God My Defender

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” Luke 2:10-14

That tiny babe. Wrapped in swaddling clothes. Lying in a manger. Surrounded by a teenage mom, a stepdad, and the animals. Shepherds bowing to worship. Wise men bringing expensive gifts. A star shining brightly.

It’s such a beautiful portrait of our Savior, one we all love to imagine. The image seems so peaceful, so calm, so serene. In this chaotic world, chaotic season, it would seem so perfect to be swept away and become part of that scene.

I’m sure it wasn’t actually how we see it portrayed in most nativity scenes, probably not as silent as we think. I do believe, however, there was a pervading sense of peace and calm that emanated from that barn. An unexplained peace that permeated the darkest of nights

How we long for that perfect peace to invade our lives even today! The perfect peace that came to earth as an infant that dark night.

What is it about that tiny babe wrapped in a manger that brought peace…that still brings peace today?

This is what the Sovereign Lord, your God and Defender, says: “See, I have taken the terrible cup from your hands. You will drink no more of my fury. Instead, I will hand that cup to your tormentors, those who said, ‘We will trample you into the dust and walk on your backs.’” Isaiah 51:22-23

Perhaps this scripture sums up so much. On that still night, our Defender was born, the One who came to take away the terrible cup from our hands. The One who can be completely trusted to take away our shame. The One who stands before our enemies and brings truth to light. The One who fights for us when we can fight no longer.

Maybe you understand the need for a Defender. Maybe you are in that place of chaos. Of fear. Of complete exhaustion.

Maybe you are facing false accusations. Maybe your divorce has become too bitter to bear. Maybe your kids are being turned against you. Maybe it seems you will never again experience the peace you once took for granted.

The good news is a precious baby was born one night, a baby who is now your Defender, a baby who fights for you if you will only be still (Exodus 14:14). He came to restore the peace to your life, to bring truth to light. He came to stand in the gap for you.

That precious baby is our light, the One that shines a bright light on the deeds done in darkness

Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

We have all been there at some point. There were so many false accusations against me in the midst of my divorce. The story of how I just woke up one morning and didn’t love my husband any more, conveniently leaving out the three years of adultery. Then there were the accusations how I turned my kids against their dad, lies that could easily be created if you only saw one side of the story.

Then there was the time last year when we were turned in for allegations of child abuse, lies that were unfounded and created by narrating a false story to make us look like monsters.

In every situation. At every turn. My Defender has been there. He has been the One shining light on the darkness, bringing truth to light to protect me from those who were set on destroying me.

Whether it is through the random conversation with just the right person or the evidence that appears to prove our innocence, God has always been there. That precious baby who came to be the light of the world. The light that pierces the darkness. The light that shines in the darkness to illuminate the truth.

The light that brings that peace full circle.

Are you there? Are you fighting the lies? Are you struggling to find your way, to find the peace in the midst of the chaos of deeds done in darkness?

The good news is you have a Defender, a bright light that came to live in the world, to bring you His perfect peace.

Run to that baby. Trust Him with your heart, with every aspect of your life. Trust Him with the truth, with your story, to bring the truth to light. Trust Him to shine His light on your life, to bring beauty from the ashes.

He is the Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. Psalm 68:5