Hatred

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:1-3 ESV)

Hatred

Not everyone is excited to hear about Jesus.  Among the Biblical witnesses, the most disappointed was King Herod.

In our modern folklore we see some who hate Christmas.  The Grinch, for instance.  And of course, Ebeneezer Scrooge.

But those two Christmas-haters were transformed.  Both the Grinch and Scrooge ended up gloriously among those who love Christmas.

But not Herod.

Not only would he hate Christmas if he were alive today, but he feared, despised, and hated the Christ child. 

I think I would be a Christ hater if it weren’t for the Father’s amazing grace.  I would be a Christ hater if it weren’t for the power of the Holy Spirit in me.  I would be a Christ hater if it weren’t for that baby miraculously born in just the form that allows for my salvation.

I would hate, therefore, Christmas.

I am Scrooge, though, because God changed me.  I am the Grinch, though, because God changed me.

And so are ALL of His people!

A Baby?

And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. (Luke 1:41 ESV)

A Baby?

This is a curious event.  A baby, John the Baptist, still in his mother’s womb, recognized the baby Jesus, still in HIS mother’s womb.

Tiny John recognized, somehow, that Jesus was not just another baby, waiting to be born.  But rather, the Christ child was already incarnate.  God and man had already miraculously become the Messiah.  The perfect God-man.  Divine and human. 

And this incarnation was necessary for the salvation of God’s people.

I do not know HOW John knew, but he did, and he lept for joy.

I do not know exactly WHAT John knew, but he did, and he lept for joy.

I do not know WHEN John knew, but he did, and he lept for joy.

I do know how WE know, and we can copy baby John and rejoice.

I do know what exactly WE know, and we can copy baby John and rejoice.

I do know WHEN we know, and we can copy baby John and rejoice.

Leap for joy!

Surprising Profit

…because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2: 7 ESV)

Surprising Profits

An innkeeper is not actually mentioned in Luke’s gospel.  But where there are inns, there are innkeepers, and thus thousands of young actors got a role in Nativity plays.

That innkeeper was having a good day.  His inn was full.  He was so full, in fact, that he housed Mary and Joseph in an extra location.  A place not usually used as a room for rent.

The extra business was probably due to the census demanded by Rome.  The extra business was also probably due to a religious feast that brought travelers.  The extra business was also due to the sovereignty of God.

He wanted Jesus born in that manger. 

And so the innkeeper profited.

But of course, the innkeeper had an opportunity to profit even more!

Because that baby not only gained the innkeeper some coins, that baby also was born to provide salvation.

We do not know if the innkeeper ended up believing in that Messiah-child.  I hope he did.

I also hope he learned that every single thing that happens has one purpose:  to bring the Messiah.

The money he made that night was nice.  But the incarnation was so much more.

Everything happens for that single purpose.

Including everything that happens to us, today.  Profits and loss occur in God’s plan to bring us closer to Jesus.  Success and failure occur in God’s economy to bring us closer to Jesus.  The mundane and the spectacular are present to bring us closer to Jesus.

So let’s pay attention!

The Shepherd's Audience

And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.  (Luke 2:18 ESV)

The Shepherds’ Audience

My grandfather told of his World War II experience coming ashore in the Philippines nearby General MacArthur.  I was not there, but I have pictured it in my mind’s eye.  I have imagined it.  I am not an eyewitness, but I am still a sort of witness.

I have heard my father describe his first date with my mom so many times, that it seems as if I was hidden in the cool kid convertible myself.  I am not an eyewitness, but I am still a sort of witness.

My wife had a close encounter of the deer kind while driving a few weeks ago.  I was not in the car, but she described it to me.  I can almost hear the sounds.  I am not an eyewitness, but I am still a sort of witness.

We are more like the shepherds’ audience than we are like the shepherds.  Like that audience on the first Christmas Day, we have experienced the description, the analysis, the casting of a picture.   We are not eyewitnesses, but we are still a sort of witness.

And hearing like that is believing.  Seeing like that is believing.  Knowing like that is believing.

That early audience models for us how to consider the story.  With wonder.

Names

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. (Matthew 1:24,25 ESV)

Names

Joseph was among the first to proclaim that the Christ child saves.  When Joseph named Him Jesus, Joseph was not choosing an old traditional family name.  He was not choosing a name based on how it rolled off his tongue.  He was not choosing a name that he had always particularly liked.

Instead, in naming that baby, “Jesus,” Joseph was actually proclaiming Him Lord.

He was calling on the Christ child to save Him.

He was announcing to Bethlehem, Judea, the Middle East, and the World that the Messiah had arrived, and that HIS name was above every name! 

When we say His name in prayer, we are doing the same thing.

When we address Him aloud, we are doing the same thing.

When we sing His name in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, we are doing the same thing.

Jesus is not simply a name.  It is THE name that saves us.

Mary

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. (Luke 2:19 ESV)

Ponder

Mary knew some things in a way that no one else knew them. 

She knew that God knew her name.  All Christians believe that God knows our name, but few of us are addressed by God’s messengers, angels, by name. 

That name-knowing was enriched when Mary heard the angel declare that she was favored by God.  That favor was not earned, but was a result of God’s grace.  All Christians believe that God shows us grace.  But few of us are told by God’s messengers, angels, that God favors us.

She knew that the Messiah had come.  All Christians believe that the Christ Jesus was the long awaited Messiah, but Mary knew it beyond doubt.  She knew how the baby had been conceived.  She knew the words of the angel.  And she heard the shepherds’ announcement.

With he result that Mary pondered.  She thought about it.  She contemplated it.  She analyzed it.  She considered it.  She understood it.  She applied the truth to her own life and soul.  She wondered about it.

Perhaps because we are so used to the knowledge, we barely think about it.  Perhaps because the story is so familiar, we barely wonder about it.  Perhaps because we are so busy doing everything that needs doing, we barely consider it.

Slow down, like Mary, and ponder.

Because the Incarnation is amazing!

Angels

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (Luke 2:8 ESV)

the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. (Luke 2:15, 16 ESV)

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:20 ESV)

Shepherds

In Christmas pageants, shepherds do not have cool costumes.  They usually wear brown bathrobes.   Shepherds for those familiar with Wild West history were looked down on, despised, and declared dumb.  Shepherds were not glamorous, wealthy, well-educated, or admired.

But the angels spoke to THEM first.

These particular shepherds probably cared for the sheep that God’s people purchased to make sacrifices in the temple.  These particular shepherds probably knew the signs of the coming Messiah, and had ready ears.  These particular shepherds probably were folk of faith, amazed at the angels rather than overwhelmed with the holy power.

The shepherds heard, and believed.  The shepherds believed, and knew.   The shepherds knew, and proclaimed.

We can be exactly that kind of witness, too.  We have experienced Jesus’ love.  We have experienced the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.  We have experienced the Grace of the Father.

Hear, and believe.  Believe, and know.  Know and proclaim.

Angels

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)

Angels

Folk seem to be sending less Christmas cards lately.  The number has probably declined steadily over the years as the internet, texting, video chat, and ease of travel diminish the need for such cards.  And of course, before Hallmark invented Christmas cards, very few were sent.

But Christmas greetings have been happening since the incarnation. “Noel” is a Christmas greeting, and the carol claims that the first Christmas greeting was given to the shepherds by angels.

But the Christmas greeting the angels shouted from the heavens was not a mere well-wishing.  They did not merely hope that the Season brings good cheer.  They did not merely send warm thoughts for cold winter’s evenings.

They announced that JESUS (and Jesus alone!) SAVES!

That is the Christmas greeting that is still needed!

I Peter 1:12 teaches that the angels marvel at the means of salvation.  That day, speaking to the shepherds, they might not have fully understand HOW the Messiah saves… but that did not stop them from watching, seeing, wondering, and praising God!

So, imitating the angels, hear this:  Jesus Saves!

The First Witness

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 ESV)

First Witness

It might seem like the first witnesses were those that this gospel refers to, the ones who SAW His glory.  But before anyone on earth saw anything, God knew.   The Father sent the Son into the incarnation.

God the Father (and therefore the threefold Trinity) first witnessed the incarnation.  God the Father (and therefore the united Trinity) was first ware of the incarnation.  God the Father (and therefore God Himself first knew the incarnation.

And God’s eyes make the best witness.  No other witnesses are necessary, really.  God saw it.  God said it in His Word.  God made it be.

And that is enough.

But in His loving grace, God gives us more witnesses.  Not to prove anything.  But because He wanted THIS creation, THIS miracle, THIS second step to Genesis 1 to be seen by witnesses.

Christmas Witnesses

Christmas Witnesses

An old joke, one of my favorites, goes like this:  A young preacher was being interviewed to fill a pulpit at Downtown Baptist Church.  After answering dozens of questions concerning his testimony, his Biblical knowledge, his doctrine, and church life, an old timer stood up dramatically and asked him, “young man… do you believe in INFANT BAPTISM????”  The candidate looked the old man straight in the eye and answered, “BELIEVE in it???  I have SEEN IT!”

There is clearly a connection between belief and sight.

We say, “seeing is believing.”  And the old hymn looks forward to the time when “our faith shall be sight.”

One of God’s biggest miracles is the Incarnation.  God Himself, becoming fully human, yet remaining fully Divine.

And like usual, this miracle had witnesses. 

Perhaps not witnesses in the normal sense (the incarnation was not a multi-colored, loudly visible occurrence) we find in God’s Word many witnesses.

From now until Christmas, we will hear them.

One of Ten

Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?  Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 7:17,18 ESV)

One of Ten

Those are not impressive statistics.  Only one healed-leper went back and thanked the healer.  Of course, more than one might have been grateful, but only one came back.  More than one might have been aware of the depth of the gift they had been given, but only one came back.  More than one might have had humble and thankful hearts, but only one came back.

And only one got to have a closer relationship with Jesus.

They all had their worlds turned upside down by Jesus.

But one, afterwards, knew he had spoken to the Son of God.

Respond to the healings of God in your life like the one, instead of the nine, and you will be closer to Jesus, too. Respond to ALL of the gifts of God in your life like the one, instead of the nine, and you will be closer to Jesus, too

Loud

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. (Psalm 95:2,3 ESV)

Loud

The best seat in the house at any wedding is where I often get to be.  The front, watching the faces of the bride and groom as they advance up (or wait at) the center aisle. 

Usually, one brief glance at the faces sends me into gleeful euphoria, because THEY are so loudly rejoicing.  Even if nervous, even if some wedding-jitters  are present, even if they can not see past the next few moments, their faces glow.

Loudly.

It is not a matter of audible volume.  It is a matter of their hearts and hopes, perspectives and peace, excitement and exuberance being SO present that it is SENSible to anyone near them.

The world is rarely that loud. 

We humans grow up to be too cynical, too cautious, too care-filled, too concerned, too closed.

But we redeemed and transformed humans have within us a Spirt-fueled fire.  And it pushes to be displayed, to be on exhibit, to be evident.

We are able to be aware of His grace towards us.  We are able to be aware of His Plan A in our lives.  We are able to see the light through the present darkness.

To be loud.

And the simplest way, turning the world upside down all around us, is in gratitude.

Be loud in our giving of thanks. 

Bad Things

…give thanks in all circumstances. (I Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)

Bad Things

It is easy to be thankful for sunsets, babies, and bacon.  It feels harder to be thankful…. honestly thankful… for things like taxes, stomach aches, and draughts.

But the adjective ALL means all.

Maybe it is helpful to realize what we are saying when we thank God for hard times, circumstances, and situations.

We are not saying that we LIKE the bad thing.

We are not saying that somehow, we are mature enough to understand the depth of God’s providence even in the pain.

We are not saying that our eyesight has changed and we now see that what was bad is no longer bad.

But God’s children, adopted through Christ Jesus… know that God’s love, God’s sovereignty, God’s wisdom, God’s providence, God’s power, God’s goodness, and God’s kindness are all at work.  And therefore, we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

And that enables us to at least say the words of thanks.  To begin to think the words of thanks.  To trust God enough to want to say the words of thanks.

And thus, to be able to give thanks in all circumstances.

Practice

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:4,5 ESV)

Practice

My Father, commenting on my Driver’s Education, uttered, “The most important part of driving is caution.  Practice caution.  Practice, practice, practice… because you need to be cautious every time you drive.”

Similarly, the most important part of a Christian’s life is thanksgiving.  Practice thanksgiving.  Practice, practice, practice… because you will be thankful every moment of eternity.  Do not wait, though… start now!

We enter His gates whenever we enter His kingdom.  While we usually consider this happening in corporate worship, Christians actually are always in His kingdom.  And even more, we will enter His gates when our bodies die, and we are resurrected in His presence. 

Christians enter God’s gates with thanksgiving because we know how richly filled our cups are.  God made us.  God redeems us.  God adopts us.  God loves us.  All through Christ Jesus.  We think we know it now, but when we are THERE… oh, we will know it!  His command to be thankful will be as natural as breathing.

And that ultimate immeasurable goodness and grandness will endure forever!  Through all generations.  Through all eternity.

Get used to thanksgiving. 

Start practicing it now.

Each Other

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.. (Colossians 1:3 ESV)

Each Other

Clearly, Christians pray for each other.  Many keep a list of prayer requests that regard friends, family, churchmates, and other folk.  And this is a good thing.

I expect that our prayers for each other would be more informed if, as often as we pray for each other, we also give thanks for each other.

First, giving thanks for the blessings that God has given them. Sometimes the source of our knowledge is from their own requests.  But even better, sometimes we can see for ourselves the showers of God’s love on their lives.  Sometimes even better than they do themselves.

Second, giving thanks for the gift that God gives us through the other people.  He blesses us through their gifts and abilities.  He blesses us through their encouragement.   He blesses us through their Spirit-brought challenges.  He blesses us through their fellowship.

It is easy to find fault in others.  It is common to be critical of others.  It even is, unfortunately, fun to belittle others.

Let’s turn that practice upside down.  Pray for each other.

Paying Attention

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2 ESV)

Pay Attention

I have no trouble paying attention to a new Star Trek episode, but I struggle to pay attention during Sports news.  I have no trouble paying attention to my grandchildren’s conversation, but I struggle to pay attention to the ramblings of a salesperson.  I have no trouble paying attention to my physician, my banker, or my mechanic, but I struggle to pay attention to a gardener, a tailor, or a hiker.

I expect your comparable lists are different.

But we pay attention to what interests us.

God’s people pay attention to God’s grace.  God’s people pay attention to God’s Word.  God’s people pay attention to God’s love. 

And when we pay attention to those things, gratitude is an easier and more common attitude.

Even praying, at times a dutiful repetitive activity, keeps our attention when we are giving thanks.  When our theme is thanksgiving more than listing lists.   When we remember Who we are speaking to, instead of wandering in our own minds.

Thanksgiving turns our prayers upside down.

Asking

But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:5 ESV)

Asking

A particular fundraising organization calls me every month and asks for money.  Our family gave a Christmas donation to this group around 4 years ago.  Just once.  But every time they call, the friendly and cheerful operator begins by thanking me for my years of generous support of their ministry.

I have not given them more money, yet.

Perhaps because the gratitude is not sincere.  It is exaggerated, inaccurate, and almost automated.  I wonder if this method works well with other donators.

But for me, believing that the organization was honestly grateful might make a difference.

Perhaps that is Paul’s point in our prayers.  Be grateful.  Make our requests known to God, yes… but do so with gratitude.  Ask, yes… but ask with gratitude.  Cry out to the Lord with our needs, yes… but cry out with an awareness of all that He has done, is doing, and will do.  Particularly regarding the life and works of our sacrificial Savior, Christ the Lord.

The world is used to asking with shopping lists, wish lists, and Christmas lists. 

We would turn the world upside down if we asked with Grateful Lists.

It's All Jesus

Upside Down

But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15:57 ESV)

It’s All Jesus

After most football games, players take credit for the victory, or lay blame for defeat.  Whether it is the offenses of the offensive line, the backing of the Quarterback, or the officiating of the officials, we normally see victory claimed or loss blamed on SOMEone.

How unusual when we see someone sincerely give thanks to Christ for any victory.

Whether football, that financial big deal, an excellent work of art, a task accomplished well, or just a generally nice day, giving Jesus the spotlight is not common enough.  Not even among believers.

But when we do so acknowledge Him, it stands out.

It makes us different, because HE is different.

Turn your community upside down by more readily, more accurately, more thankfully giving HIM credit for His mighty works.

Enthusiasm

And then before you know it, and without you having anything to do with it, wasted Lebanon will be transformed into lush gardens, and Mount Carmel reforested. At that time the deaf will hear word-for-word what’s been written. After a lifetime in the dark, the blind will see. The castoffs of society will be laughing and dancing in God, the down-and-outs shouting praise to The Holy of Israel. (Isaiah 29:17-19 The Message)

Enthusiasm

Isaiah was given this message to God’s people in the context of a dark, terrifying, dangerous time.  Isaiah foretold that no one would be laughing or dancing.  They would be barely surviving.

But yet, Isaiah, because He knew God, knew that God would flip that.

And since the later rejoicing was absolutely coming, Isaiah was willing to praise God already.

Everything was going to be better, so act like it, now.

Everything was going to be fantastic, so act like it, now.

Everything was going to be overwhelmingly wonderful… so enthusiastically cheer for God, now.

Enthusiastic confidence in God is confusing to those who do not know them.

Turn the world upside down by focusing on His work, when the world sees only today’s trouble.

Fleas Flee

God shall arise, His enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate Him shall flee before Him! (Psalm 68:1 ESV)

Fleas Flee

There should be an etymological connection between the words “Flea” and “Flee.”

But there is not.

But there is a logical connection.

When faced with danger, fleas flee.  Usually by jumping high and far, or at least attempting to.

Fleas do not attack a dog’s scratching paw.  Fleas flee.

Fleas do not attack a human’s grasping fingertips.  Fleas flee.

Fleas do not attack an insecticide’s drowning spray.  Fleas flee.

And God’s enemies should have the same outlook.

God’s enemies are fleas, but they believe they are Godzilla.

God’s enemies are fleas, but they believe they are geniuses.

God’s enemies are fleas, but they believe they are invincible.

When God’s enemies have encounters with God, they come face to face with the fact that they are fleas.  And that turns their world upside down.

The same thing happened to God’s people.  Our world was turned upside down, too.

And we fled INTO his arms.

That is the power of the gospel.  Jesus transforms His enemies into His people.  But we have to flee towards Him.

In fact, that is the only safe direction to flee.