If My People…

“..if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” - 2 Chronicles 7:14

We are sure after the events that unfolded Wednesday in our nation’s Capital and at other state houses around the country, you have been left with a myriad of questions and emotions. Mainly - Why? How? And simply, the answer is this: This is not about politics. What we witnessed this week was, and is, the reaping of the seeds of division that the enemy has been allowed to sow for too long. It played out on a global stage because the Church has embraced the ways of man more than the ways of God. We have continued to do exactly what the Lord was cautioning Solomon against in 2 Chronicles 7.

But, praise God, there IS hope. Hope in the promises of God that if we will humble ourselves in prayer, and seek His face with our hearts - turning away from our evil ways - change can and will happen. But it starts with us individually and then corporately.

For a 24-hour period beginning next Wednesday, January 13, at 7pm with our online Midweek Worship time, we are calling on our church family to pray - to humble ourselves before the throne of Heaven and seek God in prayer. How this will work is you can sign up online for a one (1) hour block of time during the 24-hour period, and you will pray in your home at your assigned time using the provided prompts (available beginning this Sunday, January 10). Pastor Jeff will then wrap up the 24-hour prayer vigil online at 7pm on Thursday, January 14.

Now more than ever, let us come together to “rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; [and] be persistent in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

In His Name,

Your WEBC Staff

The Humility of Christmas
 
As we think about Christmas, few of us probably consider the humility of Christmas. In fact, I am not even confident that I can put it in words, or that my words will do it justice. Still, I would like to invite you to look at the humility of Christmas just a little differently as we prepare to celebrate one of the greatest  Christian holidays ever (and if you are wondering why I said “one of,” it’s because for me, Christmas and Easter are equally important…you cannot have one without the other).

If we were to do an honest and thorough survey of the Old Testament, there are a number of places that refer to Jesus (the pre-incarnate eternal Christ). We know, or at least by now should know, that Jesus is eternal and that He always was as the second in authority of the triune God that we worship.

Some of the places that we see Jesus acknowledged in the Old Testament are places like Genesis 3:15, where the coming Seed will crush the head of the serpent, or when we see Abraham take Isaac up the mountain and a Ram is entangled off to the side with his horns caught in the thickets, or the time Nebuchadnezzar put Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace and then saw a fourth in there! Yes, there are many places in the Old Testament where we see the King of Kings living, thriving, and flourishing with His people.

For me, when I think of the humility of Christmas, it begins with His willingness to leave His eternal state or His home to become a helpless baby that is ultimately born in a nasty stall, with a poor family. One would think that the King could have done a little better for Himself, but how much more difficult would it be for us to relate to Him if that were the case? I mean, if He were born to an earthly king, then much of His identity would have resulted from an earthly family rather than who He really was. That friends, required a deal of great humility. He could have had it all, anytime, and He continuously chose to walk or live among the poor. One of the greatest passages regarding the humility of Christ, is found in Philippians when Paul writes:


Christ brought Himself from glory for glory. He brought Himself into our presence that we could experience Him not as the royal King He is, but as the loving God that He is. He is worthy of worship, He is worthy of us…but I know deep in my soul, that I will never be worthy of Him except by the blood of His cross. So, Jesus, Thank you. Thank you for loving me that much, thank you for loving mankind that much. Thank you for allowing me to experience you. And I know, one of the best ways that I can love you in return, is by being humble just as your word says in this passage. I thank you for your example, and I consider it an honor to humble myself in the same way. Will you do the same? Humble yourself this Christmas and let the love and the light of Jesus define what kind of person you will be and how you will celebrate?  Please take a few moments and reflect on how the Lord is leading you…maybe even read the passage again and listen to what He has to say directly to you.

In His name and at His feet,
~Pastor Jeff

The Best Gift Ever
 
 I used to be so excited as Christmas approached, knowing that Santa was going to bring me all I had asked for and even if he didn’t, it would be good. I remember watching all the only Christmas programs such as; Rudolph, Frosty, Charlie Brown, The Scrooge, and so many other wonderful classics. I remember going to the mall and playing arcade games while mom went Christmas shopping … and I remember finding the Santa suit in the attic and finally being able to confirm my belief that Santa was really my mother.  I remember all those times and hanging out under the Christmas tree…boy would I love to revisit those days. I was worry free, not because the world had no worries, but because I didn’t understand what the world was all about.

I remember as I got older and acquired more responsibility… bills began coming in and I had to start buying Christmas gifts. Oh, the pressure of finding the perfect gift. I hate that more than anything, even today. I never know what to get anybody, so I get frustrated and always end up waiting until the last minute, which really frustrates my beautiful bride. Boy, you would think that after 20 some years she would be used to it…nope, every year same thing, more pressure, can’t find the perfect gift for anyone so I wait until the last minute and Voila! - same ole, Christmas discussion with the bride. After all these years, I am wondering if I am going to have to be the one to change, because I don’t think she will ever see it my way.

Fortunately for us, the best Christmas gift ever is not one that we need to shop for, it is one that we need to receive, daily. Of course, you’re right… its grace! But today I would like to give it to you just a bit differently. In Matthew 11:28-30, the grace is really defined different than anywhere else in scripture. Jesus says:

 
What a gift. There for the taking! We grow up thinking in all things, that the details really matter. Sometimes they do obviously, but when it comes to Jesus, they really don’t. The best Christmas gift better is the single truth that no matter what we are ever faced with or going through, if we will just come to Jesus, not only will we learn from it, but we can rest in Him as He teaches us.
In other words, He will take care of the very things weighing us down and help us to become a little wiser and a lot more secure in Him. That promise is absolutely spectacular.

By now, Christmas is here. A day or two and it will be over for another 364 days. During that time many things will change, and Christmas will look a bit differently than it does even now.  So maybe we should lay the stress of the holiday on Him, and maybe all we need to really do is remember what the holiday is really about. The birth of our Savior. At the end of the day, anything we do with our family will likely be perfect, just because we are together. So perhaps laying things down, forgetting the rush, embracing the moment and enjoying God is exactly what we need.

Are there ways that even now, in the midst of a pandemic, national division, the number of uncertainties that go along with that, are there way that you can just rest in Him and let Him carry you through? Right now you have an opportunity to unwrap the best gift ever…unleash the joy of the Lord on your family this Christmas, and make the holiday focus an everyday focus. What kind of adjustments would really be needed in order to accomplish that?

Christmas Clarity
 
I love reading the Bible and getting to know Jesus on a deeper more intimate level. Sometimes I wonder what it would have really been like if I would have had the privilege of being one of the apostles! Just being able to physically walk and talk with the Son of god knowing that there was nothing that could be done to influence who He was, how His life would end, or the future hope I would have in eternity.

Today, there are numerous people that believe in God, that believe in Jesus, but who do not do anything about it. In fact, I recently met an individual that I had the privilege of praying the prayer of salvation with. In the course of our discussion, this individual said that they had always believed in God and had always believed that Jesus died on the cross but was never willing to accept Him for who He is or surrender to Him as Lord of their life. I praise God for this person’s honesty, knowing that their surrender and new faith is going to lead them to places in their life unlike they could have ever imagined. New life…new weightlessness, new freedom, and certainly to a newfound comfort.

That is one of the many miracles that Jesus performs for His people currently. Folks can argue about a number of things, but you cannot argue about a changed life. You cannot argue about the individual that is feeling the oppression of sin on their lives (weight and burden) and then after something as simple as a prayer, it is gone. From weight to weightlessness.
At the end of the gospel of John in verses 20:30-3, John closes his book, his work with the purpose statement of the entire letter.  Look with me at what he says:


Jesus did so many miracles that John could not record them all. But we are given countless incidents that Jesus meets the needs of His people. I wonder how many of us and how often we really embrace that Jesus? That Jesus is alive and working in our lives, and there to meet any of our needs, protecting and provisioning for us…so much so that the Spirit of God even prays for us when we fall short (Romans 8:26). What an awesome God!

As Christmas continues to approach, I want you to do something…not for me but for yourself. I want you to focus on the wonders of the life of Christ, realizing the love of Christ, while gazing upon our intimacy with Christ, and reflecting on our life in Christ...what it is now, what He has done to prepare you for now, and who you will be or what you will do so that this Christmas is no longer an annual event, but that we celebrate Christ on a more regular basis. There is a song that many of you are familiar with, the world is changing, we need clarity and I believe that we can have it as we unpack these words:
He was born to live. He was born to bring life. He paid a debt and bore my stripes. Do not let the season of this life define our life in Him.

Truly, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples…what signs is He doing in your presence?

Life Abundant
 
Is the same Jesus that is with the Father, that lived and died about 2000 years ago, that is testified of in the New Testament…does that same Jesus live in you by the power of the Spirit?  What a remarkable thought.

Have you ever stopped to think that the “babe in the manger” grew up to be the “man on the cross,” so that you could be empowered for the world that you live in right now?
That is really what brings Christmas full circle for me. Jesus did all he did (of course to glorify the Father) but also that I may live life abundantly (John 10:10). That life starts now. It does not start when we enter his presence in heaven, it starts when He enters our life…now. We can live and live abundantly now if we live under the influence of Jesus.

So what does that have to do with now? What does that have to do with Christmas?  Everything. Why? Because that same Jesus of the New Testament, that did all of those extraordinary miracles, is the same Jesus that calls me to witness for Him. Yes, I said it, witness. I know what you’re thinking, that this is just another devotion on the importance of “going and telling” except it’s not. This is about being a witness, but not necessarily verbally. While that is good, I want you to consider something. Consider what Jesus says to the Jews living during His earthly ministry:


All the works (miracles) that Jesus did, have something in common that you may not have realized before. Every single one of them performed were done in and through people. So, the question we need to ask and answer for ourselves is, “is Jesus done with His work in and through His people?” Inevitably we will say no…we must say no. He is not finished.

In making that connection then, I wonder if it is safe to embrace the idea that Jesus is going to do powerful, supernatural things through me and for me that I cannot do for myself?  I do not mean that he is going to allow me to heal the lame, raise the dead or make the blind man see…again. He has already done and accomplished those things for the glory of the Father, and they already testify of Him, who He is, and what He is capable of.

But…if he is going to give me life more abundantly, then He is going to have to do something for me that I cannot do for myself! He has! That’s right, salvation by grace alone through faith alone. What a wonderful gift. But does it stop there? People that believe Jesus is no longer in the miracle making business may say yes, but I am not one of those dreary Christians. I am a Christian who not only believes Jesus is in the business of doing miracles in 2020 and beyond, but I have witnessed many of them. Certainly not all of them, but many, more than I can count.
 
So, what am I saying? What I am saying is that our abundant life begins when we accept Jesus into our lives, but it will not be fully experienced until we get fully surrendered to Jesus in our lives. It may not be a materialistic miracle or abundance, like money, wealth, or fame…but to all it will be immediately spiritual.

Hope, Peace, joy and love do not come when you acquire more, they come when you are surrendered more so that you can receive more so that He can do more in and through you. Part of witnessing to others is allowing others to see the work of Christ in and through you and as He does, He will testify of who both He and the Father and who they can be for everyone.
Going and telling is good, but how about just living more abundantly in and through Him so that your life and His work are evident to others. How can you do that?

Christmas Candles
 
For as long as I remember, there has always been movies based on the notion of good and evil. From monster movies like Dracula, to newer versions such as Twilight and numerous others, it seems that this sort of good and evil has always intrigued fans and have profited millions and, millions of dollars as a result.

Just this last Halloween, a young adult had to come and seek counseling because he got so scared watching the Madea Boo movie! I know that may seem funny to some, but the truth is, movies and media have painted an evil bias on fiction rather than reality. The reality is, television can be turned off if you do not like it or disagree with what the “fake news” is saying.
However, the evil we are seeing rise up across this nation is not based on fictional monsters. Instead, it is based on biblical prophecy and the reality that there are supernatural evil beings such as demons that work alongside Satan to bring evil, discord, and confusion into this world. This sort of evil cannot be turned off by flipping a switch, but it can be turned away from and overcome by the Light of the World.

You may be thinking that I have gone off the deep end. But look at the digression of this world and the downward spiral we are currently on in terms of morality, justice, and even racism. Why do you think morality is declining? It is declining because there are powers at work whose influence is stronger than those who are infected with it. In fact, the whole liberalistic worldview shatters the minute you impose any philosophical or theological common sense to it.
Case in point: The vast majority of transgender and homosexual people consider themselves either atheist or agnostic, embracing things like the theory of evolution. However, the theory of evolution affirms the belief that cells mutate, thus people change, (like from monkey to man) so that they become a better, stronger version of themselves. Hence, the strong get stronger, or better and the weak go extinct. In that, other creatures may go extinct if they cannot adapt or change rapidly enough, but that is the norm of evolution or existence. Of course, there is more to it, but in keeping it simple, that is basically the thesis or foundation of the belief. Now apply common sense to their belief, if it be true that the strong adapt and become a better stronger version of themselves over time and mutation, then transgender’s and homosexuals go extinct because they cannot reproduce without violating a basic precept of their worldview. Deep huh? I know, but true. But let me just say, as Christians we love and respect them, but cannot be forced to acknowledge them as something they are not (i.e. I should not be forced to call a boy a girl or vice-versa.) Of course, look at all the murder and violence. They, along with many other things, are examples of the evil digression we are currently facing. They are evil because they are contrary to God and His Word. Hence, evil exists, which is why Jesus came:


As Christians, we are faced with darkness and evil in many ways, and it is being forced upon us. Even so, we will never succumb to the darkness, because the Light that is in us, whether great or small, is brighter and stronger than the most powerful darkness. We can be the greatest Christmas candle ever, if we just be for Jesus in everything.

At times it feels like there may be little hope, but Jesus came and sent His Helper (the Holy Spirit) that even now our joy may be made full. Pray away the darkness in your life…no matter what it is. Acknowledge it on the lines below, pray it away on the lines in a short prayer on the lines provided, and use this to come back to when you are feeling defeated.

The Light that Changes Everything
 
Children love to hear stories of their parents’ past and their adventures when they too were children. They know that even though the story might be dramatic or even scary at times that all will turn out ok, after all the parent is with them right then.
John 1:1-5 is the exact same way. No matter what happens throughout the rest of the book, no matter how dark it gets, we know it will be okay because verse 5 says, “The darkness did not overpower the Light.”

No matter what happens when Jesus begins to work in the temple; or when Lazarus dies; or when Jesus Himself dies on the cross – no matter what – “the darkness did not [will not] overpower the Light!”  And that is a major rejoicing for us!

Some translations say, “The darkness did not comprehend the Light.”  Throughout scripture we find that darkness and light are both powerful forces, but they are not equal powerful forces. Bringing a “box of darkness” into a sun lit room is not the same as lighting a candle on a dark night.

Light is always the most powerful force that we can experience. From Genesis 1: when “darkness was over the face of the deep” and God’s very word brought light – to John 1:1 where again God’s Word brought Light, and the “darkness did not overpower the light.” No, darkness cannot “hold a candle” to light!

Isaiah 9:2 says, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light,” and in John 8:12 Jesus says, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
On Christmas and every
 day,  we celebrate the coming of that Light, and by His coming and our salvation, we know, that no matter what happens (COVID-19, Depression, anxiety, stress, sickness), no matter how dark it gets in this life, “the darkness did not [and will not] overpower the Light!” May God’s presence and assurance go with you this day, because your Parent - your Father - said everything would be alright.

Remember, “you will never get into God’s kingdom unless you enter it like a child.”

How does this LIGHT help you today in all that you are facing?
~ Pastor Matthew

Choose Joy
  
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a Christmas season so busy that you just want to stop and yell out like Charlie Brown did and say “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”  There is so much to be learned in this Holiday Classic, as Linus and the Peanuts gang teach us the true meaning of Christmas.  Often times though we get so caught up all in all we “need” to do that we too forget the real reason for the season.  This is one of the most opportune times of the year to boldly proclaim the reason for the season.

So why should we choose Joy this Christmas season? Because we’ve been redeemed and we have been received as adopted sons and daughters by our heavenly Father. We no longer need to live in fear (Anxiety, Depression, Worry, COVID), because our debt has been paid, and we have been given the greatest gift in the universe. If that’s not enough to give you and your family a merry Christmas, then I’m not sure what will!

Dr. Seuss summed it up best, “My friends, He came without ribbons. He came without tags. He came without packages, boxes or bags!

Let’s remember that the He chose to exchange His glorious throne so we could exchange our destiny of death for eternal life.

And let’s never forget that this is one of the most opportune times of the year (not to mention all that is going on around us) and to boldly proclaim the reason for the season in a LOUD way!
 
Everyone is looking for something this Christmas season…
A cure for COVID, cure for cancer, cure for depression….
As Christians, we shouldn’t sound sad, because we have the CURE for eternal life….
We want every person down in Humanville, the tall and the small, to be singing because of Jesus, the greatest present of all!

This Christmas season, who do you know needs to hear this good news?
~ Pastor Matthew

The Joy was Jesus Brought
 
As the Christmas season is now in full swing, we start seeing countless commercials for things we “must” buy or best deals ever... The implied promise is that if you give this or if you receive that, then you will be happy.

Of course, there’s a bit of excitement in receiving that special gift. But I’ll bet that you can’t even remember what you got for Christmas last year as it lost is glamour. It was so important then, but now it has faded from your memory.

I think Christmas, materialistically at least, cannot live up to the promise. It can’t live up to the standards we have set in our minds, because Christmas is, at best, a promise of greater things to come.

If your hope is in the commercial side of Christmas, then you will be disappointed—especially when the bills come due. You open your presents on Christmas morning, and then on December 26, the bills begin to come in.

It is not Christmas that will bring you joy. It’s only Christ. He will give you life, and that more abundantly. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 NKJV). That is the hope of Christmas through Christ. That is the gift that God wants all of us to have every day.

In reality, I have found that the greatest moments of Christmas are not the ones we often get pumped up about. Rather, the greatest moments of Christmas are those in-between moments, like when you’re having a meal together with family or looking at Christmas lights on display. Or the moments when you’re wrapping a gift, not giving it. This is Christmas like none other as we continue to fight COVID-19 and all of its restrictions. But there are the moments that we must remember in the past and invite into our homes and that is when you’re with the family of God, those moments of worship.

So, this Christmas, slow down.
Relax a little bit.
Enjoy it and take it in.
Because Jesus was born in Bethlehem to bring us life—and all its fullness with Him. 
Enjoy your family and remember the JOY that only God brings us all each and every day.
How will you stop and reflect on this Christmas season with your family to remember the JOY that HE brings every day, not just in one season?
~ Pastor Matthew

Practice Forgiveness Everyday
 It’s hard to believe that after all these years, A Charlie Brown Christmas will not air on television this year.  Do you remember when Lucy comes into the room where Charlie Brown is standing and says “"Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown? `Tis the season of peace on earth & good will toward men. Therefore, I suggest we forget all our differences & love one another."
Charlie Brown’s face lights up with joy. "That’s wonderful, Lucy. I’m so glad you said that. But why do we only have to love each other at this time of year? Why can’t we love each other all year long?" Lucy thinks for a minute… and then blurts out. "What are you, Charlie Brown… some kind of a fanatic or something?" Yes, it is an interesting reply. Can we keep the spirit of love and peace for the other days of the year and not just Christmas?

One idea of Christmas I think is important is the word ‘forgiveness’. Isn’t it a good idea to offer forgiveness now during this COVID Christmas season?

While people continue to celebrate Advent, we can look back on our life with regrets... the things we didn’t do that we should have. You may think you wish you had done things differently. We let things fester, become grudges, and we end up being the loser.
We must remember the words of the Bible, “The Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” (Exodus 34:6-7). Psalm 130:3-4 says, “if you kept a record of our sins, no-one could last long. But you forgive us.”

The coming of the babe in the manger tells us God did something about forgiveness. God sent a child into the world who would meet our deepest needs, a wonderful Counselor who is the mighty God, the source of peace. Isaiah had said “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined” (9:2).

Jesus came because we had made such a mess of this world. But He came as a baby, a baby named Jesus, born to save us from our sins. He grew up, and was crucified. But He came back from the dead. No-one but God could have done something like that.
It’s because Christ came that you and I can be forgiven even when we have a hard time forgiving ourselves.

Who in your life needs to be forgiven?
~ Pastor Matthew

The Gift that Never Stops Giving
 
Our God is just and holy.  One of our problems we live with daily is asking ourselves how do we get right with our God who is just and holy?

We rejoice in knowing that God is merciful and has promised in Jeremiah 31 that someday he would do something new. He would move into our lives in a powerful way, change us, and write his will on our hearts so that we are not constrained from outside, but are willing from inside, to love him and trust him and follow him whole heartedly.

What would be known as the greatest salvation is if God should offer us the greatest gift in the universe to enjoy and then move in us to know that in such a way that we could enjoy it with the greatest freedom and the greatest pleasure possible. That would be a Christmas gift worth singing about for you and your family.

He promised us even though the big obstacle remains - Our sin. Our separation from God because of our unrighteousness, unholiness…

How shall a holy and just God treat us sinners with so much kindness as to give us the greatest gift in the universe (his Son, this babe in a manger) to enjoy with the greatest possible joy?
The answer is that God put our sins on his Son.  Once those sins are removed, he can deal with us mercifully and remain just and holy at the same time. Hebrews 9:28 says Christ was “offered once to bear the sins of many.”

Christ bore our sins in his own body when he died (1 Peter 2:24).
He took our judgment (Romans 8:3).
He canceled our guilt (Romans 8:1).
And that means our sins are gone (Acts 10:43).

He forgives them. They are consumed in the death of Christ and for that we rejoice.
He then gives us Jesus, the greatest gift we could ever ask for. And he writes his own will — his own heart — on our hearts so that we can love Christ and trust Christ and follow Christ from the inside out, with freedom and joy.

One of the most precious discoveries in scripture is the simple truth that Jesus becoming the “babe in a manger” was His plan since the creation of mankind and the entrance of sin. From the cradle to the cross, our forgiveness and fellowship has been planned.
How does your view of the cradle change from today’s devotion?
~ Pastor Matthew

Christmas Choices
 
One of the privileges of living in America is that we are free to make many choices regarding our well-being, and the paths of our lives. We are given a great deal of freedom in comparison to other countries. And let’s be honest, even with many of our freedoms being challenged by progressives, we still live in a pretty great country. We have had some pretty great days.
Over the course of my lifetime, like some of you, I have made some pretty good decisions, and I have made some pretty bad ones. Some very costly in one way or the other, some just bad in nature and resulted in a negative outcome. Both types hurt, not the same maybe, but they hurt.
One of the greatest choices that we have before us this year is how much of Jesus we will celebrate. How Christ centered our lives will be, and how far we are willing to go not only to meet Jesus in the manger, but even to protect who He is in this day and time, not to mention who He will be in our lives in the future. These are our Christmas choices.

The Wise Men had a Christmas choice to make. Herod had sent them to confirm prophecy so that he could bring harm to the little big King, but the Wise Men chose Jesus. The bible says,
 
As we discussed earlier, this could have been a fatal decision made by the Wise Men, but after meeting little Jesus, and knowing scripture, they could not deny Him.

From this day forward and continuing, there are going to be times when we have difficult, challenging, and costly decisions to make. There are only two ways that we can choose. We can stand for Christ, preserve His truths and His Word, or we can succumb to the worldly influences that will seek to pressure us into doing the wrong things. As the end times draw near, we learn in scripture that some of these decisions can even cost us our lives.

There will always be choices. But the flip side of that is that there will always be provision and grace. Even in persecution. Make a plan now, make a choice now to stand firm. Talk about these things with the ones in your family and inner circles that you hold dearest so that they too can understand the importance or significance in future choices that may need to be made.
One thing to consider, regardless of whether your choices have eternal (forever) or temporal (in this world) consequences, they DO have consequences. The only thing that we can do in preparation is embrace God’s Word and plead for wisdom to the Holy Spirit, that He will not only comfort as He does, but just as importantly, He will impress wisdom upon us so that we can make decisions and/or choices that are consistent with our faith and according to His will and His Word.

What made the Wise men wise was that they chose Jesus. Had they not chosen Him; they would just be ordinary sinners with no hope. We have hope, we have peace, and we have a joy that is not of this world…all we need to do is chose it. That will be the best Christmas choice you can ever make.

Joy to the World

There was a need. I did not know it at the time, but God was already at work. The only thing I wanted to do was take my son on a missions trip, any missions trip, just so he could see that there were not only people less fortunate than he was from a worldly point of view, but that he would see that there were really people out there that had never heard the name of Jesus before. Even in the good ole’ United States! Hard to believe I know, but very true.

It was on this mission trip that we found ourselves sitting in a fast food restaurant taking a break from the drive. My oldest, probably 12-13 years old at the time, was sitting at the table with me and a friend from the youth group. For some reason, an older man sitting by himself caught my son’s attention. “Daddy, you think he knows Jesus?” “I don’t know butch, but you can go ask him.” Those two boys got up and went across that dining room, sat down with that man and I could not believe what I was seeing. They told a strange man that looked like he jumped out of the deliverance movie, all about Christ, at least what they knew to say. When they finished, back over they came, sat down with me, and were glowing from ear to ear. “Well,” I asked. “Did he know Jesus?” “No sir,” and he still doesn’t, but now he knows enough to make a decision.” Profound words from two young men that on that day, I became very proud of, and learned a great deal from.
 
There is a need. That is exactly why God sent His Son into the world. The need? Salvation. But not everyone knows of the opportunity they have to come to know Him intimately. When He came to the manger, He was and is “Joy” to the world, and honestly, it’s a shame when people either forget or do not know that to begin with.

One of the most famous, most popular verses in the Bible is John 3:16, “For God…” saw a need and met the need at the expense of His Son for sinners like you and me so that there would once again be joy in this world. Not selfish, prideful, materialistic happiness, but joy.
People do not have to know Jesus to know that there is something desperately wrong with the world today. And while things may seem to be compounded with time, I can tell you that even as a young boy I knew that something was desperately wrong. I knew, and you probably did too at some point, know that pain and death, grief and sorrow, were wrong and unnatural. I didn’t know why, but I knew that all the bad things were not the way it was supposed to be. It was supposed to be good, and it was supposed to be forever.  Something told me things were wrong, and when I became old enough to understand that what was wrong was that overall, man had abandoned their maker, then the pieces started falling into place, I began understanding, and I developed a need not only for joy but to share the Joy Maker.

Christmas always brings me back to that place. The place where I again think about joy, and how Jesus is the true source of that joy. How that joy would not even be possible without the manger. How Jesus could never had died on the cross if He were never born in the flesh. And most importantly, how vitally important it is to stand up and shout “Joy to the Word, the Lord is come!”

One of the greatest honors in the Bible is that David is referred to as a man after God’s own heart. Surround yourself with people that seek a heart of God, that prioritize Jesus, and that embrace His joy! We need it now more than ever. Will you pray for that?

The Most Valuable Gifts
 
 Just because a gift is expensive, does not necessarily mean that it is valuable. Often the most valuable gifts are not the ones that come with an expensive price tag, they are the ones that come with thought, or the ones that have a great sentimental value.

Growing up I always used to think the price or price tag determined value. I suppose from a worldly, materialistic perspective they do. But over the years it has been the sacrificial, sentimental, and thoughtful things that have really gained my attention and appreciation. For that reason, I have tried to be better at giving those types of gifts myself, although often I fail.
I remember one year for Christmas I bought my beautiful wife an expensive vacuum cleaner. I thought she would really like it, and that I could kill two birds with one stone because our current vacuum was on its last leg. I still haven’t stopped paying for that…but I did learn. Don’t ever by your wife household appliance on a holiday…it will end up costing you more in the long run than if you just buy her a gift and go get the appliance when they are on sale.
What I didn’t realize is what I was communicating to her. What she got out of that Christmas present was that she didn’t clean the house good enough. What I got out of that Christmas was the doghouse. Of course, I never would have gotten her that if I would have known in advance of the outcome.

That’s not the same for us, not when it comes to Jesus. God knew the outcome, and He knew the cost. He chose the purchase, our redemption, by the cross!

Look at what the Bible says regarding the arrival of the Wise Men:


Unlike Herod, they had great joy. They hadn’t met the little King yet, but their joy cup was overflowing.  As a result, they gave Him the most precious gifts that they could. They gave Him the well-known Frankincense, Myrrh, and Gold. You would think that might be enough to satisfy anyone. But not Jesus. Jesus will never be satisfied with our material gifts. He will always require the most intimate part of us that there is. That is our heart. A relationship. We may start out giving and doing, and being religious but Christ will always pursue intimacy, and He will break us until He gets it.

When we give Jesus less than our heart, it is like me giving my wife a vacuum cleaner. He will use what we give Him, but He will never be satisfied until we give Him our heart. What are some of the ways we can give Him more of us…our heart, and our devotion or love?

Who Cares?

Who Cares? How many times have we heard this before? One person gets excited about something and others, with no indifference, say boldly about the topic, “who cares”? Really what they are saying isn’t that they do not really care. Instead, what they are saying is, “as long as it does not interfere with my life, I couldn’t care less.”

That wasn’t the case when Jesus was born. In fact, it was just the opposite. Herod cared because prophecy told him that someone more powerful was coming…someone with more authority was coming, and that individual would greatly affect his lifestyle and belief system. It would affect his lifestyle because those whom he had enslaved, would be set free. It would affect his belief system because he could no longer live in ignorance or denial. Think about that for a minute! Before we became aware of Jesus, we could do whatever we wanted based on our own thoughts or our own moral code. But after we met Jesus, we had to respond. Either by admitting that He is the King of Kings, or by turning and walking away. Either choice is a response.

The Bible says that Herod was troubled “when he heard.” I find it very interesting that nothing had been verified yet, nothing had occurred, but he was troubled.


Furthermore, all of Jerusalem seemed to share in that same mindset…they were troubled.
We have all heard a lot of things over our lifetimes, regardless of our age. Some have been troubling; other things, probably not so much. In fact, we have been troubled by things that we knew to be true, and sometimes we are troubled even when we know they are not.
Herod chose his approach to the Messiah. He chose before it even occurred and knew exactly how he would respond. Though it should not surprise us because his entire family line throughout history had been anti-Christ, or anti-God. They had been rebellious and hostile to all the things of the One True God for well over a century, probably even longer.

In spite of all his efforts, and all his information, Herod was unable to stop God’s plan. In fact, he did not even slow it down. Personally, I find great comfort in knowing that no one, not even me, will be able to hinder our mighty God’s plan. Truth is, we will not even be able to slow Him down.

So, as we continue to approach this Christmas season, just a few things come to mind. First, in spite of everything taking place in your life… no one, including you, is able to interfere with the plan God has for your life, for your today, tomorrow, or eternity! Secondly, we can decide how we will approach the Messiah. We can do it with hostility, or we can do it with a great appreciation and an attitude of worship. While our approach will not change the heart or plan of God, it will certainly determine the perspective and joy we experience in the coming days. Don’t get to consumed working against Him, it is far easier to join Him and enjoy the precious gifts we do have.

Still, there is one other thing that I would like to invite you to consider. There will be other Herod’s until Jesus returns. That simple fact should drive you to a greater appreciation for the truths of scripture and the promise of His return. This is the first Advent but there is yet another to come!

Who cares? If we say we care, what are some things that you are doing as you navigate through Advent, that say “I care?” The determination of our heart always leads to action. If only the world could see and understand our passion for Jesus.

Guided by the Light
 
Pause for just a moment and write down the things that guide you in your life, things that guide your direction or destination and the things that you really rely on to do so.

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One of the things I enjoy most about where I live is the ability to go outside, and with no interference from artificial light, I can look at the stars. I never realized how many there were, still don’t honestly, but to look at them is incredible. Some are brighter than others, some appear lower than others, and some appear to be blinking. Oh, but wait…those are just the planes.

I have always wondered how the three wise men knew to walk toward a certain star in the sky. The Bible says they followed it, but I doubt it was going anywhere, that would have really got everyone’s attention. Still, in the vastness of the sky how did they know which one was which, there must have been something really special about that star.
Matthew writes in chapter 2:2, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” People often try to distinguish how the wise men actually knew which star, or how they followed the star, or how God parted the Red Sea, how Jonah survived the whale, or how manna fell from heaven. I don’t know other than to know that the power of God is real, and He is able. I say that confidently and without hesitation.

So, when it comes to passages like this, and I see the wise men guided by a star, it really just tells me they were guided by God, and that God guides us all in a manner that we can relate to, identify, and walk in with confidence. That is not the same as following your feelings or thoughts or doing what you think is right…while there is nothing wrong with those things, the one thing that we have to guide us is God’s unchanging Word.  We can rely on that, and when we follow that, we will be following or we will be being guided by the real Star, Jesus Christ.
If you look carefully at one of the differences between Luke’s account and Matthew’s account of the signs of the virgin birth and the declaration of the born Messiah to a particular audience, you will see that in Luke, God uses the Romans to guide and  fulfill prophecy and in Matthew, God uses creation to guide and fulfill prophecy. When we look at scripture from both angles, it makes the birth and fulfillment of prophecy much more profound and indisputable, which in turn should offer us additional confidence.

One lesson is plain in both accounts - that is God is leading non-believers to Him for the sole purpose of worship. He desires people to worship Him. That worship includes both word (speech) and deed (action) (Colossians 3:1).

If that is His desire for the non-believing world, how much more so for the believers that have placed their faith in Him and are confessing Him as Lord and Savior? It is time to come back from Covid. Many folks have used Covid and the quarantine as a vehicle to do everything but come together and worship. During Advent this year, my prayer is that we will let God guide us, our every step, and if we do, we will come back from the wilderness (Covid) and begin placing God at the center of everything that we do. That is His rightful place, especially at Christmas time.

Will you take a few moments and use this time to ask God to guide you, through His Word in for His glory this Christmas season?

Availability
 
Availability is one of the greatest challenges that we are faced with. We have created a world filled with technology and better tools in order to make better use of our time but seldom creating more time for the Lord.

As we walk through the Scriptures, piecing together the passages regarding the Christmas story, we are brought to Matthew 2:1-2. Matthew takes a different approach and adds different insight to the account of the birth of Christ, primarily    because of the audience he is writing too. Matthew is directing his letter to the Jews. Israel. So, there is something additional that he wants to make sure is communicated. His message is not only that the Messiah has come to fulfill prophecy as he indicates in the opening genealogy of the letter, but it is to make sure that his Jewish audience knows that the Messiah has also come for the gentiles, or the nations. This is the fulfillment of passages like Isaiah 60:3!  We are gentiles. So, for that reason these passages are very important to me, and they should be to you as well.

One major insight into this passage that astonishes me is that the Magi, or wise men, were very busy individuals and high in demand. Kings and rulers counted on them to make decisions. For that reason, they held a great deal of influence, but they held it at a pretty high cost. For if they counseled a King in the wrong direction, it would likely cost them their life, whether by death or imprisonment.

Notice two things in this passage. First, the Magi were available to King Herod (evil) to meet the King that they would later protect (Jesus). They were aware of the prophecy, and anxious to see if it was true. Of course, they may have been going for the wrong reason, but God turned it for good. Sometimes we do things for the wrong reason also. And even when we do, our mighty God can and often will use it for good. For His good. Mistakes that turn out for the best. That’s what they are. And they happen more often than I would like to admit.

There is something else quite interesting though, that Matthew highlights. While the Jewish people he was writing to were convinced that the Messiah had come only for them, Matthew introduces the Magi, or gentiles on the scene. Though a fulfillment of prophecy as we well know, that would not have been the case in Matthew’s day, as he was connecting the dots for the people to see. The thing that really stands out to me is that we see the gentiles (nations) at the beginning of Matthew’s gospel, and we again see him emphasize the importance of the nations at the end of the gospels in the last words of Christ known as the Great Commission. In other words, what Matthew emphasized is that the Messiah that had come, is available to all! Christ is available, to the magi, to the Israelites and Jews, and to me and you. Today, now, and until His return when He calls us into His presence, He is available. The question is, how available are you? Maybe you need to meet Him in the manger, by accepting the reality of the virgin birth and our need for it. Maybe you need to make yourself available to meet Him at the cross. Are there are some things in your life that you have held onto never really surrendered your life? Is an unmet need, or answers that have been undiscovered? The important thing is that we are available. Reflect on the lines below and identify the things in your life that are making you unavailable. We are not called to do everything all the time, but we are called to be available to him all the time.

A Season of Peace
 
 It is hard to look around, especially during 2020, and imagine that there could ever be a season of peace. Christmas Peace. From the Prince of Peace. Because of the Gospel of Peace. I never thought I would see the day when it was ok for peaceful protests do the damage they have done, steal merchandise as they have done, destroy property as they have done, injure our law enforcement as they have done, and frankly, disrespect our societal structure as they have done. I never thought I would see this day, and honestly, I am sorry I did. It has caused me to create a line that I never thought I would create. It is a line that quietly rages within me over the injustices that have occurred and has caused me to lose respect and concern for the way those acting like this even feel. For me, it is bittersweet. I am almost ashamed I feel this way, but nonetheless…I cannot deny it. I am not speaking of a political position, nor am I referring to ethnicity, or economic status. But I am referring to all those who participate with the lack of respect and regard that should be required by all Americans. In order to enjoy the freedoms offered in America, people must be required to abide by the law! It is fundamental to who we are. Protesting is one thing…rioting is quite another. Every rioter ought to be jailed and tried without prejudice, and ought to suffer the consequences of their actions, in my personal opinion. The war we see taking place is no longer subtle. It is a war between good and evil, and evil is on an uprising.

So, where does peace come in? Peace is not for everyone…it is for everyone who believes. I believe, and I have peace. Though I feel as I do, I am completely at peace knowing that God will handle this day. He is the not silent. And when the time comes, He can be heard by all (Psalm 19:1-14).

Luke 2:12-14 says:
Notice in this passage who the angels announced this message to? It wasn’t the world; it was the shepherds. The message was given in a world of chaos, not much unlike today, and it was directed to certain shepherds at a specific time in a specific place. I am not speaking of this message in the context of the gospel, I am speaking of this message in the context of peace.
Here is the thing… this is the point I am making. A sign, just as if it were given to the shepherds, is being given to each of us. At a specific time and in a specific place. God is not surprised that you are sitting here reading, and He has this message for you…there is a babe in a manger…Jesus… there is Jesus! You have a sign…Jesus. You have been chosen for this time and in this place to see this sign…Jesus! He is real, He is near, and He has chosen you to see this sign. Can you see it? In order to see it you must have faith; without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Without this faith, you will be unable to see the sign.

A confirmation of the sign (Jesus) is peace. It was not the world He said He would leave peace too, it was His disciples (John 14:27) “Peace I leave with you, Peace I give you,” says Jesus to his disciples. A peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). What is required to experience the peace of God is a confident faith in the promises of God. For this reason, Paul prays, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Jesus gives peace to those who believe (have faith) confidently in His promises. Christ has brought a peace. Are you enjoying it even in this season? Are there things that He is laying on your heart. Write them down, reflect, pray them out, glorify Him!

Wrong Questions
 
There have been so many times in my life that I have been distracted by seeking the answers to the wrong questions. Sometimes for myself, sometimes as a pastor for someone I am praying for or counseling, sometimes just out of mere selfishness. But I have come to realize over the years that the burden of focusing on the wrong questions is really a distraction keeping me from understanding the purpose and provision of God in any given circumstance. When I realized this, I began responding to others by encouraging them to focus on His grace. Wrong questions will keep us from sensing His presence in our immediate circumstances. Remember the Footprints poem? One of the reasons that poem became so popular is because it correctly answers a wrong question. God never leaves us in our despair, He never makes or wants us to travel or walk alone…He most certainly carries us more often than we realize.

In Luke 2:6-7, the Bible reads:I have heard people over the years ask the wrong questions about Jesus. Some of these questions have gone like this: “If God is in control and able to orchestrate everything in creation, why was Jesus born in a barn? Why couldn’t God have made a hotel room available?
The answer is that God could have. God could have had a room at the inn available. He could have arranged Jesus to be born in a wealthy family, He could have had a Humvee in the desert rather than walking endlessly as He did from miracle to miracle, He could have called 10,000 angels when He was on the cross being ridiculed, He could have done virtually any other thing that you can imagine…but the question isn’t really what could the Father do, it is what he willed to do.

The apostle Paul tells us that even though Christ was rich, He became poor for us, that we might become rich. The No vacancy sign on the inn was not for Him, it was really for us. It was for our sake He became poor (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Everything that in the Gospels, is for us. In fact, everything in the entire Bible is for us! It is so that we can know the King better and more intimately. Sometimes we get caught up in the wrong questions…questions that maybe we are not even supposed to know the answers too, and then for some reason, we get stuck and distracted. Christmas is an easy season to get distracted in. Honestly, the whole holiday season is easy to get distracted from the things that really matter. The most important thing that really matters in any of our lives is our relationship with Christ! And the best thing that we can do for Him, and with Him, is to communicate that importance to every single one of our family members and dear friends. We need others to see that we are serious about the things that really matter to us, and that our relationship with Christ is urgently important. The King of Kings came in a humiliating little manger…because He chose to. The next time he will be coming on his victory horse! Then it will be game over for everyone. Everyone’s fate will be final. No more chances. No more patience. Just righteous restoration. The writing is on the wall…and it is telling us the time is near, it is telling us to be prepared, and it is inviting us to get ready. Take a few moments and jot down the things the Lord is laying on your heart right now. Then spend some time reflecting, restructuring if necessary, and rethinking the importance of this incredible season.

Even Now
 
Pandemic and Politics. If there were two words that defined 2020 for me, those would likely be it. I am not saying that some good things have not happened, of course they have. The Bible says that all things happen for good (Romans 8:28). God has a plan that is going to be fulfilled, but His plan is not for the prosperity of His people, it is for the holiness of His people.
Sometimes that can be difficult. Nevertheless, it is what Scripture teaches and what we are called to seek. Holiness… to be just a little more like Jesus. But when we get a caught up in cultural and other discussions that are not constructive or have a positive influence on our country, when we are threatened by the very things that are foundational to our freedom (such as the Constitution) it becomes very hard. I am seeing dividing lines in our country increase rather than decrease, dividing lines that are not only defined by skin color, but also by wealth, education, and religious beliefs. There seems to be less common ground that people share, and more divisiveness than ever before. All for the sake of self-preservation and individual wants, needs, or desires.

What does all that have to do with Advent? Quite a lot. We need to embrace the truths of Scripture in the context of reality. In Luke 2:1-5, the Bible says,


This is just an example of how our God orchestrates His will and regards his people. Think about this for a moment. God planned and told us (Micah 5) that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth at the time, during the majority of her pregnancy, but God convicted Caesar Augustus to have each individual registered in their own town, hence bringing Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem for the fulfillment of prophecy and birth of His Son. Wrap your mind around that for a moment. Our God is remarkable, capable, able and in control! Even now!

As we navigate the journey not only ahead of us nationally, but even on the road to Advent, know that your God is in control. If you are like me, there are times that you have felt insignificant, unworthy, incapable, overwhelmed, unable, distracted, and even depressed or stressed…but God always looks out for and protects his people.  He is able. Able to do exceedingly, abundantly more by the power of the [Spirit] within us (Ephesians 3:20).

As we continue to through this very special season, do not think that because you are facing unusually difficult times, that the hand of God is not on you or able to help you. Perhaps He is just waiting on You to let Him? Please take a few minutes and give this season of your life specifically to Him. Ask God what it is He wants to do in and through You, and how you can take your relationship with Him to the next level… He gave us His all, will you give Him yours?

How is the Lord speaking to you now? At this very moment?

Great Expectation

Has there ever been a time in your life that you have had a great expectation? I can recall several times of great expectation in my life. One of those times was the time my grandparents came for a visit from Florida. I was just a young lad, but it was always so good to see them, and we always had so much fun together. They called when they were leaving from Florida, and the 24-hour drive seemed to me to be 24 years. I was so anxious and excited for their arrival, and I always had a great expectation of fun, food, and games upon their arrival.
There have been many other times of great expectation, like the nine months that my wife carried our child! Great expectation is what we shared for the new life that would be coming into a world that God had created for us. It was certainly exciting, and the longest nine months of my life.

Read Luke 1:68-71 below. Here we see Zechariah, (whose wife is Elizabeth) anticipates the coming of the Messiah with great expectation.
There are two very interesting things that occur in the words of Zechariah. If you were to observe more of the life of Zechariah, you would not have to go far to see that nine months earlier, he did not believe that Elizabeth would have a child. But now, filled with the Holy Spirit, He is so absolutely overcome and confident of the redeeming work that God will accomplish through the Messiah, that when he speaks of what is to come (the Messiah) that he speaks of the accomplished work of salvation (redemption) in past tense (v. 68). Zechariah learned a lesson that most of us need to learn and accept…we can take God at his Word, He redemption and salvation is both real and complete being testified to by Christ, the Messiah.

Still another very powerful implication of this passage shows us that God, has visited His people for the purpose of redeeming them. Israel had been carrying the hope of the coming Messiah for centuries, they had found themselves in bondage, captive, enslaved, and persecuted and for generations had looked for the Messiah that had been promised to save them. That promise was still anticipated, even though Israel had now fallen under Roman rule. Luke shows us their anticipation in the lives of two other witnesses. Simeon was looking for the comfort of Israel (Luke 2:35) and Anna was looking for the redemption of Israel (Luke 2:38). Indeed, there was a great expectation as the time drew near for the arrival of the Messiah. As we approach this Advent season and prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, what are your expectations for this Christmas? Often, we expect family, friends, gifts, good food, football, and we even expect to put on a couple of pounds, but in truth, have no expectation for encountering the Savior.

This is not just a time to celebrate His birth and remember His redemptive work- His humility by arriving in a stinky, unclean animal stall, but Advent is also about anxiously anticipating His second coming. Our King is alive, and He has promised to return to us and restore us! For that, every believer should have a great expectation.

What are some of the ways that you can approach this season not only with great expectation for your familiar activities, but with great expectation and anticipation for Christ Himself? Will you take a few moments and ask the Lord how you can be a part of His Christmas glory this season?

Does Humility Matter?
 
As Luke writes this his account, he zeroes in on two young ladies. Elizabeth and Mary. There is something about these two that attracts us, but we often don’t look very far. We settle on the fact that one is the mother of John the Baptist and the other is the mother of Jesus. Both of these notably are humble in nature. In fact, in Luke 1:48 the bible speaks of the humble nature of Mary and in Luke 1:43 Elizabeth asks why the mother of our Lord would come to her. Luke makes it a point to let us be aware that both of these ladies, whom the Lord chose, and the Lord was using in a mighty way, are humble.

Mary makes a significant contribution to Scripture in several places. Here in the beginning of Luke, she sings a song that has been titled Mary’s Magnificat.  It is an overwhelmingly joyful praise to her magnificent God that she adores. Of course, at the time she wrote or sang this song she knew something that no one else really knew… that the life of the baby in her was going to change the world! How could she have known this? Not only did the angels tell her, but her pregnancy backed it up along with Joseph’s understanding. There is something to be learned here. The truths of Scripture will always be endorsed by the facts of life.

How is what you know of Scripture supported by the facts of your life? Let me explain. If we believe that the gospel is not only a message of life but a life-changing message, how has your endorsement of the gospel changed your life? The truth is, if you have endorsed the gospel (or placed your faith in Jesus Christ) repented of your sins, and surrendered to Him, then your life has changed. In other words, Jesus makes an unexplainable difference in your nature. You may not understand it all, you may not be able to explain it all, but you cannot deny it at all.

Mary appears in other places of scripture as well. In the beginning of Acts, she has the high privilege of being in the Upper Room with the disciples. A Room of prayer and private conference.  We also see her at the cross. Not only does she participate in the Lord’s birth, she witnesses the Lord’s death. And we see her in between from time to time participating in the Lord’s life, like at the wedding of Cana. And even with all that knowledge, relationship, and participation in His life…Mary remains humble.
 
This Advent season I would like to invite you to make yourself available by following Mary’s example. What are ways that you can humble yourself so that the Lord can use you, bless you, and bless others even more than He may be using you now? It is only when we humble ourselves that we truly make ourselves available for Him to do with us as He will. At times, we are all guilty of assuming God’s role in our lives in terms of what, when and how we do things, but what if we could be like Mary and accept what may seem to be impossible to us (like the virgin birth) as possibilities for Him to work in and through us.

Did you know that an 8 oz. glass will usually hold about 9oz. before it overflows? When it overflows, it is a mess. Just like the glass, we too only have a limited capacity. When we get too full with too many things that we chose, there ends up being little room for Him and our life becomes a big mess. But if we will humble ourselves and let some things go, we can make ample room for Him! The truth is, we cannot bless ourselves more than God can bless us…maybe we should stop trying.

Take a few minutes today and think of ways that you may be able to decrease this Christmas season, in order for Him to increase (John 3:30).

Prepare Yourself
 
What is the purpose of Advent? It is to get ready! One of my favorites books in the Bible is the book of Luke. Luke records Jesus earthly ministry, from His birth to the cross, and he writes specifically for a Gentile audience. We are Gentiles. For the most part, our genealogy is not rooted in Jewish heritage or tradition. Why is that significant at all? Because Luke informs us that the gospel is as much for gentiles as it is for Jews. Personally, I like that.

But in the beginning of Luke, we are introduced to a man with a ministry. His name? John the Baptist. His call…to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. In Luke 1:16-17 the Bible says:
Many people celebrate Advent out of tradition or just because it sounds like something that we are supposed to do. But the truth is, Advent can do for us exactly what John the Baptist was called to do for Israel. It can prepare us for the celebration of the birth of Christ! Are you prepared to make Christmas all about Jesus?

It is quite one thing to get prepared for Christmas by baking, shopping, planning, decorating, and even attending the special services. And often that is exactly what we do, we get prepared by stressing ourselves out and trying to do all the right things for all the right reasons, then…when it is all over, just another Christmas has gone by adding a few more memories to an already behind scrap-book we could never get started on or never finish. It is one thing to get the hustle and bustle behind us, but it is quite another to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of the King, who made a way for us to live a physical eternity in a physical place with our physical (saved) loved ones forever. Savor and celebrate that this Christmas and this holiday will take on a whole new meaning.

Have you ever thought about where traditions come from? Traditions originate by doing the same things repetitiously, whether annually, monthly, weekly, or daily. It has nothing to do with whether they are good or bad things. The repetition of a thing does not define the nature of the thing. The Pharisees reasoning for their response to Jesus was all about tradition, yet their response was not a good thing at all.

We all have our traditions. Whether right or wrong we have things in our lives that we do repetitiously, and we pass them down from generation to generation. Some are intentional, and some are not.

What if we became intentional regarding our traditions, and we just didn’t do Advent for the sake of Advent, but we did Advent for the sake of being prepared because it will have a greater impact on our joy and the celebration of Christmas. How can you prepare? 2 things:

• Admit your need—you need your Savior every day.
• Make Room in your heart (Psalm 139:23-24).

• Think of ways to make the holiday God-Centered
• Make Christ-centeredness exciting for your family

Christ died for you and me, but it was His birth that led to His death. No birth—no death. Christianity does not have to be dull and dreary; it doesn’t have to be an “I have to” checklist. Take a few minutes and write down a prayer of promise to the Lord, of things that you can do in preparation for this celebration.

What Jesus Wants
 
 Have you ever thought about what Jesus wants? After all, we celebrate Christmas in appreciation of His birthday. I remember growing up my parents would always ask me what I wanted for my birthday, and when they gave me something different, I would really be disappointed.

What if we gave Jesus what He wants for His birthday this year? I bet it would not be a new bike or more money in the offering plate, although don’t get me wrong, there is nothing contrary to putting more money in the offering plate. Many of you may be wondering, what does Jesus want for His birthday, what does Jesus really want for Christmas? Can you make a list for Him? After you do, make sure you write down how you will give it to Him.

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Of all the things that you could have written down, how many of them are you willing to give Him? How many of them can you support scripturally? That is important. You see, as we learned in the previous devotional, He came to make all things known…and He certainly is not trying to hide what He wants from you for his birthday, for Christmas, or for every day.
Look at John 17:24 with me. This is the Lord’s prayer for us, as He is preparing for the ascension, He prays. This is by far the most beautiful prayer in the Bible, but I want you to pay close attention to what the desire of the Lord is.

“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”
 
There are two desires that Christ prays for. First, that we will be united with Him, now and forever.  Secondly, the we behold His glory. What does that even mean? He does not just want us to see it with our eyes, but He wants us to feel it with our hearts. Currently, we are united with Him by His Spirit in us. That is absolutely incredible if you stop to think about it.  Even though sometimes we fail to remember that we are always in His presence and a host for His Spirit, He never forgets us. So, the prayer is that we will have an awareness of His continual presence in our lives and never quench His Spirit until we are united with Him physically at the final consummation or after the second coming.

Glory is such an abstract term though isn’t it? How do you understand His glory? Honestly, there are times that I am overwhelmed by the mere thought of it, so overwhelmed that I get bogged down in trying to understand it. But the truth is that the glory of God is the pure presence and existence of God which has no sin stain and that is what is left as a result of purification. At least that is one aspect of it. Another aspect of glory, as in “we give glory to God” is an action of praise and communication that acknowledges His supreme nature and His place over creation. When we give Him glory, we acknowledge His authority of everything else that exists. Christ is glorified in our lives through the victory we have over death. He has taken away the penalty and forgiven our sins because He is able. He is able because of the cross. So, the second aspect of this prayer is that we are made to testify of His nature by reflecting His glory (or His pureness) which He has equipped us for by His Spirit. So the prayer is that we would rise up and testify, just as He rose to testify of the Father’s authority over all things including evil and its penalty.  Now look at verse 26. The glory of God in us is reflected by the love of God that flows through us. Christ’s prayer is that we would love the world with the same love that the Father had for the Son, and the same love that the Son had for the world, would be in us. Not so that we could hold on to it. If we can hold on to it, then we really don’t have it. The love that Christ has for the sinning world and the church is so overwhelming that we must let it go through us. That is what Christ wants for His birthday. The Father’s love and His love being reflected and demonstrated because of our love for Him.

As we prepare to celebrate Advent this year, let us celebrate the first Advent the same we would with anyone else. Let’s give Him what He wants for His birthday while we anticipate the second Advent…His coming. Are you ready for Advent?

I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.  —Matthew 13:33–35
 
 As we navigate through this Advent journey, let us cast our hearts and minds on the first candle of Advent… Hope.

If you had to choose one thing this season to hope for, what would it be? Take a moment to think about that and write it down on the first line or two in the space provided.
Now let’s take a moment to understand what was occurring when Matthew penned the words, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world. He was quoting scripture from Psalms 78:2 and was linking that prophetic reference to what Christ was doing. What was Christ doing? He was teaching in parables all the “hidden treasures” of knowing Him. They were “hidden treasures” for His people to understand regarding the future hope, present and perfect hope and sometimes, how that hope should impact their lives. In other words, there was “things” hidden” …a missing link for lack of a better word, that was difficult to understand about the Messiah that the people had hoped for (a political leader) and the Messiah that Jesus was and is (the spiritual and eternal King).

You see, what the people “hoped” for was not as not nearly as rewarding or as beneficial as what they were getting. Their hope was limited to what they could see. But the hope we have in Christ is unlimited because of what He sees. They did not understand the nature of the work of Christ or what He had to offer, so Jesus was revealing to them the “missing links” or “hidden treasures” so that they would appreciate Him for who He is. Then they could understand His mission and the affect that it would have on them. When Christ came, what He offered (Hope) was far greater and could do far more than they ever expected or dreamed. Because of His love for His people, Christ offered them more than they asked for, and they did not even realize that the need for the gift they received.

Many times, we short sight ourselves. If you have written down the things you hoped for down on the lines provided, go ahead and take a look at them. There is likely nothing wrong with your list…but is it short sighted? If your hope is anchored in your perspective, then it is. If your hope is anchored in the same Messiah that came in the manger to die on the cross, that brought more to the people than they realized they needed… only then are you ready to walk by faith. He went far above and beyond what the people thought they need to be what they really needed, and He will do the same for you now. The key to this is first, placing your hope solely in Him. The Bible says all things are held together in Him, through Him, For Him, and by Him (Colossians 1:15-17). The second key is just as important

as the first. You see, not only do we have to place our hope for everything in Him, we have to be satisfied or content with everything from Him, because in Him all things are held together. In other words, we must place our hope in Him and then be satisfied with the outcomes related to our hopes knowing that there is something in store for us far greater than we can ever imagine or wrap our minds around. It is when we understand this, that we can begin seeing the “hidden things” understanding the parables of our lives while putting the pieces together so that the situations that have occurred and the outcome of our hope makes sense. What once seemed hidden to us, is now revealed given time, trust, and truth.

Not only do we need to increase our faith, but in the same way we need to accept and appreciate the reality of our hope. What are some ways that you can embrace the hope you have this Christmas? Do you think your hope influences your confidence in Christ?