This has become a Christmas tradition here in the Pew. To everyone a Merry Christmas and of course a Happy New Year. I pray you will step back out of the glow of the many colored lights of the season and in the year to come focus on the true light of life.

John 8:12  

[ Jesus the Light of the World ] Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.

This will be the Christmas Blog a bit early.

Life is Good

jk

I am constantly searching the internet for little gems of knowledge and wisdom that will enrich and encourage us ordinary folks whose frantic pace in this life causes us to rush by without even taking the time to “smell the coffee” so to speak. Over fifty years ago we were introduced to the world of Charlie Brown. Charles Schultz created a community of lovable misfits each with their own recognizable frailties’ of mind, body and spirit, in which many of us saw a part of ourselves in the characters and took this lovable bunch into our hearts. Unlike some of the modern animated cartoons of this day the brilliance of Charles Shultz shows us our faults in a gentle and endearing way. Charlie Brown also helps us see the real value of community, the need we have for others and the power of a simple love that transcends the norms of this day. Having said all this let me introduce you to a brilliant post of December 14, 2014, by Jason Soroski. I have edited his original post for space requirements and encourage you to go to the posted url to read it as posted. (jasonsoroski.wordpress.com)

Here are some excerpts from that post.

I was in the first grade back when they still performed Christmas pageants in schools (less than 50 years, but still a very long time ago), and our class performed a version of the Charlie Brown Christmas. Since I was kind of a bookworm and already had a blue blanket, I was chosen to play the part of Linus. As Linus, I memorized Luke 2:8-14, and that Scripture has been hidden in my heart ever since. But while working so diligently to learn those lines, there is one important thing I didn’t notice then, and didn’t notice until now. Right in the middle of speaking, Linus drops the blanket.

Throughout the story of Peanuts, Lucy, Snoopy, Sally and others all work to no avail to separate Linus from his blanket. And even though his security blanket remains a major source of ridicule for the otherwise mature and thoughtful Linus, he simply refuses to give it up. Until this moment, when he simply drops it. In that climactic scene when Linus shares “what Christmas is all about,” he drops his security blanket, and I am now convinced that this is intentional. Most telling is the specific moment he drops it: when he utters the words, “fear not”

 Looking at it now, it is pretty clear what Charles Schultz was saying, and it’s so simple it’s brilliant.

The birth of Jesus separates us from our fears.

The birth of Jesus frees us from the habits we are unable (or unwilling) to break ourselves.

The birth of Jesus allows us to simply drop the false security we have been grasping so tightly, and learn to trust and cling to Him instead.

I hope you have enjoyed this post and take Jason Soroski’s advice and “drop the blanket” in the coming new year. Again I encourage you to go to the url posted above and read some more of this gentlemen’s writings and activities.

James Strange, a New Testament and biblical archeology professor, wrote this:  Writers of the gospels of Matthew and Luke “are so laconic about the [Nativity] event because they assume the reader would know what it was like. [W]e have no idea how difficult it was.”

Sometimes words are just not enough, thus the saying that a “picture is worth a thousand words”….. and since there are no actual pictures from that time we are reduced to just the words. Fortunately we do have written records of that time, and there are biblical archeologists whose studies print a vivid picture in our mind and of course theological based studies of the lives people led in those times. As noted above Matthew and Luke were rather sparse in their words used to describe the difficulties and challenges such a trip would present to Joseph and Mary. I share with you some words from Deacon Frederick Bartels in an article he posted 12 January 2019. While I am paraphrasing his words I wanted you to know the Deacon’s excellent  writing on this subject is my source of information. 

After a demanding trip to Bethlehem and finding room only in a cave that was being used to stable live stock, what would this trip had been like for Mary and the child in her womb. Deacon Bartels asks a question that requires we go beyond the written word. Most of us have a very firm picture in our minds of what Mary was like. An alabaster complexion, clothed in ornate robes whose hands had never seen a day of ordinary household work. But in reality Mary was an ordinary Palestinian Jewish girl, poor and as we have come to learn of extraordinary faith and abilities. Truth is Mary would have been no different from other Jewish woman of her place and time. Her day would be one of tedious chores and duties to be done, having none of the modern every day technology available to aid her. She would start at sunrise or maybe a bit sooner preparing a meal, then there would be water that needed to be brought in, carried by hand in jars or wine skins. The water would be used for drinking, cleaning, bathing and washing clothes. Ground wheat-flour and other food ingredients had to be gathered and of course firewood to cook with and heat to provide warmth in the cold mornings and evenings. All of these things would require, as some estimate, at least ten hours of work. I think we can say she had to be strong and efficient. Joseph was a carpenter and his day began at sunup and would last till there was no light left to work by. I imagine his face would be of a ruddy complexion, with lines reflecting the responsibility of family and providing for them. His hands would be the rough calloused hands of a working man. He would be a strong and resilient man. Further more it very likely that both Mary and Joseph were, as many of the people of that time illiterate to some degree. Because of where they lived it is possible they had limited knowledge of some Greek and Latin. They most likely lived in a small complex, four small one room houses with dirt floors which were connected by a shared courtyard for cooking and other daily needs. Most of these complexes were shared with kin. It would have been a good thing because the women would be able to help each other with water, wood and other needs. It was not an easy world to live in. They were taxed by both the Temple and the Roman government and people of bad intent were all about them.

Moving to the journey they were about to make it could not be said that they did not know the dangers of taking such a trip, not to mention that Mary was heavy with child at this time.  Mary and Joseph were aware of all the dangers of such a trip. They would have to travel about sixty miles and at best given her condition ten miles a day would be all they really could expect. There would be wild animals, bandits and desert robbers to contend with. Weather would also be a factor as temperatures in winter in this area would be a bone chilling 41 degrees at night and rise into the high forties during the day. I don’t know why but I have always read or been told that the desert temperatures at night felt much colder than you would think. They would have had to have warm clothing, build a fire each night to protect themselves from predators and of course to keep warm as they rested. Their provisions would have consisted of bread, herbs, oil and some dried fish. Water was carried in wineskins. Yet all these things did not intimidate Joseph or Mary.

At this point we switch our attention to the Shepherds. Luke 2 verse ….8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 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. 

 Theirs is a unique position. One of  the little known facts…things not included in Luke 2: 8-14. They were only about eight miles from Jerusalem in the fields near Bethlehem, that we are told but the reason while practical, is not that well known. These shepherds  were tending sheep that had been designated for sacrifice in the Temple in Jerusalem and most likely the property of the Temple. These shepherds were educated in the specific quality of sheep needed for sacrifice and it was their job to protect them from being hurt, damaged or blemished. Shepherds were in general looked down on by most people. Tending sheep was a 24/7 job and required the shepherds attention at all times. Realistically there were many of the daily religious practices that they couldn’t practice because of the demands of their job. They were rarely in the synagogue for worship or instruction and their fellow Jews looked down on them for it. It must be noted that the task of shepherding was an honorable job and often fell to the youngest son in the family. It has always had a place in Jewish history and in that part of the world was part of the history of all the people living in those times. God got some great leaders from the ranks of shepherds. It is here that the angel came on high to announce the birth of a Savior… He who is Christ The Lord. 

The weak, average, illiterate, lowly in status…the shepherd … to him was first given the news of man’s salvation to come. This birth, this one who by God’s intent has come among us…God incarnate, would go among those of similar standing. He would become a tradesman from an uneducated working class family. When time for his ministry came upon him he chose twelve others, fishermen and such, from the northern region of Israel which at that time was considered to be inferior to the rest Israel. He who’s coming was told to these lowly shepherds keeping the sheep…He would become a shepherd of men and they Fishermen of men.

Life is Good

jk

The introduction in the Gospel of Luke Chapter 1, is an example of the uniqueness of the story Luke is about to recount to us about the birth of Christ. We have heard it told many times in Sunday school as we grew up, saw it presented visually in plays, movies and books. What about before the birth, before the manger and the visit of the Three wise Men? All good stories don’t always have a good beginning. It is interesting to note that Luke steps out from behind the words as we read the insertion of the pronoun “I” at the beginning of verse 3. 

Luke 1 verse 3-With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus.

Like many preceding historians Luke has done his homework so to speak, gathering information, talking to people who were there, he himself having walked with the Master. Luke knows he is writing the greatest story ever told, and only his best effort is good enough. We also take note that Luke, not satisfied with anyone else’s story of Christ, wanted to tell his own. Compare it to our faith which was arrived at first hand through our own actions. In his introduction Luke makes known that these writings are the product a most careful and extensive search. Luke’s actions show his is not a secondhand faith or religion, it is his own. It also shows us that to be inspired of God , truly inspired, we must seek, reach out and covet the revealing Spirit of God. During the Advent Season as we prepare for the birth of Christ great detail is given to the four candles and what they represent.Then comes the lighting of the Christ candle and celebration of the birth itself. I want this week to step back and look at the people and the circumstances that brought us to this ‘night of nights’.

We will began with Theophilus who is mentioned in the third verse.

Luke 1:3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Two things of note are in this introduction to this letter in these first few verses. One begs a question the other the reason for the letter. Who is Theophilus? After reading several theories as to who this might be, I found that gotquestions.org had several concurring opinions about this. Here is their answer to the question.

The truth is no one really knows who he was. Got Questions’ answer…

 –Theophilus was a wealthy and influential man in the city of Antioch. There are second-century references to a man named Theophilus who was “a great lord” and a leader in the city of Antioch during the time of Luke. Such a man would fit the description, as many scholars believe that Theophilus could have been a wealthy benefactor who supported Paul and Luke on their missionary journeys. That would account for Luke’s wanting to provide an orderly and detailed account of what had happened. https://www.gotquestions.org/Theophilus-Luke-Acts.html

Look at verse four…There is also the possibility that Luke had been spending time with this person and sharing the gospel of Christ with him, even perhaps his family and servants and this letter is to confirm and strengthen those things that were taught. Now we have some idea of why and to whom the letter was written. One of the central figures in the Christmas story was Herod Antipas, (born 21 bc—died ad 39), son of Herod I the Great who became tetrarch of Galilee which meant under Roman rule he was the governor of one of four divisions of a country or province and ruled throughout Jesus of Nazareth’s ministry. Next Luke introduces us to the birth of John the Baptist and a priest named Zechariah. Zechariah is a figure in the New Testament part of the Christian Bible and the Quran, hence venerated in Christianity and Islam. In the Bible, he is the father of John the Baptist, a priest of the sons of Aaron in the Gospel of Luke, and the husband of Elizabeth who is a relative of the Virgin Mary. We also meet Elizabeth, wife of Zechariah who is unable to conceive a child. Zechariah, as every descendant of Aaron became a priest automatically. That being the case for the ordinary everyday duties of priests, there were far too many priests. Because of their large numbers they were divided into twenty-four sections for service. Priests who loved their work looked forward to their week of service, it was the highlight of their lives. The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth is the first step in our journey to the birth of Christ.

Before the morning sacrifice and after the evening sacrifice incense was burned on the Altar of Sacrifice. This was done so that there was a sweet smelling envelope so to speak enclosing the sacrifice as it went up to God. Because of the large number of priests lots were drawn for this duty. Many a priest would never have the privilege of burning incense in his entire life. On this day the lot fell on Zechariah and it would be the greatest day of his life. Jewish Rabbis said seven people were excommunicated from God and at the beginning of that list was a Jew that had no wife or who has a wife but no child. There was that tragedy in his life that he and Elizabeth had no child, she was barren. This might be a stretch but it could be possible that on this day, being this close to God, that he prayed about this. Then that wonderful vision came to him at that moment standing there while the incense burned, that a son would be born to him! Even when we can’t speak God speaks for us. The offering is made in the innermost court of the Temple, the Court of the Priests. At the evening service it was the privilege of the Priest to come to the railing between the courts after the incense had been burned and bless the people. They had been waiting a long time for him to come and bless them and when he did appear he could not speak…they knew he had seen a vision. His was a wordless daze of joy and when his weeks duties were done he went home, there to find that Elizabeth knew she was going to have a child. Before we move on it is necessary to make the point that it was in God’s house that the voice of God came to Zechariah as he waited but we can take that a bit farther…God’s voice comes to those who listen for it…are you listening for it?  Staying with Luke’s writing we next are introduced to the angel Gabriel and his visit to Nazareth a town in Galilee. He had been sent by God to speak to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.  Mary is betrothed to Joseph at the time she is visited by Gabriel. A Betrothal lasts a year and is considered as binding as marriage. This passage brings us face to face with one of the great controversial doctrines of the Christian faith, that of course being the virgin birth. Mary is yet a young girl but the scripture makes it plain she is of great faith…we read in Luke 1:38…“I am the Lord’s servant, May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Mary is chosen of God to give birth to the Son of God and I am sure that her heart was filled joy unspeakable at so great a privilege. Many people who have been chosen by God soon realize that it is both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. In Mary’s case, she would see her son die on the cross. Barclay writes… “God chooses us to use us.” A paradox indeed, Mary is blessed beyond words and yet at this time of great joy she also has a task ahead of her as the mother of the only Son of God… she shall bring into being God’s salvation among the people of this world. 

We cannot leave our time with Mary without her visit to Elizabeth and Mary’s song of praise. In Luke’s Gospel it is contained in verses 39-56. In verses 46-56 we find that song of praise…one of the great hymns of the Church…The Magnificat. It is well worth the read. Luke then introduces us to John, who would come to be known to us as John the Baptist. Soon Elizabeth’s time came and she gave birth to a baby boy. There was a great celebration as was the Jewish custom with family and friends gathered about the house. On the eight day they took him to be circumcised. He was not to be named Zechariah after his father upon the objection of his mother. There was quite a ruckus about this and someone suggested a writing tablet be given to Zechariah because he had not spoken since his vision in the Temple. He writes thw John and immediately his tongue is freed and he speaks praising God. The prophecy of Zechariah is in verses 67-80, Luke 1. 

I hope you will read the verses I listed so that you may have a full picture of Luke’s writing. Thank you for joining us in the Pew. May you and your family be blessed in this Advent season.

Life is Good 

jk

The candles, the wreaths of evergreen shaped in a perfect circle as a symbol of God’s eternity…The Advent Wreath takes its place across the Christian community as we prepare for the coming birth of Jesus Christ. Starting with the last Sunday in November and for the next three Sundays, we celebrate the Advent Season. The time the church prepares for the birth of Christ. We celebrate the four virtues of, hope, love, joy and peace, each represented by the four candles in the wreath. Lighting each one in the preceding Sundays, most denominations adding a fifth candle, the Christ candle, lit on Christmas to symbolize the light Jesus brings to this troubled world. 

There are people in this world that have a natural disaffection toward God but feign a false respect toward Him. Refusing to let Him into their lives and they refuse to trust in Him. In Isaiah 7 we read about Ahaz and his court having little value for divine revelation. God is greatly grieved by our distrust but that does not diminish the divine revelation or limit the scope of God’s promises. Our world today is one of distress and many dangers…but God has given us a sign. Unto you is to be born and all this time later we  continue to celebrate the birth of Christ. In all this chaos we have someone to seek comfort in. We find comfort  and trust in Him, our relationship with him and our expectations of Him and from Him. Christ would grow up like many other children but had within Him the strength to refuse to be caught up in the evils and sin of the world around him. His birth would be by the power of the Holy Ghost, to come among us as a divine revelation an instrument of God’s salvation for all mankind. Just as His coming was a never failing support to the hopes of believers  then and now, we can rejoice that the Word was made flesh and came to dwell among us. 

Romans 15:13-17- “May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

1 John 4:16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.

Joy, Peace, Love….These are the attributes that fuel hope and it is hope on which we build our tomorrows. I HOPE for you an Advent Season filled with joy, peace and love. Will you trust in the  Divine Revelation and find HOPE in the salvation that is now ours?

Life is Good

jk