of the garden He’d created for them, since they were no longer fit to dwell there. That was not the reason though.
“Then the Lord said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—’ therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:22-24; ESV)
The tree of life was fine and permissible before the fall of man. It gave eternal life, but only just. Once sin had entered the story, it would still offer eternal life, but it never offered any justification for sins. It would be living forever just as they were. This was fine before, but now they needed a Savior to cover their sins first. He forced them out not as punishment, but as protection. He removed them so He could bring us something better.
God holds all knowledge which includes foreknowledge. So, though he cannot be surprised by what happened, while He knew in the beginning what would be necessary, I believe it is with this very act that the greatest story ever born was set into motion. Now, eternal life must come in a different form—yes with the component to never die, but now with redemption and grace enough to cover all of our sins. It must bring wholeness without blemish so we could once again walk and talk in communion with God. I think in that moment, heaven begins to prepare for the unimaginable. It brings me chills to think about. In just the right time, the Creator will have to become creation.
We celebrate this season with gifts, and though we say things like, “it’s the thought that counts,” it’s really not, is it? Because if I receive a nice gift from a billionaire, it’s nice. It really is— I’d appreciate it. But there’s something to be said about a friend or family member saving up to buy me that same gift. While I don’t require that, we have to admit, it is more moving because it required sacrifice. And sacrifice speaks love, because they had to give up something in order to gift to me. What could God, the all-powerful Creator of the world, whose economy lacks no thing and whose government controls the changing of the seasons and the principles of physics? What could He possibly sacrifice to show love when it costs Him nothing to create the world in 6 days? Himself. He chose to give Himself to cover the debts we could never cover and to redeem a world that rejected Him beginning with that one fruit and many times over since.
He truly did not have to, and yet he did. So, when I read the Christmas story, and I realize the sacrifice He made to even come, I recognize the significance and the awe of that one night in Bethlehem. He came to us since we could no longer fully reach Him. His death was coming, but His birth was His promise of what was to come.
With that in mind, read these words that the angels spoke to the shepherds that very night. It wasn’t flippant. It isn’t cliché. They were there at the fall, they were there guarding the door, and they’ve seen all the waiting and preparation from heaven as earth awaited its king for hundreds of years. The moment is finally here—He has come. And while the world does not yet know what He knows, it will never be the same.
“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.’”
(Luke 2:10-14; ESV)
This is the season we celebrate God of creation giving the most priceless gift He could ever give to the greatest need we could ever have. Jesus is the reason we celebrate this season, but the reason He came was because you needed Him to. And He loved you enough to do that.
Merry Christmas, friend. Jesus loves you, truly more than you could ever imagine—sit in awe of Him today.
Hallie Dye is a wife of twelve years and a mom to three kids in North Louisiana. She is host of the Saltworks Podcast which is committed to sharing everyday people’s incredible stories of faith one Tuesday at a time. As a small group teacher, writer, and soon-to-be author, Hallie is passionate about encouraging people in the church to walk in obedience and live boldly for Christ in their corners of the world no matter their situation, occupation, background, or life stage. When she isn’t studying or writing, you can find her spending time with family and friends or reading fiction before bed.
by Hallie Dye | Dec 1, 2022 | Life Advice
We are SO excited to be sharing an excerpt from our NEW Advent study, The Waiting & Wonder, available inside the LO sister app! We pray this encourages you and meets you where you’re at this holiday season!
Today’s Passage:
Luke 1:8-17
“Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him and angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah for your prayer has been heard and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.’“ (ESV)
Devo:
We tend to think of Zechariah’s encounter here as something miraculous in his everyday work. However, I don’t think that’s quite how it played out. Scripture tells us he’s in the order of Abijah which according to the Old testament is the 8th division out of 24. If each division served one week at a time, they would only serve twice a year. Out of the 2 times a year they may be on duty, only one man was chosen, and how many men were in each division after many generations had passed? I say all of this to say: it is very likely that this was a once in a lifetime experience for him to even be standing where he’s standing. The crowd is gathered outside because it is the time of incense. In the Bible, incense is symbolic of the prayers of God’s people. At this moment in time, without the blood of the Lamb, gathering outside the temple at this hour was essentially the closest in time and space they could get to God’s presence. This means that Zechariah is standing the closest to God’s presence he has possibly ever been. And what does the angel say? That the Lord has heard his prayer. Could this mean that even after all this time, despite all odds, that in this rare, one-in-a-lifetime moment of unhindered prayer the cry of Zechariah’s heart was still for a child? Even with the wildest chances, the timing could only be a work of God, and was believed to be the will of God as they viewed casting lots to determine his will. God had designed this moment from the beginning of time to bring the voice in the wilderness—John the Baptist—who would prepare the way for Immanuel—God with us. However, what’s equally true is that Zechariah is here because he’s spent a lifetime walking faithfully in the commandments and statutes of the Lord. His waiting wasn’t spent sitting—it was spent serving. Half of waiting is God’s good and perfect will, but the other half is our own refinement. God prepared the timing and divine appointment, but Zechariah had a heart prepared due to a lifetime of willing obedience.
Questions:
1). How are you spending your waiting? Sitting or serving?
2). Where in your life can you be obedient right now to the Lord? Where is he calling you to serve in your waiting?
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your sovereignty. Thank you that you are working ALL things for the good of those who love you. God, we don’t understand it, can’t fathom it, and often don’t even see it. But God, help us to rest in the truth that you ARE working, you are renewing and bringing new beginnings every single day. And you’re bringing some forth right now as we pray this together. Would you give us eyes to see it Lord? Don’t let my waiting be wasted, God, but help us prepare our own hearts for the plans you are preparing. Would you reveal to us where we need to seek obedience? We love you, Lord. Amen.
Original content written by Hallie Dye for LO sister app.
by Hallie Dye | Jun 16, 2022 | Life Advice, Wisdom
Have you ever been reading your bible and felt super stumped on one story? Or certain words Jesus spoke? Sometimes it’s because the message feels unclear, but if I’m being honest, there are some stories that just straight up bother me. I’ve come to love these moments.
When we approach God’s Word, the tendency is for us to think that the message will be immediate. Why wouldn’t it be? If I’m making the effort to sit down with the Lord, wouldn’t He want to speak to me during this time? Yes, but perhaps we’re sitting down with the wrong mindset.
Our culture and time in history has a lot of perks that offer immediate satisfaction—that’s not all bad. Sometimes it’s really nice, like grabbing a salad or sandwich during a busy day without having to think about it or prepare for it. The Holy Spirit just doesn’t work like that, and He is the translator of God’s word in our lives. It isn’t that God wants to continue to dangle a carrot in front of us on a wild chase (though sometimes I’ll admit it can feel this way). The Lord wants us to wait on Him, because it is in the waiting we find value. In His word—in Him. The word of God never returns void.
It’s actually this waiting process or the initial feeling of being stumped on something in the Bible that makes me feel more seen and connected to the Word of God than even immediate understanding now. It used to feel as though when I didn’t understand something I didn’t know Him. As if I was further from Him than I thought. Now I get excited about stumbling on these passages, because it’s come to mean He wants me to specifically see something. When you’ve learned to dissect the text and wait on Him, you realize He’s preparing to speak to you.
Such was the story in Matthew 15 about the faith of a Canaanite woman. Wedged in between multiple accounts of Jesus’s miracles, healing, and feeding over 5,000 people, is a woman who had to wait. In fact, the first thing that really bothered me was she called out and was crying to Jesus over her daughter who was “severely demon oppressed,” and the bible says, “But he did not answer her a word.” What… But this doesn’t sound like Jesus to us. Why wouldn’t he answer her—especially in her distress?? Especially since it’s for her daughter and after all she is seeking Jesus!
When I start to feel this way as if I see discrepancies in God or Jesus’s character, I like to physically journal the line that bothers me most and then write what I know to be true both Him and of the situation. It might look like this:
“But he did not answer her a word.”
- He does not change or cast a shifting shadow
- He’s not leaving
- He IS listening
- He has compassion for us
- He wants what’s best for her
Now this still hasn’t given me answers. But it has given me something to cling to. I’m clinging to truth—to what I know to be true of the Lord. I’m still filing away “why” questions, but I’m moving on. Only then, it gets seemingly worse. After the disciples beg Jesus to send her away, He tells her he was only sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel—to the Jews. In other words, not her, because she is a Canaanite. Then something changes in her.
After his response, she comes and kneels before Jesus saying, “Lord help me.” This story already feels like a different Jesus (emphasis on feels), but the next part really doesn’t sit well with us. He tells her, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” Ouch. Aware of all our own shortcomings and lack of Jewish heritage, we cringe with those words, because this could very well have been me. Yet she continues in her posture of humility that she began in her physical kneeling: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”
The implication we tend to pick up here and consequently the incongruence in Jesus’s character is: is he calling her a dog?? In short, no… and also yes. To properly answer this question, we must understand the difference between children and dogs. And yes, I’m sorry to tell some of you—there is a difference. For one, children know where their bread comes from. Two, they can appreciate (and not appreciate) the difference between different kinds of bread.
My dog Jazz recently ate an entire loaf of my mother-in-law’s homemade sourdough with garlic and rosemary. Jazz got it off the counter, opened the bag, and ate the entire loaf with absolutely no qualms whatsoever. She didn’t know where it came from and she has zero appreciation for homemade sourdough, fresh pressed garlic, or home-grown rosemary. She was just hungry, so she ate it. She would have eaten a squirrel with just as much fervor. The reason it’s cruel to take the bread from the children and throw it to the dogs is because the children know what they’ve lost and the dog knows not what he’s gained.
Though we’ve established this woman was Canaanite and not Jewish, we need to dig a little deeper. Canaanites as a general rule were polytheistic. They served many gods appealing to them in many capacities depending on their needs in that moment. Struggling to get well? Appeal to this god. Struggling to have a baby? Call upon that god. Demon oppressed daughter? I’ve heard Jesus can work miracles. You see the logic?
It wasn’t that Jesus was calling this woman a dog. It was that He was calling her out from her dog-like spiritual mentality—always seeking the crumbs that would satisfy the moment, but never caring to find the source for the Bread of Life. Suddenly, making her wait makes much more sense, doesn’t it? Because had He answered her first plea and healed her daughter, He perhaps would have sent this woman and her household back into a life of pagan rituals never realizing they just walked away from the only One who could save their souls.
Remember our truths about Jesus? He wasn’t leaving. He was listening. He did have compassion, and He did want what’s best for her. But her waiting moved her from seeing Him as “Son of David,” among a whole list of gods, to the Master of the table. A place her heart now longed to belong to even if it meant being a dog at the master’s table. She’s no longer serving her own needs to move on, she wants to remain at the table in whatever capacity she is permitted. And look at Jesus’s response. “’O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.”
Isn’t it amazing that when she kneels before Him, a reflection of the posture of her heart, acknowledging Him not just as a lord but as THE Lord, and humbles herself, He praises her? She was the one choosing the begging life of a dog; He was setting a place for her at the table as a child. Then He answers her first request, and the healing happened “instantly.”
I’m not saying this is what everyone’s story looks like, but I do think there’s a commonality in her waiting and our waiting. Jesus wasn’t unwilling to heal her daughter—He just wanted this woman to find true healing for her own heart. The kind that would be long-lasting. Eternal. He didn’t want her to continue through life settling for crumbs—He wanted her to have the Bread of Life so that she may have life abundantly. Through her persevering and waiting on the Lord, He wanted to give her immeasurably more than what she was asking for.
You know, we can be a lot like this woman in terms of our faith and the way we seek Him. Though we may not appeal to many gods, we do seek many avenues for answers, wisdom, and comfort. Sometimes I think we even approach His word satisfied to get just some crumbs to sustain us. Sometimes we grow frustrated, sitting on a passage or a verse feeling like our time with Him has grown stale. It hasn’t. He’s listening. He’s not leaving. He just wants immeasurably more for you than what you’re asking. Maybe it’s time to change your heart posture. Maybe it’s time to just sit in the dissonance of not knowing the answers until He brings them so clearly, you know He sees and loves you. Because He does. The truth is, a woman who is willing to wait on the word of God is a woman of great faith just like the Canaanite woman.
Hey friends! What to tell you? (I’m never good at this)! I am married to my high school sweetheart Andrew. We just celebrated our 11-year anniversary, and we have 3 kids—Bear, Garnet, and Finn. They are the best! I am primarily a stay-at-home mom, but I am also currently working on the edits of my very first book, which has been a little over 2 years in the making. If my writing career fails, I plan to wholeheartedly pursue a career as a backup dancer and/or standup comedian. JUST kidding—while I wish I had something super fun to tell you, I’m just a girl who loves the Lord, her family, and her friends who is bringing whatever she can to the table to serve the kingdom one day at a time.
