Preparing for the New Year - Pt. 6

 

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Ephesians 4:1-7 ESV).

 

New Year’s Eve, 2022… it is the close of one year and the beginning of another. I ran across an old cartoon from several years ago. It seemed as applicable today as it was then. I’ve lived long enough to witness this play itself out in many people’s lives. The 20th century could be described as a desperate search for peace. World War I was called “the war to end all wars,” but soon a second, bigger World War followed. In the 1960s “flower children” stuffed carnations into soldiers’ gun barrels while protesting “peace, peace.” In the 1970s youths gave up their militancy and sought peace in inner feelings. In the 1980s and ’90s the cry was “peace through prosperity.” “Yuppies” chased after peace by accumulating wealth and pursuing upward mobility. But now in the 21st century most people simply do not know where to look to find the peace they crave. They seem to merely remark, “It’s a tough gig.”

 

Our reading today helps us with that. It is only when the Holy Spirit comes into our lives that we discover true peace. The Biblical term for peace is shalom, a greeting still used in the Middle East today. Shalom refers to a blessing that includes peace with God, personal happiness and flourishing, reconciled relationships, and harmony in society. And Jesus has made all this possible through his life, death, and resurrection for our sake.

 

The peace of the Spirit also opens our eyes to injustice and urges us to work against the things that attempt to rob people of their joy, hope and peace. Just as fallen humans wage war with all of their ability and tenacity, Christians should wage peace with similar vigor and strategy. When we live in the Spirit, we maintain our unity in Christ through the bond of peace that he bought for us. Make that your commitment for this New Year.

 

Preparing for the New Year - Pt. 5

 

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him. Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD. There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!” You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4 ESV).

 

Through the years I have been privileged to be beside many faithful saints as they neared their death. Some of those were family members, others were good friends. All of their “last words” were different, though many had one element in common. They all were ready to die. While they faced the ultimate unknown of life, they didn’t not fear death itself. I can fully understand their dilemma. I am in relatively good health. There is nothing life threatening in my life now (though I am reminded everything in this life can be life threatening… after all, none of us are going to get out of this “alive”). It becomes easier for me to look forward to a day when all of this is behind me never to exist in my eternal life with Jesus.

 

The real issue then becomes: How do I find peace? The last time I visited with my oldest brother was just before he died (he is pictured on the left here). We sat on his little patio so he could smoke a cigarette (and, yes, he was dying from smoker’s cancer). He wanted to ask me some questions. His first question dealt with the ability to know whether he was going to heaven or not. That one was easy. I went through some Scriptures and asked him if he believed Jesus died for his sins. He said, “Yes.” I replied, “Then make sure you tell everyone there that I’m not far behind.” We both laughed a bit and he then asked the harder question: “Why is it so hard to die when it is so good to be in heaven?”

 

He wanted to have peace in a time when it seemed impossible to have anything that felt like peace. So, I read him our reading today, Psalm 4. All of us need to experience the safety of the Lord, not only when we face death, but also in the daily challenges of life.

David, who wrote these words, knew all about the dangers facing us each day. He experienced so much distress in his own life, and he knew there was no safety in life or in death without the Lord. Perhaps you are experiencing some of the distress of Psalm 4. Perhaps you find yourself lying awake at night because of things that are happening in your life. Perhaps you wonder about your health, your family, your job, your future. Perhaps you dread what might come in the year ahead. Turn to the Lord for the safety and security you need. He has promised to make us live in safety when we turn to him. And, that’s what real peace looks like!

Preparing for the New Year - Pt. 4

 

You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and min him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:5-8 ESV).

 

Last summer when Mary and visited Gatlinburg we had to make our obligatory stop in the “Life Is Good” shop. This is the company founded in 1994 and predominantly known for its apparel with very optimistic scenes and sayings imprinted on them. She loves the feel and look of them; and, has a dozen or more in different styles and colors. I find it interesting that a company could be so successful in this age with such an inventory. We do not seem to be a culture that is very optimistic. To be fair, many of us have seen or experienced deep pain and losses over the past years. Perhaps you have been one of families grieving at the graveside; or, you’ve been the recipient of broken promises cutting to the very core of your soul. You may be struggling with health issues; and, of course if you’ve escaped those then the daily diet of violence in the streets, world hunger, or abuse has certainly threatened your “good” life.

 

Long ago sin, brokenness, and death entered our world through the work of the devil and Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God. But God responded by sending Jesus, the Prince of Peace. “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” Through the Prince of Peace God is destroying the work of the devil in this world and in our lives. He is restoring creation and redeeming and renewing his children. It’s a kingdom battle. On Christmas the battle was engaged. At the cross and through Jesus’ resurrection, the decisive battle was won. When Christ returns, the fullness of God’s kingdom peace will be here. Paradise was destroyed, but God, through Jesus, is at working ushering in a new heaven and earth.

 

The peace of God rests in the kingdom of God. As a child of God, you can experience peace in this broken world because Jesus has won the victory and made you secure in body and soul, in life and in death. And you can serve the Savior by living in ways that bring healing, wholeness, and peace where there is brokenness. Remember your heritage!

 

Preparing for the New Year - Pt. 3

 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9 ESV).

 

This week is not at all going as I planned. Christmas was wonderful, though I was unable to be present with the family in the opening of gifts because of a nasty little bout with the flu (it won, by the way). I’m a particularly bad patient as anyone in my family will testify, but when I feel as bad as I did the last few days, well, all bets are off. I tried to find a place to hold up and tough it out, though that wasn’t quite enough. Medicines and lots of fluids have finally begun to turn the tide and I am feeling lots better. The biggest surprise in all of this was my feeling of chaos because of the necessity of changing schedules and events we had already planned. Those of you who know me also know change and I do not play well together. This loss of peace is a feeling we can overcome.

 

It certainly doesn’t need to be a health issue. It could be the plea of a family member trying to escape the chaos of home life, a teacher bombarded with active children all day, or a medical patient caught in a whirlwind of tests, scans, appointments, insurance questions, and uncertain results. Stress takes its toll.

 

When the Bible speaks of “the peace of God” that can guard our hearts and minds, this is much more than the absence of noise or busyness. God’s peace—shalom—gives assurance that all is right in your soul, even if you can’t resolve all the issues affecting you or predict the outcome of anything at this point. God’s peace provides the assurance that God is still in control. The apostle Paul encourages followers of Christ to look above and beyond the problem: to simply pray about everything, thanking God for listening and answering according to his perfect will. We can then set our minds on the blessings around us—whatever is true, right, pure, lovely—and we can let go of our worries. But God promises to give peace to all who ask. I pray you will recapture your peace for this New Year!

 

Preparing for the New Year - Pt. 2

 

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:1-9 ESV).

 

As we move closer each day this week to the celebration of a New Year, I have a particular verse I would encourage you to adopt as you face the coming days. It has been my personal “life verse” for over fifty years. It is taken from the reading I’ve chosen for today, though it is found in Deuteronomy. As Moses gives instructions to Joshua for the taking of the new land and settling the people within it, he says: Do not fear them or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God will go before you; He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6). It is the truth that banishes our discouragement in any circumstance.

 

On the first day of a New Year many of us wish each other a "Happy New Year!" However, as we begin a new year, we need more than a hopeful greeting from the people around us. We need to listen to what God told Joshua about 3,400 years ago. As Joshua was about to lead God's people into the Promised Land he had reason to be afraid. He had an enormous task ahead of him, and he was well aware of the dangers that he and the people would soon be facing. He needed God's encouragement. A new year brings lots of questions.  The Creator of the universe comes to us and says, "Don't be afraid; don't be discouraged." What happens in this coming year is not left to chance. God is in charge. He will not… can not… fail us!

 

Preparing for the New Year - Pt. 1

 

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and wit is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. (Psalm 103:13-19 ESV).

 

As we move toward the coming New Year, we often reflect on the past year. One thing I experience with the passing of each year is that I often look back and wonder, “Where did the time go?” That seems to be more so as I have aged. Time passes so quickly; and, my propensity to procrastinate has become more easily engaged.

 

So, as we reflect on the past year and the fleeting passage of time, I would like to encourage you to be reminded that no matter how fast time seems to go by, God is still faithful. As our reading says, “From everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him.” As quickly as the time comes and goes, there is one thing that never changes: the Lord’s great love for us.

 

One of the old hymns sung so many times in years past was “Hours and Days and Years and Ages.” It is a great reminder of how time passes away swiftly. Yet God is still our God, and he is ever faithful. No matter what we have faced in the past year—and no matter what we will face in the year ahead—God remains and will be our faithful, loving God. God’s love for us in Jesus Christ never changes. As stanza 3 of the hymn says:

 

“When life’s dangers overwhelm us, you will ever be our stay; through your Son you are our Father, always changeless, come what may.”

 

What a comforting thought: God’s love remains with us from “everlasting to everlasting.” As you prepare for the dawning of 2023, use this time to meditate on His ageless provision.

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

 

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:1-6 ESV).

 

Merry Christmas, Y’all! As I write today’s devotional I am able to look across our back property as the wind is gusting with temperatures in the teens and snow flurries. It is actually so cold that the National Weather Service has issues a “Severe Wind Chill Warning.” Now that’s a first for me in Texas! And, it is scheduled to continue dropping in temperature with even lower wind chills. Well, it is certainly never dull with the weather in Texas… that’s for sure. I do hope you are safe and warm spending the day with family and friends. Today, I’ve chosen a reading that tells us of an event that actually happened sometime after the birth of Jesus. It was the visit of the Magi to worship Jesus. We are all familiar with this part of the story and the famous presentation of the three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

 

However, I would like to encourage you to imagine what those Magi were thinking as they came to Jerusalem. Looking for a child worthy of worship, they might well have dropped in at the temple to look for clues about the child's identity. But the Magi would have been disappointed, even shocked, by the welcome they received there. They would have not have been allowed further in than the outer court. Signs on the walls would have told these Gentiles that they risked death if they went any further. But the Magi had come to worship. And days later, in Bethlehem, as they stepped into the presence of Jesus, they experienced worship in a way that temple visitors could only anticipate. For as the Magi drew near to Jesus, they entered into what was represented by the Most Holy Place in the temple.

 

The Most Holy Place represented the heavenly throne room of God. So, coming into the presence of the Christchild, the Magi were entering into the presence of the divine King. In that visit the word of Isaiah 60:3 was finding fulfillment: "Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." Perhaps you will be gathering for worship today with others; come into His presence with the same wonder and awe as these early wise men.

 

A Random Act of Culture

 

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).

 

A “random act of culture”… that’s a description of what we have come to know as a “flash mob.” I recently read an article about the talented men of Vocal Point teamed up with Stuart Edge for such a one of a kind Christmas surprise. Passengers boarded a Polar Express-themed train but they had no idea about the surprise in store. When the men stood up and started singing one by one you couldn’t miss seeing the joy in the passengers eyes. I just love these reactions to such Christmas flashmobs.

 

However, as is typical of these gatherings, it takes a while to understand what is going on around you. They usually begin with one or two people and build as others join in the synchronized performance. I’ve only witnessed one in person once. It was a local mall in Tennessee. It was a normal Christmas shopping day until, without any fanfare, over 300 performers of all ages joined together and began singing Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” At first, shoppers appeared confused as they came to see what was happening. The singers were not on a stage but were interspersed among the shoppers. This “random act of culture” may have looked spontaneous, but it took some effort to make this event happen.

 

When Jesus appeared on earth, it initially looked like a random birth. Though a few people knew of Jesus’ coming, most were unaware of the plans that had been made in heaven in order to bring us a Savior. The Gospel of John gives us a glimpse into the background planning that went into bringing Jesus to us. The birth of Christ was more than a simple occasion of a young woman giving birth in a stable, to which shepherds and wise men came to visit. This was an occasion that God had choreographed to rescue people from all nations. Let’s rejoice today, for God made his dwelling on earth for us!

 

No Room at the Inn

 

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 2:6-7 ESV).

 

We can hardly go through a Christmas season without a reminder that Jesus was born in less than ideal circumstances. Christmas cards often have scenes of a stable filled with animals, while Mary and Joseph look lovingly into a manger, where the baby Jesus is lying. While many portrayals of this scene aim for a warm, sweet, nostalgic approach, the birth of Jesus was far from a pleasant experience. Forced to travel to Bethlehem for a Roman census, Mary and Joseph found no comfortable place to stay. So Mary gave birth in a cold, dirty stable and used the animals’ feedbox for Jesus’ crib.

 

What irony! No room was available here for the Savior who came to prepare a place for us in heaven (cf. John 14:2-3). Everyday life has its ironies too. For example, people were created to live in community and enjoy each other’s friendship. The havoc that sin has wreaked in this world often breaks down that sense of community and friendship, leaving us feeling like there is no place where we can feel at home.

 

We need to be reminded that it is altogether too easy to turn on the “no vacancy” sign in our churches. As our culture continues to change much faster than most of us are capable of dealing with effectively, we must remember that hospitality and ministry to all people is our calling. Some may not look like we look, dress like we dress, like the music we like, or follow the same political direction we follow; however, we can never fail to minister to their need of the same grace and mercy as we have already received.

 

Jesus came to a place that was hostile to the presence of God. But, thankfully, he never failed to minister the grace of redemption and love to all people. This is how he shows us to change the world. Throughout his entire ministry here, Jesus called people to himself, where those who felt lost, lonely, and unwelcome could find a place where they experienced the warmth of being at home in the presence of the Lord.

 

Perfect Timing

 

In those days la 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).

 

I know it is especially difficult for our grandchildren in Florida as packages begin arriving before Christmas from us. Of course, we can’t be perfect in our timing as we are when we are able to gather together for the exchanging of gifts. Amazon and Target have been our choice for sources this year. As I have been tracking the packages I have noticed they are dribbling in all through this week. I know David and Becca are putting them under the tree (with Santa to come on Christmas Eve), but it’s got to be hard to keep the little ones waiting to open the gifts. I’m sure they are thinking that they wish Christmas would hurry it up and get here!

 

Patience is a virtue, and we recognize the importance of perfect timing. But we often have a hard time waiting. This is especially true when we are hurting and want relief, or we are anticipating something special. The same holds true in relation to God’s work in our lives. We suffer a loss, wrestle with what seems to be unanswered prayer, or face a spiritual struggle, and soon we cry, “Hurry up, God!” We wonder why God hasn’t acted, and the “delay” often causes us to question God.

 

Or how about when we reflect on Christ’s second coming? We eagerly long for a world free from sin, Satan defeated, injustices set right, and all things made new. So we cry, “Come, Lord Jesus; come quickly.”

 

For ages believers waited for the birth of the Savior and wondered, “How long?” But God was not slow. He had a plan, and in the fullness of time—when the time was perfect—God sent Jesus.

 

In our lives, as we wait for God’s help or for the second coming, we remember God’s promise that “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). God might not come when we want, but we can trust him — his timing is perfect.

 

The Beginning of the 54th Year

 

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV).

 

I have interrupted our trek through the Christmas season to focus on our wedding anniversary today. Fifty-three years ago at the First Baptist Church of Bryan, Texas, Mary and I exchanged our vows and were married. It hardly seems possible that we are beginning our 54^th year together. I am so grateful for the way God has blessed us through these years. Even while there have been some experiences that were difficult, there was never a time when God did not provide us with strength and purpose. When Solomon wrote the words of our reading today, he was giving us the map for our lives: And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (v. 14). As Mary and I have stood together with Jesus as our “third cord” we have never encountered an enemy strong enough to prevail over us.

 

Of course we have faced challenges through financial ups and downs and health issues that were very difficult. However, we have never faced them alone. The Psalmist expressed it so well:

 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Psalm 46:1-3 ESV).

 

I hope that your life is filled with the presence of the Lord today. For those who find themselves without their partner, please rely on the promise of God to never leave you and to provide for you all that you need. This is especially true during those times when you feel overwhelmed with the enemy’s effort to rob you of your hope and joy.

 

Happy Anniversary, Mary! I am so thankful you decided to walk with me through this incredible life!

 

I'll be Home for Christmas

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:14-15 ESV).

 

"I'll Be Home for Christmas" is a Christmas song written by the lyricist Kim Gannon and composer Walter Kent and recorded in 1943 by Bing Crosby, who scored a top ten hit with the song. Originally written to honor soldiers overseas who longed to be home at Christmas time, "I'll Be Home for Christmas" has since gone on to become a Christmas standard. The song is sung from the point of view of a soldier stationed overseas during World War II, writing a letter to his family. In the message, he tells his family he will be coming home and to prepare the holiday for him, and requests snow, mistletoe, and presents under the tree. The song ends on a melancholy note, with the soldier saying, "I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams".

This is the time of year when our hearts turn toward home and loved ones. We look forward to family gatherings, and we are saddened if we can’t be home for Christmas.

 

It is interesting to note that Jesus actually left his home at Christmas. And, He did it expressly for us. He left the glory of heaven to come to our sin-filled world. The Holy One came to the unholy; the Creator came to his broken, corrupted creation. Think of the incredible image in this act of grace and mercy. Sin alienated us from God. Jesus took the initiative to seek us out and bring us back. He came to bear our sin. He came to be cut off from the Father’s love because of his love for us. He came to earth to bring us to heaven. He paid our debt to provide the way home to the Father.

 

Through Jesus we are adopted as God’s beloved children. It is through Christ that we can call the almighty, holy God “Abba, Father.” Our equivalent word for Abba is “Daddy.” I still remember the joy of times when my children ran to my arms, crying “Daddy!” when I came home. Abba is the trusting child’s cry of joy and love.

 

And if all of this is not enough to celebrate the birth of Jesus, we can also remember that this finished work of atonement accomplishes our eventual “home-going.” Like all those fighting that horrible war in which the original release of this record (“I’ll be Home for Christmas”) wistfully remembered going home, “if only in my dreams,” we can know that we will be going home to an eternal life filled with peace, joy, and love. What a privilege we have in Jesus that we can call God “Abba, Father.”

  

Wonderful Words

 

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 jin the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:8-14 ESV).

 

Every Christmas season for the past eighteen years we have had the privilege of watching our oldest grandchildren open their Christmas gifts. It has become a family tradition. As other grandchildren were born their presence at Christmas only added more wonder to the experience. In 2016 we were surprised with a white Christmas that put our wonder over the top. Of course, each year it’s a delight to see their anticipation as they tear wrapping paper away and then see a gift they wanted but had not expected.

 

With Christmas this year just a week away it is important to realize that whatever gifts we give or receive, none comes close to the gift God gave us on the first Christmas Day, some 2,000 years ago, the gift of his Son, the Lord Jesus. It’s a gift too wonderful for words.

 

God’s gift to us is the most costly gift ever. It’s the gift not only of the birth but also of the death of his Son, our Lord Jesus. It’s a gift we don’t own, because we belong to him, and we can’t keep this gift for ourselves. Most important, Jesus is the gift that each one of us needs desperately. Without him there is no hope, no life, no future.

 

God’s gift to us on that first Christmas calls us to celebrate and worship. As the days draw fewer to your celebration this year, my prayer is that you will receive a renewed sense of this great gift of grace and life. Celebrate Jesus with your family and friends with wonder. For this is the day when God was pleased with men!

 

Death and Taxes

 

“Though our iniquities testify against us, act, O LORD, for your name’s sake; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you. O you hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night? Why should you be like a man confused, like a mighty warrior who cannot save? Yet you, O LORD, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; do not leave us.” (Jeremiah 14:7-9 ESV).

 

Some years ago, while in Philadelphia, Mary and I visited Christ Church Burial Ground. It is an important early-American cemetery. Perhaps one of the most distinguished people interred on these grounds is Benjamin Franklin. He is buried next to his wife, Deborah, along with four other signers of the Declaration of Independence (Benjamin Rush, Francis Hopkinson, Joseph Hewes and George Ross). The grave is relatively inauspicious, though it receives thousands of visitors every year.

 

Benjamin Franklin is known for many of his quips and modern proverbs. One of those is often repeated: “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” While that may seem like a pessimistic way of looking at the world, it often feels true. Sometimes the people we trust betray us. Sometimes we lose things we rely on, like a job or good housing. Sometimes we even fail ourselves.

 

In the verses of our reading today, Jeremiah recognizes that we cannot rely on our own goodness. Our sins make us unreliable too, just like many other things in our lives. We let others down, and we let ourselves down. But in the midst of all this uncertainty, as Jeremiah reminds us, God has a reputation of being reliably loving and faithful. Christmas proves that truth.

 

God has made a name for himself that is a source of hope to us. God’s name is not just a name. God’s name is about his identity and character. God is reliable, forgiving, and steadfast in his love. God’s identity is the one thing we can count on in this uncertain world. God’s promises are sure, and that gives us hope. Death and taxes might still be certain, but God’s faithfulness is the most certain thing of all. Let this absolute truth fuel your hope regardless of what you may be facing this season.

 

Christmas Hope

 

Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When this breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. The LORD will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD! (Psalm 146:1-10 ESV).

 

We use the word “hope” in so many contexts that the meaning of hope is often lost in our modern culture. However, there are many times when hope is all we have left. If you are a believer, hope is not just hope for its own sake, but hope in something and hope in someone. We are not invited to hope by our own strength nor by the strength of anything in the world around us. Rather, we are invited to hope in the character and integrity of God. God makes and keeps promises, which means we can have hope for the future because of the Lord our God.

 

Our reading today points out the futility of trusting in earthly rulers and other leaders. Although we might like to put our hope in princes of industry or in political leaders or in our own good efforts, this psalm makes clear that all those things will fade away. Even our most respected human heroes have their limits. The only true, remaining source of hope is the Lord God. As we focus on hope this month, we’ll be learning about the God in whom we hope.

 

Unlike the princes of ancient Israel and many political leaders today, the Lord cares for more than just the wealthy and powerful. The Lord makes promises in Psalm 146 to people who are oppressed, hungry, imprisoned, and blind. No matter who you are or how hopeless you may feel at times, God is the one true source of hope. In times of despair and difficulty, look to him as your help for today and your hope for tomorrow.