Wednesday, December 28, 2022
Faith
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Are You Prepared to Celebrate?
Luke 2:4-5
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee
to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house
and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to
be married to him and was expecting a child.
“Be prepared, just not to be safe, but to be a faithful
servant of God.”-Didi Bacon
Christmas takes preparation. With five children, four with spouses, and eleven grands, I have to begin preparing for the holidays early, because I prefer to take my time rather than stress.
For Christmas dinner, I keep it simple. Yet, the meal takes organization.
Yesterday, I spent a chunk of the day cooking hamburger for sloppy joes and chopping
peppers for pizza dip. When I finished, I tucked both into the freezer until
December 24. As I stirred the burger and cooked the pink out, my mind wandered
to Joseph and Mary. Weird, I know, but that’s how my brain works.
God had chosen Mary to be Jesus’ momma, and he picked Joseph
as Jesus’ earthly father because Joseph was a man of integrity who loved God. Obviously,
Joseph took care of Mary. When he heard Caesar Augustus called for them to travel
to Bethlehem for the census, he loaded the donkey (at least that's what we learned in Sunday school,) and he and Mary joined the
caravan on the journey. I’ve no doubt Joseph packed water and snacks, along
with blankets and bags of clothes. He prepared for the long trip, but he didn’t
stop there. His most important preparation wasn’t food or clothes, instead he
took the time to prepare his heart.
Joseph had accepted his role in the coming of King Jesus.
With willingness, Joseph humbled his heart and opened his mind to the changes
coming to his family. He looked to God with a servant’s heart and accepted the
part God asked him to take on. He chose to love the One who would change the
world, even as he raised Jesus as his son.
Joseph’s willingness to accept his circumstances kind of
blows my mind. His faith was extraordinary. His actions push me to prepare for Christmas, not in gift giving and cooking, but more
importantly, to prepare my heart to worship the King.
Christmas is about Jesus. He’s the reason we celebrate. With
humility, I ask God to open my eyes and heart in service to Him.
Prepare your heart to worship God and serve Him in this holy
season.
Saturday, December 10, 2022
Tuck Hope in Your Heart
Luke 2:19
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
So many memories flood my heart at Christmas.
I confess. I put my Christmas tree up the day before Thanksgiving, this year. We were going to my sister’s house for the holiday, so no one would be visiting us. After I had prepared the food I was taking, I had time to set up the tree. As I fluffed the silver branches, I remembered when Tim brought home this beauty. He knew I wanted a silver one and went on the hunt for it. The tree has been with us for ten-plus years.
Each year as I adorn it with ornaments, the memories I’ve stored in my heart come to life. As the wrapping comes off of each bauble, I remember the person or occasion associated with the decoration. The first felt ornament I made, in sixth grade art class, still hangs on my tree. Along with our Christmas tree, decorations from my childhood adorn our home. With each one the thought of Christmases past tugs at my heart.
Imagine a young woman who an angel declared pregnant by God, traveling to another town at nine months pregnant, and giving birth to the King of Kings in a stable. Instead of being terrified or embarrassed, she treasured and embraced her experience. As a mom and a person who cherishes sweet memories, I love reading that Mary treasured and pondered what happened in her heart.
I’m sure those memories helped carry her through the death and resurrection of her Son.
Even as I contemplate the memories attached to my tree, I cherish the nativity ornaments that tell the story of the Savior come to earth as a babe.
Jesus brought hope to a dark world. Even as we navigate the chaos, hold on to the hope and tuck it into your heart.
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Valued and Loved
Luke
10:38-42
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a
woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called
Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But
Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to
him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the
work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha,
Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about
many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has
chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Martha or Mary.
I’ve heard
the question, “Are you a Martha or a Mary?” I may have even asked that myself.
But in seeking an answer to the inquiry, I think I missed the point of this
story.
Imagine
preparing for a visit from the one person on this earth who you’ve been waiting
for; that one man who came to save all people from sin. Let that sink in. Jesus
is coming to visit. The Messiah himself will be dining at your table.
Martha, the
obvious caregiver in the story, seeks to prepare her home for her guest. Yet,
her sister Mary, instead of mixing the bread dough or setting the table, sits
at Jesus’ feet to soak in his wisdom.
Again with
the question, “Are you a Martha or a Mary?” According to what Jesus says, it
doesn’t matter. Both women are valued and loved.
When Martha called
for Mary to help her, Jesus stopped her. You see, Jesus was a rabbi, a teacher.
He didn’t condemn Martha for her efforts to host him, instead he offered her an
invitation. He didn’t say don’t be like Martha, instead he reached out and
invited her to stop what she was doing and join him as he taught God’s truth.
He didn’t
condemn Martha, he invited her to join him. This is kind of a big deal. In
Jesus’ day women didn’t sit at a teacher’s feet and learn. But Jesus invited all
men, women, and children to hear God’s truth.
Jesus still
calls every one of us to read his word, share in his wisdom, believe in him,
and accept his grace.
Sit at Rabbi
Jesus’ feet and hear his truth.
Saturday, April 3, 2021
The Hope of Easter
Luke 24:36-39
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and
said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened,
thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled,
and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is
I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you
see I have.”
When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
The disciples grieved Jesus’ death.
The apostles, Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ mother Mary, and
several other followers watched their Lord and Savior die an agonizing death on
the cross. I can’t imagine the heartbreak, especially for his mom. Jesus’ best friends and family witnessed his
torture and his final breath. Even as they mourned, their faith in their Lord
did not waver.
In their hearts they tucked the promise of Jesus’ return.
What they didn’t realize was how soon they’d see him again.
Joseph of Arimathea, took Jesus body to an empty tomb he’d
prepared for himself. After the body was wrapped in cloth, he placed him inside,
then he rolled a stone in front of the opening. After the Sabbath day passed, Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary went to the grave to pour spices over their beloved
friend. An earthquake shook them and an angel appeared propped on the rock he’d
rolled from the tomb. Then the women received the surprise of their lives—Jesus
stood in front of them and greeted them.
Can you imagine?
Jesus keeps his promises. He told his followers he’d raise
from the dead, come back to life, and see them again. Yet, they didn’t
understand. Kind of like us. The Bible teaches us of Jesus return, his second
coming, that will occur so quickly none of us will be expecting him. But Jesus
keeps his promises, and he will come here to take his children home to heaven.
Easter is all about HOPE!
Saturday, December 19, 2020
Celebrate~Mary
Luke 2:6-7
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave
birth to her firstborn, a son. She [Mary] wrapped him in cloths and placed him
in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Bumping
along on a lowly donkey, nine months pregnant, Mary prepared for the birth of
her son, Jesus. She made the journey with her betrothed, Joseph, to the town of
Bethlehem where they'd be counted and registered to pay taxes. Towards the end
of a pregnancy, most women are mighty uncomfortable. I can't imagine riding a
donkey on rough roads and bouncing around. But, Mary's faith trumped her
discomfort.
Womanhood
arrived early in Mary's day. History determines her to be anywhere from
fourteen to seventeen, a child in our culture. Yet her love for God matured and
grew in her few years. The angel, who delivered the news that she'd give birth
to the Messiah, recognized this young woman's faith.
Mary, being
the faithful servant, accepted the angel's proclamation with grace and trust.
Trust plays
a huge part in Jesus' birth. Joseph trusted enough to wed Mary. God trusted the angels to deliver his
messages. The shepherds trusted the angels and ran to see the baby. And Mary
trusted God with the glorious phenomenon of Jesus' birth.
As Mary
bumped along, she must have wondered what came next. But she moved forward as God called
her. She birthed the baby in a stable, most likely a cave where the animals were
fed and watered. Hopefully, she had clean straw and fresh water. Regardless,
Mary welcomed her child with joy that night.
As you think
about the troubles of 2020, the inconveniences, the losses, the illness, think
about Mary. In her discomfort and what was likely a troubled time for her, she
moved forward with trust and faith. Regardless of what's behind us, let's keep
our eyes on Jesus and celebrate the joy of this season.
Stop for a
few moments and breathe in the spirit of the season. Capture the essence of joy. Then breathe out and share his hope.
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Celebrating Christmas~Joseph
Matthew
1:19-21, 24-25
Because Joseph her [Mary] husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want
to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But
after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home
as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She
will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he
will save his people from their sins.”
Joseph trusted the Lord.
As a child, I
heard the story of Jesus' birth. We learned of the trek to Bethlehem, angels
singing, shepherds visiting, and of course Mary giving birth to the baby Jesus.
I imagined the animals surrounding the manger, the sheep baaing and cows
mooing. But I didn't give much thought to Joseph. In the story, he knocks on
the inn keeper's door and he leads Mary to the stable. I knew he was present,
yet he disappeared into the background.
What I've learned since:
Joseph was kind, compassionate, and faithful to God. He truly loved Mary. I'm not surprised by any of this. In God's plan to bring Jesus into the world, he chose two people who adored and trusted Him. Joseph and Mary's engagement, as binding as marriage is today, could only be broken by divorce. Rather than expose Mary as pregnant before wedlock, Joseph planned to quietly divorce her and set her free. Otherwise, she could have been stoned to death for adultery.Thank
goodness the angel gave Joseph the low down on God's plan. On hearing the
angel's words, he could have run the other way. Joseph could have laughed in the
angel's face. Instead, he chose to trust God's plan. His faith overcame his
fear.
This year
the holidays don't seem the same. Some traditions may not happen. Gatherings
may look different. Illness may hamper plans. The sadness and stress of 2020
may drag us down. Yet as we celebrate Jesus' birth, let's delight in the Lord
with faith like Joseph. He tossed his fears aside and trusted in God. If Joseph
could do that in his circumstance, surely we can too.
I pray as we
head into the Christmas season, we consider Joseph's faith and his trust in God.
Click to tweet: Faith like Joseph
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Stinky or Pleasant, What's Your Scent?
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
Ephesians 5:1-2 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Did Martha Go Wash the Dishes?
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Saturday, May 13, 2017
God Freed Mary from the Ordinary
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn, a son.
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
John 19:26-27 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple [John] whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.