THE CHRISTMAS STORY

Two thousand years ago, when the Roman Empire was ruling most of the known world, a small country on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean was part of their kingdom. The people of Israel were zealous for God. They worked hard, lived in accordance to divine law and worshiped the one true Lord. They were expecting someone to lead them to deliverance from all tyranny. Old Testament prophets promised a Messiah and they fervently prayed for His coming. Before the divine deliverer came a man was born to prepare His way.

            From the hills of Judea was a priest named Zacharias, married to a woman named Elizabeth. They were an honorable couple. Elizabeth, however, never had children and both were very old.

            One day Zacharias was chosen to provide service in the temple. While performing his duty a multitude of people were outside praying. All of a sudden an angel appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. He became very afraid, full of fear.

The angel said, “Do not be afraid for your prayers have been heard and your wife will have a son, whom you will call John. You will be happy and glad, Zacharias, and many will rejoice at his birth for he will turn back many to the Lord their God. He will go as a forerunner before the Messiah in the spirit and power of Elijah, making ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

Zacharias replied, “How? My wife and I are old, too old to have children.”

Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God. He sent me to tell you this wonderful news. Because you did not believe when I told you what is going to happen, you will be unable to speak, not even make a sound, until the day these things take place.”

While this was occurring the people outside were waiting and wondering what was taking so long. Finally Zacharias returned but, as the angel had said, he was unable to speak. The crowd then realized he had seen a vision. He tried to tell them but was unable.

When Zacharias duties as priest were over he went back home and Elizabeth was soon with child.

            Six months after Gabriel visited Zacharias the angel was sent by God to Nazareth, a city in the Galilean hills, to a young woman named Mary engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David.

            The angel said to her, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”

            Mary was scared and thought, “What does this mean?” 

The angel, knowing her thoughts, said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You are going to have a child, a little boy. He shall be great and called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord will give Him the throne of King David. His kingdom will have no end.”

            Mary replied, “How? I am only engaged, not married.”

            The angel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. The Holy Offspring shall be called the Son of God. Believe, Mary! Look at your relative Elizabeth. She has conceived a son in her old age and is now in the sixth month. Nothing is impossible with God.”

            Mary responded, “Let everything be done to me according to your word.”

            After the angel left Mary, she got up and hurriedly went to the city in Judah where Elizabeth lived. As soon as she heard Mary’s greeting the baby leaped inside her and she was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth cried out with a loud voice, “Blessed among women are you, Mary, and blessed is the baby in your womb. Blessed are you because you believed everything would come to pass as the angel told you.”

Mary was glad for her comment and began to praise God. She stayed with Elizabeth and Zacharias for three months and then returned to her home.

When Joseph, an upright man, found out Mary was having a baby, he wanted to deal with the situation secretly. He did not want to disgrace her. While considering what to do an angel appeared to him in a dream saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The baby she is carrying is a Holy Child conceived by God. The child shall be a Son and you will call Him Jesus. He will save His people from their sins.” Joseph arose from his sleep and did what the angel said, taking Mary as his wife.

Later a decree went out from Caesar Augustus for a census to be taken of the whole Roman Empire. Everyone was to return to their ancestral city. Joseph, with Mary, went from Nazareth of Galilee to Bethlehem of Judea, the city of King David. No rooms were available and they stayed in the stable. Mary was ready to give birth and Jesus was born. She wrapped Him in a cloth and laid Him in a manger.

In the same region that night was some shepherds. They were staying in the fields and keeping watch over their flock. An angel suddenly appeared, standing before them. The glory of the Lord shone around them. The shepherds were very frightened but the angel said, “Be glad! I bring you Good News of a great joy which shall be for all the people. Today, in the city of David, has been born for you a Savior, Christ the Lord. As a sign you will find a baby wrapped in a cloth, lying in a manger.”

Suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly host praising God saying, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

When the angel had gone back to heaven the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what was made known to us.”  They came in haste and found Mary, Joseph and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they saw Him, they made known the statement told about the Child. All who heard wondered at the things being said but Mary treasured up everything, pondering them in her heart. Afterwards the shepherds went back to their flock, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen.

An English theologian once commented, “Why was it necessary for Jesus to be born in a stable, laid in a manger and viewed by shepherds? Jesus is the Lamb of God. Where else but at a stable would the Lamb of God be born? What else but in a manger would the Lamb of God be laid? Who else but shepherds would view the birth of the Lamb of God?

            Eight days after the Child was born, He was circumcised and given the name Jesus, as the angel had told them He was to be named. When the days of purification were completed, they brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, as was customary for first born male children. They offered a sacrifice according to the Mosaic Law, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

            In Jerusalem was a righteous and devout man named Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit. One day the Holy Spirit revealed to him he would not see death before seeing the Lord’s Christ. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus for dedication, Simeon, led by the Spirit, went into the temple. He took Jesus into his arms, blessed God and said, “Now Lord, you can let me die in peace. Mine eyes have seen your Son, sent to save the world.”

            Jesus’ parents were amazed at the things being said. Simeon blessed them, saying to Mary, “Behold, this Child shall be rejected by many in Israel to their undoing. But He will be the greatest joy of many others. The deepest thoughts of many hearts shall be revealed.”

            This took place when Herod was king in Judea. A little while later Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem saying, “Where is the One born king of the Jews?  We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

            Herod was troubled when he heard this, along with all of Jerusalem. He gathered together the chief priests and scribes to inquire where the Christ was to be born. They answered him, “He is to be born in Bethlehem of Judea, as written by the prophet Micah.”

            Herod secretly called the Magi to him and found out when the star first appeared to them.  After they told him, he sent them to Bethlehem saying, “Go and make a careful search for this child and when you find him come tell me, so I can come and worship Him too.”

            After hearing the king they left. Once again the star, the one seen in the east, went before them until it stood directly over the place where the Child was located. When they saw the star they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. They entered the house, fell down and worshiped.

            After opening their treasures they presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The wise men left but went to their country another way. God had warned them in a dream not to return to King Herod.

            When they departed an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream saying, “Arise and take the Child and His mother to Egypt. Remain there until I tell you. Herod is coming to search for Him, wanting to destroy Him.” Joseph arose and did as the angel said.

When Herod realized he had been tricked by the wise men he became furious. He gathered all the soldiers and sent them to Bethlehem saying, “Kill all the male children two years old and younger.”  This was the time told him when the star was seen. The soldiers did what they were commanded to do.

            After Herod died an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Now take the Child and His mother back to the land of Israel. Those who sought His life are dead.” Joseph brought them back to Israel but when he heard Herod’s son was king of Judea, he departed for the regions of Galilee and resided in the city of Nazareth, where Jesus grew into manhood.

            The birth of Jesus is not like the birth of ordinary children. As the birth of the King, He had a forerunner proclaiming His coming. As the birth of the Lamb of God, He was born in a stable. As the birth of the Savior of the world, those who saw Him rejoiced, worshipped and gave gifts.

The greatest miracle of His birth is that Jesus knew, before He came, He would die a cruel and ugly death on a cross. He decided to come out of a tremendous love for you.

No greater love will the world ever know then the love God showed through His Son Jesus, the Lord. He came into the world as a babe and left the world as the Victor over death.

Experience peace, true inner peace given only by Jesus, and give genuine good will to others on account of His birth. Amen!

CHRISTMAS: EMBARRASSED

John 1:1-5, 14-18 – “¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ²He was with God in the beginning. ³Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. ⁴In him was life, and that life was the light of men. ⁵The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it…. ¹⁴The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.¹⁵John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’” ¹⁶From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. ¹⁷For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.

            The Christmas story in Luke’s gospel is reported from a woman’s perspective. Mary was visited by an angel saying, “You are with child.”

            The Christmas story in Matthew’s gospel is reported from a man’s perspective. Joseph was visited by an angel saying, “You will name the child Jesus.

            From John’s gospel comes a sense of God’s perspective. “The Word became flesh.” God’s One and Only Son became the living testament of grace and truth.

            The Word of Christmas is God loves and gives. (John 3:16) What are you giving this Christmas?

Many people have at least one hard-to-shop-for person. I struggled knowing what to give my dad. He took care of all his possessions and rarely needed anything replaced. On top of this, his gifts to me were very much needed and generous.

            Do you become embarrassed when a person gives wonderful gifts compared to what you are able to give? It can be humbling and embarrassing at Christmas receiving such generosity and not being able to match it.

            If it is hard to shop for some people, imagine shopping for God?  He gave eternal life. What is an appropriate present for Him?  He gave His very best. What is a suitable gift in return? Consider the options!

Maybe give God money

            Money is not a bad gift. Money allows the recipient some flexibility. The receiver can purchase some needed items on behalf of the giver. My parents, when my wife and I no longer lived in Seattle, sent money at Christmas to buy presents for the kids. We liked the flexibility and had fun shopping, something we could rarely do with our own income.

            Jesus once commended a widow for her financial offering. Is money all God wants from you? What an easy gift!

            The Bible says He is not impressed with how much you earn or possess. You will never be happy trying to amaze God with generosity. The gift will fail to astound Him and resentment will fill your heart.

            Solomon, on the day the temple was dedicated, sacrificed as an offering 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. The people were impressed but God was not. In Psalms 50:12 the Lord declares, “The world is mine and the fullness thereof.”

            While pastoring in Minnesota the vast majority of townspeople were considered Roman Catholic, although many attended other churches. The whole community knew when the Catholic Church sent their annual “fair share” statement. The letter went to every person with a Roman Catholic background, not just the ones regularly attending Holy Redeemer Church. The sound of grumbling greatly increased around town. Something is not a gift, when it is demanded. Giving is also not a type of union dues, an obligation to gain benefits.

            Money should be given willingly, faithfully and regularly but is not much of a gift compared to what God gave.

Maybe give God talent

            There are many talented people in churches. Are personal skills supposed to be a gift to God?

            Who, if any, can impress God by their ability? Who has talent superior to His? Who can wow the Almighty with human capabilities? Some are creative but can it compare to His creation?

            Talent is nothing more than doing what is expected with God’s endowment to you. Some become easily offended when abilities are not noticed or no one gives a complement. Why? You are doing what you have been gifted to do.

            This does not suggest people should not be appreciated but, rather, they should not demand accolades. If a person does not use their talents, they deprive themselves and others of His blessing. You owe it to God to use your talents for Him. Something is not a gift when it is owed.

            Talent is needed and necessary but its usage is expected and cannot be considered a gift.

Maybe give God time

            Most people are very busy. Even giving a moment of time can seem demanding. For many the day begins before sun up and ends way into the night.

            Occasionally people attempt to barter with God by saying, “Lord, if you get me out of this mess I will go to church.” They try to trade their troubles for time.

            The Bible declares, however, that your every heartbeat and each breath are in His hands. The psalmist wrote, “My time is in Your hand.” (Psalms 35:25)

            Time must appear awfully insignificant to the One who always was and always will be. Like a speck of dust on a living room carpet is time compared to eternity. Your lifespan is not much when viewed from His perspective.

            Time devoted to God is good but it does not compare to Him sending the Eternal Word Incarnate.

Maybe give God intellect

            A classic television commercial said, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Can the human brain outthink God? Unfortunately, many attempt to help God by thinking for Him, some even try to second-guess Him.

            Have you ever thought something would not get done correctly unless done your way? Trusting God includes knowing His plans always get accomplished, whether you understand them or not.

            Some act like they are God’s gift of wisdom. Job’s friends saw themselves as being smart and he sarcastically responded, “Doubtless you know everything and wisdom will die with you.” (Job 12:2)

            Only God knows everything perfectly. First Corinthians 3:19 states your thinking is foolish in comparison to His. The all-wise God is the only One with special insight.

            Wisdom is great but is an embarrassing gift in comparison to what He knows.

Maybe give God goodness

            This is the Season when people are supposedly evaluated as being naughty or nice by a jolly old fellow. You are considered okay when nice more than naughty, right? Is properly behaving all that is needed? Is goodness all God really wants? 

            The vast majority of people are law-abiding citizens, demonstrating appropriate conduct nearly all the time. Surely you do most of the Ten Commandments. Is eight out of ten good enough?

            Scriptures states doing what is right cannot be achieved by self-determination. “There is none righteous, no not one.” (Romans 3:10) “All our righteousness is as soiled rags.” (Isaiah 64:6) No matter how much you personally improve your life, you cannot accomplish personal purity.

            Being morally good is commendable but appears cheap in comparison to the richness of His gift.

What can you give God?

            There is only one acceptable gift: Give God your love and be thankful! This is what the Lord desires the most. Deuteronomy 10:12 states, “What does the Lord your God require from you, but to…love Him.” Loving God gives Him your most precious gift.

            When you love Him everything becomes His, the money, talent, time, intellect and goodness. When you give Him your love, you give Him your life.

            Love is the only appropriate gift compared to the gift of His Son. He gave His all, can you do any less?

            Give God your love! Only when He has your love will you not be embarrassed at Christmas.

CHRISTMAS: GOOD NEWS

Luke 2:8-20 – This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

            Scripture records God’s people waiting for a Messiah, coming in the name of the Lord. The promise of an Anointed One goes back to the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden. Even though the first couple failed miserably, and everyone since then has failed living to their fullest potential, God made plans to restore His creation. Millenniums passed and the day of the divine appointment arrived.

            An angel made appearances to several people who had a significant role in the redemption story. A Roman census brought the descendents of David to Bethlehem, the location prophesied for the Savior’s birth. His birth occurred in an animal stable instead of a spotless medical facility.

            On His birthday, a holy messenger came to some local shepherds to announce His arrival. They were told Good News: the Lamb of God was in a nearby stable. Three significant statements were given to them.

The end of fear

            “Do not be afraid.” (V. 10) These words are always in the vocabulary of angels. To Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and shepherds the message was consistently the same – what God has done is not fearful.

            The shepherds were naturally afraid by an unusual event. There is a fear, however, that runs much deeper. A worst kind of fear happened when Adam chose to sin.

            “They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ He said, ‘I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.’” (Genesis 3:8-10)

            Fear of consequences, caused by rebellious, erroneous and unwholesome behavior, is the greatest kind of fear.

            Fear has been stalking mankind through the centuries. Abraham out of fear lied to Egyptians about his relationship with Sarah. (Genesis 12:11-13) Jacob lived in fear of his brother Esau, not wanting to face him.  (Genesis 32:6-8) Moses feared Pharaoh, wishing the divine assignment would be given to someone else. (Exodus 4:1) Israel was afraid to enter the Promised Land because of reports about giants occupying the territory.

            Jesus abolishes fear. Wherever He traveled fear was dispelled.

            Blind Bartimaeus, sitting by the road outside Jericho, feared he would never see. Jesus restored his sight.

            Ten lepers feared they would never be with their families. Jesus cleansed them all.

            Mary and Martha feared for Lazarus’ life and asked Jesus to come quickly. He delayed coming but raised him from the dead.

            Jesus calms each and every kind of fear, no matter the circumstance.

            People every Christmas struggle with fear; afraid about health, family, world conditions and economy. Some are simply scared of life itself. Jesus has come! Do not be troubled. He is the answer to your every fear.

The birth of joy

            “Bring you good news of a great joy.” (V.10) Songs sung around Christmas give emphasis to joy. Why is rejoicing associated with Christmas? The sin issue has been dealt a fatal blow. The guilt, shame and condemnation attached to sin can be finally removed from the human heart.

            Jesus Lordship causes joy. No one else is Lord; no one else is His equal. Occasionally believers wrestle with sin, demonic influences and maybe the devil himself but only Jesus has the right of ruling His followers.

            Many years ago a little boy was given a priceless possession, his deceased grandfather’s gold pocket watch. He treasured it. One day, while playing at his father’s plant, he lost the watch amid all the tools. He frantically searched but could not find the watch. He suddenly realized what to do. He stopped scurrying around and became very still. In the silence, he heard the watch ticking.

            In Jesus you have the priceless gift of joy. Circumstances and the hectic pace of life make it easy to lose the gift. Joy is found when you pause and listen for the presence of Jesus. Christmas reminds you to come to Him and experience joy.

The announcement to all

            “Which will be for all the people.” (V. 10) The nations need Jesus! Everyone is flawed; no one lives perfectly. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Jesus came and is available to everyone. His coming to earth is the celebration of Christmas.

            Note the action of the shepherds after they came and beheld Him: “When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. (Luke 2:17-18)

            Too many in God’s family are sitting and soaking their way to heaven. After personally beholding Him, make Him known to others. There are people all around you needing to know the amazing story of divine grace.

            An artist, seeking to depict on canvas the meaning of salvation, painted a storm at sea. Black clouds filled the sky. Illuminated by a flash of lightning, a little boat could be seen disintegrating under the pounding of the ocean. Men were struggling in the swirling waters, their anguished faces crying out for help. The only glimmer of hope appeared in the foreground of the painting, where a large rock protruded out of the water. Clutching desperately with both hands was one lone seaman.

            The scene was inspiring. One could see in the tempest a symbol of mankind’s hopeless condition. The only hope of salvation is “the Rock of Ages,” a shelter in the time of storm.

            As the artist reflected upon his work, he realized the painting did not accurately portray his subject. He discarded the canvas and painted another. It was very similar to the first – the black clouds, the flashing lightning, the angry waves, the little boat crushed by the pounding sea and the crew vainly struggling in the water. In the foreground the seaman was clutching the large rock for salvation but the artist made one change. The survivor was holding on with only one hand and with the other hand was reaching down to pull up a drowning friend.

            The Scriptural picture of salvation is a hand reaching down to rescue the perishing. Until a hand is extended, there is no hope for the world.

Good News

            Be thankful for the end of fear, relish the birth of joy and reveal the Savior to others.