Born 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).    

 

Our reading today gives us some particular information about the birth of Jesus. He was born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger. Although we are not sure of the exact location of where Jesus was born, we do know that it was near Bethlehem and that there was a manger, or feeding trough, in the stable where they found shelter for the birth. Remember God promised the Savior’s virgin birth immediately after mankind’s first sin in the Garden of Eden (cf. Genesis 3:15). Hundreds of years later, the prophet Micah foretold the birth of Christ in the small town of Bethlehem (cf. Micah 5:2). This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus’ earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, were called to Bethlehem for a census of the entire Roman territory (vv. 1-5). While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Jesus to be born (v. 6).

Because of the crowds that had come to Bethlehem, there was no room at the inn for Mary and Joseph (v. 7). While tradition says that the inn was a sort of hotel, we don’t know that for sure. In fact, the Greek word translated “inn” (kataluma) could be translated “guest room.” This fact has led some to believe that Jesus may not have been born in a stable or barn, but in a house with a lower floor serving as a nighttime shelter for the families’ animals. If that were the case, it wouldn’t be surprising to find a manger located in that area of the house. In any case, Jesus was born at night, in some sort of keeping-place for animals. After Jesus was delivered, Mary His mother wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger (v. 7).

The natural question would be, why? Surely, God’s Son deserved a high-profile birth in the most elegant of surroundings. But, instead, God’s own Son made His appearance on earth in the lowliest of circumstances. This humble birth conveys an amazing message to creation: the transcendent God condescended to come to us. Instead of coming to earth as a pampered, privileged ruler, Jesus was born in meekness, as one of us. He is approachable, accessible, and available. The King of kings came humbly, and His first bed was a manger. This same King rules with peace toward men. This is the One whom we worship and adore this Christmas!

 

The Candle of Peace

 

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).

 

As we continue our look at the Season of Advent, this week, we’ll look at the second candle: the Candle of Peace. One of the hallmarks of the Christmas story is when the angels appear to the shepherds and proclaim, “Peace on earth” (v. 14). Perhaps one of the most perplexing things about this declaration from the angel is that our world has seen very little “peace” as we most often associate with that word. Our understanding of this prophecy is essential if we are to truly celebrate the birth of our Savior.

 

Remember that the Jews, particularly the zealots, wanted a rebellion. They wanted their Savior to overturn the oppressive rule of the Romans and bring about peace in a violent way. However, Jesus had something else in mind. First, he gives us inner peace. Because of his redemptive work in the cross, we have may receive salvation and be indwelled by the Holy Spirit. This grants us an inner peace (cf. John 14:27). Not only do we have the peace that comes from our assurance of salvation, but we also have the peace of mind knowing God will heal this broken world and will come again.

 

Second, we may have peace with others. We put aside our differences (cf. Galatians 3:28), especially with other believers, because we belong to the same family. The Hebrew word for peace: Shalom, goes far beyond not fighting with others or peace as we know it. I remember reading a wonderful little book, Not the Way It’s Supposed to Be, where the author pointed out that shalom is, in essence, how things are meant to be: a slice of heaven. The peace of God allows us to look at others through heaven’s eyes and help guide the world to see God’s here and not-yet here kingdom. Thus, peace from God, biblical peace, allows us to trust in God’s promises through restful, tranquil faith, despite the dark, terrifying world around us. As you light this second candle think of that great truth… “Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men.”

 

Waiting

 

[Jesus said] “As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25:5-13 ESV).

 

If you have known me for any time, you also know how much I love the outdoors. Some of my favorite memories have been made in the fall of the year, sitting in a tree overlooking the rolling landscapes of trees that have lost their leaves. The picture I’ve chosen to attach today was taken in Tennessee one cool November morning waiting for the sun to rise. When it did, I was captivated by the beauty I saw. I was deer hunting, and though I saw several deer that day, I didn’t shoot. I spent my time waiting and watching. Of course, I was prepared to shoot; it just didn’t seem like the time to do so. Most of my hunting is like that.

 

The act of waiting is not uncommon for any of us. We wait in so many places and circumstances. I remember hearing a story not long ago from a news show describing how people waited for hours in the rain because they’d heard a rumor that a famous entertainer would give a surprise concert that night. Another host told of a time he’d been in an amusement park when a ride was delayed by mechanical problems. Even though the people in line knew it could take hours, not one person moved out of the line.

Sometimes during Advent we forget that people will wait. We think we must build anticipation to get people ready for Christmas. We fear that without it many will be unprepared, like the unwise maidens in Jesus’ parable. But the long lines of people who greet the opening of the doors to the stores on Black Friday remind us that people will wait if the promise is good enough.

 

How much more we should anticipate the coming of God’s kingdom! Jesus compares the kingdom to a wedding feast, a great banquet, or the return of a king. When Jesus comes again, our deepest hopes will be realized and our greatest sorrows will be eased. What’s more, God has shown us this in the life of Jesus and allows us to taste the joy of his kingdom even now. Jesus has come, and he will come again!

 

Happy Birthday, Faith and Logan!

 

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. (Proverbs 17:6 ESV).

 

Another year has gone by way too fast. These last eighteen years seem to have past in a blink of an eye. While today is not Thanksgiving Day, it was those eighteen years ago when Faith and Logan, my oldest grandchildren made their grand appearance in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I remember getting the phone call telling me that I needed to get a flight as soon as possible since they were about to be born. That date and time was always a bit of a mystery. Some of you have heard me tell that story. Because of some complications Brandy was hospitalized for a lengthy period of time during her pregnancy beginning around twenty weeks. Our prayers were that they would not be born too early. As the weeks passed it appeared those prayers would be answered. At thirty-six weeks, the twins decided to make their entrance. It was Thanksgiving Day, 2003. As you can see from their impromptu first day of senior year photo, they turned out just fine!

 

The most interesting thing about their birth was my insistence in securing a plane ticket for that day much earlier. When Kyle called and told me to get there, I said, “No problem. My ticket is for this evening.” He didn’t know I had already purchased the ticket weeks earlier. Mary was already in North Carolina helping since Brandy was confined to bed rest in the hospital. I was still in Texas. I was asked why I bought the tickets for Thanksgiving Day. My answer was simple. I just knew that with the sense of humor God has, He was going to make sure they were born on a day that would forever remind me of how great a gift they were in my life.

 

The Scripture for today is a clear word for me as much today as it was then: “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged.” Each of the five grandchildren I have is such a blessing. However, today belongs to Faith and Logan. So many memories course their way through my mind as I write. There isn’t enough room to write them all. Perhaps just one will suffice. It deals with their growth in life. As I have aged and been able to be even more present in their lives these past few years, they have become more conscious of the need to tell me what to do. I am, after all, not very compliant in health concerns. The echoing of “Grandpa, you’re not supposed to do that” is actually wonderful music to my ears. God was right about being thankful for them, though I’m not sure I really needed much of a reminder. Happy Birthday, Faith and Logan!

 

Finding Hope when You Feel Hopeless

 

[Jesus said] “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28 ESV).

 

I’ve been told that I have an impossible attitude of “glass half-full.” I can assure you that may seem to be true at times; however, if you knew me as well as Mary does, you would say that I am also a grumpy old man at times. The point is that all of us find ourselves in circumstances that seem hopeless. During those times it is incredibly difficult to feel hopeful. Yet we find ourselves in this first week preceding the beginning of Advent and thinking about the first candle… Hope. It may be that you are asking yourself how that is even remotely possible?

 

Some time ago the New York Times carried the story of a miner who had been trapped for 16 hours deep under the mountains of Colorado. Tons of rock blocked his escape. Water was slowly filling the mine. To keep from going mad, the miner said he began envisioning his rescue. Believing that his rescuers surely were working furiously to reach him, he imagined them driving a pipe into his dark chamber to bring in fresh air, and he imagined himself tapping a message on it to let them know he was alive. He imagined them breaking through and walking him out, and he saw himself embracing his wife and child, going home, calling up friends, and eating and dancing to celebrate his rescue. The miner kept his head by envisioning his homecoming.

 

The season of Advent calls us to live with the end in mind, to envision the day when the Son of Man will come with power and glory. Without this end firmly in mind, says Jesus, our "hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life." No doubt, some of the people we know have already resigned themselves to life in the pit. They expect no rescue. But to them we can say, "Come with us to Bethlehem, listen to the good news of Jesus, and believe that your rescuer is in fact on the way, that “your redemption is drawing near.'"

 

When you seem at the end of your ability to overcome, please envision the One who has already overcome on your behalf. We win because He has won. That’s the end we will have one day!