As we enter the final week of Advent, our anticipation, our excitement becomes like a brilliant light within us. The LIGHT of Christ is growing brighter as our earthly days grow darker. As we de-LIGHT in the season, let us be mindful of others who do not know the JOY of Christ-life that we have within us.This heart-felt quote from Thomas à Kempis, says it all.
"Jesus has many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few cross-bearers.
Many desire His consolation, but few His tribulation.
Many will sit down with Him at table, but few will share His fast.
All desire to rejoice with Him, but few will suffer for Him.
Many will follow Him to the breaking of the bread, but few will drink the bitter cup of His Passion.
Many revere His miracles, but few follow the shame of His cross.
Many love Jesus when all goes well with them, and praise Him when He does them a favor; but if Jesus conceals Himself and leaves them for a little while, they fall to complaining or become depressed.
They who love Jesus purely for Himself and not for their own sake bless Him in all trouble and anguish as well as in time of consolation.
Even if He never sent them consolation, they would still praise Him and give thanks.
Oh how powerful is the pure love of Jesus, when not mixed with self-interest or self-love!” Thomas à Kempis, p. 88-89, Imitation of Christ.
12-17 Zechariah 2:1-13; Psalm 45,47,48; Revelation 3:14-22; Matthew 24:32-44
Zechariah 2:1-5 “I looked up and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. Then I asked, “Where are you going? He answered me, “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length.” Then the angel who talked with me came forward and another angel came forward to meet him, and said to him, “Run, say to that young man: Jerusalem shall be inhabited like villages without walls, because of the multitude of people and animals in it. For I will be a wall of fire all around it, says the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.”
2:10-:11 “Sing and rejoice, O daughter, Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the LORD. Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD on that day and shall be my people; and I will dwell in your midst. And you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.” :12 The Lord will possess Judah and again choose Jerusalem.
The book of Zechariah is actually two books. The first book, chapters 1-8, may have circulated with the book of Haggai about the time of the rededication of the of the second temple in 515 BC. The second book, chapters 9-14, most likely was collected and edited by the mid 5th century BC. This is a collection of many authors, most likely followers of Zechariah, author of the first book.
So, why do we add this book to our daily readings? Because it is part of the entire canon, the books approved by sages hundreds of years ago to create a collection of stories, visions, oracles, prophecy, song, and so much more. They points not only to God, our Father, but to the ‘Coming’ of a new kingdom, a New Covenant, the coming of Christ Jesus as the Holy Spirit swirls around God’s continuing plan of salvation for His beloved human creation.
Today we focus on the third vision in the first book of Zechariah, the man with the measuring line. This vision in Zechariah points to “Advent” of a new Jerusalem, a refreshed haven for Zion, to reside, not just in the rebuilt temple but on the entire mount of Zion, Jerusalem. This vision also points to the coming of Christ, upon whom we focus during Advent.
We must remind ourselves to return to the time of desolation, exile, repentance and rededication of the temple. Here we speak of an edifice in which God resides, where our LORD is worshipped. Yet, the measuring line is not just for the temple but for the entire Holy city of Jerusalem. The angel affirms that, yes, the city seems sparse, even desolate at this point in time. Yet, all too soon it will be teaming with millions of people vying for space, desiring ‘room in the inn.’
God promises explosive bounty to this still desolate city that will take more time to rebuild. Indeed, we fast-forward to the time of Jesus’ birth. The city is so full for the census that there is ‘no room at the inn’ for Mary and Joseph to have a private space for the birth of God in the flesh, Jesus. Again, after Christ’s death and resurrection, the city is packed for the feasts and fasts within the time of the Passover. Peter is preaching as the Holy Spirit falls on thousands of seekers. The Glory of the Lord explodes around them as God manifests Himself to each person. From desolation to over-abundance. From empty to overflowing. From desolate to Glorious!
Think about it: Can we see how this vision affects our own lives? We who are baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit, the spirit of God through faith in Jesus Christ, are the temple of the Lord. We also, may have gone through a time of exile from God, of desolation and near destruction. We also may have had to be rebuilt and re-dedicated into the fullness of God's Glory through faith in His Son.
We, also may have been emptied out and have wondered if we could ever be filled with the fullness of JOY in the Lord, of walking fully in the Glory of the Lord.
And then, one day, perhaps while doing some mundane errand, the ‘angel’ of the Lord fills our thoughts. God’s presence comes to us and affirms to us that we, too, will be filled to overflowing with the non-stop sense that we are ‘all in’ for the Lord. Our JOY becomes full and we no longer linger in doubt of our salvation. We KNOW because we have spent time getting to ‘know’ our Lord. We are fed fat. We are exploding with gratitude, even through challenging circumstances.
If you are not there yet, do not fret. Just keeps building, restoring your soul, that temple within us. God will do the rest. Simply enJOY a moment here and there knowing that you will soon ‘gush’ with Joy.
Know that the Lord dwells in our midst, our one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is with us always and forever.
Know that the Lord dwells in our midst, our one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is with us always and forever.
And each year, during the darkest days, we celebrate His coming in GLORY!
Think about it: All of us have the tendency to complete a task too quickly or not check our work. It’s not easy to do all things with excellence. It takes time we may not have.
As disciples of Christ, we are called to live an ‘excellent’ life, not a perfect one. All we can do is our best to ‘honor the Lord in our midst.’ If we know we have done our best . . . even if the cake tilts almost to falling apart . . . we can look into the eyes of Jesus when we meet Him face to face and say, “I did my best.”
12-18 Zechariah 3:1-10; Psalm 49, 119:49-72; Revelation 4:1-8; Matthew 24:45-51
Matthew 24:45-47 “Who then is the faithful and
wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions.”
Although slavery was common in Jesus day, it was not what we know today. Many who fled Egypt during famine [in the same way Hebrew people fled Cannane during the great famine] were eager to be a ‘slave’ in a large household. They were what we would call ‘servants’ but were bonded for several years before being given the option to leave or remain with the family.
In fact, when Lydia became the first European convert and was baptized into Christ, her whole household followed suit and all were also baptized into Christ, including all the ‘slaves.’ Acts 16:11-16
In the same way, Jesus’ disciples were, and are, ‘slaves to Christ.’ The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians says, “I, therefore, a prisoner of the Lord [some versions say a slave to the Lord], entreat you to walk in a manner
worthy of the calling with which you have been called.” Since no one knows when Christ will return, we are called to be vigilant in our time and talents. Whatever we do, we are to do it knowing that our Lord is watching over our shoulder. “Do all things with excellence,” no matter who sees it . . . or not.
We recently moved into another abode. We were told to ‘blue-tape’ any imperfections that need to be fixed. Some major flaws will be very expensive to replace just because someone did not do his job correctly and the ‘boss’ did not catch it. All will be well in the long run but the builder’s loss of time and materials can mount up just because the worker thinks, “when the boss is away, the worker can play” . . . or be lazy . . . or not care that his work is not done correctly. For the most part we have been truly blessed with fine workmanship and a faithful company that will take care of all the ‘fixes’ in a specific period of time. Yet, I sometimes wonder if some workers live by ‘excellence’ in all things.
Think about it: All of us have the tendency to complete a task too quickly or not check our work. It’s not easy to do all things with excellence. It takes time we may not have.
For years I too quickly proofread memos I created at the software development company where I worked.
One day my sweet boss found a typo-o that could have cost us the contract. I’m so glad she encouraged excellent work and taught me to care about everything I accomplished. To this day I proof and proof again . . . and still find errors. From setting a table for dinner to cleaning the house to sewing an item to proofing emails and even texts that we talk into our phones, we are called to honor each task with excellence.
As disciples of Christ, we are called to live an ‘excellent’ life, not a perfect one. All we can do is our best to ‘honor the Lord in our midst.’ If we know we have done our best . . . even if the cake tilts almost to falling apart . . . we can look into the eyes of Jesus when we meet Him face to face and say, “I did my best.”
In fact, that’s all I want on my tombstone, “I did my best.” Each day I try to honor the Lord with completing some mundane task that I hate to do with Joy knowing that my Lord is right there with me. Even with my attitude I hope to say, some day, “I did my best.”
How about you?
12-19 Zechariah 4:1-14; Psalm 50,33; Revelation 4:9—5:5; Matthew 25:1-13
Rev. 5:2-5 “And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?’ And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to pen the scroll or look into it. And I began to weep bitterly because no one was
found worthy to pen the scroll or to look into it. Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. Seek the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.’”
The book of Revelation looms large during Advent. So much prophecy from the Old Covenant swirls through John’s spirit as he writes according to the visions given to him by God. Once again we affirm that Jesus was and is and is to come.
Who IS worthy to break the seal and open the scroll of the names written inside? No one? Not one in heaven and on earth or even ‘under the earth’. . . even the director of the netherworld? John is being dramatic here, getting us all excited because we know who he is talking about. Yes, the Root [purposely capitalized for emphasis] of David. “And out of the ‘stump’ shall bee a shoot . . .” Out of the father of David shall be One who is rooted in the Davidic line, the one who has conquered death, the one who is now in charge of opening the scroll with its seven seals, Jesus, the Christ.
Every Advent we return to the same stories. One
would think they would get old after a few decades but those who avidly follow Christ, are eager to hear the story repeated in all its variations. We are excited to hear and to tell the story when given the opportunity.
Jesus not only has the power to overcome evil and death but He IS the power to overcome evil and death. We, also, are given the power to overcome evil and death by saying ‘yes’ to Jesus, by being baptized into the kingdom of God in Christ, by dying to self and living for Christ in all we say and do. We have the power of the Holy Spirit residing in us and are able to live according to the direction God calls us to live. We who believe, trust that our names are written in the ‘Book’, the scroll that only Jesus, the Christ is worthy enough to open.
Think about it: Do you feel worthy to be written in the the book of the Lamb?
Do you trust in God’s son enough to know He wants the best for you?
Have you had any ‘revelations’ in your soul regarding the path the Lord desires you to walk?
Have you had any ‘revelations’ in your soul regarding the path the Lord desires you to walk?
Advent is a great time to step back and take time to talk to the Lord about the scroll with the seven seals that only Jesus can open. Ask the Lord where you stand with him. If you are not sure, find a grace-filled leader in the church and ask for guidance in seeking that assurance.
Perhaps you are satisfied or even very sure of your role in the kingdom of God.
Good for you.
Now, with joy and gladness, go help someone else have that same confidence in Christ Jesus.
Now, with joy and gladness, go help someone else have that same confidence in Christ Jesus.
12:20 Zechariah 7:8—8:8, Psalm 40, 51, 54; Revelation 5:6-14; Matthew 25:14-30
Psalm 51:2 “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
This season has become so commercialized that we expect bling and joy and dancing and merrymaking. Yet, this is not what the season is all about. It’s the season of anticipation, expectation for what is to come . . . perhaps even the second coming of Christ. We are called to reflect on the meaning of the season but most of all we are called to prepare our hearts so that we might be ready to ‘meet Jesus.’
Part of preparing our hearts is making sure we are ‘washed from our iniquity and cleansed from sin.’ We may ‘feel’ a newness in Christ but, as with all things new, we might get a bit tarnished in our daily walk. Perfection will only be attained when we are beyond this realm, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of the Father. Until then, it is good to confess our sins, cleanse our souls, be prepared for the bridegroom to return at any moment.
Think about it: Has there ever been a time in your
Christian walk when you knew you made a decision or said some words that were not the best choice? We all fight that self-focused part of ourselves. The expectation to be ‘perfect’ lays heavy on Christians because the Holy Spirit within us seems to ‘remind’ our conscience what is right or wrong. We seem more aware of our faults than ever before. This is not all bad. Our need to be forgiven draws us closer to the One who loves us with an everlasting love that is too enveloping to explained.
What is your practice to cleanse your soul? Do you share in community ‘confession’ when you worship? Do you follow a pattern of confession with your pastor? Do you assess the condition of your heart periodically, ‘confess’ to the Lord and ask for forgiveness to be cleansed of sin?
We have little time left to prepare our hearts for the feast, the grand celebration, the birth - day of birthdays. Let’s make sure we can wear the clothing of purity and righteousness before the Lord. This way we can truly “Come into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise,” as we bow down and worship our Lord of Lords, our King of kings during the Christ Mass that we will soon celebrate.
2-21 Saint Thomas, the Apostle, celebrated today.
Habakkuk 2:1-4, Psalm 126; Hebrews 10:35 —11:1; John 20:24-29
John 20:25 Thomas said, “Unless I see his hands with the imprint of nails and touch his hands and side wounds, I will not believe.”
Eight days later Jesus came and told Thomas to touch His wounds in order to believe. :28-:29 “My Lord and my God!” said Thomas without even touching Jesus’ hands or side. Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you believe. Blessed are those who do not see yet believe.”
“Thomas” in Syriac is equivalent to “Didymos” in Greek, and means twin.. Thomas was a great strength to Jesus earlier in the book of John. When Jesus planned to go to Jerusalem, the Apostles knew the danger and told Him not to go. Not Thomas. He said, ‘I’ll go with you. Even though I might die doing so, I will remain by your side, Jesus.’ [my translation] At this moment in scripture, Thomas was far from being a doubter. So, what happened?
I so identified with Thomas when I was seeking, truly searching to ‘know’ Jesus as the resurrected Christ. Why wouldn’t Thomas want to ‘see to believe’ after such a traumatic event took place? It was not doubt but
disappointment in Thomas’ image of who Jesus was. Thomas thought Jesus had the power to overcome the officials who were always after Him. Thomas may have been so disappointed regarding his expectations of Jesus, he no longer trusted even his dear ‘brothers’ with whom he lived and learned for nearly three years.
Did the other Apostles immediately believe when one of the women came to them and said, “Come, see, the tomb is empty!” Did not Peter race to the tomb to see for himself? Did he not peer into the tomb to search for a body to make sure the women were correct? So, what is so different with James’ doubt at this moment in time?
If someone merely relays a message that others have relayed to him, like telephone tag, how is anyone able to believe some outlandish event like resurrection from the dead? Perhaps Thomas said something like this, “I’ve gotta see this one. If Jesus is alive and walking around and talking to everyone and has not yet come to me [even though Thomas was hiding], I need to find Jesus and see and touch and KNOW in my heart this is for real.”
Indeed, Thomas had to wait. About eight days after Jesus rose from the dead, eight days of showing Himself to hundreds of believers, Thomas finally meets Jesus face to face. Perhaps it was the moment that Jesus simply walked through the locked door where Thomas was in the upper room that changed his heart.
Hearing Jesus voice when He said, “Peace be with you” that turned Thomas around. Thomas did not have to touch. He saw. He heard. The moment Jesus became present, Thomas knew, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus’ words after Thomas’ exclamation are a bit snarky. “Because you have seen Me, you believe. Blessed are those who do not see yet believe.”
Perhaps the writer of this Gospel wanted to make the point that millions more will hear Jesus’ name, hear the story, never ‘see’ Jesus, yet, they will believe [like you and me].
Think about it: We each have a bit of Thomas in us, don’t we. Some things seem impossible even though we believe. Have you ever prayed the ‘impossible’ prayer of salvation for someone knowing full well that Jesus would have to move a mountain for that person to be saved? And then, years later, when you least expect it, you hear that person has not only accepted Jesus as Lord but is thriving as a new believer. It happens all the time, doesn’t it. Perhaps you, like me, were that person.
People prayed for me for years to become a
Christian. When I finally did, many who had prayed for me had died. Others had nearly given up. Still others could not believe my incredible transformation, my undying grip on Jesus . . . which I still have today.
I love the prayer to Jesus that I translate like this, “I want to believe but it’s hard to believe. Help me, Lord, with my unbelief so that I can truly believe.”
That is Thomas. That may be us or a friend or someone you have been praying for over decades.
Doubt, or struggle with our Christian faith, is a constant even when we live strong in Christ. Things happen. Our prayers get dashed against the wall of evil. Life doesn’t happen the way we planned. Struggles overcome us. Doubt regarding our purpose, our path, the Lord’s 24/7 presence in our lives. Doubt.
When we struggle with doubt, take a time out. Breathe deep, step back, wait like Thomas. Jesus will show Himself to you in all His GLORY in due time. In the mean time, keep moving forward in faith, one step at a time. “Blessed are you who do not see but believe.”
2-22 Fourth Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18; Revelation 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew 1:20-21 “ . . . an angel of the Lord
appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ :24-:25 Joseph awoke and took Mary as his wife but kept her virgin until she gave birth to a son and called his name, Jesus.”
We begin the year studying the Gospel of Matthew, a different rendition of the story we may know well. In those days, marriage was not the way we would imagine. The three stages are as follows: First, a man is chosen for Mary. Mary may or may not have met him in passing but her parents, relatives and those close to the family have scrutinized this man, Joseph, and prayed for the Lord’s guidance in selecting the best husband for Mary.
God knew Joseph’s heart and knew that Joseph would listen to His messengers through dreams. God chose Joseph for Mary and touched the hearts of the family who was devoted to the Lord. After a period of time, those who orchestrate the engagement guide this couple into the second step, the ‘bond’ of betrothal.
God knew Joseph’s heart and knew that Joseph would listen to His messengers through dreams. God chose Joseph for Mary and touched the hearts of the family who was devoted to the Lord. After a period of time, those who orchestrate the engagement guide this couple into the second step, the ‘bond’ of betrothal.
Betrothal is as good as a marriage contract and can only be broken by a divorce decree even though Mary and Joseph have only been in company with one another with supervision. Betrothal may last at least a year before the actual culmination of the ‘bond’ with a ceremony that cements the relationship and pronounces them ‘married.’ Only then would they begin the third step, their intimate relationship with one another.
When Joseph found out Mary was pregnant not too long after they were betrothed, he wanted to shield her from the sentence of death by stoning. He would have whisked her away to some distant place and quietly divorced her. Yet, the Angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph and we know the rest of the story.
Because Mary, in her obedience, said ‘yes’ to the Angel Gabriel when he came with the ‘good’ news and because Joseph’s sensitive spirit received the angel’s words and acted upon them righteously, the betrothal may not have lasted as long as it should. We do not know when Joseph took Mary as his wife but scripture assures us that Joseph was not intimate with her before the child, Jesus, was born.
We know the story. Yet, it still may boggle the mind
that God found two people who were obedient to the point of death. Each knew that the law of the land was far less important than obedience to God. They each trusted the Word that came from God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Mary was called by God to be the new ‘Ark’ of the New Covenant, the carrier of Jesus. Joseph was called to protect and nurture both Mary and the Son who would be born to them, and the world. They knew only to say ‘yes’ to God. They knew only to obey and take one step at a time, go where they were called to go, stand firm with their Lord and listen to the direction of the Holy Spirit as they were guided through God’s plan for eternity.
Think about it: Could we, at any time in our lives, identify with the roles of Mary or Joseph? If we are going about the Lord’s business, praying, studying His Word, thriving in Christian community and growing strong in our faith and an Angel of the Lord appears to us and begins to talk with us, can you imagine what you would do?
I’d most likely argue with the Angel of the Lord and tell him I am not worthy to be used in any way. And the
Angel of the Lord would agree. None of us are worthy to carry the Cross of Christ but are we willing? Are we willing to step out in faith, to trust what we hear from the Lord, to step into unfamiliar territory if the Lord leads us there?
May the JOY of our Lord’s presence become so full within us that we trust Him enough to say ‘yes’ to what He asks of us; for He will never ask of us more than we can handle.
Yet, if we were baptized as an infant, our parents, sponsors and those present at our baptism, made a vow to raise us to know and love and understand the everlasting love of Jesus Christ. Did any of these people follow through?
2-23 Zephaniah 3:14-20; Psalm 61,62,112, 115; Titus 1:1-16; Luke 1:1-25
Luke 1:13-15 “The angel [Gabriel] said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for our prayer has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of
the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.”
It is tradition that we hear the story of John’s birth before Jesus’ birth and Luke is the best resource.
The Holy Spirit embedded himself within the life Elizabeth was carrying before birth! This life is being formed not only physically but John’s soul has already been filled to overflowing with the presence of God through the Holy Spirit.
Power!
Life begins at conception and is active as we see in this
story. Luke 1:41 “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. . . “ recognizing the life within Mary’s womb. This is the most profound statement of life before birth. Not only physical life but spiritual life is very active within these women before the birth of their sons.
Even if John’s father did not believe the Angel’s words and become mute until John’s birth, he did believe in God. His problem was he did not comprehend the possibility of such good news in his old age, that his aged wife would bear a son. God worked powerfully within the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth so they would be prepared to raise their son, the “Preparer of the Way.”
John, the baptizer, was born six months before Jesus. He was groomed from birth to be God’s prophet to the people, to pave the way for Jesus’ ministry. John. Raised by a temple priest and his devout wife in their old age, John knew God’s presence before birth. He was raised according to the nazarene rite, no wine or strong drink, purity in life, devotion to God. He spent time in the desert, alone time with God, to prepare himself for the single job for which God groomed him.
John’s words heard by hundreds of Jews were
much like this: “Make way for the One who is to come! Repent! Turn your lives around! Come, wash yourselves in the Jordan, renew yourselves, return your focus upon God.” John was born, raised and died having fulfilled the purpose God gave him before birth.
Think about it: Can you imagine God giving each of us a purpose before birth? Our life work is to seek, know and trust God’s purpose He has given to each of us, perhaps before birth.
If we follow the pattern of John’s ministry, it all began with devout parents who remained faithful to God, who knew how to raise their son according to God’s will. God prepared them to let their son go into the wilderness to prepare the way for Jesus. Perhaps they never saw John again once he left home. They did their job so that John could do his job, according to God’s purpose.
Many of us were raised by parents who shaped us the best they could according to God’s will but many of us may not have even heard the word “Jesus” mentioned in the home.
Did they at least take you to church or pray for your soul as you grew up?
What is your story?
How did you come to know Jesus as Lord?
At what time in your life did you truly know the love of Christ and choose to devote your life to him?
Where are you now in your relationship with the Lord?
Did someone or many prepare the way for you to come into the presence of God through His Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit?
John paved the way for Jesus so that Jesus could pave our way.
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faith-filled. Kindle in us the Power of Your Love!”
December 24, 2019 Christmas Eve
Baruch 4:36—5:9; Psalm 45,46,89:1-29; Galatians 3:23—4:7; Matthew 1:18-25
Baruch 4:36-37 “Look toward the east, O Jerusalem, and see the joy that is coming to you from God. Look, your children are coming, whom you sent away;
they are coming, gathered from east and west, at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing in the glory of God. 5:9 For God will lead Israel with joy, in the light of His glory, with the mercy and righteousness that come from Him.”
These words in Baruch reflect the words in Jeremiah and in Isaiah 40. Israel has sinned by failing to follow the Torah. God’s people were exiled but with full intention to draw them back to Him. In God’s mercy, the exiled will once again gather together to be faithful in covenant with God.
And so these words apply to this Christ Mass on the Eve of Christ’s Birth Day. All ‘exiled’ from following the precepts of God’s word to believe in His Son, are invited into His presence once again.
Matthew 1:21-23 “An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and said, ’ . . . She [Mary] will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill
what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Em-man-u-el,’ which means ’God is with us.’”
what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Em-man-u-el,’ which means ’God is with us.’”
And so, it came to pass, that God with skin and bones, with real flesh, was born to devoted parents, to be with his beloved people, to speak their language, to live as one in community, to give his life so that all who believe in Him have eternal life. God in the flesh, Jesus, the anointed one, the Christ.
And the world became a perfect place and people lived perfect lives and all lived happily ever-after.
Don’t we wish?
Don’t we wish?
Think about it: The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the One God, the God of Covenant with His people, the God who created us, the God who loves US beyond what we can ever imagine, gave Himself for us.
And we still turn our face to other gods.
The one entity this world seems to seek is love and all the
actions that speak love to each of us in different ways.
And we still turn our face to other gods.
The one entity this world seems to seek is love and all the
actions that speak love to each of us in different ways.
We seek success, power, or another human to fulfill us. Yet, “God so LOVED the World that He gave His ONLY, begotten Son, to US so that whoever believes in Him will not parish but have eternal life.”
The one action that seems the most difficult is to find love from God. We seek to be loved in as many ways as there are personalities. Love is an action and we each need that ‘action’ to feel valued, to feel that life is worth living.
Where did you seek love before you found the only One who could love you the way you most needed?
What changed?
What drew you into Jesus open arms?
Think about it, write it down, tell another your story.
Keep inviting friends to church, especially these special services like Christmas Eve.
Keep sharing your ‘love relationship’ with the Lord.
Keep sharing your ‘love relationship’ with the Lord.
How has the Lord loved you?
Count the ways.
Count the ways.
Has the Lord loved you by keeping you from harm, from helping you make right decisions for your life, by holding you tight when personal or health challenges become overwhelming?
Has the Lord loved you in ways no other human can love you and lead you and assure you?
The Story of Em-man-u-el, God with us, is universally known.
Share your story so that it is known by those who know you.
God so loved YOU, that He sent His Son for You.
Share that love with one more person before the end of this year.
And have a Blessed Celebration of the Birth of God’s Only Begotten Son, Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment