The topic chosen for this Sunday was the true Spirit of Christmas! The youth spoke of their love for the Christmas Story - the Birth of Jesus Christ. The adult speakers focused more on how the Spirit of Christmas is portrayed in their families. It wasn't about receiving the gifts that were so beautifully wrapped under the exquisitely decorated Christmas Tree! It was more about being surrounded by their families and re-enacting the first Christmas so to speak by taking on the role of the Gift Giver. It was at that point, that my heart busted! This year the most important person in my mortal life is on the other side of the planet. We are celebrating Christmas separately this year! Nothing feels the same! I am having a hard time rejoicing despite the festivity of the season! Since then I have chosen to focus on the First Christmas Story and wondered what lessons could be gleaned from the various mini-stories surrounding this pivotal event in human history! Let us take a walk thru the Book of Luke in Chapter Two.
The Spirit of Obedience
Luke 2: 1-5
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.This year I can very much relate to the hardship this brought upon Mary. The day after Thanksgiving this year, I had a spontaneous crazy idea to go visit my father who lives in Idaho. Generally, that would not be a terrible idea. However, I traveled by myself being 29 weeks expecting with all four of my children. What should not have been that long of a trip turned into 12 hours of traveling that day! Very trying on everyone, to say the least! We had the luxury of a heater and lovely Christmas music to entertain us the whole journey. And I traveled according to my own desires, not because of a political mandate. These first few verses show the primary Spirit of Christmas - one that we must carry the whole year through - Obedience! Ponder it a minute: Joseph could have very well chosen to refrain from traveling to Bethlehem with the very excellent excuse that his wife was in her last trimester, knowing the hardship of the journey - no heat, riding a donkey, contractions, nowhere to sleep at night, how about those swollen feet? But instead, he chose to obey the command! And they were blessed with protection from thieves and good health during the course of their travels.
Fulfillment of Prophecy
Luke 2: 6-7
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Christ's birth location was foretold by the prophets of old:
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.
God's word will always be fulfilled! Everything about the coming and ministry of the Messiah was foretold by the Prophets. God has stated that every word shall come to pass! And indeed, Joseph's obedience enabled the prophecy's fulfillment.
The Spirit of Simplicity and Joy
Luke 2: 8-20
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.The story of the simple shepherds tugs at my heartstrings every year. The first people that were told of Christ's birth were those who were literally children at heart. They were the simplest of the simple. Back in the day, the shepherds were ridiculed for their lowliness. After all, the only job they were entrusted with was tending the sheep - didn't take much intelligence to do that task. Yet, while the shepherds were tending to their flocks in the stillness of that silent and holy night, they were visited by a host of Angels - God's messengers. And they were given the gift of peace as they were directed to where the Holy Family was taking shelter - a meager stable.
We all know the story of the little Drummer Boy. Even the myths surrounding their gifts fit the simplicity and purity of their hearts. The shepherds didn't shy away from visiting the Infant Saviour because they didn't have a gift to give. They simply went as they were and gave the best of what they had. I imagine some gave some of whatever their talents were. I imagine one singing a tender lullaby, another beating his drum, another laying his staff as a gift. We know that even the animals worshipped the Newborn King! This story of simplicity and peace just fills my heart with joy and tenderness!
The Spirit of Humility and Sensitivity to God's Guidance
Matthew 2: 1-12
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.What is amazing about the story of the Wise Men is that they were three Kings from separate regions. However, despite their royalty they were in tune with Scriptural Prophecies and the things of God. The night Christ was born, the Star which was foretold by prophets of old, appeared! All three Magi took note and commenced their journey following that wondrous Star in search of the Savior! They each packed a gift! Gifts that were significant of His Role, Ministry, and Atoning Sacrifice! They followed the Star. They made one mistake, they expected Christ to be born in Jerusalem, knowing that He was a King. So they stopped in Jerusalem and met up with King Herod. What is interesting is that God, knowing the purity of their intentions, caused that the Star should wait for them. The Star disappeared while they were in Jerusalem. But reappeared the second they departed the city wherein Christ was not. Once again, they followed the Star until they reached the humble stable in Bethlehem. My eyes tear up imagining these mighty kings falling on their knees to worship the Newborn King! With this act, they portrayed incredible humility. Paying homage to their King, they presented their gifts: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. I don't know about you, but as a mother of a newborn I would not necessarily want to be reminded about my child's death. Although Mary knew, this still had to bring a touch of sorrow to her heart.
On their journeys homeward, all three kings heeded the warning of God, and avoided returning to King Herod in Jerusalem. Again enabling the fulfillment of more prophecies of old. Are we that sensitive and obedient to the still small voice? What mountains do you think we could move or even avoid if we only paid attention and obeyed?
Power in the NAME of JESUS
Luke 2: 21
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.Today there is so much controversy over the topic of circumcision. Christ was taken to the Temple at 8 days of age to be circumcised per requirement of the Mosaic Covenant. At that point, Christ was given the name which the Angel had announced to Mary. Few understand the incredible supernatural power in the name of Jesus! The power of authority, forgiveness, healing, conversion, eternal salvation and so much more are found in it's faith-filled utterance/declaration! Call upon his name often in humility and faith and per Divine Will, mountains of all kinds will be moved!
Summary
There you have it, my friends! The true Spirit of Christmas as taught by that sacred First Christmas! Ponder the tender stories and find a way to apply them to your life this Christmas season as well as throughout the whole year! Blessed and Joyful Christmas!
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