The Journey - Pt. 6

 

Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. (Psalm 37:3-9 ESV).

 

Let me return to yesterday’s story of being lost in the woods with Kyle. What id didn’t mention was how it was getting darker the more we hiked to the road, which I just hoped I knew was there. The piney woods of Davy Crockett National Park are very thick. Sometimes I would merely stop and try to gauge the direction by looking for the sun setting. I knew I needed to go north, however, the longer we walked the more Kyle began to question me, “Are we lost Dad?” Well, we were, but I sure didn’t want to tell him that! It would only scare him and then I’d have two problems on my hands. Ultimately, he asked the most important question: “Dad, are we going to get home?” I know some of you are asking why I didn’t just call someone on my cell phone? Remember, this is 1978. There are no cell phones.

 

Our reading today gives us some insight into how we can trust the Lord in our journey, even when it seems we have lost the way. He says we are to “fret not.” I find that the most difficult part of trusting in God. Yet, when I practice the act of “delighting myself in the Lord” it comes much easier. And there is the added bonus of being able to enjoy the sights along the way. There are so many times that I lose sight of the things God puts along the way in my life journey simply because I am concentrating on seeing the end of the journey.

 

I don’t need to know the destination or the way there when I know the One who is taking me there (cf. John 14:1-6). Jesus came from there and returned there. He has promised to get me there safely. He will not fail in His promise. Whatever you are going through today, trust that He will get you home safely. You may get nicked up along the way, but you will not be abandoned or forgotten. He knows the way because He is The Way!

 

The Journey - Pt. 5

 

When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, “The LORD will provide.” (Genesis 22:9-14 ESV).

 

I like the anonymous quote in the attached picture. It seems to describe our journey through life quite well: And then there are days of being lost in the woods, not knowing the fate, but just being a wanderer – that’s life. The only difference I would make too it would be the phrase of “not knowing the fate.” As believers we know our fate… and it is very good. In fact, it is an eternity of good.

 

Many years ago, when we lived in Huntsville, Texas, our home sat next to the border of the Davy Crockett National Forest. It contains more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas, and wildlife habitat. Located in Houston and Trinity Counties, the forest is centrally located within the Neches and Trinity River basins. Coming home one afternoon I saw a deer just on the other side of the fence. Kyle was just four years old and loved the outdoors as much as I do. We decided to see how close we could get to the doe. Quietly we began to sneak through the woods, each time pushing the deer a little deeper into the thick woods of the National Forest. As I noticed the sun beginning to set, I told him we’d better head home. The problem, however, was that I had gotten myself lost in the woods! I did know the general area and that a road ran through the forest to the north. So, I put Kyle on my shoulders and began to walk with the sun on my left side. Finally, we reached the road and Kyle said, “How are we going to get home?” Well, I said, “We’ll catch a ride.” Sticking my thumb out with Kyle on my shoulders, it wasn’t long until someone stopped and gave us a ride. We were a long way from home by the roadway, but we arrived safe and sound.

 

Abraham must have felt a bit like I did. Our reading describes him not knowing why he was doing what he was doing other than God told him. The story ends well, and Abraham learned a great lesson: “the Lord will provide.” In our journey through life, we rarely know where the next step will take us. Ultimately, we know the destination, but the route is as unique as we are. The key to peace of mind is trusting that the Lord does indeed provide. Make that your commitment for this New Year! You are not wandering without purpose!

 

The Journey - Pt. 4

 

So Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” Then Jacob set out from Beersheba. The sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, his sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters. All his offspring he brought with him into Egypt. (Genesis 46:1-7 ESV).

 

Jacob, who was now called Israel, had reconciled with his brother, Esau, and was living back in Canaan (cf. Genesis 32-33). But after staying there for many years, he was on the move again. His son, Joseph, whom he had thought was dead (cf. Genesis 37), had become a ruler in Egypt. And there was a great famine in the land (cf. Genesis 41-45), so Jacob went to Egypt to live out the rest of his days.

 

Our journey has been a series of often unexpected moves. Sometimes God moves us in unexpected and surprising ways. In our life it has been the result of a new ministry opportunity; or, our grown children move to a different part of the country, and we follow. The result is often bittersweet. We leave behind what is familiar, and the new place we go, even if it’s exciting, is unknown and unpredictable.

 

In our reading today Jacob spends time with God in worship on his way to Egypt. He needs to know that God will be with him, that God’s promises will be valid in this new place as well. He expresses his readiness to do whatever God tells him: “Here I am,” he says. And God promises to bring Jacob’s family back to their home in Canaan again.

 

When we face unexpected opportunities in life, we would do well to seek God’s will in wise counsel and prayer. Regardless, however, we are always assured that the Lord will always be with us. So, we can journey with God’s promises, no matter where we go. I’ve found this truth so comforting as I’ve grown older and health issues have become more common. It has shown me this is just God getting me ready for my final moving day! He will make that day as easy as possible because of what Jesus has already done on my behalf!

The Journey - Pt. 3

 

Now the LORD said1 to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” (Genesis 12:1-7 ESV).

 

For many people, owning their own home is a great dream and a great blessing. Home ownership allows people to build equity and gain financial security. It also gives them a place to call their own—with private living space and a yard. While we have never “owned” a home, we have purchased and sold many. Each one was viewed as our “home.” The picture I have attached today is the first house we purchased while living in Tyler, Texas, almost fifty years ago. It is still in remarkably good condition. However, it was never intended to be our final home; and, neither is the home we live in today.

 

The Bible gives us glimpses of humanity’s search for a home. But one thing we soon discover is that our dream home cannot really be the one we build for ourselves. Abram, it seems, had a good life in Harran, where his extended family was living. He had possessions and household servants. He was prosperous and successful. But Harran could not be his home. “Go…” God said, “to the land I will show you.” God led Abram to the land of Canaan and said that his descendants would receive this land. So, this would one day be their home. But Abram lived in tents, without a permanent dwelling. He had to learn to wait for God to build the home that he longed for.

 

Many of us long for a place of our own. We learn from the Bible that what we long for is a place with God: a place where God is present with us, a place where we can fellowship with God and lean on his grace. We cannot build that home with our own efforts, but only by waiting on the work of God in Christ. I have found great encouragement from this truth. The things I love so much in this life are merely shadows of the things God is preparing for us in heaven. Things of this life come and go; things of that life are forever… and they are always perfect. That includes health, wealth, possessions, and all that this life contains. So, when one of the things of this life is lost, I am not grieved. It may have been good, but best is yet to be!

 

The Journey - Pt. 2

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23 ESV).

 

In yesterday’s devotional we began a series looking at life in terms of a journey. There are as many reasons for traveling as there are people. I must admit that most of the time I have traveled it has been for pleasure; however, some of the most interesting “trips” have been prompted by other incentives. I have traveled for personal education and training of others. I have traveled for ministry to others. I have traveled away from home as well as back home. Each one of these were merely a part of the larger story of my “journey.” Each one of these segments became a learning experience that helped develop who God desired me to become in this life preparing me for my eternal life in heaven.

 

Perhaps a little illustration would prove helpful. My first year at Texas A&M I was unable to have a vehicle on campus. That was simply the rule. No freshman was allowed to have a vehicle if they were a member of the Corps of Cadets. That made travel a bit more “exciting.” I quickly learned that the preferred method of travel was hitchhiking. Please do not take this to mean that I would endorse that mode of travel today. It simply is not safe; perhaps it was not safe then either though I did manage to get from College Station to Galveston many times that way. I simply donned my uniform, packed my Aggie duffle bag (pictured here), and went to the highway to “thumb a ride.” It often took several different people for the trip, but I enjoyed the meeting of new people and their stories, so the time passed quickly.  

 

Just like any trip, there are many things that can surprise us along the way. It may be a minor inconvenience or something much more serious. However, when I finally saw my house each of those times, I knew the difficulties experiences were worth it. Being welcomed home was just one of the highlights. Seeing family and friends that I had been separated from was always wonderful. Remember, in 1967, we didn’t have the capacity to simply dial a number and video chat with family. That technology didn’t exist. And the one pay phone in our dorm was not much of an option! “There’s no place like home,” an old saying reminds us. This is true for us spiritually as well. We are created to be at home in God’s presence. And while sin may promise adventures, the places it can bring us do not provide the security of being at home with God. Our reading reminds us of the God who cares for us along the journey of life. Regardless of your present experience, He is merely directing you to your final home!

 

The Journey

 

Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. (Psalm 91:9-13 ESV).

 

Mary and I love to travel. Most of the time we have been together on our journeys, though there have been times when she accompanied her sister, and I was traveling with others on various mission trips. We have been privileged to see much of our world. I must confess I have always liked being there more than getting there. Often the journey itself was tedious and merely a means to an end. All of these “trips” are a part of our journey. All of us have had opportunities to go on trips, even if just for a day or two. Each in their own way has become a part of the mosaic we call life.

 

Have you noticed that the time spent on these journeys comes both from planned and unplanned events and circumstances? Our travels can be caused by events that prompt us or even force us to go and experience new things. Whatever the case, we need to know that at the end of our final trip there is a place where we can belong, a place we can call home.

 

The Christian life is like that. At times we can journey along peacefully, enjoying the blessings of comfort and joy that Christ brings. At other times we can feel stretched and challenged and even uprooted in our spiritual life. Though challenges can help us grow in faith, we need to know that along the way God is always with us.

 

Thankfully, the God who calls us to have faith in his Son, Jesus Christ, always cares for us, promising never to leave or forsake us. This is the God of grace and forgiveness, who fills us with his Spirit and welcomes us to enjoy life in his presence, giving us a place to call home wherever we may be. For the next few days, as we approach a New Year, we will reflect on these things as we explore some of the Bible’s passages about home.

 

For to Us a Child Is Born - Pt. 4

 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:5-7 ESV).

 

Merry Christmas! After the crush of shopping and the holiday traffic, a friend exclaimed, “We need peace on earth, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14.) But what really is “peace on earth”? Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is more than warm feelings or sentimentality. God’s peace is much richer. God offers us shalom, which refers to a peace that flows from all things being in proper harmony. Shalom points to wholeness, wholesomeness, and flourishing within God’s guidelines for living. It means my heart, soul, mind, and strength are in alignment with God. My security and rest are rooted in God’s goodness and blessing.

 

Before Adam and Eve fell into sin, they knew this peace in a perfect way. Life was in balance. And God declared it “very good.” There was fellowship with God, companionship within humanity, and harmony with creation. Adam and Eve experienced God’s blessing as they lived lives of meaningful, joyful service. But we live in a world that is fragmented, filled with discord, insecurity, and uncertainty. Our hope is in the Prince of Peace. The good news of Christmas is that the Prince of Peace has come. And through his redeeming work we can experience the richness of God’s peace: “peace with God” (forgiveness and reconciliation with God) and the “peace of God” (his security and wholeness) in our lives.

 

All of those things that would seek to overwhelm us, stealing our peace, can be challenging to face with confidence. Today, as the activities of the day unfold, recognize that all of it merely serves as a reminder that God has overcome our greatest enemy and given us eternal life, full of peace and the assurance of His presence.

 

For to Us a Child Is Born - Pt. 3

 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:5-7 ESV).

 

While the theological concept of the Trinity is very difficult, we know that the Scripture clearly teaches that God is one God in three persons. These “persons of God” are more specifically known as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So, when the Prophet Isaiah refers to Jesus as “the Everlasting Father it seems a bit strange. Knowing what this means is of vital importance. Jesus reveals God the Father, and he is the Word of the Father in the flesh.

 

“Everlasting Father” is a term used to describe the caring relationship between a protector and those under his charge. A king was sometimes described as the father of his people. Job used the term to describe himself as “a father to the needy” (Job 29:16).

 

Think of the relationship between a father and his children. At his best, a father wants and seeks what is good for his children. It might not always be what they want, but it is for their good. A father loves, protects, nurtures, and provides. Jesus establishes this kind of relationship with the children of God. Earthly fathers fail, even to the point of distorting our understanding of God the Father. But God our Father never fails us. Christ’s care and provision for the children of God is unchanging and secure. Jesus is the Everlasting Father; there is nothing temporary or passing about his steadfast love and abiding faithfulness.

 

My prayer for you this Christmas Eve is that you will the depth and security of this embrace you. Fall into the protection and peace of His loving embrace. Celebrate this amazing gift of God’s grace to us!

 

For to Us a Child Is Born - Pt. 2

 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:5-7 ESV).

 

We still get a few Christmas cards through the mail. Some of them are family portraits with a letter detailing some of the year’s events; others are winter scenes with fresh fallen snow; and a few are pictured with a representation of the nativity scene. I recall one Christmas season many years ago as we were opening Christmas cards, one of the boys asked, “Why is there a circle behind baby Jesus’ head?” I think it was our oldest who answered quickly with appropriate wisdom, “It’s called a halo; it’s there because he’s God.” I couldn’t help but smile.

 

In our reading we come to this second name of this Child given to us: He is “Mighty God.” All things in heaven and earth were created by him, “and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17). The wind and the waves obey his command (Luke 8:25). People marveled at the authority of his words (Matthew 7:28-29). He is “the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:13). There is no one greater; he has no equal. He is eternal God, who is, was, and is to come (Revelation 1:8).

 

Jesus stands above time and space—the all-present, all-knowing, all-powerful, all-glorious Lord, “who, being in very nature God … made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:6-7). For us and our salvation, God in Jesus entered this world as a helpless baby.

 

He did all this for us. We should be stunned by the incarnation: God coming to us in human flesh. With this great event we are called to devote our life in gratitude to the babe in the manger, for he is our God.

 

For to Us a Child Is Born - Pt. 1

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:5-7 ESV).

 

As we edge nearer to Christmas Day, I thought it would be a great encouragement for us to look at the four names the Prophet Isaiah is given for Jesus. In our reading today he says, “…to us a son is given… his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” We’ll take each of these in turn over the next four days.

 

To face life’s questions and problems alone only adds to our struggle and pain. But where can we turn? Thankfully, many of us have close friends or family who listen and offer words of wisdom. These confidants offer a helpful perspective and can guide our thinking. But sadly, many others are not so blessed. And even the best counselors cannot always be there. What’s more, even their wisdom is limited.

 

Isaiah reminds us of God’s gift of Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor. In his divinity he is all knowing. In his humanity, he understands. When we are tempted to cry, “But you don’t know what I am going through!” we need to know that Jesus has walked in our human weakness. He faced temptation, pain, loss, betrayal, and even death for our sake. He knows, cares, and understands.

 

By coming to live with us in our world, Jesus has shown the depth of his love. And, as God, he has the power to accomplish his purposes. Reigning now in heaven, he is both praying for his people and moving time and space toward the full coming of his kingdom.

 

He is the Wonderful Counselor. Come to him for direction and counsel. Talk to him honestly, and humbly seek his guidance. Listen to the Scripture, for all the treasures of divine wisdom and knowledge are found in His words there. He is truly a Wonder of a Counselor!

  

God's Script

 

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and afear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. (Luke 1:5-14 ESV).

 

God always has the last word. Even when it looks as if life has passed us by, God is busy behind the scenes to get us where he wants us. Sometimes God uses even our disappointments, our pain and hurts and failures, to fulfill his plan for our lives. Today Mary and I celebrate over half a century of time together. At the First Baptist Church of Bryan, Texas, she and I exchanged our vows and began this marvelous journey together often filled with surprises, some pleasant and some difficult. I can say with absolute certainty that when I went to A&M in the fall of 1967, I was not looking for someone to spend the rest of my life with. Yet, the moment I saw her I knew she was the one I needed to be with. God is like that. While we are focused on our plans, He is working to bring His plan to bear in our lives. I am so glad He does!

 

Our story today in Scripture reminds us of this truth. Zechariah and Elizabeth, an elderly couple who had lived close to the Lord all their lives, had one great disappointment. They had no children, and because of their age they realized they would probably die without having a child of their own. Then one day Zechariah got the surprise of his life. While Zechariah was on priest duty at the temple, an angel came to tell him that he and his wife would soon have a child. And this was not to be just any child. Their son would be a special prophet who would announce the coming of the Savior. While Zechariah and Elizabeth had given up the hope of having a child, God was busy behind the scenes preparing the way for the Messiah. They would play a significant role in God’s plan of salvation.

 

The angel’s message to Zechariah was a reminder to him and to all of us that God writes the script for our lives. God still has a plan, and he wants to use each one of us. And God still has the last word. I am indescribably glad His script for me included this wonderful life with Mary, our children and grandchildren, and all the opportunities of a life of joy and hope! He is doing the same for you… trust Him! Happy Anniversary, Mary!

 

Advent

 

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).

 

I thought it might be interesting as well as encouraging to dive a bit deeper into the “Advent” of the Western Christian Church. As you may be aware, it is the annual observance that marks the beginning of the liturgical year. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas Day and ends on Christmas Eve. It’s much more than a countdown to Christmas; it is a time of hopeful expectation and reflection on our need for a Savior, who first came to “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21) and will come again “to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28).

 

I wonder if you know the origins of the name “Advent”? It means “coming toward.” The modern definition of advent is “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.” We generally use it to signify either an origin or beginning of a major event or a new era (i.e.: the advent of the Civil War or the advent of modern capitalism). We might also apply it to the onset of a regular occurrence, as in “the advent of winter”. Our modern understanding of advent probably gets much of its portent from centuries of ecclesiastical use to mark the first appearance of the Messiah and the hope of his promised return.

 

I think it is more than “coming toward” and should be seen in the sense of an invitation to “come toward” God. We often get caught up in the secular aspects of Christmas, the shopping, decorating, parties and other festivities. Observing Advent can really help us get above all that and focus our celebration on the coming of God’s Son. We do this by coming close to him. Many believers find drawing near to God enriches all other aspects of the Christmas celebration—fellowship, gift giving, gift receiving, even shopping. Take a little time this week and intentionally come toward Jesus!

 

Glass Houses

 

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. (Galatians 6:1-3 ESV).

 

Perhaps you have heard, or even used the familiar saying, “Don’t throw rocks. We all live in glass houses.” It is a simple reminder to be careful in our judgment of others. The Apostle Paul speaks to this in our reading today. It is a part of his letter to the church in Galatia. It seems they had become hyper-judgmental and legalistic.

 

Throughout my years of ministry, I have often heard stories from people who felt abandoned by their church, particularly when they felt they needed their support the most. Several years ago, while living in Tennessee, I worked with a Divorce Recovery Group. One woman said, “When I needed the church the most, it was not there for me.” That story has been repeated in one form or another many times. The circumstances might have been different, but the result was the same. When people felt burdened they also felt abandoned.

 

It’s easy to walk right past people who are burdened—sometimes because we don’t know, and other times because we don’t want to be bothered. Thank God, though, that there are many church members who make it their business to carry the burdens of others. Some go out of their way to invite someone for dinner who has no family. Others faithfully pray for people they know who are dealing with hardships, and some send a note to let people know that someone is thinking about them. Still others faithfully call on people who can’t get out.

 

And that, according to our reading today, is the way things should be. We are to carry one another’s burdens. When you find yourself in church, take a look around and try to see who might need you. Reach out to people in your local community also. And keep fulfilling the law of Christ by showing his love. This is just one of the ways we can make this season joyous for those who feel no joy at all!

 

The Birds of the Air

[Jesus said] “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26 ESV).

 

Do you ever feed the birds in your yard? I am certainly not a “birdwatcher”; however, I have always maintained a wildlife feeder at our homes. Much like the one I’ve pictured here, my feeders have always been built to hold fifty pounds of feed and sit on the ground to accommodate different kinds of wildlife. Through the years we’ve had deer, wild turkeys, racoons, foxes, and just about every native bird in the area visit our feeder. I particularly like to see the numbers of some of them swoop in and begin feeding. Doves are almost always in abundance at our feeder here in Texas, though we’ve seen many other varieties. I’ve also provided nesting boxes for some of the species. We usually see three pair of Eastern Bluebirds in the spring as they raise their brood. I am amazed at the beauty and variety the feeder attracts.

 

God cares for all His creation. This is especially true considering my comments yesterday as we focused on the difficulty that many people are facing at this time of the year. Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (v. 26). I find it very encouraging knowing that God is not merely aware of the needs of His creation, but He is providing for each one.

 

Notice how Jesus points our attention to the birds so that we can reflect on and understand more about God’s love and care for us. God has made birds a beautiful part of his creation. Yet, they seem almost insignificant considering the difficulties we often face. As many of you may know this year, I’m in the midst of a health issue going from one doctor to another as they try to determine what’s happening. It can feel a little discouraging not knowing why I can’t seem to breathe very well; however, I need to remember that even though I don’t know what’s going on, God does. And, He has filtered it through His loving hands to bring good into my life. After all, He does that for the “birds of the air.” Doesn’t He love us much more? Of course He does!

  

A Blue Christmas

 

“For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:10-14 ESV).

 

Christmas is a time of celebration; however, the joy of the celebration can easily be interrupted by grief or sadness. It is not unusual for some to ask me questions like, “What do you do when you can’t find God?” Others have shared with me that they pray, and it feels like they are talking to an empty chair; or, they read their Bible, but it’s just words, and it does not mean anything to them.” C.S. Lewis wrote that when he prayed during his wife’s illness, the doors to heaven seemed to have been “double-bolted.” Some of you may be having a similar experience this Christmas. You may have had that experience of feeling that God is far away and unreachable. Even some of the psalmists wrote about times when God did not seem to be anywhere near. This is not uncommon in the Scripture (cf. Psalm 22; Mark 15:34).

 

So, what do you do when you can’t find God? Do what the psalmist did, and cry out to God. Let him know how much you need him. And read and reread today’s reading, which assures us that when we seek God with all our hearts, we will find him. God wants to be a part of our everyday lives, just as he showed us when his Son, our Savior was born.

 

I often recommend that you find that place where it is easiest for you to experience God and simply sit in His presence. It may be indoors or outdoors. For me it is always outdoors, especially just as the sun sets in the west. I often hear God’s comforting and encouraging words when I can see His wonderful works in creation. Wherever you find that place in your life, visit it as often as you need during the difficult times you are experiencing in your journey.

 

Three Wise Men

 

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.’” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 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 win a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:1-12 ESV).

 

Today we revisit the story of the Magi who came a long way from the east to worship Jesus. They came bearing costly gifts: “gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (v.12). So much has been said about these men who traveled such a distance to find and worship this new king announced with this bright star. While there have been scores of books written about them, today I want to simply focus on the fact that they truly were “wise” men.

 

The contemporary song “Christmas Offering” retells the Christmas story in a way that focuses on offerings of praise, joy, and worship. Beginning with the shepherds and the Magi going to find the new King, this song points out that they honor Jesus with worship some including extravagant gifts. It calls to mind the truth that we are also directed to “present” gifts to Him. The Apostle Paul simply states: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies bas a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1 ESV).

 

Throughout Scripture, God calls his people to truly worship him. In view of God’s mercy for us, we are called to offer ourselves “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” When we worship—as a community or individually—we are praising God for who he is and what he has done. And we can do this with our whole life, bringing “true and proper worship” to Christ our King. Even if you are unable to attend a church service, you can still worship and praise Him this season. Be a wise man!

 

Comfort, Comfort Now My Peoples

 

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:1-5 ESV).

 

“Comfort, Comfort Now My People” is an old song with a powerful message. It is based on our reading today (Isaiah 40:1-5), which gives hope to God’s people. It provides hope that our comfort will come. In this song we sing about a prophet who was called to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. John the Baptist was that prophet (cf. Mark 1:1-11; John 1:19-34); he came to “prepare the way for the Lord.” John called people to repentance, preparing their hearts for the coming Savior. His work renews our hope that God fulfills his promise to comfort his people.

 

At the birth of Jesus, God fulfills his promise of bringing comfort. Jesus comes for the purpose of saving us from our sins. The Bible tells us that our sin has been paid for by Jesus’ death on the cross. Because Jesus has paid for our sins, we have comfort in knowing that we can find true peace and rest in him. Whenever we face struggles and challenges, we can remember that our comfort is in Christ.

 

I often turn to the old catechisms for concise statements of faith. The Heidelberg Catechism asks, “What is your only comfort in life and in death?” And it answers, “That I am not my own, but belong — body and soul, in life and in death — to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.” Such truth in so few words!

 

There is no greater comfort to be found than in Christ alone. Whatever you may be facing this Christmas season, understand it is merely another part of the journey that will lead us home to an eternal life that no longer tries our souls or darkens our spirits. We are free from sin and death. Comfort yourself and others with this great message of truth!

 

What Child Is This?

 

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:28-30 ESV).

 

Though we celebrate Jesus’ birth and the gift of salvation with joy and gladness, it’s important to note that our salvation has come at a terrible cost. God’s grace and salvation are free to us, but these amazing gifts come only through the excruciating death of our Lord, who laid down his own life to pay the price of our sin for us. As we sing “What Child Is This,” a well-known and loved text set to the old English tune “Greensleeves,” we again review the story of the birth of Jesus.

 

The first stanza tells the story of Christ the King’s humble birth, as we have noted a lot this month. And the second stanza points directly to the reason why Jesus came. It sings of the salvation this baby would provide, and it describes in detail the suffering he would endure to bring us salvation. “Nails, spear shall pierce him through, the cross be borne for me, for you.” In one stunning line this song describes the suffering that Christ would take on for us all. This is a humbling reminder that Jesus, the “King of kings,” was born in humiliation and had to suffer to save us from our sin. And he did all of this willingly, out of his great love for us.

 

The song begins with a simple question, to which the answer too is simple — and yet deeply moving. “What child is this?” He is Jesus, born to save us. The closer we get to Christmas Day, the easier it is to get caught up in all the festivity of the holiday. Family and friends, food and celebration, gifts to share and receive all are wonderful ways to express our joy and gladness for the birth of Jesus. However, we cannot forget the great price that Jesus paid to give us this freedom. There really is no way to fully comprehend this sacrifice. His love for us is incalculable. His grace is immeasurable. Celebrate greatly this season… but remember the price that Jesus paid for our celebration!

 

Go Tell It on the Mountains

 

Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants. Let the desert and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar inhabits; let the habitants of Sela sing for joy, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory to the LORD, and declare his praise in the coastlands. The LORD goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war he stirs up his zeal; he cries out, he shouts aloud, he shows himself mighty against his foes. (Isaiah 42:10-13 ESV).

 

I know it’s different for every new parent; however, for Mary and I with each of our sons we wanted to wait until they were born before alerting anyone that Mary was in labor. So, after the birth of each our children, we spent bit of time on the phone (landlines, of course) calling various family and friends to tell them the good news that our baby had been born. While we were interested in having others there during the births we certainly wanted to let everyone know as quickly as possible, sharing our good news. It is much easier to accomplish this today with technology as it is.

 

Whenever anyone has good news, they want to share it with as many people as possible. The prophet Isaiah spoke about the servant of the Lord who would come in faithfulness to bring justice and restoration. And at his coming, the people are called to sing a new song of praise, to go out and “raise their voices” and “shout from the mountaintops.” On the day of Jesus’ birth, God’s people are given news of the greatest gift, the gift of salvation. As we hear the good news of Jesus, we respond with great joy, sharing it wherever we go.

 

“Go, Tell It on the Mountain” may not be one of your “traditional” Christmas carols; however, it calls us to hear the good news of the birth of Jesus and to respond with shouts of joy! We can go out and share this news with everyone we can imagine. One of the wonderful privileges we have is being able to share this great good news with others. Take advantage of that opportunity in all the circumstances you find yourself in this Christmas season!

 

 

Joy to the World

 

Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His aright hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD! Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. (Psalm 98:1-9 ESV).

 

“Joy to the World” is not only a well-known Christmas song; it’s one of the first songs people want to sing on Christmas Day to celebrate Christ’s birth. This song was written by Isaac Watts in 1719, and it is a Christological interpretation of Psalm 98, which is our reading today. When we sing “Joy to the World,” we are proclaiming that Christ is the fulfillment of what the psalmist writes: “The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.” In the birth of Christ, we see God’s salvation plan being made known. In the life and death of Christ, we see the revelation of righteousness for all people.

 

The psalmist calls for the whole earth to respond with a “shout for joy.” And as “Joy to the World” puts it, both “heaven and nature sing,” and “fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy.” God’s salvation is made known with the coming of his Son to bring salvation.

 

This is the reason for joy. With so many errands to run, tasks to do, and lists to complete, remember to shout for joy! We are called to make room in our hearts for the coming of our Lord. Let’s all join together with all creation in singing our praise to God for revealing his salvation everywhere.

 

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is ja new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, owe are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ESV).

 

Now… I really would like you to be honest. Did you ever think one of the angels singing at the birth of Jesus was named “Harold”? I know. That’s a bit corny, but perhaps it caused you to chuckle a little. We continue today with the angels’ announcement to the shepherds. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” is yet another favorite song packed with meaning.

 

Four words in the middle of the first stanza could easily be overlooked: “…God and sinners reconciled.” This profound truth speaks volumes about Jesus’ mission and God’s great plan to save us from sin and death. The Apostle Paul explains in our reading today that God has reconciled us to himself through Christ. Ever since the fall of humanity into sin (cf. Genesis 3), our relationship with God has been broken. Yet God wanted to restore that relationship. And the only way to do that was through the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ (cf. John 3:16).

 

When the angels announced the birth of Jesus, they spoke about the peace that Jesus brings. And with this peace comes reconciliation between God and all who believe. In Jesus, God comes to us, to reconcile us to himself so that we can live in relationship with him again.

 

Paul says that because we are reconciled with God, we also have the task of sharing the message of reconciliation. We are “God’s ambassadors.” Having been reconciled, we can share with others the good news that our relationship with God is restored. Jesus, who had no sin, became sin for us so that we may live for him.