Approaching Christmas with Love - Day 2Rachel Wegner - 21 Dec 2010

Fidelity

fidelity: (n.) faithfulness demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support

In November, my sweet grandparents celebrated 61 years of marriage. Their expression of love is among one of the most powerful in my life thus far. During the holidays when I get to spend time with my family, I often get teary-eyed when I see my grandma nestle her head into the crick of my grandpa’s neck or when we are all gathered around and laughing over board games and hot drinks.

When my grandma fell ill a few years ago and lost much of her mobility, we watched in amazement at how well my grandpa rose the challenge of being the “chief cook and bottle washer.” To this day, he cares so well for her. The day I took this photo, she was recovering from a particularly rough patch with her health. My grandpa had made us lunch and, as we cleaned up, he leaned across the table and took her hand. 

“Well, do you think you’ll trade me in for another one?” He said with smiling eyes.

We had a good laugh, and I imagined the thousands of little moments like these that they had shared in their decades side-by-side. Their fidelity and lasting love have spoken volumes to me of the even more faithful love of our Father God. Even in our weakness, our wandering moments and our stubborn resistance, His loyal love never fails. It is a simple, profound, all-encompassing concept. In the midst of often overwhelming pain, confusion and disappointment in this world, the perfect love He offers changes everything. Darkness becomes light. Sin becomes righteousness. Ashes become beauty.

May you rest in His perfect love as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Emmanuel. Yahweh with skin. What a beautiful mystery that He came to save us in this way.

Merry Christmas, friends.

As we wait for Christmas, the celebration, the feast and the wonder of an incarnate God 24-7 Prayer will be posting a series of reflections to help us to wait well. We have asked friends from across the movement and around the world to creatively express themselves and focus us on the coming of Christ. During the final week of advent, as the anticipation of the arrival of Jesus builds we are encouraged to wait with Love.  Follow along with the 24-7 Prayer 'Approaching Advent' Calendar.