The Meaning of Christmas

"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir" (Gal. 4:4-7).

It is easy to get caught up in hustle and bustle of Christmas and to forget what it is really about. Christmas is about celebrating the gracious gift of God: his Son. Although Paul wasn't addressing the holiday of Christmas, his words here in Galatians reminds us of why Christ came.

Paul tells us that God sent his Son so that we might be redeemed. Let's explore. Paul describes the sending as timely. Jesus came to earth "when the time had fully come." In other words, the moment was ripe for Christ's coming. History had been building to his arrival.

He was born of a woman. Paul is most likely clarifying the fact that Jesus, while the Son of God, was also fully human. We shouldn't hear terms like "Son of God" and "born of woman," and assume that Jesus is the flesh and blood offspring of a union between God and Mary. The conception of Jesus was a supernatural act worked by the Holy Spirit. Jesus was fully God and fully human.

He was born under the law. Jesus had to obey the law just like anyone else. He faced temptation just like we do, but he didn't sin. If Jesus was to live and save those he came to save, he could not break any law. He was born under the law, and kept it perfectly. By keeping the law, Jesus was able to redeem us by becoming our substitute. He stood in our place and received our punishment.

What does redemption mean? Paul describes it as receiving "the full rights of sons." Paul explains those rights as receiving the Spirit and being an heir. Paul states that believers have the Spirit in their hearts. The Spirit's presence in the believers' hearts is an act of God. Paul says, "God sent the Spirit into our hearts."

The Spirit provides access to the heavenly Father. Paul says the Spirit "calls out, 'Abba, Father!'." The presence of the Spirit creates an intimate bond between the believer and God. Because God called us sons or children, we can call him Abba.

Paul concludes that if we are God's children, then we must also be heirs. We are shares in all that is his. We share in his plans, his promises, and his providences. That is what Christmas means. It means that God has sent his One and Only Son, so that we too, could be called the children of God.

Thursday Humor: Christmas Songs

Here is a little Christmas humor from Tim Hawkins. I hope you enjoy it. If I posted this before, I hope you enjoy it again.

A Place for the Wise Men

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11

It appears the wise men actually arrived long after the birth of Jesus. He was not a swaddled babe in a manger, but a child in a house. They have a place in the early history of Jesus' earthly life. We put them in our nativity scenes because their arrival was chronologically closer to Jesus' birth than his entry into ministry (around age 30). Don't fret their presence in the manger, the truths they remind us of are more important than the timing of their arrival.

Matthew 2:16 leads us to believe that Jesus was nearly two when the Wise Men (Magi) arrived in Jerusalem looking for the king of the Jews. Mary and Joseph had probably settled into life in Bethlehem shortly after the birth of Jesus. The words of the angels and the shepherds had probably been forgotten.

But in Bethlehem the King was being groomed. The arrival of the Magi from the East reminded his family of that truth. In that little town, the King would rule the nations grew up in obscurity. His renown could not be hidden. The stars knew their maker, and they pointed the way for the Magi. Pagan priests/scholars from the East came to worship and bless the King of kings and Lord of lords.

The Wise Men remind us that there is a place for all those who seek King Jesus. He will welcome us, and receive the gifts we offer. But more importantly, he will give us the greater gift the salvation of our souls.

Holidays

Thanksgiving the holiday has passed. Our sights are now set on Christmas. It is good that we still have defining moments in our culture. There still exists the concept of sacred, although it is slowly dying off in the name of commerce. We now celebrate holidays as "family time." You might think, "You're wrong, Randy. We have always celebrated the holidays as family time."

In one sense, that is true. The holidays were a time for families to gather together. A concept that has become increasingly necessary in light of the distances that often separate families. But even as social events, the holidays were imbued with sacred meaning.

Thanksgiving was about giving thanks to God for allowing our country to take root. It was about having gratitude for freedom and liberty. Now we celebrate sale days. Christmas used to be about celebrating the birth of the Christ-child. Now kids tear into presents without ever pausing to give God thanks for the greatest gift of all--the gift of his Son.

As Christians, we need to ensure that we are filling our holidays with sacred meaning. We need to labor to ensure our traditions connect our future to our past and our celebration to our hope.

A Christmas Reminder

From the Gospel of Luke 2:1-14, NIV:

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  And everyone when to his own town to register.  

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.


And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."


Suddenly a great company of the heavenly hos appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."


May you have a blessed Christmas this year, and in years to come.  Grace and peace to you.

Thinking About Christmas

Christmas is rapidly approaching, and I have been trying to prepare for it.  I spent the day working my way through several Christmas quizzes, so that I could present one at church tonight.  It is interesting to see how much of what we think we know about the Christmas story is really drawn out of tradition not the Bible.

Manger scenes that have the angels, wise men, and shepherds all gathered around baby Jesus are inaccurate at best.  Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus are usually in a stable of sorts surrounded by animals, as well.  The Nativity scenes, although inaccurate, still have valid purpose.  They can function as a mnemonic device that helps us to aid in retelling the Christmas story.

As I sifted through quizzes and various articles, I was startled by how much about Christmas I just assumed.  I knew that most people don't believe December 25th is the actual date of Jesus' birth, but I never really thought to investigate the reason we celebrate it on the 25th.  I never realized (apart from those who don't celebrate Christmas) that there are individuals who oppose Christmas trees on "biblical grounds."  I've always just assumed having a Christmas tree was okay. 

The decorations, traditions, songs, and atmosphere surrounding Christmas is driven more by cultural influence and less by biblical reflection.  Although I'm not saying that it is a bad thing, it can be.  If we never examine our cultural traditions in light of Scripture, we might find ourselves living in opposition to God.  The Pharisees were a good example of such short-sightedness.  They invented a system of dedication (corban) which permitted them to use money that they were morally obligated to invest elsewhere, particularly upon there aged parents.  Jesus condemned such hypocrisy.

We don't want to become legalistic, however we can't just do whatever we want either.  There are general principles in Scripture that can guide us in making wise decisions.  Yet at the same time, there appears to be some areas of moral neutrality, as well.  In some areas, the Bible doesn't explicitly explain what is right or wrong.  We are left with a bit of ambiguity at points. 

So long as we don't violate the clear teaching of God's Word, ignore its certain principles, or sin against our consciences, then we have liberty in Christ.  We need to think through the things that we do to make certain that we are not violating God Word.  When we have approached theme thoughtfully, prayerfully, and carefully, then we have to move forward in faith.  If after careful, prayerful though, you decide you shouldn't have a Christmas tree, don't have one.  But don't judge someone else for coming to a different conclusion at the end of their search.

The question that has been nagging me all day is, "Why do I celebrate Christmas the way I do?"  Is it just cultural instinct? Do the things I do to celebrate Christmas have a deeper, more worshipful meaning?  How can I make every part of my Christmas celebration more intimately connected to Christ?  Are the symbolic values we assign to things like a tree or lights merely a sham meant to justify actions? 

I don't have the answer to all those questions, but I really want to know.  This Christmas, I'll gather with my family around a Christmas tree, and we'll exchange gifts.  We tell the Christmas story, and be reminded that a Savior has been born, who is Christ the Lord.  And we will seek to glorify God who has shown us his favor.  May your Christmas celebration be filled with joy and gratitude and some quite reflection on the meaning of Christmas. 

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.

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.

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?"

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.

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.