Today I had my monthly four hour IV infusion. I am working on some future plans, I will share after the first of the year. I returned home to wrap presents and did get in a good nap.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 NIV   “…all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:18,19 NIV

It had to happen some time. It had to happen at the right time. It had to happen with the right person. Paul declared that, “…when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law…” (Galatians 4:4 NIV)

For such a momentous event, heaven dispatches the  Angel Gabriel to a young virgin girl name Mary, living in the obscure Galilee town of Nazareth. The frightening appearance of the archangel from heaven invading earth would have been disturbing and confusing. While it is said, that every Jewish girl dreamed of being the one who gave birth to the Messiah, when it happened, it had all kinds of unexpected ramifications.

As the angel announced the news to Mary she was bewildered and perplexed, “how can this be?” was her question. We find in the coming of Christ what we can observe about God’s ways; they are beyond our understanding.

The angel encourages Mary’s faith by telling her that her cousin Elizabeth who was old and past the years of childbearing, was pregnant and already in her sixth month. And then utters the words, “for with God nothing is impossible.”

Mary’s response is one of humility and willingness. How important it is for us to understand that when God uses us, we don’t always understand the reason or the process. I am reminded of David’s prayer when he said, “…grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12 NIV) Our willingness, will lead us in a path that is often unexpected and requires constant truth. That is what we see in Mary.

Mary did not have an understanding of all the events that transpired. The visit of the shepherds on the night Jesus was born. The later visit of the wise men bringing their gifts. This miracle birth and all the events did not require any special effort on the part of Mary and Joseph to share the news. The Lord took care of the “birth announcements.”

As the visit of the shepherds takes place, with their news of angels appearing and singing, I’m sure it was all difficult for Mary to comprehend. I like the description of her response, “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” More times than not, the Lord’s intervention in our life does not call for quick judgments and conclusions. It does require contemplation and reflection and the time to see how events unfold. It is often in the future that we are able to “put the pieces” of our life together and to see how the Lord has been working through the events of our life.

Prayer for today… Lord, in the course of our life, allow us to learn the important lesson of obedience and willingness as we submit to Your will. Following You doesn’t mean we have all the details worked out in advance. This calls us to pause, ponder and to consider Your ways as we live a life of faith. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man,and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.” Matthew 1:18,19

I recall my pastor making the comment a couple of years ago, that considering the character of Joseph, that he was surprised that he was not more revered at as part of the early life of Jesus. Joseph is more than incidental to the narrative of Jesus birth.

The simple description of Joseph’s character is that of being “just” or righteous. As a just man, Joseph was committed to doing the right thing. How important is that trait for men and women today. The Bible says, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” (James 4:17 NIV) Joseph knew the law and what the consequences of the law were and was willing to follow through, even in the midst of the confusion and conflict that might be raging in his heart and mind.

Being a just person is doing the right thing in the right way. Joseph could have made Mary a public spectacle. The result would have been shame for Mary and dignity or “saving face” for Joseph. But instead he considered what he needed to do, but was willing to do it in a way that spared Mary’s dignity.

Then, I believe we can observed that a just man is open to “the facts” before rushing to judgment. Jesus’ words to those who were ardent follower of the law were, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:24 NIV) We don’t know all the details of the interaction between Joseph and Mary. Obviously, he found out that she was “with child.” Undoubtedly, Mary tried to explain, but her explanation would have seemed to far fetched to smack of any reality.

But then we see angelic intervention for Joseph, just as their had been the angelic news for Mary. “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 NIV)

This dream must have been very significant. It was powerful enough for Joseph not to “brush it off” as the conflict of his own heart, or excessive pondering of Mary’s justification.

Finally, we see a just man operates in faith and obedience. “Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife…” (Matthew 1:24 NIV) Joseph’s actions revealed his obedience to the angelic revelation and a step of faith. He did not know what the future would hold, but was confident of being direct by the Lord Himself.

This faith and obedience would be repeated at least two more times. An angel would visit Joseph and tell him to flee to Egypt and then would give a warning as he prepared to return to Israel. This resulted in Joseph returning to Nazareth. In his actions of obedience we see the fulfillment of two prophecies concerning the Messiah.

As we look at the events of the birth of Jesus, Joseph reveals to us today the actions of those who are just or righteous before the Lord.

Prayer for today… Lord, enable us men and women to be those who reflect a righteous character. Give us the conviction to do the right thing in the right way. Help us to not make hasty decisions and to be open to the truth. Allow us to take those steps of faith and obedience that bring about Your will.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12 NKJV

It is interesting that “historian” Luke provides the special detail of the baby Jesus being wrapped in swaddling cloths as well as “lying in a manger.” In his description of the birth he simply says, “And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger…” (Luke 2:7 NKJV) Then to the shepherds the angels said, “You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

The description of a baby in a manger would be more unusual than a baby swaddled in cloths. I found it interesting that when my daughter’s children were born, she was very intent on them being “swaddled” in their cribs. The tight wrapping of an infant in a blanket is to provide a sense of security and to provide the familiar feel of the womb.

Mary showed her “mothering care” in providing for her newborn son a customary practice. We don’t know if there was another woman around or midwife to assist with the birth. It is interesting that Mary was visiting Elizabeth when John was born, so she would have seen the birth process and care given to a newborn.

Strips of cloths were used when a child was born and then when a body was prepared for burial. Certainly the imagery is not lost on the “Son of God, slain from the foundation of the earth.”

A baby in a manager would certainly be an unusual occurrence. Once again the imagery of the One who would be declared, the “bread of life” being in a feeding trough, on display for all to see, would speak of the destiny of this child.

Consider the “signs” of Jesus birth, to the first visitors and the world. There was the giving of His name, there was the star the wise men followed; there was a baby in a manger for the shepherds. We see foreshadowed in these signs the life and work of Jesus as the Christ and Savior of the world. In our “natural” world, we can find the signs of the “supernatural” if we look for them.

Prayer for today…. Lord, help us to have open eyes to see the “supernatural” in our “natural” world. Thank You that heaven invaded earth on that first Christmas morning and it still does in our world today.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.”                      Matthew 2:3 NIV

Christmas as a modern holiday season is filled with nostalgia, cheerful songs, anticipation, gifts and family gatherings. As the words of one holiday song put it, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” I have to admit, I like that aspect of the season. However, our sense of Idyllic thoughts and reflections can cloud the realities of the season for many and the actual events of the first “Christmas.”

For many, Christmas can be filled with more misery than feelings of being “merry.” For those people there is a reason for pondering the Bible’s account of the “first Christmas.”

The story of Jesus’ birth in its reality is filled with trauma, troubles and challenges. Angels appearing with unusual messages. A husband finding his wife is expecting a baby and is troubled by the news, finds himself considering the most graceful way to exit the relationship.

The couple during the most inopportune time in the pregnancy is forced to make an unplanned journey to Bethlehem. When they arrive there are no suitable accommodations. There is no sympathetic member of the town, or distant relative that offered a place of refuge. So, the couple ends up in a cave protected by the elements but surrounded by sheep, donkeys and camel. It is hard to get around the crude surroundings and smells of that kind of environment.

The story doesn’t just have a “happy ending.” There are eastern mystics who come to Jerusalem with news of seeking a new “King of the Jews” (which was the title attached to Herod). Scripture is clear that the concern echoed from the chambers of the palace to the homes of the people. It could be said, “if Herod is upset, everyone is upset.”

In time we see the trouble escalates when Herod in his jealous rage, has hundreds of innocent baby boys slaughtered. The weeping far overshadowed and was remembered far longer than word of the angels song and the worship of the magi. Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus become “political refugees” seeking asylum in Egypt in order to escape the edict of King Herod. Did they experience “survivor’s guilt”?

This review of the reality of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth is not intended to put a damper on the wonder and the miracles that were taking place; but to point out that God’s plan often comes with misery, as well as miracles. There can be rejoicing for some and weeping for others.

Remember this Christmas, in the “midst of the mess” we find Jesus. It is there in our strife-filled life we can encounter the “Prince of Peace.” It is in our confusion and seeking direction, we can know the calm of Him who is the “Wonderful Counselor” and we can have assurance that our life and our world is under the control of a “Mighty God.”

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that in the midst of the “misery” of life we can find You. May our hearts be open in the midst of the struggles and disappointments of life, to find you providing exactly what we need.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.” Matthew 1:16 NIV

Many people have interest in exploring their “family tree.” Some find a connection to a famous person of the past and discover all kinds of interesting connections to the past.

Jesus’ “family tree” is found in both Matthew and Luke’s gospels. As Matthew writes to Jews with a focus on Jesus as King, he establishes Jesus connection to David and the Kings of Judah. The conclusion is the Jesus is the rightful heir of David’s throne. God’s word declares, “and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” (Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:33)

Only in Matthew’s record of Jesus genealogy do we find a reference to women. In addition to Mary there are four women mentioned by name. Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and “Uriah’s wife.” The common connection of these four women, is that they all figured prominently into the lineage of the Messiah and they had some “questionable” history and (except for Tamar) were gentiles.

However, all these women were also women of faith, strategically used by God. Tamar was the wife of two of Judah’s sons and was promised to his third son; when he became of age. Judah failed to keep his commitment and Tamar lured him into a relationship and became pregnant with twins. When all was revealed, Judah declared,  “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not sleep with her again.” (Genesis 38:26 NIV)

Rahab, was the prostitute in Jericho who hid the spies and by her actions saved her family from destruction. The Bible declares, “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.” (Hebrews 11:31 NIV)

Ruth was the Moabite widow of Naomi’s son. She followed Naomi as she returned to Bethlehem and married a relative of her husband and became the great-grandmother of King David.

Then there is a reference to the woman who became King Solomon’s mother, who is referred to as the “wife of Uriah.” This reference is a bold reminder of one of King David’s greatest failures in his adultery with Bathsheba.

The final woman is Mary, the husband of Joseph and mother of Jesus. I am sure for years there was some on-going controversy over Mary’s pregnancy and Jesus’ birth. The shepherd’s visit and the wisemen’s journey almost two years later, would not have been subject to the media coverage that we are use to in our day. Along with the wonder, there would have been great controversy as well.

If you are researching your family history, I’m not sure there would be great joy to find women like Tamar, Rahab and Bathsheba. Even with Ruth’s integrity she was still a gentile, a group from whom Jewish men were not to intermarry.

When we look at Jesus’ lineage we are reminded that families are more “messy” than perfect. But God’s Word doesn’t skip “the mess.” It is there for all to see and even made to stand out. We are reminded that the One who came to redeem mankind and restore them to God, is the One who redeems histories and takes what would look like tragedies and turns them into triumphs.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for using the imperfect, tarnished and questionable. We are reminded that the God of history redeems personal histories for Your glory and purposes. 

Today I returned to Morning Star Assisted Living for two chapel services. We sang Christmas songs and I shared a devotional, along with communion. I will return on next Saturday for a Christmas Eve service.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2 Timothy 1:9,10 NIV

“Are you ready for Christmas? Have you made all of your plans?” As Paul begins his second letter to Timothy he reminds him of the work of the gospel and its purpose in our life. “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace…” (2 Timothy 1:9 NIV)

Paul then shares how from before the “beginning of time” this plan of salvation by grace through Christ had in the mind and plan of God. Throughout the centuries it had been the “mystery” that had been hidden for generations, but now was revealed through the person and work of Christ.

Paul alludes to the birth of Christ, in saying this grace, “has now been revealed through the appearing of…Jesus Christ…” The prophet Isaiah declared, “Unto you a child is born, unto you a Son is given…”  (Isaiah 9:6) To both Mary and Joseph the angel Gabriel instructed them to “name the baby Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sin.” (Matthew 1:21) To the shepherds the angels declared, “for unto you this day a savior has been born….”  (Luke 2:11)  When Jesus appeared on the banks of the Jordan, John the Baptist declared, “behold the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29)

During His ministry Jesus revealed Himself as Savior in speaking forgiveness of sin to numerous individuals that He encountered. In the natural it would look like the wait for the promised and anticipated salvation from the Messiah was 33 years. But Paul says, it was even before time began and when Jesus was born it marked the “beginning of the end” of that wait.

As Jesus hung on the cross and breathed His last breathe, the centurion standing guard declared, “surely this man was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:54) As a result, in His death, He defeated death for all who place their faith and hope in Him and gives them eternal life. “…..Christ Jesus…has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

Christmas celebrations require a lot of planning. But no plan has been longer in its preparation and fulfillment than God’s plan for the “first Christmas.”  This week before Christmas Day, the most asked question will be, “are you ready for Christmas.” The more important questions is “have you received the gift of Christmas?”

Prayer for today… Lord, it is hard to comprehend Your grand plan of bringing salvation to the world. It was not an afterthought, but was all part of Your plan “A.” Allow us to embrace fully the grace of Christmas that reminds us through the cross You have destroyed death and brought life and light through the gospel. 

We have had our first “winter snow.” Frigid cold and about four inches of snow here in Northern Colorado. Debbie has been on call today, so I was able to get out and get the driveway cleared of snow. My power wheelchair still comes in handy, although I may need to get tire chains for when it snows.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith.” 1 Timothy 6:11,12 NIV

The country and western song says, “you need to know when to fold’em and when to hold’em.” As Paul in just a two sentences tells Timothy to “flee” and to “fight” the context is completely different.

Paul begins his first letter to Timothy warning about false teachers and ends still warning about false teachers and those who would threaten the integrity of the gospel and the steadfast faith of believers. It seemed whatever Paul taught there were those who taught the opposite or contradicted his teaching.

Paul condemns these false teachers with these words, “…they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions  and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” (1 Timothy 6:4,5 NIV)

In contrast to the character and interests of false teachers and their corrupt view of money Paul tells Timothy, to “flee from all this….” Flee from all the controversies and the false teachings that can be so common and instead pursue “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”

Then Paul charges Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith.” The godly character that Paul promotes and the sound teaching of the gospel is something worth fighting for. Times change, cultures change, the world changes, but there are some basic, timeless, qualities and truth that is to be contented for in all times.

There were those in Paul’s day that were causing fights and division and controversies that came from impure motives and their twisted views. But Paul wanted Timothy to know that there is a “fight” that is worth taking on. It is the “good fight of faith.”

Timothy was given some significant instructions from Paul. He was counting on Timothy to be a wise and faithful spiritual leader. The end of his first letter is somewhat direct, he tells Timothy to, “guard what has been entrusted to your care.”

Spiritual matters are important. Truth matters. We need to know that there are some things we just need to avoid. There are some things we need to “run from.” There are other things we need to pursue with all of our energy. there are some things we need to be willing to “fight” for.

Prayer for today… Lord, help us to remember that the truth matters. In our “post-modern” world of relativism empower us to stand for the truth; to avoid empty arguments and to pursue godly character.  

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY... “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:15,16 NIV

Paul writes to Timothy about his responsibility as a Christian leader. His duties were not just to teach, but to warn and caution as well.

Paul calls Timothy to be diligent about some specific issues. The first was to keep watch for false and misleading teachers that destroy the genuine faith of followers of Christ.

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” (1 Timothy 4:1,2 NIV)

Timothy was not only to be on guard, but to point out the error of others. “If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.” (1 Timothy 4:6 NIV)  This is challenge of ministers in our present day. There are few who are willing to “go there.”  However, warning and pointing out false teaching can be as important as proclaiming the truth. This certainly calls for wisdom and a proper attitude.

Just as physical exercise keeps the body in shape, spiritual discipline keeps the Christian disciple in good spiritual “condition.” “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.” (1 Timothy 4:7 NIV)

Paul challenges Timothy to lead by example. Just as Paul was to Timothy, so Timothy was to be to others. Paul did not just “tell” but also “showed” Timothy how to honor Christ and be a faithful minster of the gospel. He wrote in his second letter to Timothy, “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings…” (2 Timothy 3:10,11 NIV)

With this in mind Paul calls Timothy to, “…set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:12,13 NIV)

As Paul summarizes his challenge to Timothy he emphasizes the importance a personally being on guard “watching his life and doctrine.” While keeping “an eye” out for false teachers, teaching accurately God’s Word is of great importance. The work of the ministry results a disciplined life, and spiritual growth that becomes evident to all.

What is true for “Pastor Timothy” is true for all believers. Be on guard against those who will deceive with false teaching; train yourself in godliness; lead by example and stay focused on God’s Word.

Prayer for today…  Lord, thank You for the instructions of Your Word that guides our lives in the direction that promotes spiritual life and stability. Keep us true to Your truth, help us to keep our spiritual life strong and allow our lives to be an example to others.