Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Joy To The World

The silence of Zachariah, has revealed to me that I’ve lived with a longing to be heard by human ears, hoping to cure the ache of loneliness that at times swallows whole portions of my life. It’s not constant, but it is chronic.

I’ve lived with the lie that I am alone in this plight, shamed into silence. Who would listen? Worse yet, what if ears hear but hands do not act…

But the message of Christmas is that I am not alone. I am heard; my words borne on wings that rise to rest on Love’s ear. More amazing still, Love acts...

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a 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.

6 comments:

Jason Allen said...

So, why do you feel lonely? Is this blog somehow tied to your desire to be heard?

Ted Ancelet said...

Hey Jason! Good to hear from you again, I’ve missed chatting with you.

I was wondering how this post would be taken. It wasn't my intent to whine or say "woe is me." I'm actually surrounded by good friends and a beautiful family. It wasn’t my intention to make it sound like I don’t feel loved.

The “loneliness” I’m referring to is more of a realization of the significance of brokenness even in those who are and are being redeemed, especially myself. I honestly believe it’s in the heart of every human to be known at levels that no other human can hope to reach. That’s part of the beauty of Christmas for me, loneliness fades away in the face of a new born child. I think my point was more on the fact that it’s nice to be reminded of that. But maybe that’s just me.

Oh…and to answer the other question about the blog…nahh…I honestly just enjoy the dialogue and having a place to share what’s in my heart and mind.

Jason Allen said...

Do you think it's correct to refer to someone as "redeemed" and "broken" in the same breath?

Ted Ancelet said...

- Jason

Do you think it incorrect?

hmmm...maybe a better word would be wounded (though I think broken works), what do you think?

s.o said...

ted -
I'm with you ... I too hear/feel the message of Christmas that Christ is with us, we are now known and not alone and it is His work in & for us.

I also think it's perfectly fine to mention "redeemed" and "broken" in the same breath. Cause we are still living in this in-betweeness ... this space of mystery, struggle, and (as you've mentioned) paradox.
So, yeah, I may not fully understand it - but I don't expect to get God to fit in my mind. :)

I'm just lucky and blessed that the baby fit in the manger.

Jason Allen said...

Well, I guess my thinking is how can I still be broken if Jesus was broken in my place. His death covered all my brokeness. I was a sinner before I was saved. Now I'm a Saint, according to scripture. I heard someone comment on the idea "..we all fall short..". His question was, is that an excuse to accept our condition? I think that my brokeness is often a result of what I choose hang on to. I think the prayer "let Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven" should be taken as a "now" reality, which means sin can't co-exist in it. I realize I'm going to sin but, I should also not accept it as who or what I am and still expect to enter into His reality.

All easier said than done of course.