分类: Christmas - Jethro TOOLS

Message of Joy

12/29/2024

Isaiah 6:1-3
The Christmas letter… Long or short, it has turned into an annual feat that tests our writing skills and organization. As we attempt to summarize a year in words, or even photos we find ourselves being forced to become even more concise. What is the main idea that we want to communicate? What happened this year? What matters most that others need to hear? How can we communicate those key, life defining highlights of the past year? Have no fear, Christmas cards are here. If you are like me you will notice that many of the Christmas cards carry a theme of peace, hope or joy. Notice that the card companies do not promote happiness. Why is that? Happiness is a short term pleasure, whereas joy is long term sense of satisfaction that all is well. As we turn to Isaiah 61, we find that message of joy. This chapter opens with God’s select servant declaring the message of good news that He will bring (1). This people centered savior will bring joy that is found in God’s favor (2) to those who are broken, and held captive in the darkness of sin (1). That is definitely good news of great joy that is worth celebrating. The people looked forward to the day when this savior would come and deliver them from sin and restore His joy to their life and their land. Fast forward and we see Jesus quote these same words in Luke 4:14-21 as he began His earthly ministry. In His own words He stated that He is the promised one spoken of in Isaiah 61. Jesus brought God’s good news of salvation to all people. For us, that good news should still bring a deep sense of satisfaction. That is joy worth writing about in the annual Christmas letter. The joy that we have in Jesus as our savior needs to be heard from us all year.

For More See ISAIAH or CHRISTMAS

Worship the King

12/22/2024

Matthew 2:1-12
The other day as I walked into church I was swarmed by some bubbly bouncing children. Hollering out my name they excitedly asked, “Do you know what day it is?” I was certain that it was Saturday, but decided to play along, “No, I do not know what day it is.” It was then that it all spilled out from various directions, one of them had a birthday that day and another one had a birthday the very next day. With all the excitement and jumping around I was able to join in the celebration by singing Happy Birthday. As Christmas is almost upon us I am getting very excited. Do you know whose birthday it is? In Matthew 2 we pick up the Christmas story of some very excited Magi, commonly known as Wisemen. These men were led by God to come and worship the new king that was born (1-2). Their inquiry of the new king deeply troubled the current king (3-6) because he and the others surrounding him were not interested in another king (7-8). Disregarding the discouraging response the Magi remained intent on following God’s direction to the new born king (9). Arriving at the house they were not somber. Instead they were filled with joy (10) and humbly honored Jesus, the baby born to be our Savior and king (11-12). God graciously invited the foreign dignitaries to come and worship and they did so with honest joyful expectation. Do you know whose birthday it is? At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Like the Magi, a true desire to worship will align our heart with God’s in a proper attitude of joy and humility that seeks to serve Him alone with all that we have. This Christmas lets truly celebrate the birth of Jesus as we submit to Him as the king of our life.

For More See MATTHEW or CHRISTMAS

The Gift

12/15/2024

Isaiah 9:3-7
Gift giving is on our minds at this time of year. At times we all struggle to determine what to give that certain someone. If you ask others for advice on what to give, you may hear a wide range of answers including something to eat, something to wear, something to do, or even time with you. Helpful as that list of suggestions may be, we are still left scratching our heads, puzzled by what to give. Perhaps we need to simplify the process. Rather than thinking about what to give the other person, it might be better to think like the other person. Once we begin to think of a great gift from the receivers perspective we will see what they need and value most, then give accordingly. That is exactly what God has done for us. In Isaiah 9 we see that God clearly understands us as people and gives us exactly what we need. Isaiah, under God’s direction, records God’s promise that a child will be born and a son will be given (6). God is making a grand announcement proclaiming what He will do for us. This simple verse describes the human side of a child being born and also the divine side of God giving His son. What is this? This is God, through Isaiah, building in the people the belief that God will come and live with man as God with us, Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). The rest of Isaiah 9:6 goes on to describe how this gift from God is exactly what lost and sinful humanity needs. At Christmas our gift giving is a very small imitation of the gift of Jesus himself, that has been given to us. God knew exactly what we needed and gave His Son to forgive us, restore us and give us new life (John 3:16). In Jesus, God has given the perfect gift of salvation that we have deeply desired.

For More See ISAIAH or CHRISTMAS

Darkness & Hope

12/8/2024

Isaiah 8:1-9:2
“Hey! Watch this!” That phrase is the beginning of what turns into a viral internet video. However, it normally does not end well. There is some sort of unspectacular splat into a puddle of sloppy mud. A miss on a throw, or an ungraceful flip that lacked execution leaving the performer in a pile and in pain. In many ways the people of Isaiah’s day had been playing a game of spiritual performance. They may have acted good trying to check the spiritual boxes, but in reality they were far from the mark of pleasing God. In fact Isaiah records the spiritual darkness of the people by describing their lack of trust in God. He says in chapter eight that they sought other sources of spiritual authority and spiritual direction (19-20). Their searching led them to seek other sources to satisfy their spiritual hunger (21). The result is that they have a limited spiritual perspective as all they see is filled with darkness, fear and gloom (22). Their spiritual acrobatics have been pitiful and not worthy of praise from God. They are left stumbling around in their problems and pain. They should have turned to God for help and direction in dealing with the sin in their lives and in their nation. So God hid His face from His people (17) and allowed them to continue in the path of their distrust leading to their despair and destruction. However, out of the darkness of sin that is pictured in Isaiah 8 a new reality of hope is described in chapter 9:1-2. In spite of the people rejecting God for other solutions He offers mercy and grace by offering His hope and salvation found in Jesus. God calls to the sinful world, “Hey! Watch this!” And Jesus was born to give God’s light and hope to all who are lost in the darkness of sin without Him.

For More See ISAIAH or CHRISTMAS

Confidence in Crisis

12/1/2024

Isaiah 7:1-17
The musical honk of geese grabbed my ear and turned my attention to the ice covered lake. On this wind blown cold winter day the lake had just begun to freeze over. Yet there was a distant silver silhouette of steam that marked open water in the otherwise frozen lake. I strained to see if the geese were there. They were not. Then again and again I heard them until finally they appeared over the trees. There were hundreds of them, all in their signature “V” formation, heading to a warmer climate. Just because I did not see them did not mean they were not there. In the same way, just because I do not see God at work does not mean that He is not there and able to do the impossible. In Isaiah 7 we see that the king has just faced the opposition of two neighboring kingdoms (1). In the process of the failed attack, the prophet Isaiah appeared and challenged king Ahaz and his belief in God (1-9). Ahaz had the opportunity to calmly experience God’s peace in the problem (4), yet he did not have the faith to stand firm in the trial (7-9). In the following verses this plays out in his refusal to believe that God can work (12-13). Regardless, God promised an impossible sign that would challenge this stubborn king and encourage us today. The promise is the birth of a baby who would be called Emmanuel, meaning God with us (14). Like Ahaz, our belief in God for the impossible is required. The only way to find peace in a conflicted world is to trust in God and His salvation. Fear can control us, but God offers His assurance if we believe in Jesus as Savior. Remember that God’s perspective is completely different from what we can see. Just like geese, when He shows up to save us, it is a beautiful sight.

For More See ISAIAH or CHRISTMAS

Truth That Changes You

12/31/2023

Isaiah 61:1-2
Today, a common statement is, “My truth is my truth and your truth is your truth.” The problem is that does not provide for a consistent standard or measurement of truth. It also does not line up with what we see in nature. For example, we know when water freezes. Water does not freeze at one temperature for you and 20 degrees different for me. Gravity does not hold one person down and push another up. What we know to be true impacts our beliefs and lifestyle. We wear shoes because gravity hurts our feet and we take a canoe to the lake in the summer not ice skates. However, beyond the daily activities of life what we know to be true will impact our faith. How do we know what to base our faith on? Hebrews 11:1-2 tells us that faith believes even if the outcome is not seen. The problem is that we as people have developed a personal view that we know it all and any changes or challenges to that view are rejected as not true or real. That was the problem that Jesus faced from the people in His home town. Luke 4:16 records that it started as Jesus entered the temple and read a passage from Isaiah 61. As he finished he stated that the words He read had been fulfilled that day (21). This passage in Isaiah was understood to look forward to God’s promised coming savior. Yet as Jesus continued to teach, the audience could not accept the truth that He was presenting. In short they became so angry that they tried to kill him (29). Jesus was challenging his home town audience to see Him for who he really is as savior and God. I leave you with this challenge. Do not dismiss Jesus but instead examine His claims. He came as God to be your savior. Faith in Him alone will change your measurement of truth and your life.

For more see ISAIAH or SONGS of CHRISTMAS

Song of Celebration

12/24/2023

Luke 2:29-32
Puzzle games, you know the ones… they are intriguing wood or wire shapes that are intertwined as one and yet can be taken apart and reassembled. You have probably seen them or perhaps bought them for the inquisitive minds in your family. I remember one Christmas as a kid sitting on the floor after being given a set of heavy wire ones, and eventually figuring them out. It took quite a while, but when I solved the puzzle, I remember thinking, “Wow, so that is how it is done.” Fast forward a number of years and I was given a small wood block with only one hole in it. Inside, apparently, there were several passage ways for a small ball to roll. The goal is simple, just remove the ball from the hidden maze using nothing but your sense of sound and imagination of where the ball is rolling. Again, after a bit of time, I was able to solve it. I remember thinking, “Wow, so that is how it is done.” In a similar way in Luke 2 we see a similar unsolved puzzle. This puzzle is different as it does not require human effort to solve, only careful observation of God’s action. We pick up the story of an old man named Simeon in verse 25 where he is described as a faithful godly man. He had been promised that he would not die until he had seen the savior that God had promised (26). Simeon had been looking, but the savior had not been revealed to him until Joseph and Mary walked into the temple with the baby Jesus (27). When Simeon sees Jesus he bursts forth in a song of celebration (29-32) for God’s faithfulness and His perfect plan of salvation. It is almost as if he says, “Wow, so that it how it is done.” Like Simeon, we can have the same response as we see that Jesus is the promised savior and believe that He is our savior.

For more see LUKE or SONGS OF CHRISTMAS or SALVATION

Questions of Peace

12/17/2023

Luke 2:14
I have four questions for you. First, Have you thought about the word peace recently? The simple word is often used as a greeting or parting wish. The words that we use show the deep desire for what we seek. Our words reflect our heart desire for what is calm and tranquil, without conflict. We desire our relationships and our world to be peaceful. We desire peace, but all too often it is only temporary.

Second, Have you thought about world peace recently? We are surrounded with all that is not peaceful. There is the tension with the family member, the ongoing problem with the neighbor, the clash with others at the worksite followed by what we see on the news with conflicts between nations. We long for peace within and without, but our surroundings and circumstances seem to keep peace at an unreachable distance.

Third, Have you thought about your peace recently? We all strive for peace. Some may seek peace through escaping society and heading out to the wilderness and quiet of nature. Others may seek peace through their opposition and protest of conflict that has erupted. Still, some others seek peace through their own dominance and tightfisted control, while others seek peace through possessions that will insulate and isolate them from the world. None of these will give lasting peace. To be completely fair, these may bring a form of temporary peace but nothing that is permanent.

So, Fourthly, Have you thought about God’s peace recently? Our desire for peace is not born within us and our own conscious desires for self preservation and comfort. So where does the desire for peace come from? We as created beings are a reflection of God who has made us. He is the one who has made us, and created peace. It is through Him that we can know true peace. In Luke 2:14 the angels are sent to the shepherds to announce the birth of the promised savior who will bring peace (Isaiah 9:6). This is a peace between God and mankind as God gives His peace through His son Jesus. This is based on God’s gracious display of His favor toward all who believe in His son, born as a baby to be the savior of the world. Do you believe that? Are you experiencing His peace in the midst of chaos in our world?

For more see LUKE or SONGS OF CHRISTMAS

Magnification

12/11/2023

Luke 1:46-56
Have you ever picked up a magnifying glass? At various times I remember finding one and being amazed at how large the letters on a page can be. However, in using the magnifying glass all that is enlarged is only within the frame of the glass. If you want to see more you need to move the glass. For example, you might use a magnifying glass to see an ant in greater detail, but you would not need one to see an elephant. In Luke 1:46 Mary begins her song that magnifies or exalts God. She is not describing God as small, instead she sings of His greatness and grandeur by drawing attention to His work as the Mighty One on her behalf (49). This is a contrast of power. Mary is weak but God is mighty. God worked on her behalf and accomplished that which was humanly impossible. Mary was the willing servant that God used to bring about the greatest impossibility, the birth of Jesus, God’s son, to be the Savior of the world. Today’s culture is often absorbed with self. It is seen in the gathering of attention and perhaps followers to be seen as great. That view and practice is much like taking a magnifying glass to an ant and making it look big. In contrast to that, Mary magnifies God through her song. She describes the greatness of God and His work in her life and world as she has submitted to Him. She is not attracting attention to herself. Instead, Mary describes the greatness of God and His salvation and blessing that only He could make possible through the birth of Jesus. Mary’s belief of God’s greatness directed her life, her joy and her speech. From her song she desires that others would know God’s greatness. Are we doing the same with our life?

For more see LUKE or SONGS of CHRISTMAS

Christmas & Influence

12/27/2022

Luke 1-2
Influence is the ability to bring change to a situation or person based on insight, knowledge, and power. An influencer is someone who uses their personal ability to promote the change. In our world of technology, companies will contract influencers to promote their product. Those who watch and follow these influencers are then influenced to use the product them selves. However, there is not a single influencer who is able to influence everyone. In contrast, as we consider the events of Christmas, we see that God uses His influence and sovereign power to bring necessary change into our world. First, God displays His sovereign influence over nature and the rules of conception, as seen in Mary; and the standard operation of the sky, as seen with the shepherds and wise men. Second, God displays His sovereign influence over people, as He gathers a cast of unrelated and unconnected characters to converge on the little town of Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph traveled from the North, shepherds came from the fields and wise men traveled from the East. All these people were under the influence and direction of God, and submissive to His leading and plan. This leaves one last group, us. We, as people, are easily overwhelmed and influenced by schedules, events, catastrophes, and changes to our individual world. However, the Christmas season brings us face to face with the reality that the sovereign God has brought hope and change to our world through the birth of Jesus. The good news of Jesus’ birth and salvation should continually influence us. When changes come, do not fear, but submit and trust God like Mary and Joseph. When information is given by God, respond with joy and tell others like the shepherds. When God’s direction is made clear, follow wholeheartedly like the wise men.

For more see LUKE or SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS

Jesus Role as King

12/22/2022

Matthew 2:1-18
Giggles and wiggles… that is the best way to describe grandchildren. The birth of children is a special time for any family, but even more exciting for grandparents. Placed side by side or seeing a picture you will notice that the main similarity between grandparents and the new baby is wrinkles! Grandchildren bring new life and hope for the family to be lived out through this little one. There is a special bond between grandparents and grandchildren often because the stress and pressures of living life are removed. There is an understanding of grace, in that they have done nothing to gain this bond, and yet they get to enjoy the peace and wonder of the relationship. In Matthew 2 we see the Magi come and visit the new born King. These men were not from the nation of Israel yet God, in His grace, displayed a star for them to follow. This sign that they knew and understood led them to the new born King. They did not belong, yet they were invited by God and led by the star to Jesus. Their only desire was to see the King and worship this baby as King. As they worshiped the new born King others ignored Him or worse yet plotted to destroy Him. This Christmas we have a choice in how we worship Jesus, our King and Savior. Jesus came as King to do what was necessary, and make it possible, that all who believe in Him as Savior will be made right with God. I hope that we approach Him with wonder, and with joy sit enthralled in His presence, truly honoring Him as the King sent by God to save us. I hope that we clearly understand that the God of the universe sent His one and only Son to not only dwell with us but also to be our Savior. May we like the wisemen seek the King and worship by thanking Him for His gift of grace to us.

For more see MATTHEW or PROPHET, PRIEST & KING

Jesus Role as Priest

12/22/2022

John 17
Have you ever gone to a doctor and felt like they did not listen or care? You probably walked out and looked for another doctor. We expect doctors to have our best interest in mind. They are giving us advice and researched opinions regarding our health. They have the job of making us better. Similarly, Jesus as a priest is deeply concerned about the spiritual health of people. A priest will offer sacrifices for sin, guide in true worship and help restore mankind to God. In John 17 we see Jesus express a passionate interest in His disciples and other future believers in Him. He is requesting that the Father guide, protect and unify His disciples. He desires that His followers accept His gift of salvation and know that they are kept securely in that salvation by the Father. He also seeks their transformation through the revealed word of God so they will share the greatness of Him with others. Jesus, as priest, is the one who seeks God’s best for mankind. This Christmas I hope that you grow in your joy knowing that Jesus came to save us, change us and cure us from the sickness of sin.

For more see JOHN or PROPHET, PRIEST & KING

Jesus Role as Prophet

12/22/2022

John 1:1-18
I remember going off to college and my Mom telling me to write each week. Well… That never happened because it took too much time. I had to get paper, compose my thoughts, and then walk to the post office to mail it. A phone call was so much easier. However, it was funny how much there was to talk about when I went home for Christmas. Communication in person is always more personal, relatable and believable. Throughout the Old Testament God used various prophets to communicate with His people. The prophet is a messenger who delivers a message, a corrector who points out what is wrong, and a teacher who tells the right way to live. As savior, Jesus, fulfills the role of divine prophet. In the Gospel of John we see that God planned to send Jesus as the perfect way to communicate to people who God is, the need for Him and God’s solution of salvation. This Christmas message communicated through Jesus calls us to listen to God’s Word, believe God’s truth and accept God’s grace. Jesus was the messenger who communicated God’s message to man-kind. This Christmas I hope that you hear God’s message of love, truth and grace communicated through Jesus.

for more see JOHN or PROPHET, PRIEST & KING

Christmas & Illumination

12/18/2022

John 1:4-9
I grew up in an era when the Christmas lights were the size of your thumb. They were the kind that you had to watch carefully because they would get hot and produce enough heat to start a dry Christmas tree on fire. As the years progressed my family replaced those with strings of smaller lights that were less dangerous. It was a real treat when we got the little lights that would flash on and off. It sure added a dimension to the tree that the old big bulbs never could. Still, to this day, I truly enjoy watching the colorful lights dance around the tree and reflect their light off the ornaments hanging on the tree. As I look at the twinkling lights on the tree they remind me of the light that Jesus Christ has brought into the world. Isaiah 8:19-22 speaks of the spiritual darkness and sin of the people. Yet, as we move into the next verses, Isaiah gives hope to the sinful people. A Savior will come for those surrounded by the gloom of sin (Isaiah 9:1-7). This darkness of sin leads to separation from God and others. Even the shepherds (Luke 2:8-20) and the wisemen (Matthew 2:1-12), in the Christmas story, were considered outsiders and not acceptable. Yet Jesus came to show His grace and acceptance of all who turn to Him for salvation. It is His power that transforms our lives. Just as a strand of Christmas lights can never produce light on their own unless plugged in. Likewise we who follow Christ are only able to live a new life through His transforming power that enlightens and enables us (John 8:12). Jesus is the Savior for sinners and the Savior that offers salvation to all. He saves us so we can walk a transformed life by His power and display His light to others.

For more see JOHN or SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS

Christmas & Invitation

12/11/2022

John 3:16
What do you do with that unwanted gift that you will never use? The best option is to return it to the store and exchange it for some item you really want. The exact numbers of post Christmas returns are not in for this year, but based on previous years, retailers expect about 55 percent of shoppers to exchange or return an unwanted gift. What is the problem? Why so many returns? The issue is the giver and the ability to fully know the one receiving the gift. With all the returns some stores turn to post holiday sales to move the unwanted merchandise. But have you thought about the time when the giver got the perfect gift for everyone? God did just that at Christmas. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” God is the perfect giver who gives with a purpose to display His love to a world full of people that have no idea what real love is. God gave His one and only Son at Christmas as a personal gift for every one. This gift and His sacrifice in our place for our sin provides new life now and eternal life for the rest of time for all who believe in Jesus. The gift is given freely by God with the all the benefits of life and not death. The only requirement is belief in Jesus as the Son of God who has come to save us from our sin. Do you believe that Jesus is God’s gift for you? When we understand the greatness of this gift we not only treasure it but also tell others about it. It is the gift that we can continually give away and never lose. It is the best gift that we will never return.

For more see JOHN or SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS

Christmas & Incarnation

12/4/2022

Philippians 2:5-8
I recall late one fall that we added two kittens to our household number. They were young and of course very mischievous. My Dad threatened to call them Fun and Games, but in reality they were more like Trouble and Terrible. Those two would chase each other all over the house. However, their favorite arena to display all their antics was the living room rug. I still remember all of us sitting in the living room and laughing as two kittens raced and jumped all over. Who needs an entertainment center or a TV when you have energetic kittens displaying their skill! The kittens were great, but then came Christmas and the insertion of a tree into their venue of toys. I recall several occasions where the tree ended up horizontal on the floor because of climbing kittens. My Dad, being the wise man that he was, tied a stout string to the top of the tree and the other end to a hook in the ceiling. Problem solved. Likewise, Christmas also reminds us of the problem called sin and God’s solution to send Jesus into our world to be our savior. This is called the incarnation and it highlights the truth that God stepped out of time and space and stepped into our world to be born as a baby. Philippians 2 speaks of the example and incarnation of Christ. The purpose of the incarnation is to make God known to humanity (5-6). The result is that Jesus now gives us a practical example for a new way to live (7). However, the incarnation is also personal in that Jesus is the sacrifice for our sin (8). Our problem of sin finds its solution in Jesus. Problem solved. The kittens still climbed the tree, but Dad’s solution worked. Our sin caused the Christ of Christmas to die on a tree and His solution still works.

For more see PHILIPPIANS or SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS

Also Blog article on Salvation

Wisemen: Worship the God of Grace

12/26/2021

Matthew 2:1-18
Giggles and wiggles… that is the best way to describe grandchildren. The birth of children is a special time for any family, but even more exciting for grandparents. Placed side by side or seeing a picture you will notice that the main similarity between grandparents and the new baby is wrinkles! Grandchildren bring new life and hope for the family to be lived out through this little one. There is a special bond between grandparents and grandchildren often because the stress and pressures of living life are removed. There is an understanding of grace, in that they have done nothing to gain this bond, and yet they get to enjoy the peace and wonder of the relationship. In Matthew 2 we see the Magi come and visit the new born King. These men were not from the nation of Israel yet God, in His grace, displayed a star for them to follow. This sign that they knew and understood led them to the new born King. They did not belong, yet they were invited by God and led by the star to Jesus. Their only desire was to see the King and worship this baby as King. As they worshiped the new born King others ignored Him or worse yet plotted to destroy Him. This Christmas we have a choice in how we worship Jesus, our King and Savior. I hope that we approach Him with wonder, and with joy sit enthralled in His presence, truly honoring Him as the King sent by God to save us. I hope that we clearly understand that the God of the universe sent His one and only Son to not only dwell with us but also to be our Savior. May we like the wisemen seek Him and worship by thanking Him for His gift of grace to us.

For more see CHRISTMAS

Simeon & Anna: Praise for God's Grace

12/19/2021

Luke 2:21-38
Waiting is not an easy thing to do. Lately I have been irritated with other drivers. For example, at a traffic light that just turned green, someone three cars back starts honking their horn because everyone else is not moving fast enough to suit them. Perhaps you have experienced what I am talking about. We do not like to wait in line in traffic, or really anytime at all. We are in an instant society that relies on high speed internet, fast cell phones, microwaves and drive through coffee shops. We don’t like to wait. Very simply, we do not live patiently while waiting. In Luke 2:21-38 we see that Simeon lived a righteous life while he waited to see the Savior as God had promised him. He faithfully followed God’s direction by going to the temple where he saw Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus. He then spoke with perception and wisdom about this baby as the Savior for all people. As if on cue, Anna steps in and begins to praise God for the redeemer that God has sent. Both of these people were elderly and had spent many years waiting for this moment. God worked through the patient devotion of Simeon and Anna to spread and affirm His message of the Savior. God’s desire is to develop our devoted faith in Him and our persistent and consistent practice of righteousness. This kind of righteousness is not instant or intermittent devotion that lacks the refinement of persistent faith in God. Simeon and Anna were known as righteous people who lived by faith while they patiently waited for the Savior to arrive. God desires that we persistently follow Him in faith, patiently wait for His return and tell others of our Savior. That is what Simeon and Anna did.

For more see CHRISTMAS

Shepherds: Amazed by Grace

12/12/2021

Luke 2:8-20
In the good old days I spent time listening to my grandfather tell stories about what life was like when he was young. There were stories of farming, fishing and fixing old cars. My favorite is the one about clearing snow. Grandpa lived in a small town that did not have a snow plow. Every time it snowed all the young men in town would gather at the end of the main street. The person in the center would take a shovel of snow and throw it one way. Then others would follow on each side and throw a shovel full of snow toward the edge. As a whole group they gradually formed a “V” and cleaned the road from the center out. Then the next morning all the old cars could travel without getting stuck. For us the good old days are filled with stories for younger generations and memories of better days gone by. However, therein lies a problem. The past is often deceptive because we only remember certain things and grumble about the happenings today. In Luke 2:8-12 the angel presents the message to the shepherds that is good news of great joy… your Savior has been born. This is a message of hope and joy that God has come. Yet often, even today, we look with gloom at the events in our community and the problems in our world while we tell others that they need to change. The message to the shepherds is that Christ has come to save. This is a message of joy that the problems of this life will find their only solution in Jesus. This is a message of hope that we can live a new life of victory through the salvation offered only through Jesus. May our message this Christmas not be about what is wrong, but about the hope and joy that we have in Jesus.

For more see CHRISTMAS

Mary: Servant Because of Grace

12/5/2021

Luke 1:26-38
Often at Christmas time you might be involved in a gift exchange. These times of exchanging gifts may be known by various names, but the concept is a simple way to get everyone in a group involved giving and receiving a gift. Most of the time there is a price limit that is placed on the gifts that are purchased. This limitation gives some structure and balance to the giving and receiving. By following this simple rule everyone is able to participate on an equal level. However, I have been involved in several gift exchanges where you could not spend any money on the gift to be given. That means that you must make something or give something that you already have. Some of those gifts were creative and useful, but I do remember one gift that was a rock. Everyone laughed, but it was completely useless as a gift. In Luke 1:26-38 Mary responds positively by giving herself to be used by God to deliver Jesus the Savior into this world who would in turn be her deliverer from sin. The emphasis of this passage is on God’s enabling work of grace through a servant wholly devoted to Him to bring His message of salvation through His Son, Jesus, to the whole world. The emphasis on our lives today should be no different. In a way, like Mary, God transforms us by His grace and enables us to bring the message of Jesus to the whole world. Our role is to be a servant wholly devoted to God’s position of Master in our lives as He carries out His purpose through our lives. His power in our lives makes the seemingly impossible possible out of our lives. God just wants us to give ourselves fully to Him so He can display His grace through us.

For more see CHRISTMAS

Joseph: Serve to Display Grace

11/28/2021

Matthew 1:18-25
Years ago a movie was produced about three singing chipmunks named Simon, Theodore, and Alvin. One of the songs begins as a peaceful Christmas song… “Christmas time is here again.” In the middle of the song, the constant troublemaker, Alvin, changes the words and sings, “me I want a hula hoop.” The funny thing is that I remember listening to that song on a vinyl record when I was just a wee lad. We can laugh at the self-centeredness of Alvin, but that attitude is prevalent at Christmas and in some of the Christmas characters in the Bible. However, that is not an accurate description of Joseph. In Matthew chapter 1 we see that Joseph was known as a righteous man who sought to live a righteous life that was upright and pleasing to God. He is one of the least known people in the Bible, yet he acts in a way that is unselfish toward Mary by going against his culture and community in order to carry out what God has revealed to him. A righteous and upright life is an important character quality yet it often lacks proper emphasis in the news today. It is easy to do many things and be an important person but it is the quality and character of our life that will be noted and remembered. As we enter the Christmas season we are reminded again of Joseph and the importance of a righteous life. He was noted as an ordinary man who God used, a righteous man that God could use, and a righteous man who lived by faith for God to use. Joseph believed God and his beliefs directed the way he lived and served to display God’s grace. May our lives be ones that are noted for righteousness, usefulness, and faith in God alone.

For more see CHRISTMAS

Zechariah: Saved by Grace

11/21/2021

Luke 1:5-25
I remember my first time in a severe thunderstorm. I was jolted awake as powerful claps of thunder jarred the building and sent flashes of lightning piercing the dark night sky. I literally thought that there was a war going on right outside my window. With my heart pounding in my chest I crept to the window and very cautiously lifted the edge of the curtain. My fear instantly subsided as I enjoyed an electric light show in the middle of the night. How do we respond when something is new or unexpected? In Luke chapter 1 we are introduced to Zechariah, an old priest (1-5), who had an obvious problem. He was old and his wife, Elizabeth, was unable to have children. God sent an angel to deliver a message of hope to Zechariah (8-17) but he responds in fear and unbelief (18-20). Because of his response God made him unable to speak until his son was born. The story of Zechariah is the beginning of the Christmas story, but it is also a story of thanks. Through Zechariah we see the inability of humanity to solve their problems contrasted with the ability of God to solve humanity's problems. God displayed grace to Zechariah by providing a son and solving his problem. The response of Zechariah is praise of God for His salvation. Through his life and the lessons he learned Zechariah pictures the message of the gospel. First is our human inability to deal with sin. Second is God’s ability to provide salvation by His grace through Jesus, His son. God has saved us by grace just like Zechariah illustrated with his life. The outcome is our praise. May our thanksgiving be filled with gratefulness for what we have in God’s unexpected grace.

For more see CHRISTMAS

Prince of Peace

12/27/2020

Isaiah 9:1-7
A number of years ago I had to complete some outdoor survival and team training. One of those events involved intentionally tipping the canoe you were in, flooding it and then reversing the process by getting the water out and then climbing back into the boat. All this had to be done in the middle of the lake. It sounds impossible but it can be done. The three of us in the boat, along with all the others, were unceremoniously dumped. The funny thing is that some people just screamed, some shouted orders and others complained because their peaceful ride was upset. This year has been filled with screaming, shouting and complaining. We have wanted peace our way but none has been found. In Isaiah 9:6 the final name describing the coming savior is Prince of Peace. This name describes one who rules because He has overcome every obstacle to a peaceful rule. Jesus, the promised child in Isaiah 9:1-7, came to offer the final solution to all our problems. Our struggle is that we, all too often; scream, shout and complain because our plan has been upset. Remember, Jesus came as the Prince of Peace. That means that He not only has the solution, He is the solution. May we be people who submit to His leadership and rule in our lives this year.

For more see ISAIAH

Ahhh.... Christmas

12/23/2020

John 1:1-13; John 20:31
Ahhhh… Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year…. The other year we were in downtown Chicago and decided to walk through the Christmas Market. It was suppose to be fun and relaxing but instead it turned into an extreme practice of patience as we battled wall to wall people and claustrophobia. After taking 30 minutes to walk like penguins bounced about like a pinball we finally made it out of the compacted crowd. Ahhh… Relief at last! Then out of the corner of my eye I saw something and pulled my wife saying we really need to see this after what we just experienced. Before us was a life size Nativity scene. We paused, pondered and praised God for the proclamation of the truth of Christmas displayed in the midst of chaos. Proclaming and presenting Jesus as the Savior of the world is the message of our text today. Ahhh… Reality. John writes so that we may believe that Jesus is the Savior and by believing we may have life in His name.

For more see Christmas

Everlasting Father

12/20/2020

Isaiah 9:1-7
Bah Humbug! You may recognize the this simple negative statement used at Christmas time as originally written by Charles Dickens in 1843 for his work A Christmas Carol and spoken by the character Ebenezer Scrooge. You may know the history but do you know the meaning of the statement? In general it means that something or someone is a fake and not real. It is spoken by someone who believes that they have just seen something that is deceptive and fake. Thus Scrooge refers to Christmas as “Bah Humbug.” He chooses not to care about others and their needs. He is worse than the old saying used in the days of pay phones, “I’ll give you a quarter to call someone who cares.” In complete contrast we see Isaiah predict that the child to be born in Isaiah 9:6 would be called the Everlasting Father. These words describe the love, care, provision and ultimately the protection of a father. However, unlike an earthly father, this prediction referencing Jesus points to His everlasting or unending qualities of protection. Through Jesus, God has offered His protection and redemption from sin. Christmas is a time to recall God’s everlasting gift of salvation for all people. This was accomplished though Jesus, who was born as a baby, just as Isaiah predicted. That is not false information. The skeptics may respond with a loud “Bah Humbug,” but in reality it is great news of great joy from a great Father.

For more see Isaiah