The Flat Earth Society

Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder— no end to the prey! The crack of the whip, and rumble of the wheel, galloping horse and bounding chariot! Horsemen charging, flashing sword and glittering spear, hosts of slain, heaps of corpses, dead bodies without end— they stumble over the bodies! And all for the countless whorings of the prostitute, graceful and of deadly charms, who betrays nations with her whorings, and peoples with her charms. Behold, I am against you, declares the LORD of hosts, and will lift up your skirts over your face; and I will make nations look at your nakedness and kingdoms at your shame. I will throw filth at you and treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle. And all who look at you will shrink from you and say, “Wasted is Nineveh; who will grieve for her?” Where shall I seek comforters for you? (Nahum 3:1-7 ESV). Members of the Flat Earth Society claim to believe the Earth is flat. Walking around on the planet's surface, it looks and feels flat, so they deem all evidence to the contrary, such as satellite photos of Earth as a sphere, to be fabrications of a "round Earth conspiracy" orchestrated by NASA and other government agencies. And, no, I’m not kidding! The belief that the Earth is flat has been described as the ultimate conspiracy theory. According to the Flat Earth Society's leadership, it has been growing rapidly since 2009. Over 200 people (mostly Americans and Britons) per year have joined since then. You may visit their web site, or read some of the current literature, which speaks quite plainly about the trickery perpetuated by NASA and science in general. For them, it’s all a conspiracy. The oceans are actually secured by a mound of ice at the edges. These folks may not catch your attention, but there are subtle principles at work in their lives that we ought to take notice of in our own lives. Too many people seem to believe that our culture is stable. We seem to deny where we are heading and what counts in the end. Many have missed the core truth. This is the truth of our reading today. Nineveh (the known center of the world at that time) is not sovereign; its markets and entertainments are not permanent, its army is not strong enough. “I am against you, says the Lord of hosts” (v. 5). God plans to heal the nations, to redeem his people, to establish His eternal kingdom. The Ninevites did not see it. Their earth was flat. That certainly did not change the outcome of God’s purpose for history. We are on the eve of a New Year. There are so many things that pull for our attention. Some of them are important; most of them make very little difference in the plan and purpose of God. As ridiculous as the Flat Earth Society may seem, we can fall into such a false sense of our power to determine the future so easily. Today, God wants you to believe his Word and put your life in his hands. What better day to start fresh than today as we peek over into a New Year!

The Kingdom of God

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. (Matthew 3:1-6 ESV). When Matthew announces the coming of John the Baptist he makes a simple declaration of his purpose. He was to declare “the kingdom of God is at hand.” Having been a preacher for over forty-five years I can identify with John. There really is only one message. It is much simpler than most of us make it to be. God has never desired to make that message so complex that we could not understand who He is and what He has done on our behalf. We see a key in the Greek word that Matthew uses for "kingdom." It is basileia, which can be defined as kingship, sovereignty, authority, rule, especially of God, both in the world, and in the hearts of men. It points fundamentally to the realm in which a king sovereignly rules His people. It does not refer to the realm over which He rules, but His subjects. This is a reference to the kingdom where God’s will is done. This is of particular interest when we remember that Jesus taught the disciples to pray “Thy kingdom come, they will be done” (cf. Matthew 6:9-13). In its fullness it includes not only human obedience to God’s word, but the triumph of God over physical evils, particularly over death. In the expectation found in contemporary Jewish teaching, the kingdom was to be ushered in by a judgment in which sinners would be condemned and perish. Thankfully they were incomplete in their understanding! Jesus came preaching a gospel of life, not death. We now have access through His work on the cross to this kingdom that does not condemn us to an eternity of loss, but a present and future full of gain. We are approaching a New Year. Perhaps your past year has been one full of difficulty and challenge. The message of this time of the year for all of us is that all of those difficulties and challenges are merely within the purview of our sovereign King who delights in working all things to our good. This is the kingdom that has now come to be. It is not yet to be, it is now present. Of course, there is much more yet to be revealed in the working of God’s kingdom on earth; but, now we have been ushered into the protection and reign of the One who has won for us the ultimate victory.

The White Glove Test

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD! (Psalm 25:1-7 ESV). Reading this psalm took me back over four decades ago. When I went to Texas A&M University, I was in the Corps of Cadets. Being a full time military preparatory program had its challenges. As if your first year in college weren’t enough, there were many others things that had to be done too. I learned quickly the benefits of a four corner tuck on my bed that was tight enough to bounce a coin when dropped on it; I learned the importance of rank and file while marching; I learned how challenging it was to run with a full pack and M1 rifle weighing in at about fifty pounds total; and, I learned how to shine my shoes and boots to a mirror image. One of the inspections we regularly faced was the “white glove test.” You’ve seen or heard of this infamous exercise. Someone inspects your room with a white cotton glove on rubbing it along every edge and corner to make sure everything was spotless and free of dirt or dust. I rarely passed that test! There’s another white glove test that many people like to conduct. They enjoy rubbing a white glove over someone’s past, and then inspecting the dirt with relish. Remembering the sins of someone’s youth, their sordid past becomes a way of putting them and keeping them in their place. Let a woman be named Citizen of the Year, and people will still recall the night, years ago, when she was ticketed for drunk driving. Let a man be named CEO of a great company, and people will still whisper about how, years ago, he was expelled from school for rowdy behavior. I have learned a very important lesson through the years. A friend is someone who knows you, but chooses not to remember the sins of your youth. A friend does not dredge up and recollect your sordid past. A friend forgets what you’ve done, but doesn’t forget you. Isn’t that what we want from God — remember me, but do not remember my sins? And isn’t that precisely how God deals with us! “I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake,” says God, “and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25). Other people may remember the sins of your youth, but God forgets, forgives. God does not remember your sins. God remembers you. This New Year accept that grace and be that kind of friend to others.

I Am Old

The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. (Psalm 92:12-15 ESV). Well, I finally got my 2015 Tennessee whitetail in the freezer. I guess I was too picky during the early part of the season. I saw lots of deer, but none I wanted to shoot. Perhaps I realized that after the shooting comes the real work. And, I must admit that I had to call for help to get the deer loaded and out of the field. I am very thankful for friends to call at the last minute to help me load it. You know, I used to be able to such a simple task. After all, it wasn’t that big! I suppose I have to admit that being older has a way of sneaking up on you. Certainly this signals the end of me being able to say, “I’m getting older.” Now I am forced to simply admit that I am old. We all are in some ways arriving at that place where we simply don’t have the physical ability to do the things we used to be able to do. For some, that position called “old age” is something to be dreaded. It is viewed as a time of decay and decline, with physical aches and pains. Our circle of friends becomes smaller and smaller; and, the feeling that your best years are behind you seems to lurk in the background of our thoughts. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Old age can be a time of triumph, like the last miles of a marathon race where the runner feels exultant and deeply satisfied. The psalmist talks of people who, even in old age, are like productive fruit trees, fresh and green, full of sap. In old age we may have to renounce, but we don’t have to resign. As we age, there are renunciations to be made, what foods we can eat and what activities we can do; but, that doesn’t mean we have to resign from living. We may have to live differently, but we don’t have to live less. Life is an adventure of the heart and mind, two things that don’t grow old, unless we let them. Your face may be wrinkled, but your soul doesn’t have to be; nor does your faith. We are winding 2015 down. I hope you have accomplished more than you ever dreamed possible this year. Whether you have or not, let the changing of the calendar be an opportunity for you to renew your belief in the power and purpose of God for your life. I’m always excited for new starts. Let this New Year be such a time for you. Commit yourself to renounce the things you need to renounce and to renew your life! Don’t settle for resignation.

Gravity

The scatterer has come up against you. Man the ramparts; watch the road; dress for battle; collect all your strength. For the LORD is restoring the majesty of Jacob as the majesty of Israel, for plunderers have plundered them and ruined their branches. The shield of his mighty men is red; his soldiers are clothed in scarlet. The chariots come with flashing metal on the day he musters them; the cypress spears are brandished. The chariots race madly through the streets; they rush to and fro through the squares; they gleam like torches; they dart like lightning. He remembers his officers; they stumble as they go, they hasten to the wall; the siege tower is set up. The river gates are opened; the palace melts away; its mistress is stripped; she is carried off, her slave girls lamenting, moaning like doves and beating their breasts. Nineveh is like a pool whose waters run away. “Halt! Halt!” they cry, but none turns back. Plunder the silver, plunder the gold! There is no end of the treasure or of the wealth of all precious things. (Nahum 2:1-9 ESV). Very little is known about Nahum, but from his writing we gain a sense of his keen intellectual and literary abilities, his command of certain OT themes and literatures, and perhaps most importantly his love and humility before a gracious, holy and vengeful God. The Hebrew name Nahum means “compassion,” or “comfort” and is interesting in light of God’s promises throughout the book of comfort and deliverance for his people. They were hard times for the people of Israel. I’ve noticed that in hard times, people look for something to anchor them. They need something they can count on. May I suggest gravity? You can count on gravity. It never fails. A recent survey shows more Americans than ever claim “no religion.” Gravity may be all they can believe in. But gravity doesn’t take the heart very far. There are better options for people anxious to know if there’s anything more than death in the end. Not for people in Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian empire. For them, the scatterer is coming. Their best efforts are as hopeless as defying gravity. Do all you may, Nahum says. Run to your battle stations (v. 1). Put extra metal plating on your chariots. Call out your elite troops. Go ahead. Run to your weapons, practice your drills (vv. 3-5). The prophet knew that Nineveh was finished, like a pool leaking water (v. 8). God’s plan, not technology or empire, was the sure and certain future for human history. What an incredible message for our day. When people have begun to live by “an abundance of caution” there is a better option. God’s love is our hope when life is scary. Our hope comes from knowing that the “Scatterer” is also the “Gatherer,” the Lord who makes safe the way of all who are his chosen children. Don’t be afraid. God is near, and in control.

The Morning After

Thus says the LORD, “Though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more. And now I will break his yoke from off you and will burst your bonds apart.” The LORD has given commandment about you: “No more shall your name be perpetuated; from the house of your gods I will cut off the carved image and the metal image. I will make your grave, for you are vile.” Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off. (Nahum 1:12-15 ESV). I love this little verse tucked away into this prophecy, Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! It is an evocative image. Here we see a traveler through a rugged mountain trail with one purpose. He is bringing news of peace. We do not know the intended identity of this herald. It could have been a prophet, although we should remember the prophets were not known primarily for bringing peace. They were best known for their words of judgment. Every prophet had a warning. Sometimes their listeners had time to respond and save the day, sometimes not. It is true that the prophets included the good news that God was rich in mercy and full of steadfast love, peace was the prophets’ last word. I think it is best to see this reference as the Messiah. Peace with God was the reason Jesus came. The peace he offered was freedom from fear and friendship with God. He warned plenty, but at the end, his message was one of peace (cf. John 14:27). If it is indeed a picture of Jesus, then we see even more clearly the call for us to be such messengers. We all can be. This is not a call to special missions or vocational ministry. It is a simple call for us to bring good news while we are walking the path through the mountains of our journey. Whether our journey takes us through the mountains of the corporate world, the halls of our schools, the world of healthcare, construction, industry, or any one of dozens of other occupation, the gospel of peace should be there too. Our life’s trail should be strewn with seeds of peace. Our great calling is to give a word of care here, a piece of wise advice there, a testimony to the love of Jesus in your heart, shared freely with friends and strangers along the way. These are the blessings of a life saved from the destruction of sin. The Apostle Paul put it this way: How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:14-15 ESV). Begin to think about being such a messenger as we face the opportunity of a New Year.

Merry Christmas!

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known. (John 1:14-18 ESV). Merry Christmas! I hope today brings you the best of the Holy Day. I have chosen a reading from the Gospel of John. That may seem a bit odd since John does not mention the birth of Jesus as do Matthew and Luke. John chose to begin at the creation. If we were to read from the beginning of the book, we would see that Jesus was the Creator. It was His word that was spoken that brought everything into existence. It is John’s way of helping us to understand that Jesus did not become God after His birth. He was always God, eternally. That great God, however, did take on flesh. He became man. So, the fourth voice in our chorus of gospel witnesses belongs to John, the disciple whom Jesus loved; and, in nine short words he tells us of the mystery of the incarnation. And the Word became flesh and lived among us. These are the most encouraging words within the story of Jesus.  To a youngster maliciously left out of the crowd, the Gospel writer urges us to say, And the Word became flesh and lived among us…  To an elderly person painfully put in the home, the Gospel writer urges us to say, And the Word became flesh and lived among us…  To a mother holding a starving child, helpless to cut the edge of her hunger, the Gospel writer urges us to say, And the Word became flesh and lived among us…  To everyone, everywhere, the Gospel writer urges us to say, And the Word became flesh and lived among us… John Calvin, the spiritual forbearer of many in the Reformed tradition, writes this in a beautiful section of The Institutes of the Christian Religion: “Since we see that so great a store of every good thing abounds in him, let us drink our fill from this fountain and from no other!” Indeed, if my hope for you is the best of this Holy Day, then we must begin at this great beginning. Jesus came to his own; he became one of his own. Jesus became flesh so that his death would be sufficient to pay our debt in exchange for eternal life. That is the best gift anyone could possibly receive! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:8-14 ESV). While I am writing this Morning Devotional a few days before Christmas Eve, I anticipate being with all of our children and grandchildren by Christmas Eve. The plan is for everyone to gather in Texas. Most of them are already there, so really it is just a matter of Mary and I, along with Aaron, to travel to be with the others. It’s always a little strange to be geographically separated from them. We talk and Face Time, but somehow it’s not quite the same as being there. So much happens in between the conversations that we miss so much. That thought brings me to today’s reading. A New Yorker cartoon showed a husband standing in the kitchen, reading a note from his wife. The note said: “While you were out I won the lottery, shed 40 pounds, wrote a novel, and the kids and I moved to a villa in the south of France. Dinner’s in the fridge.” I wonder sometimes about being “out” when the important stuff happens. You’ve had this feeling. The kids grew up when you weren’t looking. Significant events came and went, and you missed them. This happened because they seemed so insignificant at the time. Those little things were innocuous at the moment. Well, let me ask you, How about Christmas? Are you going to experience Christmas this year, or will it happen while you’re out? Some folks work strenuously to make Christmas meaningful by decorating and baking, buying presents, and sending cards only to flop in a chair on Christmas night, frazzled and exhausted. Christmas happened, and they missed it. You can’t buy a meaningful Christmas. You can’t arrange it. You can’t make it happen. Christmas is a gift; you either receive it, or you don’t. So, let me make a few suggestions for you this Christmas. First, find a nice, quiet place to sit. Read the Christmas story. Then, just sit, breathe deep, be still, and receive the Christmas gift you most need, but seldom think to ask for, God himself. Second, find a way to gather your children, your grandchildren, and the people who mean so much to you; and then, sit with them. Listen to them as they talk and laugh. Share with them the stories of your history and family. Let Christ pour from you his grace. Let God cement a memory within you and them that will last a lifetime.

Traveling Home

By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our lyres. For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How shall we sing the LORD's song in a foreign land? If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy! (Psalm 137:1-6 ESV). We have been very fortunate to have had many “homes” over the years. These were not geographical locations as much as they were the places our family had settled for a time. Today Mary and I are traveling from Tennessee to Texas for the holidays. It won’t be long until we make that trip for one last time and relocate to Texas. Of course we are looking forward to being in that area because of the close proximity it will provide to our children and grandchildren. When we move back to Texas, all but our youngest son, Aaron will be within minutes of our house. Grandma and Grandpa will have lots of opportunity to be with Faith, Logan, and Maggie! However, even then, we will not be “home.” Our home is in heaven. This is the real backdrop of our reading today. The Babylonians had forced exiled Jews to sing the hymns of their homeland. “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” they taunted. What a painful, humiliating ordeal. “How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” asks the psalmist. It was a cruel taunt because they didn’t really understand yet that their real home was not Jerusalem, but heaven. This is the message of Christmas. There is another issue however. We ought to ask ourselves whether we can sing happy songs when you’re feeling down; or, when circumstances change, does our faith go with us and support us in new circumstances; or, does our faith dry up and die when circumstances change for the worse? It doesn’t have to. God has shown us a better way to deal with all the challenges of life. Maybe you have been exiled to a “foreign land.” It may have been the loss of a spouse, or a child; it may have been an illness or injury. You may still live in the same house on the same street, but everything is different. Your circumstances may have changed, but God hasn’t changed. Even in our times of frustration and failure, God is leading us still. Even in our times of suffering and pain God still loves us the same. It is hard to sing the Lord’s song in our exile. However, the key is to remember that God has shown us the way by the birth of Jesus. Remember, He came to us. We did not need to travel to him. God sent his only begotten Son that we could know how to get home. No wonder Jesus encourages his disciples at the supper by telling them not to be upset. He is going to go and prepare their place with him and come again to take them home once and for all!

Black Sheep and Crooked Branches

So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations. (Matthew 1:17 ESV). Some of you have heard me talk about my family tree. It is “colorful” to say the least. There are some black sheep and crooked branches in it to be sure. The more research we do, the more we find other interesting things about some of the individuals who grew up in Sicily and Italy long before my grandparents immigrated to this country. The wonderful truth about the Bible is it’s tenacity to tell the whole truth. We see this in Matthew’s genealogy. At first glance it reads like a page in the telephone directory. There are a lot of names and some may be thought if as nice people, but most of them don’t really mean anything to us. This is surely the least read part of the Christmas story. Children don’t recite it in the Sunday school Christmas program; it’s never sung in any carols. A biblical genealogy is like your appendix, there’s no denying it’s there, but it’s hard to say what it’s good for. That couldn’t be further from the truth. When we look closely at some of the names we see it is like most of our families. It’s varied with wicked and godly people, men and women, and Jews and gentiles. There is no racial purity or moral superiority in God’s family tree. Wherever people may have gotten their desire to keep their families or communities “uncontaminated” by those who are different, they didn’t get it from God. If you study these names in detail, it's almost as if God has pulled together a rogue's gallery. I've already said that we don't know about every person on this list. But of the ones we know about, nearly all of them had notable moral failures on their spiritual resumes. For instance, Abraham lied about his wife Sarah. Isaac did the same thing. Jacob was a cheater, Judah a fornicator. David was an adulterer and Solomon was a polygamist. Manasseh was the most evil king Israel ever had. And on and on we could go. This is not a list of plaster saints. Some weren't saints at all. The best of these men had flaws and some were so flawed that it is impossible to see their good points. This is such a clear revelation of the grace of God. Think about that. Most of these men were very great sinners. It should be a great encouragement to us that God doesn’t use just famous people to accomplish his purpose. Whoever we are, when we are willing, God will accept us. God will make something out of our life. After all, isn’t that why Jesus came into our world? The Christmas story is the story of Jesus coming so that regardless of whether we have black sheep or crooked branches in our family; or even if we are those black sheep or crooked branches, Jesus can forgive and use us to bring life to others through His work of grace.

Happy Anniversary, Mary!

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24 ESV). Yep, forty-six years ago, Mary and I exchanged our wedding vows and began this incredible journey. We were so much younger then than now. Our dreams and hopes were vibrant and full. We had the world ahead of us and could not imagine anything better than that moment. Can I say that the journey, while full of surprises, has been more than we dreamed or hoped for. We knew we wanted a family; however, little did we know we would be given such an incredible blessing with our sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. They have been an incredible source of joy and happiness. It has been very easy to “hold fast” to them through the years. We knew we wanted a ministry through the church; and, while it has not always been easy to “hold fast” to the work, it has always been our holding fast to each other that made every calling of God a joy and blessing. We have lived in three different states, ten different cities, and so many different houses that I’ve lost count. Through all of that we have learned that holding fast means you simply let your anchor down in whatever port you find yourself. Home is, after all, where the heart is; and, you always take your heart with you. Mary has been the real anchor through all of that. We have dealt with illness and loss, none of which was expected that wintry day in Bryan, Texas, when we said our vows. However, our promise was for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. We held fast. I suppose I could say it was easy to do that, but that wouldn’t true. It required effort. It required work. But it was always a labor of love. This is not the kind of love that “feels” good all the time. Sometimes our emotions fail us. This kind of love, a love that holds fast, is kept by the vow. The promise keeps us. I remember after my last surgery, waking up briefly after a six hour procedure, looking at her waiting beside the bed and saying, “I’m sorry. I know you didn’t sign up for this.” Her reply was so simple. She said, “Of course I did.” And, I quickly drifted off to sleep for another six hours while my heart began to heal from the surgery. My prayer for each of you is that you will find this kind of love. If you are married, hold fast. If you are single, hold out for that one who will hold fast with you. God has that one for you. And, now, I suppose I simply close this little bit of history by saying Happy Anniversary to my bride of 46 years! Thank you Mary!

We Three Kings

After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:9-12 ESV). "We Three Kings", also known as "We Three Kings of Orient Are" or "The Quest of the Magi", is a popular Christmas carol that was written by John Henry Hopkins, Jr., in 1857. At the time of composing the carol, Hopkins served as the rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, PA, and he wrote the carol for a Christmas pageant in New York City. The first verse and chorus are: We three kings of Orient are; Bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star. O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light. There are three claims about the wise men, only one of which is true: they were from the Orient, the east, which is true; they were kings, which is not true, since they were magi, astrologers; and though Matthew mentions three gifts, there may have been more than three to visit the Christ-child. The really important thing about them isn’t what they were but who they were; they were gentiles drawn to worship Jesus as king. The magi are a preview of all the different nations who come in faith to Christ the Lord. Think of it. No Bible, no Temple, just a hint from the heavens, and off they went, pressing onward through the years the journey must have taken and across the many miles from the east to this little town in the southern region of Judea. The magi went to honor Christ, even when Herod and the leaders of his own people show no interest in doing so. They believed in Christ, even when the King turns out to be a little baby on a poor mother’s lap in a humble village house. But still “they fell down and worshiped him” and presented him with gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. However, the real gift of the magi wasn’t carried in any box. They were the gift. If the magi, with so little real factual information, could worship him with heart and treasure, shouldn’t we?

Eager Anticipation

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:25-26 ESV). Can I confess that I love Christmas? It is a time when our family gathers and we eat, fellowship, and exchange gifts. I am told that I am very difficult to buy something for. Perhaps that’s simply because I really don’t have a list of things that I want or need. I have been blessed to be able to get those things through the year and really don’t find myself lacking in any area. Of course, I don’t have everything. But, I have everything I want. So, my anticipation and joy in Christmas is watching the kids open their gifts. I love the way they tear into their gifts. You can always tell the level of excitement when they think it’s a toy or new electronic instead of clothes. The clothes are accepted graciously, but they can’t wait until they get to another gift that will contain something a little more exciting. One of the sad things about becoming an adult is losing your sense of delight in holidays and celebrations. I guess I’m such a kid at heart, I’ve never lost that excitement. That’s the backdrop of the emotion in our reading today. Simeon lived with an eager anticipation as he looked for the “consolation of Israel.” While he may not have been as wild as a twelve-year-old on at Christmas, we can understand Simeon’s longing by listening to his words upon seeing Jesus, “my eyes have seen your salvation . . . a light for revelation” (vv. 30, 32). Plus, having seen Jesus, Simeon felt that he could die in peace. What we look forward to in the future will define our lives today. Children bounce off the walls just thinking about Christmas morning. Simeon lived a life of righteousness and worship. What about us? Do we look into the future and see Christ’s return with the same clarity, excitement, and hope as Simeon did? Do we allow this vision of the future to shape our lives today? Might I suggest that you spend some time today just thinking what that glorious day will mean in your life? Think of the people you will see. Think of the freedom that will finally be yours. Think of the ultimate gift of an eternal life free from pain and death. Think of the peace that you will possess. Think of all the “nevers” you will have: never fearing illness or death; never fearing losing your loved ones; never fearing failure or rejection; never fearing loneliness and despair… the list is truly endless just like the life we shall possess. Think on those things. They are the lovely things of life!

A Sword to Pierce Your Heart

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:25-35 ESV). Have you noticed how almost everyone loves a baby? When our boys were born, they were surrounded by family who loved and adored them. I know that’s not always the case. However, even when those neglected and unwanted children are born, they are still beautiful to many. All babies seem to be irresistible. Strangers feel right at ease commenting about an infant. They will stare, smile, and talk to the baby. The child will stare back, having not yet learned to avert their eyes. Perhaps a coo, a smile, or a laugh will come. Then the recipient will act as if they have scaled a mountain. “I made them laugh!” Few things are as approachable, or vulnerable, as a newborn baby. So it was that Christ entered the world. Every parent carries a mental catalogue of things that could go wrong with their child. God too must have been fully aware of the risk of sending his Son into the world, because even if Mary did her best to raise him, she could not protect him from everything. Jesus had to face all the risks of living. In addition, a unique measure of suffering was in store for him and for his mother. Simeon said, “A sword will pierce your soul.” Can you imagine what Mary must have thought? This known danger added to God’s sacrifice. God trusted his Son to Mary, not to keep him safe for a full and successful life, but that he might ultimately die in our place. Even as a gentle newborn child, the path to the cross was laid before him. As a parent, would you have wanted to know that? I wouldn’t. I would not want to know that every effort to protect my son was really only an effort to get him to his death. No matter how difficult life may seem, I cannot imagine it being more difficult that it was for Joseph and Mary. Even today as I think about my children and grandchildren, I cannot imagine any harm coming to them. I would gladly take their place rather than they suffer any harm. That’s precisely what God did. Only one death would suffice to redeem these wayward people. God knew it could only be the sinless Son. It would require a great sacrifice on His part and on the part of Jesus’ earthly family. Yet they paid the price. When he asks me to make a sacrifice, how can I possibly think it too great in the face of what he has already done? Whatever “sword” may be poised to pierce your heart, God has already been there. Trust His good to be done.

The Dark Side of Christmas - Pt 6

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:13-14 ESV). What could possibly be “dark” when reading this text today? After all, the angels of heaven are praising God before these shepherds in the fields outside of Bethlehem. They are this grand heavenly choir with their angelic voices singing, aren’t they? Well, the answer is not quite as it might seem from our English translations. The Greek word translated “host” here is the word stratia, a word that almost always denotes an “army.” It’s a military word. Their praising may have had more “shout” than “sing” to it. Remember that Christmas is the beginning of war, the war engineered by the devil and his “hosts” against the newborn Son of God (cf. Revelation 12:1-6). Well, Jesus has a heavenly army too, and they are ready here to do battle on behalf of their God. Do you remember the confrontation in the Garden of Gethsemane? The soldiers come to arrest Jesus; Judas is there to betray him with a kiss. They are armed to take him by force is necessary. Peter is surprised and reacts immediately by drawing his sword and cutting the ear off one of the opposing men. Jesus simply tells him to sheath his sword. Peter must have thought Jesus was crazy. This was only going to end in one way, and that was not a pleasant thought. Jesus reminded him though: “Put your sword back in its place . . . Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (cf. Matthew 26:53 ESV). These are the very same angels praising God before the shepherds. These are the angels who are ready to make sure that Jesus remains alive until he fulfills his mission, to die on the cross for the salvation of humanity. We need to remember that Jesus’ birth signaled the beginning in earnest of the war between Satan and God. It was an escalation of the conflict to a point of no return. Someone would win and someone would lose. Of course, we now know the end of this story. Jesus wins! It may seem very dark in your world today. May I remind you that there really is no darkness so pervasive that the Light of the World cannot overcome it? Jesus has already won. The angels shout because of the victory, not as a motivation to battle. When Jesus was born and laid in that manger, they knew that the battle’s outcome had now been finalized. Now it was merely a matter of time before “peace on earth and good will toward men” would be a reality. Let that reality engulf your mind and spirit in a way that will assuage your fears and lighten your burden. The angels shout… join them, won’t you?

The Dark Side of Christmas - Pt 5

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7 ESV). Mary and I don’t travel as much as we would like. Hopefully that will be remedied when we both actually retire. There were days when that was not true though. When we were in college it was not unusual for us to take a few days off and just strike out on a road trip. It was always fun going “toward” some destination and just stopping where we wanted for the night. It was adventurous at times. I can remember a time or two stopping at the only motel in the area and checking in during the darkness of late night only to wake up the next morning in the light of day and think, “Did we really stay here!” Through the years we did do better in our choices of motels. Now we make reservations ahead of time and check the online ratings before committing to stay in them! For Joseph and Mary, there were no such conveniences in Bethlehem. In fact, with all the people returning for the census, they had little choice of a place to stay. That’s a bit strange for me to understand. Bethlehem was filled with Joseph’s relatives. Yet, it was only a kind gesture from an innkeeper allowing them to stay with the animals that gave them a dry place in which to bring their son into the world. We naturally ask why? Surely one of their relatives or family friends could have made space in the guest room, at least temporarily. But the shame and rejection Mary experienced in Nazareth was spilling over into Bethlehem. Family stories spread then just as they do today. Can’t you hear that voice from deep within the house? “Tell them to sleep with the animals! That will teach them!” And so Joseph and Mary head to the stable, where Mary gives birth to Jesus in the filth of a barn. And a stone’s throw away, the family of David is missing the birth of David’s Son, the most awesome birth in the history of humanity. How tragic and how sad that was. Yet, there are those today who miss the birth of Jesus in much the same way. With our preconceived notions of right and wrong, with our adamant beliefs in the “sins” committed by others, we fail to recognize the opportunity to welcome others into our hearts. It might be wise to remember at this time of the year that Jesus reminded us that “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40 ESV).

The Dark Side of Christmas - Pt 4

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7 ESV). Our small church held the annual Children’s Christmas Program Sunday night. We had all of the necessary characters (and a few extra). I was one of the cows; our county Sheriff, Bucky Rowland, and the Chief Deputy, Ray Jeter, were a donkey and camel respectively. We sang carols and read the Christmas story. We took our annual Lottie Moon Offering for foreign missions and had a fellowship afterward. One of members said, “Now I know Christmas has begun.” It was great fun. Other churches, larger than ours, may have had more people participate and a much more elaborate set, but I doubt any would have had more fun. Further, I doubt that the message was any clearer. We saw a young couple accept Christ as Savior and several others whose heart were touched with this incredible message of redemption. It was a great night! However, that first Christmas night saw so many “dark sides.” It was a very costly gift that God gave to the world that night. It cost Him and those who were involved much. That’s where we continue our series today. Joseph is headed to Bethlehem with Mary, but they are not married though pregnant. This was scandalous at the least. The scandal continued as they made their journey. In the ancient world, an unmarried man and woman were never to be alone together, not even for a moment. Joseph and Mary spent at least seven days together, traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem, engaged but not married. Mary did not have to go to Bethlehem for the census. Ancient censuses were either for military purposes or for taxation, never for just counting people. Neither reason applied to Mary. Near the time for her delivery of her first child, imagine her walking (or riding on a donkey) for nearly a hundred miles, up and down the dusty roads from Nazareth to Bethlehem. We must ask why Mary wasn’t at home, perhaps with her parents? One real possibility is that Mary’s parents had rejected her and her story. Only Joseph believed Mary, and God had charged him with protecting her. It was all the fulfillment of the prophecy of God (cf. Micah 5:2). Their obedience and faith is an inspiring act. It also assures us that God can and does use the pain in our lives to fulfill his purposes. Christmas assures us of that. Trust Him in your life too.

The Dark Side of Christmas - Pt 3

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (Luke 1:46-55 ESV). Our reading today is known as the Magnificat. The word is taken from the Latin for the first word of Mary’s outpouring of praise. It is really a hymn about the incarnation. Without question, it is a song of unspeakable joy and the most magnificent psalm of worship in the New Testament. It is the equal of any Old Testament psalm, and it bears a strong resemblance to Hannah’s famous hymn of praise for the birth of Samuel. It is filled with messianic hope, scriptural language, and references to the Abrahamic covenant. What we can see from this incredible hymn is the taking of real war to a new level. Of course I’m not talking about a conflict between earthly nations. It is not war on a human level, but war in the celestial realm. We can see much more of this war revealed in the Revelation. However, we should make no mistake, the birth of Jesus was a shot fired directly at Satan and all he desired to possess in the earth. God had finally revealed His Messiah. Jesus came into this world “to destroy the devil’s work” (cf. 1 John 3:8), and Satan had no intention of surrendering without a fight. In fact, he was fully intent on destroying the newborn Son of God as quickly as possible. So, Mary’s famous song, sung during her visit with Elizabeth, is essentially a military song. She has come to know that war is on the horizon, and she also knows the outcome. Her reference to God’s “mighty deeds with his arm” recalls the exodus. The first biblical passages where “the outstretched arm” of the Lord is mentioned are Exodus 6:6 and 15:16. Rulers like Herod had to be “brought down… from their throne” (v. 52) for things to be safe for Jesus, but even more so “the ruler of the kingdom of the air” (cf. Ephesians 2:2) had to be dethroned and defeated. That celestial war began at Christmas, and it will not reach its final climax until Jesus returns again to cast the devil and all his hosts into the lake of fire. Just as the first Christmas is history, so will that great day. While it was dark on the first coming of Jesus; the Second Coming will not be so. It will be filled with the light of God’s glory and final victory over death and hell!

The Dark Side of Christmas - Pt 2

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:18-21 ESV). More than a million babies are born in the U.S. each year to mothers who are not married. That’s nearly 40 percent of all births. Today there is little social stigma attached to these women. In fact, in many cases, their courage and determination to raise their child as a single mother is lauded. Because we live in a culture where abortion is both acceptable and easy to obtain, these mothers are not “shamed” as they would have been in the Middle East of Joseph and Mary’s day. That ancient culture was an “honor-shame” culture, where certain situations, one of which was getting pregnant out of wedlock, caused an entire family deep shame. The father of the family was expected to take some drastic action to restore the family honor. Mary knew that what the angel was announcing to her would cause her deep pain. An unmarried virgin conceiving a child was an impossible situation, even if there might be some who would believe she was indeed still a virgin. After all, who would believe her story that her pregnancy involved no sexual immorality? The nativity passages from Scripture suggest that only two people believed Mary’s pregnancy was divine. Elizabeth and eventually Joseph believed her; however, that would not have been enough to assuage her fear of the proscribed punishment of death by stoning could be avoided. We read nothing in the Bible about Mary’s parents being supportive. In fact, there is nothing that would lead us to believe she had anyone to help her through this dark time. This is why it is so incredible to read of Mary’s submissive statement to the angel Gabriel. When she said, “May it be to me as you have said,” she must have still been terrified. But she vowed to be God’s humble servant, regardless of the cost. There is the message for us today. Whatever circumstance we find ourselves living through today, whether by our choices or circumstances beyond our control, we can be sure that God has not abandoned us to the world. Jesus came to pour His light into that darkness. He came to give us the strength to endure to the end where we will be welcomed into our heavenly home, all secured by His death, burial, and resurrection. As dark as it might have been for Mary, it broke the bright light of God’s glory into the world for us!

The Dark Side of Christmas - Pt 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5 ESV). I know the Gospel of John is not exactly “Christmas material.” However, the more I meditate about the birth of our Savior, the more I begin to think of the “dark side” of this great miracle of redemption. It is easy to associate Christmas with light. After all there are bright lights everywhere. We can see the Christmas lights of every imaginable color, inside and out. There are displays of nearly every part of the story told in these arrays of lights. When Mary and I made a trip to Gatlinburg, TN recently, I took a picture of the lights around the fountain in The Village. It was beautiful. The decorations were everywhere your eye could see. But the more I have reflected on the Christmas story, the more I have come to realize that for those involved in the Christmas story, their circumstances were anything but joyous light. There was pain and suffering; there was danger and the threat of death. Darkness threatened to overwhelm them. This was true simply because of the sin Jesus came to redeem mankind from. Since the first sin of the garden, man has preferred the darkness. And, by remaining in darkness, sinful hearts never see light. Jesus is the light of the world; many have tried to squelch that light, to destroy it. In the Christmas stories in the New Testament, there is a dark side. We prefer not to look at those elements in this season of “peace on earth, good will toward men.” But it is there, and we will never enter into the full truth and impact of the Christmas story unless we do. That is what I hope to explore in the next few days. I pray you will receive a greater appreciation for the awesome event that happened more than two thousand years ago. The first event to examine is the event. The birth of the baby Jesus is undoubtedly the most unusual birth in human history. He was born of a virgin, without a human father. He was born God and man in one person. But he was also unusual in another way. He is the only human being who was ever born in order to die. God never intended human beings to die. We instinctively feel that. We celebrate the birth of a new baby because God has created new life. We are born to live. The death of an infant or a child is especially tragic because it is so wrong, so unnatural. But Jesus was born in order to die. As we gaze at the nativity scene, we see a shadow cast over the manger. It is the shadow of the cross. That is why he came into the world, to die on the cross! Reflect on this as you see the lights of this Christmas season.

Broken Toys Fixed Here

Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. (Psalm 85:4-7 ESV). Christmas and children go together with toys of all shapes and sizes. I remember the many hours spent on Christmas Eve assembling that one special gift “from Santa.” One evening that little project turned into a four hour marathon trying to get every screw and bolt with every cable assembled on a bicycle for one of the boys. I was one tired “Santa” the next morning! Inevitably, those toys break and need repair. One year for my birthday Faith and Logan gave me a sign to hand on my workbench. It simply said, “Grandpa’s Workshop… Broken Toys Fixed Here.” Well, there have been times I have restored some toy or stuffed animal to its original best. The first time I sewed a stuff animal back together for Faith, she said, “Grandpa can fix anything.” Well, I was proud of that moment; and, certainly didn’t feel that it was an appropriate time to correct her! However, the truth is I can’t. There are some things I simply can’t fix. Spiritually speaking, our eternal destiny is one of those things I cannot fix. Only Jesus can do that. That is the message of Christmas. The psalmist understood that as he wrote our reading today. Psalm 85 is a prayer for deliverance. It speaks not only on behalf of individuals but is also a group lament: “Restore us again, O God of our salvation” (v. 4). It is a cry for help, for the salvation of the community. Where does this salvation come from? It comes from the voice of God. “Let me hear what the Lord God will speak,” says the psalmist. Our God is a God who speaks. In the church we call this revelation. What God speaks, suggests the psalmist, will bring peace to his people. That is how we will know it is God’s voice. Advent is a season when we wait for the revelation of God. It is when we anticipate God speaking to us in such a way that it will bring us peace. God’s peace-bringing revelation is Jesus. Jesus is the Word of peace that God speaks to all creation. Peace means more than the absence of conflict. In the Bible, peace is shalom, a communal webbing together of God, humanity, and all creation in a flourishing of justice, fulfillment, and delight. It is far more than an individual experience. It is a communal reality ordered and made possible by the Word God has spoken to a world crying for help. God’s workbench was erected on Calvary and he fixed it all that day long ago!

Just Wait

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. (2 Peter 3:8-10 ESV). When we think of waiting around Christmastime, we usually think of little children. Some have been through this before and know they have to wait, with excitement and hope, for Christmas to come, and family to arrive, and presents to be opened. Others aren’t yet able to grasp the concept of days or how long exactly they have to wait for all the hustle and bustle they see around them to unveil itself as Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. So they ask again and again, “How long until Christmas?” I can remember posting a Christmas countdown for the boys when they were little. It seemed to help a little as they open each door of the countdown castle. They still kept asking though. I suppose that’s a part of all of us regardless of the situation. We want to know how much longer we will need to wait for anything we want. Our reading today is more about waiting until the Second Coming of Christ. However, the principle remains the same. Before Jesus’ birth the people waited for the deliverance of the God through “Messiah.” They had been waiting for centuries. Generation after generation had come and gone and God had yet to send the Savior. Tragically, when he did, many people simply refused to believe that Jesus was this promised One. In the day of the apostle Peter, the question more likely to be asked was, “How long until Christ’s return?” When Jesus left his disciples and ascended to the right hand of the Father, his disciples expected his return any day. In this letter, Peter is reminding Christian believers to be patient as they wait for Christ’s return, and to remember that when Christ returns, new heavens and a new earth will be revealed, where righteousness is at home. Just like it took time for God to make all things right before the first coming, so he will make all things right before the Second Coming. Our task is not to countdown the days, but to anticipate the event. We should be ready, filled with the joy of hope. “Just wait”… you won’t be disappointed!

The Magi

After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:9-12 ESV). One of the most interesting of the facts of the birth of Jesus is found in the visit of the Magi bearing gifts to him. There was some time (perhaps as much as two years) that passed before the Magi found Jesus. During this time Mary and Joseph still lived in Bethlehem. Undoubtedly there were many curious well-wishers that looked in on the family. This was their hometown. Certainly they still had relatives and family friends who lived there. With the declaration of the shepherds they would have attracted a lot of attention. If for no other reason than curiosity, many may have dropped by to meet the most famous baby in Bethlehem. Out of all the visitors, the Bible only records the shepherds, and later the Magi (traditionally Wise Men). As with all of the Bible, there is purpose in only mentioning these two groups. Both had some things in common with Jesus. First, note how clearly Jesus demonstrates shepherd qualities like the men who knelt by the baby’s manger. He cares for us, his sheep, and ensures that our every real need is met. But, he goes far above the care of any earthly shepherd. He died for us so we can follow him into eternity. Second, the Wise Men came from a great distance bringing valuable gifts. But Jesus came from an even greater distance, all the way from heaven to earth. The Savior brought more costly gifts than gold, frankincense, or myrrh. Jesus brought love, forgiveness, and salvation. Third, Jesus was also a visitor. Isn’t it easy to forget that Jesus was in some ways “a visitor” to earth? His home was not the earth. That certainly will take place some day. When the trumpet sounds, a new heaven and a new earth will be created. The throne of Jesus will come to the earth; but, we cannot forget that Jesus’ home has always been heaven. He comes to earth as an accommodation to save his children. Aren’t you glad he did!

Lying in a Manger

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-12 ESV). Artists often portray the stable where Jesus was born as being bright and neatly swept, with a fresh layer of straw in the manger. However, this simply was not the case. It was, after all, a barn. Actually it probably was a cave that was used as a barn. As is true with every animal stall it must have been cold, damp, and littered with filthy straw. Yet this is the kind of place that God chose to reveal His only begotten Son to the world. He chose to enter the world in this dark, musty, smelly place. We should not fail to recognize the significance of this truth. Just like the physical place where Jesus first came to earth, so is the spiritual place where the Holy Spirit now abides. Often our hearts are just as filthy as that stable in Bethlehem. Bitterness, lust, hatred, and countless other sins may clutter our hearts. Without him they remain cold and dark, with the stench of sin hanging in the air. Despite all the dirt and grime in our lives, Jesus longs to be born in our hearts by faith. I am sure that after Jesus was born in that Bethlehem stable, it didn’t feel so dark and cold anymore because the Light of the world was there. He delights to come into our lives and clean up the residue that sin leaves behind and shine his light into the darkest and dingiest corners. In our house we have always had some sort of nativity scene displayed for Christmas. It has always been placed in a central location so that anyone would be able to see it and recognize it as the focus of our celebration. Thinking a bit further along those lines, I am drawn to the need to display prominently the “nativity scene” in our hearts. As we interact with others in our daily lives, with all of the distractions of schedules and activities, we should not miss the opportunity to accurately reflect the peace of God in the Child of Bethlehem. Jesus really is the answer to all of our problems; and yet, he seems to be the last one we focus on in our solutions. Those shepherds had the “dirtiest” of careers in the Middle East. They were often shunned and avoided by the rest of the population. Yet, when the angels come to them, they are given the directions to Jesus so that their lives might truly be “clean.” This is the message we carry with us in Jesus. Share it!

Shepherds Out in the Field

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:8-20 ESV). Though the citizens of Bethlehem, including, apparently, Joseph’s relatives didn’t think enough of Jesus to do him honor at his birth or even to give the family a decent place to stay, there were those who acknowledged his true worth. Some knew from the start who he really was. In ancient society shepherds were outcasts, but God chose to send heavenly messengers to lowly shepherds in the hills outside Bethlehem with the astounding news of the Lord’s birth. Maybe he knew that they just might be unsophisticated enough to believe it. I love the proclamation of the angel: Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. There is no ambiguity about this proclamation. This was no ordinary child born to ordinary people in an ordinary time. This child was the Savior! It shouldn’t surprise us that these common men, watching their flock at night, left everything to go and see this wonder. So, the shepherds decided to head into Bethlehem and check out this rather fantastic story. And, when they came to town, they saw that it was just as they had been told, sign and all. And so, naturally, they glorified God and told everyone within earshot the incredible news of the Savior’s birth. They certainly were not going to let their routine or schedule keep them from seeing for themselves this incredible miracle. They had been told stories of such a birth at their mother’s knee. They had heard of the coming of Messiah from their earliest religious education. They might have even wondered aloud as they sat in the lonely nights around a campfire with their flock about Messiah. Now they had the chance to see Him! We have that chance today. We see him through the Scripture, the empty tomb, the community of faith; we can see Jesus in our hearts this Christmas. Will you take the time to do so? Don’t let your routine or the busy schedules of life keep you away. Take advantage of every opportunity to worship at the manger of our Savior.

Away in a Manger

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7 ESV). "Away in a Manger" is a Christmas carol first published in the late nineteenth century and used widely throughout the English-speaking world. In Britain, it is one of the most popular carols. The two most-common musical settings are by William J. Kirkpatrick (1895) and James R. Murray (1887). Away in a Manger is usually the first carol that children are taught. Away in a Manger was originally published in 1885. The publication of Away in a Manger was in a Lutheran Sunday school book and this created the misconception that the lyrics were actually written by Martin Luther himself. The real author is unknown. Here are some of those lyrics: Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh. We read a lot about the retail economy during the Christmas season. We also hear a lot of complaints about all the commercialism. Isn’t Christmas really about love and peace and goodwill? Appealing as such things, the Bible doesn’t start with them when it tells the Christmas story. It starts with the headlines of the day: “A decree went out from Caesar Augustus.” Caesar decided he needed to update the empire’s tax rolls in order to deal with that perennial government problem, the budget deficit. Who could have imagined that all this effort was being superintended by God just to bring Mary to Bethlehem for the birth of her baby? And of all the millions of souls numbered in Caesar’s great census, surely none was as insignificant as this poor Jewish child. Augustus in the imperial purple in Rome and Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger are worlds apart. Yet today Augustus is only a name in a history book, while Jesus lives and reigns in the hearts of hundreds of millions and on the throne of the universe as well. When we think of the “little Lord Jesus” we must not forget about the Creator, Redeemer, and King of all sitting on His throne!

The Faith of Mary

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:35-38 ESV). The modern prejudice is that people in earlier times accepted stories of angels and supernatural births because they didn’t know any better. That has caused a tendency to believe that such things must be legendary. After all, in today’s modern world of technology and science, these things were surely a figment of one’s imagination. An angel could not have really appeared to Mary. Earlier in the text our reading is taken from, the angel Gabriel came to Mary and announced she would give birth. Her response when Gabriel says she will bear a child was, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” Just because Mary didn’t know the theory of relativity doesn’t mean she didn’t know the facts of life. She explains simply that this was impossible. She had never been with a man. How could she possibly give birth? The angel explained it reasonably. God would do it miraculously. After that explanation we see the key thought. Mary simply answers, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be to me according to your word.” She could not have foreseen all the honors that would come to her eventually. But she could very well imagine the immediate repercussions of this news. After all, she now had to tell her betrothed, Joseph, this difficult news. How could she possibly explain to him? There was no reassurance from the angel that he would go to Joseph and explain to him what was happening. She had no idea how that would turn out. She did know that by Jewish law, she could be put to death. All she had to hold on to was the words of the angel. Then there was the shame for someone suspected of adultery in a conservative place like Nazareth. God was asking her to risk her marriage and her life. All of this for a child she had no real idea who he was to be and what he would do. But Mary said yes to God. Mary’s faith would cost her, but she was willing to pay the price. That’s what real faith is like. Faith stakes everything on the word of God, and accepts the consequences. Often, in the midst of trial and difficulty, we are called on to have that faith. These hard experiences of life are not mere lessons for us to learn; they are not equipping us for some future encounter with someone going through a similar experience. God brings us to weakness so that his strength is made perfect in our lives. When you find yourself there, remember Mary. Her faith is an example to all of us.

He Called His Name Jesus

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25 ESV). We have looked at the name “Immanuel” in an earlier devotional. Today we see the name “Jesus.” As I said earlier, Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, meaning “The Lord (Yahweh) saves.” Jesus is the Savior. That is why he came, not just to be an example, or to teach; not to show God’s love in merely a general way, but to save. Jesus is the only Savior. In the ancient world most people believed that the heavens were populated by a whole host of spirits that barred the way to salvation. The only way to get past them was to acquire the secret knowledge of their names, and the passwords that could open the countless gates those spiritual forces guarded. Imagine how it must have felt to hear the news that there was only one name you needed to know in order to be saved (Acts 4:12). That really was gospel, or “good news.” Today the challenge is a bit different. Most people don’t believe there are many roadblocks on the way to heaven. They tend to think there aren’t any at all. People assume that everybody will be saved by calling on any name they choose, or even without calling at all. However, there is only one name, under heaven or in the earth that has the power to save. That name is Jesus. We may even go a bit further and say that it is not the name at all that saves. It is the work of the One who bears that name. When Jesus died on the cross, was buried, and rose from the dead he completed the work necessary for our entrance into eternal life and the presence of God. He secured heaven because of his sacrifice on our behalf. I find it interesting that we seem to concentrate so much of our time and energy at Christmas on the “stuff” of the holiday. There’s certainly nothing wrong with the festivity of this holiday. I enjoy the decorations, family, friends, gift giving (and receiving), all of it; however, most of all, I am awestruck with the wonder of the gift of God through his only begotten Son, Jesus!

Happy Birthday, Maggie!

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:45-46 ESV). This year I am privileged to write another “birthday devotional” from our family. Maggie Lynn was born last year on this day and is now one year old! Happy Birthday, Maggie! In virtually every language, Greek (the origin of the name), Hebrew, Scottish, English, and American English, Maggie is best interpreted as “the Pearl of Light.” She certainly lives up to her name! While Mary and I have not been able to spend as much time with her because of our being in Tennessee and she being with David and Becca in Texas, we FaceTime. She has a way of lighting up the screen when she smiles and “talks” to us. The meaning of her name brought me to our reading today for some encouragement and inspiration. Perhaps we should begin with how pearls are made. A tiny bit of sand finds its way into an oyster and it begins to work the stone covering it with calcium and other minerals that it becomes a beautiful, smooth, shiny pearl. Pearls are very valuable and completely unique. No two are alike. They are certainly priceless and precious to the one who finds them. It is interesting that the only way to obtain a pearl is through the death of the oyster. Those who gather the oysters must take them from their natural habitat, break open their protect shell, and kill them. Jesus tells us our reading today of a merchant looking for fine pearls, and how this is similar to finding the Kingdom of Heaven. When you find the Kingdom of Heaven, your salvation is like a precious pearl. There is nothing more valuable than security for your eternal life. Just as in the parable when the merchant found just one pearl, he sold all he had to purchase it. Likewise, when you discover the Kingdom, it is worth everything you have to give up because you gain eternity with the Lord. The greater news for us is that Jesus produced the “pearl.” Even if we could have found this pearl, we could not have bought it. Only Jesus could do that; and he did. His death on the cross secured the pearl of eternal life for all men. I can now see pearls in a different light. Maggie has given me even more appreciation for these wonderful jewels. Happy Birthday, Maggie!

Immanuel

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25 ESV). China was the scene of one of the most intensive missionary efforts in history. And then with the victory of Mao and the communists in 1949, all the Christian missionaries were expelled. The small Chinese church became the object of intense persecution: many Christians were killed or imprisoned, some went underground, and some fell away. Chinese believers were effectively cut off from the rest of the church. For many years almost the only contact they had was through radio broadcasts of the gospel sent out faithfully by several Christian organizations. And we could not even be sure people were listening; there was no way for anyone to respond. During the time of harshest persecution, a letter was received by some Christians in the West from representatives of the Chinese church. Reading it, you could understand why the Communist authorities had allowed it to be sent. It went something like this: We are good Communists here. We don’t need your western religion. We don’t agree with your Christianity anymore. Please leave us alone. But below the signature was a P.S., just a single word: Immanuel. And that one word changed everything. This one word does change everything. Immanuel is a Hebrew word meaning "God is with us." Originally the name of the Christ-child came from the prophet Isaiah (cf. Isaiah 7:14). Matthew quotes from this passage in our reading today. This name only appears three times in the Bible, Isaiah 7:14; 8:8; and Matthew 1:23. The question must be asked, however, “Why did they call Him Jesus?” We need to understand the meaning of that name as well for that answer. Jesus fulfilled that prophecy because he was fully man yet still fully God. He came to live in Israel with his people, as Isaiah had foretold. And, the name “Jesus,” which is Yeshua in Hebrew, means "the LORD is salvation." Do you see it? In Jesus, God becoming man, not only was God physically with us, he was also eternally with us in his divinity. He was God with us! That is the great declaration of the message and meaning of the birth of Jesus. That is good news!

The Firstborn Son - Pt 3

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:18-23 ESV). The Messiah was born just as God had promised. God made possible in His birth what was humanly impossible: our salvation. This was all according to His promise. Follow the generations of Christ in the Old Testament. He was sent out of the line of Abraham and David. He came. Our text tells us exactly how Jesus was born so that we might see the fulfillment of the promise of Messiah. The birth of Jesus was the one who has come to save His people from their sins. But, more importantly, it was the birth of Christ. That is the Greek word for the Hebrew name Messiah. The Messiah had been promised for centuries. His line can be traced clearly throughout the Scripture. And now He has come, just as God had promised He would. And our Savior, whose birth we celebrate this season, is strong to save. God has made our salvation possible in Him. Here is Immanuel: God with us! Can you imagine what Joseph and Mary must have felt? Can you for a moment put yourself in their place? I find that awfully difficult. If I could, I think it would cause me great sorrow. All the dreams and hopes of our children were not to apply to their firstborn. He was to grow to manhood despised and rejected by the people he came to help. He was born to die the most ignomious and painful death ever devised by man. All of this was to done for others. I have seen the following explanation of the birth of Jesus many times. The author is unknown. The message is timeless in the simple declaration of the truth of the Incarnation: If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior. This Christmas season let us each commit to celebrate the coming of Messiah!