Bird River Bible Blog

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope that you are able to find a moment in your busy schedules to reflect on the beauty of the season- that is the birth of God’s Son, Jesus Christ! I thought I’d take a moment to share more about why I call Jesus my Friend.

Last year in November Chuck, Jenny-Lynn, Sarah and I had opportunity to attend half a week in Quebec at a camping conference. It was a really cool time that we had meeting other people who were also working at camps just like ours. I feel like I got a lot out of the seminars that I went to. Most of the seminars were led by folks who also work at summer camps. It was really cool talking to these people and hearing from them because I knew they understood where I was coming from and they understood the situations that we sometimes find ourselves in at camp. I have been to seminars and classes where the teacher has limited experience in the topic that’s being taught and what they are able to share with us is taken from one experience or from books that they have read. The best classes that I have been to were taught by people who have already walked the same path that I am walking in their experiences. If I ask a question, I know that their answers will be helpful because they know what I’m talking about. They know because they have experienced something very similar to what I will or what I have experienced. They know the frustrations, and the joys of what I’m doing in my job.
Going to Jesus Christ in prayer is the same thing for me. I know that He really understands, not just because He knows everything but because He’s been on earth, He’s experienced pain, sorrow, gladness, and joy. The great thing about being friends with Jesus, is that He’s not some distant God, who’s cruising around the Universe, watching us distantly from the comforts of Heaven. It’s hard for me to wrap my head around what an amazing sacrifice it was for God to come to earth as a man. In Philippians 2:6-8, it talks about what Jesus did:

“Christ himself was like God in everything. But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit. But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born to be a man and became like a servant. And when he was living as a man, he humbled himself and was fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross.”

Of course it doesn’t end like that and the verses go on to talk about how Jesus Christ was raised to the highest place and that eventually everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. But I want you to re-read that verse again: Jesus made himself nothing. He was born as a man and lived as a man and he died before being raised up again. If Jesus wanted to, He could have come to earth and decided that He was going to just “appear” to look like man, be born into great wealth, and not have to fuss with the emotions that all people go through. But he didn’t. Jesus was born pretty much in a barn, the son of a working man. Jesus wept when his friends died (John 11:35), He was hungry (Luke 4:2), and He got angry (Mark 11:15-17). Jesus also went to parties (John 2:1-2) and loved being around children (Matthew 19:14). Isn’t there so much comfort in knowing that Jesus Christ really, truly understands what we go through every day? And then He commands us to “give all your worries to him, because he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7). Wow. What more could you ask for in a friend?

In the summer, we all know that the bugs are out in abundance. As darkness falls, it is amazing to watch how these bugs will flock to the light. When I go to the back of the dining hall, and the motion-triggered light turns on, it only takes seconds for that back door to be layered in bugs. Look up at one of the lights, and moths fly around, drawn to the light given.
I’m like that too. When I’m driving in the darkness, there’s no better feeling than driving up to a house with that’s lit up. When it’s been dark and cloudy outside, it’s a wonderful feeling when the sun breaks out and lights up everything. And it’s the same with people. I find myself immediately drawn to “sunny, bright” personalities.
When you become a Christian, there is a change that happens. The Bible describes it as going from living in darkness to living in light. What does it mean to go from living in darkness to living in light? Well, now that you know God and about His amazing love for you, your eyes are open to seeing God in your life! Before, you were seeing everything in shadows, but now there’s a bright light that helps you to see everything: the truth about God’s incredible love!
You will be drawn to God because of the light that comes from Him and in turn, people will be drawn to you because of the light that shines through you from Christ.

“But you are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

“This makes us more sure about the message the prophets gave. It is good for you to follow closely what they said as you would follow a light shining in a dark place, until the day begins and the morning star rises in your heart.” 2 Peter 1:19