Mid-Week Message - The First Visitors

"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;  for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'"  Luke 2:8-14 (NASB) 

Do you have a manger scene set up in your home for Christmas?  Many of us do, I'm sure.  Almost all of them contain the same pieces.  Mary, Joseph, the Baby in the manger, three wise men with gifts, several animals, and an angel and a shepherd.  These are the classic parts in Christmas plays and pictures.  However, the wise men were not there.  They didn't make it to Jesus until He was at least a year old.  And, does it surprise you to know that there is no mention of an angel there either?  At least not visibly.  Surely the Lord's armies were encamped around His Son.  Where then does the angel come into the story?

Shepherds were in the fields guarding their flocks.  These men were doing a lowly job.  They were smelly and not the favorite people to invite to the Christmas party.  Yet, God chose them for the angels' visit.  He chose them for the announcement that the prophecy had been fulfilled and the Christ child had been born.  And in what a mighty way!  There they were, under that night sky, probably tired from a long day's work, talking among themselves.  Suddenly they see a sight they couldn't believe!  An angel of God had come to deliver the good news.  After that we are told that a multitude of the heavenly host appeared to them and began praising God.  

So, why them?  Of all the people the angels could have made their announcement to, why dirty sheep tenders?  What can we learn from this?  The Father wanted to show that the Savior had come for all.  Not just the rich or the religious.  By appearing to the shepherds, the angels not only announced the birth of the King, but also God's inclusion and acceptance of people from all walks of life. 

There is one thing that amazes me each time I see a manger scene.  That is that there is almost always only one shepherd present.  However, scripture says "they" went to see what the angels proclaimed was true.  So, a more accurate representation of that night would be Mary, Joseph, the Baby and several dirty, smelly shepherds.  Does that change how you feel about that scene?  I don't know about anyone else, but it makes it more beautiful to me.  God bless you!

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14:12

Proverbs 14:12 English Standard Version

12 There is a way that seems right to a man,

    but its end is the way to death.

Morning Scripture Reading - Zechariah 6:9-13

Isaiah 52:7-10 English Standard Version

7 How beautiful upon the mountains

    are the feet of him who brings good news,

who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,

    who publishes salvation,

    who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

8 The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice;

    together they sing for joy;

for eye to eye they see

    the return of the Lord to Zion.

9 Break forth together into singing,

    you waste places of Jerusalem,

for the Lord has comforted his people;

    he has redeemed Jerusalem.

10 The Lord has bared his holy arm

    before the eyes of all the nations,

and all the ends of the earth shall see

    the salvation of our God.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 52:7-10

Isaiah 52:7-10 English Standard Version

7 How beautiful upon the mountains

    are the feet of him who brings good news,

who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,

    who publishes salvation,

    who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

8 The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice;

    together they sing for joy;

for eye to eye they see

    the return of the Lord to Zion.

9 Break forth together into singing,

    you waste places of Jerusalem,

for the Lord has comforted his people;

    he has redeemed Jerusalem.

10 The Lord has bared his holy arm

    before the eyes of all the nations,

and all the ends of the earth shall see

    the salvation of our God.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 128:1-2

Psalm 128:1-2 English Standard Version

1 Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,

    who walks in his ways!

2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;

    you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14:11

Proverbs 14:11 English Standard Version

11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed,

    but the tent of the upright will flourish.

Morning Scripture Reading - Luke 12:8-12

Luke 12:8-12 English Standard Version

8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, 9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 40:26-31

Isaiah 40:26-31 English Standard Version

26 Lift up your eyes on high and see:

    who created these?

He who brings out their host by number,

    calling them all by name;

by the greatness of his might

    and because he is strong in power,

    not one is missing.

27 Why do you say, O Jacob,

    and speak, O Israel,

“My way is hidden from the Lord,

    and my right is disregarded by my God”?

28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

    the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary;

    his understanding is unsearchable.

29 He gives power to the faint,

    and to him who has no might he increases strength.

30 Even youths shall faint and be weary,

    and young men shall fall exhausted;

31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

    they shall walk and not faint.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 127:3-5

Psalm 127:3-5 English Standard Version

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

    the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

    are the children of one's youth.

5 Blessed is the man

    who fills his quiver with them!

He shall not be put to shame

    when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14:10

Proverbs 14:10 English Standard Version

10 The heart knows its own bitterness,

    and no stranger shares its joy.

Morning Scripture Reading - Micah 5:2-4

Micah 5:2-4 English Standard Version

2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,

from you shall come forth for me

    one who is to be ruler in Israel,

whose coming forth is from of old,

    from ancient days.

3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time

    when she who is in labor has given birth;

then the rest of his brothers shall return

    to the people of Israel.

4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,

    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great

    to the ends of the earth.

Evening Scripture Reading - Hebrews 6:9-12

Hebrews 6:9-12 English Standard Version

9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 127:1-2

Psalm 127:1-2 English Standard Version

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,

    those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

    the watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is in vain that you rise up early

    and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil;

    for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Third Sunday of Advent - Joy

When we think about Christmas, we sometimes find ourselves thinking about the best gifts we received as a child. As you think about running to the Christmas tree and looking at all the gifts under it, you were looking for that special gift that you wanted all year long. When you found it, your parents would give you the honor of opening that special gift first. You ripped into the wrapping paper. Your face was glowing as you saw that gift. Your heart was filled with joy and you thanked your parents or Santa for that wonderful gift. It is that one gift you wanted so much. You finally got it.

When you think about that moment, I want you to also think about the smiles on your parents' faces. They may have gone without and eaten peanut butter sandwiches for the entire year to save up for that gift. But, they were both happy to do that. Their joy came from knowing that you got the gift you had wanted for so long.

As a father, I did the same thing. I would go out of my way to give my daughter all that she wanted. It was my way of letting her know that I cared and loved her very much. I would do whatever it took to get her that special gift and make sure it was under the tree on that special day.

When you think about the Advent season and reflect on today’s theme of joy, you can see the parallels between what we do as parents for our children and what our Heavenly Father has done for His. It isn’t a hard jump between the two. We, as parents, love our children and want them to have only the best. Our Heavenly Father is the same way. He wants us to receive the best gift ever.

Giving a gift is a joyful moment for both the giver and receiver. For the giver, it is more than just the moment when the gift is received. It is everything that has gone into that moment. All of the planning and effort is sort of a gift to us. We want our gift to be special.

For the receiver, their joy is different. They have wanted this gift for a long, long time and now they have received exactly what they desired. It is the gift of all gifts and is prized highest of all. Think about that special gift from your parents. Do you remember how you felt when you received it? You felt so special when you opened up that gift and held it in your hands.

Gifts like those stay in our minds and hearts forever. When we meet others during Christmas parties, one of the topics often turns to sharing stories of Christmases long, long ago. We share our special moments and give them a glimpse into the joy we experienced. Through the telling of our stories, those who are listening feel joy in their own hearts as they reminisce about their special gift.

Think back to the shepherds in the field watching over their flocks at night. Shepherds weren’t the most popular individuals in the world. They smelled of sweat and were dirty. They certainly didn’t receive a lot of invitations to parties. Oftentimes, they were outcasts from their own villages who had the responsibility of watching over the sheep and goats. Although everyone benefited from their work, they weren’t exactly people who were thought of in high regards.

On the night that Jesus was born, these same outcasts were the first ones told of his birth. Those very outcasts received the good news from God’s messengers, the angels. From God’s heart to the lips of the angels, the good news was given to those whom others shunned or avoided.

Luke, in chapter two of his gospel, writes, “That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ’Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’”

The shepherds were overcome with great joy and the angels joined together in a great chorus to herald the birth of the small child. Jesus was not born in a palace or mansion. He was born in humble surroundings to those who were humble. 

After witnessing all of this, they went to seek out the child. They didn’t casually walk back to the small town of Bethlehem. According to the scripture, they hurried. They were overcome with the desire to seek out the small child that the angels had just proclaimed. When they arrived at the stable, they beheld the King of Kings and Lord of Lords wrapped in strips of cloth lying humbly in a manger, a food trough for farm animals. The shepherds were filled with joy and praised and glorified God. 

Joy comes from our hearts and souls and it is always shared with others. The real gift is more than what comes in a package. It is what it means to us. When you consider the gift of Jesus to the world, it is more than just a feel-good story that we tell once a year. It is the gift that we share with great joy with all. Our hearts and souls are filled to overflowing and that overflowing joy fills others up until their hearts and souls are filled to capacity and beyond. Think of it as an ice tray. You fill one compartment and then it overflows and fills the next. That is how our joy should be. It should be something that overflows and fills up others. 

Paul, in chapter four of his epistle to the church at Philippi, said it best when he wrote, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”

As we approach that special day of Jesus’ birth and celebrate with great joy, I ask you to share that gift with others. Don’t just share it on Christmas day, but, rather, share it every day. God gives us His love every day and we shouldn’t be different. Show and share His love with others to those who may consider themselves as outcasts. When we do that, we give a very special gift to all and can stand firm in His grace.  

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Third Sunday of Advent - Scripture Readings

Zephaniah 3:14-20 New Living Translation

14 Sing, O daughter of Zion;

    shout aloud, O Israel!

Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,

    O daughter of Jerusalem!

15 For the Lord will remove his hand of judgment

    and will disperse the armies of your enemy.

And the Lord himself, the King of Israel,

    will live among you!

At last your troubles will be over,

    and you will never again fear disaster.

16 On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be,

    “Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid!

17 For the Lord your God is living among you.

    He is a mighty savior.

He will take delight in you with gladness.

    With his love, he will calm all your fears.

    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

18 “I will gather you who mourn for the appointed festivals;

    you will be disgraced no more.

19 And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you.

    I will save the weak and helpless ones;

I will bring together

    those who were chased away.

I will give glory and fame to my former exiles,

    wherever they have been mocked and shamed.

20 On that day I will gather you together

    and bring you home again.

I will give you a good name, a name of distinction,

    among all the nations of the earth,

as I restore your fortunes before their very eyes.

    I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Isaiah 12:2-6 New Living Translation

2 See, God has come to save me.

    I will trust in him and not be afraid.

The Lord God is my strength and my song;

    he has given me victory.”

3 With joy you will drink deeply

    from the fountain of salvation!

4 In that wonderful day you will sing:

    “Thank the Lord! Praise his name!

Tell the nations what he has done.

    Let them know how mighty he is!

5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things.

    Make known his praise around the world.

6 Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy!

    For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”

Philippians 4:4-7 New Living Translation

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Luke 3:7-18 New Living Translation

7 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

10 The crowds asked, “What should we do?”

11 John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”

12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?”

13 He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”

14 “What should we do?” asked some soldiers.

John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”

15 Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” 18 John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14:9

Proverbs 14:9 English Standard Version

9 Fools mock at the guilt offering,

    but the upright enjoy acceptance.

Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 19:23-24

Matthew 19:23-24 English Standard Version

23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

Evening Scripture Reading - Matthew 6:19-21

Matthew 6:19-21 English Standard Version

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 126:4-6

Psalm 126:4-6 English Standard Version

4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,

    like streams in the Negeb!

5 Those who sow in tears

    shall reap with shouts of joy!

6 He who goes out weeping,

    bearing the seed for sowing,

shall come home with shouts of joy,

    bringing his sheaves with him.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14:8

Proverbs 14:8 English Standard Version

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way,

    but the folly of fools is deceiving.

Morning Scripture Reading - John 1:9-13

John 1:9-13 English Standard Version

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 40:9-11

Isaiah 40:9-11 English Standard Version

9 Go on up to a high mountain,

    O Zion, herald of good news;

lift up your voice with strength,

    O Jerusalem, herald of good news;

    lift it up, fear not;

say to the cities of Judah,

    “Behold your God!”

10 Behold, the Lord God comes with might,

    and his arm rules for him;

behold, his reward is with him,

    and his recompense before him.

11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd;

    he will gather the lambs in his arms;

he will carry them in his bosom,

    and gently lead those that are with young.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 126:1-3

Psalm 126:1-3 English Standard Version

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,

    we were like those who dream.

2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,

    and our tongue with shouts of joy;

then they said among the nations,

    “The Lord has done great things for them.”

3 The Lord has done great things for us;

    we are glad.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14:7

Proverbs 14:7 English Standard Version

7 Leave the presence of a fool,

    for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

Morning Scripture Reading - Mark 1:2-4

Mark 1:2-4 English Standard Version

2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet,

“Behold, I send my messenger before your face,

    who will prepare your way,

3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness:

    ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

    make his paths straight,’”

4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Evening Scripture Reading - John 1:15-18

John 1:15-18 English Standard Version

15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 125

Psalm 125 English Standard Version

1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,

    which cannot be moved, but abides forever.

2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

    so the Lord surrounds his people,

    from this time forth and forevermore.

3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest

    on the land allotted to the righteous,

lest the righteous stretch out

    their hands to do wrong.

4 Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,

    and to those who are upright in their hearts!

5 But those who turn aside to their crooked ways

    the Lord will lead away with evildoers!

    Peace be upon Israel!

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14:6

Proverbs 14:6 English Standard Version

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain,

    but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding.

Morning Scripture Reading - Hebrews 2:14-15

Hebrews 2:14-15 English Standard Version

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Evening Scripture Reading - Romans 2:5-11

Romans 2:5-11 English Standard Version

5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.

6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 124:8

Psalm 124:8 English Standard Version

8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,

    who made heaven and earth.

Mid-Week Message - It's All About the Baby

 "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."  Luke 2:10-11  (NIV)

Through the years I have written and performed a variety of skits for the church that I attended.  For one dealing with Christmas, I brought in a huge bag of Christmas related items and my cell phone.  As I unpacked the items one by one, I carried on a conversation on the phone about how stressed I was about getting everything done in time and would reference the item that I held in my hand.  

One of those items was a baby doll.  As I handled it, I wondered out loud how it had gotten in my bag, and I moved it out of sight.  But there was a person in the audience whose job it was to put the baby back where I would see it.  As I kept moving it and it kept reappearing, my stress grew and I asked why the baby kept getting in my way.  

Preparing for Christmas can be a stressful time.  As we decorate our homes, shop for gifts, plan the meal for the big day, attend parties and deal with anxious children, our nerves can become frazzled.  Aside from the special preparations, all of our regular needs and concerns need to be tended to as well.  It is extremely easy to get so wound up in the "doings" of the season that we forget what it is truly supposed to be about.

Today's verse recounts when the angel appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of the Christ child.  Can you imagine what that must have been like?  What an honor it was that God chose these men to receive the news.  I can safely say that was a moment that none of them ever forgot nor stopped talking about.  For them, life became all about that birth. 

It is far too easy to lose our focus on what is most important at this time of year.  We get so busy fulfilling what we perceive to be the expectations of the season.  But, when we take the time to stop, spend some time in the Scriptures reviewing the birth of Jesus, then we can be reminded that there is really only one reason to celebrate.  

In my skit, as I picked up the baby doll over and over again and cast it aside, my intent was to show how quick we can be to allow the material part of the season to push aside what is most important.  While we enjoy them, the ornaments, lights and bright colored packages are temporary and will be forgotten once they are all put away.  Christmas is about our Lord Jesus Christ, who left His majestic throne in heaven and was born as an infant.  He was the ultimate gift and who we should be focused on.  

It's all about the baby.  

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14:5

Proverbs 14:5 English Standard Version

5 A faithful witness does not lie,

    but a false witness breathes out lies.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 15:54-55

1 Corinthians 15:54-55 English Standard Version

54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “O death, where is your victory?

    O death, where is your sting?”

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 30:19-22

Isaiah 30:19-22 English Standard Version

19 For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. 20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. 21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. 22 Then you will defile your carved idols overlaid with silver and your gold-plated metal images. You will scatter them as unclean things. You will say to them, “Be gone!”

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 124:6-7

Psalm 124:6-7 English Standard Version

6 Blessed be the Lord,

    who has not given us

    as prey to their teeth!

7 We have escaped like a bird

    from the snare of the fowlers;

the snare is broken,

    and we have escaped!

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14:4

Proverbs 14:4 English Standard Version

4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,

    but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

Morning Scripture Reading - Jeremiah 32:40

Jeremiah 32:40 English Standard Version

40 I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 25:6-8

Isaiah 25:6-8 English Standard Version

6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples

    a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine,

    of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.

7 And he will swallow up on this mountain

    the covering that is cast over all peoples,

    the veil that is spread over all nations.

8     He will swallow up death forever;

and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,

    and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,

    for the Lord has spoken.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 124:1-5

Psalm 124:1-5 English Standard Version

1 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—

    let Israel now say—

2 if it had not been the Lord who was on our side

    when people rose up against us,

3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,

    when their anger was kindled against us;

4 then the flood would have swept us away,

    the torrent would have gone over us;

5 then over us would have gone

    the raging waters.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14:3

Proverbs 14:3 English Standard Version

3 By the mouth of a fool comes a rod for his back,

    but the lips of the wise will preserve them.

Morning Scripture Reading - Luke 10:21

Luke 10:21 English Standard Version

21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 11:1-5

Isaiah 11:1-5 English Standard Version

1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,

    and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,

    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

    the Spirit of counsel and might,

    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,

    or decide disputes by what his ears hear,

4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,

    and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;

and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,

    and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.

5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist,

    and faithfulness the belt of his loins.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 123:3-4

Psalm 123:3-4 English Standard Version

3 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,

    for we have had more than enough of contempt.

4 Our soul has had more than enough

    of the scorn of those who are at ease,

    of the contempt of the proud.

Second Sunday of Advent - Peace

As we begin the second week of Advent, we find another wonderful gift addressed to each of us. It is the gift of peace. This gift fills us with warmth on the inside. We don’t feel fear when we are at peace. It is a place of serenity for us. Peace is more than just the warm fuzzy we feel on the inside.

When you look at the original Greek word used in the New Testament, eiréné, the word takes on a deeper meaning. According to Strong’s Concordance, eiréné means one, peace, quietness and rest. Considering our lives, peace is certainly a very precious gift to us all. When we are at peace with ourselves and each other, we are truly one and at rest with all. There is no conflict or storm. The word, serene, derives itself from the Greek word, eiréné. 

In the midst of everything that is going on around us, there are spots still left in the world where peace continues to reign. We find peace when we go to church and sit quietly in the pews. The quiet surroundings allow us to focus on God and our relationship with our Heavenly Father. It is not enough to simply be there. We need to be still and actively seek the Lord.

The psalmist, in Psalm forty-six, records the words of the Lord, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

It is through that stillness that we find peace in the midst of the storm we call life. Life is full of surprises. I don’t have to tell you about all of the times when trouble and strife just seems to pop up and you are engulfed by fear, uncertainty and doubt. Your world is turned upside down and inside out. In short, your life is no longer at peace.

But, it doesn’t have to be that way for you. You can seek out peace even in the storm. Think about a hurricane. As you travel into a hurricane, you experience rain and high winds. In fact, as you travel deeper and deeper into it, the wind and rain becomes more and more intense. Then, something happens. All of a sudden, the winds die down and the rain stops. You are now in the eye of the hurricane. This place is completely different from the outside where only the storm exists.

The noted Dutch Post-Impressionist painter, Vincent Willem van Gogh, once said, “There is peace even in the storm.”

In order to find peace, you must work to seek it out. Peace just doesn’t create itself. It is something that we have to work and strive for in our lives. We must work to have peace with God and with others.

Paul, in chapter five of his epistle to the Romans, writes, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”

The peace we have with God comes directly from the actions of Jesus. When he came to live among us and ultimately die for our sins, he gave us peace in our relationship with the Lord. In the storms of our lives as we wrestle with sin, Jesus gives us the gift of peace and provides for us the way back to the Lord. But, in order for us to have this peace, we must accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord. It is not enough to just see the gift; we must accept that gift.

In fact, one of the names of God is Yahweh Shalom, which means “the Lord is peace”. Jesus, in chapter nine of the Book of Isaiah, is called the “Prince of Peace”.

It is through the Prince of Peace that we receive this precious gift. One of the definitions of peace from the Greek word is “one”. Being one is important. It is through Jesus’ death on a cross where he reconciles our relationship with the Father.

Paul, in chapter two of Ephesians, writes, “But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.”

Our disobedience had separated us from God and our relationship with Him was damaged. Jesus repaired our relationship and brought us near to the Father. In short, we are at peace with the Lord and have joined Him as part of His family.

When we become part of the family of God, we also join with our brothers and sisters in Jesus to live together in peace and harmony with one another. We are united as one.

In the fourth chapter of Ephesians, Paul writes, “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. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Through peace, we are unified into one family that shares one Spirit, one God and Father and one faith with one Lord. As members of the same family, we are encouraged to love one another and when issues do come up, we are also called upon to be peacemakers.

The last part of this gift of peace is peace with ourselves. We have been reborn as a new creation and to walk in the newness of life. Paul points out in chapter one of his letter to the Philippians that we will be total and complete on that day that Jesus returns through the work of God in our lives.

In Psalm thirty-four, the psalmist writes, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”

During this second week of Advent, I encourage you to seek not peace for yourself and with others but also seek peace and pursue it with God. It is so easy to allow the storm of Christmas shopping and preparing for parties to get in the way of your peace with the Lord. Be earnest in your pursuit and seek the Father daily. If you do all of these things, I can assure you that you will stand firm in His grace. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. 

Second Sunday of Advent - Scripture Readings

Malachi 3:1-4 New Living Translation

1 “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

2 “But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. 3 He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord. 4 Then once more the Lord will accept the offerings brought to him by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as he did in the past.

Luke 1:68-79 New Living Translation

68 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,

    because he has visited and redeemed his people.

69 He has sent us a mighty Savior

    from the royal line of his servant David,

70 just as he promised

    through his holy prophets long ago.

71 Now we will be saved from our enemies

    and from all who hate us.

72 He has been merciful to our ancestors

    by remembering his sacred covenant—

73 the covenant he swore with an oath

    to our ancestor Abraham.

74 We have been rescued from our enemies

    so we can serve God without fear,

75 in holiness and righteousness

    for as long as we live.

76 “And you, my little son,

    will be called the prophet of the Most High,

    because you will prepare the way for the Lord.

77 You will tell his people how to find salvation

    through forgiveness of their sins.

78 Because of God’s tender mercy,

    the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

    and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Philippians 1:3-11 New Living Translation

3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Luke 3:1-6 New Living Translation

3 It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. 2 Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness. 3 Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 4 Isaiah had spoken of John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!

    Clear the road for him!

5 The valleys will be filled,

    and the mountains and hills made level.

The curves will be straightened,

    and the rough places made smooth.

6 And then all people will see

    the salvation sent from God.’”

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14:2

Proverbs 14:2 English Standard Version

2 Whoever walks in uprightness fears the Lord,

    but he who is devious in his ways despises him.

Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 19:28-30

Matthew 19:28-30 English Standard Version

28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 2:1-4

Isaiah 2:1-4 English Standard Version 

1 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

2 It shall come to pass in the latter days

    that the mountain of the house of the Lord

shall be established as the highest of the mountains,

    and shall be lifted up above the hills;

and all the nations shall flow to it,

3     and many peoples shall come, and say:

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

    to the house of the God of Jacob,

that he may teach us his ways

    and that we may walk in his paths.”

For out of Zion shall go forth the law,

    and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

4 He shall judge between the nations,

    and shall decide disputes for many peoples;

and they shall beat their swords into plowshares,

    and their spears into pruning hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

    neither shall they learn war anymore.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 123:1-2

Psalm 123:1-2 English Standard Version

1 To you I lift up my eyes,

    O you who are enthroned in the heavens!

2 Behold, as the eyes of servants

    look to the hand of their master,

as the eyes of a maidservant

    to the hand of her mistress,

so our eyes look to the Lord our God,

    till he has mercy upon us.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 14:1

Proverbs 14:1 English Standard Version

14 The wisest of women builds her house,

    but folly with her own hands tears it down.

Morning Scripture Reading - Ephesians 2:8-9

Ephesians 2:8-9 English Standard Version

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Evening Scripture Reading - Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11:6 English Standard Version

6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 122:6-9

Psalm 122:6-9 English Standard Version

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!

    “May they be secure who love you!

7 Peace be within your walls

    and security within your towers!”

8 For my brothers and companions' sake

    I will say, “Peace be within you!”

9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

    I will seek your good.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 13:25

Proverbs 13:25 English Standard Version

25 The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite,

    but the belly of the wicked suffers want.

Morning Scripture Reading - Ezekiel 16:59-63

Ezekiel 16:59-63 English Standard Version

59 “For thus says the Lord God: I will deal with you as you have done, you who have despised the oath in breaking the covenant, 60 yet I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish for you an everlasting covenant. 61 Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you take your sisters, both your elder and your younger, and I give them to you as daughters, but not on account of the covenant with you. 62 I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the Lord, 63 that you may remember and be confounded, and never open your mouth again because of your shame, when I atone for you for all that you have done, declares the Lord God.”

Evening Scripture Reading - Jeremiah 30:9

Jeremiah 30:9 English Standard Version

9 But they shall serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 122:3-5

Psalm 122:3-5 English Standard Version

3 Jerusalem—built as a city

    that is bound firmly together,

4 to which the tribes go up,

    the tribes of the Lord,

as was decreed for Israel,

    to give thanks to the name of the Lord.

5 There thrones for judgment were set,

    the thrones of the house of David.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 13:24

Proverbs 13:24 English Standard Version

24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son,

    but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Morning Scripture Reading - 2 Peter 3:8-10

2 Peter 3:8-10 English Standard Version

8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Kings 3:10-14

1 Kings 3:10-14 English Standard Version

10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 122:1-2

Psalm 122:1-2 English Standard Version

1 I was glad when they said to me,

    “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

2 Our feet have been standing

    within your gates, O Jerusalem!

Mid-Week Message - Christmas is Coming

"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is rapidly approaching. My, how quickly this year has flown! As we approach this festive time, let's be mindful of the true reason we celebrate. Although it was probably not the actual date of the birth of Jesus, it is the day that has been chosen to commemorate it, therefore it is a holy time. It is up to us as followers of Christ to be bold about telling His story and to train up our children to do the same.

Each year there is a debate about whether to use the words "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays." I have my personal preference, however, I have to wonder if it really matters. Does "Merry Christmas" evoke thoughts about Jesus? That is the argument that is used. "Keep Christ in Christmas!" "Remember the reason for the season!" Amen! I agree wholeheartedly. This season should honor Him.

So, how do we accomplish that? It is through our joy and willingness to share Him. We don't have to set ourselves up so that those around us think we are religious weirdos. We don't have to shy away from enjoying the holiday in our own homes. But we do need to be willing to be openly honest about the reason why we are celebrating.

Jesus left His majestic throne in Heaven to be born as a human infant. His purpose for doing so was ultimately to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. And He did it out of love. Should it matter that He was not born on that day? No, because we should hold each and every day as a day to rejoice over His birth. Every day should be Christmas in our hearts.

Our children need to witness the grown ups around them loving and praising Jesus. They need to hear us praying. They need to see us reading the Bible and know that we believe what it says and that we obey it. We teach best by modeling behavior that we want them to emulate. I pray that as you begin your preparations for the holy day ahead, that you will include your young ones in the "whys" of the season. God bless you! 

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 13:23

Proverbs 13:23 English Standard Version

23 The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,

    but it is swept away through injustice.

Morning Scripture Reading - Isaiah 26:9

Isaiah 26:9 English Standard Version

9 My soul yearns for you in the night;

    my spirit within me earnestly seeks you.

For when your judgments are in the earth,

    the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.