Luke 1-2
Mary is in the house, alone, doing her daily chores, when an unannounced visitor arrives. She was afraid when she saw the angel. Mary was amazed that she was the chosen one to birth the Son of God. Although she didn't understand everything, she accepted God's plan for her life. Some of you may be thinking, "Wow, I would too, with a plan like that." Wait a minute. Think about it. She was chosen to enter into God's plan which would be anything but politically correct. She was engaged to be married. In those days, engagement was not taken lightly. They didn't live together to see "if they were a good match." She was already committed to Joseph. Now to explain this to Joseph. How? And her mother? Oh my, I can hear it now, "Mom, I'm pregnant, but not by Joseph, but by God's spirit."
This is the mystery of Christmas. God had every detail in place long before the moment of Mary's conception and Jesus' birth. I love Mary's response, even in an unbelievable situation "Do to me as it pleases you."
Is this our attitude at God's bidding? So many times, I have heard people saying, "I feel like God is calling me to do..., but I just don't know how it is going to turn out. I don't know the details." Yes, you don't and I don't. Neither did Mary. She didn't know her Son was to be crucified. She didn't know what it would be like to raise the Son of God. She didn't know he would be so rejected. But she was obedient.
What was Mary's view of Christmas? "She pondered all these things in her heart." Mary was a fearful, amazed worshipper.
God bless you
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
King Herod
I don't know why Herod kept coming into my mind today. I was thinking of different people involved in the birth of Jesus and how it affected them. Herod was involved in the political side of the story. He wasn't in Bethlehem, but in Jerusalem. He was the power of the time.
So when the Wise-men came to Herod to ask him about the king that was born, he was troubled. So shall we say the birth of Jesus was a threat to him. By the time Herod heard about Jesus, Jesus would have been a young child and not a baby. Herod asked the wise-men exactly when they saw the star, I assume so he would know the age of the child. He was not about to give his throne to another king.
But what he didn't know, there was a higher power, a power that he could not control. Of course he ordered all boys 2 years old and under to be killed, but God had His plan in motion already. Jesus was spared an early death. Read the story in Matthew 2.
We see much of the same attitude today. People try to deny the birth of Jesus, thinking if they take Christ out of Christmas it will take Him away. Not being allowed to speak anything about Jesus in schools during the holiday season, will not discredit His birth. God already has a plan set in motion. One that political leaders cannot take away. Actually they are probably playing into the Hand of God...bringing the return of Jesus to earth.
Today people are still threatened by His birth, His life. They want to sit on their own selfish throne. They want to be the ruler of their own life. But the final call is that one day "every knee shall bow to the Name of Jesus." What a day that will be.
God bless you
So when the Wise-men came to Herod to ask him about the king that was born, he was troubled. So shall we say the birth of Jesus was a threat to him. By the time Herod heard about Jesus, Jesus would have been a young child and not a baby. Herod asked the wise-men exactly when they saw the star, I assume so he would know the age of the child. He was not about to give his throne to another king.
But what he didn't know, there was a higher power, a power that he could not control. Of course he ordered all boys 2 years old and under to be killed, but God had His plan in motion already. Jesus was spared an early death. Read the story in Matthew 2.
We see much of the same attitude today. People try to deny the birth of Jesus, thinking if they take Christ out of Christmas it will take Him away. Not being allowed to speak anything about Jesus in schools during the holiday season, will not discredit His birth. God already has a plan set in motion. One that political leaders cannot take away. Actually they are probably playing into the Hand of God...bringing the return of Jesus to earth.
Today people are still threatened by His birth, His life. They want to sit on their own selfish throne. They want to be the ruler of their own life. But the final call is that one day "every knee shall bow to the Name of Jesus." What a day that will be.
God bless you
Monday, December 5, 2011
The Inn Keeper
Luke 2:7 "...and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn." We know the story—Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to register as this was their hometown. While there Mary gave birth to Jesus, but He was born in a barn.
The inn keeper was so busy preparing for the hundreds of people coming into Bethlehem to register for the census. He knew people would need places to stay. People would need beds, food, places for their donkeys or camels. This would be a good opportunity to bring in some much needed cash. In all the town, everyone was making preparations for this big event. Rooms filled up quickly.
Then Mary and Joseph came, but the saddest answer, "There is no room." If only the inn keeper knew who he was turning away. Well, he didn't really put them out on the street, "hey, I do have room in the barn," snickering out his offer. They took it. And Jesus was born.
Why would he do that? Why do we, anyway? Why do we turn Him away? We are just too busy getting ready for the holidays. The tree needs to be decorated, stockings hung, shopping done, take the kids to see santa, and the list goes on. Is it in preparation for Jesus? Do we involve the poor, the widow, the orphan? Do they get the left-overs?
If only the inn keeper had known, I'm sure he would have found the perfect nursery for Mary and Joseph. But it passed him by. If we have no room for Jesus, He will find room in the heart of an orphan digging through the garbage pile. He isn't afraid of dirt, or the most dispicable situation. Or the barn.
Want to know how I know that? He came into my heart and life. Have you let Him in? Is there room?
God bless you
The inn keeper was so busy preparing for the hundreds of people coming into Bethlehem to register for the census. He knew people would need places to stay. People would need beds, food, places for their donkeys or camels. This would be a good opportunity to bring in some much needed cash. In all the town, everyone was making preparations for this big event. Rooms filled up quickly.
Then Mary and Joseph came, but the saddest answer, "There is no room." If only the inn keeper knew who he was turning away. Well, he didn't really put them out on the street, "hey, I do have room in the barn," snickering out his offer. They took it. And Jesus was born.
Why would he do that? Why do we, anyway? Why do we turn Him away? We are just too busy getting ready for the holidays. The tree needs to be decorated, stockings hung, shopping done, take the kids to see santa, and the list goes on. Is it in preparation for Jesus? Do we involve the poor, the widow, the orphan? Do they get the left-overs?
If only the inn keeper had known, I'm sure he would have found the perfect nursery for Mary and Joseph. But it passed him by. If we have no room for Jesus, He will find room in the heart of an orphan digging through the garbage pile. He isn't afraid of dirt, or the most dispicable situation. Or the barn.
Want to know how I know that? He came into my heart and life. Have you let Him in? Is there room?
God bless you
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Through Simeon's Eyes
I need to share this morning's teaching. It was so good and inspired. He helped us see Christmas through the eyes of Simeon, the priest at the Temple in Jerusalem when Mary and Joseph took Jesus there for his dedication.
Luke 2:29-32 Simeon saw a promise fulfilled. He was waiting for the birth of Jesus, the redemption and salvation of all peoples. Simeon knew he would not die until he had seen Jesus. How did he know it was Jesus when he held in his arms?
Christmas is: a Promise fulfilled, a Path illuminated, and a Person revealed.
What are you expecting this Christmas? Does it go beyond the stockings on the mantel? The gifts under the tree? The manger scene? What do you expect to see? Are you expecting redemption or is Jesus still in the manger?
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15...Truly the best Gift wrapped in humanity for my redemption!
God bless you.
Luke 2:29-32 Simeon saw a promise fulfilled. He was waiting for the birth of Jesus, the redemption and salvation of all peoples. Simeon knew he would not die until he had seen Jesus. How did he know it was Jesus when he held in his arms?
Christmas is: a Promise fulfilled, a Path illuminated, and a Person revealed.
What are you expecting this Christmas? Does it go beyond the stockings on the mantel? The gifts under the tree? The manger scene? What do you expect to see? Are you expecting redemption or is Jesus still in the manger?
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15...Truly the best Gift wrapped in humanity for my redemption!
God bless you.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Silent Night
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born
Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "
Read the words...does it make you wonder why it was written? I was searching to find its history, but only that the author wrote it as a poem then asked it to be put to music. It is one of the most sung christmas carols. I love Christmas music...Patrick asks why we only listen to christmas music at Christmas? Easter songs we sing all year, why not christmas songs?
If this carol was written to describe the night Jesus was born, then I'd say the first stanza is not a good description. Can you imagine a town that was so full of people that there was no room for Mary and Joseph? That many people are not silent, well unless they were different than Americans and Haitians. Smile. I'm not even sure it would be calm, not in the barn where Mary was in labor. Having the stench of animals while she is birthing a baby? This was not the clean barn and manger that our manger scenes depict today. It was dirty, smelly and animals around.
But it was the "dawn of redeeming grace." The world didn't know. This night passed them by unaware, and things haven't changed. Jesus is still present today in so many situations, but it passes us by, we don't even realize. Sad. We are so busy with our life, that we miss His presence.
There was only the dirty shepherds that heard the announcement...but that's a blog for another day...
God bless you
Friday, December 2, 2011
Unto Us a Child is Born
Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Yesterday was the first day of December, and the start of Christmas celebrations. All through the Old Testament there are prophesies of Jesus' birth. In this verse, not only is His birth is announced, but also His Names. We can see who He is. I do not say who He will be, as He already was (is).
Have you ever wondered what "traditions" were celebrated in Mary and Joseph's home after Jesus was born? Did they celebrate His birth in the following years? Was His birthday remembered? Was his birthday more special in the home than his brothers and sisters?
We do know that Christmas was a pagan holiday. The Catholic church brought the religious effect to Christmas. Then Christians began to celebrate it, as well. Every year we celebrate without even a question of the origin of Christmas. With this thought, may I challenge each of us to be careful how we celebrate Jesus' birth. Jesus is not a santa claus.
Jesus is the Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Celebrate life!
God bless you.
P.S. No news from Haiti today.
Yesterday was the first day of December, and the start of Christmas celebrations. All through the Old Testament there are prophesies of Jesus' birth. In this verse, not only is His birth is announced, but also His Names. We can see who He is. I do not say who He will be, as He already was (is).
Have you ever wondered what "traditions" were celebrated in Mary and Joseph's home after Jesus was born? Did they celebrate His birth in the following years? Was His birthday remembered? Was his birthday more special in the home than his brothers and sisters?
We do know that Christmas was a pagan holiday. The Catholic church brought the religious effect to Christmas. Then Christians began to celebrate it, as well. Every year we celebrate without even a question of the origin of Christmas. With this thought, may I challenge each of us to be careful how we celebrate Jesus' birth. Jesus is not a santa claus.
Jesus is the Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Celebrate life!
God bless you.
P.S. No news from Haiti today.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Cholera Outbreak Again
This has been quite a day. It started with a phone call from Patrick who is in Haiti, asking me to change his ticket. There is a cholera outbreak in the villages. Yesterday 2 people died, although he said that they could not confirm that cholera was the cause of one of the deaths.
People are so afraid, so discouraged with this new twist in their lives. Patrick knew he needed to stay and help in any way he could. He was scheduled to return home tomorrow. He said he was so busy yesterday he hardly had time to eat or shower.
This afternoon he called again, and there is a cholera camp being set up to care for the sick. A medical staff is coming from Jacmel to work in the camp. Our clinic in Mayette is not able to handle all the sick ones.
Rachel gave me a wheelchair for Christmas, and today was a mother/daughter day. Rachel who is a lover of sales, took me to many places. It was fun, and the first time that I actually went to several places to shop (window shop, that is) without being in pain. So yes, the wheelchair is a blessing. I thought for sure by now, I would be able to walk as much as I want and be ok. But that hasn't happened, so I had a choice—stay home or go on a "ride." And fun it was! Thanks Rachel.
Pray for the villages that have cholera. Pray for the medical staff who are caring for them. Pray for safety for those who have not contract the disease. Pray for Patrick that he will stay healthy, and God gives him the strength to do the task given him.
Thank you and God bless you
People are so afraid, so discouraged with this new twist in their lives. Patrick knew he needed to stay and help in any way he could. He was scheduled to return home tomorrow. He said he was so busy yesterday he hardly had time to eat or shower.
This afternoon he called again, and there is a cholera camp being set up to care for the sick. A medical staff is coming from Jacmel to work in the camp. Our clinic in Mayette is not able to handle all the sick ones.
Rachel gave me a wheelchair for Christmas, and today was a mother/daughter day. Rachel who is a lover of sales, took me to many places. It was fun, and the first time that I actually went to several places to shop (window shop, that is) without being in pain. So yes, the wheelchair is a blessing. I thought for sure by now, I would be able to walk as much as I want and be ok. But that hasn't happened, so I had a choice—stay home or go on a "ride." And fun it was! Thanks Rachel.
Pray for the villages that have cholera. Pray for the medical staff who are caring for them. Pray for safety for those who have not contract the disease. Pray for Patrick that he will stay healthy, and God gives him the strength to do the task given him.
Thank you and God bless you
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