Christmas

Good Enough for Joseph

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments 
But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:20 KJV

During the Christmas season a great deal is said and sung about Mary, but precious little about Joseph. Though Mary received a visit from the angel Gabriel, Joseph had only a dream. While Mary treasured the circumstances of the shepherds and wise men in her heart, Joseph had to pack their bags and guide them safely to Egypt. Later, after they returned to Nazareth, Joseph may have wondered how that dream from God would be fulfilled, when all he could do was continue his daily work as a carpenter. Years passed, James and Jude were born to Joseph and Mary as well as at least two daughters, and life must have seemed anything but miraculous. No fulfillment of God’s promise, no miracles, or change of any kind appeared during Joseph’s lifetime and yet he remained faithful. He woke up every morning, said his prayers, went to work, paid the bills, and quietly finished his days in the tiny village of Nazareth.

Mary saw the miracles, but Joseph only saw the character of Jesus. Mary met the disciples, and her two sons later became church leaders, but Joseph only went to synagogue and worshipped with people who never believed that Jesus was from God. Joseph waited an entire lifetime, believing in God’s promises, and then closed his eyes, without seeing them. I wonder what things Joseph hoped for, what plans he deferred or what public opposition he faced as he simply obeyed God’s commands to take Mary as his wife and then faithfully cared for her all his life. Joseph waited on a promise, that was not fulfilled in his lifetime, trusted in a plan that only others would experience and believed in God’s goodness without wavering to the end. Joseph did not know what rewards awaited Him in heaven but being one small part of God’s big plan was enough for him. Today, our society pushes us to work for important positions, shiny possessions, and exciting pleasures, but God simply asks us to trust Him as Joseph did. We also may never see beyond the borders of our village, our small town, or our city neighborhood, but that was enough for Joseph, that was enough for God: so, why shouldn’t it be enough for you and me?

Peace on Earth?

/ pastorpete51 / 1 Comment

And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NKJV

Here in Florida, from late Fall to late Spring we have month after month of sunny, generally warm and tranquil weather. But on the first of June, hurricane season begins. For those of us who have lived here awhile that means stocking up on batteries, water and keeping the car filled with gas. We do this, not because we live in terror, but because we know that preparedness is our best friend when a storm heads our way. In that same way God offers peace, beginning at the manger in Bethlehem

We need this peace, like the deer who the Psalmist says, is thirsting for water. What a wonderful thing here to find Paul describing God’s peace as the gift that guards our hearts and minds. Just as we prepare for hurricane conditions, so this peace does not spare us from storms but rather it prepares us for them. It is not fragile or delicate. Instead God’s peace is powerful, fearless, and able to guard anyone who dares to seek for God, like the deer seeking water, the wise men following the star and the shepherds running from their fields to see the Savior in the manger. Because of the cross this peace can be yours. It is God’s gift to everyone who believes, who receives His Son as Lord and Savior and who seeks Him with all their heart!

Lentil Soup And a Wise Man’s Gift

/ pastorpete51 / 3 Comments 
 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 
Matthew 2:11 ESV

“What’s for dinner honey?” I said with a laugh knowing that it would be lentil soup for its third and final performance. During those first years of marriage, our food shopping was a low-cost adventure. So, with Christmas not far away; even putting up a tree with decorations was something we couldn’t afford. That year, Christmas Eve was pay day and at four thirty I waited in line for my check. “Merry Christmas” My boss said winking as he handed me my envelope. “There’s something extra in there for you tonight.”  

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I peeked inside and drew a quick breath in astonishment. “Wow thanks Joe! Merry Christmas to you too” I said amazed at seeing a fifty-dollar bill tucked inside! I drove home through the heavy traffic getting there just before five. “Come on Nancy! Let’s go buy a tree!” I shouted as I ran up the stairs to show her my bonus. Five minutes later we bundled up and drove to a Christmas tree lot where the owner was delighted to sell us a tree for five dollars, just before he closed. Then we raced over to the Woolworth store, where for ten cents each we bought some colored glass bulbs and a string of lights with tinsel. God didn’t have to send the wise men with gifts to make it Christmas; but He did. That Christmas our wise man was named Joe and he left us a special gift on that Silent and Holy Night!