God’s Protection: In Teepee, Stable, or House (Advent) - Tuesday, December 26
God’s Protection: In Teepee, Stable, or House - Tuesday, December 26
"... and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them
until it stopped over the place where the child was.
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed."
Matthew 2:9-10 (NIV)
The cold wind howled against my chilled face as I walked from the car to our house and the warm shelter it provided. It had been a cold, record-breaking winter. I could not help but think of how many babies had been born in the middle of cold winters across the north, especially in times past, and how the Creator provided warmth and protection even in the dead of freezing winter. Often these babies were born in simple teepees, but God had His hand on them and protected them and kept them safe.
There is a Plains Cree tradition that names the poles that hold up the teepee. The first three that form the main tripod are the key to a good and solid teepee and home. At our culture camp, we name the three main poles: faith, hope, and love, and name them as we raise them. The young campers’ eyes get big as they go up. These are the keys to a solid and safe home full of protection, care, and warmth—care from the winter wind and the storms of life.
As we near the turning of a new year and bask in the joy that is Christmas, I wonder what protects you? God protected His Son, Jesus, there in the manger. There were many dangers lurking. It was not the threat of freezing temperatures but the threat of evil rulers who wanted Jesus killed. Today you may not fear an evil king, but the world has many other powers that want to destroy us.
As my wife, Linda, and I minister in many Cree communities and walk with many families through the challenges of life, it is my desire to remind people of the protection and safety only God can bring. God desires that we build our homes and lives on the solid foundation of His truth.
Whatever your house may look like, be reminded in the coming year that true protection comes only from faith in King Jesus. Build your life and home on faith, hope, and love.
Dear Lord, thank You so much for the hope we have in You. No matter what our circumstances are or where we live, we can know that we are safe in Your protection as You grant us faith, hope, and love. Thank You, King Jesus, for coming into this world to give us this hope on Christmas so long ago! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.