Christmastide - Day 7

December 31, 2024
Merry Christmastide (and Happy New Years Eve)

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Seven swans a-swimming.

Ever watch a swan glide across the water? Their graceful movements seem almost effortless, as though they were born to glide. But if you’ve ever seen a swan take flight, you know it’s a different story. Beneath the surface, their legs work tirelessly, and when it’s time to take off, they need an intense burst of energy to break free from the water. This reminds me of how our lives often look—graceful on the outside but requiring a lot of effort and determination underneath.

If I’m being honest, though, I think swans might come second only to the albatross in their struggle to get airborne. Still, that struggle feels familiar. Swans, are often seen as symbols of transformation, beauty, and grace, reflecting a deeper journey of growth. Their development from an awkward cygnet into a magnificent adult mirrors our spiritual growth through renewal. In faith, they remind us of God’s transformative work in our lives, shaping us into something beautiful for His glory.

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
If we lean into the folklore of the song, the seven swans swimming are often associated with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit:

• Wisdom
• Understanding
• Counsel
• Fortitude
• Knowledge
• Piety
• Fear of the Lord

These gifts, described in Isaiah 11:2, reflect the ways God equips His people for a life of grace and service. Like swans gliding effortlessly across the water, the Holy Spirit enables us to navigate life’s challenges with divine strength and purpose. It may not always look graceful—but God is working tirelessly to lift us up.

Transformation Through Challenge
In today’s scripture, Luke 6:20-23, Jesus speaks of blessings that come through humility, hunger, and suffering. These words remind us that transformation often comes through difficulty and perseverance. Just as a swan must work beneath the surface, our faith grows and matures in the unseen, often challenging moments of life. God uses these moments to shape us into His image, granting us the spiritual gifts we need to fulfill His purpose.
Looking back to the prophets, Micah 6:8 calls us to live in alignment with God’s heart:


We are called to live lives marked by justice, mercy, and humility, allowing God’s Spirit to guide us. Yet, many of us struggle with these traits. Often, it is our resistance to these virtues that keeps us from fully embracing the seven gifts the Holy Spirit offers.
 
Coming Alongside One Another
Coming back to the image of seven swans swimming (yet again) I’m reminded of how we, as brothers and sisters in Christ, can support one another. On the surface, we may appear put-together and dashing, but beneath the surface, we’re all struggling to move forward through the day.  Everyone struggles! For most, it’s because we fail to allow God’s Spirit to guide us.

When life seems hard, perhaps we need to ask if we are truly trusting His transformative work. And just as important, are we extending the same grace to others that God has extended to us?

As we prepare to enter a new year, let us take time to center our hearts and reflect on the ways God has been faithful to us. God’s grace enables us to move forward with strength and purpose. This is a season to make resolutions that go beyond the superficial. Let us resolve to invite the Holy Spirit to guide us, to trust in His transformative power, and to lean into His grace. Even when life’s waters are turbulent, we can have faith that God’s Spirit will carry us. Through Him, we can glide over life’s challenges—not by our strength but by His divine power.

New Year’s Eve Prayer
Lord, as I stand at the threshold of a new year, I pause to thank You for all that You have done in my life. Thank You for the beauty of Your creation, which reflects Your power and glory, and for the reminders of Your grace and transformation in my own journey.

Father, I confess that at times I struggle beneath the surface, striving to move forward on my own strength. Forgive me for the times I have resisted Your Spirit or doubted Your plan for my life. Help me to surrender my fears, my worries, and my burdens to You, knowing that You are the God who sustains me.

As I move into this new year, give me the courage to face challenges with faith, the grace to glide through rough waters, and the humility to lean on You in all things. May my life be a reflection of Your grace, and may I always remember that You are the God who transforms, sustains, and carries me with Your unending love

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Oh - and HAPPPY NEW YEAR!