“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Luke 2:8 It began just like any other night on the Judean hills. The sheep settled for the night. The shepherds gathered around their campfire, sharing a last cup of coffee before the guards took their positions, and the rest found a place to sleep. They took their job very seriously. This flock was special because from it would come the lambs designated for sacrifice in the temple. But this night would be different. There would be no sleep for any…
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” Luke 2:4-5 When my first child was born, I rode in a car to a modern hospital, where I was quickly admitted and put in a comfortable bed. The nurse attending me was a friend, and the doctor was someone I was familiar with trusted completely. My son was checked over carefully to make sure everything was okay. They wrapped him in a warm blanket and placed him in a comfortable crib. All my needs were met. How different it was for Mary on that Christmas long ago. She had ridden for days on a donkey, probably feeling extremely uncomfortable, because she knew she would soon give birth. Arriving in Bethlehem, it must have been disheartening to discover there was no room in the inn. Fortunately, they found a place to stay in a humble stable, probably just a cave. There was no comfortable bed, no clean sheets, and no nurse or doctor to…
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 Through the years, the Jewish people read these words of the prophet Isaiah. In their minds, they formed a picture of a mighty conqueror coming in power and glory. He would deliver them from their Roman bondage and reign as their king. This child would be born in a notable family, educated and prepared for the roles He would fulfill. But God’s ways are not our ways. And His plans are far different than what we can foresee. He chose that His coming to earth would be simple and revealed only to a few. Look at the people He put in place for what we now refer to as The Christmas Story. Mary – an unknown young lady from the town of Nazareth, who was willing to submit to God, even though it caused her shame and reproach. Joseph – a simple carpenter, who believed what the angel of God told him, and submitted to His plan. Shepherds –…
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 I want to share a poem with you today. I wrote the first part of this a few years ago and then added more this year. As Mary gazed upon her child lying there in the straw, Sleeping peacefully in the night, her heart was filled with awe. She thought of what the angel said, the message he had brought. This Child would be the Promised One the world so long had sought. No earthly…
“Have mercy on me, O God, because of Your unfailing love. Because of Your great compassion, wipe away my sins.” Psalm 51:1 Have you ever been on the receiving end of mercy? If you have, then you know, it does something to your heart. A few years ago, I was in a hurry and sitting at a red light, eyes locked on the signal, waiting for it to turn green. The moment it did, I hit the gas… and immediately bumped into the car in front of me. Yep. Right into his bumper. The man jumped out of his car, arms waving, clearly upset, and understandably so. He inspected the damage and found two tiny, hexagon-shaped dents on his bumper from my license plate screws. I stood there frozen, cheeks burning, nodding silently, completely embarrassed. He looked at me and said, “You need to be more careful, young lady.” Then he got back into his car and drove away. Mercy. He had every right to make that moment far more difficult for me. He could have demanded insurance information, filed a report, or insisted his bumper be restored to perfection. But instead, he chose mercy. Later that week, I found…
“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 Fear has a way of cycling through the news. There is always a new headline, a new threat, a new reason for anxiety to rise. What we see and hear has the power to shape how people live, how they speak, and even how they prepare for the future. A World Searching for Security People may think they are desperate for provisions, and wisdom tells us preparation matters, but what the world truly needs is peace that cannot be purchased. The greatest security we will ever have is not stocked on a shelf, or saved in a 401-K; it is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Scripture never promises that we will avoid the valley, but it does promise we will not walk through it alone. We might wish God’s Word said we could fly over the valley of the shadow of death. That would be easier. But instead, it says “through,” and then assures us, “Thou art with me.” That makes all the difference. Fear Is the Greater Threat I read something online years ago that has stayed with me:…