A Christmas Blessing

"May grace and peace be multiplied to you

in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord."

A Christmas Hymn

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Charles Wesley

Love divine, all loves excelling,

Joy of heav’n, to earth come down!

Fix in us Thy humble dwelling;

All Thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesus, Thou art all compassion;

Pure, unbounded love Thou art.

Visit us with Thy salvation;

Enter every trembling heart.

Finish then Thy new creation;

Pure and spotless let us be.

Let us see Thy great salvation,

Perfectly restored in Thee.

Changed from glory into glory,

Till in heav’n we take our place,

Till we cast our crown before Thee,

Lost in wonder, love, and praise.

A Christmas Poem

In the Still of the Winter

by Nancy Hayes Kilgore

In the still of the winter, the dark of the year,

there's a watching and waiting for God to come near.

My heart, like a traveler who's lost in the night,

feels a yearning for comfort, and longing for light.

From the silence of evening, from shadow and sleep,

comes a luminous star like a voice from the deep.

How long must I wander, how far must I roam?

I am here, I am with you, and I'll lead you home.

I am here in the stars, in the dark of the night.

I am always within you, and I am the light.

I am who I am, sings the God of my soul.

In your waiting and hope I am making you whole.

Copyright © 2002 Nancy Hayes Kilgore.

(For permission to reprint, please contact the author by email at kilgore@valley.net)

Thank you, Nancy, for your gracious permission to share seasonal blessings with these dear readers. How you bless in your God-honoring ministry. Christmas blessings, Debbra

A Christmas Prayer

Eternal God,

This holy night is radiant with the brilliance

of your One True Light.

May that Light illuminate our hearts and shine in our words and deeds.

May the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love

represented by the birth in Bethlehem this night

fill our lives and become part of all that we say and do.

May we share the divine life of Your Son, Jesus Christ,

even as he humbled himself to share our humanity.

Amen.

Rev. Richard J. Fairchild

A Christmas Verse

The Son is the image of the invisible GOD, 

the firstborn over all creation. 

For in him all things were created: 

things in heaven and on earth, 

visible and invisible, 

whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; 

all things have been created through him and for him. 

He is before all things, 

and in him all things hold together.

[Col 1:15-17]

Foreign Travel

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” [Mt 2:1-2]

The heaven’s glad tidings over Bethlehem’s field rip-roared across the heavens, reaching as far as the Eastern skies.

Waiting in advent, wise men were looking up for a sign of the Coming King. They studied, planned, prepared. These knowledgeable star-gazers were on ready.

Are you? Are you face-bent to the heavens watching and waiting for the signs of our King’s Coming? Keeping eyes focused on the starry skies as you follow, searching, to bring your sacrificial gifts in worship? Ready to set out into the great unknown at the first sign of His return?

These men left it all—family, home, occupation—believing to the utmost degree. They were willing to overcome obstacles of terrain and the elements. Traveling long and far with one aim, they would persevere to find the King of kings. And yet the priests, familiar with the prophecies, remained indifferent just six miles away.

Earth is full of wise men pondering, probing, presupposing. But are they the right things? The things that truly matter?

Astronomers look to the skies to study the vast mystery of the galaxies, looking for answers. But are they looking for The Answer? Are they looking for the Christ of God? God of the Universe that breathed the stars?

These gift-bearing men made their way through the desert by faith, following a God-sent star. And not just any star, but His Star. His own star led them to Him. It belonged to Him - to do His work. It did not shine for itself, but to bring attention to its Creator. May we be such a shining star for Him here.



Bright Shining Star; Shine on those far off, guide them through the dark to You. Lead us as we shine for You.

Hasty Travel

The Great Shepherd heard the cry of His lambs, the displaced sheep without a flock.

As a band of herders settled in for the night, it seemed it would be just another ordinary night. They were just shepherds—nothing extraordinary ever happened to a shepherd.

As they lay on the rocky hills, stars for their roof, pasture their carpet, they may have reflected on the fact that the renowned David, shepherd-turned-king, shepherded these same Bethlehem fields.

Suddenly worship broke the silence. An angel appeared with the most wondrous announcement. A great company of heavenly hosts soon followed in acclamation. God covered them with heavenly brilliance. The sights and sounds too wonderful to imagine, too great for words. Echoing waves of the most glorious refrain filled the fields.

Their senses on overload, they made haste to see the newborn Lamb of God. They knew the landscape well. They would know where to find the manger for it was just a cattle’s shelter.

The hustle and bustle of Christmas found its beginning for it started that eve with them. Shouldn’t the hustle and bustle of our Christmas be to hurry to our knees before the Lord, hurry to glorify God, hurry to share the Good News?

Bowed over the peaceful Babe, moist gazes between parents and shepherds held long in shared wonder. Mesmerized in amazement. The prophets Messiah, promised Shepherd to Israel, had been revealed to ordinary shepherds.

It must have been difficult to rise. To leave the place...the love. The sheep would have to wait! Others needed to know. So they traveled on at a rapid pace, feet barely touching the ground. There’s was a hasty travel.

Who would have ever imagined? After all, they were just lowly, outcast shepherds. Nothing extraordinary ever happened to shepherds.

This world still needs shepherds—especially with hearts like theirs—keeping watch over God’s flock, keeping enemies at bay. Compassionate shepherds guiding the wayward, gathering the lost, speaking words of comfort, and encouragement. Traveling far and near serving the Great Shepherd, bringing glory to God. And to these ordinary men, God promises the extraordinary: "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

As ordinary folks, may we experience the extraordinary Story in our hearts this season.



“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip [us] with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”


Art:
Adoration of the Shepherds
Guido Reni
1575-1642

Hasten then, hasten to Bethlehem’s stall,

There to see heaven descend to us all.

With holy feeling, there humbly kneeling,

We will adore Him, bow down before Him,

Worship the King.

English translation of a verse from a Czech carol

Traveling at the Speed of Light

“Are not all angels ministering spirits 

sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

[Heb 1:14]

Angels, heaven’s ministers and messengers, are our most intriguing and mysterious nativity travelers. They are prevalent beings in the story God is writing—from Creation to the Coming.

Trusted couriers to deliver the message of Eternity to mankind, they announced Jesus’ birth and resurrection, His ascension, and will return with Him in glory.

Involved in events from the very opening of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, they are mentioned 175 times in the New Testament.

And, my-oh-my, how they can lead worship!

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host 

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, 

and on earth peace to those 

on whom his favor rests.”

[Lk 2:13-14]

The unparalleled pronouncement of the ages accompanied by the eternal song, “Glory to God!” The veil rolled back for humble shepherds to peer into the heavens in worship, singing the ultimate heaven-song, “Glory!”

“Glory!”, a fantastic crescendo resounding across the pasture hills. “Glory!” resonating through the heavens, spilling upon the earth. Resonating through the hearts and souls of mankind through the ages. “Glory!”

“Glory!”, let it ring ‘round your Christmas tree, through the halls, the malls, the traffic lanes. Let it flood the air and fill the skies yet again.

They had good news of great joy for all people. News that has not dulled, nor joy that has not faded down through the ages since first pronounced. The salvation Jesus was bringing to a dying world lost in sin was for all people. That means us! Not just those shepherds that were first told. That is The Best News!

Let’s join with the angels as His Glory shines around us—and through us—in joyfully saying; “Glory to God in the highest!”


Glory!

A Hard Road to Travel

"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit." [Mt 1:18]

On the surface, one could easily conclude that Mary suffered many disappointments as God's Son was being formed within her. Expecting one thing of God and yet realizing quite another.

She faced a possible broken engagement; endured a grueling trip to Bethlehem; was denied a room for rest; and gave birth to Israel's King in a stable. It didn’t end after his arrival either, for they would soon need to flee to Egypt to protect His life.

She traveled a road of hardship to give birth in a land not her own. Longing for home and denied a place to lay her firstborn son. Jesus, too, entered a world not His own - rejected and far from home.

Not exactly the circumstances you would expect at the hand of the God of all the universe, is it? Not quite the welcome reception and ease of lifestyle one would imagine...or expect.

That miraculous night of Jesus’ birth, she was merely another traveler that blended in with the crowd. She had no extraordinary markings that set her apart from the other travelers. She didn’t bear any special identifying features that others might recognize she was heavy with God’s Child.

Why not a royal chariot? A gold encrested banner? An entourage of servants? After all, she is the King’s mother! No rank, no riches, no social privilege. Why, there wasn’t even a room for this weary traveler to rest in her labor.

Don't I expect God to do things one way and find He does them quite another? I find myself questioning His methods of accomplishing things in my life. The trials we face in a world not our own, that form Christ in me.

I can't imagine her thoughts and prayers as she waited for the birth of her own Savior. The things she "treasured" and "pondered in her heart." God was forming in her the spiritual as well as the physical. The Child becoming both her son and her Lord.

Mary traveled at the most inconvenient and uncomfortable time possible but she traveled obedient to God, faithful to do His will.

Let your heart and mind travel to Bethlehem this Christmas, that the Christ Child might be formed and born anew in you!



Father God; Form Christ in me and help me to accept, by faith, Your perfect will for my life.


Photo:
Traveling Mary here
We, too, are traveling toward Christmas with traveling Mary.
For more info on this advent wreath,
hand-crafted by the talented Caleb Voskamp, click here:
The Way of Light Wreath


Post Edited from the Archives

A Father on the Move

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him.

[Mt 1:24]

When Jesus said, “There are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last” isn't it possible to consider that he may have heard those words spoken by his earthly father as well as his Heavenly Father? There are several occasions recorded in the gospels where Joseph certainly modeled that in his life.

Joseph chose to put himself last to heed the instructions given in a dream by an angel. Even though he had every right to “divorce” Mary, in humility and mercy he chose not to publicly disgrace her but honored their engagement (Mt 1:19).

He relinquished his head-of-household role and assigned it to the Sovereign when, often, he followed the leading of angels. He obeyed God’s instructions through a dream-angel to flee to Egypt (Mt 2:13-15) from Bethlehem. Common sense just tells me this wasn’t exactly what he had planned.

He followed when he was told it was safe to return to Israel, not necessarily knowing exactly where he was going (Mt 2:19-20). In the course of this return trip he was twice given direction. Headed to Judea he was told to bypass and go on to Galilee (Mt 2:21-23). Forsaking his way and his plans to blindly follow by faith.

When you’re treading unknown territory aren’t you more likely to pay attention to every detail? How often are you visited by angels being told you will marry a woman who will give birth to God’s Son conceived by the Holy Spirit? Wouldn’t you be more likely to surrender trust in your own competency to the One who authored the master plan?

Did he often feel inadequate in light of his assigned role? Wondering, “Why me, a lowly carpenter?” Joseph’s Song, by Michael Card, alludes to possible thoughts he may have had. Imagine that he may have uttered similar prayers as this:

Father, show me where I fit into this plan of yours.

How can a man be father to the Son of God?

Lord, for all my life I’ve been a simple carpenter;

How can I raise a king, how can I raise a king?

Joseph traveled much—rarely of his own choosing. After the Birth Story, Joseph fades into obscurity. He was an earthly father on a heavenly mission. He had a significant role in the life of Jesus and in God’s plan and yet he is mentioned little. But the little we do read helps us form some conclusions as to his faithful character. A character that I think would have influenced his adopted son.


Sovereign Lord; I need to learn from Joseph to put Your plans first and foremost always. Create in me a will to do Your will and trust completely Your guidance and direction.


Edited from the Archives

Temple Pilgrimage

He was 1 in 20,000. The one with the name “the Lord remembers”. He was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that came to him late in life—never too late. I wonder how often he questioned; “Does He? Does He truly remember His covenant? Remember us? Remember me?” How often did he ask that question as he traveled to the temple?

He was faithful to observe all regulations commanded of a devout Jew. As he made pilgrimage to Jerusalem to serve in the temple under the old Mosaic Covenant he was unaware of the changing of the covenants on the horizon. The Old soon to pass—the New coming into view.

The Biblical record of Zechariah in the first chapter of Luke's Gospel alludes to all three covenants, the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic. And one point made perfectly clear is that the Lord indeed remembers. And Zechariah was first to learn the time had come. First to receive a word after 400 silent years. He had waited long living in the advent and now he would be instrumental in the fulfillment of the prophecy he wondered if God even remembered.

Zechariah was quite likely to follow all the instructions Gabriel gave him with regard to raising this son. His life and character as a righteous priest proved probable he’d fit God’s calling. He understood his role – understood his future son’s role – he understood salvation was coming – this he would pass on to John.

Without need for pilgrimage up to Jerusalem’s mount, the temple of his body filled with the Holy Spirit to worship God. An offering more fragrant than incense, for it came from the heart – the holy place.

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,

because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

He has raised up a horn of salvation for us

in the house of his servant David

(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),

salvation from our enemies

and from the hand of all who hate us—

to show mercy to our ancestors

and to remember his holy covenant,

the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,

and to enable us to serve him without fear

in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;

for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,

to give his people the knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins,

[Lk 1:68-77]

God had remembered His holy covenant and Zechariah praised Him for it. The Lord remembered and the son, John, whose name means “the Lord is gracious,” prepared the way for the coming of a New Covenant—the Lord's Covenant of Grace.

God worked through the elder, Zechariah. God worked through his son, a baby. Proving there are no age boundaries in our use for God. As we wait long in advent, wondering if our King will come, we must remember we live in covenant of a God who remembers.



Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Rising Sun has come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, He guides our feet into the path of peace. Praise be to God!


Art:
James Jacques Tissot
1836-1902

Travel Summary

Travel back with me over recent Advent days and look at the individuals that came seeking the Christ. Notice the vast differences in each encounter. The one thread that strings them together, that stitches us all together, is the need for Jesus. Pay particular attention to the gracious way Jesus rewarded each for their demonstration of faith. Can you identify with any of them? Let your personal experience be the basis for holiday praise.

The intellectual Nicodemus

The curious Zaccheus

The powerful Roman Centurion

The religious Saul

The faith-full Friends

The afflicted Woman

The broken Samaritan

The affluent Ruler

The hope-full, waiting Simeon

The thank-full Leper

The worship-full Woman

The hungry Disciples

The devoted Women

The exuberant Peter

From this abbreviated list alone it is easy to deduce that we can come to Christ from wherever we are. From any condition of heart or curiosity or any station in life. No matter your position or disposition. Every post-resurrection Christian sojourns to the Christ.
Time-travelers, we wander back through the historical account and strain forward in advent of His promised return.

We’re about to step foot into Christmas Week so I’m about to shift gears on you again in our journey. For the next six days we’ll reflect upon the major nativity players—the main characters gone-a-traveling in the birth narrative.

So for today, I hope you enjoy a repost of one of my whatever-you-call-its from the archives, that we might, in cyber-community, worship together the Son of God Most High.

God sent an angel to announce

Man's Redeemer born as babe,

Son of The Most High

Born of virgin Mary

Conceived of Diety,

Son of The Most High

Promised Messiah

By prophets of old,

Son of The Most High

An unending kingdom

He will justly reign,

Son of The Most High

Word from the beginning

Come in flesh to dwell,

Son of The Most High

Born of God in Mary

Born of God in me,

Son of The Most High

Impossible for man

Made possible only by

Almighty God Most High

Photo:
Nativity Travelers Here

Overboard!

Our travelers thus far have come by land. This traveler cometh by sea.

That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. [Jn 21:7 ESV]

It all happened so fast! So unexpectantly! First, there was the voice from shore. Then, the miraculous catch. And at the very mention by John of the word “Lord,” Peter bails. Overcome, he throws himself overboard—the quickest route to Jesus.

He had gone back to his former life, former occupation, former fruitless nights and fruitless nets. With the break of day came new mercies. New mercies for a living hope.

When Peter jumped in that water to go after his Lord, his fishing days were over. Immersed in the sea was as baptismal waters receiving his zealous faith, landing on shore awashed in forgiveness and a new identity in Christ.

Relationship reinstated, forgiveness realized, he would go on from that confrontation to truly become the fisher-of-men as foretold. Morphing into the “rock” Jesus named him and a preacher of repentance.

The probing questions that accompanied that morning meal on the beach with Jesus revealed several things to Peter.

• His dive spoke of a devotion I’m not sure he knew he had.
• He realized himself just how much he truly loved Jesus.
• He learned how that love should manifest itself in his future role. And Jesus told him of His expectations as a shepherd.
• He experienced the unconditional love and complete forgiveness of his Lord and Friend.

Can’t you just hear the experience behind the words and instruction in reading his letters? Do you think his mind reflected back to what he learned firsthand when he wrote; “According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope…” Didn’t this man of exuberance, zeal, and action learn to live out; “prepar[e] your minds for action, and be[ing] sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ”? He was a man of action. And at the post-resurrection revelation of Christ on the shore he sure acted in full hope of grace!

I imagine we'll be just as ecstatic to see Jesus! Dropping everything and going overboard. No second thoughts or backward glances. Making our way to Him the quickest way possible—no matter the route.

Light the fire of the exuberance-of-Peter in us, Dear Lord Jesus, to celebrate fully the gift of Christmas—the gift of Forgiveness.

A Traveling Fellowship of Women

I went to her room to deliver a Christmas package. She and her daughter were making a festive floral bouquet. The deep cranberry red of the poinsettia, accented by the dark sprigs of evergreen, were being shaped into a lovely arrangement. “They’re for my husband’s grave,” pure love was the lilt in her voice.

There is a love that brings one near. A lingering love that brings us as close as we can get to one that is long gone.

And the love that draws one near to a grave, draws them into a close communion with the love of the one that rests there.

A devoted band traveled in fellowship, expecting nothing in return for their dutiful service. What they suffered, they suffered together. At the very center of their grief was their shared love for their Lord. They devoted their lives to serving Him—committed even when it appeared it could profit them nothing. At the very center of their devotion was love.

And that love compelled them to plan and prepare in advance so as not to wait a moment longer than required. At the breaking of their very first opportunity they would venture out. In that dark just before dawn of that first day of a new week, they gathered together. To congregate in the shared love of Jesus was to commune with Jesus. The comfort for the common grief of this fellowship of women was found in their common love for Jesus.

Their mourning turned to dancing, their grief to joy, their memorial to celebration! True to His word and faithful to His promise, He had risen! A trip to the grave became a round-trip to share the most incredible news.

And the Jesus we serve is just as alive today as He was at His birth in the manger. Our Christmas is a celebration of a life! Not a memorial to honor a dead or distant man—but our living God!

Central to our Christian faith are three things we glean from this account.

• Love for our Lord leads to a devoted life--even in His absence.
• The Resurrection is as central to our faith as the Incarnation.
• We are expected to follow the same instruction they received: go and tell. Go and tell the most amazing love story.

Sunday morning come to worship bringing the costly gift of devotion. Gather with those Jesus loves, for to share in a Common Love is to commune with Jesus Himself.


Yours is a love that draws us near, bringing a gift of devotion to our Living Lord.

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
[Mt 28:1-10] (see also Mk 16:1-8; Lk 24:1-12; Jn 20:1-9)

Draw Near Enough - Again & Again

Excitement swells as we draw closer to the day we've been waiting for. Straining to near fullness with activities surrounding the coming holy day, we’re pregnant with anticipation.

Draw near enough to be filled, as Mary, heavy with the Christ Child. Travel in your heart to Bethlehem and experience the new life birthed only in Christ.

Don't miss the miracle. Don't overlook the awesome.

I chose to republish this post from the archives, as it fits in so nicely with our traveling theme. As we travel nearer the day, may our hearts traveler ever nearer The Blessed Child.



There is a whisper in the air:

Come
Draw near the manger and adore the Christ child

Come
Draw near enough
to hear the cattle lowing

Come
Draw near enough
that the hay tickles your nose

Come
Draw near enough
to see the slow breathing of sleeping babe

Come
Draw near enough
that the very Breath of Life might breathe on you

Come
Draw near enough
that He may touch your heart anew

How Not to Travel

Ma Zeb traveled to Jesus for the wrong reason. She approached with a selfish request. From her we learn what not to ask.

Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.


“What is it you want?” he asked.


She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” [Mt 20:20-21]

What mother wouldn’t be tempted? When it comes to our kids, we are vulnerable; easily enticed by the trappings of this world. Wanting ease, comfort, success, happiness, and security for them we fall prey and lose sight of the Cross.

In His presence and sight of His sovereign power, the allure captured her imagination. It can ours, as well. When we pray for our children we need be careful to keep our requests aligned with the will of God. Then, trust Him in His answer.

The most reliable place to turn is the Bible, for it is a book filled with powerful, God-pleasing prayers.

“When we employ God’s Word in prayer, we are laying hold of the promises He gives us and appropriating them into the lives of our children. Through His Word, God guides us, speaks to us, and reminds us He is faithful. In that way, He builds faith in our hearts and enables us to understand His heart. This helps us to pray boldly in faith, knowing exactly what is His truth, His will, and our authority.”

Stormie Omartian

The Power of a Praying Parent

Jesus taught that if His words remain in us we can ask and it will be given. Using Scripture as prayer unleashes the power of God’s Word that “will not return empty but accomplish what I desire.” Our prayers, rooted in God’s plans and promises become a fragrant offering, a pleasing aroma acceptable to the Lord.

There are many excellent resources to aid parents in praying the Scriptures for their children. Don’t be a Ma Zeb. Travel online or to the bookstore, then travel to your knees in prayer, knowing what you ask the Lord for your children is within His will.


Thank You for teaching us to pray, for interceding with God on our behalf, and for loving our children. We continually ask You to fill our children with the knowledge of Your will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that they may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to Your glorious might so that they may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father. May they stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. [Col 1:9-1; 4:12 adapted]

Travel Hungry

The Christmas holiday is a feast for the senses; intoxicating scents, the uplifting sounds, the sparkling sights, the fabulous flavors. My mouth waters, longing to enjoy favorite traditional, delectible treats.

Another delicacy to savor is God’s Word. It creates both hunger and satisfaction equally. It both gratifies and causes one yearning. I keep traveling the pages, coming back for more. More truth. More understanding. More of Him. To be filled up with The Word—with the word. True disciples do.

As was the case with the first disciples of Jesus Christ. They traveled far with Him, feasting on His every word. They came to Him time and again asking Him to further explain His teachings.

Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” [Mt 13:36]

Little did these disciples know that they would disciple others. That the student would become the teacher. Were fed that they might feed.

Some were hard teachings to understand…accept. And they may have had some hiccups along the way but in the end they lived out His will and were obedient to His commands—even to death.

Repeatedly Jesus’ disciples came seeking answers to understand His parables. They came hungry to learn from their Lord and Master. Are you? In the light of your advent candle, travel back through the ages to read a parable, the very teachings of the Lord’s Christ.

“He who has ears, let him hear.”

Bread of Life, we come hungry, nourish our very souls.

Parable of the Weeds

Mt 13:24-43

Come, Heart Full, to Worship

When one thinks of a word to describe Jesus, they might think “religious.” That is, until they get to know Him.

A dinner invitation was extended by the Pharisee to Jesus. Not necessarily a sincere invitation. The words of the Lord quoted by Isaiah may have come to mind as he entered Simon’s home.

“These people say they are mine.

They honor me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from me.

And their worship of me

is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.”

[Is 29:13 NLT]

Jesus took His place. He knew right where the Pharisee wanted Him. He carefully noted that Simon did not provide the most basic hospitality as was customary. Were these perhaps intentionally omitted?

A disturbance erupts. Enter the courageously uninvited woman, creating a scene soon to be the talk of the town. She makes way to Jesus the only way to travel—she brings an offering and a heart full of worship. She could not wait. To wait might cost her an opportunity to lavish worship and gratitude upon her generous Redeemer.

Without a care of the onlookers judgment, oblivious of the condemnation of the audience, having no regard of social etiquette, she is aware of One and Only One.

She fully grasped the depth of forgiveness she received from Jesus. She identified its divinity. She had no doubt whatsoever of its completeness and its reality. From the realization of the greatness of God’s grace came flowing liquid love. Words cannot express such love, gratitude, and joy. Only action. Appropriately unrestrained, she expresses her love in a measure as extravagant as the grace she received.

Jesus did not cringe at the sinner’s touch. He did not shun her worship. Nor did He reject her responsive offering. Who would you imagine was more hospitable? It was not the host He honored but the unashamed and uninvited guest.

She, the forgiven, stands in stark contrast to the Pharisee. Which is more offensive to Jesus? The religious or the sinner?

Come, let us adore Him, the Redeemer that has paid our massive debt of sin. Come, heart full, to your God in worship, giving of yourself in celebration, appreciation, and adoration.



"Thou has given so much to me, give me one thing more—a grateful heart."

When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.


Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”


Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”


The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”


Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”[Lk 7:36-38, 44-50]

Artist: Pieter Rubens

Twice Traveled

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” [Lk 17:11-13]

They were forbidden to come near. This did not silence their voice. In fact, it may have made it stronger. So, from the distance they made their request. And their request was heard and answered.

When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. [Lk 17:14]

Jesus sent them away. He redirected them to someone else. The priest was not known to have healing powers. But in obedient faith they went. They went, not fully knowing what the outcome might be. But they took those steps believing. And they were healed on the way. “As they went” they were cleansed of the dreadful disease that stained their lives.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. [Lk 17:15-16]

One. One of the ten. Not a very good return! Only one received gratefully. One traveled back to give God glory and thanks. One was living a eucharistic life.

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” [Lk 17:17-19]

Jesus made a point for all ears to hear. Many will receive but not all will respond. Not all will truly appreciate what they have been given.

Only the Samaritan understood why he was healed -- because he bothered to come back and offer thanks. His return was rewarded with revelation. Jesus brought his healing a step further in offering an explanation. Grace by faith saved Him. Grace was given to this Samaritan leper. Grace was available for the unclean, the outcast, the foreigner.

“Lift up your voice.” Come with your request. But respond. Make that return trip to the Christ giving thanks. Living eucharisteo.

When you light the candle of advent tonight, light up your Christmas -- your home...your heart -- with the reading of a psalm giving God glory and thanks. Return to the Savior eucharisteo--giving thanks for the cleansing from a stained life.


Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.

To get you started,

may I humbly suggest

Psalm 95?

Artist: Piero di Cosimo

Traveling by the Spirit

Artist: Rembrandt

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, [Lk 2:25-28]

Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus traveled the 6 miles from Bethlehem to Jerusalem on the 40th day, as commanded by the Law, for their purification. Simeon, moved by the Holy Spirit, went to the temple courts, hopeful of the promise to come.

Prior to this day, Simeon was waiting for the Coming Christ. He had been waiting his whole life. Year after year after year he faithfully lived out the waiting of advent. And we wait now for the 2nd Coming. It’s the how of the waiting that matters. Simeon hopefully watched, he waited in expectant anticipation. Consistently living out what he believed as a devout Jew.

Filled and moved by the Holy Spirit, Simeon came in hope of the promise—now fulfilled. He came to The Babe. He made no request. He came to worship. The others we’ve looked at so far sought Jesus out of their need. They had heard of His miracles and came wanting. Simeon came to see the awaited Lord’s Christ. To praise God for the salvation for both Jew and Gentile. He came to sing Simeon’s song. A song of praise that only he could sing.

In our Christmas Advent we wait. We wait and we celebrate that 1st Coming. We come to that babe in the manger and sing a salvation song of praise for God’s coming. A song only we can sing.

May we all be found at The Coming in just such a way as Simeon. Hopeful in the Promise to Come. Faithfully living righteous lives, filled and moved by the Holy Spirit to behold the Christ in worship.


Fill us, Holy Spirit. Fill us by Your indwelling. Fill us with songs of praise for worship. Fill us to live lives worthy of our Lord's coming.

A Different Approach

“Maybe today will be like a normal day. Maybe today I’ll feel better.” It was partly wistful thinking, partly prayer that I vocalized to my daughter at the bus stop. I’ve had this nagging cough and stubborn congestion for almost seven weeks. Two doctor visits, two co-pays, and two rounds of antibiotics and I’m weary of it. It’s nothing dreadful or serious even. Just lingering. I feel like such a spoiled whimp.

My mind drifts to drearier circumstances. I remember walking the aisle of what was then called the “Cancer Ward” to visit my mother. My mind’s eye still sees the route I use to drive to take her to radiation treatments. I can feel the impression of the arm of the chair at the base of my neck where I would occasionally doze off as I fight off the memory of her suffering.

She did all the doctors ordered. Went through every course they prescribed. Treatment options ran out. She needed a different approach, so she traveled to Canada to get medications not available in the States. When that failed she took a trip to Mexico to procure Laetrile. None prevented the inevitable. None provided the answers she sought.

Then Frieda’s dimpled smile and twinkly eyes flash before me. I recall how this precious daughter of God fought cancer for over 25 years. Doctor after doctor. Treatment after treatment. New approach after new approach. Year after year. Dollar after dollar, after dollar… And I remember the final breath from her bedside when she lost that battle.

Another woman’s affliction ripples to mind. Twelve years she suffered. Doctor after doctor. Possibility after possibility. Hope after hope. Twelve long years…

A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

“You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”

But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” [Mk 5:24b-34]

Afflicted

Desperate

Poor

Isolated and ostracized

Unclean

Twelve years!

Hope renewed

Heart pounding

Desperation dizzies the mind

She dares to head out into the crowd

Dares to believe

Stretch

“If I can just touch His hem...”

R-e-a-c-h

Immediate healing

Health restored

Relationships restored

Public and religious standing restored

A  l-i-f-e restored

The fullness of the very power of God belongs to Jesus. Here unleashed by faith’s touch. She fell at His feet, in fear and trembling, confessing the truth of what He had done for her. Tenderly, He calls her daughter and grants her her heart’s desire…to be made clean. Whole. Normal.

Approach. Reach out to Jesus. No need to get lost in a crowd or sneak up from behind…(but you can). By the healing, cleansing power of God He can make you whole.


Dear Lord Jesus; By You we are restored. More than physical healing, You provide reconciliation with God. By Your wounds we are indeed healed. Touch the afflicted daughters of God with Your love this Christmas, bring them freedom from their suffering and Your Blessed Peace.

Traveling in Circles

I’ve bumped along back in coach wondering what it’s like to travel First Class. Wanting to experience the luxury of the affluent.

Being rich, he had a wealth of possessions. Being young, he had the advantage of age. Being a ruler, he had status and a powerful position. Top all that off with his commendable performance as a law-keeper. But something was missing in this rich young rulers life.

He realized he was lacking eternal life. He went in search of Jesus for the means to his desired acquisition. He went with all the answers to his life but one, thinking he possessed his own salvation with no real need for Jesus.

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” [Mk 10:17-21]

Note the misplaced emphasis on I and do. He asks of Jesus "What shall I do".

He was of the mindset that eternal life was dependent upon his ability to earn it. He sought the reassurance that it could come from his performance.

He wanted the eternal ~ but not more than the temporal. He was willing to do something -- providing it didn't require too much of him. The free gift he rejected was worth far more than all he could ever possess. It out-valued all he could ever sacrifice.

He was not willing to let go of his worldly possessions, that only left him searching for more. He left dejected; the god he chose to serve had its captive. His confidence in what he thought he earned for himself would remain questionable. His security, based on worldly things, was no security at all.

He came, he left. He traveled one wide circle seeking trinket over truth.

We might travel in different social circles but am I really that different from this wealthy fellow? Do I realize the salvation bought for me, offered by God's grace, is far more valuable than all I could ever possess? Would I be willing to give up "things" for the everlasting kingdom of heaven? Do I strive to earn what can only be received?


It is You we celebrate this day, Jesus, the Great Gift of God.



Edited from the Archives

Thirsty Travelers

“Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him. [Jn 4:29-30]

In the heat of the day, Jesus and His disciples stand near Jacob’s well in Sychar. Down the dusty road a figure coming toward them appears in the distance. And when she came, full of joy and renewed life, she brought a village with her. The response of the townspeople moved Jesus to stay two days in a land Jews never tarried.

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. [Jn 4:39-41]

Rewind several hours. Earlier, the day began like so many others. Another hopeless day, chained in a rut of shame, repeating yesterday’s sins, and finding no way out. No reason out!

Trying to avoid the glares, stares, gossip, she waits to get the day’s supply of water until the coast is clear. Branded, broken, and feeling defeated, she came to the well thirsty.

Then she met Jesus!

When their encounter ended, she could not contain her excitement! Others needed to know! She had to share her incredible experience! When she traveled back to find Jesus, she came with a skip in her step and a gathering in her shadow.

They must have recognized an attitude overhaul. A noticeable difference in her that could not be denied. Her longing fulfilled, her hope ignited, she had been given reason to live.

This traveling band came to the Messiah at the testimony of one broken woman. Their thirst was eternally quenched, their souls saved and satisfied. And more believers come through their witness to drink from the deep well of His Word still.

They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” [Jn 4:42]

Savior of the Word; The influence of the testimony of 1 can be remarkable. Make me that 1 today, that another need not thirst again – but drink deeply of Your living water.


Artwork: Compliments of Biblos

A Stroll Down Friendship Row

“Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend.” C.H. Spurgeon

“Good friends are hard to come by” is a saying that’s been around a long time. Probably because it’s quite true. For a person to have one devoted friend is a real blessing indeed. To have four is quite rare!

Today’s featured travelers are nameless. They came to Jesus on behalf of another and received so much more than they could ask or imagine -- for their friend and the collective audience.

Quite the crowd had gathered around Jesus (as was common). Many came a great distance seeking an opportunity to discredit Him. When four men in particular heard Jesus was at a certain home in Capernaum, they loaded up their friend in need and set out to get him help. They went to find Jesus. But not for themselves, they went seeking Jesus for a friend.

The house was filled to overflowing and they could not get near enough so they cleverly found an alternate route.

Jesus commended them for their faith. (Notice, it was the faith of the friends that brought Jesus to heal the man, not necessarily the faith of the one afflicted.)

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” [Mk 2:1-5]

Spiritual healing was (and is) a higher priority to Jesus. It was of greater importance that He first forgive the man his sins. Jesus proclaimed His divine authority in front of this crowd, many of them Pharisees and scribes looking for any excuse to do away with Him.

The five friends left filled with awe and praising God. They could testify; “We have seen remarkable things today.” So can we! What remarkable things can you “see” today and praise God for in awe and wonder?

Do you have a friend that needs the forgiveness and healing touch of Jesus? How far would you go? To what length are you willing to travel on their behalf?

Have you brought a friend to Jesus in prayer needing physical healing and not received a “yes”? Remember, Jesus is more concerned with their spiritual health. He is sovereign and controls all things, true. But He is also good and completely trustworthy.

Being a true and devoted friend is to bring them to Jesus. Sometimes the best we can do is bring them to Him in prayer, but even then He can work miracles.


Dear God; We come to You today praising Your authority and bringing our friend in prayer for Your blessing.

The Way to Travel

Ever traveled the wrong way? Sometimes we can be headed one way to do one thing in particular yet God has entirely something else in mind. Today’s traveler sure was. But he didn’t even realize it. God, as always, was in control and corrected his course.

This religious Pharisee, well-educated in the Law of Moses, was traveling to Damascus on a bounty hunt when God stopped Saul in his tracks.

So, you may ask, “I thought we were looking at travelers that came to Christ.” Well, bear with me, because in a way he did. You see, Saul was called. (Thanks be to God!) He came blind. He was led to Jesus by the obedient Ananias. I’m thinking he probably had to be brought, because only God knows if he ever would have come otherwise. Of course, once he saw that incredible Light that blinded him, he was never the same!

“‘What shall I do, Lord?’ [Saul] asked.

“ ‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me." [Ac 22:10-11]

The chosen Saul was led blind to the house of Judas. Ananias – sent by God – went to him obediently.

“Then [Ananias] said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’" [Ac 22:14-16]

Result? Change. When one encounters Jesus personally they are never the same. God made Saul that new creation he wrote of to the Corinthians (2Cor 5:17). God changed him from blind Saul to Paul. From persecutor to apostle and preacher. From enemy to friend.

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. [Ac 9:19-22]

And from there he travelled the world – on mission for Christ. It is estimated that he traveled over 10,000 miles in his 30 year ministry.

God first opened Saul’s eyes that he might in turn open the eyes of others. All of what Saul was was used by God – even his despicable past and his weaknesses, for they demonstrated the all-surpassing grace of God.

Is God calling you? Has He sent somebody to you to bring you to Him? You can trust Him and follow blindly. He will show you the Light, that your faith might become sight.

You may be headed down one path, but let God bring you to The Way. Allow Him to change your course. For you, too, are His chosen.



Once blind sinners, headed the wrong way; now, by Your grace and salvation through Jesus Christ, The Only Way, we are new creatures. Thanks be to God! 

Upward Mobility

Here’s my challenge for you: as soon as I mention this person’s name you must try not to sing the song. You probably already know who I mean. Reading or hearing this name is an automatic switch that starts the song. (I think I hear you already.) Ready? Zacchaeus.

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. [Lk 19:1-4]

The song pretty much sums up all we know about Zacchaeus. I’ve heard various theories on his character but due to their conflicting conclusions I hate to form any definite opinions. I’d like to give him the benefit of the doubt; that he was seriously misunderstood.  Nonetheless, the fact remains he was shunned by society. Considered an outcast by his own people. Jesus thought differently. And he extended grace. Regardless what the people thought – or what we think – Jesus loved him.

Most likely the crowd wasn’t about to let this tax collector get through to gain a prime viewing spot when Jesus came to Jericho. Neither obstacle of the crowd or his stature would deter him.

Don’t you love how his zealous curiosity sparked such determination and ingenuity in him? Or was he maybe just that ready for change? No matter; he . was . gonna . see . Jesus.! But was he maybe hiding in that tree? Wanting to see, but not be seen? Again, no matter;Jesus not only knew he was there, He knew his name!

And Jesus? He intended to pass through Jericho. On His way to Jerusalem, no less! And yet, for the sake of this one man He made a change in plans to stay over. But isn’t that just what the last three years was all about? Saving sinners on His way to the Cross?

Immediately upon receiving Jesus’ offer, Zacchaeus was moved to a spirit of giving. Receiving often reaps giving. And shouldn’t it?

He may have been a despised man, but he was loved by God. He overcame the obstacles before Him to be near Jesus. He didn’t care what other’s thought of this chief’s abandon in climbing a tree. He felt a need to see Jesus. He looked up and followed his heart - right up that tree – and was richly rewarded for it.

Would you? Would you go so far as to risk ridicule by climbing a tree in full view of those that dislike you? If obstacles blocked, would you persist to find a way? Even if you feel your past deeds should keep you from getting too close to Jesus, don’t remain distant, hidden up a tree. It is you He came to save.

Dear God; Yet again You show us that those that seek, find. May salvation come to every house that seeks to see Jesus this Christmas.