Bethlehem

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). Yesterday we looked at this same text. It struck me as I was reading it again that we have not said very much about Bethlehem. As the crow flies, it was a journey of approximately 60 miles, though traveling over hills, through villages and around rivers would likely have made the trip longer. Christmas pictures always show Mary riding a donkey but we really have no idea of their mode of travel. Whether on foot or on the back of a swaying brown animal, it wasn’t an easy journey, especially for a woman nearing the end of her first pregnancy. We know why she had to leave the comfort of her home and family. The government had decreed a census and that everyone must go to one’s “own city,” the place their families called home, for this official registration and counting. But Mary and Joseph knew they were going far from family and into a city whose streets would be clogged with traveling strangers. They were assured of no warm welcome, no cozy place to birth the expected child. Perhaps they hoped for a small house or a distant relative or a way for Joseph to earn money for their keep, but in almost every way, they were traveling into the unknown. The journey was long and hard, the destination uncertain. Nearly nine months before their arrival in Bethlehem, Mary spoke life-changing words to God, words that were to comfort her in the many uncertain years ahead. “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” With those simple words of faith, she could endure the long journey on the back of a donkey, the cold streets of Bethlehem, the staring faces of strangers, and even the crude stable with its straw-lined manger. We all have our own Bethlehem. That is the place we find ourselves after a long path. Often the people are uncaring, the circumstances difficult, and the burden heavy. May I suggest if this is the place you find yourself, you can find comfort and rest in the Christ who was born in that place so many centuries ago. We’re going to spend a lot of time in the coming days looking at the meaning of Christmas. We’ll look at various traditions and practices, however, the real key is found in the baby. Jesus is all that we need, whenever we need! Trust Him!

Black Friday

So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” (John 19:16-19 ESV). Traditionally the day after Thanksgiving is called “Black Friday” in our country. That’s the day when most of the bog stores open early with incredible sales for the thousands of buyers who are fortunate enough to arrive early enough that the merchandise is not sold out. I’ve never personally participated in Black Friday. Some folks take it pretty seriously though. They arrive early, some spending the night outside the store of choice. This insures they will be able to get to their choices first. I’ve seen others who go so far as to have a map of the store to make sure they don’t waste any steps in their quest for the deals of the day. Once the doors are open for business, it becomes a mad dash to the choicest sales. Electronics, clothes, appliances, and all sorts of other things are sold at bargain prices. I’m sure the savings are real and the shopping exciting; however, I have never really participated. If I’m going to sit in freezing weather in the dark pre-dawn hours, it will only be with the hope of seeing my dream buck step out of the woods for a clear shot! I suppose it could be said that I am just as silly about deer hunting as others are about sale hunting! Regardless of that, the real black Friday is not a sales event. Rather, it is the day that Jesus died nearly two thousand years ago. That Friday was dark indeed. It was at that time when God finished the work of reconciliation for those whom he had chosen to receive his grace. It is strange how easy we seem to forget that day, especially at this time of the year. We emphasize Christmas. The birth of Jesus is a much easier picture to deal with than the cross. However, the birth of Jesus is not nearly as efficacious as his death. Without his death he would have been a great teacher, a fine rabbi, a pioneering religious leader, and a wonder worker of no match; but, he would not have been the Savior of the world. We need a Savior. God sent his Son. Today, as you are shopping, visiting with family, watching ball games, eating leftover turkey, or any other activity this holiday, please remember the reason for joy is found in Christ and his grace.

Happy Birthday Faith and Logan

But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! (Psalm 103:17-18 NIV). Today is the Faith and Logan’s eleventh birthday. I cannot imagine how the time has raced by so quickly! As you can see from the picture to the left (taken on Easter of this year), they have certainly grown! I can honestly say that though these years have been challenging in many ways since we have moved to North Carolina and then Tennessee, I have no regrets about being here or doubts that the Lord has a divine purpose for us. The Scripture in our reading today reminded me of the significant responsibility that we have as grandparents to be faithful on their behalf. As I began to think of the kinds of gifts that we might get them for their birthday, I came to four specific things we can do. They are things that all grandparents can practice.  We can model faith. Even though children may hear of the Lord from their parents, it is reinforcing for them to see the first hand faith of their grandparent too. We should look for opportunities to nurture our grandchildren’s natural curiosity about God. Talk about the Lord on walks and outings. Read or tell Bible stories together. Share with them as their age permits how God has and is working in your life.  We can model love. No one can ever hear the words “I love you” too much. Say it. Write it. Wrap it. Show it. Give it. Communicate, “I love you!” in every way you can think of not only to your grandchildren but to their parents also.  We can model hope. Our world is short on hope. Christian grandparents understand the need for hope. Most of us have lived through the Korean conflict, the Cold War, Vietnam, and two Gulf Wars. These grandparents know their hope is not in politics, stock markets, or worldview philosophies. Our hope is based on Jesus Christ. Christian grandparents can assure grandchildren that no matter what is happening around them, they can have the confidence that comes from knowing the Anchor of Life.  We can also model Godly living. Christian grandparents have the responsibility of living their lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. This power cleanses our heart, sets us apart, creates a Christ-like character, and liberates us to a lifestyle that honors God. So, as I wish Faith and Logan a very happy birthday, I also challenge you to commit yourself to give these gifts to the children you know, especially those of you who are grandparents!

The Rest of the Story

Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! (Psalm 100:3-4 ESV). Paul Harvey tells a wonderful story about the gratitude that prompted an old man to visit an old broken pier on the eastern seacoast of Florida. Every Friday night, until his death in 1973, he would return, walking slowly and slightly stooped with a large bucket of shrimp. The sea gulls would flock to this old man, and he would feed them from his bucket. Many years before, in October, 1942, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker was on a mission in a B-17 to deliver an important message to General Douglas MacArthur in New Guinea. But there was an unexpected detour which would hurl Captain Eddie into the most harrowing adventure of his life. Somewhere over the South Pacific the Flying Fortress became lost beyond the reach of radio. Fuel ran dangerously low, so the men ditched their plane in the ocean...For nearly a month Captian Eddie and his companions would fight the water, and the weather, and the scorching sun. They spent many sleepless nights recoiling as giant sharks rammed their rafts. The largest raft was nine by five. The biggest shark...ten feet long. But of all their enemies at sea, one proved most formidable: starvation. Eight days out, their rations were long gone or destroyed by the salt water. It would take a miracle to sustain them. And a miracle occurred. In Captain Eddie's own words, "Cherry," that was the B-17 pilot, Captain William Cherry, "read the service that afternoon, and we finished with a prayer for deliverance and a hymn of praise. There was some talk, but it tapered off in the oppressive heat. With my hat pulled down over my eyes to keep out some of the glare, I dozed off." Now this is still Captian Rickenbacker talking..."Something landed on my head. I knew that it was a sea gull. I don't know how I knew, I just knew. Everyone else knew too. No one said a word, but peering out from under my hat brim without moving my head, I could see the expression on their faces. They were staring at that gull. The gull meant food...if I could catch it." And the rest, as they say, is history. Captain Eddie caught the gull. Its flesh was eaten. Its intestines were used for bait to catch fish. The survivors were sustained and their hopes renewed because a lone sea gull, uncharacteristically hundreds of miles from land, offered itself as a sacrifice. You know that Captain Eddie made it. And now you also know...that he never forgot. Because every Friday evening, about sunset...on a lonely stretch along the eastern Florida seacoast... you could see an old man walking... white-haired, bushy-eyebrowed, slightly bent. His bucket filled with shrimp was to feed the gulls... to remember that one which, on a day long past, gave itself without a struggle... like manna in the wilderness. Give thanks to the Lord! For He is good to us in so many ways!

Coming Back with Gratitude

On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:11-19 ESV). In ancient times, lepers were social outcasts because of their highly contagious disease. In this passage, ten lepers came to Jesus begging for mercy and He graciously healed them. Can you imagine? These lepers had an awful disease. Their bodies were slowly deteriorating, literally rotting away. They were shunned from their friends and family and forced to live in a community of only those who were also withering away. Suddenly, Jesus comes along and grants them the gift of healing! It was one of the most life changing miracles Jesus performed. They had to be in shock and overjoyed at their new life. Now they could go back to their families, their homes, their communities and live normal lives! When we read this familiar story it is hard to believe that only one of them returned to thank the Lord! I am challenged to look in my own life and wonder if I don’t do the same thing all too often. Sometimes I get so focused on my blessing and forget about the One who gave it! I have also noticed that it is usually the “small” blessings that I neglect to be grateful for. I have often said to others that I am surprised daily when I wake up in the morning! My expectations are so set that whether I wake or not, it is a pleasant surprise for me to be given another day. It also causes me to examine what I will do with that day. I can choose to squander the time uselessly, or I can choose to be used during the day to reflect the character and presence of God. That sounds a bit pious, but it is true. Everything we do ought to reflect our Father in heaven. Sometimes those things are directly related to ministry; and, other times they are seemingly not related at all. For example, if I choose to spend some time alone in the woods, hunting, is that really related to ministry? Some would say it is a waste of time. I would argue that it is another way of spending time recharging my body and spirit. Everything we do can be easily devoted to the Lord if it brings him glory. Thanksgiving Day is a mere forty eight hours from now. What will you be grateful about on that day?

The First Thanksgiving in America

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30 ESV). Most of you know the story an Indian named Squanto and his first thanksgiving celebration with the Pilgrims. However, you might not know that over a decade before the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock, English traders were trading with the Indians throughout the region. Squanto’s amazing story really originated then. An Englishman named Captain Hunter had kidnapped several Indians and sold them into slavery, one of whom was Squanto, sold into slavery in Malaga, Spain. There, Squanto was bought by a Spanish monk, who treated him well, freed him from slavery, and taught him about Christianity. Eventually, Squanto made it back to England, and worked in the stables of a man named John Slaney. It was there that Squanto learned English. Upon Squanto’s return home in 1618, he learned that his tribe had been wiped out from an epidemic, probably smallpox brought by early English colonists. As you might imagine, he was devastated and couldn’t understand how God could allow this to happen. Shortly afterward, a friend named Samoset introduced him to the Pilgrims. Because of Squanto’s history and understanding of English, Squanto was able to communicate with them. He also taught them how to survive there, how to fish, hunt, and how to plant corn. As a result, Governor William Bradford asked him to serve as his ambassador to the Indian tribes. Bradford accredited Squanto for the survival of the Pilgrim colony and saw that without God's providential hand in providing Squanto — the colony would not have survived. This story reminds me of the story of Joseph and the providence of God, even in the worst of situations. Joseph was sold into slavery, thrown into prison, accused and abused, but all of these things were worked out for the purpose of God’s people. The story of the survival of the Plymouth colony rested on an Indian who was kidnapped, sold into slavery, returned home to see his tribe wiped out, and yet through these events was used by God to preserve the Pilgrims who came to America with this purpose, "for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith". (Mayflower Compact, November 11, 1620). We have so much to be thankful for this thanksgiving season, even despite the tough times in which we live. In the United States we’re ought to remember that we can set aside a holiday without noise of sirens and gunfire; we do not fear our enemies marching into our cities bringing death and destruction. While times are hard, we can be thankful to be alive for such a time as this! So we’re entering His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise today, knowing that our God is providentially in control of everything that is going on around us. Be thankful! ALL things work together for our good!

Giving Thanks

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 136:1-3 ESV). When we go to Psalm 136 we find one of the longest sentences in the Bible! The third verse begins a sentence that goes for another nineteen verses. The psalmist gets caught up in “Giving Thanks.” That might sound a bit odd at first read. We thank many people for many things; we thank God for the many provisions he has made for us. However, the concept in this psalm is not about thanking God for something he has given, but acknowledging his character and nature. It is praise for who he is. Twelve times in this psalm we are told to “give thanks” to God. We should note that the original Hebrew, the imperative form of the verb yadah shows up only four times, but it is implied in many other verses. No other psalm uses this imperative as often. It begs the question of its meaning. What does it mean to give thanks to God? Commonly, we do give thanks to someone who has done something for us. Thanksgiving does acknowledge a person for acting in generous manner toward us. Here there is a subtle difference. We see this sense of thanksgiving in Psalm 136. Verse 5, for example, reads, “Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully.” Our thanks acknowledges God’s action in creation and gives him appropriate credit. Yet the use of “give thanks” in Psalm 136 goes beyond our ordinary sense of thanksgiving. Consider the first verse, for example: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Though one might rightly note that God’s goodness and faithful love are communicated through his actions, this verse connects thanksgiving, not specifically to what God has done, but to who God is. We are to give thanks, not just because God has done good things for us, but because God is good. Thus, Psalm 136 takes us beyond thanksgiving to a deeper acknowledgement, not only of God’s actions, but also of God’s nature. The Hebrew verb yadah, translated here as “give thanks,” means more than “acknowledge someone when that person does something good for you.” It has the sense of speaking out what is true. Thus, beyond saying “thank you” to God when God blesses us, we are to confess his goodness, his grace, his beauty, his grandeur. Practically speaking, thanksgiving often leads us to deeper praise. When we think of what God has done for us, we can’t hold back our gratitude. But, even more, our consideration of God’s actions helps us to reflect upon God’s nature. God does good for us because God is good. Thus, thanksgiving opens the door to praise by bringing to mind God’s character.