Joy

 

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).

 

I am both reflective and curious by nature. I am not as Thomas was in that I don’t demand to see things for myself to believe them. However, when I experience something new to me, I like understanding as much of it as possible. It may be a new thought or process in some area of interest. I might be something that runs counter to my experience. It is then that I take the time to research and think through the new technique or belief. Believe me, there have been many of those in my seven and a half decades of life. I’m scheduled for cataract surgery at the end of this month. I have done plenty of research to understand everything I can before I have the procedure. Especially since the doctor indicates I may not need glasses for clarity seeing things far off… REALLY? Well, we shall see (no pun intended), though all my research indicates this is the typical response to this surgery.  

 

That nature brings me to the thought of embracing joy at this time of the year. We do need to recognize the profound difference between fleeting happiness and enduring joy. While happiness usually describes a feeling based on external circumstances, joy is a deeper, more resilient state rooted in faith and the assurance of God’s presence, regardless of what’s happening around us. Real joy, Advent joy, should remind us that true joy is found in the promises and coming of Christ. This lasting joy provides comfort and strength even in times of struggle. James described this reality: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). Now, that’s a different perspective than how we tend to think about joy and happiness. Biblical joy is not just a feeling but a practice.

 

Examine the gift of grace in your life. Then let it turn your mind toward joy!

 

Peace of Mind

 

[Jesus said] “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe.” (John 14:25-29 ESV).

 

If you are a believer, you may still struggle with finding the peace of mind and soul that is so often absent in times of struggle. We talk a lot about peace on earth and good will toward men at this time of the year, though it often seems conspicuously absent. First, we should recognize that this peace is a state of rest for the entire soul that comes from trusting in God. It's more than just relieving stress or anxiety, and it's a peace that's reliable in any situation. This is the peace that seems like a distant ideal in a world marked by turmoil, uncertainty, and conflict. Yet, Advent reminds us that true peace is rooted in the coming of Christ. This peace is a constant source of assurance, even when external circumstances challenge us.

 

God gives us the gift of peace as we draw close and rely on him. The Apostle Paul wrote: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

 

Here we are a day that ought to be filled with such peace. However, your day may have just started and your thoughts are already beginning to race with anxiety; or, perhaps it's the middle of the night and you're struggling to find rest, whatever season of difficulty you're facing, the enemy is attacking your peace of mind. In those overwhelming moments, as your mind fills with fear, the best place to turn for comfort is an intimate relationship with God through prayer. We are not meant to try to control and fix everything that worries us. We were created to rest in God's love! We cannot always control the things that rob us of peace of mind, but we can control how we respond. This Advent season, consider placing particular emphasis on praying, meditating, and reflecting on Scripture to embrace God’s peace. We can also cultivate this Advent peace throughout the year as we worship God in our daily lives, acknowledging our total reliance on God for our needs.

 

Hope

 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials. (1 Peter 1:3-6 ESV).

 

During Advent, many Christians anticipate the celebration of Christmas, the first coming of Jesus Christ, and his anticipated return. Some churches begin the fourth Sunday before Christmas by reflecting on a central theme for each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve: hope, peace, joy, and love. Many churches light a candle on a wreath each Sunday of Advent, symbolizing one of these themes. In the next four days, we’ll explore the four themes of Advent and discuss their significance and meaning in our lives, offering ways to embrace them as we await the coming of Christmas. Today we are looking at “Hope”.

 

I understand hope can feel elusive for many this time of the year. When we find ourselves immersed in the challenges of difficulty, it is difficult to be hopeful. But for Christians, hope is not merely a fervent wish that things will get better; instead, it is a profound assurance rooted in faith: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). This Advent hope is anchored in the promise of Christ's coming—not only for Christmas, the celebration of Jesus’ first coming but for us who wait in anticipation of his second coming.

 

Hope rooted in faith inspires believers to look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust God's faithfulness to his promises. During this time of the year, we may embrace this hope by recognizing what God has accomplished through the gift of Jesus. Through this miraculous birth we were given the grace of God bringing us redemption and eternal life. Death has no power over us as it has been forever defeated. The curse of the ages has been lifted to give us the hope of life!

 

55th Anniversary!

 

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:8-13 ESV).

 

It is our 55^th Anniversary today! I’m not quite sure how that happened so quickly, but the day has arrived. I was a bit perplexed as to what picture I would attach to today’s devotional; and, I may have a bit of explaining to do when Mary sees the one I chose! However, this is the Mary I have known and cherished for over half a century. I do not remember what was so funny at the time. Perhaps it was the fact that it was so out of character for her to have a garter on, much less have me take it off her leg! In any case, this is one of those moments that her joy burst through in such a visible way. That is the Mary that so many people do not get to see. That is the lady I fell in love with so many years ago.

 

Of course, there are many other things about her personality and character that convinced me beyond any doubt that she was the one for me that first moment I met her. And, perhaps it is this complex mixture of all these things that made it so easy to understand the will and purpose of God in our lives then. That certainly is true today.

 

It is that truth that brings me to our reading today. The Apostle Paul defines love in such a clear and complete way in these verses. The most impactful of these descriptions is the enduring nature of love. Even when we compare faith and hope to love, love is the clear greatest of the three. That has been the sustaining fact in our relationship. It has always been the north star that guided us through the many experiences of life. I am so thankful for these years and look forward to many more.

 

Our prayer is always that you will find that same relationship in your life. God bless you all… thank you, Mary for saying yes!

 

O Come All Ye Faithful

 

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. (Psalm 95:1-5 ESV).

 

There are often various celebrations when we invite others to join us. Whether they are birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions the guest list is determined, and the invitations are sent out. Those who receive the invitation then have a choice, will they attend? Are they able?

 

I was thinking about this dynamic as I looked over the lyrics of the last of the carols we will use this year for our devotionals. It is a beloved favorite of many, “O Come All Ye Faithful.” This song recounts the birthday of Jesus Christ. At His birth, a “party” broke out near the manger. Of course, Mary and Joseph were there, but soon others began to make their way to the gathering. God the Father went out of His way to invite a two very different and unlikely groups to attend the party - shepherds and Magi (cf. Luke 2:8-20, and Matthew 2:1-12). The shepherds represented common Jewish people - a class of citizens that would normally never have been invited to a religious ceremony or royal birth. The Magi were Gentiles from a faraway land who would have had no expectation of inclusion in the plans of the God of Israel. Yet, at Jesus’ birth, God sends an angelic invite to the shepherds and a starry message to the Magi inviting them to come.

 

When the invitation is issued, the shepherds and Magi have a choice. Both groups move toward the manger. Both groups decide that they cannot miss the opportunity to be included in this special moment. As a result, both are incredibly blessed. They were not able on their own, but by God’s grace, they find their stories find meaning in Christ. Now, I want you to think about your own life for a moment. By virtue of you reading this devotional, knowing these songs, reading the Christmas story, you have received an invitation from your Heavenly Father. An invite to come to Jesus and find your hope in Him.

 

This invitation from God is not based on our performance but on His grace. It is sinful

people like you and me, like the shepherds and wise men, who get the invite to come to Jesus and find our hope and forgiveness and life in Him. God desires that we open this invitation by faith and trust in Jesus as the Son of God who takes away the penalty of our sins through His death on the cross. Have you placed your faith in Jesus? If not, hear the words of today’s song as an invite from God to come and adore Him and place your faith in Jesus.

 

Mary Did You Know?

 

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and go shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:26-33 ESV).

 

One of my favorite modern Christmas songs was written in 1991 by Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry. It has become a contemporary “classic.” In its short history, this song has been recorded by many contemporary artists, and sung in many church services. My favorite cover of it is done by Pentatonix. You can find it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifCWN5pJGIE.

 

The song asks a simple rhetorical question: Mary, did you know who your Son was? The question is expanded throughout the song citing both the salvation Jesus would bring and the miracles He would work. Did Mary know while holding Him in Bethlehem’s barn who Jesus really was? This song is musically beautiful, but it also shines a spotlight on the paradox of the Sovereign God becoming a dependent baby.

 

It is a valid question. Did Mary know? If so, what did Mary know? From the very beginning, Mary certainly knew that Jesus was not a normal baby. Our reading today indicates that much. She finds out she is pregnant through a conversation with the angel Gabriel. In this conversation she would come to know: she had found favor with God (1:28-30); She was pregnant with a Son, even though she was a virgin (1:31); her Son would be the Son of God (1:32a, 35); her Son would be the promised Messiah (1:32b); and, her Son’s Kingdom would know no end (1:33).

 

For nine months Mary carried Jesus with the words of the Angel reverberating in her ears and echoing through her heart. Then, when Jesus was born, angels and shepherds, and Magi show up and remind her of the supernatural nature of her Son. As He grows up, she continued to know that Jesus was unique. So, based on these verses, did Mary know? Yes. I think she knew. However, let’s not make Mary into more than she was. She was certainly favored by God, but she was still human. At one point, she (and Jesus’ half brothers) openly questioned His methods (Matthew 12:46-50). After Jesus’ crucifixion, Mary was not sitting outside the tomb on the morning of the third day expecting to see the stone rolled away. She (like the other disciples) thought the dream died on the cross. So, in one sense Mary knew, but in another sense she didn’t.

 

So, the question asked in this song reminds us that at times we can KNOW a truth about God, but still have questions about how it looks in our lives. Allow this tension to encourage you today in the areas of your life where you know, but in another sense don’t know. Trust in what you know. Reject the temptation to base your hope on the things you don’t know!

 

Come Thou Log Expectred Jesus

 

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 9:6-7 ESV).

 

Today’s carol may be a bit unfamiliar to you. It is typically sung in the more liturgical churches. It is rooted in the rich heritage of the Methodist Church. John and Charles Wesley are responsible for this wonderful herald of the birth of Jesus. Though the Wesley’s never set out to start “Methodism” God used them to reform the Church of England and call it to both passion and application. If Luther’s reform in Germany was about orthodoxy, the Wesley’s reform in England 200 years later was about orthopraxy, or, “as much about what we do as what we believe.

 

While John Wesley was the preacher, Charles Wesley is best known for the hymns he wrote. One of the 18 Christmas carols Wesley wrote was “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.” This song not only laid out sound theology and Scriptural references, but called followers of Jesus to act in certain ways. The first verse points out Jesus has released us from our “fears and sins” (Romans 6:5-11). This is a theological truth, but the application of this truth is that we would find “our rest in Thee.”

 

In the second verse, Jesus is described as “a child, and yet a King (Isaiah 9:6-7).” Charles takes the next line, though, and drives it home, saying that Jesus was “Born to reign in us forever … Rule in all our hearts alone.” The application is not just to say that Jesus is the “King of Kings,” but to have Him be our King, the ultimate authority in our lives. This Christmas, as you hear this wonderful carol I hope you have a reformation of your practice. I encourage you to find your rest in Jesus, the ultimate authority in your life!

 

 

I Heard the Bells on Chreistmas Day!

 

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 ethe 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).

 

Our Christmas Carol for today is “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” It has a wonderful history. It begins in the middle of the Civil War, in March of 1863, when 18-year-old Charles Appleton Longfellow of Cambridge, Massachusetts quietly left his family’s home, a colonial mansion that had served as General Washington’s headquarters from 1775 to 1776. Unbeknownst to his family, he boarded a train bound for Washington, D.C., traveling over 400 miles down the eastern seaboard to join President Lincoln’s Union army. He was the oldest of six children born to Fanny Elizabeth Appleton and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the celebrated literary critic and poet. Less than two years earlier, Charles’s mother Fanny had tragically died after her dress caught on fire. Her husband, Henry, awakened from a nap, tried to extinguish the flames as best he could, first with a rug and then his own body, but she had already suffered severe burns. She died the next morning, and Henry Longfellow’s own burns were severe enough that he was unable even to attend his own wife’s funeral. He stopped shaving on account of the burns, growing a beard that would become associated with his image. At times he feared that he would be sent to an asylum on account of his grief.

 

When Charley (as he was called) arrived in Washington D.C., he sought to enlist as a private with the 1st Massachusetts Artillery. Captain W. H. McCartney, commander of Battery A, wrote to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow for written permission for Charley to become a soldier. HWL (as his son referred to him) granted the permission. Longfellow later wrote to his friends Charles Sumner (senator from Massachusetts), John Andrew (governor of Massachusetts), and Edward Dalton (medical inspector of the Sixth Army Corps) to lobby for his son to become an officer. But Charley had already impressed his fellow soldiers and superiors with his skills, and on March 27, 1863, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, assigned to Company “G.”

 

At the Battle of Chancellorsville in Virginia (April 30–May 6, 1863) he saw no combat duty but spent his time guarding wagons. There Charley fell ill with “camp fever” and was sent home to recover for several months with his family. That summer, having missed the Battle of Gettysburg, he rejoined his unit on August 15, 1863. On the first day of that December, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was dining alone at his home when a telegram arrived with the news that his son had been severely wounded four days earlier. He had been shot through the left shoulder, with the bullet exiting under his right shoulder blade. It had traveled across his back and nicked his spine. Charley avoided being paralyzed by less than an inch.

 

He was carried into New Hope Church in Orange County, Virginia and then transported to the Rapidan River. Charley’s father and younger brother, Ernest, immediately set out for Washington, D.C., arriving on December 3. Charley arrived by train on December 5. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was alarmed when informed by the army surgeon that his son’s wound “was very serious” and that “paralysis might ensue.” Three surgeons gave a more favorable report that evening, suggesting a recovery that would require him to be “long in healing,” at least six months.

 

On Friday, December 25, 1863, Longfellow, as a 57-year-old widowed father of six children, the oldest of which had been nearly paralyzed as his country fought a war against itself, wrote a poem seeking to capture the dissonance in his own heart and the world he observes around him that Christmas Day. He heard the Christmas bells ringing in Cambridge and the singing of “peace on earth, good-will to men”, but he observed the world of injustice and violence that seemed to mock the truthfulness of this optimistic outlook. The theme of confident hope even during bleak despair is apparent throughout the poem.

 

What a contrast to the issue of time Magazine on April 8, 1966 as the cover asked, “Is God Dead?” In a world where we have a telescope in space looking to the far reaches of the universe and using the Hadron Collider to try to find the “God particle”, many people wonder if there is a need for God to explain the creation of the universe and our existence. They see God only as an uneducated person’s explanation of the universe instead of a divine person involved in our lives.

 

When we reduce God to just an explanation of creation, we allow Him to be seen as of no use and dead to society. When bad things happen in our culture, people always ask, “Where is God? Why did He allow that to happen?” But when we fail to put logs on a fire, we don’t ask, “Where is the heat? Why are we being allowed to freeze?” We can’t kick God out of our culture, schools, and government then ask where He is when bad things happen. He sent His Son into the world to bring life and light into our darkness. God is not dead, nor is He simply an explanation for our very being. He is a loving God who is involved in our daily lives. We were created with purpose and our lives have meaning. To think there is no God and that we are simply here by random chance is to say there is no right or wrong and that life has no meaning. God sent His Son to us to show us that we matter. He sent Him to show He cares about our struggles mentally, physically, and spiritually. He came to right the wrongs, to bring peace on earth, and goodwill to men.

 

O Little Town of Bethlehem

 

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being4 might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-31 ESV).

 

"O Little Town of Bethlehem" is a popular Christmas carol, written by Phillip Brooks in the 19th Century. The lyrics refer to the town of Bethlehem where Jesus was born of Mary. This hymn describes the setting of Christ's birth and the wondrous gift that would be his life, teachings, and sacrifice. It was written by Phillips Brooks (1835–1893), an Episcopal priest, then pastor of Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia and later of Trinity Church in Boston. He was encouraged by touring the town of Bethlehem in the Sanjak of Jerusalem in 1865. Three years following, he penned the poem for his church, and his organist Lewis Redner (1831-1908) composed the accompanying melody. It is a favorite of many!

 

He tells the story of Bethlehem, a town which could be considered tiny and insignificant. The Prophet Micah describes Bethlehem as being “…small among the clans of Judah.” Yet he goes on to say, “out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.” Indeed, Jesus was born in Bethlehem some 700 years later.

 

The significance of insignificant Bethlehem can’t be understated. God loves to work in amazing ways through the unlikely and the overlooked. It’s easy for all of us to feel undervalued and unimportant, but that is exactly the type of person God will use. Think of the endless ways God could use you if you surrender to His will. Actually, Bethlehem did have some significance before Jesus’ birth. Among other things it was also the birthplace of David, Israel’s greatest Old Testament warrior and king. However, this is also another example of God’s amazing province. David after all was the youngest son of Jesse who considered him the unlikeliest of his boys to become king. But God saw

through all that and had him anointed the next ruler of Israel. Again, God was working in ways that are outside of man’s conventional wisdom.

 

We tend to see our life and circumstances through a man-made perspective. Once we realize that the Lord works in mysterious ways which are far above our own we will be more ready for Him to use us in an exciting way. Of course nothing has more significance than the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. How

unlikely is it that it would begin one quiet, peaceful night in a quiet, peaceful town. The “everlasting Light”, the “hopes and fears of all the years” all started in the “…Little Town of Bethlehem.” You can’t make this stuff up and thankfully it’s not!

 

The Little Drummer Boy

 

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. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2 ESV).

 

Do you remember the animated Christmas movie titled The Little Drummer Boy? The scene is so poignant as the night was silent, except for the beating of his heart. It seemed so loud to him; he wondered if his traveling companions could hear it too. He was nervous to see a king, but he kept walking, holding tightly to his drum. His heart was about to beat out of his chest. The others were carrying beautiful boxes filled with precious gifts, gifts worthy of a king. He had nothing but his drum which suddenly seemed an inappropriate instrument to play for king, not to mention a newborn baby king. If only he had a more soothing instrument, like the harp the shepherd boys sometimes play. His heartbeat was deafening as he stood before the king. And then Mary nodded. The King’s mother nodded at him. She actually wanted him to play. He raised his sticks and began to beat out of the first pattern that came into his head, the rhythm of his beating heart.

 

 And so the Little Drummer Boy gave his heart to God. He played his best. He gave his best. How often do we feel our gifts are not good enough? We compare ourselves to others, wondering why their gifts seem so much more “useful” for the kingdom. We want to teach like our Pastor or sing like our Worship Leader. Or maybe we want to share our blessings, but at times, we don’t feel very blessed. We can’t give what we don’t have, but rather than lamenting our lack, we need to look for our “drum”, the one thing that only we can give.

 

The truth is God already has teaching like your pastor’s. He already has singing like your worship leader’s. What He wants, what He can really use, is your heart. Think of ways that you can bless others this season and in turn bless God. You don’t have to spend money. You just have to give of yourself, of your heart. Just like the little Drummer Boy. And Jesus smiled at him. Think of Jesus smiling at you. Kind of makes your heart race, doesn’t it?

 

The Christmas Song

 

And it shall be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way.” For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isaiah 57:14-15 ESV).

 

If there’s one song that has the “Christmas Spirit” it’s this one. It makes us think of a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. Or maybe we imagine carolers coming to our doors while we offer them some tasty, homemade apple cider fresh off the stove. We attend parties at friend’s houses and services at church. And there is always the hope of being all bundled up on Christmas morning with our families while the most beautiful snowflakes fall to the ground. In our part of the country that’s not very common, in fact, I have seen a white Christmas only once in my life! More universally common is the scene of our children storming into the room yelling “Mom!” or “Dad!” because Christmas morning has finally arrived, and they are ready to open presents at 5:00 am!

 

Our thoughts then turn to the inevitable desire to stay in our little piece of Christmas paradise just a tad bit longer. That’s life, isn’t it? No matter how perfect we try to paint the canvas of our lives, there will always be something extra put on it that wasn’t in our minds when we dreamed it. Something that cramps our perfect picture. Something that

breaks our heart. A relationship that ended. A loved one who died prematurely. The betrayal of a friend.

 

Did you know that God isn’t surprised by the interruptions in our lives? In fact, nothing surprises Him. Don’t mistake bad things happening in your life as Him not being in control. No, this is not about His ability but about His sovereignty. While we may wish that bad things would never happen in our lives, they will happen. Jesus said we’d have trouble (cf. John 16:33), but He also promised that He’d calm us during it (cf. John 14:16). So, no matter where we are in life, whether we expected to be on the path we are on or not, rest assured, that our God can make broken things beautiful. Please remember that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who’ve been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Press on and trust in the One who will never let you down.

 

Do You Hear What I Hear?

 

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20 ESV).

 

"Do You Hear What I Hear?" is a song written in October, 1962, with lyrics by Noël Regney and music by Gloria Shayne. The pair, married at the time, wrote it as a plea for peace during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Regney had been invited by a record producer to write a Christmas song, but he was hesitant due to the commercialism of Christmas. It has sold tens of millions of copies and has been covered by hundreds of artists. One of my favorites is by Celtic Woman (You may watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zPaKwA7838).

 

Over 2000 years ago, the Savior of the world was born. Have you ever stopped to think about how people found out about His birth? The song “Do You Hear What I Hear?” gives us an example of how the news of His birth might have spread. The song starts with the Holy Spirit asking the lamb, “Do you see what I see?” The Lamb then goes to the shepherd and asks, “Do you hear what I hear?” The Shepherd immediately goes to the King and asks, “Do you know what I know?” When they shared what God had told them, an entire nation heard about the birth of their Savior, Jesus, and what His birth meant for the entire world.

 

Here’s the great news: this too is our opportunity as followers of Christ. We can share with others what we have been told! God reveals Himself to all of us in different ways, depending on our personalities and gifts. For some, He shows us visible things about Himself, like a star in the sky. For others, we hear His voice; and then some of us grow closer to Him best through our intellect. The question is what are we doing with what God gives us? We must realize that God will use us to bring people to Him through what He has revealed to us. Lives are changed when we tell the people in our lives what God has shown and done for us.

 

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!

 

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:18-23 ESV).

 

The text of this carol was originally written in Latin. It is a metrical paraphrase of the O Antiphons, a series of plainchant antiphons attached to the Magnificat at Vespers over the final days before Christmas. The hymn has its origins over 1,200 years ago in monastic life in the 8th or 9th century. Seven days before Christmas Eve monasteries would sing the “O antiphons” in anticipation of Christmas Eve when the eighth antiphon, “O Virgo virginum” (“O Virgin of virgins”) would be sung before and after Mary's canticle, the Magnificat (cf. Luke 1:46b–55). The Latin metrical form of the hymn was composed as early as the 12th century. However, the 1851 translation by John Mason Neale from Hymns Ancient and Modern is the most prominent by far in the English-speaking world. It has become a very common choral hymn in many churches today.

 

We should remember that time after time the Israelites found themselves separated from God because of their disobedience and obstinance. Of course God would eventually deliver them, only to be betrayed by His chosen people again. So, we find two constant themes in the Old Testament: The Israelites, no matter how hard they tried, were unfaithful God; and, God remained faithful and fulfilled the promises He made to them through His prophets. One of these promises is found in Isaiah 7:14, which says, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and you shall call his name Emmanuel.” The name Emmanuel translates as “God with us.” It’s a remarkable promise. Think of it … the Ultimate Being and Creator of the Universe promising to make Himself physically present with the people who have proven themselves unworthy. In this most somber Christmas song, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, there is an embraced tension within Israel. They are in exile, separated from God yet again. With a sober perspective, they choose to rejoice in the promise God has made to them. With nothing else to cling to, during desperation and loneliness, they recall and proclaim the promise that God would be with them, knowing that, despite their unfaithfulness, God is faithful to His promises. No one could have expected a baby in a manger to be the start of God’s perfect plan to be “with us.” And yet, that is exactly how God fulfilled His promise.

 

Are you waiting for God to come through on a promise He has made? Do you feel a sense of loneliness or exile? Rejoice! Rejoice! Through Christ, God has made Himself present to us. His faithfulness is greater than our failure. And His presence is all the reason we need to, once more, rejoice!

 

Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men

 

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4 ESV).

 

"It Came Upon a Midnight Clear", is an 1849 poem and Christmas carol written by Edmund Sears, pastor of the Unitarian Church in Wayland, Massachusetts. In 1850, Sears' lyrics were set to "Carol", a tune written for the poem the same year at his request, by Richard Storrs Willis. This pairing remains the most popular in the United States, while in Commonwealth countries, the lyrics are set to "Noel", a later adaptation by Arthur Sullivan from an English melody. According to Ken Sawyer, Sears' song is remarkable for its focus not on Bethlehem, but on his own time, and on the contemporary issue of war and peace. Written in 1849, it has long been assumed to be Sears' response to the just ended Mexican–American War. The song has been included in many of the Christmas albums recorded by numerous singers today.

 

It was a similar time when the angels first sang about peace on Earth and goodwill to all men, the shepherds must have wondered what was going on. They certainly didn’t hear angelic choirs every day, and First Century Palestine was hardly a peaceful place. The

streets buzzed with rumors of revolution and the tension often boiled over into violence. Society was split along lines of gender, race, wealth and religion, and the shepherds themselves were only a few rungs above beggars on the social ladder.

 

For some of us, Christmas itself is a time to be with friends and family, but for others it reminds us that we are alone or separated from loved ones. Two thousand years later, we seem to be as far as ever from Heaven on Earth, many people in the First Century were expecting a quick fix for the world’s problems, and of course that didn’t happen. It still hasn’t happened. But Christmas reminds us of God’s promise to bring in a kingdom where wars, injustice and even death will be a thing of the past, and where we will live together with God. That’s our hope. God does have a plan. The best really is to come.

 

In the meantime, God continues to show his love to us in so many ways. He provides for our needs. He answers our prayers. He invites us to start living today like citizens of the kingdom that has not yet been fully revealed. We can love one another as Christ loved us here and now. We can show his compassion and his unconditional acceptance to others today. We can experience a foretaste of the new Heaven and Earth right now. We can share that experience with others. And we can do all this in the knowledge that God’s Kingdom will prevail and that the whole of creation will one day see the truth that those shepherds heard on a remote, Palestinian hillside.

 

A Sunny, Winter's Day

 

I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

 

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?”

 

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 50-58 ESV).

 

As the title suggests, today is a sunny December day in our area of North Texas. I sat down at the computer and didn’t really want to write a devotional (I’m about a week ahead as of today). I did want to write. I find this is one of the most calming activities I practice. It gives me a chance to reflect and calls to mind some of the wonderful gifts God has given me. I call these gifts “treasures.” These treasures are not talents or abilities.

 

Some of you have heard this reference from me before. Of course, the greatest treasure is what we celebrate later this month. The birth and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on behalf of all who have been called by the Holy Spirit is the greatest gift of all; however, the grace of God does not stop there. Nearly 55 years ago (December 21, 1969) Mary and I were married in the First Baptist Church of Bryan, Texas. It was at that moment that God gave me another of these “greatest treasures.” We’ve both changed a bit through the years, but the undeniable truth is that she is my great treasure in life. There has been plenty of thick and a bit of thin through the years; however, never has there not been a moment when I could imagine life without her.

 

Oh, I suppose I should spend a bit of time here and explain why I chose the wedding picture including our parents. Few of you will know them. It has been a long time since they have gone to heaven, there waiting for us to join all our loved ones and family. On the left are pictured Mary’s Dad and Mom (Bruce and Edith Perry); in the middle are Mary and I; and on the right are my Mom and Dad (Frank and Rosa Emmitte). My Dad was the first of those to die (1974); then Pop (Bruce) followed in 1989; my Mom died in 1991; and, Mom (Edith) died in 2001. It's been a while since we have seen them, though I’m certain we’ll have plenty of time to “catch up” in heaven.

 

This nostalgic moment brought me to the Scripture from the Apostle Paul I’ve quoted above (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). I am often faced with people who don’t have the same perspective about life as I do. I always do my best not to overwhelm folks with my directness, however, there are times when it just slips out. Just the other day Mary and I were at her physical therapist’s office. It is not particularly large, but well-staffed with caring, knowledgeable people. We have been there previously and know them quite well. Somehow one of the therapists asked me about life after death. We were just having a conversation, and I said something to the effect that dying was not the worst thing to happen. He is a believer, and knows I am as well. He walked over toward me and simply asked, “Is there anything in the last five years that you would have missed if you were not alive?” I simply said, “No.” Knowing my love for family he said, “Was there nothing that you didn’t enjoy seeing when your grandchildren were growing up?” Again, I might have been a little subtler; but, I said, “I don’t believe I would have missed any of it.” I do believe that those who are in heaven are a part of the great cloud of witnesses that look on (cf. Hebrews 12:1).

 

He then asked me a great question that took the conversation a bit deeper. He said, “You would have seen them, but would they have seen you?” I smiled and looked at him and gently said, “That’s one of the reasons I work so hard at staying alive and healthy.” I then quoted the Apostle Paul again with: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 ESV). Like Paul, I am content with either living or dying. Death has no sting; it possesses no power over me. It has been swallowed up in victory. I went further and explained that I believe I have no control of the “when” of my death; I can only control how I shall live until then. Even then, there are some effects of the process of getting me to that appointed time that I cannot control. I’m aging and with that comes health issues that can only be managed, not changed. This is all a part of our opportunity in the Lord: Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV).

 

Sunny, winter days, or dark, stormy days, they are all a part of God’s good plan for us! That plan will result in all of us being “…we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.” Oh, what a day that shall be!

 

It may seem as these thoughts are simply the ramblings of a feeble mind. If that is true, I have joined the ranks of many of the great men and women of the bible who had an unshakeable hope in the promise of God. My prayer is that you have that same hope and are encouraged by it in every circumstance in your journey!

 

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

 

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42 ESV).

 

As I have aged my struggle with OCD has become greater. I suppose that’s not as bad as it could be, however, my incessant desire to achieve perfection can be a bit exhausting at times. I make lists of more things than are necessary which are constantly reevaluated to ensure the sequence of the tasks are most efficient. It extends to things that really are unimportant. I mean, what difference does it matter which route I take to run errands! And really does it matter where each ornament is placed on the Christmas tree! You get the picture. This is something of what Matha’s problem was with her sister in our reading.

 

This is also the basis for today’s devotional and the use of the Christmas carol “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Christmas can seem like a rat race at times. There is all of the hectic last-minute shopping at crowded malls while struggling to find the perfect gift for someone, the decorating the house, wrapping present after present after

present, or preparing for the family to come and take over the house for the day. It is easy to get lost in the busyness of Christmas, and to miss the things that are important.

 

We see this happen in the book of Luke, when Jesus goes to eat in the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha spends her time running around cooking, serving dinner, and cleaning, which are very good things, but are busy things. Meanwhile, Mary sits in the company of Jesus. When Martha asks Jesus to tell her to work too, He tells her that, “Mary has chosen what is better.” Jesus is trying to tell us to live in the moment. It is great that you are willing to be like Martha, and make sure that all the popcorn is strung up, but it is not worth missing the opportunity to have a real conversation with a family member you don’t see often, or when your child’s face lights up because Santa indeed got that letter and delivered exactly what they asked for. It is not about all that we must do, the list of things we have check off, but it is all about the moment. This year don’t miss out on what is better. Take the opportunity to enjoy the time you have with friends and family. Take time not to worry about the things you must do, but to enjoy the people you get to be with. Be present where you are, because that is what is better, and have yourself a merry little Christmas!

 

Gloria in Escelsis Deo!

 

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).

 

What gives you awe? What things cause you to become speechless when you see them? Is it the sight of a family member you haven’t seen in years? Is it visiting a majestic place like a mountain or a historical place like one of the Seven Wonders of the World? The night Christ was born was the most monumental and awe-inspiring event that as ever occurred in human history as God sent His one and only Son to earth so that we could ultimately have eternal life. There has not been an event in history before or after Christ’s birth that resulted in such celebration that the angels themselves made their physical presence known and their voices heard in song. Can you imagine how the shepherds’ must have felt at the site and sounds of the angels? That moment was so majestic that we probably cannot fully comprehend it.

 

It seems like people tend to have fewer experiences these days of complete awe. Technology has brought so much of the world to our living rooms and fingertips that we can see anything we want and feel like we are at anyplace we want to be. Unfortunately, most of us probably have fewer awe-inspiring moments with God than we could. Our relationship with Him often becomes too comfortable and even ordinary. This Christmas, I hope you will take the time to be awestruck at the great gift of God in the birth of our Savior. Strive to make your relationship with Him something so inspiring that it causes you to rejoice like the angels did. Don’t let your relationship with Him be ordinary, but rather make it extraordinary.

 

Sing with them… Gloria in excelsis Deo!