It's Personal!

“And going into the house they saw the Child … and they fell down and worshiped Him.” (Matthew 2:11)

 

For me, this part of the Christmas record, is special and personal.  Psalm 19:1 says “the heavens declare His glory” – consider then how God used His creation (the work of His hands) to declare His Glory at the coming of His Son, Jesus!  He drew foreigners to The Savior.  That’s rich!  Why so?  The Bethlehem sky was the backdrop for the angels to declare the Messiah’s birth to the Jews – to poor & lowly [shepherds].  God designed a star to announce to the wise & wealthy & pagan [magi] of His Salvation!  Yes, indeed, the heavens declared His Glory – God’s only Begotten Son.  The star led them to Christ and note their response: worship.  Oh, how we struggle [in this body] to genuinely worship Christ but consider what heaven holds: yes, streets of gold and gates of pearl and walls of jasper but, most importantly, this: “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the Glory of God gives it Light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:23).  It was the lights of the heavens that announced and led men to The Light of Heaven!  The magi saw and followed the star, saw the Christ-Child, and they worshiped Him.  Jesus promised, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.” (John 12:32).  This is the Message of Christmas – This is the Christ of Christmas – It’s personal.  May He ever be so in the hearts of His people!

Jesus' Appearing

“Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.” —1 John 3:7–8

 

A contingency plan – the trapeze artist’s safety net, a baby’s bib, a baking sheet beneath a baking pie.  Jesus came to earth to do what – to destroy the works of the devil.  Trapeze artists fall, babies spit out their food, pies spill over the side – sin still besets man.  John wrote, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.” (1 John 2:1).  Here’s good news about Jesus’ coming to earth: “He came that we might not go on sinning; and he came to die so that there would be a propitiation—a substitutionary sacrifice that takes away the wrath of God—for our sins, if we do sin.” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).  It isn’t just any contingency (backup) plan – it’s divine purpose to move us more and more toward holy living as God is holy!  Let us rejoice in His glorious appearing!

Enjoy the Gift!

“If while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” —Romans 5:10–11

 

Just me, I suppose, but I like to give gifts that complete one another, i.e. body wash with body cream.  God’s gift to us – Jesus Christ – is complete.  “We have Christ, the image of God, and we have God in the face of Christ.” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).  The world deems we need more: “Come one – Come all!  Select from the luscious buffet of ideologies, philosophies, and, theologies.” it taunts.  The Gift of God through Jesus is both redemption for sin and delightful life.  In Christ we know our Treasure and full Pleasure for living.  Enjoy the Gift!

Wonder of Christ

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” —John 20:30–31

 

What causes you to wonder?  To “wonder” is to have a “feeling of surprise, mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected unfamiliar, or inexplicable.”  John Piper writes, “… Something must be done to help us once more feel the awe, the fear, the astonishment, the wonder of the Son of God, begotten by the Father, from all eternity, reflecting all the Glory of God, being the very image of His Person, through Whom all things were created, upholding the universe by the word of His power.” (Good News of Great Joy).  The angels’ message astonished the shepherds, His star drew the Magi to the manger, His birth caused Mary to treasure and ponder that happened.  Isaiah (9:6) called the Savior “Wonderful” – One of marvel, extraordinary… wonder.  Jesus isn’t a figure in history to know about but rather the One to believe in.  Let us be in awe of the Christ!

Ancient of Days

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me One Who is to be Ruler in Israel, Whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” Micah 5:2

 

For nine months after conception twins share things most children never do yet they are amazingly unique.  Many people don’t guess my twin boys are  brothers much less twin brothers!  The uniqueness of Jesus’ birth is that it wasn’t His beginning:  He existed before that Bethlehem night.  “The Personhood of the character, the personality of Jesus of Nazareth existed before the man Jesus of Nazareth was born.” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).  We [appropriately and accurately] use the word “incarnation” to describe Jesus becoming flesh, coming to earth as a baby.  We celebrate the Ancient of Days as Messiah – Redeemer – Savior of mankind.  O, come let us adore Him!

Freedom

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. —Hebrews 2:14–15

 

One of my all-time favorite quotes is by martyred missionary Jim Elliot, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”  There are few [I suspect] who live in such freedom – freedom from fear of life’s ultimate enemy … death.  End of physical life was the curse of the Garden, the doom of man’s sin: “The ‘power of death’ is the ability to make death fearful. The ‘power of death’ is the power that holds men in bondage through fear of death. It is the power to keep men in sin, so that death comes as a horrid thing.” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).  The last thing Satan wanted was for Jesus to go to the cross!  Calvary was the arena where Christ wrestled the “power of death” from Satan’s grip.  The journey to the Cross began when Love came to Bethlehem; it was a difficult road filled with persecution and scoffers, ending in death.  God knew this – Jesus knew this – the Spirit knew this … it was the cost of freedom from life’s enemy.  The manger is empty – so is the Tomb!  Praise our King Emmanuel!

God's Mercy

“As You sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” —John 17:18

 

There’s quite a few stories I could tell of little boys … well, being little boys. Not one of the three [I suspect] ever doubted – in spite of Mama’s unhappiness with him – Mama-mercy would win … after the dust settled!  John Piper writes, “ The greatest danger is distrusting the mercy of God.” (Good News of Great Joy).  Present dangers – real or imagined – can potentially paralyze, and immobilize us from doing the very thing God sent Jesus to do – Glorify the Father (John 17:4).  Because Jesus is all-knowing, He knew what was ahead for Him – He came to earth anyway!  Knowing what He knew, He knew something greater – the Mercy of The Father and its endless depth!  We are called to this same trust in the Father’s Mercy.  What joy in this Advent to consider – to know – to trust … God’s rich Mercy!

Salvation Unimaginable

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah…” —Jeremiah 31:31

 

Our oldest son, Danny, was an only child for eight years [before the twins], and it was crazy interesting to watch his imaginative play.  Mr. Bill and I often described it as being off on his “own little planet.”  Have you ever pondered the imagination of The Creator!  When we consider the ever-present struggle to be holy [as He is holy], how is it possible?  “Christ bore our sins in His own Body when He died.  He took our judgment.  He canceled our guilt.  And that means the sins are gone.  They do not remain in God’s mind as a basis for condemnation.  In that sense, He ‘forgets’ them.  They are consumed in the death of Christ.” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).  Who possibly would have thought of such a plan to save mankind?  The Creator not only imagined so great a Salvation, He brought it to pass.  This is the Season’s great celebration – the best Christmas Gift of all time!

God's Way

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” —Philippians 2:9–11

 

How things work is fairly irrelevant to me – only that they do work.  This is a good truth to remember when considering God’s ways!  Remember Joseph’s long difficult journey to prominence in Egypt?  Scripture’s account of abduction, slavery, and imprisonment makes us anticipate a poor ending for Joseph.  God often chooses to display His power in [otherwise] apparent defeat.  In this Advent season, consider Jesus: humbles Himself to become flesh-and-blood, assumes the role of a servant, becomes a prisoner, and is executed yet God [highly] exalts Him – giving Him the Name above all names and declares all will eventually bow to Him!  “The way up is down.  The way forward is backward.” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).   What man meant for evil – God meant for good (Genesis 50:20).  It’s the model for Christians today: too many to count suffer for their faith – persecuted even killed.  With spiritual eyes let us see present sufferings as “divinely appointed setbacks” which lead to Godly victory.  “You fearful saints fresh courage take – The clouds you so much dread – Are big with Mercy and will break – In Blessings on your head.”

Foretastes

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have Life and have It abundantly.” —John 10:10

 

An excellent cook – well, I’ve never boasted of such but there are a few “Mama-makings” my boys like: my peanut butter cookies, my broccoli casserole, my vegetable soup, my homemade hot chocolate, my fresh apple cake.  It’s quite natural – even appropriate – that Christians have some other-world longings.  There will be many who approach Christmas with a deep sense of loss this year – absence of loved ones. Be alert to overwhelming sadness and the potential for bitterness!  John Piper writes, “O, don’t let all the sweet things of this season become substitutes of the final great, all-satisfying Sweetness.  Let every loss and every delight send your heart a-homing after heaven.” (Good News of Great Joy).  Jesus, the Promised King, arrived in Bethlehem bringing Life abundant!  The sweet delights of this world are only a foretaste of the Sweet-and-Glorious Delights of the world-to-come! What Joy awaits us in heaven – Jesus our King along with some very special people!  Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of Glory divine!  “Make your Now the richer and deeper this Christmas by drinking at the fountain of Forever. It is so near.”

Perfect Gift

“Now the God of Peace, Who brought up from the dead the Great Shepherd of the sheep through the Blood of the eternal covenant [this is the purchase of the new covenant], even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be the glory forever and ever.  Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

 

Have you ever discovered a Christmas present after Christmas?  You bought the gift then “safely” put it away – never to think of it again.  Since that gift never made it to its intended recipient, it was rendered ineffective.  The “new covenant” – the agreement between God and man – is one where God set the terms and made the offer; we respond with resistance or cooperation.  Interestingly and extremely important, God doesn’t lay His precious Gift [of Salvation – Jesus] down expecting us to pick It up in our own strength.  Oh, no! He equips us to “do His will” by “working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ.”  Jesus Christ – our Salvation – is the intended Gift for an intended purpose to an intended end.  “He picks it up and puts in your heart and in your mind, and seals to you that you are a Child of God.” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).  Merry Christmas to us – the perfect Gift from the perfect Giver!

Christmas Reality

Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. —Hebrews 8:1–2

 

Television reality shows are popular, but they aren’t flawless … at least compared to the Reality that put Bethlehem on the map.  Like a reality show that may or may not end well – accurately entertaining to us – Jesus Christ [Great High Priest] is with God the Father doing a  Real and perfectly effective Work on our behalf in heaven.  “The point is that the One Priest Who goes between us and God, and makes us right with God, and prays for us to God, is not an ordinary, weak, sinful, dying, priest like in the Old Testament days.  He is the Son of God – strong, sinless, with an indestructible life.” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).  Christmas represents the appearance of Ultimate Reality on earth – the three Persons of the Godhead (God, Jesus, Spirit) making Its glory known to flesh-and-blood!  It’s the Christmas Reality!

No More Shadows

“Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a High Priest, Who has taken His seat at the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister in the Sanctuary, and in the true Tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.” —Hebrews 8:1–2

 

It was Grand fun watching fear turn to amusement as Ella and Caleb saw their shadows for the first time.  It’s not practical that we attempt to identify a person by his or her shadow.  The ministry of Old Testament priests served a divinely ordained purpose, however, it was only a shadow of the reality to come.  In his Advent meditation, Good News of Great Joy, John Piper illustrates this truth: “Suppose you and your mom get separated in the grocery store, and you start to get scared and panic and don’t know which way to go, and you run to the end of an aisle, and just before you start to cry, you see a shadow on the floor at the end of the aisle that looks just like your mom. It makes you really happy and you feel hope. But which is better? The happiness of seeing the shadow, or having your mom step around the corner and seeing that it’s really her?”  Aside from the angels, few likely completely understood the eternal significance of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.  For sure, if the priests of Jesus’ day understood Scripture, no wonder they opposed The Messiah at every turn – their days as priests were over!  Jesus came to replace the shadows – He came to be our High Priest, to offer Himself at Calvary … unblemished, final, eternal Sacrifice.  “Christmas is the replacement of shadows with the real thing.”

Perfect Gift

“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” —Hebrews 2:14–15

 

By now, most of us should be close to having selected just the right gift for each person on our list … yeah, I know – there’s always that one person we struggle to buy for!  Before the foundation of the world – before time – God knew exactly what man would need, and how much it would cost Him.  “Good Friday is the reason for Christmas … What a great Christmas present from God to us!” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).  Consider that you and I had no choice to be flesh-and-blood; Christ chose it!  It was the way He would become and bear sin for us.  What an amazing – perfect – Christmas present!

Greatest Treasure

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” —Matthew 2:10–11

 

Have you ever given away something you really loved?  I gave away Mr. Bill’s basset hound – he was none too happy, but it didn’t hurt me at all.  Giving sacrificially should hurt.  Do you wonder why the wise men brought expensive gifts to Jesus – after all, he was a toddler!  “By giving to you what you do not need, and what I might enjoy, I am saying more earnestly and more authentically, ‘You are my treasure, not these things.’” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).  What do you treasure so intensely you dare not part with it?  Perhaps the real treasure is really in … giving it away!  The Magi traveled far to give costly gifts to the Christ-Child, but it’s their act of worship that reveal what they treasured most – the Treasure they sought.  What is your greatest treasure?

Does He Matter?

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. —Matthew 2:3

 

Have you ever told someone something, and their response was “so?”  A “so what” response is just insulting!  This was exactly how Herod, his priests and scribes reacted to the news of Jesus’ birth.  They teetered between “so what” and “do what!”  Scripture tells us Herold was troubled enough to plot and carry out a wicked plan, but none of this crowd were moved to acknowledge or worship.  “So today … two kinds of opposition will come against Christ and His worshipers: indifference and hostility.” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy.)  We expect the world to be hostile toward The Messiah but even among Believers, it’s too easy to slip into indifference toward Christmas … shopping, baking, wrapping, partying … and miss The Christ of Christmas, failing to see Him and kneel before Him.  Here’s the question for the Season: does He really matter?

Call to Worship

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” —Matthew 2:2

 

Sometimes Mr. Bill explains to me how things work, and I listen because it is the courteous thing to do – not always because I care to know.  Many learned men and women have speculated about the star of the Christmas story – truth is, Scripture doesn’t give us details.  As is the case with God’s Word, we know what is important: it was a star – the call to worship – that drew these men to Christ. “But what is plain concerning this matter of the star is that it is doing something that it cannot do on its own: it is guiding magi to the Son of God to worship Him.” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).  God still cares that men come near and worship!  Words of the psalmist invite us: “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.” (Psalm 95:6).  How we come isn’t important: it matters only that we come – kneel – adore – honor … worship the Star of all stars … The Messiah – Jesus Christ our Lord.

Messiah For All

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews?’” —Matthew 2:1–2

 

Have you ever felt like an outsider – odd man out?  This is probably how Matthew, the tax collector, felt when Jesus called him as a disciple.  Tax collectors were despised yet Jesus  said to Matthew, “Follow Me.” (Matthew 9:9).  Matthew is the only Gospel that tells of the visit of the magi, wise men from the east – foreigners, unclean, Gentiles.  Perhaps Matthew could relate to being an outsider in a Jewish world. Matthew ends his Gospel with Jesus’ call for discipleship from “all nations.” (Matthew 28:19). “So Matthew portrays Jesus at the beginning and ending of his Gospel as a universal Messiah for the nations, not just for Jews.” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).  Jesus is a unique Messiah – none like Him – a “King and a Promise-Fulfiller.”  God sent Jesus as Salvation for all men; yes, even for those who hate and seek to kill us … even those who crucified Him. The Magi’s Messiah is the Messiah for all!

His Peace

“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 2:12–14

 

What is peace?  Quite simply, the absence of war!  Warring among men on earth isn’t new to this century, neither is war with God.  In the Bethlehem sky, angels announced peace but only to a select group of people: “among those with whom He is pleased.”  John Piper wrote, “So Christmas does not bring peace to all.” (Good News of Great Joy).  Not unlike the culture to which Jesus was born, the world has secularized Christmas to little more than a self-pleasing, self-gratifying time of year.  If peace eludes us, we must ask: how pleased or displeased is God with me?  Hebrews 11:6 says “without faith it is impossible to please God” – the angels declared peace to those who believe, those who seek the Christ.  The wise really do seek Him still – they are rewarded with His Peace.

No Detours

“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 2:6–7

 

Are you old enough to remember the lighted “Vacancy” and “No Vacancy” signs outside hotels?  “Vacancy” sure looked good to the tired and weary, but then the room rate had to suit Dad’s budget!  No vacancy for the long awaited Messiah seems puzzling, but that’s exactly how it played out in Bethlehem that night so long ago.  God, Who put the census into the mind of Caesar, doesn’t make room for His Son?  “The question is not what God could do, but what he willed to do.” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).  Beginning with His humble birthplace, Jesus modeled what it means to deny Himself and do the will of and glorify His Father in heaven.  This is the cross each Believer must bear to genuinely follow Christ.  Submitted and committed – no detours to Calvary – this is The Christ of the Advent – Come, let us adore Him!

Big God

“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.” —Luke 2:1–5

 

If you are lacking entertainment, turn on the news.  Yes, I know the news is anything but entertaining unless you consider Psalm 37:13, “But the LORD laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming.”  Consider this: an otherwise insignificant simple man and woman expecting their first child is relocated from Nazareth to Bethlehem at the appointed time, and God uses the Roman government and the Caesar himself – well, it’s nothing but entertaining!  Like Joseph and Mary, we are caught in the political, moral, and social battles of our day, yet God is Sovereign and does not relinquish rule over good or evil.  “It is not our prosperity but our holiness that He seeks with all His heart. And to that end, He rules the whole world.”  (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy).  The God Who put the census in the mind of the ruler and guided Joseph and Mary to the prophesied birth place, is the same God Who ordains each day of your life.  Be awed at our Big God!

Good As Done

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, as He spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us …” (Luke 1:68-71)

 

“For the mind of faith, a promised act of God is as good as done.” (John Piper, Good News of Great Joy, Day 3).  Who among us celebrates the completion of something before it is completed!  This is exactly what Zechariah, father of John, did in his prophetic passage in Luke 1:67-79.  While all of Israel, including  Zechariah, anticipated the prophesied Messiah to soothe and free Israel from its oppressors, Zechariah celebrates: “The God of Israel has visited and redeemed.” (1:68).  Scripture is clear all God’s work is good-as-done – “It is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).  “Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You.” (2 Chronicles 7:26).  Ask, then, how much do I believe this?  Do I believe it enough to celebrate the end of the present struggles, the current storm I’m in?  Do I have  the mind of faith that genuinely trusts a promised act of God is as good as done?  Let us examine our faith, its depth, and be inspired to celebrate the promised end of God’s [ongoing] work in our lives.

Magnificent God

Some magnificent things I’ve experienced – the Caribbean Sea from the cliffs of Tulum, the cascading snow waters of Israel’s Mount Hermon, standing in Istanbul’s massive Saint Sophia church, a Sea of Galilee boat ride.  Magnificence is actually in the eye of the beholder – so it was with Mary and Elizabeth as they wondered about their God-favored roles regarding His Son, Jesus.  We cannot read The Magnificat – Mary’s song of praise – without hearing her joy: “My soul magnifies the Lord … my spirit rejoices in God my Savior … He Who is mighty has done great things for me … Holy is His Name … His Mercy is for those who fear Him.” (from Luke 1:46-49).  These ladies were awed at the Holy One’s favor on two humble and lowly such as themselves in God’s Plan or Redemption!  To magnify – to make great and conspicuous – drives Mary’s song to the Most High.  Ultimately, the most magnificent thing: Magnificent God chose man before the foundation of the world and dwell in the human heart.  Know that this is no insignificant thing! Let us magnify our Magnificent God!

Prepare the Way

“He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” —Luke 1:16–17

 

Some people just have trouble admitting they can use some help, and my Dad is one of those people.  I’m not going to say much more ‘cause … I am his daughter and inherited some of that do-it-myself.  John Piper made this very profound statement: “Christmas is an indictment before it becomes a delight.”  The relief of sharing a burdensome task comes only after we have agreed we need help!  Luke wrote of John [the Baptist] who would come before Jesus, preparing the way by preaching to cause people to see their sin, their need for repentance … their need for a Savior.  John made ready the people for the coming Messiah – “for the Lord a people prepared.”  What an appropriate time to pray, “Search me, O God … know my heart … try me … know my thoughts … lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 119:23-24).  Preparations usually involve intense effort and time; preparing our hearts to love Jesus more is no different!  The harder we strive to adore Him, the more Satan pushes back.  Use these days before Christmas to read and meditate on Scripture, listen and talk to The Father, worship Him, fellowship with other Christians.  May we experience the delight of the intimate Savior.  Let us be people prepared to enjoy and savor the Blessed Messiah this Season.