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!

 

A Christmas Hallelujah

 

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When this breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 146 ESV).

 

Psalm 146 is a rousing song of praise that celebrates God’s faithfulness. Today, we are reminded in this psalm to praise the Lord and put our trust in him alone. For God “reigns forever… for all generations.” The Tabernacle Choir is one of my favorites. It has been sung by many groups and choirs through the centuries since it was debuted. It calls us to sing “Hallelujah,” which means “Praise the Lord!” We give praise because “Christ, the Savior of the world has come!” We sing “Hallelujah” because Christ’s is the highest name of all. You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBZ7AfZR9xs.

 

We are reminded in Psalm 146 that God is the Maker of all things and that “he remains faithful forever.” With the coming of Christ, God fulfills his promises to send the Messiah, the Savior; he is faithful forever.

 

Christ our King is born! And because of his birth, life, death, and resurrection, he demonstrates his supremacy overall. He comes to uphold “the cause of the oppressed” and to give “food to the hungry.” He “sets the prisoners free … gives sight to the blind,” and “lifts up those who are bowed down.”

 

And because Christ reigns forever, we sing “Alleluia”; we “praise the Lord all [our] life.”

 

Joy to the World

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).

 

Isaac Watts is credited with writing over 750 hymns, but this has to be one of his best works. Watts lived in England, but his father did not accept the Anglican church. Still, the family was quite religious. Watts believed that the Psalms were too difficult to sing in their English translation. He adapted the Psalms for use in worship by an English audience. “Joy to the World” is based on scriptures found in Psalm 96 and 98. It’s thought that George Frederick Handel provided the music for this beautiful song, but some hymnals credit the music to another musician, Lowell Mason. Mason composed over 1,600 hymns, many of which are still sung today.

 

Oh, the wonder of it! The Holy Spirit overshadows the virgin Mary so that a holy child is conceived in her womb. For nine months the child develops in watery darkness to the soundtrack of Mary’s heartbeat and muffled voice. At last the time comes. The child emerges, takes urgent breaths, and cries aloud amid faces beaming with hospitality and love. Welcome to the world! Spend a moment and think on this. This newborn baby, bright eyes gazing around, coos erupting after long months of silence. Arms and legs stretching out in new freedom. Think too of the helplessness and vulnerability of the sweet child. Then imagine that this little one is our great God. The Word has no vocabulary, the Almighty has no strength, the Wise One has no knowledge. The Lord of all is completely dependent on the comforting arms and nourishing care of his mother, Mary.

 

It’s a wonder that God would become helpless to help us. But it’s not that merely an infant is helpless while we who are grown up have things in hand. In the big, wide world around us, we are helpless too. And all our hope depends on the help of the helpless baby, whose birth we celebrate today. There is the Joy to the World!