November 5, 2024 Refresh and Renew
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
They shall build up the ancient ruins;
they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations.
Isaiah 61:4, ESV
When my Garden Club announced that our next project will be crafting Styrofoam Christmas tree decorations, I have to admit, I hesitated. It wasn’t because I’m a Scrooge—I love Christmas! But I just spent the summer decluttering the garage, which included sorting through six full shelves of Christmas stuff. I tossed, donated, and gave away boxes of ornaments and decorations we no longer needed.
Over the years, as my husband and I adjusted to an empty nest, our holiday decor has gotten simpler. We shrank our main tree from ten feet to a petite four foot table model. I swap my elaborate dining room centerpiece for three small faux trees surrounded by glass ball ornaments. A white ceramic nativity and garland with twinkling lights on the mantle complete the look. It’s simple, but meaningful. And it’s at least better than my friend who plops a single holiday bow atop her piano and calls it done!
However, after a little chat with Jesus about skipping this project, I felt prompted to read Isaiah 61:1-4. The passage rekindled something in me. It transformed my perception of the project from being about adding more stuff to being about finding joy in creating something new. These little Styrofoam trees could remind me of God’s call to build up, raise up, and repair what’s broken in our world. They’d bring a fresh Christmas touch to my home—and to my heart.
Simplifying and letting go of clutter is important, but God’s work in us doesn’t stop there. He calls us to rebuild, refresh, and restore—work that began with the coming of Jesus and now continues in us.
Reflect: Where in your life or community do you feel God calling you to “build up, raise up, and repair”? How might you embrace simplicity while still making room for the work He has for you this season?
Pray: Lord, thank you for your faithful love and provision through Christ, our Savior. With deepest gratitude, please equip and enable me as your “oak of righteousness” to actively share in your work to build up, restore, and renew again all of creation, whether it be with the brokenhearted, the captive, the mourners, or the ruined cities. To you be all the glory forever and ever, Amen.
By His Grace,
Gloria Ashby
Lay Leader