The Christmas Story (Luke and Matthew)

In case you didn't know, it's Christmas eve today and everyone seems to be in a better mood then the rest of the year. (Everyone but people stuck in lines at a return counter!) As you get together with your families and spend time together, be it for Christmas or not, take in the joy that you have. That being said; this time of the year is not happy and joyful for everyone -- many people are going through tough times; today and tomorrow especially. Let us be thankful for the things we have, and the people that have been, and are here with us to enrich our lives. 

I used to love to receive gifts. I guess that I still do, we all do, but in a very different light then when I was little. Back in the day, I wanted new stuff for me. I wanted to have new toys to play with and eventually break, or lose to the dog. But this year, it's something very different. 

It's not that I don't want gifts, I greatly appreciate gifts from friends and family alike. But that is just it, I appreciate friends and family. The people in my life whom I get to slow down and fellowship with. But why gifts? Who decided that we should give gifts to each other to show our appreciation, love or materialism?

Fortunately, that answer is pretty easy from the Gospel in two ways. Firstly, Christmas is about God's gift to the world caught in sin (Rom 3:23). He sends His only son, Jesus, as a gift to escape the wrath that we deserve (Rom 6:23). Although Jesus may not have been born on December 25th, this is the time of year that we slow down to recognize the importance of this one baby's birthday on the entire world. 

God's gift to the world, all of His creation, was sending His son Jesus, through Mary to be our salvation.

Secondly, in the story of Jesus's birth and first months on the earth. We read in the Scriptures that the Magi travel to the place that He (Jesus) was born bringing gifts of great value to show their reverence in Him and the important person that He was. 

As you give and receive gifts tonight or tomorrow just remember the greatest gift that was and is given freely and openly to everyone who would accept it. The gift of redemption from sin and a chance to know the Lord God personally and intimately. 

Merry Christmas!

This is the story of Jesus as presented in the NIV Bible through the Books of Luke and Matthew:

Luke 2

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave births to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

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.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and 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. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Matthew 2 (some time has passed, possibly up to 2 years)

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.”

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’[b]”

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Heavy

Lots of things in our lives are difficult to move. Mainly because their weight is high enough that it a chore to try and get them anywhere. However, through man's ingenuity we've developed ways of moving heavy objects. Engines to move cars and trucks, cranes and fulcrums to move heavy loads around. Throughout history heavy things have been on the move. 

But what about a heavy heart? 

A heavy heart is hard to explain. It's not a personal heath issue from having too much greasy food, or a heart that has more mass than some other heart. The World English Dictionary defines it as: sad or dejected in spirit or mood. I think this is a good descriptor, but it isn't a complete understanding. 

The Lord has created us with so much depth, it's overwhelming to think about! Take a moment to think of the people closest to you in your life. What different aspects do they bring? How has the Lord gifted those around you to think and behave differently?

I've been gifted with people who process things as much as I do, and those who make quick decisions without over analyzing. People who are overly positive with the best outlook, and those who have a more realistic view of life. 

One friend that I value highly is someone who has an emotional radio of sorts, as if they can 'tune-in' to my life and listen. This friend understands how I am doing without needing to ask, if they do -- I have to be honest because it's already known. This friend has been an encouragement because I know that their heart is heavy when I have something difficult going on in my life.

If someone says they have a heart -- it typically isn't in the most energetic way. I would argue with the dictionary definition of a sad or dejected (depressed) mood. I don't know if I can explain it well, but I think that many of us understand it fully. I would try it as high emotional feeling for the situations and feelings of self or others. In layman's terms it's when a life situation affects you beyond that immediate situation. 

When someone you know goes through a difficult time in life, you feel for them even though you yourself aren't going through the same trial. When you lose someone that is close to you, you feel it in the depth of your heart. One moment you're in a difficult time active and present, the next you're not -- but you constantly feel the struggle. 

If this isn't something that you've experienced I would challenge you to try to understand those close to you in a different way. When you ask a friend how they're doing -- listen! Don't just hear what they are saying but actively listen! Don't be thinking of what to say while they're talking, but listen to the situation that they're going through. Be willing to spend time listening, not just creating conversation. If you ask how someone is doing, be willing to actually find out. 

When I have a heavy heart it is most often for the life situations of those around me. So I have a heavy heart, now what? I don't have a crane or fulcrum to help with that! The most influential and beneficial thing that you can do is pray! 

Philippians 4:6-7 says:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Pray about everything and the peace of God will guard your heart, will calm your heart, will ease the load on your heart. Sometimes prayer can be difficult, you don't know what to say or how to address the things on your heart:

Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 

If we have the right attitude, the willingness to listen to others we can bless them through prayer -- whether we know what to say or not. 

Go forward from today with discernment, being willing to listen to your good friends -- should they be ready and willing to share. Not so that you can be weighed down by other's troubles, but to be a witness and encouragement in their life. With an understanding of where your brother is troubled, you can be in prayer lifting them up to our God so that they can understand what the Lord is doing in their life. 

Honest Desperation

Almost a week ago I found a note on the ground. I'm not one to show and tell other people's notes, but I was so moved by this that I feel the need to share.

When you approach the Lord how honest are you? Often times I hold back, I don't want God to know how upset I am. After all, I am supposed to be joyful and keep on the Christian appearance. If you're truly honest with yourself you do get frustrated with God and He already knows that! Your spiritual walk may go up and down, this isn't a bad thing. Sometimes you are not doing well, and you just want to shout at God. Express to Him how you are feeling, work through that while continuing to seek Him and you will be enriched through it.

The following is a true expression of just that. God delights in it. If we could all be this honest with God, think of how He would enrich our relationship with Him.

Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven.

                                   Lamentations 3:41

---

Jesus.

I need Your love. I am lost for words. I am confused. I have no hope in You. My heart feels strained. I feel a burden placed on my soul. I need rest. I need comfort. I'm not happy. My joy is fake. I am desperate for a taste of who You are. One glimmer of a picture or peace from You would mean the world. I know I am trapped and stuck without Your freedom. I am not pure. I find hope in things that aren't You and Your ways. I am hopeless.
      I NEED YOU. 

      I NEED YOUR COMFORT. 

      I NEED TRUTH.

I want to understand who You are and what You have done. I am so selfish. I want so much and yet You give things I don't see. I am desperate to see through Your eyes and see TRUTH and not lies. I need protection from the enemy. I want You and know there should be less of me, but I hold onto my selfish wants.

     DELIVER ME FROM LIES.
I want to worship You freely. I want to be engulfed in  Your love. I want truth. God, I look to You and ask these things and want to trust You. Give me hope. Help me understand who You are. I am desperate to know and love You as my best friend.

---

Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

If this happens to be your note, and would like it removed 

please shoot me an e-mail and I will remove it immediately. 

Changing Your Perspective

I've stepped up my hours at work through the summer as I have no course work and am currently living only minutes away from work. With my extended time within the store, I've come to notice a lot of things in regards to people, not clients or co-workers but people! 

When you interact with people, you come with tons of presuppositions. The way they look, their body language, the way you're feeling for the day, your patience level or even the place that you are all come into play. What we don't often realize is the subconscious presuppositions that enter into our interactions! 

Think of the opinions that you have had for a really long time. Perhaps they are so natural or strong that you often forget that they are opinions and not fact at all.  How about your personality and upbringing and how that changes the way that you view things. Other people have different life experience that may shape their view points much more differently then yours. 

 When you're going through life, and other people are offering their support how does it feel? If it's something that is close to you, are you prone to take it much more personally? What if a stranger said the same thing as your mother or father, would it carry the same weight? Probably not.

I have been learning to look at other people's perspective that is well outside of my own.Working with the Geek Squad has taught me a lot with perspective. I am good with technology, and I have always been. I say this as a matter of fact and in no bragging way. Sometimes I forget that not everyone is skilled or even comfortable with computers or technology in general. My perspective of a simple computer problem, could be the worst thing that has happened to Willa and Willard since the HyVee shut down! 

If I come at it from my perspective, it's a waste of well spent time and is a problem that is so basic a quick Google could have solved the problem.But what might their perspective look like? Dial-up internet through an outdated AOL means Google takes ten minutes to load, in which the thousands of results would be overwhelming, and anyone they could call is hours away. Well that changes things a little! Suddenly I have more patience for them and the issues that they're having. 

Let's step out of the computer / customer service roles. 

You're getting serious with a significant other and ask for a dear friends advice. He tells you that he always thought you would do better and have someone who was less athletic because of how interested in basket weaving you are. And he is really poor at creating conversation. 

What a jerk! Maybe not--

Let's shift perspective. You asked for their advice. They see that you value their opinion and are seeking it. What this friend thought he was conveying was something along the lines of I really like who you've chosen to become serious with, although I always pegged you for a basket person, this person is a lot more athletic then I realized you to be. And we have nothing in common, so they're really hard to have a conversation with but they get along great with my brother who also loves to play sports! 

With the same words, a totally different message can be conveyed. I'm sure it's happened to you at some point in time! 

When you are dealing with people, think about how your words might change meaning in the process of vibrating through the air. Your disapproval on premarital sex could be a punch in the gut to the person you know little about, or someone they are very close to. A slender friend  telling you how much they love to eat and how much they just had for dinner, when you struggle with body image, had very little to eat and still feel fat! 

When you start to get offended or hurt when you're talking with someone, take a minute and analyze where they are coming from. Perhaps they don't mean it in a rude or offensive way at all, but their view is just very different from yours. When you offend or hurt someone, remember that what you mean to say and how they understand what you are saying might not be the same thing if you are not careful in what you're saying. 

I don't ask you to throw your perspective out the window for every person that you interact with. Simply understand that perspectives change from person to person given everything they know and understand. Be willing to be sensitive (or realize they're not trying to be rude) and better understand the people that you interact with. 

Be patient, show love, and live with less conflict and pain!

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 

Ephesians 4:2-3 

What Is It That You're Really Saying

We interact with people on a daily basis, conversing with tons of people each day some more than others. As we do this, some people have intellectual conversation and other people have emotional conversations. Some people have surface level conversations, while others have deep personal or theological conversations.

Recently, I have been challenged to be careful on what I am saying to the people around me. The words coming out of my mouth are not the thing in question, but they are in fact the reason for the questioning and doubt.

Although most conversations are intellectual and emotional, I've been introduced to another type of conversation, an underlying conversation piece that has more influence than the actual words being used.

Let me explain it how I understand it to be:

We all have conversations with expectations behind them. "I'll be home at five o'clock for dinner," "'l'll do the dishes tonight" or "Let's meet at the dock on Friday at noon." These are normal conversations that we have with our family, friends, significant others and acquaintances. These are factual statements.

Behind these statements, especially with those closest to us are symbolic statements. These, although never spoken verbally, are all the more powerful. I may say "I'll be home at five o'clock for dinner" but not show up until seven or eight. Perhaps the time slipped by while reading a book or while in good conversation with a friend. Understandable; but problematic.

This preverbal dropping the ball may seem innocent on empirical scale, but let's look at it from the symbolic. I said that I would be at a specific place and messed up. Let's say three weeks later something else comes up and I miss another thing. What does this say about me? Sure, I've only been late twice in the past thirty days -- empirically this shouldn't be a situation.

However, what kind of message am I sending to those around me? I know that you were expecting me to be there, but something else came up and I pushed it off. Or perhaps Sorry I was late, I'm too over involved in things and am not dependable. Although this may not be what I am saying, nor may it even be the case in actuality but it is what is presented.

I personally struggle with this. Looking at the different aspects of my life, I've noticed that I simply have too many! Between spiritual development, school, residence life, church youth group, working, personal time, socializing with friends and now adding a new relationship into the mix how can I be fair to everything if I am stretched so thin.

As I feel God is calling me into ministry this is something that I feel needs to be figured out before it becomes detrimental to my ministry and my own life. What will a parent think if they're dropping off their kid for the first time at a lock in, and the youth leader was late to show up? Did I have important things to do? Sure. But with a single interaction, I've already set a symbolic message that I am not concerned with their time or perhaps even their teenager. Apply this to an area in your life. Understand how problematic it can become.

In my own life, I need to take a strong look at what I've committed to, and commune with the Lord. Am I over invested, and if I am what needs to change to keep my passions, values, and ultimately the glory of the Lord the most important thing?

I pray that I find the balance in my life to be dependable and reliable. That my symbolic messages are aligned with my factual conversations and that I am spending my time wisely; decreeing the Lord's plan on my involvement.

As you evaluate your temporal investments, what things are taking precedence over others? What messages are you sending to the people who are expecting something from you? How is that effecting your dependability and trust?

Do You Have Beacons of Aid or of Hindrance?

Have you ever expected the help of a friend, only to be let down? Or have you gotten sour advice or told something that you really didn't want to hear? I'm sure that you have, and I most definitely know that I have. How do you react to that situation? Are you willing to help them, when they need help even though they stiffed you?

In Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring an outlying province of Rohan is attacked at the fortress of Helms Deep. The enemy has great strength in numbers and have a strong battle plan. Rohan was left to fight alone with no help from their capitol city of Minas Tirith, and was nearly defeated! Weeks later the enemy is attacking the White City of Minas Tirith, with even more numbers, their full force! Upon hearing this plan, Theoden, King of Rohan, is asked if he will help to which he responds rashly, "Tell me, why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?"

Is this not the natural reaction? They [Rohan] were burned when they needed help the most! They saw no reason to help, felt no remorse, no commitment to the suffering of the others.

Is this your attitude when people are rude to you, give you bad advice, or no advice at all? Bitterness is a strange emotion, better described by animosity, nothing good can come of it. That resentment grows within you and makes you cold and hard towards that person or even the idea of undeserved help.

Yet, a beacon of hope remained:

A series of beacons are stationed along the territories of Gondor to quickly signal for aid. Initially lit in Minas Tirith, they are lit all the way to Rohan and seen by Aragorn who exclaims that the beacons of Gondor are lit! The Theoden proudly answers "And Rohan will answer!"

Getting over the injustice that was done to them, Rohan helps to the death!

In God, we have no place for those harsh feelings! We are sinners at birth, deserving the wrath of God, we don't deserve anything from Him. And yet, in His grace and love he extends to us a beacon of hope and light. Jesus Christ and His death on the cross was a beacon to the entire world. Not a beacon of asking for aid, but of granting it. A light in the world amidst all the darkness. A savior in eternity from eternal separation from God, eternal damnation.

Next time someone wrongs you, or you feel that you deserve more in a situation remember how undeserving we are of the gift of God, and how a simple act of kindness toward another can change their entire perspective!

I pray that I can repay bitterness with kindness, anger with love and show others that the amazing love of Christ has more power then any Nazgul or ring of power!

Go forth, and slay Orcs for Christ!

Himp

God's Love Extending Forgiveness and Mercy

Recently, my mother asked me to get Les Miserables (1998) from Netflix. I had never seen it but heard great things about it, and she wanted to see it again as it had been some time. My mom and I operate on completely different time schedules, but I left work early so that we could watch it together. I didn't really know what to expect only knowing a fraction of what the 2hr movie had in story.

I was blown away by the film, and let me tell you why...
I am blessed to have a Godly, Biblical world view and this movie was terribly

Let me give you a quick run down, for those who haven't had the pleasure of seeing the movie.
*Spoiler*
Jean Valjean, the main character, is as thief. He is given harbor by a religious leader when no one else would take him in. Jean honors this man by stealing his silver, striking him down and leaving! The next day, the authorities bring him back on suspicion of this very act. However, the father does something that Jean did not expect. He grants him forgiveness by telling the police that he in fact gave the sliver to Jean, and he had forgotten to take additional pieces. Valjean is convicted by his mercy and forgiveness and vows to become a changed man.

As the movie progresses, Jean moves from a humble worker to an even more humble wealthy mayor. The things he does for the commoners amidst their hate for him is astounding. The film continues on and on following suit as he is pursed again and again. Check out the film to get the whole story.

As I mentioned, this movie struck me on my spiritual level. One simple act of the father changed this man's life forever. The people that Jean's generosity, mercy and forgiveness touched started an exponential growth! The father passed, never knowing the influence that he had.

How then, are we -- am I to look as a follower, as a ambassador, as a child of God? Am I simply to extend God's love and forgiveness when I see it fit? Or did God not have mercy on us, when we turned our backs on Him time and time again?

Could a single act of kindness and mercy really have such a large impact?
I think God's word speaks best.

Luke 23 (NASB)
⁴⁴ By this time it was noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. ⁴⁵ The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. ⁴⁶ Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last.

A single act is all it took to save us from eternal separation from God. When then do we help someone in hurting, or extend a bit of mercy to someone in need?

What does it look like to truly let the love of the Father guide what you are doing? How loving, merciful and forgiving could you be in rush-hour traffic, at work or even to your significant other? What does true love look like?

1 Corinthians 13 (NLT)
⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Love Never Fails by Brandon Heath is a lovely that talks about this kind of love. I love this song, because it reminds me of how blessed I am to have God's love and forgiveness.

I pray that I can show God's love through my actions, always choosing to extend God's mercy to others so that His glory shines through me.

Love is the way, the truth, the life.