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.