January 1, 2025
Merry Christmastide (and Happy New Years Day)
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…
Eight Maids-a-Milking
Why yes – I have milked cows. It’s fun and funny – at first. Then, it becomes back-breaking work – I didn’t last too long. Fortunately, I was just a family farm tourist for the summer and hauling hay looked like a lot more fun! (grimace face here)
Back to the eight maids a-milking. In Christian tradition, the eight maids a-milking represent the eight Beatitudes preached by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-10). These blessings describe what it means to live a life aligned with God’s heart, revealing a path to true happiness and spiritual fulfillment. I was initially going to just list them here – but then I decided to add one line of context. Sorry if the blog goes a bit long.
The Eight Beatitudes
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- To be poor in spirit is to recognize our need for God, to depend on His grace, and to humbly submit to His will.
- Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
- Mourning reminds us of our shared human struggles and our need for God’s comfort. It can also reflect sorrow for sin and a longing for God’s redemption.
- Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
- Meekness is not weakness, but strength under control. It is humility and trust in God’s justice.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
- To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to deeply desire to see God’s will done in our lives and in the world.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
- Mercy comes from a heart transformed by God’s love. When we show forgiveness and compassion, we reflect the mercy God has shown us.
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
- Purity of heart is about having an undivided heart fully devoted to God, free from sin and selfish motives.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
- Peacemakers seek reconciliation and harmony, reflecting God’s ultimate desire for unity among His people.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Those who stand firm in their faith, even in the face of opposition, are promised the reward of God’s eternal kingdom.
Humility and Service
The maids-a-milking reminds us that the Beatitudes are rooted in humility, service, and reliance on God. Perhaps you remember that theme from yesterday. Much like the maids performing a simple yet vital task, the Beatitudes call us to embrace a life that may seem ordinary but has eternal significance.
I often speak about trying not to get sidelined by the culture – the things of the world. Each Beatitude challenges us to live counter-culturally, to find blessings not in wealth or power but in hearts surrendered to God. They teach us to value humility over pride, mercy over vengeance, and spiritual hunger over worldly satisfaction. And like the swimming swans from yesterday, we are called to walk alongside one another, supporting each other in humility and love. The Beatitudes challenge us to extend mercy, to bring peace, and to comfort the mourning—not just in our own lives but in the lives of those around us.
Humility and service are not always easy. In fact, I think it can be very difficult! (Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble, when you’re…). I digress. Humility and service are essential to living out God’s kingdom on earth. As we move deeper into this Christmastide season, may we reflect on how we can embody the Beatitudes in our daily lives, trusting God to work through even our simplest acts of service.
Happy New Year's Day
So here we are on the first day of 2025. I like to start each year by imagining myself on a hilltop looking out over a valley. I try to imagine all the things that will change in that valley during the next year. What things do I need to remove (clearing the clutter, so to speak)? And then, I try to consider what I need to plant and cultivate. What do I want to harvest in the fall and reflect on as the next year arrives?
This new year's day, I am thinking long and hard about my church family, my new community, and all those that we walk alongside that once new Jesus – but are now struggling. That is the harvest field for me this year. I like to think it will be low-hanging fruit, but I know I will get tangled in briar patches and fall into deep cultural ruts. This year I pray the church comes alongside me on this journey to bring the lost sheep home.
New Year’s Day Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your promise to bless those who humbly seek You and to sustain those who face trials for Your sake. Father, I confess that I often fall short of these ideals. Forgive me for the times I have sought worldly success over spiritual blessing, for when I have lacked mercy, or failed to hunger for righteousness. Transform my heart, Lord, so that I may live in a way that reflects the values of Your kingdom.
Help me to be poor in spirit, relying on You for all that I need. Comfort me when I mourn, and teach me to trust Your justice and timing. Give me a hunger for righteousness, and lead me to show mercy to others as You have shown mercy to me.
Lord, purify my heart, so that I may see You more clearly. Make me a peacemaker who reflects Your love in a divided world. And when I face opposition for my faith, give me courage to stand firm, knowing that You are with me and that Your kingdom is my ultimate reward.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Happy New Year! May the year ahead be filled with God’s blessings, His transforming power, and His unending grace.
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