On the Tenth Day of Christmas

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ten lords a leaping...

I have not seen any leaping lords of late, though I imagine they  may be found on Dancing with the Stars, the winter Olympics, or perhaps at the local gym.   Speaking of the gym, I tried to leap recently, just yesterday, in fact.  After untold years of begging, my friend finally convinced me to join her exercise group yesterday for CrossFit training of sorts.  It's official:  I am definitely more cross this morning than I have ever been.  My legs still feel like jello, and I can barely lift my donut much less my coffee mug.

Leaping, after all, is not for the faint of heart.  Leaping is much like jumping (ever tried box jumps?) but I imagine with a leap we may go higher and extend the spring a bit longer.  So, I know you are wondering:  Did anyone leap in the Bible?  Why, yes, as a matter of fact they did!  Isaiah 35 "The Joy of the Redeemed" is a beautiful passage of encouragement and deliverance.  It is here  that we read how the lame will "leap like a deer."  

Such deliverance might be likened unto our salvation.  I distinctly remember the moment of my salvation, and needless to say, my heart was definitely leaping.  A new call was placed on my life and the orders were to "get up, take your mat and walk" (Mark 2:9).  The lame, after being healed, did not constantly leap, but rather they learned to walk both literally and spiritually.

During this Christmas season, perhaps we can recall the joy of our salvation.  Our True Love has sent us drummers as a reminder for us to pick up our stick and beat out a melody that is focused on Him instead of lost in comparing ourselves with others; He sent us pipers to help us remember to pick up our pipe to allow streams of living water to flow from the joy He has instilled within us; and He gave us leaping lords to encourage us to find the bounce in our step even when we are weary and feeling a bit bogged down from the hustle and bustle.  

So go ahead!  Get moving!  Leap a little today!  You can do it!     

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You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.  With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.  He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.
Psalm 18:28-33

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When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
from Account from a Visit from St. Nicholas