CHRIST CELEBRATION

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. 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 2:4-14 ESV)

            The word Christmas comes from combining the words “Christ” and “Mass.”  The holiday is a celebration of Christ. You are rejoicing about His coming to earth.

            Years ago Brenda and I went to Florida in December to see our daughter-in-law graduate from Southeastern University. Part of her graduation gift included a trip to Disney’s MGM studio. A New York City Street setting is located on a back lot. During the evening the whole area was lit-up with millions of decorative lights. It was impressive! While walking down the street simulated snowflakes fell out of clear Florida skies, the flakes being made from tiny dissolvable soap shavings. I do not recommend catching them with your mouth. The visitors were giddy over the fake snow. Christmas is not special because of snow.

            While visiting the Disney complex we also saw the decorations at the Grand Floridian Hotel. A clubhouse-size genuine Ginger Bread House was located in the lobby, along with numerous Victorian Christmas trees. Walking toward the main entrance the song “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” was playing and chestnuts were being cooked on a gas grill near the front doors. The cook gave a few samples and showed us how to open the shell. They were the blandest nuts I had ever eaten and tasted terrible. Not a fond memory. Christmas is not special because of songs about chestnuts.

            Christmas is a celebration of Christ and all He desires for you.

A celebration of love

            Special Love came to earth two thousand years ago – eternal love, forgiving love. Genesis reveals God from the start was making ready a time when He would manifest His love in flesh and blood.

            Children are born out of a love relationship between husband and wife. Jesus came out of a love relationship between God and His world. “For God so loved the world….” (John 3:16)

            Unique to Christmas is not only a celebration of the Father’s love but also the Son’s love. Jesus did not have to come; He wanted to come. There was no coercion for Him to give up a throne in heaven and come to earth. Philippians declares He humbled Himself – He emptied Himself of His rightful position, took on human form and became “Immanuel,” God with us.

            Christmas is love in its fullest measure. Without love the meaning of Christmas is lost.

A celebration of giving

            “For God so loved the world that He gave….” (John 3:16) Someone once said, “I have taken commercialism out of Christmas – I no longer give gifts.” Sounds more like a cheapskate. Christmas is giving, a time of year when people think beyond themselves. The world would be a miserable place without “giving” hearts. All forms of stinginess only intensify society’s ills.

            Alleviating human suffering requires more than money, it takes people willingly giving time and talent. As people freely give time to help others, they make church meaningful and beneficial to the community and beyond.

            Be found giving during this celebration of giving. Give testimony of Jesus to those not knowing Him. Give essential items to those in need. Give yourself to others in beneficial ways.

A celebration of sacrifice

            Mary and Joseph sacrificed reputation. The shepherds gave a sacrifice of praise. Simeon and Anna gave a sacrifice of service. The Wise Men sacrificed time and treasures. Jesus sacrificed His life.

            Part of Christmas involves a spirit of sacrifice. You can give a sacrifice of praise when gathering to worship. You can present your life as a living and holy sacrifice to God before neighbors and friends. You can be sacrificially involved in various activities of church and community. You can consistently go beyond the expected and into the realm of sacrifice for His kingdom.

            Jesus gave instruction in the Sermon on the Mount. Do you carry a soldier’s gear for one mile?  No, for two! The first is compulsion, demanded by civil law. The second is testimony, given by divine grace.

            Do we forgive seven times? No! Forgiveness is a lifestyle and done as long as it takes for others to see Jesus.

            Sacrifice will always cost something. Sacrifice may even be agonizing, involving pain similar to the labor pains Mary experienced the first Christmas. This is part of Christmas.

A celebration of joy

            The angels proclaimed, “Good news of a great joy….”

            Think about grumpy Mr. Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic. What makes for a Christmas scrooge is not consumerism or traditions of Santa Claus. A scrooge comes from the loss of genuine joy.

            What changes the heart of a Christmas scrooge is not remembering the past, seeing the present and fearing the future. The human heart is only changed by responding to the Good News of Christmas joy.

            Jesus is the provider of joy – deep-seated, thirst-quenching, load-lightening and soul-satisfying joy. If someone lacks joy at Christmas it is not because of circumstances and situations. Joy comes from the announcement made by angels. Christmas joy embraces the good news about Christ.

A celebration of good will

             Christmas speaks of kind attitudes, of benevolence. The celebration is about wishing others well and being compassionate towards one another. The celebration is about reaching out to those less fortunate and demonstrating they are not forgotten. The celebration is about contacting someone from the past with expressions of gratitude, of saying thanks through Christmas cards to people making a difference in your life.

            The church is a divinely-designed community that cares about others and desires God’s best for everyone. December 25^th and the events leading up to the day gives the world a glimpse at what followers of Jesus are like all year round. Christmas is good will to all, a testimony of faith in God.

A celebration of service

            Jesus came as a servant born in humble surroundings, not royal comfort. His actions were of a servant, not a king. A major statement about His kingship is Servant of all.

            When you think of Christmas, think of service. Mary gave service caring for the defenseless Infant. Simeon gave service dedicating the Child in the temple. Joseph gave service raising the Son of God as his own.

            What kind of service are you giving?

A celebration of peace

            The hope and desire of people around the world is peace. The desire for peace that founded the United Nations is only achievable through the Prince of Peace.

            Some believe peace comes by strength, others believe by abolishing weapons. Before peace can come to earth, it must first come to the human heart. Soothing a troubled nation requires calming a defiant soul.

            There is no peace on earth until everyone stands on common ground. Faith in God is the only common ground providing everlasting peace. The angels declared, “Peace among those with whom He is pleased…peace among those of His good pleasure.”

            Christmas declares peace is attainable through a right relationship with God, becoming pleasing to Him and conforming to His will.

Application

            For many people Christmas is a merry moment and nothing more. To believers Christmas is a year-long celebration of Christ, a celebration of love, giving, sacrifice, joy, good will, service and peace.

            Celebrate Christ! Show the world the nature of Jesus throughout the coming year.

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.

LIVING WITH THE PROMISE, 1: ACTIVITIES

1 Peter 4:7-11 – ⁷The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. ⁸Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

            The first group of articles on the Lord’s return entitled “Look Who’s Coming” dealt with four questions people must ask themselves:  Do I know Him?  Am I serving Him?  Am I looking for Him?  Am I preparing to reign with Him? 

            The second group of articles entitled “Notice the Signs” dealt with ongoing and closing signs.  Present day evidence indicates Jesus can come at any moment.

            The last group of articles addresses lifestyle.  When speaking of His return the focus is not only the event but also the response.  Every New Testament writer makes reference to His return.  They are not simply informing believers, they are addressing the conduct of believers.  Knowing about His second coming should affect lifestyle.  Things people should do, or not do, is directly linked to the imminent return of the Lord.  The issue is not legalism but readiness.

            His return should affect both how life is viewed and how life is lived.  In the near future those who follow Jesus will be changed bodily.  Having this promise should change behavior today.  We dare not become indifferent with this information. Doing so would be an act of denying Him.

            The promise of His return should affect a believer in five ways – activities, attitude, anticipation, admonishments and attention.

            First, examine the activities of a believer.  What actions should be a part of your lifestyle?  Although not all-inclusive, a broad standard-of-living is given in Peter’s first letter.

Meaningful prayer

            The Apostle Peter gives details about end-time praying. “Be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” (v. 7) Another translation states, “Be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” The Living Bible states, “Be earnest and thoughtful in prayer.”

            As the hour of His return approaches, greater effort will be needed to have meaningful time with the Lord. With so many voices crying for your attention, it takes clear-minded, self-control to recognize the voice of God.

            Communication with God will not become easier as the hour of His return approaches. Conversation, dialogue and intimacy with the Lord will call for greater focus.

            How much time are you giving to the activity of prayer? Most of us are extremely busy but if we are too rushed to pray we end up spinning our wheels and going nowhere. Pressures of end-time living are going to increase; pressures that will drive some people away from an audience with God.

            In Luke 18:1-8 is recorded a parable of Jesus that was “…to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart.” (V.1) The parable ends with a frightening question: “However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (V. 8) The action of praying is an activity of faith. Although a concern has not yet been resolved, you keep asking because you still have faith He is able to answer the request.

            Some wonder when they should quit praying for a need and start praising for the answer? The Bible tells you to pray until you see the answer, then praise God for what was done. There is no denial of faith to pray for something more than once. Faith causes you to keep praying. If the devil can find a way to get you to quit praying, he wins.

            Jesus emphasized prayer. Nowhere is it recorded that He emphasized praise. The value of praise is found in the practice of prayer. Praise is not separate from prayer but part of it. Praise is inclusive of prayers. The act of praise is the portion of your prayer that brings you into an audience with God. What follows is a conversation with Him. God will manifest Himself in your adoration but He earnestly desires your conversation.

            Prayer is occasionally made harder than it has to be. In its simplest form prayer is simply talking to God. Like worship, it comes from the heart and is honest and sincere.

            Peter admonishes believers to be clear-minded; open and receptive to correction and change. Praying is never an attempt to manipulate God or coerce God. It is not a time to make demands or threaten rejection.

            Years ago a couple was expecting a baby. Complications developed in the delivery. The husband went to the hospital chapel to pray. His approach, however, missed the mark:  “God, you better keep her alive or I won’t serve you.”

            Various approaches to prayer are frightening. It is not a ritual, a performance, a chant, or a formula for success. Prayer is conversation with the Father with all preconceived notions out of your mind – clear-minded.

            End-time praying is meaningful praying. You are to be well versed in prayer when He comes.

Fervent love

            People are not coming to Jesus for greater wisdom, although faith in God is not unreasonable. People are not coming to Jesus to be chastised and condemned, although conviction is a very real part of knowing God. People are entering into a meaningful relationship with God to be loved and to find acceptance.

            The God, who is Love personified, wants us to “love each other deeply.” The Lord who reconciled us unto Himself wants us to be agents of reconciliation. As His day draws closer, Biblical love will become scarcer.

            Remember: love does not accuse, does not criticize, does not grumble and does not provoke.

            A study on the miracles of Jesus reveals that supernatural manifestations were almost exclusively an extension of compassion (love). Jesus ignored people when they wanted a sign, when they only wanted a supernatural demonstration of power.

            The wonder of genuine love is that it covers a multitude of flaws. I saw this firsthand when pastoring in Minnesota. Doug fell in love with Doris. He had been struck hard by love. In the pre-marital sessions he said, “She’s perfect! She can do no wrong. She’s an angel from heaven.”

            Truthfully, she made the best sweet pickles I have ever eaten, but his thoughts of her were unquestionably clouded over. Several months after their wedding I asked if he still believed her to be perfect. He bashfully admitted she had a few faults. His love covered his will to notice the imperfections.

            Love is perfected when you can see someone’s worst and not lose respect. Noah was a righteous man and was spared from the devastation of the worldwide flood. Sin, however, survived the flood as well. Genesis 9:20-23 records him getting drunk and exposing himself. One son chose to shame his father. Two sons sorrowfully chose to cover their father. Fervent love covers and restores.

            Fully recognize the critical role of repentance while following love’s action to restore.

Expressive hospitality

            Hospitality means “to be friendly to others.” Hospitality addresses the importance of friendship. People are not looking for friendliness but for a friend.

            There are many lonely people attending churches in America. In this age of indifference, believers are to demonstrate Biblical care and concern without complaint.

            Hospitality is a matter of generosity. What wins a person to Jesus is love; what wins a person to church is hospitality.

            My mother-in-law genuinely loved the Airmen serving at Ellsworth AFB and invited them to her home for dinner on Sundays. Her home was not fancy. No one was ever able to say they were impressed with her furnishings. The place was simple yet spotlessly clean. Going to her house was for enjoying the common bond of Jesus.

            Is the diminishing of hospitality revealing that Jesus is coming soon? We are to be warm and welcoming to others. End-time living involves offering “hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

Gifted service

            Exercise your abilities and talents for the advancement of God’s kingdom. Some think they do not have much to offer. You do not need much. Use what you have, whether great or small.

            Matthew 25 records an end-time parable about talents. “It will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.  To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability.  Then he went on his journey.” (Vs. 14-15) The first servant was told later, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (V. 21), the second also heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (V. 23), the last servant heard, “You wicked, lazy servant!” (V. 26)

            In this story the opposite of good is wicked; the opposite of faithfulness is laziness. Expand God’s investment in you. Use what you have. The one ability God can genuinely use is availability.

            A major reason why some people do not exercise their abilities is the potential of criticism. Unfortunately whatever a person does is subject to disapproval by others.

            Here are a couple of notable quotes that may help you:

·         “It is better to try and fail than to do nothing and succeed.”

·         “A critic is one who points out how imperfectly other people do that which the critic does not do at all.”

·         E. Stanley Jones wrote in his classic book, The Christ of Every Road, this great thought:  “May I add a word of personal testimony?  No one in public work can escape criticism.  I have had my share.  It used to cut me to the quick.  But now when criticism comes, I find myself asking, ‘Is it true?’  If so, I will take it, will profit by it.  My critics thus become ‘the unpaid watchman of my soul.’  If the criticism isn’t true, I can still use it.  I can make fires of unjust criticism serve to burn up my fetters and make me free.”

            May criticism not deter you from devoting your abilities to God! Whether a task is big or small, if something needs to get done and you see the need, God is most likely asking you to meet the need.

            These are some of the activities that are to be a part of your life. As people living with the promise of His return, be active in meaningful prayer, fervent love, expressive hospitality and gifted service.