Bells have always had a special place in my heart as they have often reminded me of the joy the Lord can present us with. Many have said that bells signal the arrival of an event or special occasion. Others have even said that bells are used to ward off evil spirits or to warn of an oncoming attack. They can often be used to gather people together, like in a church. They can be used to help bring the focus of the many to the one, like in a toast.6 For me though, it has always been a reminder that there is still something to place your hope in.
Think about it for a moment, how often have you seen bells at weddings, or at a New Year's celebration? When used in weddings or at a celebration of some type, bells usually indicate something new or positive. The ring of a bell can bring joy to a broken heart, peace to a clouded mind, and belief to a doubting soul. Its constant ring can bring calm even in the midst of the darkest storm.
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There is a film called The Polar Express that highlights this idea. In the beginning of this film we are introduced to a small boy that is very doubtful of the existence of Santa Claus. I know, I know, Santa Claus doesn’t really exist anymore. I’ll get to that a little later. In any case, the boy, cleverly given the name ‘HeroBoy’, continues searching for proof that Santa is real and every time he gets close, he pulls back. As the boy goes to sleep for the night he is awakened by a train, ‘The Polar Express,’ and taken on this incredible journey that, in the end, restores his belief in Santa Claus.
Along the way he encounters many different people who help him get to this conclusion. While these different people teach him certain things along this journey, it is only when the ‘bells of Christmas’ ring that he realizes something is missing from his life. Unlike everyone else on the journey with him, he is the only one who cannot hear the beautiful sound the bell produces. It is only when he admits he believes that he begins to hear the bell’s ring, thus finding the faith to place his hope in something bigger than himself.
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It is the same way in our lives. Many times we search for the answers only to find that we have embraced more doubt (Matthew 14:31 ESV). If all we are filled with is doubt, there isn’t really any point to anything else, is there? The only thing that can keep us from being filled with doubt is to replace it with hope, with faith and with belief. ‘Reflecting Christmas’ with each day given to us doesn’t have to be the hardest thing we’ve ever done.
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The ‘bells of Christmas’ can serve as a reminder of that. With each ring that bell tones this holiday season, we can trigger a spirit of hope within our hearts that will radiate to those around us. In turn, that spirit can bring people together in an entirely new celebration.
Thanks again for visiting "The Gathering Room"
Stand Strong and continue to believe the teachings given to you... (2 Thes. 2:15b NCV),
M.E.
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