Happy Anniversary, Mary!

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

We Three Kings

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

Eager Anticipation

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

A Sword to Pierce Your Heart

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

The Dark Side of Christmas - Pt 6

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

The Dark Side of Christmas - Pt 5

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

The Dark Side of Christmas - Pt 4

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