Seventh Day of Christmas - God became a human being...

A NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE ABOUT
CHRISTMAS ACCORDING TO JOHN!

Listen to John's Gospel: "The Word became a human being and lived here with us. From him all the kindness and all the truth of God have come down to us (John 1:14, Contemporary English Version).

If we want to give this verse a “name” we may call it: “Christmas according to John”.
In John’s version there is no reference to Bethlehem, shepherds, angels, wise men and all the other details that usually make our celebration’s itinerary.
John begins to tell the story of Jesus since the “beginning”. (John1 :1) He tells us that before time and creation, the Son of God existed and that he played an important part in the creation of our world and of our human race. We need to know that he always has had an interest in the details of our “daily reality”.

And then John tells us that the Son of God “lived here with us”.
“Christmas according to John” wants to assure us that in Jesus, God came to experience what its like to live on this earth, to dream and desire, to experience life, to be excited, to be disappointed, to feel pain and human tragedy, weakness and death. Jesus came to be part of everything significant in every person’s life.

The point of this verse, The Word became a human being, is that we are never alone:
In Jesus, God is with us when we are depressed and hurting and sick.
In Jesus, God is with us when we are hit with bad news.
In Jesus, God is with us when we feel guilty and ashamed.
In Jesus, God is with us when we are worried about someone we love.
In Jesus, God is with us when we are so excited about what lies ahead – that it almost scares us to death!
In Jesus, God is with us when we are powerless to face the challenges of a new year – 2010 – that is to dawn on us this weekend!!

We say all of this, because the Bible says that The Word became a human being, in Jesus. He is Immanuel - God with us.

Jesus has become part of our realities. Christmas tells us that God is not detached and disconnected from our world and our experiences. He is with us. He has come to hug us and hold us, even though our mistakes and impurities often make us feel unattractive and unloved.

Jesus was born to show us the heart of God. It is a heart that pulses with love for every one of us. Jesus does not come to us with philosophical descriptions and definitions of love. Or with complex assessments of why we are whom we think we are. Jesus is love and simply came to show us the love of God.

He is the only way to God the Father and eternal life.
Jesus is the only source of inner peace.
In this baby of Bethlehem, born to Mary, we shall see as much of God as we shall ever hope to see in our earthly life. This baby is God in flesh and blood.
Jesus makes a difference to your life.
Christmas invites you to trust Jesus.
Christmas challenges you to take Jesus seriously during every day in 2010 – and beyond the new year.
Jesus wants to refresh your daily existence, even when the dirt amongst which we live, starts to show.

God has a word for you for today and for the year ahead:
God became a human being because he loves you.
Trust God. Accept his love. Understand that he knows what you need.
Ask him what you need, anyway.
Be calm.
God is in control - and is with you. He will bless and keep you!
This was what celebrating Christmas has been about all along!

Sixth Day of Christmas!

Who is Jesus? (Melody “Rock of Ages”)

Who is Jesus, do you say?
Many claim He is Thé Way.
Peter calls Him Christ and Lord.
John says He’s the Son of God.
Paul knows Him as source of grace,
states through Him, we’ll win the race.

Luke says He’s a virgin’s boy.
Mark reveals He’s heaven’s joy!
Gospel names Him: Only One.
God the Father calls Him Son!
Spirit says He’s Saviour, Lord,
Emmanuel, life giving Word!

Jesus Christ, eternal King!
Men and angels for you sing.
All your people love you Lord!
All your Church in one accord,
calls you Jesus and our Friend,
’mighty Christ, until the end!

Christmas is about two saviours and two kings – 5th day of Christmas.

In the very beginning of St. Luke’s Christmas story (Luke 2:1) he tells us about Caesar Augustus. Then in Luke 2: 11 he tells about a baby in a manger, who is a saviour - Christ the Lord!

Why mention Augustus and Jesus in the same passage? Why include Caesar in the story of the birth of Jesus? There are a few reasons. Luke wants to firmly establish that the birth of Jesus was a real historical event that happened at a specific time and place. Without our modern day calendars, it was then the custom to provide a “date” by mentioning the reign of a well known ruler or important event. We have to know that this Christmas story is not one of the many legends and myths that became part of the Christmas tradition. This is the factual first episode of the personal history of a historic Jesus.

And still the question remains, why did Luke choose Caesar Augustus to provide a geopolitical setting for the birth of Christ. It was not done by chance!! Caesar Augustus also claimed the title “saviour of the world” for himself. He demanded that “the whole world” acknowledge him as their king.
The main reason that Caesar and Christ are mentioned together in this version of the Christmas events, is because this Christmas story is one about two saviours and two kings.

Unknown to Augustus, in the year 4 B.C. a rival was born, someone who is until today called Saviour and King.

1. The story of two saviours.
At the time when Jesus was born, the people living within the Roman Empire were for more than 90% - a conquered people! Consider the psyche of conquered people. Anger, confusion, despondency, scepticism, negativity and discouragement would be some of the words to describe the mood within the mighty empire! Not an approach conducive to growth, prosperity, hope and peace! After many years of warfare and turmoil the Roman armies were completely in control – of dispirited people.

It also had implications for their religious beliefs and practices. Conquered peoples did not know what to believe anymore. In those days when a nation lost a war, it meant that their gods had forsaken them and they were not powerful enough to save them from their Roman enemies. The Empire was filled with subjugated people who had no trustworthy gods left to depend on. They were discouraged and confused.

Mighty Augustus planned to change all this. He would provide the security they needed. He would give them a new way of life, a new world order and new gods to worship. He would give them peace, justice and the gods of the Roman empire. Was he not a son of the gods? Did this not qualify him to be the saviour of the world?

Augustus was going to save the world by his stringently executed politics, his excellent administration, his powerful military resources, a booming world economy and by the sophisticated magnificence of the Roman culture and its exciting, fun loving – yet often cruel - gods. An important part of reengineering a new society with a new religion of Caesar worship, was a census to be taken of all the people and nations under his rule.

This man, Caesar, would be a saviour as never seen before! To him an anthem could be sung that said, "Glory to man in the highest."

People today still practice the religion of Caesar Augustus. People today still believe in the greatness of man, his politics, culture, abilities, discoveries and strategies to provide his own salvation.

As in Caesar's day, leaders put their heads together and proclaim new orders and new saviours. Political groupings and mighty nations standing together, the UN trying their very best to stop climate change, world wide plans supported by science to provide food security, new leaders and new programs are to be the salvation of the world. Scientific discovery and achievement will make life meaningful and safe. Technologists propose the might and power of the computer, internet based information and communication solutions as the key to our future happiness. Researchers are looking for the perfect cure. The perfect teaching model will end the painful skills shortage and psychologists will find the key to contentment and happiness and joy!
"Glory to man in the highest" seems to be an appropriate anthem for a world order where man can save himself, create utopia, build a perfect society and bring an end to despair, where the beginning of hope is man himself...

But Luke comes to us with a different message. For hope and salvation, Luke directs us to "a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger" (Luke 2: 12). Luke comes with the Gospel News that is the truth. He comes with God’s news that will result in true, everlasting and complete salvation: "Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you" (vs 11). This Saviour’s name is not Caesar Augustus - "he is Christ the Lord" (vs 11).

And how is this Saviour going to save a disappointed, sceptical, discouraged, irreligious and despondent people?
He would die upon a cross. He would freely give his righteousness to people who failed dismally and are lost.
This Saviour brings hope and salvation through his blood and his Holy Spirit. He is God who comes to earth as a man, dies upon the cross, brings about a kingdom built on victory over death, reconciliation, forgiveness, grace, mercy, righteousness, justice, love and peace, by changing the hearts, the minds and the destiny of all people to whom God gave the gift to follow him.

Caesar’s plan of salvation came to nothing.
But Jesus is a Saviour beyond worth. His plan of salvation makes a difference, because it results in redemption and deliverance. And this is so, because the salvation in Christ depends upon God. It is God who works out our salvation through the blood and Spirit of Christ. Only God can succeed where Caesar fails. Only God can save!

The anthem that we hear on Christmas Eve on the fields of Bethlehem resounds the glory of this Saviour by praising God, who gave his Son – who gave the Saviour. In the heavens, says Luke, there were a multitude of angels singing, "Glory to God in the highest" (vs 14).

The big difference between the two saviours? One gives honour and praise to God and the other relies on weak, silly man who always thought that he could save himself!

2. The two Kings
The Christmas event is a story not only about two saviours, but decisively also about two kings. The name of the one is "Caesar Augustus." This is a title that he took for himself which means "The Exalted One." The other one, Luke says, is Christ, the Lord!

Augustus indeed was one of the greatest men of the world. He commanded thousands of Roman legions, his empire stretched to the furthest corners of the earth. He was a powerful, mighty man. Augustus just had to give one command, and the whole world was on the road to be enrolled and counted. Nobody would dare to even ask why! People observed his every command and his every wish. His birthday was a national holiday for the entire Empire.

But then the Christmas story also is about another king, a little child born in the city of David. He is called "Christ the Lord." His title and the details of his birth in Bethlehem are in the Bible, because he is the Messiah, the Anointed One, the everlasting King.

Could he really be such an important King - God, born as a human king on earth? There is no room for him at Bethlehem’s inn - and he is born in a stable and laid in a manger. The only ones bowing before him are poor, lowly shepherds. His is an invisible kingdom that is not of this world. But he claims to be The King. For him and about his rule, angels bring honour to the One who gave his only Son to be King for the sake of salvation, redemption and joy: "Glory to God in the highest."

After 2000 years, where is Caesar today? He is dead!! His empire has been dismembered. He died, and eventually after many centuries, his empire died as well.
And King Jesus? Jesus is alive! Jesus is victor over all our enemies, even death! Christ reigns for evermore!

What a turn-around this Christmas gospel has!
Christ's birthday, not Caesar's, is a time of celebration for many millions of his followers. Christ's Kingdom, not Caesar's, is growing day-by-day. Christ's rule, not Caesar's, is in effect. Christ sits at the right hand of God and has been given all authority and power. He is the almighty Christ - Saviour and King of heaven and earth.

Man continues to elevate himself to the throne as saviour and ruler of the world. Man still pretends that he is master of his life and controller of his destiny. Man fools himself into thinking that he is in control.
Man loves to play God!
But Christ reigns!

Who is our saviour: Caesar or Jesus? Who is our king: Caesar or Jesus, man or God?
We either believe in "Glory to man" or in "Glory to God."
Believe in Christ! Believe in the life he gives! Believe in the salvation he provides!
Because only through faith in Christ can you share in his righteousness and grace!

Fourth Day of Christmas

ONLY JESUS CAN!

I cannot save myself o God,
- no one can, my Lord!
There is no one, to take away
all my guilt, unrighteousness!
Just Jesus can,
can achieve God’s gospel plan.
Yes, Jesus can,
o holy God,
only Jesus can!

A Saviour pure, I need, o God,
- sinless man and God,
to carry all my punishment,
satisfy your will, your wrath!
Pure Jesus can,
sinless Christ, the Son of man.
Lord Jesus can,
the Son of God,
only Jesus can!

Third Day of Christmas

Jesus acknowledged as King by Gentiles!

If the baby in the manger really was the promised Messiah, the King of the Jews, we could expect the New Testament to describe how the governors, lords and kings of the world bowed before him, and how all people placed their treasures at his feet.
This was what the Magi also thought. We can imagine them hurrying along on their camels, eager to participate in the celebration and excitement they expected to find in Jerusalem.

But when they arrived, they must have been deeply disappointed. They found no dancing in the streets, no national holiday and no excitement. And when the Magi announced that the King of the Jews was born, the people, together with Herod, were not thrilled – they were disturbed. Herod was disturbed because Messiah was a rival to his throne. The ordinary people were disturbed, because they knew what happened when Herod felt threatened by rival claimants to the throne – he murdered and killed and plundered. The priests and leaders were disturbed, because the Messiah's birth threatened their political power and positions. Messiah would demand change! And like most of us, they refused to accept even the thought of change.

But the Magi, in spite of Jerusalem's response to their news, continued their search for the Messiah. They went on their way to Bethlehem to worship him! When they came to the house where Jesus was "they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him" (Matt2:11). Imagine that these proud and independent wise men, bowed before Christ, acknowledging him as Ruler of their lives, and accepting him as Lord and Master. And "then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh" (vs 11). These Magi gave themselves and the best they owned, to Jesus.

In the story of Jesus and the Magi, Matthew is giving a very strong message to his fellow Jews: namely, that Gentiles recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the King of the Jews, whereas Jews did not. Gentiles worshipped Jesus and gave him gifts, but his own people became disturbed at the news of his birth.

The Jews had the Scriptures. They could read about the promised Messiah on every page. Yet, they refused to worship him! The Magi only had a star. They had to go to the Jews for information about the Messiah, yet, they were the faithful worshippers of our Lord.

It is still true that those who own the precious gospel from birth often become unresponsive to its amazing message. Often new Christians are far more excited and enthusiastic about the truth about Jesus, than we who have grown up with it. Ours too is a history of God dealing with us through generations – and we have a Bible, a church, the sacraments, a Christian upbringing and sound teachings about Jesus. Yet, not unlike Herod and the Jews in Jerusalem, we too are so often blind to the treasures of the gospel of grace and salvation. It becomes a burden, a disturbance and even a disappointment to us. We have to be careful that the Gospel treasure never loses its lustre in our eyes.

There is always this two-fold reaction to Jesus: some believe and worship him and others are bored with and even irritated by the excessively known gospel story and its message. It still happens today. And when Jesus returns – some will be disturbed, while others will lovingly and reverently, worship him.

The story of the Magi is a call to us all to come and worship Christ: to be excited about Jesus. The story of the Magi is a call to us all to bow down and worship and adore Jesus, to give him the best of our love and service, because he is the Messiah, the promised Christ, the King of the Jews and for all eternity our King of glory! .
May this Christmastide bring us to a place where we truly worship Christ, the Lord of glory!

Second Day of Christmas!

Our Lord was born on Christmas,
as prophets did foretell.
In David’s blesséd city,
became Emmanuel.
With choirs of holy angels,
we gladly worship Him.
Our Lord was born on Christmas:
Our Saviour and our King!

He brought the light of heaven,
to guide us on our way.
For love of lowly sinners,
He came to serve, to pay.
God so much loved the world, that
He gave his only Son -
our Lord being born on Christmas:
eternal life was won!

Our Lord was born on Christmas;
his people waited long.
So shepherds shouted “Glory!”
after the angels’ song!
As we are waiting ages,
for God’s new glorious reign,
may we be found elated,
when Jesus comes again!!

Christmas

Jesus Christ was born for me,
on that happy morning!
He has come to set me free,
set my spirit soaring!
Brightly shone the angels’ light,
singing, giving honour.
May His birth bring me delight:
Christ became my brother!

Virgin Mary was so glad,
God had shown her mercy!
It’s the Son of God she had,
born in splendid glory!
She in faith accepts the word,
God’s own proclamation:
“I’m the maiden of the Lord,
serving incarnation!”

Let now all who love the Lord,
gladly bring Him honour.
In our lives, is born the Word,
by His Spirit’s favour!
Jesus Christ remains the same,
as today, for ever!
‘Cause He one of us became,
He’ll forsake us never!

Advent excites us about going to heaven!

Most people have only a blurred idea of what living in heaven and on a new earth will be like.
But what is the future then for those who are followers of Jesus?

The Bible says that God will one day restore his perfect rule over the universe through his Son, Jesus (Eph 1:10). Every form of evil, corruption and tyranny will be destroyed. Sickness and death will be no more. There will be no more disappointment or frustration or pain. Everything that stands against God’s purposes will be completely destroyed.

Instead, people will enjoy the fruit of their labour. “They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit” (Isa 65:21). They will enjoy a world of perfect peace, righteousness and justice. We will enjoy perfect relationships and real community. What will guarantee this future, is that God will live with his people and be with them forever.

For the Christian, heaven will be the home towards which we look forward. It will be our promised land, the place of rest and abundance. It will be a wedding feast. It will be the security, companionship and riches of a great and perfect city.

What the Bible presents is only a glimmer of what that future glory will be like (1Cor 13:12, Rom 8:18). But God’s word calls us to always set our hope on that day when Jesus returns (1Pet 2:13, Col 3:4). We are called to think often about this future hope like travellers, like pilgrims and pioneers, looking forward to the day when we will finally be at home with the Lord (2Cor 5:7).

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the King of this coming kingdom, to bring everlasting peace and to reign over God’s glorious dominion with us, his bride, for ever! Let’s then celebrate his birthday with due gladness and reverence on Friday. Let’s not allow anything or anyone preference to the One whose birthday it is!

Go to church on Christmas Day! Take the family and all your guests and sing with the angels:
Luke 2: 14 - "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests."

(Why don’t you take some time this week to meditate on some of the Biblical pictures of heaven in the following passages: Isaiah 65:17-25, Revelation 7:14-17; 21:1-22:5?)

Advent and reconciliation!

Today, 16 December, is the Day of Reconciliation in South Africa.

One could say it is a civilian and national holiday, meaning that it is not a “church holy day” such as Christmas, universally celebrated within Christianity.
Yet, it fits well within the spirit of the season! An encounter with the Newborn King - and a people who awaits the second coming of Christ, should take seriously the challenge to make a difference to national civilian reconciliation.

This rainbow nation is characterised by diversity and by disproportion.
Political history shows that we most of the time struggle to maintain a non-racial, fair, just and free society. Anger about injustice, cultural and personal pride hurt by favouritism and keeping a record of wrongs show that only a God-given miracle and true regeneration of the very soul of people and of the nation will be able to bring about lasting peace and a fair society in which the children of the beloved country will remain safe and in high spirits!

All should PRAY on Reconciliation day - that God will take self seeking anger away amongst us and grant our nation a spirituality characterised by patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness and love that delights in truth!
Pray that we will be a nation that are not angry - and can therefore work together to eliminate the vast imbalances between rich and poor, powerful and powerless, honest and corrupt, skilled and unskilled, and content and angry.

Are you an angry person?

One can describe a generally angry person as someone who often shows frustration about people and situations, is constantly upset and irritated by trivialities and cannot control body language, tone of voice and words of criticism that are hurtful to others who merely intuitively act out their personal views, values, choices and preferences.

We all know what Paul says godly love is: In 1 Cor 13 he amongst other things say that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (Vs 4 – 7)

Love is not easily angered! Spirit filled children of God, desiring sanctification, fight the tendency to be easily angered. Because being self-seeking and keeping record of wrongs are the opposites of Christ like behaviour!

Proverbs 13: 10 says that “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
This means that only fools are easily angered because others hold different opinions than they do! And it also means that when we are uncomfortably touchy and upset, it most probably is the result of unholy pride!

Anger may be holy when the honour of God and Jesus and the Kingdom of God are injured and when the witness of the church is harmed!
Unholy anger would be an emotion I experience when my pride and my position of power and control is endangered! Unrighteous anger is what happens when a proud sinner lacks self-control.

Anger is an emotion. And some say emotions are neither good nor bad – it just is. Yet, it is clear that the Bible teaches us that a lack of self control is a sin! Paul says in Ephesians 4: 26: ‘In your anger do not sin’. When we lose control, we sin against God and man. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is amongst others, self-control. (Gal 5: 22-23

James summarises this very well in James 1: 19 - 21.
He says: “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
The opposite of sinful pride that is easily angered, is a humble acceptance of the Word planted in us!

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. For man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Humility kills pride. But pride kills the Word planted in us!

May God’s love keep us pure.

Advent is also about a woman and a dragon!

Revelation 12 introduces us to two characters: a woman and a dragon.
John says to us: "A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven’: a woman ..." Who is this woman? Listen to her description. "Clothed with the sun" – she is glorious. "With the moon under her feet" – this implies dominion and rule. "A crown of twelve stars on her head" – twelve is John's expression for the people of God.

What else are we told about the woman? "She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth" (vs 3). "She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron sceptre" (vs 5). The "iron sceptre" image comes from Psalm 2. There, the One who rules the nations is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. So, the child to be born is the Messiah.

She and her male-Child is threatened by the devil and fled into the desert where she was protected by God.

Who is this woman? Who else fled into the desert, to a place prepared for her by God? Israel. Remember the twelve stars in her crown? Twelve, John's number for the people of God. How does the Old Testament describe the faithful people of God? As a woman in labour (Is 54:1-5; 66:7-8). It is obvious. The woman is Mother Israel; we are talking about the seed of the woman from whom the Messiah comes; the woman is the church of God, elect and glorious. This woman, this mother, is gloriously clothed with the sun, moon, and stars. We must always exalt the church – in our love, our talk and our thoughts.



(Rev 12:4) The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born.
Do you see what the Devil is doing? The Devil is trying to stop the Messiah's coming. Does he succeed? Of course not! The dragon's dangerous plot is blocked with instant haste. Listen to how John puts this:
(Rev 12:5) She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron sceptre. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne.
The life, suffering, and exaltation of Christ are summarized in this one verse: born, snatched up to God and shares his throne.

The dragon was there waiting for the baby to be born, like a lion waiting to leap on its prey. But before it could act, Christ saved his people and was glorified with divine power in heaven. The dragon looks so powerful and frightening, but he is pathetic and helpless. He can do nothing to the Child. Satan has no power over the Messiah.

Once the Messiah was born, Satan tried to stop his work:
-Who can forget wicked King Herod and all the slaughtered baby boys of Bethlehem? But baby Jesus was kept safe from Satan's attack.
-When Jesus started his ministry, he came to Jesus in the wilderness and tempted Jesus to gain a Kingdom without the cross.
-Satan came to Jesus in the darkness and loneliness of Gethsemane and his goal was to stop the Messiah's work.

Evil was at work throughout the history of salvation. There is hostility between the seed of the woman (Jesus) and the evil one. Again and again Satan tries to stop God’s salvation plan through Israel’s Christ – our Saviour.
Again and again, Satan tries to prevent the Messiah's work.
Again and again and again, Satan is blocked.

Today the woman – the Church of Jesus, is still under attack.
The Christ is in authority in heaven under the protection of the glorious power of God’s very throne. Yet we experience the brunt of evil's frustration and of his hatred.
And again he will be stopped.
Everyday Jesus remains victorious. And on his day of return his iron sceptre will shatter his enemies like pottery.
Again and again the enemy will attack!
And again and again the enemy will fail!
Again and again the enemies of the church and of our Lord will be judged and purged.

Rev 12 : 10 11:
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony.

Poetic Advent

Christmas light -
"Isaiah 9. "

Those who walked in clouded darkness,
they have seen a wondrous light.
Those who owned death’s gloomy likeness,
were awakened from their plight.
God enlarged his nation’s power,
he increased their heartfelt joy!
As through holy angels’ worship,
God’s light is through us deployed.

People walked in hazy darkness,
then they saw a marvellous light.
Prince of Peace, it is your likeness
shining in our world, so bright.
Wonderful and glorious Counsellor,
mighty God, yes you alone,
reign forever, gracious Father,
King on David’s heavenly throne.

Christ, the source of inmost pleasure,
King of heaven – King on earth!
Jesus, Lord and godly treasure,
we too worship at your birth.
Shepherds shared the Christmas story
with God’s angels in that night.
And, like Mary’s silent worship,
we pray mutely by your light!

Advent leads to celebrating a real Christmas!!

A Real Christmas!

And when they (the shepherds) had seen this, they made known the statement, which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things, which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. (Luke 2:17-20)

They made known the statement, which had been told them about this Child. (Luke 2:17)
The shepherds received from God an amazing spiritual experience. It was not something which they took lightly. They knew the significance of what they had seen. All Jewish children had been taught something concerning the Messiah. It was virtually impossible to grow up in a Jewish home and be ignorant of the awaited Messiah.
These shepherds understood that they had witnessed a glorious, divine event.

There is a lot of lip service paid to Christ at Christmas. As the time for the holiday approaches, people from all walks of life begin to gear up by having Christmas parties, singing Christmas carols, and celebrating in the name of Christmas. Entertainers, who would not be caught breathing the name of Christ most of the year – except when swearing - proudly sing his birthday songs on prime time TV. After the holiday is over, however, they act as if it never happened.
This is not the spirit exhibited by the shepherds after they had seen the Child. They made known what they have learned about him!

What makes the difference? The difference in someone who only sings about Christ at Christmas and someone who proclaims him and lives for Christ all year round, is whether or not that person has experienced a true life-changing encounter with Jesus.
It escapes some. Others should proclaim it.
It is an encounter with Jesus that moves us to proclaim Christ the whole year round.

And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen ... (Luke 2:20)
Another characteristic that the shepherds displayed, was an attitude of praise and worship. After their encounter with Jesus, - a real Christmas - and after they had told everyone who would listen to them, the shepherds went back to their flocks and every day lives - glorifying and praising God.

Before this encounter, who knows what problems and circumstances they were facing. Now they had a reason to be grateful. Now they had a reason to worship. Now they could begin glorifying and praising God, because a change had taken place in their lives.

This happens when Christmas is a real experience, and not an artificial, seasonal holiday high. When we celebrate a real Christmas, like the shepherds, our relationship with the King who was born is deepened, and he now is our Saviour and Lord.
A real Christmas is one that changes us into worshipping, praising, serving children of God!
A real Christmas is one where the eternal Word is born in our hearts by the Spirit and through him we receive eternal life!
If you received this real life experience from God, in Jesus, would you not have longed to sing his songs, pray his prayers and serve his majesty?

Advent: Its not about entertainment!

Will Christmas make a lasting difference to your life this year?
Yesterday marked the second Sunday of Advent, a celebration of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
The season has only begun, and already many have started worshipping their man-made messiahs — all the various forms of consumerism that make entertainment the central truth of Christmas.

Carl Trueman in his book “The Wages of Spin” explains why people are so caught up in entertainment that it becomes an idol.
He writes: Distraction is the production of entertainment for the purpose of taking one’s mind off the deeper realities of life.

People create their own “messiahs” to distract themselves from the real questions that the Season challenges us with.
And the ultimate questions are about why do we live! and what happens when I die. But denial makes life so much easier. It is easier to numb ourselves with self-indulgence and idol-worship, than asking the life changing questions that Jesus came to ask.

The messiahs whom we want, are the ones who will save us from deep thought. We prefer saviours that help us avoid life changing choices. Therefore, if I think my real problem is boredom, then someone please just buy me a toy to stop the pain;
but if my problem is sin, death, and the wrath of God against my sin, then I am going to need something (Someone!) that money cannot buy.

The Advent season is not really about entertainment. Mat 1:21 states that the Child-king came to rescue from sin and death. The Gentile Magi or Wise Men came from the East to Israel to pay homage to the newborn King. They offered royal gifts to the Child. They spent their time and their money on the Child. What an exceptional act of worship and praise!

The Infant-king deserves our adoration, but he deserves it in a way that is backed by real investment in his Kingdom and real worship time.

Lets stop being self centred during this Advent and Christmas seasons - and bow down before the only King that matters, reflecting deeply on our faith in Jesus and how to follow and honour him.

Lets bring homage to the Child-king - who is no child anymore, but the almighty Christ, the eternal King that reigns in heaven, on earth and in our lives today.

Advent: Sing with the angels!

Music and singing became part of celebrating the birth of Christ since the very beginning.

We read in Luke 2: 8 – 15: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them… The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests."

The angels, who do not need salvation, sang a song of praise to the Lord because the Saviour was born. How much more should we who need salvation sing a song of praise to our Lord? We should be singing "Glory to God," because we are redeemed!

"Glory to God in the highest.", the angels sang.
The newly born King had taken off his divine, heavenly royal robes. He put his glory aside and came to us - not to be served but to serve (Phil 2:6-8; Mt 20:28). Glory to our God in heaven who gave the gift of his Son!

In the book of Revelation given to John on the island of Patmos, he saw angels singing the same song before the throne of God. "Then I looked," says John, "and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne... In a loud voice they sang:
Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise ... Amen! (See Revelation 5:11,12; 7:12)

"Glory to God," sang the angels for the shepherds. "Glory to God," sing the angels around the throne since Jesus ascended to heaven.

We ought to learn from these angelic choirs.
God's first commandment for our lives is, "You shall have no other gods before me." In other words, "Glory to God in the highest."
And, the first thing Jesus taught us to pray is, "Hallowed be Thy name." In other words, "Glory to God in the highest."

All believers have to relearn the angels' song. On our lips today and everyday ought to be the words of the angels: "Glory to God in the highest." Because Christ came to make us a people for our God.

May our songs of praise glorify him, God our Father, and Jesus his Son, who is worthy of praise during this season of Advent, and always!

Advent Wreath

The symbolism of the Advent wreath is beautiful.
The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. It signifies victory over persecution and suffering. The prickly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns.
Any pine cones or seeds symbolize life and resurrection.

The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. All together, the wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of the soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ, the eternal Word of the Father, who entered our world becoming true man and who was victorious over sin and death through His own passion, death, and resurrection.

The four Advent candles represent the four Sundays of Advent, before Christmas. They are named the candles of hope, of peace, of joy and of love. The progressive lighting of the candles every Advent Sunday symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s first coming into the world as a babe, and the anticipation of his second coming to judge the living and the dead. The light of the candles signifies Christ, the Light of the world.

In family practice, the Advent wreath is most appropriately lit at lunch or dinner time after the blessing of the food on Advent Sundays and serves as an exciting tool to educate children about Advent, Christmas and the Kingdom of our wonderful Saviour who was born more than 2000 years ago.