Tomorrow begins Advent, a season of focus on the coming of Jesus. Observing Advent has transformed my Christmas season from one of craziness to one of JOY. Please join me and my church on our Advent Journey this year with the devotional below. Have a blessed Advent!
http://calvaryfayar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Behold-He-Comes-Advent-Devotional-Single-Page-Format.pdf
Showing posts with label Advent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Advent. Show all posts
Saturday, December 01, 2012
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The Christ Candle of Advent
On Christmas morning we light all 4 advent candles and then the Christ candle. Here are the Scriptures for today (in addition to the John 1 passage already posted) - and Merry Christmas!
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. - (Titus 2:11-14 ESV)
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. - (Isaiah 9:1-7 ESV)
"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; to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." - (Luke 1:68-79 ESV)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. - (Titus 2:11-14 ESV)
But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. - (Isaiah 9:1-7 ESV)
"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; to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." - (Luke 1:68-79 ESV)
Merry Christmas! John 1:1-18
(1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. (4) In him was life, and the life was the light of men. (5) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (6) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. (7) He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. (8) He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. (9) The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. (10) He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. (11) He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. (12) But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, (13) who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (14) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (15) (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") (16) And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (17) For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (18) No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known. - (John 1:1-18 ESV)
This is absolutely my favorite "Christmas story" in the Bible ... the reminder that Jesus was the Word made flesh, showing the glory of God, bringing grace and truth. He came for the world, and the darkness will never overcome the light He brings.
Merry Christmas indeed, in whatever language you need to say it (http://www.freelang.net/expressions/christmas.php).
St. Augustine's Christmas Poem
Let the just rejoice, for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and inform rejoice, for their Savior is born.
Let the captives rejoice, for their redeemer is born.
Let the slaves rejoice, for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice, for their liberator is born.
Let all Christians rejoice, for Jesus Christ is born.
This is absolutely my favorite "Christmas story" in the Bible ... the reminder that Jesus was the Word made flesh, showing the glory of God, bringing grace and truth. He came for the world, and the darkness will never overcome the light He brings.
Merry Christmas indeed, in whatever language you need to say it (http://www.freelang.net/expressions/christmas.php).
St. Augustine's Christmas Poem
Let the just rejoice, for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and inform rejoice, for their Savior is born.
Let the captives rejoice, for their redeemer is born.
Let the slaves rejoice, for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice, for their liberator is born.
Let all Christians rejoice, for Jesus Christ is born.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Today's Advent Passage: Luke 2:1-20
Enjoy the familiar story once again. (Sometimes, it just has to be the KJV ... :) )
(1) And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (2) ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) (3) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. (4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) (5) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (6) And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. (7) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (12) And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, (14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (15) And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. (16) And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. (17) And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. (18) And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. (19) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart. (20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. - (Luke 2:1-20 KJV)
(1) And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (2) ([And] this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) (3) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. (4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) (5) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (6) And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. (7) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (12) And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, (14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (15) And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. (16) And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. (17) And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. (18) And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. (19) But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart. (20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. - (Luke 2:1-20 KJV)
Friday, December 23, 2011
Today's Advent Passage: Matthew 2:10
And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. - Matthew 2:10
Christmas can be a hard season for people. Studies consistently show that depression and general gloomy feelings spike this time of year. The first Christmas was no easier ... Mary and Joseph had endured a long journey following a season of facing questions about a pregnancy people simply would not have been able to understand. The shepherds were among the poorest of their society and lived on the outskirts of town. The magi had traveled a long way and weren't exactly sure where their destination would lead - except they knew it would end at the feet of a king. But the destination of all the characters in the Nativity was One person: Jesus, the child sent from God.
Don't you love the magi? The text makes it very clear that they were extremely happy to see Jesus. The superlatives in the Greek indicate tremendous joy -- the word for great is megas which as you can imagine is where we get our word "mega". They were filled with "mega" joy ... and they showed it by rejoicing exceedingly.
This overwhelming joy was visible and would likely be quite out of character for an eastern "wise man". It reminds me of David's "undignified" dancing when the ark of the covenant was finally returned to Jerusalem:
David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets. As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. ... When David returned home to bless his household, Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet him and said, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!" David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD's people Israel--I will celebrate before the LORD. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor." - (2 Samuel 6:14-16, 20-22 NIV)Despite their long journey, the magi rejoiced. Like David, they didn't try to be dignified. Their joy overflowed in their worship.
As we head into Christmas weekend, you may feel like the past few weeks have been an overwhelming journey. Or, like the shepherds, you may feel like you live on the outskirts of the real happenings. Perhaps you are like Mary and Joseph, facing questions that no one but God can fully answer.
It doesn't matter. When you focus on Jesus, the King, there is joy -- joy based on nothing more than His presence. He has come. Whatever challenges you have faced or will face, Immanuel, God with us, has come. This is Christmas. This is unspeakable joy. This is a truth worthy of "undignified" expressions of worship. Let's join the magi at the feet of the Christ-child this Christmas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLhb3qUA3uc
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Today's Advent Pasage: Matthew 20:28
"...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give His life a ransom for many." -Matthew 20:28
One result of the human condition is that we are incredibly slow to "get it." When God is trying to break through our preconceptions, our culture, our backgrounds, our assumptions - in short, our "stuff" - we can be pretty thick-headed.
It's a relief to know that Jesus didn't choose for His apostles the 12 people on the planet who had managed to avoid this limitation of our flesh. Instead, He spent time with them breaking down their ideas of who Messiah would be and what He would do. Even after they believed in Him, Scripture indicates that they persisted in the common assumption of the day that Messiah would bring political transformation and an earthly kingdom.
The context of today's verse is Jesus teaching His chosen 12 that servanthood, not power, is the heart of the ministry He modeled, the ministry He called them to. Jesus' teaching turned their thinking upside down. Other passages make clear that He is coming again and His righteous judgment will bring political transformation. He will reign on earth. But our focus is bringing glimpses of His kingdom to bear on earth, as it is in heaven. Jesus wants us to know that we do that not by power and authority, but by serving.
As Jesus lay in the manger, the King of the world, God looked down and saw His Servant, His chosen one in whom He delighted. The One who most deserved to be served, would instead become a servant - a servant who would suffer in order to save.
One of my favorite Christmas albums is "Like Christmas All Year Round" by Dennis Jernigan. If you haven't heard it I highly recommend it; it ties the birth of Christ with His suffering and Lordship in such a wonderful way. One of the songs speaks to this aspect of Jesus' purpose. I've posted a video of a church doing this song, and the words are below. May God speak to you through this music.
http://youtu.be/T89a6X7lWLQ
Little Child in a Manger Lay
Little Child in a manger lay
Born a Lamb to die
Born to take all our sins away
Born to be crucified
Heaven gave us a Son that day
Hear His Father cry
Sent to bear both the cross and the grave
The sinner's perfect supply
Jesus my Savior
My Lord and my King
Born but to suffer my shame
Blessing and honor and glory I bring
Worthy the Lamb who was slain!
Man of sorrows, this little child
Lord of all the earth
Innocent, yet He was defiled
Born to bring second birth.
What gift can I lay before my King
For ending my heart's strife?
I give to You all I have to bring
I lay before You my life
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Today's Advent Passage: Isa. 42:1, 3
Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. ... a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. - (Isaiah 42:1, 3 ESV)
The prophecies of Messiah, completely fulfilled in Jesus, reveal much to us about the nature and character of God's chosen One. This passage reminds us that Jesus was fully anointed by the Holy Spirit. Want to know what a Spirit-filled life looks like? Look to Jesus.
His mercy is also apparent. Gentle and sensitive enough to care not break off a reed that has been bruised, or put out even the faintest wick, Jesus knows those who are His. He knows our weaknesses and frailties and sees the depths of our hearts. He nurtures us when others dismiss us. Jesus was walking proof of James 2:13b: "Mercy triumphs over judgment."
And yet judgment will come - it must, for Him to faithfully bring forth justice to the nations. This is where the first and second advents converge. While He came first to suffer and save, He is coming again to gather those who have believed in Him and the judge the world righteously. Justice is only delayed, not denied, for He is faithful.
This is the Lord whose birth we celebrate. This is our king and our God.
O Come, let us adore Him!
The prophecies of Messiah, completely fulfilled in Jesus, reveal much to us about the nature and character of God's chosen One. This passage reminds us that Jesus was fully anointed by the Holy Spirit. Want to know what a Spirit-filled life looks like? Look to Jesus.
His mercy is also apparent. Gentle and sensitive enough to care not break off a reed that has been bruised, or put out even the faintest wick, Jesus knows those who are His. He knows our weaknesses and frailties and sees the depths of our hearts. He nurtures us when others dismiss us. Jesus was walking proof of James 2:13b: "Mercy triumphs over judgment."
And yet judgment will come - it must, for Him to faithfully bring forth justice to the nations. This is where the first and second advents converge. While He came first to suffer and save, He is coming again to gather those who have believed in Him and the judge the world righteously. Justice is only delayed, not denied, for He is faithful.
This is the Lord whose birth we celebrate. This is our king and our God.
O Come, let us adore Him!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Today's Advent Passage: Isaiah 61:1-2
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; - (Isaiah 61:1-2 ESV)
Jesus read this description of Messiah's purpose in coming when He spoke in the temple (Luke 4). He announced "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Thus, we know that Jesus' ministry from God was about all these things:
- Bringing good news
- Binding up the brokenhearted
- Setting captives free
- Removing binding changes
- Proclaiming God's favor instead of judgment
- Proclaiming God's vengeance over evil and injustice
- Comforting the mourners
Wrapped up in the idea of Christmas is the concept that Jesus came to minister to the whole person. The example we see in His ministry shows us someone who cared about bodies, souls, and spirits. He met spiritual, physical and emotional needs. As His body we are called to do the same. The modern word for it is "missional" - we are to always be on mission. Another way to put it is simply - being the church.
Earlier today I read a comment on a blog that I follow from time to time (http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2011/12/cancelling-church-on-christmas-day/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+stuffchristianslikeblog+%28Stuff+Christians+Like+-+Jon+Acuff%29). The blog post is very much written as humorous and tongue-in-cheek, but the first comment gripped me as a great example of being the church, being missional. This church did it on Christmas Day, but the reality is that this is to be the lifestyle of who we are all the time. I'm including this comment because it's too good not to share. As we reflect on Jesus' mission in coming to earth, let's remember that He didn't reach everyone in all places while He was here. He trained leaders who taught new believers who became the church who has been charged, for the last 2000 years, with the job of finishing the task - being on mission with God until all have heard.
Until the day that we celebrate around the throne with believers from every tribe, tongue, nation, and people group (Rev. 7:9), Christmas should always bring with it the reminder that we are to be missional. Jesus showed us what that looks like.
-----------------------------------------------
We cancelled services 7 years ago (the last time Christmas fell on Sunday) and received a huge backlash. We're by far the largest church around, so it was in the paper and (sadly) lots of other local pastors took the opportunity to public bash us. Instead, our senior minister encouraged everyone to go out and "be the church" in the community. Some people volunteered at homeless shelters and soup kitchens (kinda think Jesus would have rather seen that anyway).
Others went out to eat as an excuse to bless the wait staff who had to work. Lots of reports (anonymously) of people ordering a cup of coffee and leaving HUGE tips (like $50 or more). One very well off family got to know a young man who was their waiter. He was working 2 jobs to put himself through college and didn't have a car to go home for Christmas. So they gave him their car. They developed a friendship with him and "adopted" him while he was away at school and paid for some of his tuition. He's a minister in his hometown now. A little girl baked brownies and went down to the university campus to hand them out to students who were in town. Most were international students, one was a Muslim young man who casually asked her why she was doing it. Expecting, "school fund raiser" or something similar, he got in reply, "well, Jesus would do this." The little girl invited him to church. He'd been secretly wrestling with his faith and so he came. He was baptized last Easter, because of a little girl and her brownies.
But the best story was one of the local ministers who had criticized our church's decision to cancel. He hadn't said anything publicly, but to his friends had talked about how we must not really love Jesus. Christmas morning, his son started having seizures and was rushed to children's hospital. While they waited, someone anonymously brought a huge spread of food to the ICU waiting room so everyone there could have Christmas dinner. He didn't know where it came from. Months later, he was at a pastor's conference and our pastor was speaking about "canceling Christmas" and what all the people did to love our city. When he talked about setting up a buffet in the ICU waiting room at Children's, this pastor said he began to cry uncontrollably. He spoke to our congregation via video last week and shared that story. His church is doing the same this year.
I dont't think there is anything wrong with having services, but I for one am glad that we don't. That attitude of "being the church" has continued, we even sometimes cancel random services to do the same and this has become our mantra, "If we closed our doors today, would anyone notice?" We want the answer to be yes, because of what God is doing through us to serve the people He loves.
Jesus read this description of Messiah's purpose in coming when He spoke in the temple (Luke 4). He announced "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Thus, we know that Jesus' ministry from God was about all these things:
- Bringing good news
- Binding up the brokenhearted
- Setting captives free
- Removing binding changes
- Proclaiming God's favor instead of judgment
- Proclaiming God's vengeance over evil and injustice
- Comforting the mourners
Wrapped up in the idea of Christmas is the concept that Jesus came to minister to the whole person. The example we see in His ministry shows us someone who cared about bodies, souls, and spirits. He met spiritual, physical and emotional needs. As His body we are called to do the same. The modern word for it is "missional" - we are to always be on mission. Another way to put it is simply - being the church.
Earlier today I read a comment on a blog that I follow from time to time (http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2011/12/cancelling-church-on-christmas-day/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+stuffchristianslikeblog+%28Stuff+Christians+Like+-+Jon+Acuff%29). The blog post is very much written as humorous and tongue-in-cheek, but the first comment gripped me as a great example of being the church, being missional. This church did it on Christmas Day, but the reality is that this is to be the lifestyle of who we are all the time. I'm including this comment because it's too good not to share. As we reflect on Jesus' mission in coming to earth, let's remember that He didn't reach everyone in all places while He was here. He trained leaders who taught new believers who became the church who has been charged, for the last 2000 years, with the job of finishing the task - being on mission with God until all have heard.
Until the day that we celebrate around the throne with believers from every tribe, tongue, nation, and people group (Rev. 7:9), Christmas should always bring with it the reminder that we are to be missional. Jesus showed us what that looks like.
-----------------------------------------------
We cancelled services 7 years ago (the last time Christmas fell on Sunday) and received a huge backlash. We're by far the largest church around, so it was in the paper and (sadly) lots of other local pastors took the opportunity to public bash us. Instead, our senior minister encouraged everyone to go out and "be the church" in the community. Some people volunteered at homeless shelters and soup kitchens (kinda think Jesus would have rather seen that anyway).
Others went out to eat as an excuse to bless the wait staff who had to work. Lots of reports (anonymously) of people ordering a cup of coffee and leaving HUGE tips (like $50 or more). One very well off family got to know a young man who was their waiter. He was working 2 jobs to put himself through college and didn't have a car to go home for Christmas. So they gave him their car. They developed a friendship with him and "adopted" him while he was away at school and paid for some of his tuition. He's a minister in his hometown now. A little girl baked brownies and went down to the university campus to hand them out to students who were in town. Most were international students, one was a Muslim young man who casually asked her why she was doing it. Expecting, "school fund raiser" or something similar, he got in reply, "well, Jesus would do this." The little girl invited him to church. He'd been secretly wrestling with his faith and so he came. He was baptized last Easter, because of a little girl and her brownies.
But the best story was one of the local ministers who had criticized our church's decision to cancel. He hadn't said anything publicly, but to his friends had talked about how we must not really love Jesus. Christmas morning, his son started having seizures and was rushed to children's hospital. While they waited, someone anonymously brought a huge spread of food to the ICU waiting room so everyone there could have Christmas dinner. He didn't know where it came from. Months later, he was at a pastor's conference and our pastor was speaking about "canceling Christmas" and what all the people did to love our city. When he talked about setting up a buffet in the ICU waiting room at Children's, this pastor said he began to cry uncontrollably. He spoke to our congregation via video last week and shared that story. His church is doing the same this year.
I dont't think there is anything wrong with having services, but I for one am glad that we don't. That attitude of "being the church" has continued, we even sometimes cancel random services to do the same and this has become our mantra, "If we closed our doors today, would anyone notice?" We want the answer to be yes, because of what God is doing through us to serve the people He loves.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Today's Advent Passage: 2 Corinthians 9:15
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15
Amen, and amen. Born a child, and yet a king. Long-expected, born to deliver. What a gift!
http://youtu.be/qyckfDVPzx4
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love
Last week in a nearby town, a depressed, suicidal man encountered a 19-year-old boy home on college break and killed him, then turned the gun on himself. One man's failings resulted in the death of another family's son. The family who lost a son is a Christian family, and I'm certain that if they encountered someone who was depressed or in need they would gladly help them out. I'm also sure that, like any of us, they would defend their home to whatever degree they needed in order to protect their children.
That's why the love of God is so overwhelmingly amazing. An old hymn reminds us, "Love
is the theme, eternal theme." Today's Advent emphasis captures the heart of God. Sometimes we have a tendency to see God as having reluctantly given up His Son. We apply to Him the feelings that we think we would feel if someone else's failings resulted in the death of our child.
We forget so easily that His love for us prompted Him to voluntarily send His only Son. He had created a perfect world. We used our free will to believe a lie and our sin messed up that world. And God fixed it anyway - because love is His eternal theme. It lies at the heart of who He is; 1 John tells us "God is love".
God didn't protect Jesus from us. The worst of humanity was seen as Jesus was rejected, spat upon, beaten, mocked, and ultimately crucified. At any point He could have stopped it. But He endured the cross even as He despised its shame (Hebrews 12:3). Adrian Rodgers spoke well when he said "The cross didn't change God's heart; it revealed it."
When God looked down upon the scene in the manger, He saw more than His Son. He saw His love for the world made tangible, so that we would be able to be restored to relationship with Him. He saw the ultimate glory of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation gathered around the throne, worshipping together for eternity.
He loved ... and so He gave.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. - (John 3:16-17 ESV)
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - (Romans 5:6-8 ESV)
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - (Romans 8:31-39 ESV)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. - (Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV)
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." The voice of your watchmen--they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the LORD to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. - (Isaiah 52:7-10 ESV)
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)
That's why the love of God is so overwhelmingly amazing. An old hymn reminds us, "Love
is the theme, eternal theme." Today's Advent emphasis captures the heart of God. Sometimes we have a tendency to see God as having reluctantly given up His Son. We apply to Him the feelings that we think we would feel if someone else's failings resulted in the death of our child.
We forget so easily that His love for us prompted Him to voluntarily send His only Son. He had created a perfect world. We used our free will to believe a lie and our sin messed up that world. And God fixed it anyway - because love is His eternal theme. It lies at the heart of who He is; 1 John tells us "God is love".
God didn't protect Jesus from us. The worst of humanity was seen as Jesus was rejected, spat upon, beaten, mocked, and ultimately crucified. At any point He could have stopped it. But He endured the cross even as He despised its shame (Hebrews 12:3). Adrian Rodgers spoke well when he said "The cross didn't change God's heart; it revealed it."
When God looked down upon the scene in the manger, He saw more than His Son. He saw His love for the world made tangible, so that we would be able to be restored to relationship with Him. He saw the ultimate glory of people from every tribe, tongue, and nation gathered around the throne, worshipping together for eternity.
He loved ... and so He gave.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. - (John 3:16-17 ESV)
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - (Romans 5:6-8 ESV)
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - (Romans 8:31-39 ESV)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. - (Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV)
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." The voice of your watchmen--they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the LORD to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. - (Isaiah 52:7-10 ESV)
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)
Today's Advent Passage: Matthew 1:20-21
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). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25 ESV)
Joseph, we are told, was a righteous man who wanted to do the right thing. Legally bound to marry a young girl named Mary, her pregnancy would have been reason for her to be subject to public shame. Yet Joseph didn't want to shame her - in fact, he was trying to make the divorce as quiet as possible.
But he considered things - he turned them over in his mind - and God gave him an answer in a dream. An angel of the Lord spoke into the situation and brought clarity, peace, and direction. And Joseph listened.
What a beautiful example of surrender. We don't have to understand all the whys and hows and wherefores. We don't have to have every question answered. We simply have to know that we've heard from the Lord.
This Advent season, commit anew to considering your problems in the context of relationship to God. Stay in prayer and in the Word of God, and let Him bring clarity, peace, and direction to your circumstances. Then surrender.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Today's Advent Passage: Philippians 2:5-8
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
(Philippians 2:5-8 ESV)
However this marvelous event occurred, Paul tells the Philippians that it holds an example for us. Jesus didn't cling to His equality with God. He willingly gave up His divine privileges. He willingly took the position of a slave - completely focused on the will of His Master ... His Father. He humbled Himself fully and completely, to the point of death on a cross.
This, Paul tells us, should be our attitude. Holding loosely any benefits or privileges. Not focusing on position. Seeing ourselves as His servant. Fully obeying God, whatever the cost.
Tomorrow our church will have its annual Christmas pageant. Cute kids will demonstrate the familiar nativity story. My prayer for myself and all who see this is that when we see the baby Jesus lying in the manger, we will ponder that "in Him all the fullness of God" was dwelling, and yet He willingly set aside His divine privileges and took on human flesh. "A human baby bearing undiminished deity", the song below says.
http://youtu.be/mSEqXbnOrQU
Friday, December 16, 2011
Today's Advent Passage: Matthew 1:21
"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21
It's hard to add anything to this beautiful picture. Joseph, hearing from the angel to marry Mary, because the child is conceived of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, being given the name for the child. Jesus, in Hebrew Yeshua, translated into English Joshua, means Yahweh Saves.
Yahweh - God Himself, and God alone - saves.
This is the Gospel. Yes, this alone is Christmas. Without any decorations, plays, music, lights, meals, guests, or gifts, this one verse holds the heart of Christmas.
May we keep that focus through these next 10 days.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Today's Advent Passage: Luke 1:31-33
"You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."
Jesus, born to die so He could save, was also born to reign. The angel's words to Mary remind us that although His first coming was not marked by obvious power and authority, wrapped up in those swaddling clothes was a baby who would reign over an unending kingdom. We have glimpses of this kingdom now, wherever hearts and actions are fully submitted to His reign. One day, when He comes again, Scripture tells us every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. But as the song says, "Still the greatest joy remains for those who gladly choose Him now."
Come, now is the time to worship.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Today's Advent Passage: Isaiah 53
Whether today's passage, prophesying the suffering of the Messiah who would come, is new or old to you, its words are powerful. I've included them from the New Living Translation for a fresh look at this amazing Scripture. Sometimes reading a familiar passage in a new version can awaken my heart in new ways. Today's passage continues the thought of yesterday's - Jesus Messiah came to die.
Praise God today for the child, born of a virgin, born to die, whose death became an intercession for rebels ... rebels like you and me.
Isa 53:1-12 NLT [1] Who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm? [2] My servant grew up in the LORD's presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. [3] He was despised and rejected-- a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. [4] Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! [5] But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. [6] All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. [7] He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. [8] Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. [9] He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave. [10] But it was the LORD's good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD's good plan will prosper in his hands. [11] When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. [12] I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.
Praise God today for the child, born of a virgin, born to die, whose death became an intercession for rebels ... rebels like you and me.
Isa 53:1-12 NLT [1] Who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm? [2] My servant grew up in the LORD's presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. [3] He was despised and rejected-- a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. [4] Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! [5] But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. [6] All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. [7] He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. [8] Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. [9] He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave. [10] But it was the LORD's good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD's good plan will prosper in his hands. [11] When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. [12] I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Today's Advent Passage: Isaiah 52:13-15
Behold, My servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted. Just as many were astonished at you, My people, So His appearance was marred more than any man And His form more than the sons of men. Thus He will sprinkle many nations, Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; For what had not been told them they will see, And what they had not heard they will understand. (Isaiah 52:13-15 NASB)
Jesus, the Messiah. Born to reign - but first, to suffer and die. Born to be high and lifted up and greatly exalted -- but only after having His appearance marred more than any man.
The myrrh in the wise men's gifts is in many ways the odd element. The gold and frankincense, gifts fit for a king, make sense. But myrrh was a spice used in burial rituals. Why present this to a newborn child, especially one worshipped by the wise men as the promised King of the Jews?
It's a reminder tucked into the middle of the joyous birth story that Jesus' first advent, his first coming, would be marked by His death. Indeed, on the cross Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh - a fitting framing of his life, beginning and ending with the idea that His death was God's plan all along ... as was His resurrection and ultimate eternal reign.
The blood shed when He was marred more than any man is for the nations. Like the sacrificial offerings of the Old covenant, Jesus' blood sprinkles those who draw close enough to the cross to experience its redemptive power. And when we are sprinkled with His blood, then we see and understand more than we could ever be told in mere words -- we begin to see the beauty in the presence of myrrh at the manger.
(from We Three Kings)
Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes of life of gathering gloom
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
http://youtu.be/k8mjRxkMBkE
Monday, December 12, 2011
Today's Advent Passage: Numbers 24:17
"A star shall come forth from Jacob, and a scepter shall rise from Israel." Numbers 24:17
Jesus, born of the tribe of David, to be not only Savior and Lord, but king. King of the Jews, King of the World. This prophecy is a reminder of His ultimate lordship. Hallelujah!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Third Sunday of Advent: Joy
The Third Sunday of Advent is definitely my favorite. On this day, we light the candle that is differently colored than the others (ours is rose while the others are purple, but traditions vary). I like to call it the Mary candle, after the first passage of the readings for this Sunday (see below).
I think the reason that I enjoy it so much is that so often, we forget that Christmas truly is a season of joy. We get caught up in the tyranny of the urgent, moving from event to event and task to task as if they were ends in themselves. Inevitably, a newspaper article will remind me that this is a season when depression spikes - often because of financial stress, family problems, and loneliness. Even those who don't fall into depression face disappointment in a less-than-picture perfect holiday. The truth is, when we make Christmas about gifts, parties, and an ideal coming-together of traditions and circumstances we will always be disappointed. Especially Christians - because God is far to faithful to let us find joy anywhere but in Jesus, especially at this time of the year.
Let's face it - the first Christmas was pretty messy. There is nothing joyful about a scandalous pregnancy, a long journey in the 9th month, the failure to find lodging, and childbirth in a place where animals were kept. God didn't pick a picture-perfect circumstance for His Son's birth.
That's why I love Mary's words in the Magnificat, Mary's Song. "...my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant." Mary knew that God could have found women from more elite families, but He had chosen her. She rejoiced despite her circumstances, in God her Savior. That is true joy, and that is the heart of Christmas.
The passages for this week remind us that joy wasn't just intended for Mary and those who walked with Jesus on this earth. Joy - a fruit of the Spirit - comes as we learn to have the mind of Christ. As we learn to see things as He does, then we will find joy where He does, as we see righteousness and praise springing up among all the nations.
"Joy to the World" is not just a great Christmas song - it's what He offers to all who embrace the truth that "He comes to make the blessing known/far as the curse is found." In all the dark corners of the world, He offers the hope of blessing instead of curse. The more we become part of that, the more we will experience "joy, unspeakable joy".
http://youtu.be/NLhb3qUA3uc
---------------------------------------------------
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy--the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. ... And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever." (Luke 1:26-38, 46-55 ESV)
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 35:10 ESV)
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion-- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. ... For I the LORD love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their offspring shall be known among the nations, and their descendants in the midst of the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are an offspring the LORD has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 ESV)
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 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 2:1-11 ESV)
I think the reason that I enjoy it so much is that so often, we forget that Christmas truly is a season of joy. We get caught up in the tyranny of the urgent, moving from event to event and task to task as if they were ends in themselves. Inevitably, a newspaper article will remind me that this is a season when depression spikes - often because of financial stress, family problems, and loneliness. Even those who don't fall into depression face disappointment in a less-than-picture perfect holiday. The truth is, when we make Christmas about gifts, parties, and an ideal coming-together of traditions and circumstances we will always be disappointed. Especially Christians - because God is far to faithful to let us find joy anywhere but in Jesus, especially at this time of the year.
Let's face it - the first Christmas was pretty messy. There is nothing joyful about a scandalous pregnancy, a long journey in the 9th month, the failure to find lodging, and childbirth in a place where animals were kept. God didn't pick a picture-perfect circumstance for His Son's birth.
That's why I love Mary's words in the Magnificat, Mary's Song. "...my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant." Mary knew that God could have found women from more elite families, but He had chosen her. She rejoiced despite her circumstances, in God her Savior. That is true joy, and that is the heart of Christmas.
The passages for this week remind us that joy wasn't just intended for Mary and those who walked with Jesus on this earth. Joy - a fruit of the Spirit - comes as we learn to have the mind of Christ. As we learn to see things as He does, then we will find joy where He does, as we see righteousness and praise springing up among all the nations.
"Joy to the World" is not just a great Christmas song - it's what He offers to all who embrace the truth that "He comes to make the blessing known/far as the curse is found." In all the dark corners of the world, He offers the hope of blessing instead of curse. The more we become part of that, the more we will experience "joy, unspeakable joy".
http://youtu.be/NLhb3qUA3uc
---------------------------------------------------
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy--the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. ... And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever." (Luke 1:26-38, 46-55 ESV)
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 35:10 ESV)
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion-- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. ... For I the LORD love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their offspring shall be known among the nations, and their descendants in the midst of the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are an offspring the LORD has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 ESV)
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 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 2:1-11 ESV)
Today's Advent Passage: Galatians 4:4-5
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.(Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)
Any expectant mother cannot wait for those last few weeks of pregnancy to be over and the baby to finally arrive. I'm sure that Mary, "great with child" as Luke 2 tells us, was no different.
The birth of Jesus didn't just fulfill Mary's natural yearnings for the baby to be born, however. Paul tells us in this passage that Jesus' birth marked a significant point on the kingdom calendar; it signified that the "fullness of time" had come. The time for prophecies about the Messiah, the season of anticipatory waiting, the preparation phase - these were essential, but not ultimate. Finally, one day God saw that it was time. The fullness of time - the completion of an earlier period or season of time - had finally arived.
And so, Jesus was born. Born to redeem - the crucial and essential element of our faith. If that was all, it would be enough. Yet Paul tells us there was more. Redemption wasn't the ultimate purpose - relationship was. God sent Jesus to redeem us so we could be adopted as sons. Adopted by Him. Restored to the relationship which He intended at creation - and even more, because instead of just being with us as He was with Adam, He is now in us through the indwelling Holy Spirit.
As we celebrate the fullness of time that spoke the word and sent forth Jesus into the world, let us also celebrate the relationship He gives us with the Father.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Today's Advent Passage (1 Peter 2:7)
Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." (1 Peter 2:7, NASB)
When our family chose to start Advent traditions, we were very intentional about our Scripture selection. We wanted the traditional passages of Jesus' birth, and the key prophecies, but we also wanted passages that connected Jesus' birth to the Gospel. Christmas is only the beginning of the story, and so we wanted reminders throughout the season that the Christmas story wasn't complete until the empty tomb. Jesus fulfilled every prophecy of Messiah - not just the birth prophecies.
Peter quotes Psalm 118:22, reminding his congregation that Jesus was rejected by the "leaders". Encouraging them to godly, intentional living in the midst of an unbelieving society, Peter underscores that not everyone will believe. But to those of us who believe, He is precious.
Jesus is the chief cornerstone. The church is built on Him - no other foundation. He is precious, truly. Whether accepted as an innocent and truly perfect baby, or rejected by men, for those who believe He becomes the foundation that we need - for our lives, for our families, for our church, for our world.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)