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When Red Makes White

When Red Makes White

As I type this, the snow is gently falling outside.  The light carpet of white over the green grass in the late hours of the day means that technically we experienced a rare white Christmas in Tacoma this year. 

While “gently falling” sounds innocuous enough, the expectation is that it will continue to “gently fall” through the night and into the morning.  Which means that everything will be thoroughly white in the morning … including the streets! 

Certainly beautiful!  But around the rolling topography of western Washington, also treacherous.  Especially since the temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing. 

Which means that our worship service in the morning will almost certainly be cancelled.  So I share this special post in place of the message I planned to share personally in church.

Contemplating the lovely white that is gradually accumulating overnight, I recalled the striking words of Isaiah 1:18: “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”

If one pauses to consider the Lord’s words, they seem to offer a strange contrast.  Red sins becoming white?  Why those choice of colors?

The comments in the preceding verses offer some clarification.  Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord is sharing some harsh but crucial criticisms to his people.  He informs his supposed followers that their many sacrifices to him hold “no pleasure” for him (1:11).  Their offerings to him are “meaningless,” their incense “detestable to me,” their assemblies “worthless” (1:13), and their religious festivals “I hate with all my being” (1:14).

If that wasn’t severe enough, the Lord goes on to state, “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening.  Your hands are full of blood!” (1:15).

Now the contrast between red and white becomes clearer.  God’s own were following God’s instructions on how to worship him, but “their hearts were far from him” (Isaiah 29:13).  Consequently, their hands were red with the blood of pointless sacrifices, and their hearts and lives full of iniquity … including the blood of fellow humans who suffered through their loveless actions.

To which the Lord in love offers an incredible offer: “Turn to me and I’ll settle this matter – I’ll make your scarlet sins as white as snow!”

Of course, many (most even) disregarded the Lord’s merciful proposal and continued to simply go through meaningless motions in their worship and their lives.  But some took God’s words to heart and rejoiced in his loving and graceful promise.

Yet the faithful couldn’t begin to understand how the Lord would bring it about.  They didn’t realize that all those countless lamb sacrifices God commanded pointed ahead to God’s own ultimate Sacrifice of his Son – Jesus, the Lamb of God.  Jesus would offer his holy life as the all-atoning Substitute for the sins of sinners on the altar of the cross.

Jesus bloody birth in a barn was his first step to the bloody cross.  His life on earth began in blood and ended in holy blood … so that he could remove the unholy blood from all of our hands and our lives. 

Thanks be to God for the red blood of the Savior which turns our hands and hearts and lives clean and white!

Yes, the snow is lovely.  But not nearly as lovely as pure souls.

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The ABCs of Christmas

The ABCs of Christmas

A number of years ago I compiled this list (below) to build a Christmas service around.  Through the years I’ve reused the service now and then.  Even if some subscribers remember it, hopefully the list will still be enjoyable to review.  I know I always appreciate it when I re-read it.

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A reminds us of … Adam, who brought the first sin into the world, and made it necessary for the “Second Adam” to come to make things right again … and Abraham and all the other Old Testament believers, who eagerly awaited the “Second Adam’s” arrival … and the Angels who brought the announcement to the astonished shepherds … and the Amazement that people felt when they heard the shepherds’ message after they had seen the baby Messiah … and the Alleluias that sinners sing when they realize they are all-the-way Absolved and absolutely saved by this “Second Adam” … and Amen, which means, “This is all most certainly true.”

B reminds us of … the Baby Boy who was Born in a Barn in Bethlehem.

C reminds us of … Caesar Augustus, who issued the Census that caused Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, where the Christ, the “Promised One,” was to be born … and the ragged Clothes in which this baby Christ was dressed … and the Cattle which surrounded him at his birth … and the Cross on which this Christ would be one day be Crucified … and his Compassion for us which caused him to come to earth in the first place … and Christmas, at which time Christians celebrate all of this.

D reminds us of … the Devil, who would delight in destroying us in hell … and the Determination of our God that the devil would be Defeated … and David, whose Divine Descendent was born from David’s line and in David’s city to destroy the devil’s power.

E reminds us of … Easter, when Jesus rose from the dead, and to which Christmas ultimately leads … and how Easter means that Jesus is the Savior of Everyone … and how Jesus wants everyone to be with him in Eternity, which is now possible because of Christmas and Easter … and the East, from where men traveled to worship him when he was young … and Egypt, to where his family had to flee to avoid Herod’s death sentence after the men from the East returned home.

F reminds us of … Father, both Jesus’ Heavenly Father and Joseph, his earthly one … and the Fields in which the Flocks fed when the angels appeared … and the Forgiveness this Savior won for all who look to him in Faith.

G reminds us of … the angel Gabrial, who told Mary that God in his Goodness and Grace was giving the Greatest Gift of all … God’s own Son to save the world … and the Glory that radiated from the angels who told the shepherds a message of Good News of Great Joy, the Gospel message of a Savior being born, which caused them to praise the Lord with the words, “Glory to God in the highest” … and the Gifts the Wisemen brought of Gold, incense and myrrh.

H reminds us of … how Jesus was born Holy, and remained holy all his life … and the Holy Spirit, who miraculously caused Mary to conceive, and who told us everything we need to know about Jesus in God’s Holy Word … and Heaven, from where the Heavenly Host came, and where we one day will go to live in perfect Happiness … and Hell and its horrors, where we would have certainly ended up if not for Jesus … and Herod, who tried to kill baby Jesus with a horrific crime.

I reminds us of … the prophet Isaiah, who prophesied that Immanuel, “God with us,” would one day come … and Israel, (both Old and New Testament Israel), whom Immanuel came to dwell among and to save … and the Inn which had no room for Joseph and Mary, and the Inn-keeper who offered the stable instead, where the Innocent Baby Jesus was born.

J reminds us of … Jesus … and Joseph, Jesus’ stepfather … and Jerusalem in Judah, where Jesus was crucified, and where he rose back to life on the third day.

K reminds us of … the believing Old Testament Kings who pictured Jesus the King … and how Jesus is the King of kings.

L reminds us of … how Jesus is the Lord of lords … and the Law from Caesar that demanded Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem, as well as the Law of God which demanded punishment for anyone who wasn’t perfect … and the Lamb of God, who in Love paid the penalty the law demanded.

M reminds us of … the prophet Micah, who prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem … and Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who laid the baby Messiah down to rest in a Manger … and the angelic Messengers who brought the amazing Message to the shepherds that the Lord had kept his word; the Messiah was born.

N reminds us of … the Night that Jesus was born, which seemed like just another night, but was actually a night like no other … and how there was No Room in the inn that night for Joseph and Mary and that Jesus grew up in Nazareth and was called a Nazarene … and that Jesus came to establish God’s New Covenant.

O reminds us of … the Oppression that Satan and sin kept us under, and how Jesus was born to Overcome that oppression for everyone … and that Jesus isn’t just the Savior of Others, but also of us.  He is Our Savior.

P reminds us of … the Prophets who Prophesied about God’s Present of the Promised One … and the Old Testament Priests who had to continually offer sacrifices for the sins of the people … and that Jesus was also a Prophet and Priest who would bring Peace to God’s People by sacrificing himself on the cross … and the Praise of God that the angels and the shepherds spoke because of the peace that God was providing … and how Mary Pondered all these things in her heart.

Q reminds us of … Quirinius, the governor of Syria when the Roman census took place.

R reminds us of … Rome, who controlled Judah when Jesus was born, and from whom most people thought the Messiah would Rescue them … and how Jesus was really born to Redeem people from sin, death and the devil.

S reminds us of … the Shepherds who were watching the Sheep in the fields when the angels appeared to them and told them that the Savior from Sin and Satan was born … and the Sign that the angels’ message was true was that this Savior could be found in the Straw of a manger in a Stable … and the Special Star that signaled that the Savior was born … and how Jesus was both the Son of God and the Son of Man.

T reminds us of … the Traditions of Christmas, which include a Christmas Tree … and the Tree of the Cross upon which Jesus died … and the Trinity, the Triune God who gave us the Treasure of our Savior … and the Truth of God’s Word which shows us this Treasure, and removes the Terror of being punished for our Transgressions.

U reminds us of … the Unimaginable and almost Unbelievable, yet UndeniableUnforgettable and Ultimate truth that God was born to live and die for us to save us, and that he rose back to life and is waiting to bring us to heaven one day.

V reminds us of … how Jesus was born of a Virgin, as Isaiah prophesied he would be.

W reminds us of … the Wisemen who, in Wonder, traveled a huge distance to Worship the new-born Savior.

X reminds us of … the Greek letter X (“chi”), which is the first letter in Xristos (“Christ”).

Y reminds us of … the people of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, both Young and Old, and You and Me, for whom Jesus was born and died.

Z reminds us of … Omega, the last letter of the Greek alphabet, and how Jesus told us that he is our Alpha (1st letter) and our Omega, our everything … and Zion, the place where our God lives, and where he will bring us one day because Jesus was born for us.

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Can you think of any Christian Christmas words that should be included in this list?  If so, please share them in the comments feature of this blog!

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John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

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Lowly Positioned and Highly Honored

Lowly Positioned and Highly Honored

Have you ever experienced a surreal situation – a time when it seemed impossible that what was occurring was real?  The mind struggles to comprehend what the senses are relaying.

For the shepherds outside of Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born, surreal didn’t even begin to describe what they were experiencing.  One moment they were wrapped and resting in their goat-skin cloaks; the next they are seeing and hearing a heavenly being!

Luke describes the scenario with these famous words: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified” (Luke 2:8-9).

Humans don’t generally respond well when exposed to the “glory of the Lord.”  Where holy glory appears, whether God himself or his angelic messengers, sinful people cringe in abject terror.  And that’s what the shepherds did as well.

Understandably, the angel tried to reassure the stricken shepherds. ‘“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger”’ (Luke 2:10-12).

A gloriously-beaming angelic appearance was surreal enough.  The angel’s message even more so!  “The Messiah, the Promised Savior, the Lord himself is born.”  But there’s additional astounding information shared: “The Lord is wrapped in rags and resting in a grungy feeding trough for livestock,” as unlikely and seemingly inappropriate as that might be.

In short measure, the surreality is compounded.  The men were already cowering from the brilliance of the one angel; then that splendor is magnified and intensified, and their experience ratchets up yet another degree.  “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests”’ (Luke 2:13-14).

I’ve always been fascinated with the shepherds outside of Bethlehem.  There are so many questions regarding this account.  Not questions about whether it happened, but questions about how it happened and why it happened.

How many shepherds were there?  What were their ages?  Their names? 

And when the first angel appeared, did it approach them gradually from a distance, or appear suddenly in close proximity?  Was God’s messenger standing on the ground or hovering in the air above them? 

How did the angel look?  We know the traditional representation of angels in art, but the descriptions of angels in the Bible vary quite a bit.  In fact, sometimes their appearance was beyond extraordinary.  (Undoubtedly, angels can take on any appearance they want.)  What did the initial angel’s voice sound like, and how amplified was it? 

How large was the “great company of the heavenly host,” and how did they approach and appear?”  Were the shepherds even able to gaze at the glorious host at all, or did they just sense them and hear them?  What an overwhelming view the multitudes of angels must have presented, and what a chorus their united voices must have made!

After the angels’ departure, and while their eyes readjusted to the night, surely the shepherds must have wondered, “Why us?  Why did these marvelous creatures appear to us?  Why did they entrust this incredible message to us?”

At the time, shepherds were essentially outcasts.  They provided a necessary service, but were otherwise disregarded by most.  Sheep-herders were considered untrustworthy; they were generally despised and deprived of basic civil rights. 

“The Mishnah, Judaism’s written record of the oral law, also reflects this prejudice, referring to shepherds in belittling terms. One passage describes them as “incompetent”; another says no one should ever feel obligated to rescue a shepherd who has fallen into a pit.” (“Shepherd Status,” by Randy Alcorn, in Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, pp. 85-89.)

Which leads back to the shepherds’ introspection.  “Why us?”  The question would be natural for anyone who experienced a vision of an army of angels and was entrusted with the greatest message the world would ever hear.  But it was especially pertinent when the experience occurred to social outcasts like them.

Why didn’t the angels appear to the religious leaders in Bethlehem?  Why not to the town leaders?  Why not to more “acceptable” citizens?  Why not to the entire town all at once?  Of course, most people were sleeping.  But that wasn’t a hurdle an angel from heaven couldn’t overcome, much less a “great company of angels.”

Perhaps the answer was as simple as this; these societal outcasts had little to lean on outside of the Lord.  Maybe they were the most devoted to God and his promises to send the Savior in all of Bethlehem?  Or could it be that the Lord was showing already here that Jesus would associate with the lowly (because the haughty would generally disregard him)?

Alfred Edersheim, the highly regarded Jewish Christian scholar, shared this remarkable viewpoint about the shepherds: “Close by Bethlehem, on the road to Jerusalem, was a tower, known as Migdal Eder, the ‘watch-tower of the flock.’  For here was the station where shepherds watched their flocks destined for sacrifices in the Temple. … It seems of deepest significance, almost like the fulfillment of type, that those shepherds who first heard tidings of the Savior’s birth, who first listened to angels’ praise, were watching flocks destined to be offered as sacrifices in the Temple.”  (Sketches of Jewish Social Life, pp.76&77).

In other words, if Edersheim is correct, these keepers of the sheep for the sin sacrifices in Jerusalem were the logical ones to be told that the ultimate, once-for-all Sacrifice was now born.  And they were the obvious ones to first lay eyes on “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

What an intriguing possibility!

But finally, God had his own reasons for sharing the news with the shepherds.  Regardless of those reasons, the fact remains that these lowly positioned shepherds were highly honored on that night.  And they have been highly honored ever since.

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Who Is Christmas for?

Who Is Christmas for?

I’ve heard it said that Christmas is for kids.  Maybe you have too?  I certainly understand the sentiment.  Who is least burdened with pre-Christmas responsibilities?  Children.  Who is most excited for the “magic” and wonder of Christmas?  Who is most eager to discover the contents of stockings and wrapped presents under the tree?  Kids, of course!

The older we get, the more jaded we can become about the holidays; the more hassles and the less luster Christmas seems to hold.  So the perception that Christmas is primarily for little ones seems to make sense. 

But it’s simply not accurate.

Christmas, at least the real reason for Christmas, is for everyone!  God’s first and greatest Christmas Gift happens to be a Gift for all people.  Every single person desperately needs a Savior … the One who earned forgiveness for the countless wrongs they commit against the holy God and their fellow humans.

Transgressions don’t miraculously get transferred into the ether.   They can’t be secretly stashed away and hidden in a remote corner of the earth.  They can’t be disposed of in drastic or creative fashion.  Every indiscretion demands the proper penalty be paid.  That payment was beyond every flawed human.  But it wasn’t beyond the Son of God.

Which is why Jesus entered our world.  Why he was born, why he lived, why he died, and why he rose back to life.  Yes, it was for children.  It was also for teenagers and adults!  It was also for you and me and everyone. 

We all need redemption; we all need to be ransomed; we all need to be wrested from the wages of sin, the doom of spiritual and eternal death, and the dire control of the devil.  And only God himself could provide the sufficient cost to secure our freedom. 

So Christmas – Christ’s birth as a prelude to his atoning death – is definitely for everyone!

Christmas is for the guilt-ridden who despair of God’s pardon – because Christ secures it.

Christmas is for the physically, emotionally and mentally hurting (and even broken!) – because Christ is the path to perfect healing, if not in this world then the next. 

Christmas is for the disconsolate and depressed who long and look for help and hope – because Christ provides it.

Christmas is for the sorrowful – because Christ produces a joy that surpasses any circumstances.

Christmas is for the ones who mourn a loved believer who is no longer with them – because Christ prepared a special room just for them in heaven.

Christmas is for the weary, burdened and dying – because Christ brings rest, relief and life.

Christmas is for the poor and disenfranchised – because Christ makes all who love him spiritually wealthy and heirs of salvation.

Christmas is for the proud and privileged – because Christ, the almighty God-made-man, demonstrates a humility that speaks to all.

Christmas is for the young, strong and beautiful – because they will learn soon enough that everything is fleeting except for Christ’s faithfulness.

Christmas is for the lonely and unloved – because Christ proves his love by his advent and promises his eternal presence to those who know him.

Christmas is for the imprisoned and persecuted – because Christ brings freedom and relief, sometimes now but ultimately forever.

Christmas is for the educated and uneducated – because Christ provides a Truth that can be learned and treasured by anyone.

Christmas is for people of all nations and all languages – because Christ’s eternal Kingdom includes some from every continent and country regardless of skin color or speech, bringing them to the place where all present speak the same heavenly, holy language.

And yes, Christmas is for kids – because Christ is the single best Gift they will ever receive.

The list could go on and on.  But you perceive the point.  The Christ of Christmas really is a Gift for everyone!

That’s exactly what the Holy Spirit stated through the prophet Isaiah; Jesus offers something to all.  “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given … And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

It’s also what the band of angels shared with the shepherds the night Jesus was born:  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

There is no one Christmas is not for – because we all need the peace that Christ brings in some aspect of our lives.  Usually in many aspects!  So no matter your age, be a kid at heart again this Christmas!

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The Christmas Light

The Christmas Light

There are many wonderful Christmas sights; multiple decorations and Christmas designs that delight the eyes; trimmings and trappings that announce the season and trigger nostalgia. Everyone has their personal favorites.

Mine happens to be Christmas lights. 

I’m not particularly particular about the approach.  Drape multicolored strands over some shrubs or opt for a uniform color.  Either looks nice.  Or better yet, mix it up!  Same-color bulbs here; another color there; scatter a third and fourth color in elsewhere if you are feeling ambitious.  Then insert some multicolored lights to pull it all together.  Gorgeous!

Of course, there are always variations available as well.  Icicle lights hanging from the house contours.  Blinking or rotating lights.  Flexible tubes to wrap around a post or string along a fence line.  Lights formed or fastened into significant shapes.  (For example, we have a cross outlined with white lights which we display in our front window every year.)  Naturally all options mentioned are available in various shades.

I know I am not alone in my love of Christmas lights.  In fact, many others, including some in my immediate family, are also exceptionally fond of them.  But why do they please us so much?  What is the attraction?

It may be as simple as our hypothalamus, which isn’t simple at all!  Our hypothalamus is a small gland in our brain which stabilizes our body (called homeostasis).  It assists us in maintaining sleep cycles, balances body fluids, and even regulates blood pressure and heart rate, among other fairly important things.

Studies have shown that different colors actually affect our hypothalamus!  Different colors stimulate different reactions – different moods.  Some colors invigorate; others relax.  Blend many bright and colorful lights together, and the impact tends to be quite positive.  Calming.  Uplifting.  Mesmerizing.

In other words, we are innately drawn to the glimmering glow.  We don’t understand why, but we recognize we like it.  The lights swing us in a positive direction; we feel good when we see them!

I really enjoy Christmas lights.  But what I truly love is THE Christmas Light; the Lord Jesus born into this spiritually dark world to bring his desperately needed saving light.  The prophet Isaiah described Jesus and His impact in a truly lovely manner. 

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.  Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.  Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip.  Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy” (Isaiah 60:1-5).

Christmas lights certainly spark the hypothalamus; but THE Christmas Light hits the hypothalamus and the heart even harder.  Baby Jesus percolates sublime joy in our souls.

Of course, through Isaiah the Holy Spirit was speaking of the salvation the Savior would win for us with his perfect life, his horrible death, and his glorious resurrection.  Just a few verses later the Holy Spirit describes what that salvation ultimately looks like.  (Heaven! Where THE Christmas Light shines even more glorious beams!)

“No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.  The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end” (Isaiah 60:18-20).

The Light of the World (John 8:12) was born as a little baby boy on the first Christmas so he could bring the light of salvation to all who love him.  And so that his believers would one day be with him forever and bathe in his glorious light in heaven forevermore. 

So string those Christmas lights; swing your eyes over their beautiful brightness and be buoyed.  But ultimately, settle your eyes on THE Christmas Light, and be uplifted all of your life … and all of eternity.

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A Long-Awaited Treasure

A Long-Awaited Treasure

They have been searching personally for almost a decade now.  However, the general search stretches back at least several hundred years … and perhaps significantly longer than that.

The site of the search is an increasingly famous place named Oak Island off the South Shore of Nova Scotia, Canada.  The treasure being sought?  Unknown.  The depositors of the treasure? Also unknown.  Is there really something significant buried on that island?  The evidence continues to mount, and the verdict seems to indicate an almost certain yes.

Rick and Marty Lagina, who have purchased the majority of the island, along with their team of partners are investing significant dollars to deploy scientific and historical experts and the most modern technology toward unraveling the mysteries of the island.  And, of course, toward hopefully uncovering the treasure that is deposited there!

Their quest is documented on the widely popular History Channel show called “The Curse of Oak Island.”  Since I’m a bit of a treasure hunter myself (metal detecting and gold panning), as well as a person who enjoys history and mysteries, it’s my only “must-watch” show.  (Tuesday evenings at 9!)  Every show peels back a little layer of the mystery, yet often adds additional questions to the conundrum.

All sorts of bric-a-brac has turned up.  Ancient pieces of ships.  Mining tools.  Stone cannon balls.  Decorative accoutrements for officers’ uniforms.  Even human bones buried deep below the surface!

Multiple fascinating ancient structures have also been discovered – a warren of underground tunnels, a slipway and a stone wharf estimated by experts to be 300 or more years old.  There are extensive stone roads that would have taken a monumental effort from many men to construct.  Who put them there, and why?  The ancient ox shoes found among the stones demonstrate that clearly they were used to transport a large amount of undoubtedly heavy material.  Possibly treasure?

The team has actually uncovered some valuables.  Multiple coins have surfaced. Some of the more interesting were a 1,200-year-old Chinese coin, a Spanish “piece of 8” from the early 1600s, and a number of British coins from the 1700s.  They also found several ancient brooches, (one of which is estimated to be 500 years old).  And perhaps the most intriguing find of all: a cross made of lead that was traced to a long-abandoned quarry in France used pre-1500 A.D.

Testing of the water in some of their exploratory bore holes indicates a significant amount of silver and gold lies buried below ground.  Again, what exactly is that treasure?  Who put it there?  When was it deposited and why?  Those are the questions; the answers remain hidden.  But people have been searching for them (the answers and the treasure) for a very long time!

It seems clear that rumors of something significant being hidden on the island were known by at least some in Europe.  The island has been the focus of multiple visits from multiple nations over the centuries.  (Evidenced by the archeological findings on the island.)

The “modern” search began in 1796 when three boys found a circular depression on the island and began digging.  In the 200-plus years since, multiple efforts have been made to finally reveal the treasure.  Many of those efforts were substantial!  And while searchers found fascinating hints of something greater, tiny beacons of hope urging them onward, inevitably the treasure has remained safely secured in its resting place or places.

The Lagina brothers seem closer to discovering the answers and the treasure than any before them.  Yet it’s clear the answers won’t come easily. So those searching for the long-awaited treasure will have to continue to wait … as will the millions of viewers who wait expectantly along with them.

As valuable (both historically and monetarily) as the Oak Island treasure may be, there was another Treasure much more precious and long-awaited.  This Treasure was hinted at by a gracious God way back at the very beginning after the first man and woman had fouled the world with sin.  The Lord promised to send sinners the Savior they desperately needed.  There wasn’t, and isn’t, and will never be, a greater Treasure than that Savior.

Through the Old Testament years more tantalizing glimpses were given; more clues were provided by the Lord.  Yet, those who believed in that Treasure had to wait.  And wait.  And wait!

Not just a few decades.  Not just a century.  Not just a few hundred years.  Not just a millennium.  Not even “just” a few millennia.  But thousands of years!   

Beacons of hope appeared in God’s promises through the years, but the wait continued.  The Treasure never came … until He finally did!  “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Galatians 4:4-5).

How precious is Jesus our Savior?  Another Bible verse puts things in perspective: “For … it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

All the treasure on Oak Island, all the “precious things” in this whole wide world, wouldn’t be valuable enough in God’s eyes to pay for even one of our sins.  But the blood of Jesus his Son is.  In fact, it transcends precious and qualifies as priceless.

The Laginas may or may not discover their long-awaited treasure on Oak Island.  But our long-awaited Treasure, Jesus, appeared at the first Christmas.  He’s the most valuable Treasure in all of history, our one and only Savior, so he was worth the wait!

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God With Us?

God With Us?

How constantly aware were Joseph and Mary that when they were with Jesus, they were in the very presence of God himself?  Not just spiritually, but physically? 

Angels from God informed both Mary and Joseph separately that this baby she would be bearing was no ordinary baby.  Some elements of the two messages were similar.  Both were told that Mary’s conception would be a miraculous one brought about by the Holy Spirit.  Both heard it would be a boy and that he should be named Jesus, which means “The Lord Saves.” 

Mary was given the additional information that, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:32-33).

Immediately after recording the angel’s message to Joseph, Matthew adds the parenthetical statement, All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:22-23).

Joseph and Mary were God-fearing Jews, well trained in the Scriptures.  They were very familiar with the prophecies about the Christ, the Messiah.  So, of course, they also knew of the Savior being born of a virgin, and that this baby would be “God With Us.”  It just never occurred to them that Mary would be that woman, or that they would have to raise the “Son of the Most High!” 

Nor did they anticipate becoming husband and wife quite so immediately, (albeit without consummating the marriage until after Jesus was born.)  Just that quickly their entire lives were turned inside out.  It was an incredible privilege; it was also a daunting responsibility!  How does one properly raise the Son of God?

One doesn’t forget the appearance of an angel or the message that angel brings.  Nor does a Jewish believer in their day forget the critical prophecies of the Christ.  But how constantly aware were Joseph and Mary that they were raising “God With Us?”

From our perspective, Baby Jesus is always acknowledged as the Son of God – the Savior of the world.  That truth is in our Christmas hymns.  It’s the centerpiece of Christmas sermons.  It’s addressed in every Christian Christmas card and alluded to in all the Christian Christmas traditions.  Consequently, it’s nearly impossible for us to separate Jesus’ divinity from the human baby he was.

But was Jesus’ God-hood always in Mary and Joseph’s consciousness as they cared for the little boy?

The famous Christmas lullaby, “Away in the Manger,” describes Baby Jesus with these words: “The baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.”  Since crying is one of the only ways a baby can communicate discomfort, that’s a pretty significant leap of logic.  Was that really how it was?   Maybe.  But maybe not.  (We know Jesus cried as an adult.)

If Jesus had to share an important need to his parents, and if he did that by crying, did it register with Mary and Joseph as they stumbled to his side in the wee hours of the night that these tears were being shed by God himself?

As they washed the afterbirth off him and cut his umbilical cord, did they view this newborn infant as the eternal God?  As they changed his fouled “diapers” and wiped his bottom clean, were they always aware of his holy identity?  As they looked on the helpless baby and as they lifted his uncoordinated body out of the manger, did they marvel that this was somehow also the almighty God?  As they struggled to understand and address his infant needs, did it astound them that he was also the all-knowing Lord?  As they filled the basic physical demands for this infant boy, did it strike them that they were caring for the One who had created them … and all things?  As he nursed from Mary’s breast, did the stunning incongruity of it all ever strike her? 

When they snuggled with little Jesus, smelling his unique scent, did they realize this was the aroma of heaven?  When they kissed his cute little cheeks, did it register that they were kissing Jahweh himself … the one so sacred the Jews dare not even mention his actual name?  When they tussled his dark locks, did they consider that they were handling holy hair?  When they held his tiny hands, did they recognize him as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob?  When they hugged him, did they understand that they were embracing the one who referred to himself as “I Am Who I Am?” to Moses at the burning bush? 

Was it always on their minds that Jesus was so much more than just a baby boy?  Did they daily reflect that this little one wrapped in flesh and blood was quite literally “God With Us?”

How does one wrap their mind around these things?  How does one retain their cognizance of such heavenly truths while they handle the many mundane matters an infant demands?

And did they fully understand precisely what Jesus would have to endure to accomplish his mission of saving sinners?  It’s doubtful.  But they certainly understood his purpose in a general way; the angels had made it clear to both of them.

Yet almost certainly those future events didn’t dominate their thoughts.  Mary and Joseph were too preoccupied with caring for the infant.  Undoubtedly they often forgot that he was “God With Us” because Baby Jesus looked like a typical baby; he smelled and sounded like a typical baby; he acted like a typical baby.  Yet he was so much more!

It likely slipped Joseph and Mary’s minds, at least temporarily, that Jesus was “God With Us” because he was “with them” constantly.  We, on the other hand, forget that Jesus is still “God With Us” … because He isn’t always so visible in our lives.  At least not to our physical eyes.  But this doesn’t change the wonderful truth that he is indeed “With Us.”  He is still “God With Us.”

I find it interesting that when Jesus was born into this world, he was referred to as “God With Us.”  Then, just before he physically ascended back out of this world, he emphasized: “And surely I am with you always!”  (Matthew 28:20).

How incredibly comforting to know that Jesus was the “God With Us” at his birth, that he is still “God With Us” today, and that he will always be “God With Us” for all of eternity!

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‘Twas the Morning of Christmas

‘Twas the Morning of Christmas

“‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” is perhaps the most well-known (and loved?) Christmas poem of all.  There have been many “spin offs” from the original.  Here is mine.  I am including the original with my version for comparison sake.   Mine is drastically different as I focus on Jesus’ arrival instead of Santa’s.  However, there were a few places I could borrow or mimic some lines from the original.  I hope you enjoy it!

‘Twas the Morning of Christmas

 By David H. Birsching

‘Twas the morning of Christmas, when all through the land
Not a creature was stirring, not even a lamb.
The shepherds were watching o’er the sheep with care,
And hoped that the sunshine soon would be there.

The sheep were bedded down all deep in their sleep,
Certain their shepherds their care safe would keep.
The shepherds themselves rested close to the fire
A quiet early morning their greatest desire.

When out of the darkness a brilliance appeared
And an angel of God changed their calm to great fear!
They turned ‘way in terror, their hands o’er their eyes,
Their sheer consternation hard to disguise.

The angel said, “Please don’t fear my glorious view.
I bring you incredible, joyful good news!
The long-promised Savior is born now this day!
I’m sent by the Lord the great news to relay.”

“This newborn baby is Christ the Lord,
The prophesied one from cent’ries before.
He’s born in Bethlehem, laid in a manger;
God living among you, what could be stranger?”

Suddenly a full host of angels appeared,
And joined together for the shepherds to hear:
“Glory to God in the highest heaven!
May God’s peace be known forever and ever!”

As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,
And meeting an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the heavens the angels they flew,
Confident their message the shepherds now knew.

The news wouldn’t allow the shepherds to stay,
But forced them to leave without a delay.
They soon found Joseph and the mother, Mary
And just as was promised, the little Baby.

The Babe was dressed in rags, from his head to his foot,
His clothes were all covered with hay and with soot.
In a manger he lay, so frail and so small;
It was hard to imagine he was God over all.

But his eyes showed a wisdom, a knowing them deeply;
A love beyond words, a caring completely.
How could this little one view them like that?
In awe of their Lord, they trembled … and sat.

On God’s promise fulfilled they settled their gaze;
On Jesus their Savior they stared, quite amazed.
Their sins he would carry; their debt he would pay
And his mission began on this very day.

The time finally came for them to return,
But the news they learned within them did burn.
“The Savior is born!” they lifted the call,
To the utter amazement of one and of all;

Though no angels appear, a message to bring,
At Christmas we still have full reason to sing!
Though no journey will take us the Baby to see
That Baby is still Savior for you and for me!

So spring to your worship!  Your praises lift high!
Your thankful hearts full ‘cause your Savior came nigh!
And may everyone hear, who’er is in sight
“Merry Christmas to all, for Christ made all things right!”

Twas the Night Before Christmas

By Clement Clarke Moore

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

“Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes — how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!

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A Different Christmas?

A Different Christmas?

Let me begin by stating the obvious: it will indeed be a very different type of Christmas this year.  This is publicly and privately acknowledged, often with great grief.

There is no one unaffected by this pandemic.  Some readers have had to personally fight the virus.  Some have lost loved ones to it … loved ones who won’t be sending a Christmas card this year and who won’t be available to talk with this season.  Others were laid off from work and are wondering how they will pay the mortgage and the car payments, much less purchase Christmas presents.  Some didn’t just lose their job; they lost their entire business.  

Discouragement, depression, and even despair are more prevalent than usual.  Arguments and abuse are escalating.  General discontent, widespread unhappiness, frustration and “cabin-fever” are commonplace.   People are “so ready” for their situation to be better.

Not to mention the impact of the safety precautions upon Christmas plans.  The majority of the traditional annual visits to see loved ones won’t be made this year.  Large, boisterous family gatherings are undoubtedly postponed.  Crowded tables around delicious feasts are unlikely.  Gift-unwrapping parties will probably be much more private than in the past.  Those who are usually alone and always looked forward to Christmas when others would be with them will even be lonely on Christmas this year.  There will be fewer to share the Christmas cookies with this season.  (More Christmas cookies for one’s self would normally be a welcome turn of events!  Not this year.)  Much of the festivity of the holiday seems to be lost.

Even Christmas worship services will be impacted.  Some of the Christmas traditions that congregations have been doing “forever” won’t be observed this year.  Special arrangements and adjustments will be made by many churches, but even so attendance is likely to be down.  For some life-long Christians, it will be the first Christmas in their entire lives that they do not attend a Christmas service.

And no one knows when things will return to “normal” again.  All of which makes this a very different Christmas than usual.  For some, the grief is palpable and the mourning profound.

I will not patronize you with flowery, fluffy epithets or lovely but empty phrases.  We are all affected.  We are all hurting.  We are all sorrowful.  It’s undeniable; in multiple ways (in most ways!) this will definitely be a different Christmas than usual.   And it will be a different sort of Christmas for everyone.

But there is one way that this Christmas is exactly the same as every other Christmas.  It’s summarized in the message the angel shared with the shepherds on the very first Christmas: “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 Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

May this unchanging truth be your beacon of hope and joy this Christmas.  Regardless of the personal challenges and sorrows in your life this season, your Savior entered this troubled world for you.  Regardless of how very different this Christmas may be from a typical Christmas, there is still cause for celebration.  Jesus was born for you to grow up to die for you.  He came to earth to bear your wrongs to the cross and make your relationship with God right again. 

All of which is amazing enough.  But death could not hold him.  Jesus is alive again!  Which makes Christmas just a wonderful prelude to Easter.  And what is more joyful than celebrating a living, loving Savior?  So during this “different” sort of Christmas, anchor your emotions in these truths … Jesus was born; Jesus has died; Jesus has risen; Jesus is alive; Jesus is still lovingly engaged in our lives!

Perhaps this pandemic and all the impact it is having on our world and our Christmas this year is actually an amazing blessing.  Of course, we know that the Lord is bringing blessings through it, as he does in all situations (Romans 8:28).  Undoubtedly the Lord is bringing many blessings.  But perhaps one of those blessings is that this pandemic synthesizes this season down to the simplest but most significant thing: Jesus our Savior is born.  No matter how many other traditions may be different this year, the simple truth remains: Jesus our Savior is born.

In that way at least, this Christmas is the same as every other Christmas.  Thanks be to God, in that way this Christmas is exactly the same!

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A Better Option

A Better Option

“Why Jesus Is Better than Santa” has been bouncing around the internet for some time now.  I couldn’t find an original author, but whoever it was caught the attention of many people.  (Including me!)  There are often slight variations in the wording, but generally the phrases remain the same in all the listings.  I borrowed some of those original ideas, I modified others, and some I omitted.  Most of the thoughts below I “penned” myself, though the Biblical concepts are not original to me, of course.  So even if you’ve seen the original version somewhere, you haven’t seen this version.  I hope you enjoy reading and reflecting on these contrasts between Santa and Jesus.

Here are 25 reasons that Jesus is a far better option to focus upon at Christmas than Santa:

1. Santa lives at the frigid and frozen North Pole. While Jesus carried out his ministry and purpose on earth, he actually had no home to call his own.  Now Jesus’ home is (again!) in glorious, warm and wonderful heaven, and he is preparing a special place for us there.  But Jesus is also everywhere.  Most astonishing, he even lives in our hearts!

2. Santa’s helpers are elves; Jesus’ helpers are angels. Santa’s helpers make toys; Jesus’ angels guard God’s people while they play, work, and go about their lives.

3. Santa says, “You better not pout. You better not cry.”  Jesus’ message is very different.  He says, “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.”  Furthermore, Jesus will personally wipe all the tears from our eyes one day when he welcomes us to heaven.

4. Santa is said to give gifts to good boys and girls. Jesus, on the other hand, was the Gift intended for all people, young and old, all of whom are very bad (sinners).  Santa says “You better be good.”  Jesus says, “I was perfect for you, so you are good!” 

5. While Santa checks who’s being naughty and nice, Jesus watches over his followers to bless, provide for and protect them. Santa keeps a list of names and updates it often.  Jesus has his own list called the Lamb’s Book of Life, and he’s written our names in it!

6. When Santa sets off on his Christmas journey to deliver his gifts to the children, he travels the lengthy journey from the North Pole. Jesus’ journey was even more extraordinary; he left heaven to deliver the Gift of himself to the whole world when he was born on the first Christmas.

7. Santa comes just once a year; Jesus is an ever-present help.

8. Santa drives a sleigh; Jesus drives the cosmos. He swings from the stars, skips through the Northern Lights, leaps from mountain peak to mountain peak, rides on the winds, swims in the depths, and walks on the water.  Jesus heals the hurting, comforts the comfortless, fixes the unfixable, and restores the discouraged and discarded.

9. Children have to wait in line to see Santa and share their requests, and must hurry to keep the line moving. Children, teens, and adults – any believer! – can talk to Jesus anytime they want, and they can talk to him as long as they want.  Jesus always has the time to listen; he always hears and answers.

10. Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly; Jesus has a heart full of love.

11. Santa greets folks with a merry “Ho, Ho, Ho” and a twinkle in his eye. Nice enough but rather shallow.  Jesus exudes happiness, and passes a significant, deep-seated, and enduring joy along to all who know him in faith. 

12. Santa asks, “What’s your name?” and “What do you want for Christmas?” Jesus already knows our names and our deepest hearts’ desires.  And everything else about us as well!  Which means Jesus’ gifts are always wonderfully appropriate.

13. Santa secretly slides down chimneys.  Jesus’ first arrival was announced by angels and a miraculous star.  His second coming will be even more spectacular.

14. Santa enjoys the cookies children leave for him.  Jesus however has his children join him one day at the heavenly feast.

15. Santa fills stockings with goodies; Jesus fills our hearts and lives, and supplies all our needs.

16. Santa puts gifts under Christmas trees.  Jesus himself became our ultimate Gift and died on the tree of the cross.  Santa’s gifts are worldly, temporary gifts; Jesus’ Gift of himself fosters others spiritual gifts that will last for eternity.

17. Santa carries a bag of toys over his shoulder; Jesus carried a wooden cross.

18. Santa wears a red cap on his head and a red coat across his chest.  Jesus wore a crown of thorns and was covered in red as well … the red of his own holy, precious blood, shed for you and me.

19. While Santa’s hands are calloused from the reins, Jesus’ hands carry nail holes.

20. When Santa dies (which assumes he is actually alive), he will remain dead.  Jesus as true Man died, but as true God rose back to life three days later.

21. When Santa dies, his gifting is over; when Jesus died, his most significant gifting had just begun.

22. Santa is involved in Christmas.  Jesus is crucial to Christmas, Good Friday and Easter. And every other day of our lives too!

23. If he existed, Santa would have had to be created; he would have a beginning.  Jesus, on the other hand, always was.  He is eternal – existing before time and actively involved in the creation of all things.

24. Santa apparently does a little magic; Jesus does monumental miracles.

25. Santa has many stand-ins; Jesus is the One and Only.

“To whom will you compare me?  Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One.  Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these?  He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.  Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing” (Isaiah 40:25-26).  “This is what the LORD says — Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.  Who then is like me?”  (Isaiah 44:6-7).

So which contrasts did you appreciate the most?  Can you think of any to add?  Please share your thoughts below!

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