Happy New Year's

We have had a blessed year.  We spent last New Year's in Guatemala with little Sophia.  The Guatemalans celebrate New Year's in much the same way they celebrate Christmas Eve, by shooting off fireworks from midnight until two or three in the morning.  I doubt there will be fireworks in Provo, and for that I am glad.


The year has moved faster than we imagined it would.  It seemed 2008 would never end, and we would never be united with Sophia.  Then all at once, the wait was over.  Now the days seem to speed by.  Sophia is growing so fast.  She has gone from one word answers to speaking in sentences, from diapers to being potty trained, from shy wall flower to superstar.  It seems every day reveals a new aspect of her character.  


I am confident the new year is going to bring a lot of excitement and challenges.  Opportunities abound at church.  The Lord continues to bless.  There is opportunity for personal growth as well.  I'm excited to see what happens.  I hope that you all have a great year in 2010.  God bless.

Sermon Recap 12-27-2009

Morning: The message, "Humble Obedience," focused on the story of Jesus' birth from Matthew 1:18-25.  In this passage we see humble obedience in action.  Joseph demonstrates the right response to a difficult situation.  He responded to the revelation of God with faith.  He accepted Christ into his life.  He demonstrated patience.  He responded with unquestioning faith.

Evening: We looked at Micah 6:1-8 with a focus on verse 8.  The Lord compels his people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

Hard to Find the Words

Sometimes it is difficult to put our feelings into words.  Struggle as we may, somethings are more easily felt than expressed.  Maybe we lack the cognitive ability to comprehend them, or maybe we understand them too good?  Maybe we see the events in all their horrific agony or glorious joy, and we aren't quite willing to share them with others?  It maybe that we want to share them with others, but the feelings are too deep for words.  It is quite possible that you have no idea what I am talking about.  

Holidays are usually days filled with joy and heartache.  There is the joy of family celebrations (although I realize not everyone enjoys family celebrations, but I do). There is the joy of catching up over a good meal.  Yet there are those who are no longer there to share in the festivities.  We can't catch up with them any longer, because they have left this world.

Their absences can often weigh heavy on the mind, even in the midst of laughter.  We all have family and friends who have passed away.  We all mourn their passing.  Sometimes we talk about them, and other times we refrain, because the pain is too near.  It seems to me that many people during emotionally charged times struggle with finding the words to say because they don't really want to feel what their feeling.  I know I don't want to cry, especially in front of people, but at times its the only natural response.  In the year ahead, I hope to find the words that express my joy and my sorrow.  I hope that by expressing them that it will deepen my gratitude for them.  I also hope that you, too, (if you haven't already), find the words to express your joys and sorrows.

A Tale of Two Christmases

This time last year I was in a hotel in Guatemala getting to know my daughter. This year has flown by much faster than the previous one. I suppose it is because we didn't have wait this year for our little girl to get home.

We are miles away from the events of Christmas 2008. This year, we won't be startled by a midnight barrage of fireworks that lasts to 2 or 3 in the morning. Most likely, there won't be an attach of diarrhea for Sophia to endure. The days of sign language are behind us.

This year, we have already had the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. Now, Sophia tells us what she wants, when she wants it, and who is to get it for her. Her hugs and kisses flow freely (most of the time), as does her laughter. Most likely, we will enjoy a silent night in our own bed tonight. We'll open presents in the morning (which is like only 40 minutes away by my reckoning), and enjoy a home cooked breakfast.

The joy is different this year, too. Last year, the joy that I felt in being united with my daughter was nearly indescribable. Although, I knew then easier days were ahead, I didn't think I could enjoy them more. I didn't realize that each day would present exciting new discoveries and adventures, or present new and challenging puzzles that would only strengthen the bonds that join us and deepen the love we have. I was naive.

Now I know that each day will provide a fresh opportunity for deeper joy. I am constantly watching Sophia to see what she will teach me. Sometimes, I watch her for the shear amusement. She is a performer at heart, funny and spontaneous, and always "on." Her quick wit keeps us on our toes. She is always working on out-thinking us, and sometimes I am afraid she will soon succeed. She disarms with her pretty smile which radiates charm, and has the power to melt almost any heart.

I don't mean to ramble. I am just reflecting on two Christmases, separated by only one year, but so different. I am reflecting on the power of the Lord, as it has been demonstrated to me through Sophia. I am reflecting on the joy that has enriched my life in ways I still don't fully comprehend. I am pondering the blessings in my life, with gratitude in my heart. I am offering up these words as praise to my Lord, who has bought me and blessed me beyond measure.

Mary Did You Know?

The song, "Mary Did You Know?," is another great Christmas song. There are so many important truths about Jesus that this song highlights. The song seems to ask the questions so many of us wish we could ask Mary. How much of Jesus' life and ministry was she able to comprehend? All we know for sure is what the Scriptures record for us. She knew that her son was the Son of God. She knew he would save God's people. She knew that many would turn to him, and many would turn against him. Beyond this we can only speculate. It leaves us to marvel at the young girl's faith and he willingness to honor her God through humble obedience. Here is a video of "Mary Did You Know?" as sung by Clay Aiken. Although I not a huge fan of his, he does a good job on this song. The video is also well done. I hope you enjoy.

O Holy Night

Another one of my favorite Christmas songs is "O Holy Night." This video combines Mercy Me's version with images from the movie The Nativity Story. I found this video, like the last two, on YouTube. I hope you enjoy it.

Beautiful Star of Bethlehem

Monticello's choir did an awesome job of singing "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem," during the our Christmas cantata.  Unfortunately, we had a technical glitch and were unable to record it.  It  is another one of my favorite Christmas songs (especially when it's sung with a country accent).  Since I don't have Monticello's version to share with you, I thought the Judds would be fair substitute.  Enjoy.

Welcome to Our World

I really enjoy Chris Rice's "Welcome to Our World."  I think it really captures the message of Christmas. I hope you enjoy this video.

Sermon Recap 12-20-09

Morning: We had our Christmas cantata this morning.  The cantata was called, "Hope Has Hands."  The choir did a fabulous job singing.  The sermon entitled, "The Fall and Rising of Many" looked at Luke 2:34-35.  In this passage Simeon offers a word of what is to come in the life of Jesus.  His words still speak to us today.  They remind us that we either stand with Jesus or in opposition to him.

Evening:  We looked at Matt. 1:18-25. 

The Fall and the Rising of Many

"And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed'" (Luke 2:34-35, ESV).

The scene before us is rich and powerful.  Christ has been brought into the temple to be consecrated to the Lord (see Exodus 13:1-2; Lev. 12).  Here is family is greeted by a man, known to be righteous, devout, and filled with the Holy Spirit.  This man, Simeon, has been informed that he would not die until he had seen the Christ.  It appears that he was waiting for that promised to be fulfilled for quite some time.

The mention of the Spirit's presence in Simeon life is startling.  Although we are not generally startled by it.  We often read this passage in light of the rest of the New Testament, when we should be reading it within its cultural context.  For nearly 400 years the Israelites sat in silence, because the Lord would not send his Spirit to speak through a prophet.  The Spirit's return signaled something big.  It signaled the dawning of a new age.  The eternal King was about to be born and about to bring death's reign to and end.

Simeon must have been the topic of much discussion.  The people, no doubt, followed him around out of curiosity.  Those hungering and thirsting for God's redemptive work probably hung on his every word.  Those of a self-righteous bent probably saw him as a fanatic or a loon.  But no doubt he was known to the people of Israel (and others), or else Luke would have gave a more detailed explanation of who he was.

Simeon is drawn to the the temple by the Spirit.  As he scans the crowd, something deep inside of him recognizes the face of hope--the Lord of Life.  He rushes over to the family and takes the child in his arms.  He speaks over them a blessing and offers them a prophetic word, "This boy of yours will cause many to stumble, even as he his lifting others up.  He will be opposed, and you will suffer too, because he is going to expose the hearts of men."

Thus, in a few short words, Simeon gives us a glimpse of how Christ's life will unfold.  Many will fall away on account of him, but many will be raised up.  He will face opposition, and grief will be experienced by those who love him.  The hidden realities of the hearts would be exposed by Christ.

His prophetic word was fulfilled as we see in Luke's Gospel and the book of Acts.  However, the word has not ceased speaking.  Simeon was not only describing the 1st century response to Jesus, but the response of every generation.  The gospel still raises up those who believe it, and repels those who reject it.  Jesus is still revealing the hearts of men, through the witness of the Spirit, and he is still opposed by many.  Jesus shines a light into dark places, but the people love the darkness and hate the light.

Were Simeon here today, I believe he would ask us, "Where do you stand with Christ?"  Are we opposed to the message of Christ?  You might be saying, "Hey, I wish people a 'merry Christmas.'"  But are you living a life that points to the Christ of Christmas.  Are your holiday celebrations so filled with trees and lights and gifts, that you have missed the greater meaning of Christmas?  Christmas isn't just a time of love, family, and giving.  It is about God's love, that was demonstrated by sending his Son into the world, to offer up his life as a substitutionary atonement on our behalf.  Christmas is about the appeasement of God's wrath.  It is about having a place in the family of God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  We rise or fall, because of Christ.  We either cling to him in faith, or we oppose him in disbelief.  We either hate our sin and leave the light, or we hate the Son and live in our sin.  Thus, Christmas means we have to pick a side: humble obedience to the Lord of Life, or prideful rebellion against the Light of the world.  Which side are you on?

Joseph's Obedience

"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 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'" (Matt. 1:20-21, ESV).

Joseph had discovered his betrothed, Mary, was with child.  He knew the child was not his, yet he did not want to open Mary up to public humiliation. Because he walked with the Lord, he knew instinctively that it was not the right thing to do.  But how could he marry her?

As he thought about this the Lord spoke to him through a dream.  Whatever the dream consisted of beyond the angelic proclamation, we cannot say.  We can say that it was sufficient evidence for Joseph to commit to the plan.  He would marry his beloved Mary, and raise this child as his own.

Some might call Joseph a fool, because he "bought" Mary's story of a virgin conception.  Others write the dream of as wishful thinking.  However, the evidence we have surrounding Joseph doesn't leave us with the image of a fool.  He isn't Mr. Gullible.  He is Mr. Devout, or Mr. Take-God-At-His-Word.  He knew this was no meal induced nightmare.  He sensed the holy presence of the Lord's messenger, and his conscience ached with urgency.

The message in this dream roused Joseph from his sleep, and sent him running toward his destiny.  The doubt that had filled his heart and mind prior to closing his eyes were wiped away in an instant.  The hesitance we see before Joseph's dream is nowhere present afterward.  No, Joseph had heard the voice of God, and as a righteous man he had no choice, but to obey.

Not only was he to take Mary to be his wife, but he was to raise her son as his own.  The angel said, "You shall call his name Jesus."  Joseph would adopt, raise, and love this child "conceived of the Holy Spirit."  All the while, he would know that this son of his would "save his people from their sins."  The long awaited king had come, and Joseph would help ready him for his throne.

Joseph reminds us that it is not the size of the task that matters, but hearing the voice of God.  For when we truly trust the Lord, we will be driven to obey his voice.  What may seem like foolishness to others, who have not heard the voice and who cannot understand, will to those who believe the only course of action.  The only logical, sane response to God's command is obedience.  Joseph demonstrates such sanity.  He hears and rises to obey.

As you look at the numerous nativities you will see this Christmas season, meditate on the characters you see.  The baby Jesus, our Immanuel-God with us, calls us to hope.  Mary, Christ's mother, calls us to faith.  Joseph, Jesus' adoptive father, calls us to obedience.  Though a carpenter by trade, Joseph appears to be a shepherd at heart.  He watches over his ewe, Mary and their son, Jesus.  He goes to great lengths to protect them and to provide for them.

As their figures sit silently in the stable scene, realize they preach non-stop.  Father and mother look toward their child who signals hope anyone who will look to him, also.  They would have us bow to our King with joyful hearts prepared for service.  They would have us come and see the fulfillment of all the promises of God.  God's Gift had come, wrapped in flesh, and free to all who would receive him.  Joseph received him with a ready heart.  Have you?  I certain hope you have, but if you haven't it isn't too late.  Hear the voice of the Lord, and realize Jesus is still saving his people from their sin.

What Is Your Passion?

How would you answer the question, "What is your passion?"  What moves you to action?  What stirs your emotion and turns the wheels of your mind?  What fuels you?  How much passion is enough? too much?  How do you determine if you are passionate about the right things?

I want to know what drives you.  Why do you get out of bed every morning?  What keeps you going when it feels the world is crashing down around you?  How do you get motivated?

The answer to these questions are crucial.  How we answer them will shape the life we live.  The passion that guides our life will set our priorities.  Thus, we can look at the the order of our lives and figure out our passions.  Every detail matters.  So, what is your passion?  How do you know?

Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come

The Christmas hymn, "Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come," is good reminder of why Christmas is such a joyous time.  In this hymn, Isaac Watts celebrates the birth of Christ and Christ's reign over all creation.  He writes,

Joy to the World! The Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let ev'ry heart prepare him room,
And heav'n and nature sing,
And heav'n and nature sing,
And heav'n and heav'n and nature sing.

Joy to the earth! The Saviour reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, Repeat the sounding joy.

 

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessing flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, Far as the curse is found.

He rules the wold with truth and grace,
And makes the nation prove
the glories of his righteousness
And wonders of his love
And wonders of his love
And wonders, and wonders of his love.

The celebration of Christ's birth is the celebration of the birth of a king, but not just any king.  He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.  He is the Sovereign of the universe.  There is no end to his majestic glory.  His splendor knows no equal.  As believers in Christ, we have great reason to rejoice, not only at Christmas, but always.  I pray that this Christmas Christ will bring you a joy that will put your tongue to work singing his praises.

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Bad news never takes a holiday. Illness and loss never celebrate Christmas by taking a break.  Darkness doesn't just lift because we are celebrating the entrance of the Light into our world.  Somewhere out there among the flashing lights, brightly decorated Christmas trees, and holiday yard decorations, cancer is ravaging a child.  Somewhere a family is exchanging gifts while mourning a loved one who has passed away.  Depravity hasn't settled in for a long winter's nap.  It's thriving in the human heart and let loose in the world.

One of the reasons that Christmas still has such a grip on our culture, even as many within the culture are abandoning orthodox Christianity, is that Christmas celebrates the hope that this cursed life will soon be put right.  Christmas celebrates the coming of the one Mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ our Lord.  The birth of Christ signals God's willingness to rescue this fallen creation.  He was not only willing to rescue his creation, he did so with a tremendous price.

The message of Christmas calls us to hope.  It comforts us with the reality that our Redeemer has walked a mile (and more) in our shoes.  It encourages us to cling to him for mercy, because he understands the demands of human existence and the power of temptation, although he never sinned.  He is there waiting for us, scanning the horizon for the first sign of our return.  He is ready to embrace us, if we will only come to him.  Our coming is a march of victory, a victory won by Christ Jesus himself.

This brings me to the Christmas hymn I want to share, "O Come, All Ye Faithful."  I love this hymn, because it expresses such joyous worship of the Christ-child.  As we remember the birth of our Savior, we must also remember that his life, death, resurrection, and ascension are all inseparable from the story.  He was not just a baby born in a stable, and placed in a manger.  He was, and remains, Immanuel.  He was, and remains, the Lord of Glory.  The hymn, "O Come, All Ye Faithful," expresses the proper response to the birth of Christ.  Our response should be one of humble submission and joyful adoration.  Here are the words:

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold him,
Born the King of angels.

Chorus
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
O sin, all ye bright hosts of heav'n above!
Glory to God,
All glory in the highest! (Chorus)

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to thee be all glory giv'n;
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing! (Chorus)

Let us approach the celebration of Christ's birth with a renewed adoration for the Lord and a renewed desire to serve him. Come, let us adore him, for he is worthy of all our devotion.  No matter how dark our situation seems, we must always remember, but especially at Christmas, that the Light of the world has dawned on us.  Christ has come into the world and is working all things to the good of those who love him and are called according to his purposes. He first coming guarantees that he will come again, and when he does he will make all things new.

Daddy Are You?

This morning while gathering the garbage, I managed to move a few inches out of Sophia's line of sight.  When this occurred she said, "Daddy Are You?"  I leaned toward the doorway where she sat smiling at me, and told her, "Daddy's right here, honey." I knew that she knew right where I was, but she wanted to play, so I played along.  Later, as I remembering her words it got me to thinking about an article I had read recently.  Pastor Mark Driscoll, recently posted 16 Christmas Tips for Fathers at the Mars Hill Church Blog. While the tips he gives are specifically geared toward Christmas, they have a wider application.  Many of the tips revolve around making pleasant memories with your children.

The article really challenged me to rethink my Christmas strategy, especially since I didn't have one.  I (legally) downloaded two Christmas albums: the free Holiday Sampler from iTunes, which has some great songs (and a few not-so-great songs) and the Chipmunks' Christmas album from Lala.com.  The other night we cuddled up together as a family to watch the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie.  When we drive we're jamming to "Christmas Don't Be Late."

Sophia's "Daddy are you?" struck my heart much like Mark Driscoll's "Dad, are you a servant like Jesus to your family?"  Both questions call for a reevaluation of priorities.  They call for us to make the most of the opportunities given us for the glory of God and the good of our families.  I hope you fathers (and mothers) will read Mark Driscoll's article and allow it to challenge you to be ready to answer, "Daddy Are You?"

Sermon Recap 12-13-09

Morning: The sermon, "That You May Know," looked at Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21.  In this passage, Paul prays for two things: first, that the believers would by strengthened in their inner being, and that they might begin to understand the unfathomable depths of God's love for them in Christ.  The goal of his prayer is that they would live a life that would bring glory to God.

Evening:  We began looking at the doctrine of God.  Our main resources, apart from the Scriptures, are the Baptist Faith and Message 1963 (supplemented with the BF & M 2000), and Monticello's Articles of Faith (which is based on the Abstract of Principles).

A Quality Parade

Monticello took her float on the road again today.  This time we went to Quality, Kentucky (it's a little farther than Morgantown, or least if felt like it).  The parade had a lot to offer those who attended.  There were tractors, classic cars, clowns, and of course, floats.  Again, we had a tribe of happy children riding the train on our float.  They loved ringing the bell and eating the candy (which was meant to be thrown to the waiting crowd).  No, they were really good.  They would toss the candy to kids on side of the road and shout, "Merry Christmas."

If you have never participated in a parade, there is a lot of work that goes into it.  The twenty or so minutes a parade takes to run its route, is only a small fraction of whole process.  It also takes a lot of talented, hardworking people to pull it all together.  The Lord has certainly blessed Monticello with both.  I am grateful to everyone who helped, it provided a chance for us to help create some lasting holiday memories for the children (and adults) of the church.

The judges awarded Monticello third place in the float division, which is pretty good considering the competition. It was amazing to see how large of a parade a small community can host.  It made for a busy day, but it sure was worth it.  We even have a few of our creative people working on ideas for next year.  Who knows? We might even try three parades next year.  Putting a float together can be a great team building exercise.  It is also a great source of fellowship.  It provides a natural means of creating lasting memories.  I hope you are making some lasting Christmas memories this year, because I know I sure am.

Glory That Brings Peace

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased" (Luke 2:37, ESV).

This verse reminds us of two important truths that come through the Christmas story.  Although the message of Christmas is richly textured and multifaceted, we will only look at the two that are expressed in this verse.  The first truth is that God is highly glorified because of Christ's coming.  The second truth is that peace is available to those the Lord favors.

As the angels are singing their heavenly chorus,  their primary concern is proclaim the glory of the Creator.  He who spoke the world into existence, had come down to rescue the fallen image bearers.  The God Most High had come to dwell among the lowly, fallen creatures who had rebelled against his rule.  This truth inspires awe among the heavenly host, and should leave us full of awe.

God has chosen to be most glorified through the process of redemption.  For his own purposes, he has chosen to demonstrate the greatness of his mercy by rescuing man from the penalty of sin.  This willingness on God's part means that now man can have peace with his Creator.

In the Christmas story, we see that God has chosen to glorify himself through the appearing of the Son in human flesh, and that that appearing has brought us peace.  Through faith in Christ Jesus, we can approach the Father in heaven.  We have access to his abundant mercy for all our needs.  Christmas means that God wants to glorify himself through rescuing sinners like me and you.  It means we can abide in his peace.  I hope and pray you are abiding in that peace this Christmas season.

Picture Available @ http://picturesofjesus4you.com/catalogview_do.html.

Good News of Great Joy

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord'" (Luke 2:10-11, ESV).

As we gather to celebrate the coming of Christ, we are proclaiming good news of great joy.  We are sharing a message that has brought hope and transformation for nearly two thousand years.  We are proclaiming that the long awaited hope of deliverance has come into the world.  We are proclaiming that sin and death no longer have the right to reign over mankind.  The rightful King as come, and in his coming he brought life.

The heart of the message of Christmas is that sinners no longer have to fear the wrath of God.  The proclamation of Christmas is that God has sent his Lamb into the world, to be a substitutionary atonement, on behalf of fallen man.  Christmas means that God is pleased to dwell among the image bearers, and has made it possible by reconciling all things to himself through Jesus Christ.

Christmas proclaims the reality of sin, and the truth that man needs a Savior.  The angel says, "For unto you is born . . . a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  The fact that he was born to be the Savior indicates that Creation needed to be saved.  Even the name Jesus means Salvation.  The title Christ (Messiah) reminds us that he was "anointed" for this task.  Thus, the anointed Savior came into the world to redeem mankind by offering up himself as a ransom.

So this Christmas, take time to consider if you have received the greatest gift of all, the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Savor the goodness of the message--Jesus saves.  Rejoice with great joy that he has stilled your fears, and brought peace between you and God.  And Remember, that Jesus has ascended on high, where he reigns over all of Creation, and that he still delights in saving those who don't yet know him.

Art work from: PicturesofJesus4You.com.

Immanuel--God with Us

"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)" (Matt. 1:22-23, ESV).  

This promise holds great comfort for the followers of Jesus.  He is Immanuel-God with us.  Not only is he with us, he is for us.  He became one of us, to rescue us from sin and death.  It is right that we meditate on the incarnation during this season.  As John stated, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14).  Jesus is God in the flesh.  He is the God-man--100% God, 100% man, two natures, one person.  This is the mystery we celebrate every Christmas. 

Thus, we celebrate the coming of the one mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ our Lord.  He is both high priest and sacrifice.  He is King of kings, and yet a servant who yielded his life as a ransom.  He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, who is worthy to take the scroll and open it.

It is right that our Christmas celebrations are filled with anticipation, because we await his return.  As we rejoice in his first coming to rescue us from the penalty of sin, we wait for his second coming to restore all things.  As his coming in the flesh was heralded by the angels, so to his coming in the clouds will be attended by angels.  Even as he is in his Father's house preparing a place for us, he is dwelling with us through the Holy Spirit.

Christmas presents us with an opportunity to meditate on the reality of the Word made flesh.  We should pause and remember that Jesus is God with us.  With us. Hear those words.  Roll them around in your mind.  Speak them until they take root in your heart.  He is always with us, preparing us to be with him.  Christmas means God is with us, because he is for us.  And it means through Christ, we can be with him.

What Child Is This?

Do you like Christmas music?  I like a lot of the Christmas hymns, but I'm not a big fan of rest of the holiday classics (like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer").  Every year I dread the weekend after Thanksgiving, because the airwaves become polluted with "Holiday" music.  There is some good music in the mix, but I just not that into it.

Some of the most popular Christmas hymns have rich meaning that is often lost or confussed when they are played in a lineup with "Jingle Bells" or "Blue Christmas" (although the Porky Pig version is quite funny).  The blending of sacred and secular concepts tends to halt reflection and meditation.  It's hard to contemplate on the meaning of the words, "Christ, by highest heav'n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord; Late in time, behold him come, offspring of a virgin's womb.  Veiled in flesh the God-head see, Hail th'incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel," (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing) when they are followed by "Grandma got ran over by a reindeer."

Over the next couple of weeks leading up to Christmas, I thought I would share some of my favorite hymns.  Tonight I want to share "What Child Is This?".  William C. Dix penned these words:

What child is this, laid to rest on Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King; whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!

Why lies he in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading:
Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through, the Cross be borne, for me, for you
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh, the Babe, the Son of Mary!

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of Kings, salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise the song on high, the Virgin sings her lullably;
Joy, joy, for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary!

The second verse grips my heart in ways I cannot fully communicate. The opening question, "Why lies he in such mean (average/low) estate, where ox and ass are feeding?," points to the fact that Christ, the Lord of Glory, willingly laid aside his glory and wealth in order to rescue us from sin.  The author would have us to approach this manger with reverence, because this Child has brought our redemption.  He goes on to connect the Christmas story with the Easter story, because the goal of Christ's birth was to become the sacrifice that put away the wrath of God by dying as our substitute on the cross.  So I say with this song, "Hail, Hail, the Word made flesh, The Babe, The Son of Mary!"

Image from http://picturesofjesus4you.com/storeindexbaby.html.

All I Want for Christmas

As a child, I spent a great deal of time laboring over my Christmas list.  I spelled out in great detail the numerous items that I wanted.  I wanted almost everything I saw.  Of course, from the ages of four to twelve my list revolved around G. I. Joe (3 3/4 inch action figures).  Every year about twenty (or forty) Joes and eight (or ten) Cobras would hit the market.  Most boys in the 80's needed every G. I. Joe and every Cobra (they really need 10 or 20 of each Cobra soldier to even out the battle ratios).

We opened Christmas presents on Christmas Eve in my family.  Each year my I would start my Christmas list immediately after opening my last gift.  Usually, it included numerous G. I. Joes and Cobra soldiers that didn't make it under the tree.  However, it would grow at an ever increasing pace leading up until dinner on Christmas Eve.  Every year I would almost cry (sometimes I succeeded), because something was left off my list.  I scoop up my loot and go pout in my room, unsatisfied and ungrateful.

Writing these words shames in me.  Looking back on the spoiled brat I was (and still can be) I wish my parents efforts would have been more greatly rewarded.  It seems, looking back on it, it was never enough.  Ten or twenty G. I. Joes at $4 a pop was an expensive proposition, and that doesn't include the vehicles or non-Joe stuff I wanted.  Maybe my parents should have just given me a lump of coal, since I was going to pout anyway.  But that's not their style.  They're givers.

I would like to think that I have matured over the years.  I have struggled to become a gracious receiver, although at times I really fall short.  I don't struggle as much as I used to with the "want bug," but I still struggle too much.  At one time, I couldn't hardly pass a book without buying it.  Now, I try to make more responsible choices.  I want to be a good steward of all God has given me.  I want to have money to adopt again, to give to missions, and to help those in need.  I don't need another box of toys to stuff in storage or another stack of books (that one was hard to write).

I have been trying to answer the question, "What do you want for Christmas this year?," for the last several weeks.  But my wanter seems broken.  I don't have a long list of desires.  There are a few books that would be nice to own, but I can't find time to read the ones I already have.  There are a list of impractical toys I could borrow money to buy myself like a motorcycle, an ATV, a 50" LCD T.V., a home theater system, or any number of other things.  However, whatever pops in my mind is systematically eliminated for being too expensive, too impractical, or too unnecessary.

I have come to the conclusion that I don't really want any "thing" for Christmas.  I have collected things most of my life.  They sit collecting dust on a shelf, in a closet, or in the attic.  The reality is that I am truly blessed.  The Lord has surrounded me with wonderful people who love me.  I have a place to rest my head and food to eat.  I don't know what I want, because I have so much.

I guess what I am trying to say is that what I really want for Christmas is to grow in gratitude.  I want to be able to open a gift from someone and be thankful that they would even think of me.  I want to receive it as the treasure it truly is, because it is an expression of love.  I want to be able to sit and watch Sophia open her gifts, and not notice that she has more gifts than I do.  I want to spend Christmas making memories and forming traditions.  I want to celebrate the birth of my Savior, because he is "God with us."  I want to continue learning contentment, while similutaneously simplifying my life. I want to live every day praising God, because of his glorious grace and mercy.  This Christmas, and hopefully every day after, I want to live consciously aware of the grace that has been shown to me through Jesus Christ my Lord.  I pray your Christmas is rich and rewarding as you celebrate the gracious gift of Christ.

Sermon Recap 12-06-09

Morning:  The sermon, "Amazed By Grace," focused on Ephesians 3:1-13.  In this passage, Paul is exploring the grace of God that is demonstrated in his ministry.  Paul wants his readers to understand the mystery he proclaimed and his ministry, in light of the grace of God.  Paul informs his readers that the mystery of the gospel is that the Gentiles were co-heirs with Israel, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise of Jesus Christ.  Paul's ministry was to preach to the Gentiles to the unsearchable riches of Christ and make plain the mystery hidden for ages, all for purpose of making God's wisdom know through the heavenly realms.  Through the gospel proclaimed by Paul, we now have access to to the Father with freedom and confidence.

Evening: We had business meeting.

A Note About the Christmas Parade

Monticello Baptist Church entered a float in Morgantown's annual Christmas parade.  Our float won in the church category.  I want to thank all the people who help to decorate the float. Beechtreenews.com has a picture of our float here.  I think everybody had a really great time working on the float and participating in the parade. 

A Call to Heed

"Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching" (Prov. 4:1-2) ESV.

Walk This Way

"My son, do not lose sight of these--keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.  Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.  If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet" (Prov. 3:21-24, ESV).

It is easy to lose sight of sound wisdom and discretion.  Sin comes and whispers softly in our ears, "No one will ever find out," or "It feels right go ahead and do it," or "You're not hurting anyone."  The lie is so simple, so sweet, so subtle.  Its siren song seduces the heart into foolishness and indiscretion.  All the while that sin is coaching us to believe our transgression will go unnoticed, it's coaching someone else to snoop in our business.  Having set the trap, sin waits for us to take the bait.

If wisdom and discretion are forgotten, destruction is not far behind.  Solomon informs the reader that wisdom and discretion sustains and adorns our lives.  When people abandon wisdom and discretion their lives begin to go downhill.  Often their lives spiral out of control.  Sin dogs their every step awaiting to destroy them.

The wise and discrete have their lives adorned with the fruit of righteousness.  They are the fragrance of life to those who are living.  They have a natural charisma that draws others to them.  They speak words of life and offer sound advice.  They walk without stumbling.  That isn't to say that they don't ever sin.  It means that as long as they are walking in obedience the Lord will uphold and protect them.

The urgency in these verses should compel us to listen.  They should drive us to focus on maintaining wisdom and discretion in our lives.  These verses also imply that this process of setting our sights on wisdom and discretion is to be an ongoing process.  We cannot let up or back down, because the instant that we do we will stumble in our way.

There are many who lie down at night and are unable to sleep, because of anxiety.  I'm sure somewhere in the world tonight there is a person who is hoping his sin will not become public.  He is praying for the first time in a long time, and yearning for mercy.  However, ultimate peace cannot be obtained apart from the path of wisdom and discretion, because one must walk, by faith, in the Lord Jesus Christ to truly walk in wisdom and discretion.  When we walk with the Lord, we are free to lie down at night and rest.  If we have sought to live out our faith in humble obedience during the course of the day, we can rest easy.  When we walk this way, we know that the Lord is pleased.

Do You Treasure Wisdom?

"My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God" (Prov. 2:1-5, ESV).

This passage contains a lot of "ifs."  Each "if" reminds us that the outcome is not guaranteed apart from diligent labor and careful study.  If we will receive sound instruction and treasure it in our hearts, then we will get understanding.  If we force our ears to hear and bend our hearts toward obedience, then we will know God.

God will not permit a half-hearted search to yield great treasure.  In fact, the Lord knows we won't search for him at all.  He must search for us and place in us a new heart.  The new heart the Lord gives, through the gospel, causes us to yearn after him with earnestness.  It makes our souls pant for him as for streams of water.

The new heart causes us to hang on his words as a child on the words of their beloved father.  We want to search them out, because he reveals himself to us, through his Word.  "Abba, Father," is the cry of our hearts as we yearn for his presence.

Thus, the desire he birthed in our hearts, he fulfills with his presence.  He invites us to know him, and to be known by him.  He invites us, as beloved children, to sit at his feet and learn from him.  He says, "My child, incline your ear to your Father, and hear the wisdom he speaks.  Seek me and you will find me.  I Love you with all my heart, love me, too." 

When it comes to knowing God and doing his will, we must approach the task as if we were on the trail of the greatest treasure ever.  For that is exactly what we seek--our precious Savior.  This pursuit of God is wisdom.  Insight into heavenly matters compels us to pursue them no matter what it costs, because we know that a disobedient life would cost us more.  Do you treasure wisdom?  If so, turn your ear toward Word of your Father, and heed his instruction.

It Could Be Worse, But You Might Not Think So!

Do you ever find yourself grumbling about all the difficulties in your life?  Does it ever feel like you got the short end of the stick? Or that everyone else has it just a bit better than you do?  The human tendency is to overestimate the actual amount of difficulty in one's life.  Maybe it isn't the human tendency, I just might be the only person who suffers this way.  You see what I mean.

There is a real danger in overemphasizing our own hardships.  Things are rarely as bad as they seem.  If we look hard enough (and sometimes we don't even have to look that hard), it is easy to find someone (or many) who is walking through an even darker valley.  There may be those who have life just a bit better than we do, but there are, most likely, those who have it far worse.

We spend so much of our time focused on what isn't, that we never get around to celebrating what is.  We snuggle up with our regrets as if they offer us warmth and security, when in fact they are slowly squeezing the life from us like a serpent.  Countless hours are wasted on "what ifs" and "if onlys."  It is one thing to look at something you wished you had accomplished in the past, and become motivated to accomplish it now.  However, it is a waste of time to wish you would have done something in the past, while doing absolutely nothing about it.

Yesterday has no potential.  It cannot be undone, only revisited, and even then it only serves to teach us about today.  If we will listen to the past, we will not be doomed to repeat the same mistakes.  It can make us wiser, but only if we refuse to worship it.  We have to go back and ask the right questions.  The wrong questions will only detain us in the past, and keep us making the same mistakes.

Thus, we must learn to reclaim the present, having been informed by, but not chained to the past.  In the present there is only one pressing issue with which we must come to terms: what is it that God would have me to do.  Every other issue will spiral out from this initial one.  Once we know what God would have us to do (the starting point on this journey is trusting Jesus), then we set out to accomplish it.  God has given us everything we need to accomplish his will, if only we will obey his Word.

What that means for us is that time wasted in grumbling would be better spent in prayer and praise.  It mean that God has given us the ability to learn and grow through the difficulties that are in our lives.  It means that there is a greater purpose in our lives than personal euphoria.  God isn't as interested in our comfort as he is in our conformity to the image of his Son.  God isn't as concerned with our happiness as he is with our holiness.  By the grace of God, we can put the past in its proper perspective, and live for the Lord's glory both now and forever.