Mary Did You Know?

Luke 2:7-20

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."

So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

I want to focus our attention on verse 19. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. Those words are ingrained in my memory. One of the verses that I think about when I want to remember things. I am terrible at remembering things. Sometimes I want to remember something, so I write it down. Other times, I do remember and think them about them. I recall things that happened in the past and the fond memories for them.

Mary had a lot happen to her in nine months. She had a visit from an angel telling her she would be pregnant. She went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. She left her home and went with Joseph to Bethlehem and gave birth. Shepherds and Magi came to visit her. She had a lot going on. She wanted to remember everything, I am sure.

Mary was the one person who knew what it was like to see God, I think. She looked into the face of her baby and I wonder if she realized all that he was, all that he could be and all that he would be. I love the song Mary Did You Know. It is about that. Here is the words, and how I will close out this devotion. But first, from my family to yours, Merry Christmas.

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Would one day walk on water.
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know
That your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered,
Will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know
That your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby
You kiss the face of God?
Oh, Mary did you know?

The blind will see,
The deaf will hear,
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap,
The dumb will speak the praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is Lord of all creation.
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know
that your baby boy is Heaven's perfect Lamb
And the sleeping child your holding is the Great I AM.

Come Let Us Worship and Bow Down

Matthew 2: 1 - 12

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him."

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:

'"AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH,
ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH;
FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER
WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.'"

Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him."

After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

These kings were smart men. They knew the prophecies, and they realized that something special was happening and they wanted to see this King of the Jews. They also knew that they needed to see what King Herod knew. So they stopped in to see him. Maybe they knew that protocol was for them to announce that they were visiting his country. Anyway, they did realize that Herod had no idea what great things were happening.

I love this part of the story. The wanted to worship the Christ child. The praise chorus, Come Let Us Worship and Bow Down always reminds me of this story. The nativity is always set up with the shepherds and Magi entering the stable, and bowing in front of the the Baby in the manger. It was know by many that it would happen, but these people were given the birth announcement for Christ.

The Magi brought in at least three gifts we know about; Gold, frankincense and myrrh. They were gifts given out of prophesy, out of respect, out of love. Were they normal gifts to give a baby in those days? Probably not. But for the King of Creation, there is no such thing as normal.

So today, with the clouds overhead and the rain falling, remember the three wise men who followed the star from the East. We know that those wise men searched for Christ. But do wise men still seek him? Do you seek him? Merry Christmas Eve, Eve.

Get Over It!

Mathew 2: 1 - 12

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him."

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:

'"AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH,
ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH;
FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER
WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.'"

Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him."

After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.

So first, these nasty, smelly shepherds show up at the stable after God announced to them that the Savior was born. Now, some Magi from a distant land show up asking questions about the King of the Jews. This must have been a vast improvement over the shepherds. But I wonder, why not King Herod and his chief priests and scribes? Why did all the honor for our Lord come from those who either didn't matter or were not even from the same region? Could it be that those around didn't want to believe, didn't want to see, weren't as accepting as the others?

The Magi posed some problems for Herod. First, he had to acknowledge that there was another King in his territory. Was this person going to take over where he left off? Second, why didn't he know about this before now? How long had this king been in the area? Third, how could he get rid of this king, before trouble arose? King Herod wasn't going to share his kingdom. So he sent these Magi to Bethlehem and asked them to come back so he could worship the new king too. Well, we all know what happened. The Magi followed the star, found that place that Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus were and worshipped. Then they had a vision to not go back to Herod, but leave the country another way.

When King Herod realized that the Magi were not coming back, he went on a rampage, killing all the baby boys in Bethlehem that were two years of age and under. Luckily, God had warned Joseph and he took his family to Egypt until King Herod died.

The evil of this man was predicted in Jeremiah.

¹⁷Then what had been spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:

¹⁸"A VOICE WAS HEARD IN RAMAH,
WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING,
RACHEL WEEPING FOR HER CHILDREN;
AND SHE REFUSED TO BE COMFORTED,
BECAUSE THEY WERE NO MORE."

Jealousy gets you nowhere. Look at the jealousy King Herod showed toward a baby. A baby! This child was nothing more than an infant, who would one day take over the world, but not in the way that he thought. Today, give up your jealous behavior and know that God has enough room in his heart for you. No matter your circumstance.

Father's at Christmas

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."

And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

We don't know a lot about Joseph. From this passage, and from earlier in the chapter, we know that through Joseph, Jesus was given his lineage. He is from the line of King David. We can tell that he is an upstanding person who God knew he could depend on to take care of Mary and Jesus. He did not question the Lord, he listened to what the angel told him, and did exactly what he should. He was true to his Lord, his self and his marriage. Sometimes, our fathers are the ones who take the backseat in many things. When a child gets hurt, they want Mommy. Many fathers have not had the credit due them. Many fathers are happily quiet in the background, quietly doing their jobs, paying the bills and keeping us on the straight and narrow. Joseph seemed to be like that. The last time we see Joseph, he is searching for Jesus when he was 12 years old and teaching in the temple. But he must have been a good husband and father, though none of that credit is given to him.

I feel fortunate to have a father that was and is involved in my life. Sometimes I didn't like it, but that was very few times. I am happy that my husband is in my children's lives too. They don't like it, but some day they will see that his involvement is a very good thing too and that I hope Timm will mimic his father's intentions and Allie will find a husband who is willing to be a part of his family's life. So today, think about your father, your Heavenly Father, and maybe even, Father Christmas. All the good qualities they possess will make your load lighter this holiday.

God is With Us

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
"BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."

And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

I bought a new Christmas CD last week. It is Casting Crowns Peace on Earth. It has several typical Christmas songs and a few original ones. The song I got this idea from is called God Is With Us by Wayne Kirkpatrick. I want to talked about God being with us today. There are many passages that tell us God is with us. Sometimes we forget that. I am sitting at my desk, and I don't really feel God's presence with me here. It isn't that I am not in tuned to it, and I do know that the Holy Spirit is around me and in me. I think it that I am comfortable with the way I am at this moment in time. Of course, I know he has given me the inspiration for this devotion.

The baby Jesus came to us and was named Immanuel which translated, means God is with us. This song's chorus is my favorite. It is "Love is raining down on the world tonight, there's a presence here, I can tell. God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel. He's the Savior we have been praying for. In our humble hearts, He will dwell. God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel."

I think the perspective of this song is from those who knew the scriptures of old and was waiting for the Savior to come. They prayed for Him to come, to be with them. God did that at the right time. If Jesus was born now to a virgin, no one would believe it, would they? We have become so cynical and non-believing to everything. The tabloids would have a field day. The prophecies still make headlines today. There are studies devoted to disproving the Bible, but all the while, proves it more.

I love the word play that song has. Have you thought of love like rain? Showers of love came down. I like to see in my mind's eye the shepherds looking at the angels that were singing, and glittery dust was lightly falling to the ground and all over them. Now, I am pretty sure there was not glitter, but doesn't it sound pretty? Sometimes we embellish, add our own concepts for effects. But God came to earth as a baby boy. He didn't use fanfare and send out announcements to family and important people of the day. He quietly and privately told a few shepherds, wisemen and parents what was happening and when. He is now inviting you to be a part of this event that took place over 2,000 years ago.

God is in us, God is for us, God is with us, Emmanuel!

Good News!

Luke 2: 9-14

And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

Fear Not! Today I bring you tidings of great joy! Aren't those fabulous words? I greet you with happiness! There is a baby born in Bethlehem. You have to go find him, tho. I can't tell you exactly where he is. Hmm. Why do you suppose that God made the shepherds go search for the baby Jesus? Probably to see if they would actually take the time to look? Isn't that what God wants from each of us? To take the time to look and seek him? Isn't it more meaningful if we go looking for something, than if it just appears out of nowhere?

Until this morning, I really hadn't thought a lot about the words of the angel. It's cute when a little child plays the part in pagent or play. But the words that the angel said to the shepherds can apply to us today. Don't be afraid! I am giving you a greeting that will make you glad! Then that angel was joined by a choir of angels, a lot of them! They started praising God. That sound might have been the most beautiful sound heard by men. I can not wait to hear it for myself. So today, think about praising God for Christmas, and not grumbling that there is only 8 days left.

I love it when a plan comes together!

Luke 2:1-7

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.

While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

I love it when a plan comes together! My dad always says that when something he wasn't sure was going to happen, happens, and happens in a bigger and better way. Like the time he planned to renew wedding vows with mom. It was early June and there were parties going on at the Flarida's who live across the street from the church. Mom saw all the cars parked in the church lot and said, "Oh they must be at the graduation party."

Dad perked up and said, "Yeah, that must be it!" LOL. Mom didn't have a clue until later, during our evening service when Dad called her up to the front. He loves it when it all comes together.

I think God does too. He knew that His son had to be sent to earth to die and he knew all the details. So when it all happened just the way he intended, I think he said, "I love it when a plan comes together!" The plan plan to have Mary and Joseph as Jesus' earthly parents weren't too hard. Getting them to Bethlehem? That is another story. How do you get two people, one of them being pregnant, from point A to point B in time to deliver a baby? Hmm, vacation time? No, that doesn't happen much. Who would want to go to Bethlehem for fun? How about a census? Quirinus must have thought it a good idea, he even told everyone you have to go back to your family's hometown. And it just so happened that Joseph was a decendent of King David. And that makes Jesus a decendent of King David too!

Next, make sure that they have the the worst place to have a baby. All the inns were crowded, there was not immediate family, how about in the nasty barn with all the farm animals. Could you think of worse conditions? Well, yeah, it could have been outside in the elements, but no child should be born like that. Maybe a car would be worse, but they didn't have cars back then. Jesus slept in the manger where the animals fed! Eww! All that animal saliva and droppings everywhere.

But, with all the people in Bethlehem, God knew what he was doing. It makes you feel something for that poor child. Whether you believe in Christ or not, hearing about a poor innocent infant being born under these conditions tugs at your heart. You just want to help the family out. So, help out another family. Give to a charity, buy gifts for a family in need, bring food for the church pantry or a freestore in your community. Then God will again say, "I love it when a plan comes together!"

Are you a Shepherd?

Luke 2:8-20

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us."

So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

I have listened to a lot of Christmas sermons over the years. One of the things that makes me think the most is that everyone says that shepherds were among the lowest of the low on the human food chain, so to speak. Their job was low, smelly and cold. But I think they had important jobs. They watched those innocent lambs. Those lambs, who would learn their shepherds voice, follow each other everywhere, and be very dependent on them. They had the animals that God picked to use so many times as examples of what people are very much like. Sheep and lambs are very imporant as examples of Christ.

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

Psalm 100:3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Matthew 9:36 When he (Jesus) saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

My mother always comments at Christmas that in all our contatas, the song about the shepherds is always the one we like to sing because it is a little different than the normal Christmas song. The one we are singing this year is jazzy and the choir members like to dance to it. We won't during the cantata, but it's fun to let loose a little during the rehearsals.

Why is the shepherd song so different? May be it is because they are considered not the average, run-of-the-mill people. These guys had no ties to God, except they were minding there own business. Why would God use these fellows to introduce his son to the world? Maybe they were the only ones outside that night. Maybe their hearts were open to hearing the Word. That is something we all need to watch for. You can tell people every day about God and his love, but they have to be receptive to hearing it. Otherwise, it will just fall on deaf ears. You can usually tell when someone is open to hearing what you have to say. They listen intently, they ask questions and they do not get defensive.

God chose these shepherds because they were receptive to the angels greetings and songs. You can not go looking for someone who is receptive, you have to work on them. You pray for them, you be their friend, you gain their confidence; then you start, little by little telling them your story of love and how God found you. It may take a lifetime or a few weeks. It isn't up to you. So I ask you, are you a shepherd? Are you receptive to the message that God has given you?

She Found Him!

Luke 2 : 1 - 7

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Today I want to focus on the last part of the last verse - because there was no room for them in the inn. This was something that was evident as Joseph and Mary traveled closer and and closer to Bethlehem. The dirt road that I picture them traveling on started to get more and more crowded, as everyone was heading to their family town. And once they got inside the city, the craziness of the crowds and the census being taken must have been overwhelming. And when Mary realized that the baby was coming and she was in labor, Joseph must have panicked. The Bible doesn't give us a lot of information on Jesus' birth, but I am sure that when Joseph started asking around for lodging, someone took compassion and found them something. The stable was at least private and quiet. Mary could have the baby and they would be warm and dry. It was a strange way to come in to the world, but it was God's way.

We often view God's ways as strange the first time we see them. But if we step back and see the big picture, it always is the best way, isn't it?

When Allie was 5 or 6, we went up the the Preble County Fair Grounds to go through a live version of Bethlehem. It was a long walk and a lot of waiting in lines. When we finally made it to Bethlehem, we saw Herod, guards, a lot of villagers who were selling their wares, and we even signed the census. Going through Bethlehem this way gave all of us who went a better understanding of how crowded and busy the town was. As we talked with the villagers and learned how the rumors of a baby being born in a stable on the outskirts of the town were running, we started to wind our way out. Allie went on ahead, wondering what was next. But she came running back, hollering to my dad, "Grandpa! Grandpa! I found Baby Jesus!" She was so excited in her child-like wonder, that there really was the Baby just as the story has always been told to her. I hope that this Christmas, you find Baby Jesus too!

O Little Town

<sup>Luke 2 : 1 - 7

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.</sup>

<sup>Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Isn't it strange that at the same time that Mary was going to give birth, that a census had to be taken? And isn't strange that everyone had to go to the town of their forefathers, meaning that Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem? Not at all! God orchestrated the whole thing! Thousands of years before Jesus was to come, God had a small prophet named Micah prophesy about Bethlehem.

Micah 5:2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. "</sup>

<sup>I just love how God works! The prophecies that are fulfilled are amazing! That Bethlehem, this little town, is very important to God. It is mentioned at least 50 times in the Bible. It is the birthplace of King David and of Jesus. It is something that we need to think about. God not only planned the who, what, when and why of this prophecy, but also the where. Why does that matter? It matters because God cares enough about you and me that he planned every detail of our salvation. It is his Christmas gift to us. Will you open the present?

O Little Town Of Bethlehem
by Phillips Brooks

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie.
Above they deep and dreamless sleep
The silent world goes by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And Peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may his His coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born to us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord Emmanuel</sup>

Joseph's Dream

Matthew 1:18 - 25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

"BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."

And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.

Have you ever had a strange dream? I think most dreams are strange. Many of us think dreams means something. Maybe you think that you dreamed because you ate something weird before bedtime. I don't know. But Joseph's dream was strange, but yet it was so real, wasn't it?

Mary told Joseph that she was pregnant. She tried to explain that God had intervened and that she was still the same woman she always would be. But how could that be? The story is really out there, isn't it? God made Mary pregnant with his child and now he is to just accept it? Well, he did make the decision that he didn't want Mary to go through the humiliation of this, so he planned to send her somewhere, quietly, to have the baby. What else could he do?

Then the dream happened. God knew what he was planning and God did not want that to happen. He wanted Joseph to take care of Mary and the baby. So he sent Gabriel, the angel, the share his plan with Joseph. He knew that Joseph would do the right thing and he knew that Joseph would be able to handle it. God knows that about all of us. He knows what we will believe and what we can handle.

Joseph woke up from that dream with a sense of purpose, I think. He knew his job was to marry Mary and take care of her and the baby. He kept them safe and provided for. Joseph didn't question anything that we were told. Joseph was a righteous man that God trusted. Are you righteous enough to be trusted with the Savior and his message? Go tell it!

A Baby Changes Everything

All of us know that when a family is started, your whole life gets turned upside down, especially the first child. New parents are frightened that they won't be able to handle the responsibility. The what-ifs creep in. Mary felt that way, I am sure. I can't imagine the ridicule she went through from family, friends, and even strangers. But I am sure those closest to her showed compassion. But that time for Mary was almost as wrought with turmoil as when her son was older and the Jewish council turned against him. This song by Faith Hill captures that turmoil, as well as what the little baby in a manger can do for each of us.

A Baby Changes Everything

by Faith Hill

Teenage girl, much too young
Unprepared for what`s to come
A baby changes everything

Not a ring
On her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything (x2)

The man she loves she`s never touched
How will she keep his trust
A baby changes everything (x2)

And she cries, oh she cries

She has to leave, go far away
Heaven knows she can`t stay
A baby changes everything

She can feel it`s coming soon
There`s no place, there`s no room
A baby changes everything (x2)

And she cries and she cries o she cries

Shepherds on a hillside lay �
Star shines down�

Choir of angels sing
Glory to the newborn king
A baby changes everything (x2)
Everything, everything, every day
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah.

My whole life is turned around
I was lost and now i`m found
A baby changes everything (x2)

God Favors You!

Luke 1: 26 - 38

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you."

But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end."

Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God."

And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Mary must have thought she was dreaming. As a young woman, she was just now learning all that her life was going to be. Her parents arranged a marriage with Joseph, and she would soon be his wife. But, then that strange vision happened. An angel came to her. But what did it all mean? I could say that as a teenager, I am not sure I would have understood all that Gabriel told her.

First he told her that God knew who she was and that he favored her! How much would I love to hear that from an angel or God himself. I know I do everytime I read my Bible, but to hear it come out of the mouth of someone who has been in God's presence...WOW! Who wouldn't like to hear that? Mary must have been pleased, but it scared her too. With God watching over her and knowing her actions and thoughts, Okay, now that is definitely frightening. But Gabriel put her mind to rest.

Then he told her not to be afraid. Well, how could she not be at least nervous? I know that my stomach would be in knots and that I would have my doubts. How would you react to an angel coming to you saying that these things? Think about that today, as you go about your day. All of a sudden, as you are cooking supper tonight, or sitting, reading your book, or even driving on an errand, how would you react to that angel sitting there telling you God loves you and he favors you among all others?

Well guess what? God does favor you! He loves you and he sent his son, Jesus to save you from sin. Maybe today, I am that angel to remind you of that. Maybe someone else will say the same thing to you. Maybe you can say it to someone else.

Prophet of the Most High

She was old, well passed child-bearing age. She and her husband, Zacharias, lived childless, just enjoying each other. But they did pray for children. They were righteous in God's sight, walking blamelessly (Luke 1:6). What makes them so important to this time of year?

Zacharias was a priest who served in the temple. It was his turn. While he has in there, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him that his wife, Elizabeth, was going to have a child. This child was to be named John. He would never drink liquor and would be filled with the Holy Spirit before being born. He will be one to turn many of the children of Israel back to God.

Zacharias, standing there in the temple, did what I would have done. He questioned the angel. And because he did this, the angel took his speech away. I think I could live without speaking. Contrary to popular belief, I do not need to speak all the time; especially if I have a computer, paper, pen, and a phone for texting. With my father's illness, and his loss of speaking for a while, I now understand that yes, it is nice to hear his voice, but having him here to hug and just sit with is enough. Though, I do have a confession to make. I do have him singing "Happy Birthday" to me on my voicemail. So for nine months, Elizabeth didn't hear her husband so much as whisper.

Another part of this story that just hit me was that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit, even while he was in the womb. I never paid attention to that part of the verse. This is why he leapt in his mother's womb when Mary came for a visit. But I am getting ahead of myself.

When Zacharias came out of the temple, everyone was sure he saw a vision. But they had no idea the vision he saw. When John was born, everyone was so excited for Elizabeth and Zacharias. They were puzzled, though, when she named him John. John isn't a family name for them. Back then, John was the odd name. In my family, we had three John Rainey's. Today, there is not really an odd name, is there? People are trying for individuality. But how many of them have God pick out the name of their child? And when they questioned Elizabeth on the name, Zacharias wrote on a tablet "His name is John." At once, his tongue loosened and he began praising God. He also prophesied about his son, because many were questioning why John was here and because they knew God had a hand in all this. Zacharias called John the prophet of the Most High.

Elizabeth, too, praised God. Her shame of childlessness was taken away with her pregnancy. It is shameful of us to feel that anyone who cannot or choses not to have children are less than others. Back then it was their legacy, but it still seems cruel to blame someone for something that probably isn't their fault.

It seems odd to talk about someone other than Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, but Elizabeth, Zacharias and John were a very important part of this story. Read Luke 1:5 - 25 and 57 - 80 for the whole story of John, who became John the Baptist. You will see that Elizabeth and Mary wen through part of the pregnancy together.

As the song goes, "A baby changes everything."

I Saw the Light!

Did you realize that there are just 26 days until the world acknowledges the birth of Christ? This holiday above all others, brings to light the story of Christ, his parents, and all the circumstances surrounding this event. So I am going to try to give my insight on Christmas and take a look at many different aspects of the story. I hope it gives you a new perspective on Christmas and the true story that has been told for over 2000 years.

The first think I think of when I thing of the Nativity is the prophet, Isaiah. He brought us the good news of the impending birth of Jesus many, many years before anyone could believe it. The words of Isaiah 9:1 - 7 are some of the most beautiful spoken.

1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-

2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.

3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as men rejoice
when dividing the plunder.

4 For as in the day of Midian's defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.

5 Every warrior's boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

Of these verses, the sixth one is probably the most known and the favorite. It has the names that Christ will be and can be called. Our minister will be doing a series of sermons about the names of Christ during the month of December.

As a singer, I have done over 30 Christmas cantatas. One of my favorite songs had to do with verse 2. "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light." There was a song about this. It makes me wonder how the light was shown to them. Was it the star? Was it just the dawning of some epiphany? Did they know by heart, Isaiah's message from God to them? How did you discover Christ? How did he come to you and you come to him? Sometimes the light just comes on, doesn't it?

Thankful for the Christmas story

This morning, I was driving to work, thankful that there was Christmas music on the radio. I enjoyed listening to the different arrangements and the message of Peace on Earth during the birth of our Savior. I know it is early, but I am thankful for this time of year that we can reflect on these things.

Christmas music this early in the season is a nusiance to some, but for me it is calming and soothing. I love the familiarity of the songs, the introduction of a few new ones and that we only hear them this time of year. Well, I listen too them a lot more than most throughout the year. It drives a lot of people crazy, but for me it is the reassurance of God's promise to us. It started with Jesus and ends with us. Jesus came to earth to be like us, but to be perfect and sacrifice himself. We end the promise that never ends by either accepting or rejecting it. I hope that each of you reflect on the child in the manger, the angels singing, the baby that changed the world.

I am so thankful for this true story of love.

I'll Be Home - July 20, 2009

In his sermon yesterday, Larry Holmes talked about what our purpose for being here is. Most of us have gone through the book, “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. Larry made reference to this book. If you have not read it, then I urge to you do so. It is insightful and helps put perspective on life.

One thing he said that struck me for some reason was that some people go home to die, but we, as Christians, die to go home. Isn’t that interesting? The one thing throughout Dad’s illness that I have tried to not think about and deal with is the possibility that he may die from this. In fact, someday he will die as will all of us, if the Lord tarries. Larry talked about how his brother had been diagnosed with cancer and three weeks later he was home, in heaven. It was Christmas time and Larry said “We sing ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’, but my brother really is having Christmas at home.” What a beautiful thought.

Now, I know my dad is getting his strength back and slowly trying to eat, and his voice, though still gruff is there. But, someday, he won’t be. He’ll be home. I know that it is something that I must think about then, but not now. I will deal with that another time. For now, I will cherish the time we do have. I will sing Christmas songs with him and make sure I am there for him through everything.

“But until then, my heart will go on singing. Until then, with joy I’ll carry on. Until that day my eyes behold that city, Until the day God calls me home.” Ray Price

Revelations 21:4 says “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."