FEELINGS AT YEAR’S END!

FEELINGS AT YEAR’S END!

Hab 3:17-19 KJV

17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.

          The Old Year lifts his lamp and leans upon his scythe. He entered with great anticipation of hope and change and the realities of life have mistreated him terribly. We have nearly exhausted the year 2010 and at this time we often review the best and worst of happenings. When we think of the year nearly gone we experience extreme feelings of fear, disappointment and disgust.

          Habakkuk finishes his book with a thin-lipped pledge. He tells of failed crops and a ruined harvest. He complains of depleted stores and lean times. The flock has been cut off either by poor leadership or disease and the feed lot is empty of beeves. The expectations of hope and change had died.

          Yet he begins verse 17 with the word “although!” The word means “nevertheless” and considers then ignores the consequent realities to look forward with great hope. There it is again – hope – but more than hope. It is faith with determination because it is not poorly placed upon the promises of some political figure. It is trust in a God who sits upon the circle of the earth and hangs the stars upon nothing!

Heb 6:17-19 KJV

17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil…

Ps 62:2 KJV

2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

          Our hope is in the Lord and our change will surely come. Our confidence is not pinned upon the breast of politics nor world economics neither military conquests. Our light shines from the Sun of Righteousness and our feet are firmly planted upon the cornerstone of God. We shall not be greatly moved.

Dear Lord, you have carried us safely through another year and we are confident as we face a new one. We can’t know what lies ahead but we rejoice to know the One who knows the end from the beginning. AMEN

FANCY PRAYIN’!

FANCY PRAYIN’!

Matt 6:5-8 KJV

5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

          This is Jesus’ prelude to what we most often call “The Lord’s Prayer.” You know the one that begins: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” I find it interesting that we ignore this preliminary instruction. Jesus suggests that we avoid fancy prayin’!

          In nearly forty years of ministry I’ve heard some dandy prayers full of lofty phrases and it seems right that we address the supreme majesty of heaven with such words. He likely understands them and surely deserving of them but I think he would just like a conversation with His friends. Now, a friend is just what Jesus wants to be.

John 15:14-16 KJV

14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

          Some of the most moving public prayers I have ever heard have tumbled forth from the lips of simple men who addressed the Lord as if nobody else was listening. There was no mention of God’s lofty majesty because it was understood. There was a familiarity without disrespect. There was a warmth that indicated they had talked many times before. This is the kind of praying that reaches the heart of God.

Lord, I want to be your friend. I want you to be my friend. I want to be able to talk with you freely and often. Thanks for being there for me. AMEN

POWER WITH GOD!

POWER WITH GOD!

Gen 32:24-30 KJV

24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.

30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

          Yesterday I considered the subject of the sovereignty of God. I stated my case that God can’t be manipulated by puny men unless He allows it. Well, today let’s look at the opposite side of the issue and peer in on a marvelous thing; that God allows and even encourages us to pray. In the portion above we do not see prayer but stubborn wrestling with a superior force. Yet a blessing was secured by the wrestling. Was the angel of the Lord, who scholars say was a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus, overwhelmed by the strength of Jacob or was the blessing part of God’s sovereign plan? It is an enigma that we will not solve here today.

In Luke 18:1, Jesus “spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Then he followed with the parable of the persistent widow who received a request from an unjust judge. The message from Jesus is that we should pray persistently and stubbornly. The message is that God can be moved by our requests. That is an amazing thing!

          In Joshua chapter 10 we see a battle in which God Himself is an active participant. God cast down great hail stones to destroy the soldiers of a five kingdom confederacy. But the most amazing thing is that Joshua requested time to stand still while he finished the battle – and God complied!

Josh 10:13-14 KJV

13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.

14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel.

          We have power with God because God has invited, encouraged and even commanded us to pray! Yet we have not because we ask not. We neglect this great invitation.

James 5:17-18 KJV

17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Heb 4:16 KJV

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Dear Lord, You have opened your hand to those who pray. Today there are many who need you to answer and act on their behalf. Thank you for answered prayer. AMEN

THERE IS NONE ELSE!

THERE IS NONE ELSE!

Deut 4:39-40 KJV

39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.

40 Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

          Brighter minds have undertaken the subject of the sovereignty of God. To me, and I suppose I am a pragmatist, God can be nothing else but sovereign or else he ceases to be God. If I could nudge God either to the right or to the left, and prompt Him to move, then I would have displaced Him and stolen His throne. If I could push Him and cause him to hurry or pull Him and cause Him to slow then I would have replaced Him. Yet we try to do these things all the time.

          We attempt to manipulate God by being “good” thinking that will secure His favor. We demonstrate our displeasure with God’s judgments by being “bad.” When God acts in a way that seems unreasonable to us we resist and revolt so that God might be brought back to His senses. We throw a temper tantrum until God awakes to our way of thinking. We are constantly trying to manipulate God for our own purposes.

          What is even more confusing is that God has created us in His own image. We have been given a mind to think and a will to act. Adam named the animals (Genesis 2:20) and God confirmed those names. We have been given self determination and the ability by our choices to control our destinies. Yet God is still God!

          Prayer has been given to us and it stands as the only means of moving God on our behalf. We can’t nudge, push nor pull but we have been invited to pray “that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” The mind nearly explodes with the contemplation of it all.

          If I can’t push, pull or prod the One who sits in solitary splendor then it is important for me to learn His nature. If prayer has been given as a gift then it is important to know His heart. David, in Psalm 37:23, tells us that the steps of a good man are “ordered” by the Lord. This speaks of God’s sovereign direction of my affairs. Verse 26 speaks of the merciful nature of God. It is essential that I know this sovereign God and His nature.

          This sovereign God pulled on the robe of humanity to feel our pain and frustration. He became familiar with our limitations and allowed Himself to be contained by space, restricted by time and controlled by circumstance. He was touched by the feelings of our infirmities. He knew us that we might know Him.

Heb 4:15-16 KJV

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Dear Lord, Thou art the only wise God! There is none else! You know the end from the beginning. You are kind and merciful. You know that we are dust. Look upon us today and act in concord with Thy knowledge and Thy nature. Be to us the Almighty God and let us be Thy children. AMEN

LIKE CHILDREN ON A PLAYGROUND!

LIKE CHILDREN ON A PLAYGROUND!

Luke 7:31-32 KJV

31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

          The other day someone relayed to me the frustration felt by a member of another church in town. This man said: “The people are carrousel Christians!” The image is of a child on a playground who rushes to climb upon the merry-go-round but will not take a turn to push. They love the thrill of the ride but expect others to make the machine go. You can get your own swing to move but first you must kick off and then strain at the chains. The teeter-totter requires the counter balance of another partner.

          Jesus complained that the people of His generation were unresponsive. No matter what game you suggested they did not want to play. If you played happy music they would not dance. If you tried to catch their somber mood then they would not mourn.

          Both Matthew and Luke include this commentary of Jesus. The context is the comparison of John Baptist’s ministry with that of Jesus. John was a recluse and they said he had a devil. Jesus was social and they called him a glutton and a drunkard. Jesus pointed out that the real problem was that it was impossible to please them. They were like pouting children who would not play the game no matter what game was chosen. An unresponsive spirit is a clear sign of apostasy. It was demonstrated by the people in Malachi’s time.

Mal 1:13 KJV

13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.

[Ye have snuffed at it] A metaphor taken from cattle which do not like their fodder. They blow strongly through their nose upon it; and after this neither they nor any other cattle will eat it.

(From Adam Clarke's Commentary.)

          It’s time we grew up! We are too often like spoiled and pouting children, unresponsive and peevish. Let us do what this following verse says to do.

Eph 4:14-15 KJV

14 That we henceforth be no more children , tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Dear Lord, keep me from acting childish today. Help me to be eagerly responsive to your promptings. AMEN

ANOTHER WAY!

ANOTHER WAY!

Matt 2:11-13 KJV

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

          They had seen the King, delivered their greetings and their gifts, and had left the holy family to their privacy. They were wiser still and glad for their journey although it had been long. Now it was time to go home but first they had to stop and see King Herod and give him the good news. Didn’t he say he wanted to worship Jesus too? They would start their journey home tomorrow but first a good night’s sleep.

          Sleep did not come easy that night for God did trouble them all. In the morning they agreed. They could not continue their journey as planned. They would go home by another, literally a different, way.

          Christmas changed everything! Can you feel it? It’s not about the presents but the presence! Jesus has come and our lives have been re-routed and our destination has changed.

Heb 10:19-22 KJV

19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Dear Lord, guide my feet and keep my heart in this new and living way. AMEN

KNEE DEEP IN RIBBONS AND WRAP!

KNEE DEEP IN RIBBONS AND WRAP!

Eph 4:4-8 KJV

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

          Well, it is early Christmas morning and soon you will be knee deep in ribbons and wrapping paper. Whether your gifts will be many or few, old or new, the idea of gift giving is an integral part of the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Indeed gifts have taken the spotlight away from the newborn babe.

          The Wise Men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. All these were very valuable and all very symbolic of various aspects of the life and ministry of Jesus. The gold represented his royalty, the frankincense spoke of his priesthood and the myrrh foretold his suffering and death.

          Mary gave gifts too. She gave her body to be used as the first home of the savior. Within her womb God and man would join and grow. She also gave her reputation as a pure woman sacrificed on the altar of slander and gossip and disbelief. A sword shall pierce her heart also! This was the prophecy of Simeon.

          Joseph gave his love, protection and fatherly leadership. To Mary he gave the gift of acceptance and understanding. He took part of her shame and became the earthly father of the Son of God. It was a valuable gift.

          The greatest Giver is God who gave the gift of His Son to die for the sins of a fallen race and to offer salvation to any who would receive it. “He gave gifts to men” is what Ephesians 4:8 tells us. The Greek word for gifts is doma which simply means “a present”!

          Throughout the day and for a few days after this wonderful day you will hear people ask: “What did you get for Christmas?” The answers will be as individual as the person responding to the question. I have received the wonderful gift of grace, a robe of righteousness which is a perfect fit, the forgiveness of all my sins, a companion to be with me forever and at all times. I also received a gift card worth a home in heaven to be redeemed at a later date. Yes, this Christmas Day, I am knee deep in ribbons and wrap!

2 Cor 9:15 KJV

15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Dear Lord, thank you that along with the psalmist I can say: “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life – and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord – forever”! AMEN

LET THE GENTILES REJOICE!

LET THE GENTILES REJOICE!

Luke 2:27-32 KJV

27 And he [Simeon] came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

          Mary was a Jewish mother. Joseph was a Jew. Jesus was the Jewish Messiah. Even Simeon was a Jewish man, very old and carrying in his bosom a promise only he understood. He was told by the Spirit that he would not die, no matter old, until his clouding eyes saw the Messiah but when he saw the baby Jesus he saw something for the Gentiles as well.

          He would be LIGHT! It would be ridiculously proud to think that the light of the sun would warm only Jewish cheeks. It was just as foolish to imagine that the Son would brighten only Jewish eyes. The Gentiles would benefit from the Jewish Prince. In verse 31 Simeon said “all people” as he spoke of salvation.

1. LIGHT PROVIDES COMFORT!

Eccl 11:7 KJV

7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:

How many parents have heard the words “please leave the light on” when a child is full of fear? Even a child knows that closet monsters and other evil villains cannot survive the light!

2. LIGHT GUIDES!

Ps 119:105 KJV

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Isa 9:2 KJV

2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

3. LIGHT HEALS AND PURIFIES!

Even ancient physicians knew the wound healing properties of sunlight. Now modern science knows the germ killing ability of ultra-violet light.

1 John 1:5 KJV

5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

4. LIGHT DISPELLS IGNORANCE!

Fearful shadows flee away in the light. A snake in the dark becomes a belt or a piece of rope in the light. Superstition is driven away by the light.

Acts 17:29-30 KJV

29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Dear Lord, thank you for including we who are Gentiles in your great salvation plan. Thank you for the light. AMEN

A SPECIAL BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT!

A SPECIAL BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT!

Isa 9:6 KJV

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Luke 2:11 KJV

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

          I was born on Thanksgiving Day and today is my sister’s birthday. She was almost born on Christmas Day. I’m sure we two babies added something special to those holidays for my parents. I am sure the family and neighbors were told and all the vital details given of our length, weight and color or hair and eyes. I’m not sure why but those things are always important to parents. Friends and relatives would certainly gather around and chatter endlessly about the babies using words that end in “—est.” This baby was the cutest, his eyes the bluest or his hair the curliest they had ever seen.

          Perhaps the most unusual birth announcement was a mistake in printing. It seems a pastor of a church had ordered a sign for the church’s outdoor nativity scene. The sign maker asked what should be the wording on the sign and how big the sign should be. The pastor emailed the sign maker with the information and soon the sign arrived with this message: “For unto us a child is born 8 feet long and 3 feet wide.”

          The birth of Jesus was certainly a big deal. It made news in heaven and spilled over into earth. Isaiah talked about him in words that ended in “est”. He used words like wonderful, mighty God and everlasting father. He would be the Prince of Peace.

          The announcement to the shepherds focused on the most important aspect of all. The angel said “unto you is born a savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Well, He’s here and He’s perfect! He has his mother’s eyes and his Father’s strength of character.

Dear Lord, let me tell the good news and let me get it right! AMEN         

MADE IN THE LIKENESS OF MEN!

MADE IN THE LIKENESS OF MEN!

Phil 2:6-7 KJV

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

          This portion of Scripture explains Christmas. When Jesus was still fully in the form of God a plan was devised to redeem fallen man. Jesus would set aside certain prerogatives of divinity in order to assume the form of a slave, the lowest of humans. He would be born to a virgin girl and ultimately suffer death on the cross.

          In heaven Jesus was surrounded by adoring angels on earth he was born in the midst of barn animals. In heaven he was accustomed to glories and riches but he was laid on a bed of straw in a feeding trough. Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich. (2 Cor 8:9)

          In life he said he had no place to lay his head. When he had to pay taxes he told Peter to catch a fish and find a coin in the fish’s mouth. When he sent out his disciples he told them to take nothing but a staff, to enter a home when invited and to eat whatever was offered. (See Mark 6:7-9)

          God hidden in human flesh kept silent in the straw and submitted himself to the humiliation of physical circumstances. The bread of life nursed at his young mother’s breast and the God of all comfort was lulled by her song. Softly and sweetly she sings: “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” He was made in the likeness of men that we might be made in the likeness of God.

Almighty God who hid in baby’s flesh, dwell with us today. Send thy light into our dark places. Set bread before the hungry. Be a healer to the sick and a friend to the lonely. Receive our feeble attempts at worship. AMEN

WHAT IS THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT?

WHAT IS THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT?

Isa 9:6 KJV

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

In his book, The Second Tree from the Corner, E. B. White makes this throbbing observation: “To perceive Christmas through its wrappings becomes more difficult with every year.”  For me the easily recognized but hard to define “Christmas spirit” has eluded me. The luster has dimmed from the artificial lights and all the reds and greens have faded. It is now the 21^st of December and if I am to get the Christmas spirit I’d better be quick about it. The problem seems to be in its definition. I will list a few suspicions as to its source.

1. IT IS THE SPIRIT OF ANTICIPATION!

          Those who practice a more liturgical form of worship, if they pay attention to it, may be better equipped to understand the spirit of anticipation. The season of Advent is a season of waiting, of anticipating. It is waiting and knowing. The Advent calendar, with its little daily door to be opened, marches confidently toward a known conclusion and not to an uncertain end. It is the spirit of anticipation.

Luke 2:25-26 KJV

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

2. IT IS THE SPIRIT OF SURPRIZE!

          Christmas should be full of surprises. It is when the days become long and predictable that we tumble into bed without a feeling of triumph with weariness our only reward. It is the day full of surprises that ends with a deep sigh of satisfaction.

Luke 2:36-38 KJV

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

          Simeon was fulfilled in his waiting – but Anna was joyfully surprised! The Christmas Story – the one in the Bible and not the movie on TV – is full of surprise words like “suddenly” and “immediately.” The Christmas spirit is the spirit of surprise.

3. IT IS THE SPIRIT OF WONDER!

Luke 2:8-10 KJV

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.

          The combination of the Greek words for “sore afraid” is actually “mega phobia.” It is the spirit of wonder and incredulity. It is Mary asking the angel “how can this thing be?” It is the speechless shepherds wide-eyed and doubtful of their own senses.

4. IT IS THE SPIRIT OF FAITH!

Heb 11:1 KJV

11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

          Substance and evidence! These fill the heart of the one full of unverified hope and unexplained joy. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit and a product of the holy written word. We need an apt benediction both for those with the Christmas spirit and for we who still seek it today.

Rom 15:13 KJV

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Dear Lord, fill us all with that joy and peace in believing today. AMEN

THE EFFECTS OF SORROW!

THE EFFECTS OF SORROW!

Matt 26:37-38 KJV

37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

Luke 22:44-45 KJV

44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

          In this Gethsemane scene we are able to see the damaging effects of sadness and grief upon both the Savior and His disciples. Not long ago they had shared the paschal meal and Jesus had instituted the Lord’s Supper which prefigures His agony and sacrifice for sinners. They had sung an hymn and departed to the Mount of Olives.

          Now, in the cool of that ancient grove of olive trees the full weight of impending violence descends upon them like a pall. Jesus tells the three closest to him that he feels his sadness may well nigh kill him. Luke, the physician, describes it in medical terms saying that the burden produced such pressure as to cause the skin to exude great drops of bloody sweat. Sorrow kept Jesus from resting or sleeping. The outcome of the struggle was just too urgent.

          The majority of the disciples Jesus had left to rest but Peter, James and John he told to watch or to keep awake. Jesus himself went a little farther and when he returned he found them asleep “for sorrow.” Their grief had put them to sleep. It is strange that distress of mind would cause one to be fully and painfully awake while the others could find no relief except in sleep.

          In Acts chapter 12 Peter was in prison waiting for execution and his distress was so great that the angel “smote him on the side” in order to wake him up. The chains fell off and, in verse 11, Peter “came to himself” in a back alley behind the prison. Grief and distress had knocked him out! He had slept through his own miracle!

          During America’s Civil War, Henry W. Longfellow penned the words to “I heard the bells on Christmas Day.” In this classic hymn Longfellow acknowledges the frustration and depression that often accompanies the glitter and glamour of the season. The fourth stanza talks of his despair but he finishes with triumph of the spirit.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along the unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head

"There is no peace on earth," I said,

"For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men."

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men."

          It is a great encouragement to know that God is not disgusted with our periods of depression. He does not blame us for our fainting and moves quickly to our aid.

Ps 22:24 KJV

24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

Dear Lord, thank you for always showing up on time. Thank you for understanding our troubled hearts in these troubled times. Thank you for the triumph of our spirits by your own Spirit. AMEN

NOTHING EXCITING EVER HAPPENS AROUND HERE!

NOTHING EXCITING EVER HAPPENS AROUND HERE!

Luke 1:5-22 KJV

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,

9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.

22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.

          Zacharias, whose name means “Jehovah has remembered”, was one of many priests in Jerusalem and it was his “turn”, or in the order of his course, to minister at the altar of incense.  There are several, they seem to be coming fast now, things that I want to point out.

1. We bring our whole selves into ministry!

          Zacharias and Elizabeth, whose name means “God of the oath – or “the God who keeps His promise,” was barren and without a child. They were old and physically it seemed impossible for them to ever have a child, much less a son to carry on the name. In spite of that, I believe, it was the constant prayer of Zacharias that he should have a son. This is what Zacharias brought to the altar of prayer!

2. Many others are affected by our relationship with God!

          The whole multitude was outside praying. One of those was Elizabeth who was praying, along with her husband, both the ritualistic prayers and the prayers of her heart. Oh, that she would have a son!

3. God hears our prayers!

          “Thy prayer is heard” said the angel. Notice that the angel did not say your prayers are heard. The prayers of tradition and ritual did not attract the attention of God. It was the prayer – that one earnest prayer – that moved God to action.

4. When prayers are heard the impossible becomes possible!

          First of all the “official” prayer of the priest would be for the deliverance and consolation of Israel. In other words, Zacharias was praying for Messiah to come. Waiting has a way of taking the passion out of our praying. Next, of course, was the prayer for a son. The angel announced that God was about to answer both prayers.

Luke 1:17 KJV

17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

5. We often remind God of the impossibilities of His promises!

          Zacharias reminded the angel of the God who knows everything that it was not possible to have a child. One has to wonder if he was equally doubtful regarding the coming of Messiah.

Luke 1:18 KJV

18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.

6. We try God’s patience with our disbelief!

Gabriel, whose name is a combination of geber and el, points to the mighty God! The mention of the angel’s name is itself an answer. It means that he represented a God that was more than capable of making this come true. Moreover, Gabriel points to his high station in the system of angels. He is an archangel, similar to a prime minister.

          If prayer brings blessings then doubt has its own consequences. Zacharias would be struck dumb and not be able to speak – “because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.”

7. Miracles happen in the most ordinary of circumstances!

          If you think your life is dull and unimportant, if you often say “nothing exciting ever happens around here,” then you have just described the fertile soil needed for any miracle.

Dear Lord today there lies before us as a normal Sunday filled with normal worship and normal ministry. Yet in our heart there are strong desires. Look upon us ordinary people and do something extraordinary. AMEN

THE CHILD KING!

THE CHILD KING!

Isa 9:5-7 KJV

5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

          Isaiah the prophet was speaking regarding the reign of Hezekiah, a boy king of about nine or ten years old, who would sit upon the throne of David and Solomon and restore the glory of the kingdom. The name Hezekiah means “Jehovah strengthens” and there is much rejoicing regarding his rise to power. But the language is excessive as it relates to an earthly king for Isaiah calls him Eel gibowr “God, the mighty hero.”

          The veil between heaven and earth grew thin as Isaiah saw beyond the child king Hezekiah to the infant King of Kings. Now the language is not disproportionate. Now we are talking about God condensed in a baby boy. Augustine wrote the following poem that describes the difficulty we have in describing Him.

   Maker of the sun,

   He is made under the sun.

   In the Father he remains,

   From his mother he goes forth.

   Creator of heaven and earth,

   He was born on earth under heaven.

   Unspeakably wise,

   He is wisely speechless.

   Filling the world,

   He lies in a manger.

   Ruler of the stars,

   He nurses at his mother's bosom.

   He is both great in the nature of God,

   and small in the form of a servant. 

          A babe laid in a manger was called mighty. His birth shook the heavens and gave birth to a new star. That star greatly affected the magi and sent them on a long quixotic journey to find the infant king. Their arrival in Jerusalem caused a sitting king Herod to tremble with fear and stirred murder in his heart.

          Angels broke through the veil of secrecy in uncontained joy. They expelled their praise to humble shepherds on the hillside. “Glory to God in the Highest” they shouted to the lowest.

   They all were looking for a king 

   To slay their foes and lift them high;

   Thou cam'st, a little baby-thing

   That made a woman cry.

n     George Macdonald

Dear Lord, once again let us look beyond the thin veil and peer over into that land to which we belong. Let us see a bit of heaven today. AMEN