Brie Gowen

Savor the Essence of Life

The Unknown Scandal of Christmas

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One of the greatest things about the Christmas story is how it ushered in a new kingdom, one of grace over the law, and one of forgiveness of sin. It took God, made Him a man, and used the sacrifice of that life to cover the sin of all mankind. Christmas means the birth of our Savior, and most are familiar with that as the plot and reason for the season. But did you know there’s more? There’s a bit of scandal that religion would want you not to notice, but I think it’s a piece of the story that God really needs you to hear.

We find the prelude of the birth of Jesus during a time when religious law was held very high. We required the church building, and we required the priest if there was hope to be found. You needed things like a perfect lamb without blemish. An animal so white that it resembled snow. You needed to hand over this sacrifice, and then the priest could convert your sin onto the animal, shedding its blood for you. You needed the priest, you needed the temple, and you needed the Holy of Holies. Considering the importance of the religious leaders of the time, who were experts in the scriptures, by the way, it only makes since that God would deliver His son on their doorstep. I mean, we’re talking about the saving of mankind, forgiveness of sin, and eternal life! Who better to handle the task of Jesus coming to earth, of Immanuel, God with us, than an important religious leader?

This life-changing event would require much fanfare. Perhaps something akin to a limo, with paparazzi and flashing lights. We’d want the announcement made almost like a presidential address, right? Give the details to a high-ranking official to announce over a loud speaker, with a parade, and vendors selling frankincense and myrrh in little gift bags for the crowd to hand out. Release some doves to symbolize peace on earth, and pass a plate for the ultimate love offering.

I know they didn’t have the renown childbirth centers we have nowadays, but there were plenty of skilled midwives. There were palaces with fluffy bedding and golden cribs made just perfect for a king! Yet it didn’t go down like that at all.

A young virgin from nowhere’s-ville was chosen to be the mom. She didn’t have an important last name, come from a rich family, or even a fancy degree in theology. Considering she was being asked to carry and raise God in the flesh, she was basically a nobody, nothing, from Nazareth of all places! And her husband? I think he built bookcases or something tradesy like that.

When the time came for the Prince to be born the birth announcement came in the form of a Heavenly host of angels. Now that’s more like it! But then they stopped short of taking their song to the temple. They instead stopped off in a field.

Shepherds, y’all! Sheep herders! The lowest of the low. The bottom barrel, basically. Did you know shepherds were not even allowed to testify in a court case in their day? Talk about an untrustworthy witness. So why choose those guys?!

And then there’s the birthing suite! As a woman who has gone through childbirth three times I can tell you, animal excrement ain’t the smell you want assaulting your sinuses. How about some lavender for goodness sake?! But no. The Savior of mankind was born in a feeding trough, with no electricity, no cable television, and definitely no doula. No cutesy lullaby over a loud speaker. Instead he probably got mooed at or something. It’s really quite scandalous! The king of a hundred fields, with a mansion that has enough room for everybody entered the earth under such paltry circumstances, into a family without riches and fame. The church couldn’t even send flowers because somebody forgot to tell the head pastor the virgin wife of that carpenter fella was in labor. The whole thing could be considered pretty embarrassing if you think about it. I mean, other than some prophet 700 years prior, God didn’t even tell any of the church leaders about His son’s arrival.

Here’s the thing, though. The birth of a King in a manger isn’t the really scandalous part. It’s not even that He chose to tell dudes in a pasture the news first, or pick a regular-joe family to raise His son. The truly sordid secret is what it means for you. Not because it’s disreputable or improper, but rather because of how surprised we often seem when we take it into account. You see, the really wild part about the Story of Christmas and how it came to be is what all that means for you and me right this moment. It means we are worthy.

The details of Christmas should show you that God can take a seemingly nobody and use them as a great somebody. It means, He doesn’t require perfection, but rather a willing heart.

Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

The way God took the greatest news of all time and asked the lowest of society to tell everyone shows us that while here on earth you may be seen as less, in the greatness of His kingdom, you are worthy to go tell it on the mountain!

The way God let His son be born in a barn, that should tell you that God cares about more than how much money your family has, what kind of car you drive, or the house you own. He cares about the heart, and He can take a person from the lowest pit to the highest place imaginable.

He can use a young lady from Nazareth to further His kingdom, a tradesman to raise His boy, and shepherds to announce the whole shabang. With that in mind, realize that He can certainly use you.

I was leaving a shop yesterday when I saw a poorly dressed, older man playing a guitar and singing. A jug tied to a pole held a couple of dollar bills. Of course, I dropped some in there myself, but more than that I stayed and listened to him play. I gave him my time, my interest, and my applause. I knew that his earthly dad may have never given him a bit of praise, but His Heavenly Father loved to hear him sing and play. I saw that man through the eyes of Jesus, and I took the time to pray with him between sets. It reminded me that you don’t have to be a preacher or involved in ministry to do the work of God. The Lord is ready to use anyone of us ordinary people at any given moment. It might seem quite scandalous to think that is true, but I believe the best thing we can take from the Christmas Story, beyond the birth of a Savior, is how God can use any of us to further His kingdom purposes, in a most unique and perfect way.

The Best Way to Unwrap Your Gifts This Christmas

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As I sat rocking my two year old to sleep I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by her beauty, by the very essence of her innocence that sat like a halo about her head, or be affected by the underlying thought that she was my last baby. My last baby that was growing so quickly. I breathed in her goodness, soaked in her pouty lips and long eyelashes. A peace settled over my heart as I lay down on the bed holding her sleeping body and felt the weight of her little chest against mine.

Thank you, Lord. I thought. Thank you for this gift.

I had just been wrapping gifts, in fact. Lots of presents for all the people I loved. Although this was our first year to only buy what we could afford, refusing to put anything on a credit card, or buy tons of toys that weren’t really needed, I still had a bunch to wrap. Yet despite the mild mountain of presents awaiting me in the other room, I lay in the dark savoring one of my favorite gifts.

The past few years of my life as a mother had involved a lot of stress, hurried schedules, and toppling to-do lists. Although overall the role of motherhood was one I adored, many times over the years I had felt less than grateful, restful, or overflowing with peace. I mean, deep down I was grateful, and typically at the end of a tough day, near exhausted tears, I would recall that. And I’d feel guilty for forgetting it for even a moment.

What the Lord has been speaking to me lately is how I need to slow down and enjoy life. It’s a call to focus on what’s really important, and to not sweat the rest. This is tough for today’s woman, but as I’ve started to practice resting in God and seeing my priorities through His eyes, it has been much easier.

Christmas-time is an ultimate challenge when it comes to focusing on what’s important. We want to focus on the presents when the Lord wants us to focus on the gifts. We tend to be motivated by shopping lists, recipes, family get-togethers, and the like. We desire to create traditions, send cards, and take that Santa photo. We look to bake cookies with the kids, seek out the very best, Christmas light shows, and find the most popular, coveted toy on our kids’ lists. And while all these things are wonderful and good, and I’ve done many of them, if they stress us out then they’re not worth the wrapping paper they’re packaged in. If our Christmas pursuits are causing us to fret and fuss then we’re losing focus on what’s truly important.

Over 2,000 years ago God gave us the perfect gift, a gift of life that was wrapped up in unconditional love. Our job is to carry on the tradition of love. We’re supposed to love Christmas, not stress out over it. Not go into debt over it. Not run, run Rudolph until we can’t even see the gift of it. We’re to love others, love ourselves, and love the reason for the season. We’re not meant to rush the presents presence of Jesus in our life. We’re meant to unwrap it slowly, joyfully, and in a spirit of rest.

This year I haven’t rushed to try and fit in all the things. To do all the things. To buy all the things. To see all the things!

I’ve simply enjoyed the things.

What Jesus Would Say to Your Broken Heart This Christmas

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I’ve honestly been astounded at the monumental amount of grief I’ve seen come across my Facebook newsfeed. Yesterday it seemed like post upon post was bad news, petitions for prayer, or news of someone in the hospital. At one point I saw a handful of mournful status updates right in a row, and one was even funeral arrangements. The thought of death and fresh grief transported me back in time to my own foggy Christmas, and I could easily recall how difficult it was to trudge through the season. 

Christ’s birth! A time of celebration, but on the tail end of two successive deaths in our family, it was anything but. We tried to pull through by holding on to one another, but I still recall the pain I felt like a knife in my heart as I watched my dad trying his best to smile for us on the first Christmas Eve after my mother passed away. Like the rest of us, his heart just wasn’t there. 

For so many the holidays are not an easy time, but rather a reminder of better times. It’s an inopportune pulling away of a poorly healed scab, and a blanket of guilt for not being able to pull through strongly like you know they would want. You realize in your heart that your loved one is in a better place, but that fact doesn’t make missing them go away. It just doesn’t. For many, the grief during the holidays is palpable, and it places an unwanted bad taste in your mouth. 

There’s no timetable on grief. There’s no right way to heal, or wrong way to move on. There’s nothing consistent about our mourning, and if we had to find a single constant, a buoy amidst the crashing waves, it would be Jesus. 
Life as a Christian doesn’t mean you’ll escape the pain of grief. Religion isn’t a magic spell, after all. But it does mean you are not alone. Even in the middle of very lonely places, He is there. You will have trouble in this world, but thankfully He has overcome it. He will bind up our wounds and heal the broken-hearted. To those grieving this Christmas Jesus would say this. 

You are not alone, and your pain is not yours alone. It is my pain also. For every tear you’ve cried, I’ve cried two. One for the person you lost, and one just for you. I wipe each tear from your eye, and I count each one as it’s precious to me. I don’t judge you for your grief, and it’s not something you should feel guilty for. I just love you. I love you and I hold you, even when you don’t feel like being held. I lift your head, even when you’re unsure if you want to go on. I’ve counted every tear cried as my own, and every pain I take upon myself. 

I want you to feel. We’re made that way. Just know that I am here. Just know that there is hope. Know that there is light. Know that the end of the tunnel is near, and that the end is really just the beginning. Know that one day you’ll mourn no more. Know that until that time you have my presence. I’m in the song of a bird, the laugh of a child, the kiss of a cool breeze. I’m even in all the red lights turning green right in a row. I’m the feeling you get when you laugh deep in your belly, the compassion you feel for your fellow man, and I’m even the sorrow. But I am also the comfort to your sorrow. I’m that extra measure just when you need. I’m the warm cup of coffee by the fire, the way the mug feels good on your bare hands. I’m peace, and I’m peace within you. I’m saving grace when you have no more tears to cry. 

Hold fast to me, and even when the weight of pain bows you low, know that I am with you. Always present, always faithful, always saying come to me you who are weary. You will find rest for your soul. My yoke is easy, and my burden is light. My strength is made perfect in your weakness, and my joy can move mountains. 

Rest easy child. Joy comes in the morning. 

Christmas doesn’t have to be a jubilant time for you this year. Sometimes it’s enough just to keep going. But it doesn’t have to be hopeless. For there is always hope. It abounds. There is saving grace. There’s peace that passes understanding. It doesn’t come to us through this world, as the world gives. But it’s ever-present through His glory.  

Psalm 34:18 ESV

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

I Want to Be Overwhelmed This December

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As soon as my eyes flew open this morning I was on the hunt for the time. Removed from the wall was my trusty clock, and I searched blindly for my cell phone to tell me just how late I might have slept. I had things to do, things to complete, worries to worry about, and problems-a-plenty to remedy. I needed to get up, get on with it, and get going on my list of to-do’s. 

Coffee. But first, coffee. 

So as I sat sipping my steaming brew I longed for more of you. I knew. Even in the face of my anxiety trying to mount against me, I knew. You, oh God, your presence was what I needed right then and there, and the rest could just fade away as far as I was concerned. 

The fact was that I was feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of this world. My December schedule was crammed full, and I seriously needed to figure out how to master my time. Responsibilities, requirements, and really hard decisions were on the docket for the day. And the next day. And the next. It never stopped spinning, this crazy world in which I existed, but this month it seemed even heavier than usual.
But I didn’t want to feel overwhelmed by life. I wanted to feel overwhelmed by you. 

I needed to feel overwhelmed by you. 

Every day I needed it. 

How easy it was to forget your presence, your ever faithful hand weaving the tapestry of my day. I wanted to open my eyes to your sovereignty, fall face first in your glory, and praise your Holy name. I needed to be overwhelmed by you. 

I needed to take my distractions and set them to the side in favor of the one who makes my paths straight. I needed the joy of your love to be my strength, for it to make the way when I could not see. I needed to be overwhelmed by you. 

I needed to find my laughter and wrap it around myself like a warm blanket, those deep bellyaching bellows that can only be found when I see my children as the gifts they are. It’s the same sight that finds happiness like a needle in the haystack of the daily grind, that weird wisdom that makes standing in a long line a great way to talk to a stranger who’s having a bad day. Your presence does that!

It makes the mundane magical, and it finds reason in the unreasonable circumstances. Like maybe all those red lights came like divine slow-me-downs before I made a mistake in this fast-paced life I lead. Maybe accidents aren’t so random, and perhaps your rod and staff are always there. Thank you, God. 

I need to be overwhelmed by your goodness, to see it even when life tries to turn my eye. Cause only in your truth do I see the light of goodness in this life. I need to be overcome by your mercy, swept away by your passion for me, and cradled in your perfect embrace. You’re so good to me; may I ever see, and not forget your tender mercies that are new each and every morning. 

So that even when I fall, I get back up again. And even when I fail, you kiss away my tears. Your love never leaves me; it only grows stronger with every passing day. 

This December I pray my schedule will not overtake me. I pray it won’t separate me from the reason I run to stores purchasing packages, or rush to parties with my Savior’s name in the title. 

Christmas. Might I be overwhelmed by Christ. Might I be overwhelmed by the best gift of all. And might that truth make the rest settle into the periphery of my vision. 

The Best Gift of 2015!

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When Christmastime rolls around there are so many festive wonders that set our hearts soaring. There’s the smell of fresh baked cookies right out of the oven, twinkling lights to sparkle in your eye, Christmas carols in every store you enter, and presents, of course. 

Oh, the presents. On every end cap is a special display of something you can’t live without, that you didn’t even know about until that very moment. And television commercials abound with spectacular gift ideas to shower upon those you love. 

Jewelry, that special diamond ring that lets her know she’s your soulmate and best friend. Toys to make your kids smarter. And don’t forget the fabulous new fragrances sure to make you feel sexy and irresistible. 

Yet if you’re like most of America after the presents are unwrapped and brightly colored paper litters the floor, you will feel a letdown. You’ll be eager to put away the gifts that are scattered all over the stairs, and get your house back in order after the busyness of running to and fro. 

December 25th will pass, the carols will be over, and perhaps there will be a few less toy commercials on TV. You’ll frown at the numbers on the scale and scowl at the lying perfume bottle who didn’t make you feel like a sex kitten after all. 

There’s one thing all the shiny packages and perfect presents pushed on us have in common, and that is the eventual emptiness they possess. They will run out, lose their sparkle, or end up collecting dust on a shelf. Even if they somehow signify more strongly your love, improve intellect, or enhance your overall appearance, in the end they won’t make everything better. And they certainly won’t fill the empty spaces we all possess. 

Just like Christmas candy and decorations, gifts are a great way to celebrate the holiday season, but they don’t make it what it is meant to be. Cookies will be eaten, lights will be taken down, and only the stray pine needles will serve as a reminder of December. And even those will be swept up eventually. 

But there is one gift that never loses its wonder. There’s one present that does not go back on its promise. One that does what it says it will do; one that fills the empty places. A truly wondrous gift. 

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

When we attempt to place our happiness on presents in colorful paper, family gatherings, or songs of the season, it will always end up a little bit short. While those things are great and bring about a happy smile, true joy is only brought to our human hearts when we celebrate the greatest gift of all. The gift of a Savior; it’s the only one that satisfies. Everything else ends up falling flat. 

God gave His Son as a sacrificial gift for us all, for forgiveness of sins and eternal life. I pray this year you open your hearts to the grandest, most wonderful present of all. Truly the best gift of 2015; Salvation. 

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

This is the one gift that is free to anyone and everyone. All you have to do is ask. 

Feel free to share this gift, this post, with everyone this Christmas. 

Merry Christmas, and blessings to all. May the God of salvation fill your hearts this year. 

When There’s No Merry in Your Christmas

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Last night I sat in the hallway with my newborn on my chest, surrounded by my other children perched on pillows, while the terrifying sounds of strong winds, crashing thunder, and pelting rain punctuated our conversation. The soundtrack of Fox News sang in the background, accompanied by the local, eery tornado siren, and the shrill alarm of an Emergency Alert. 

When the alarm had first screamed I felt my heart rate increase, and unexpected tears tried to come to my eyes. I pushed them back in favor of a brave voice as I instructed my children to take shelter in the hall. And as we sat there waiting for what may come I told them The Christmas Story, the story of the birth of Jesus. 

Last night the storm raged through our area, but we were not touched by it. I was grateful, I was humbled, but my heart was also grieved for those that it did come upon. I watched the news, saw the pictures of destruction so nearby, and I hugged my children a little bit tighter. A lot tighter actually.  

As I read of lives lost, homes lost, and the needs for not just presents under the tree, but the simplest of necessities, like clothing and food, I realized it would be a difficult Christmas for some this year. 

Even before vicious storms blew through and blew down homes I knew of many a savage tempest that tore through so many hearts this holiday season. For so many in the midst of grief and nagging memories their Christmas would not be Merry; it would be merely lacking. 

Normally joyous Christmas carols would fall flat, and decking the halls would seem hardly worth the effort in the face of loss. 

Empty chairs at the dinner table, empty bank accounts at the worst possible time, and hearts and minds empty of hope and a spirit of celebration for the season. It’s still Christmas; it’s just not very Merry. 

I cannot understand why tragedy comes, why bad things happen to nice people, or why the good die young. I don’t have the answers to sickness, famine, war, or even why tornadoes come two days before Christmas. All I know is who is in control of it all, and that my whole heart trusts in Him, no matter what storms come my way. 

Psalm 34:17-20

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. (ESV)

Revelation 21:4

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (ESV)

Romans 15:13

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NASB)

Sometimes, because of our earthly circumstances, Christmastime does not seem very Merry. That’s the thing about circumstances; they are fluid. They alter and change, and they don’t always work out as planned. But there is one thing about the holidays that is constant. It’s so certain that we take it for granted, and in our shaky circumstances we can easily forget the rock-solid promise that is Christmas. 

Christmas means salvation, eternal life, and an infinity in Heaven where there is no more pain, no more crying, no more dying, no more shame. So even when life on earth is cruel and we cannot understand why, we can be certain of the gift of forgiveness of sin, and that’s something to be Merry about after all. 

Why We Should Call Off Christmas. 

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A seasonal cartoon came on television yesterday while I sat on the sofa with my spouse. It displayed on a popular programming station for children, and I watched as the story played out before us. There were lots of magic, presents, and naturally, Santa, and all the cartoon childrens’ eyes widened with excitement. Just when you thought their eyes couldn’t possibly get any larger. 

As I watched the animated little girl explain the definition of Christmas to her animal friend, I felt disappointed that no mention of Christ was uttered, and I stated such to my husband beside me. He hadn’t missed the absence either. 

I am aware that I live in a world full of many varying beliefs and cultures, and while Christianity is prevalent in our country, it is not the only belief system in place. I’m also aware that the neglect to mention Christ’s birth when discussing the holiday isn’t something new. That’s been going on for years, and many people celebrate Happy Holidays with no belief in Jesus whatsoever. 

Many will even argue that Christmas began as a pagan holiday celebrating Winter Solstice and the worship of the god Saturn. Due to this history of the holiday it can be argued that December 25th isn’t about Jesus at all. But none of this is really my point. My question would actually be, not what the holiday is for others, but rather what it means for you?

Because you see, even Christians can unknowingly distort the holiday. They can place so much focus on going and getting that the true reason for celebration in a Christian sense is actually left in the shadows. And in the busyness of shopping and traveling we sweep our Savior under the rug. Not intentionally, but nonetheless, there He lies. Abandoned, forgotten, in favor of tacky sweater parties and Santa Claus. 

No one wants to admit it, but as a Christian when we allow the majority of our energies to revolve around what has in essence become a secular celebration, we are no better than those who make no mention of Christ the King. When we busy our minds so much on presents that we neglect His presence then we might as well say “Happy Holidays, y’all!” When we can’t make Christ the center of our celebrations then we lose our own center of being, and we might as well call the whole thing off. 

Over the years things have become more politically correct, and to many the real meaning of Christmas, according to a Christian’s beliefs, is something that doesn’t even have a place. As a believer this saddens me, but I can’t completely boycott the birthday celebration that I hold so dear. But I can make certain that it remains pure and purposeful in my life and that of my family. 

We will purchase packages and sing Jingle Bell Rock with vigor, but above all we will give honor and remembrance to the Newborn King. We will not allow consumerism to overshadow our need for a Savior, and certainly not allow it to take ranking in our thoughts above the courageous birth of God in flesh sent to save us all. 

The story of Christ’s birth amazes and humbles me to no end. The fact that God not only took His place among us, but in such a manner as to be born in a lowly manger. The birth of Jesus in such a situation showed His approachable character right from the start, and proved that God can do so much with so little, an encouraging reminder for us every day we live. 

Our focus should always be on this. This perfect story of redemption that started in a stable, but still plays out miraculously over 2000 years later. It started with a baby, climaxed with the cross, and continues in the daily life of every sinner saved. That should be at the forefront of our minds when we say “Merry Christmas,” and if it doesn’t then maybe you should just say “Happy Holidays,” and call the whole Christ-mas thing off.