New Year: What God expects from you in 2013!

Don’t wish to be someone else!   To wish to handle a ball like a Protea or a Springbok, or make a speech in the way a professional does, or play the organ and piano as well as Riaan (our organist / pianist) does, makes no sense – except if one of these things is your God-given talent.

Perhaps you feel you received the short end of the stick when it comes to gifts, talents and making a difference? If you feel like this here at the beginning of a new year,  take heart - God has good news for you.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:18: “But in fact, God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be”. 

The Corinthian church was made up of a great variety of people.   God also gave each of the Christians in this church a whole range of special gifts – Spiritual gifts. The purpose of the gifts was to help others in the church develop to full maturity in Christ and more importantly, to grow God’s work in the congregation to its full potential. But instead of using the various gifts as God intended them to be used, many of the Corinthians argued about whose Spiritual gift was the most important and which gift gave the person who received it, the highest status in the congregation.

Yet, they forgot that God gave each church member in Corinth exactly what he wanted them to have. Some failed to use the gift given to them by the Spirit, yet they were envious of the role someone else played in God's work at church.

It still happens today. We seem to forget that if God called and equipped us to serve him in a certain way, capacity, or office, that task is the most important one that we can ever do! If we strive for someone else’s role, responsibility and task in the congregation, while neglecting the calling God gave us to do, we will fail twice – firstly in our own calling - and secondly in the calling we are not called to do and therefore cannot expect the Lord’s blessing on, or wait for the gifts of the Spirit to be able to do it.

Believe this:  God has gifted you in a very specific way. And this is the only way in which you can have true joy in the Lord’s work.  You need to allow God to get from you what he had placed in you and also desire and pray for his amazing blessings on what he has given you to do.  God expects you to do what he has given you to be able to do, and for which purpose he has given you the Spiritual gifts, in order to be blessed in that role and with that project.

The Lord has tailor made a role for you in his work. It is his choice for you, and God's choices are always the perfect choices. Do not fail twice by desiring someone else's gifts and role, but rather take pleasure in your own, fulfil your commission and serve the Master in the way and for the purpose he has called you.

The Word’s promise is that your work for the Lord will be blessed and you will be fulfilled as you live and work according to his divine will.  

Pray that in 2013 the Father will help you to recognize the gifts, calling and projects he intends for you.  Ask the Lord to take away the desires that are not his will for you to do, in the New Year.  And let’s all pray for the gift of diligence when serving in his Kingdom.  Let’s ask for the gift of faithfulness! 

Reflections on Christmas 2012. Planning a Real Christmas?

Reflections on Christmas 2012.

Planning 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 a remarkable Christmas experience from God.  And they did not take it light-heartedly. They knew that what they saw, heard and experienced, was really very important.

All the Jews had in those days been taught at least something about the coming Messiah. There was urgency in their expecting his coming. They understood the significance of God’s intervention by the long awaited Messiah.  

So the shepherds knew that they witnessed a glorious, divine event of great importance.

There is a lot of lip service paid to Christ during the Festive Season.  As the time for the holidays approaches, most people begin to have Christmas parties, celebrating in the name of Christmas and even sing Christmas carols. Celebrities who would usually never say the Name of Christ – except when swearing - enthusiastically sing his birthday songs on prime time TV. And after the Season is over, continue to act as if nothing significant happened.  

This is not the way that the shepherds acted after they experienced the heavenly Christmas service and went to see the Child. “They made known the statement, which had been told them about the Child.”

What makes the difference between someone who only sings about Christ at Christmas and someone who proclaims him and lives for Jesus Christ all year round?  

The significance of Christmas escapes some.

Others cannot wait to proclaim it.

It is a true and life changing encounter with Jesus that moves us to proclaim Christ the whole year round. Having a relationship with Christ certainly makes the difference. 

And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen ... (Luke 2:20)

Their attitude towards praise and worship changed as well. After their encounter with Jesus, - in other words after enjoying a real Christmas  - and after they had told everyone who would listen to them, the shepherds went back to their flocks and everyday lives – but now they were glorifying and praising God all the time.

This happens when Christmas is a real experience, and not an artificial, seasonal high that is part of enjoying holidays that just happen to be part of the community life I live in.

When we celebrate a real Christmas, like the shepherds did, it will deepen our relationship with the King who was born! For, if we meet him, and know him, he becomes our Saviour and Lord.  

A real Christmas changes us into testifying, worshipping, praising and serving children of our God!

If you this Christmas receive this real life experience from God like the shepherds did 2000 years ago, will you not sing his songs, pray his prayers and serve the majesty of Jesus every day of your life? 

Fourth Advent and the candle of Love

Fourth Advent:   Lighting the Candle of Love: 

By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we prepared ourselves to celebrate the birth of Jesus. So far we have lit three candles: the candles of hope, peace and joy.   We spread the Light of the world, Jesus Christ, by sharing his hope, peace and joy through our testimony and the examples of our lives.

Ultimately we spread God’s light, by sharing God’s love. 

God shared his love for us, and for all of his creation, by “sharing” his Son with us.  Giving his Son to become one of us, to be born for us, teach us and guide us, to die for us and conquer for us, is God’s amazing love declaration to an entire human race in dire need of the light of the Lord.

Luke 1: 31 - 33: “The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

God so much loved the world that he gave his only Son...

“The Son of the most High” demonstrated sacrificial love during his ministry on earth, showing us the loving character of his kingdom that will never end.  Advent is a season that reminds us to do what Jesus is coming to do, as we remember what he did when he ministered on earth. We are reminded to be kind, selfless and sharing.  It is a time to practice how to love as God loved us, by giving us his most precious gift, his only Son. As God is love, let us be love also.

The Gospel according to John says:

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  – John 13:34-35

The Apostle Paul teaches:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love never fails."  - I Corinthians 13: 4,8.

As we light the last candle, we express our need, even our desperate want, for God to love us, in spite of whom we are and what we became.  The Child of hope, peace and joy is to us the confirmation of the divine love of God.  Our God loved us even when we were his enemies, when we were rebellious sinners and while we still were determined to undermine his never ending Kingdom.

It is his love and his mercy that brought us into the fold and made us family, sons and daughters, of the Most High, too.  It is the love that reconciled us with God, in Christ Jesus, our Redeemer.

Prayer:

Dear God, as we light this candle of love, we look with hope to the coming of your Son into our hearts, our lives, our Church and our nation.  O son of David, son of Mary, we receive you as the only Son of God, Most High.  We welcome you with joyful hearts filled with hope. We welcome you with hearts that are at peace with you!

Come, Lord Jesus, and make us whole again - through your divine love and mercy.

Come to us now!

Come to us in love and have mercy upon us!   Amen!  

The Reason for our Advent Joy is the certain victory of the Church.

(Rev 12:12) Therefore rejoice you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short."

Did Satan quit after Jesus was given all authority in heaven and on earth? Does he ever give up? Does he surrender? Listen to what John says:

Joy in heaven – Jesus has come and the accuser is thrown out of heaven.

Woe on earth – the devil has come to us.   

Satan cannot attack Jesus anymore. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, he no longer has a job as accuser. So what does he do? He attacks the church on earth instead. 

In this light, consider what the Revelation says to us in verses 6 & 13:

(Rev 12:6,13) The woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of.....  When the devil saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male Child.

The woman, the church of the Lord, remains under attack.  The Church is under attack, but God protects her. The Church is under attack since the ascension until the return of Jesus, but God protects her always.   

This is why we look forward to the return of Christ.  To finally end the attack. To finally set us and all of his creation free from any oppression by evil.   Let’s take courage.  The reason for Satan’s fury is that he knows his time is short.  And he knows he was defeated by the Child - both in Bethlehem and on Calvary and in heaven!  "He is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short" (Rev 12:12). 

And we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus! Because God protects us and cares for us.

This is the reason for our Joy! We are safe in the hands of our Lord.

We celebrate the birth of the Child as people who were set free - as people who look forward to the wedding feast of the Messiah!  We celebrate with gladness as victors in Christ should do! 

We are under the protection of the Child - now and always!

Third Advent Sunday and the candle of joy!

Third Advent: light the pink candle of joy!

The Christmas angels sang a joyful message!

Luke 2:7-15: “…and Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger...  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord....  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.”

There are 4 Advent candles.  Three are either deep purple, or royal blue, which are the colours of monarchs.  We expect a King! We contemplate the Advent of Christ the King and deep purple or royal blue reminds us of a King that was born, a King that reigns to our benefit and for our salvation and a King that will return in glory.

His Kingdom is founded on the hope, peace and love made possible by the birth, teaching, life, sacrifice and victory of Christ Jesus.

The King has come; the King is coming! “The Spirit and the bride say: Come!”

This, as the angels told the shepherds, is good news of great joy.

Joy is the predominant emotion of the Season. Joy fills our hearts and lives as a result of the hope, peace and love that Christ gives us as the Light of the world. We are so happy, because darkness fled before the Light, even Jesus our Saviour. The prominent third, pink Advent candle testifies to this.

We share his light with the world through the joy we express during our festivities, because in the City of David a Saviour was born to us!

We bring light to a cold, despondent, warring and selfish world by sharing the hope, peace and love of our Lord.  This we do, as the angels did, with great joy and lots of cheerfulness.

Since earliest times pink represents the joy of Christ! 

Even during Lent, one of the seven Lenten candles was pink since the days of the ancient church.  Because, although we are saddened by the severe suffering of our Lord, the liberty his suffering brought us, is our deepest source of bliss, optimism and joy!  Right in the middle of Lent, the pink candle reminded a repenting, lamenting church that victory and resurrection would soon be celebrated.

So, even when we during Advent stand amazed by the fact that God became a man, born of a woman, to become our conquering King, and even though it asked of him to temporarily lay down his divine glory to become a mere man, for our salvation, and even though we may grieve over the fact that our sins brought this  humiliation upon our Lord, the overwhelming experience of deliverance, salvation and redemption by God who was born a Child, is pure joy.  The gratefulness, thanksgiving and relief we experience, make us truly happy.

‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men and women on whom his favour rests.’ the angels sang.

Glory to God in highest, for the peace of God is good news of great joy.

Christ conquered our sin, our death and our judgment and gave us peace. 

We receive God’s firm hope and divine love, in Jesus.

Joy to the world, the Saviour reigns!  Let, earth receive her King!

The Advent of Christ brings us meaningful living – and celebration.

More than ever before do we mortals ask about a meaningful life.

If you watch the TV and surf the internet it seems that many try to find meaning in living a healthy life style, being successful in careers and financial prosperity, in economic and social security and earning the respect of the world.

So instead of celebrating Jesus during Advent and Christmas, we may end up celebrating what do not bring true joy and are not significant.

All the above and other fine things are God’s blessings.  We are and must be grateful if we possess them. The majority of the world’s population does not have these privileges.   But it has always been a temptation – and will always be – to love the gifts more than the Giver and treasure the blessings more that the God who blesses us!   When the blessings become the priority in such a way that it makes us forget the God who saves and helps, God’s purpose with his gifts and even with our lives, are lost.   

The Lord Jesus warned against this when he said:  “What, then, will anyone gain by winning the whole world and losing his life?” (Matthew 16:26)

Our bodies remain mortal, and our earthly treasure temporary.  Materialism cannot help us find the meaning of why we were given the gift of life, why we were born - and especially why we were born again. 

With divine love and compassion God gave his Son (John 3:16). The purpose of God’s action was that “whosoever believes in him would not perish, but have eternal life.”    Christ gives us the ability to strive for more and to receive the best:   To become - and live like - children of God, daily spreading the light of Christ in a world caught by and incarcerated in darkness, looking forward to eternal life and sharing the glory of Christ for all eternity. 

Being excited about this destiny change our lives, our priorities, our dreams and visions, our values, our principles and our life style.  During Advent, lets focus on what Jesus came to give us and accomplish for us.   He came to share our humanity, in order to give meaning to being human, alive and called to be interceding servants in the Father’s eternal kingdom.  

Thus we will find and experience what truly and sustainably and eternally makes us blessed!

(Matthew 5:3-12 The Message):

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One dearest to you.

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit Me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Peace comes only from the Lion, who is a Lamb! (Second Advent)

In chapter 5 of Revelation we see that the apostle John wept for his brothers and sisters in the faith. John wept for real people he knew who lost their jobs and homes and businesses for the sake of the Gospel. John wept for real people he knew who were in prison for the sake of the Gospel. John wept for real people he knew who were martyred for the Gospel. John wept for the small, struggling churches who did not compromise when it came to their faith in God and his Christ. John wept because all their faith and labour would count for nothing if God’s eternal plan of grace, is not accomplished.  

But John is given a command. "Do not weep." "Stop your crying and lamentation."

(Rev 5:5) "See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed."

Someone is worthy.  He is of the human race. He is of David’s seed and he is worthy and able to bring God's eternal purposes to pass.   

This worthy One is called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah." This is an image of strength and majesty. Like this king of beasts, Judah produced a King to whom all nations will bow in obedience  

The Lion “has triumphed."  He has conquered.  He has won the victory.  

And then John saw that the Lion is a Lamb.

The Lamb has triumphed and therefore is a Lion. The details of how he has triumphed are noted.  The Lamb was looking “as if it had been slain" (Rev 5:6). The Lamb bears the wounds and marks of slaughter. John saw a Lamb that was slain for the sins of the people on the Great Day of Atonement. John is talking about the cross of Christ.  

The Lion is a Lamb.   He triumphed by going the way of the cross and the grave, by ascending into heaven, by sending his Spirit.  

God's plan for the universe, written on God’s unique scroll, which is God’s complete plan of salvation, will be revealed and most certainly be set into motion. God's plan to judge, to save and to restore divine peace, will become a reality.     

When the Lion who is a Lamb took the scroll, the four living creatures around the throne of God, and the 24 elders fell down before him and sang a new song. This was followed by the voice of thousands upon ten thousand angels. They also sang.  They worshipped Jesus.

We too should sing a new song, to the Lamb who is a Lion.

To Jesus who is Peacemaker, eternal Lord. Saviour for ever!

He is worthy to grant us the peace of God! 

Yes, Jesus can!

Second Advent and the candle of peace

Second Advent and the candle of peace.

When we meet on the second Sunday of Advent and light the candle of peace, we pray that as peacemakers, we will prepare the way for the Lord Jesus and his gospel to spread his light through our unity and love for each other as his followers.

Not for our own sake, or even in the first place for the sake of the Church, but because the whole human race desperately needs the peace of God.

With hearts awakened by this Season in order to see how Christ is the only answer for the conflict, war, envy and hatred that even kill people and at least destroy their joy, may God grant us the zeal of a John the Baptist, who gave his life to call everyone to repentance in order to be able to receive the Prince of Peace and to prepare his way to the hearts and minds of both individuals and communities devastated by disagreement, and even conflict.    

Peace with God in Christ brings peace within the congregation of the Lord’s people. And as we set an example to those who suffer as a result of fighting, disunity and pride that divides, hurts and destroys, our example as peacemakers will prepare the way for Jesus to reach others with his divine peace - the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

Let’s pray for purified minds that care about what God cares about – reconciliation, friendship, mercy, humility, respect, empathy and sacrificial love as the remedy for the pain caused by rifts, schisms and hostilities.

And with minds cleansed from anger and hatred we will become instruments of peace, that Christ may reign as Prince of peace among us, to the glory of God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.

Prayer:  Loving God, while we wait for Christ’s return and for your peace to prevail, enable each of us to work for harmony and serenity as we experience the various conflicts which abound in our lives and in our world.  As we worship you today, may your peace be born into our lives.

This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Other prayer points –

that the 16 days of activism against violence against women and children will bear much fruit and save many lives;

that as important leaders are being elected, the process will be honest, fair and serene;

for the end of violence amid the protest of workers who act for a better dispensation for themselves and their families;

for the eradication of poverty that causes anger, and even hatred and disillusionment.

for the healing of broken marriages, homes and families;

for the unity of all Christ’s followers

and for holy love to be visible within local churches and denominations.

Inspiring message of the Advent Candles

Christ is the light for all humanity – and therefore also for you!

The lighting of the Advent candles became a trademark of Advent for many.

Advent worship and fellowship for millions of Christians are associated with the four candles lit on the four Sundays before Christmas.

There is nothing wrong with that.

We expect the coming of the light of God into our homes, our churches and most importantly, into our lives and innermost needs, desires, prayers and devotions during this Season.

We expect and pray that darkness will flee from us as Christ Jesus enters our lives, our worship and our world in a very special way during Advent and Christmas!

Jesus called himself the light of the world!

The purpose of a light is to drive darkness away.  And we badly battle with darkness every day.

We battle with the darkness of hopelessness and despondency, because when we make the calculations, our world is deeply troubled and is becoming a dangerous place to live in.

We battle with the darkness of conflict, war and even stressful competition that leads to anger, envy, jealousy, resentment and eventually hate.

We battle with the darkness of depression and a simple lack of cheer and happiness.  Our responsibilities and our concerns rob us of the enjoyment of life, and even of enjoying Christ, God’s remarkable Christmas gift to his people.

We battle with the darkness caused by loneliness, broken relationships, broken families, broken churches and communities and we experience an emotional deficiency as a result of a lack of respect, friendship, help and most of all love!

We need a Season where we light candles. A Season when we are made aware of the need to drive the darkness away. When we bring the light of Christ to a sad, frightened and lonely world.

Particularly because we know that God’s light has dawned. That Jesus came as the light of the world. That Jesus was born to overcome darkness, hopelessness, conflict and loneliness. That he is Emmanuel – God with us.

So we light the Advent candles with enthusiasm. Because we pray that Christ will be revealed during this Season as the Sun of righteousness, as Redeemer who sets us free and as conqueror who defeats our enemies.

Christ is the light for the whole human race. His light shines from Bethlehem, through the ages, in the worship and testimony of his followers.  His light shines through the faith,  love and ministry of his Church.

Therefore, light the candle of hope, that the world may know that Jesus Christ is our hope and our future, and the remedy for despondency.

Light the candle of peace, for Jesus said that the peacemakers will be blessed. Let the light of the unity and peace amongst God’s people bring hope to a world petrified by warmongers we encounter every day.

Light the candle of joy!  Enjoy the Season with lots of cheer and happiness, because you know the Reason for the season. Because you stand in awe before the Light of the world.

Light the candle of love!  Love one another, even as Christ loves us.  Drive the dark loneliness and self doubt of this world away and affirm God’s love for everyone.  Cheer up the world through loving the world!

Christ is the light for the whole human race.  Pray that Christ may reveal himself to us.  He is the Light of the world that was born in Bethlehem. And we, his Church, should reflect the brilliance of his light to make Advent and Christmas truly meaningful.

First Advent and the candle of Hope!

First Advent Sunday: Lighting the candle of hope.

Revelation 1: 16 "His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance (Rev 1:16).   In fellowship with the church, John sees the "Son of Man" who is an "unapproachable light" (1 Tim 6:16). He is so brilliant, so awesome, so glorious, it hurts the eyes to be in his very presence. 

Our response to this portrait of Jesus can only be like John's response: "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead" (Rev 1:17).

He is the Jesus whose birth we will celebrate on Christmas Day.

It is this awesome King who was born of Mary, who became one of us to save us from our sins and grant us eternal life.  It is this awesome King that gives us hope in every situation!

This is the reason why the angels sang, the shepherds worshiped and the wise men served him with the royal gifts and honour!

Because he is Israel’s great and glorious Messiah, our Lord and Saviour!

We too should fall at it is feet in worship! Christmas proclaims: The King was born! The King conquers!  The King is coming!

He is the mighty King whom we await during the Advent season. 
On the First Advent Sunday we light the candle of Hope, for he alone is our hope and our salvation!

He who overcomes our suffering, who makes us one with him in his Kingdom and who grants us perseverance until he returns to share his heavenly glory with us forever, is  coming! We await his coming during the Advent Season!

Therefore:

Do not be afraid:   The King that was born is called Jesus:  The LORD saves!

Do not be afraid:  The King that was born reigns forever.

Do not be afraid:  The King is coming!  

A South African Christmas Carol!

Welcome o silent night, so peaceful,

under the Southern Cross,

sweet memories of days gone by,

from starry skies are tossed.

Christmas comes! Christmas comes!

Glory be to God!

Grant us a sunny Summer Christmas,

in our dear land, o Lord!

Gently the Christmas bells are ringing

in ancient sound and style.

Even the night in quiet silence

ponders the birth awhile.

Christmas comes! Christmas comes!

Glory be to God!

Grant us a sunny Summer Christmas,

in our dear land, o Lord!

Feel on this day God’s warm affection,

treasure this great event.

God gave his Son to us, his only,

his Christmas gift, he sent!

Christmas comes! Christmas comes!

Glory be to God!

Grant us a sunny Summer Christmas,

under the Southern Cross! 


A translation of the Afrikaans carol by Koos du Plessis  - "Somerkersfees".
Translated by Andries.
Copy Right reserved.
You are welcome to use this song for worship, but not for financial gain.

Preaching during Advent 2012

Most ministers observing Advent will follow the lectionary and the lessons of the various lectionaries can be found at www.textweek.com  

Yet if you would like to use something different this year, you are welcome to use a series for Advent from the Revelation Book we developed for Centurion West Presbyterian Church.  Here follows a summery - and the complete sermon outlines can be found at http://www.centurionwest.co.za/sermons.htm and down loaded there in pdf format.

First Advent: "Hope"  Revelation 1:9-20.    "One Like a Son of Man" 

Do not be afraid.   The King that was born is called Jesus:  The LORD saves!

Do not be afraid:  The King that was born reigns forever.

Do not be afraid¨ The King is coming! 

Second Advent: "Peace"  Reading Revelation 5:1-10.    "A Messiah who is worthy to be worshiped and praised."

A Christmastide that contemplates thoughts about the Lion who is a Lamb, does not distract us from the problem of Christmas becoming only an ever entertaining feast of superficial cheer.  

Christmas leaves us with eternal gladness, peace and joy, as all our deepest questions are answered and every fear is driven away. By him who is worthy!   The Lion who is a Lamb, who was born in Bethlehem, to save his people from their sins!

Third advent: "Joy"  Reading:  Revelation 12: 1- 12 . "The Woman and the Dragon"

We look forward to the return of Christ.  To finally end the attack. To finally set us and all of his creation free from oppression by evil.   Lets take courage.  The reason for Satan’s fury is that he knows his time is short.  And he knows he was defeated by the Child - both in Bethlehem and on Calvary and in heaven!  "He is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short" (Rev 12:12). 

And we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus! 

Fourth Advent:  "Love"  Revelation 19:7-8 “The Wedding Supper of the Lamb"

'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'"

What a blessing it is to know the Lord, celebrate his birth and serve him with great joy. What an even bigger blessing it will be to be seated with the Lord at his heavenly banquet table where we will celebrate forever the wedding supper of the Lamb.

We look forward to the Christmas feast, now soon to come.

And we wait upon the Wedding Feast with great anticipation.  

Singing and music: part of Advent and Christmas since the birth of Christ.

Luke 2: 8 – 15:  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 angel said to them, "... 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...."  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."

Think about this:  the angels, who do not need salvation, sang a song of praise to the Lord because of the Saviour's birth. How much more should we who receive salvation because God became a man for our redemption, want to sing God’s praises?    Even more than the angels we, during these seasons of Advent and Christmas, should be singing "Glory to God," because of the Saviour's birth.

"Glory to God in the highest,” the angels sang.

The newly born King had taken off his 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). So the angels sang, "Glory to God in the highest." Glory to our God in heaven who gave the gift of his Son!

In the Book of Revelation angels are 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," sing the angels before the shepherds. "Glory to God," sing the angels around the throne.

"Glory" describes all the honour, praise, and majesty that belong to God. "Glory to God in the highest." means, God in heaven deserves our honour and praise.

God has brought salvation to the world.  His glory is revealed by his saving grace.  "We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (Jn 1:14b). So the angels sing, "Glory to God in the Highest."

On the first Christmas the angels sang what comes most naturally to them: "Glory to God in the highest."  All of us and the entire created world must learn and relearn the angels' song. On our lips today and everyday ought to be the words of the angels: "Glory to God in the highest."

There will come a day, a day when Christ's work is finished. On that day God will be "all in all" and "everything to everyone." On that day all of mankind, all of God's creatures, all of creation will unite in one marvellous choir; and, there will rise up to the throne of God one mighty hymn: "Glory to God in the highest,   (because) in the town of David a Saviour has been born; he is Christ the Lord."

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

Liturgical Prayer for the Feast of Christ the King (2012), with Scripture Lessons and Sermon Ideas:

The Feast of Christ the King is observed on 25 November 2012, the last Sunday of the Christian Calendar!

A Prayer for the Feast of Christ the King:

Almighty Christ, King of all!

Today, Lord Jesus Christ, we celebrate your glorious victory. We gladly bring honour to you, our Redeemer, who has not only saved us from our sins by your cross and resurrection, but also ascended to the right hand of God as King and Lord of all.  We rejoice that your Kingdom has come on earth, just as it is in heaven.

We bring honour to you, our Saviour, whom we call Christ the King, who victoriously reigns now, and reigns forever.  You, dear Lord, dealt with our every need, delivered us from every enemy, healed us from all sin, harm and injury and you are worshipped when heaven and earth bow down before you as Lord of heaven and earth. 

Majestic Lord, everything promised about your reign has not happened on our earth yet! You are the King, and yet, your dominion is also still coming to us and to the world.  We live in hope, and in faith that we truly heard the Word of God, that testifies that you will come in glory to effect in the smallest detail, your glorious reign.

King Jesus, thank you that you not only bring salvation to us, but through your work through the ministry of your Church, also to the whole world, yes, to the ends of the earth.  Your people accept the grace that you brings, and commit their lives to the power of the Holy Spirit who empowers your children and your Church to fulfil your commission to preach the gospel to everyone. Now bring justice wherever we serve you and bring hope and light where darkness still hides your glorious reign and redemption.

Help us to live only for your honour, glory and reign. Help us to be obedient, by the power of your resurrection and of your Spirit. We know that nothing will separate us from the love of God that we received in Christ the King, our Lord and our Redeemer! 

We pray for all your servants, glorious Lord! For those who preach your word and for those who listen. Protect and guide all the missionaries sent to the ends of the earth to proclaim salvation in you. Guide them and bless their work for you.  Call many more to do your work and make us obedient to your call.

In your mercy, heal the sick and comfort those who are weeping. Set the captives free and grant relief to the poor.  Sanctify those who are powerful and influential and humble those who are proud. 

Bring to an end the kingdom of darkness and let your majesty shine as the light of the world.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us your peace.

And now, great King of kings and Lord of lords –

have mercy on us, and on all your people.

In your Name, Lord Jesus, we pray!

Amen.

Scripture Lessons for the Feast of Christ the King: 

2 Samuel 23:1-7 or Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

Psalm 132:1-12, or Psalm 93

Revelation 1:4b-8

John 18:33-37

Sermon Ideas, using the reading from Revelation 1.

Introduction:   In the salutation of Revelation, grace and peace are given to the Church of Christ.  We are part of Christ’s Kingdom, solely by the merit of Christ’s work and his grace includes us into the divine shalom or peace that the Holy Trinity shares and grants the followers of Jesus.

The Prince of Peace reigns and we are the beneficiaries of his grace and mercy!

What does his reign bring to our lives, today?

Jesus, Ruler of heaven and earth!  

Revelation 1 uses three titles to describe Jesus:

faithful witness,

firstborn of the dead,

and ruler of the kings of the earth.

Every title reveals something important about King Jesus!

He is a faithful witness; as Revelation 1:1 indicates.  He is God’s ultimate messenger.  He alone authentically revealed and still reveals God and God's purpose for the Church, making us God’s witnesses too.

Jesus is also firstborn of the dead. Through his death and his resurrection Jesus has set in motion the coming of his Kingdom.  His resurrection is more than a return to life, but the beginning of the Messianic Kingdom that will last forever more.    Calling Jesus the first-born reveals that all his followers will follow and share in his glorious and eternal resurrection. 

Finally, Revelation 1 describes Jesus as Ruler of the kings of the earth. In the context of the Roman Empire, Caesar was the ruler of kings.  When Jesus is given this title, it is a challenge to the Roman imperial ideology of the first century.

It also is a challenge to every worldly power who arrogantly assumes the ability and right to rule the world.   Christ Jesus remains in control till the end!  He is King, not only of the world, but also of all heavenly powers.  To him has been given all authority in heaven and earth. His will be done! His Kingdom comes!

Jesus as the one who displays love, enables freedom from sin and redeems believers.

Christ creates a kingdom and establishes priests for God his Father.  It is not to Caesar that Christians owe allegiance.  It is not around early powers, political parties, groupings and caucuses that Christians unite!    We Christians are a nation composed of various tribes, cultures and languages, but we share first and foremost the authority of our Holy God  - the one who is, who was and is to come. To him we dedicate our worship, our obedience and our allegiance! 

We are called to unite under the rule of Christ.  Our allegiance to Christ may lead us to resist political tyranny, economical oppression and corruption and cultural divides and enmity.

Yet most of all, as we unite under the rule of Christ the King  -  we testify that he is the true Saviour of the world, the deliverer from sin and judgments and our hope for the future, even for eternal life!

Feast of Christ the King: 25 November 2012

Worship Christ the King!

The Christian year ends celebrating Christ the King, in victory.   We gladly bring honour to Jesus who has not only saved us from our sins by his sacrifice, but also triumphed for us in his resurrection and ascended victoriously to the right hand of God.  Our celebration of the work of Jesus culminates in the great finale called the Celebration of Christ the King, on Sunday. We rejoice that his Kingdom has come on earth, just as it is in heaven.

And yet, his dominion is also still coming to us and to the world.  We still live in hope, and in faith that we truly heard the Word of God that testifies that he certainly will come to us in glory to effect, in the smallest detail, his glorious reign. Yet, until he comes, we celebrate his heavenly rule, and the coming of his dominion over everything and everyone with great expectation. Even now he is the King of our lives and of his Church.  Our renewed lives testify to the truth that his complete and perfect dominion is coming !

On Sunday we celebrate that Jesus of Nazareth, the eternal Son of God, takes his place as King of kings and Lord of lords in our lives, our faith and we celebrate that he indeed will bring justice and righteousness to us, to his people and to the whole world. 

People ask, if Jesus is the King on the glorious throne of God, why are so many things wrong, impure and painful in this world? If the promised Messianic Kingdom of the Prince of Peace came when Jesus went to heaven to be crowned King of all, how must we understand that so much of our experience of life is still about injustice, sadness, sin and death?

Now consider the Word of God:  “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.  All the nations will be gathered before him and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  Matt. 25:31 - 32

Until Jesus comes again there are both goats and sheep in the world. He reigns and cares for his sheep amidst the reality that the sheep and goats have not yet been separated.  Jesus tends his sheep and leads them to his new heaven and earth and glorious dominion, in spite of the fact that his sheep follow him while goats are all around, often being influential and seemingly winning much too often!

This is how we glorify Christ the King!  We live for him.  We make his will visible, we show his heart and we allow the light of his dominion to become visible in this dark world through our faith and love.  The world can only begin to believe in Christ the King, when we live as true followers of our Lord. 

The good fight against greed, selfishness and pride.

How can we fight the good fight against greed, selfishness and pride? James gives us four things we must do in James 4: 1 - 12.

1.  We must accept God’s will. In verse 7 James tells us: Submit yourselves, then, to God. When we submit to God we are acknowledging that his way is right. But submitting to God is more than that. It is giving him control of your life. To do that you must surrender to him.  Put God in charge of your life by obeying him.

2.  We must reject God’s enemy.   Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. How do you do this?

You do it by resisting the world’s evil philosophy of life. You do it by resisting what evil wants you to do.  Be smart. Be on your guard. The devil is trying to trip you.   He is trying to destroy you. He is not trying to help you. He wants to hurt you.

3.  You must also pursue God’s presence. In verse 8 James says, Come near to God and he will come near to you.  It is not enough to accept God’s will and reject God’s enemy. You must  pursue a living relationship with the living Lord.  We need to invest in eternity, because that’s where we are going to spend a very long time.

4.  Then we must receive God’s forgiveness.

Look at verses 8-10: Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your heart, you double-minded.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.   This is the key to receiving God’s forgiveness.

And this is where humility comes in. It is humbling to ask God for forgiveness. It is humbling to ask anyone for forgiveness. But we need to do it. We need to do it, because it is the right thing to do and we need to do it because we need forgiveness.

Just think of how much conflict could be avoided if we were to say, "I was wrong, please forgive me."

Advent Poetry: God’s light is through us deployed.

Those who walked in clouded darkness

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!   

A checklist to see if I am wise or foolish!

A transforming faith that saves, provides wisdom!  (2)

A checklist to see if I am wise or foolish!

The beginning of wisdom is studying God’s Word and spending time in prayer, seeking to understand God’s will for your life and for the world.

But James tells us that “wisdom” is not wise if it does not come to fruition in our daily lives. James writes, "Let the person who is wise show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from God” (James 3:13). And how does one know if you are wise?  James tells us that we show wisdom by being peace loving, reasonable, merciful, impartial, and sincere (James 3:17). Here, as with all good gifts, others are the beneficiaries.

James provides a checklist that we can consider to establish whether we have – or do not have – wisdom.  Are we wise or foolish?

* First of all - is it pure? Are we bending or breaking rules to achieve our objective?

* Is it peace loving? Will it bring people closer together or divide them?

* Is it considerate?  We have to make sure that we do not walk over the quiet, the sensitive, and the vulnerable.

* Is it submissive? We can take ourselves too seriously. Are we throwing our weight around? Is our "wisdom" an act of defiance?

* Is it full of mercy and good fruit? We should not just be fair, but kind. We should not only be just, but bear good fruit!

* Is it impartial? Have we looked at the situation from all sides?  Particularly in the context of conflict.

* Is it sincere? If my solution requires me to withhold information or pretend to be someone that I am not, I need to be deeply suspicious of my "wisdom."

Finally, James reminds us that it is easy to be a peace-lover, but it is very hard work to be a peacemaker. Our wisdom, to be real wisdom, must come from a clear commitment to unity.

When next you face a problem and have to come up with a solution, try using this checklist.  If there is a “no” somewhere – you have to re-examine your” wisdom”!