The Bridge

Bridges are essential in the place where I live, next to the mighty Fraser River, the vital and rich link in our province.  In the last year there have been some significant shifts in my community as three new bridges have been created. They are actually beautiful structures that link and facilitate presence and community.  One of the bridges in particular has opened up some wonderful links for our town.  I have been surprised  by how one bridge can bring such a huge change in perspective and community.  The bridge has two huge bronze eagles flying high in its structure.  They always remind me of the prophet Isaiah's encouragement that "Those who hope in God will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles and will run and not grow weary and walk and not be faint."  (Isaiah 40:31).  That bridge has significantly changed my perspective and patterns of travel and does in fact lift up my soul in its beauty and wonder whenever I cross it.

I have always been encouraged and refreshed by this painting of the "Bridge over the Water Lily Pond" by Claude Monet.  It reminds me to open up my perspective and to be receptive to the changes that bridges can bring.

The birth and life of Jesus is God's bridge to us.  How many gods come down to our level to communicate their character as one of us?   It is like us becoming an ant so that we can bridge the gaps of our differences to communicate with ants.  There are so many criticisms of the tight narrowness and restrictions and exclusiveness of the Christian way.  I totally agree that often us Christians become mired in tight legalism in order to somehow cushion ourselves from the harsh gray realities of life.  As I look at Christ's life, he actually moved freely out of  the legalistic and narrow views of those around him who wanted to live within safe boundaries of protection.  He broke down the walls and invited people to a larger and more inclusive way.  I am always so encouraged to look to the open and inviting bridge that God gave us so that we can really know Him.  Jesus is that bridge.  I want to openly know who he is so that I can know God.  He was a person of history.  An amazing person.  In this Monet painting we cannot clearly see where the bridge leads. My perspective is also more on my own side of the bridge, but increasingly I want to go with Jesus on that journey over the bridge to know God.  Christmas is all about how Jesus has opened our range and perspective to be the bridge for us to enter into relationship with the God of all Life.  I have choice about whether I will cross over.  There is risk and adventure and change.  Christ is the gift of a bridge for us to travel in relationship with God this Christmas!