Christ's Thorns

From Facebook, (not mine)

Headless Snake

"Unlike mammals, reptile reflexes remain deadly after death. In fact, they can still bite and deliver a killing dose of venom up to an hour after being decapitated. Watch as this snake’s head – severed from its body – continued to scan the area, waiting for an opportunity to strike." Source: http://neverchill.com/22834/zombie-snake-attack

It's a long one, but so worth the read. I finally got through it, when my eyes cleared enough because the tears pooling in them finally gave way and spilled down my cheeks. Where Is God When Bad Things Happen (from Ann's Holy Experience)

The quotes that jumped out at me, most profoundly, were:
A snake’s neurology and blood flow make it such that it slithers wild even after it’s been sliced headless...
Never doubt it, wondering world: Even if the tail still rampages, the snake’s head is crushed.

This illustration help me understand how Christ could crush satan's head and yet we are still feeling the poison sting of evil today. In the throws of death, satan tries to reek as much havoc as he can. For further perspective, read Satan's A Goner. Hmm, think God knew what he was doing when He designed a literal serpent's physiology, when He equated satan with the snake? Praise God that we have assurance that He wins in the end!

Light Born Into Darkness

In light today's (and other recent) shootings, I have no words. I direct you to a prayer, posted today by Max Lucado, saying (just in part),

Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod's jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.
Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.

Read this Christmas Prayer in full at www.huffingtonpost.com/max-lucado/a-christmas-prayer_2_b_2302548.html .

Light Outshing Brightest Star

Paul's story leads me to ponder themes of light and darkness, sight and blindness. Here is a timely reflection on Light, by my friend Lynn.

Let Light Dispel Darkness