A 21st century Christmas

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

21 centuries have come and gone since what began as a dark lonely night in Bethlehem. Jesus was not expected that night. Joseph and Mary had planned and hoped for a quiet and safe place but Jesus came to the stable. Mary remembered the messages of Gabriel and her cousin Elizabeth of His greatness but no one even took time to turn their head to notice. The Son of God came into the world on a night when all that was expected was for Joseph to pay his taxes. Though the date is still unknown we set aside December 25 to mark His birth. We can be like shepherds coming in from our fields to tell the wonderful news of God’s salvation. We can be like wise men bringing our gifts and worship because our King is here! We can be Joseph and Mary, ready to leave at moments notice to bring Jesus anywhere God leads us. Yes this world is dark and only the humble have a place for Him and still He comes. Yes powerful forces more evil than Herod wish to eradicate Him from the earth yet He rules a kingdom that can never be overthrown. Yes there are some who will not so much as turn their heads to give notice to His presence but He still accepts frightened shepherds, weary travelers and curious children. He still waits with the good news of great joy for all who believe in Him!

Our Christmas Prayer

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

This year what will our Christmas prayer be? Neither Mary nor Joseph had prayed for a son, and yet God’s Son was given them. The Wise men weren’t praying for a sign and yet a star was sent to bring them to the Wonderful Counselor.  Bethlehem’s shepherds were not asking for angel’s visits when they were startled from their sleep by the heavenly hosts glorifying God. The keeper of the inn had not asked for any honored guest and yet the Everlasting Father sent him the Prince of Peace to be born in his stable.

If God gave so much in this way, imagine what He might give us when we ask. Why not pray for Jesus to be seen by our neighbors through our lives this year? Why couldn’t Jesus bring healing to our racial and ethnic divide if we ask? How many more could fill our churches on Christmas morning if we would be willing to knock on their doors and invite them to our homes? Why couldn’t Jesus come again to forgotten people all around us and show His love and mercy. Will we ask to be a simple manger for Him in which He can lay His head?

1509619173182_image-1.jpg

 

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Matthew 7:7

Mary’s Christmas Carol

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,  Luke 1:46-47

From the very beginning Christmas seems to be intertwined with music and song. In the Biblical story leading up to the birth of Jesus everyone seems to be singing. Elizabeth sings, angels sing, and even Mary herself has a song. How many of the Christmas carols can you sing by heart without even a glance at a song sheet? Whether it is one or a thousand, each song had to take a journey from the lips of your mother, a church choir or a group of carolers outside your door, till it took up residence in your heart. In some mysterious way those carols have become your songs.

December 2012 032

For the young Virgin Mary her song had traveled the journey from the moment she heard the greeting of the angel Gabriel, till the first cry of Jesus in the manger. With each passing day she was learning new verses, hearing deeper harmonies and sensing more fully its tempo. In the same way we who have Christ living in us are learning day by day a little more of His song in our lives. If we are straining to hear we will hear his melody in the voice of the needs of others. When we are listening we will hear the gentle rhythm of those by our side blending with the harmony of God’s grace carrying us through hardships. If we are willing then note by note, and one measure at a time the Christmas song of heaven will become our own.