Just Remember
Elections, Hallmark Movies, and the Longing that Leads Us Home
A minister of Christ must be attuned to the spirits of those in his care. I don’t presume to have reached such innate wisdom, but I recognize its importance. I have, however, spent enough time in the fields of service to distinguish the sharp bleating of a distressed flock from their hushed sounds of contentment. Though no longer blessed to shepherd a settled parish, I assume again the calling to which I was ordained long ago: that of an evangelist. And so, from this identity and responsibility, I seek to minister to the one reading these words, especially to the one led here by the Holy Spirit.
My Concern
A historic national election has concluded, and the majority of the nation now feels a renewed sense of hope. Amidst a backdrop of strife and division—assassination attempts, “lawfare,” and bitter irreconcilable divisions over the moral confusion described in Romans 1:18-32—the election seems to carry an unquestionable mandate. A renewed sense of hope can indeed cultivate resilience and creative venture. Yet, many in our country remain hopeless, regardless of their vote, for true hope does not stem from political outcomes. Euphoria or despair over earthly kingdoms, though understandable, misses the deeper needs only God’s Kingdom can satisfy. “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's . . . (Matthew 22:21).
I sense my own counter-self sneering somewhere across the hemispheres of my mind:
"Great. We have a big election and everyone’s excited, but not you! You have to get introspective and spoil the celebration. Really nice, Mike-O’Boy—just what we’d expect from an old persimmon like you."
No, please, I am thankful. I desire wise governance, and I pray for our leaders. But I am also concerned. I want to “stand by the door” (as Samuel Shoemaker said) for those who feel empty. Some will experience Christmas solely as sights and smells, failing to realize it is more than a "holiday feeling."
"Wait—elections or Christmas? Now I’m confused."
It’s an illustration; please stay with me.
"Fine. Go ‘head. You will anyway."
Thank you. My point is that feelings, if misplaced, lead to disappointment. We can project a longing for “meaning,” “home,” or “belonging” onto the season—the reindeer, the lights, and the festive decor, and even Hallmark holiday movies—as if these things alone could fix what’s missing. The truth is, these symbols do bring joy, and there is no harm in enjoying the season (indeed, the warm feelings from such things are good if you follow the signs). Yet, if we lean too heavily on the temporary, we risk disappointment when the decorations are boxed away and the season fades.
"So, what’s your point?"
The holiday’s appeal reveals our deeper need for something lasting. Christmas reflects a historical and spiritual reality; it is not the source of it. Elections, too, reflect our yearning for peace and justice—they are a shadow of the Kingdom we truly need. They are hints about a King we long to have as our own. Does that make sense?
"No, but I’m only the left side of your brain. Just tell me what you want me to do."
Be quiet.
Okay. Back to writing for you, the reader. As the Preacher reminds us, there is a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1). So, be careful not to misplace expectations. Human government is a provision from God, as Paul reminds us:
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16-17).
Being a good citizen matters, and “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice” (Proverbs 29:2). Jeremiah, Daniel, Paul—all sought to live peaceably in their communities to fulfill their vocations (1 Timothy 2:1-2). If you’re disheartened by the election, exercise your right to dissent, but also pray for the peace of our nation:
“Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace” (Jeremiah 29:7, NKJV).
Now, as for the longing for peace, justice, security, and a joy unending—along with the warmth of Christmas lights and the scent of pine (and Hallmark holiday movies), follow these breadcrumbs: They lead to the One who placed that longing within us, and only He can fulfill it.
If you are feeling either too dependent on the things in this world, or absolutely in despair, consider this and find the peace you long for. I would say, “just remember.”
Just remember. The Lord Jesus awaits the Father’s word (Matthew 24:36). Then, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” He will appear in the sky, with the army of spirits of believers who have gone before (1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Thessalonians 4:16-17). Their bodies will be resurrected, their remains—dust and ashes, whether from hours or millennia passed—precious and unforgotten by the Creator, rising to meet the Lord in the air, transformed and glorified, even as He is glorified (1 Corinthians 15:52). Then we who are alive at His coming will join this unimaginable grandeur in the skies. My beloved, the Lord Jesus is returning (Revelation 22:12). And that changes everything.
Just remember. Grace is still actively extended to all who will receive Christ as the resurrected, reigning Lord of Lords and King of Kings (Romans 5:8, 1 Timothy 6:15). Though the sun may be setting in the West, it is rising in the East, as the gospel light spreads (Isaiah 60:1-3; Malachi 1:11). Some who curse Christ today will preach Him tomorrow (Acts 9:1-20). But, has God forgotten the first peoples to hear and believe? Though their fires of faith may be dying, the embers yet remain. The Father does not forget any of His children. He gave us to the Son as a gift before the world was formed (John 10:29-30). The darkest smoke of unbelief, rising from the plains of despair, and the most violent and debased tribes of Man cannot withstand the purifying light and unquenchable love of God and the power if His Gospel (John 1:5; 2 Corinthians 4:6).
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.—Isaiah 60:1-3
Just remember. The kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever (Revelation 11:15). It is only a matter of providence and time (Acts 1:7; Romans 11:36).
“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.”—Our Lord Jesus in John 10:29-30.
And so, we live with a certain hope based on truths that transform:
The days are difficult. God is sovereign. “The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).
There is so much pain. You are safe in His everlasting arms. “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).
Everything seems to change. God does not. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Others may betray you. Even your health may fail. Your Savior will never let you go. “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).
Recently, I find myself singing a great hymn of the Church, penned by Isaac Watts, inspired by Psalm 90. I share it with you as an invitation. I encourage you: pray the Psalm, sing the hymn alongside believers from Westminster Abbey, and rest in the peace of the promises of the One who loved you before you were born (Psalm 90:1-2; John 17:20; Ephesians 1:4).
May the Word of the Lord fill you with hope, and may His peace guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Psalm 90
A Psalm of Moses
90 Lord, You have been our [a]dwelling place in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You [b]had formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
3 You turn man to destruction,
And say, “Return, O children of men.”
4 For a thousand years in Your sight
Are like yesterday when it is past,
And like a watch in the night.
5 You carry them away like a flood;
They are like a sleep.
In the morning they are like grass which grows up:
6 In the morning it flourishes and grows up;
In the evening it is cut down and withers.
7 For we have been consumed by Your anger,
And by Your wrath we are terrified.
8 You have set our iniquities before You,
Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance.
9 For all our days have passed away in Your wrath;
We finish our years like a sigh.
10 The days of our lives are seventy years;
And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,
Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;
For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11 Who knows the power of Your anger?
For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath.
12 So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
13 Return, O Lord!
How long?
And have compassion on Your servants.
14 Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!
15 Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us,
The years in which we have seen evil.
16 Let Your work appear to Your servants,
And Your glory to their children.
17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Amen!