Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.
Merry Christmas! The birth of Jesus Christ certainly did bring Joy to the World! A phrase in this first verse really needs to be considered is…” Let every heart prepare Him room”.
As Christmas 2011 is coming to a close….are our hearts prepared for Him, to give Him room? Either for the first time or for continued growth and space in our lives? Love this hymn. The Lord has come, He is King….Heaven and nature sing and we are called to sing too, not just with our lips but with our lives. Making Him room….in everything! Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Silent Night...
Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of Redeeming Grace
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
I’ve been talking and thinking about this verse of Silent Night, specifically the phrase….”with the dawn of Redeeming Grace”- Jesus Christ birth certainly was not only a Silent Night, Holy Night….in a Judean countryside, but also in all of History!
The world was dark, sold to sin and condemnation. Yet, God in pure Love and Light sent His Son…to pierce the darkness. And with the birth of Jesus, Grace dawned in the midst of darkness the Redeeming unfolding plan and accomplishment of Love- culminated at the death, burial and resurrection! What a beautiful Silent and Holy Night. Praise the Lord.
Son of God love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of Redeeming Grace
Jesus, Lord at thy birth.
I’ve been talking and thinking about this verse of Silent Night, specifically the phrase….”with the dawn of Redeeming Grace”- Jesus Christ birth certainly was not only a Silent Night, Holy Night….in a Judean countryside, but also in all of History!
The world was dark, sold to sin and condemnation. Yet, God in pure Love and Light sent His Son…to pierce the darkness. And with the birth of Jesus, Grace dawned in the midst of darkness the Redeeming unfolding plan and accomplishment of Love- culminated at the death, burial and resurrection! What a beautiful Silent and Holy Night. Praise the Lord.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Darkness...and Light
When you think about it the end of the advent story is really very dark. A wicked fearful king- plots- chaos-child murder-unthinkable pain.
God’s Hand is upon the magi and upon the newborn King….who could be up to the age of two it seems and they all escape the terrible plans of Herod. Think about the evil surrounding this plan, annihilation of any would be king…the reasoning? They don’t know who, so kill them all. I can’t even imagine.
Make no mistake, Herod is responsible and will be held responsible but there is a much deeper and evil being at work here as well. Satan himself. Feel the hatred, the fear, the rage….and then the murder. Darkness wanting to snuff out and extinguish the Light. But is cannot be so….
Matthew 2:12-23
12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
13 Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord *appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.”
14 So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. 15 He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.”
16 Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. 17 Then 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.”
19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord *appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said, 20 “Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.” 21 So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee, 23 and came and lived in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene."
Even these events were prophesied about hundreds of years before….nothing is going to stop the Redeeming plan of God-Jesus. Interesting that Jesus eludes death on the front end and willing succumbs to death at the end- to bring Life….and Light. Darkness will not win. Praise His Name.
God’s Hand is upon the magi and upon the newborn King….who could be up to the age of two it seems and they all escape the terrible plans of Herod. Think about the evil surrounding this plan, annihilation of any would be king…the reasoning? They don’t know who, so kill them all. I can’t even imagine.
Make no mistake, Herod is responsible and will be held responsible but there is a much deeper and evil being at work here as well. Satan himself. Feel the hatred, the fear, the rage….and then the murder. Darkness wanting to snuff out and extinguish the Light. But is cannot be so….
Matthew 2:12-23
12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
13 Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord *appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.”
14 So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. 15 He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.”
16 Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi. 17 Then 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.”
19 But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord *appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said, 20 “Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel; for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.” 21 So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee, 23 and came and lived in a city called Nazareth. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene."
Even these events were prophesied about hundreds of years before….nothing is going to stop the Redeeming plan of God-Jesus. Interesting that Jesus eludes death on the front end and willing succumbs to death at the end- to bring Life….and Light. Darkness will not win. Praise His Name.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Rejoicing...Worshipping...Gift Giving
I like to think about the process involved in our decisions. What motivated these Gentile Magi to leave the east and travel a long distance with a clear plan…worship and gift giving. One day we’ll have all the answers, but for today. I’m imagining.
This trip was thought out, intentional seeking for a King. This is NOT, “Hey, guys, let’s take a road trip, throw some stuff in a trunk and see where the highway takes us” kind of stuff. How do we know? Because verse 10 says, after much travel, inquiry in Jerusalem and careful searching the star stood still and, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy”. Maybe there were “high-fives” and back slapping…or maybe not. Maybe this exceeding joy let them to reverential awe and worship?
Matthew 2:7-11
“7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 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.” 9 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. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 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.”
Their joy led them to worship and offer the gifts previously planned for….they had to have planned on giving these gifts, these were expensive thought out things. These were kingly gifts given to the King. This plan started for the magi well before they left the east….faith led them. A star guided them. Rejoicing, worshipping and giving were the end results of intentional seeking. Seek Him and He will be found, that is what wise men (and women) do.
This trip was thought out, intentional seeking for a King. This is NOT, “Hey, guys, let’s take a road trip, throw some stuff in a trunk and see where the highway takes us” kind of stuff. How do we know? Because verse 10 says, after much travel, inquiry in Jerusalem and careful searching the star stood still and, “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy”. Maybe there were “high-fives” and back slapping…or maybe not. Maybe this exceeding joy let them to reverential awe and worship?
Matthew 2:7-11
“7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 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.” 9 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. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 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.”
Their joy led them to worship and offer the gifts previously planned for….they had to have planned on giving these gifts, these were expensive thought out things. These were kingly gifts given to the King. This plan started for the magi well before they left the east….faith led them. A star guided them. Rejoicing, worshipping and giving were the end results of intentional seeking. Seek Him and He will be found, that is what wise men (and women) do.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Sometime after the birth of Jesus and after His presentation to the Lord, visitors (magi) come from the east…seeking a new King that has been born.
As a side-note, I find it very interesting that they head to Jerusalem. Of course it’s logical I suppose, where else would a king be? Interesting that Anna is still at the temple testifying to anyone looking for the redemption of Israel. This verse speaks of Anna, coming up to Joseph, Mary, Jesus and Simeon. Luke 2:38,” At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”. Don’t you wonder who she talked to? Was there any sort of “stir” about this baby born?
Then travelers come…Gentile travelers, inquiring about a King born of the Jews and a sign in the sky. A star. It was troubling to all…evidently the news of their arrival and inquiry traveled around the city. The king and all of Jerusalem heard this and were troubled. There is a little Truth seeded in Jerusalem…it is a woman though- Anna never leaves the temple.
By the way, I’m supposing…but for these magi to be received by Herod and actually be seen and heard and then their inquiry to cause such a troubling…it must have been quite the entourage. They must have been very wealthy and commanding of some kind of authority, these Gentile men. Just thinking…Read the text.
Matthew 2:1-9
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “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.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘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.’”
Herod calls a private, secret meeting. This is very covert. Much more is at work here than simple interest…its conspiratorial fear and unrest on Herod’s part. He needs to know, if indeed this is true, that a baby King has been born…he must worship too, but Herod is smart enough to play his cards right. They inquired, he inquires….let’s help each other. We all want to worship? Right?
7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 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.” 9 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.
Do you see the Hand of God in this? God is working and nothing, including a wicked king’s insecurity issues will ever thwart the work of God. Truth will prevail. So much at work…so many issues, but God is in control. It’s not over yet…it’s just beginning.
As a side-note, I find it very interesting that they head to Jerusalem. Of course it’s logical I suppose, where else would a king be? Interesting that Anna is still at the temple testifying to anyone looking for the redemption of Israel. This verse speaks of Anna, coming up to Joseph, Mary, Jesus and Simeon. Luke 2:38,” At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”. Don’t you wonder who she talked to? Was there any sort of “stir” about this baby born?
Then travelers come…Gentile travelers, inquiring about a King born of the Jews and a sign in the sky. A star. It was troubling to all…evidently the news of their arrival and inquiry traveled around the city. The king and all of Jerusalem heard this and were troubled. There is a little Truth seeded in Jerusalem…it is a woman though- Anna never leaves the temple.
By the way, I’m supposing…but for these magi to be received by Herod and actually be seen and heard and then their inquiry to cause such a troubling…it must have been quite the entourage. They must have been very wealthy and commanding of some kind of authority, these Gentile men. Just thinking…Read the text.
Matthew 2:1-9
1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “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.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘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.’”
Herod calls a private, secret meeting. This is very covert. Much more is at work here than simple interest…its conspiratorial fear and unrest on Herod’s part. He needs to know, if indeed this is true, that a baby King has been born…he must worship too, but Herod is smart enough to play his cards right. They inquired, he inquires….let’s help each other. We all want to worship? Right?
7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 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.” 9 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.
Do you see the Hand of God in this? God is working and nothing, including a wicked king’s insecurity issues will ever thwart the work of God. Truth will prevail. So much at work…so many issues, but God is in control. It’s not over yet…it’s just beginning.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Another Word, Another Witness...
Simeon had been told he would see the Lord’s Christ before he died… on the exactly right day he is drawn to the temple, by the Holy Spirit and meets Jesus. Being filled by the Holy Spirit, he praises God and speaks of the work of the Messiah, both for the Jew and Gentile.
Simeon speaks…
Luke 2:29-38
29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.
Then Simeon turns to Mary and speaks another word…
34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Mary has had a lot to ponder. Angels have appeared, messages given and now this. It’s a very interesting word. Not the typical, “What a cute baby!” or “May the Lord bless you and keep you.” This word is also not strictly encouragement…there is no, “Life is going to be all ok and easy.” Instead this is a gracious word of Truth from God Most High to the young mother Mary…who has a long road in front of her and who will feel like she is drowning a time or two before the completed work of Jesus Christ is done. I am sure she does not understand the full implication of this statement….but, God in His Grace is giving her more Truth to ponder and hide in her heart. His Hand is upon her. She will lose her husband at some point…and then she will lose her Son, but she will never be lost. Mary is playing a small role in the grand story of redemption.
Then another witness is on the scene….
36 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
At the same time that the Spirit drew Simeon to them, the same Spirit drew Anna to them. Now, in the temple, a woman who basically lived there is given the privilege of seeing the One who will be the Consolation and Redemption of Israel. She is left, long after Joseph, Mary, Jesus and Simeon are gone…to witness and testify that the Messiah has come. Marvelous how God works…so precious and so personal and so very intentional.
Simeon speaks…
Luke 2:29-38
29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.
Then Simeon turns to Mary and speaks another word…
34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Mary has had a lot to ponder. Angels have appeared, messages given and now this. It’s a very interesting word. Not the typical, “What a cute baby!” or “May the Lord bless you and keep you.” This word is also not strictly encouragement…there is no, “Life is going to be all ok and easy.” Instead this is a gracious word of Truth from God Most High to the young mother Mary…who has a long road in front of her and who will feel like she is drowning a time or two before the completed work of Jesus Christ is done. I am sure she does not understand the full implication of this statement….but, God in His Grace is giving her more Truth to ponder and hide in her heart. His Hand is upon her. She will lose her husband at some point…and then she will lose her Son, but she will never be lost. Mary is playing a small role in the grand story of redemption.
Then another witness is on the scene….
36 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
At the same time that the Spirit drew Simeon to them, the same Spirit drew Anna to them. Now, in the temple, a woman who basically lived there is given the privilege of seeing the One who will be the Consolation and Redemption of Israel. She is left, long after Joseph, Mary, Jesus and Simeon are gone…to witness and testify that the Messiah has come. Marvelous how God works…so precious and so personal and so very intentional.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Born of a Woman...Born under the Law
Re-posting from a few year ago....but the Truth is timeless! Galatians 4:4 says, “But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,” The fullness of time came and Jesus was born of Mary and under the authority of Law. Joseph was a righteous Jew, who kept the Law so Jesus was circumcised on the eight day and named Jesus. Then, Joseph and Mary traveled with 6 week old baby Jesus…God in the flesh would be brought to Jerusalem to be presented before the Lord, according to the Law. Imagine. See the reality.
God Himself….for the very first time EVER was truly “in the house”. Do you realize that throughout the entire Old Testament only the tail end of God’s Glory every dwelt in the house of the Lord? Now, 6 week old Jesus God is here. It’s no surprise that eyes and hearts were open for this historic event. The eyes and heart of Simeon and Anna- today we’ll look at part of Simeon’s Spirit-filled words…
Luke 2:21-32
“21 And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS.”
25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.””
Simeon had been looking for the consolation of Israel….the Spirit led Him on the very exact day that Jesus was presented Holy to the Lord (that’s an understatement huh?! He is Holy Lord) Simeon blessed God and was Spirit filled in his statements of Truth….after thanking God for allowing him to see this he says;
1. Jesus is God’s salvation
2. Which God has prepared in the presence of all peoples
3. Jesus is a Light of revelation to the Gentiles
4. Jesus is the glory of God’s people Israel.
Please consider the importance, the strategic importance of this very public place and statement about Jesus while He is a 6-week old baby (His public ministry is 30 years away!) It is strategic for them…but also for us. I just LOVE the inclusion of the Gentiles…we were part of the redemption story from the beginning too. Oh Bless the Lord….He is our redemption! Too.
God Himself….for the very first time EVER was truly “in the house”. Do you realize that throughout the entire Old Testament only the tail end of God’s Glory every dwelt in the house of the Lord? Now, 6 week old Jesus God is here. It’s no surprise that eyes and hearts were open for this historic event. The eyes and heart of Simeon and Anna- today we’ll look at part of Simeon’s Spirit-filled words…
Luke 2:21-32
“21 And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS.”
25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.””
Simeon had been looking for the consolation of Israel….the Spirit led Him on the very exact day that Jesus was presented Holy to the Lord (that’s an understatement huh?! He is Holy Lord) Simeon blessed God and was Spirit filled in his statements of Truth….after thanking God for allowing him to see this he says;
1. Jesus is God’s salvation
2. Which God has prepared in the presence of all peoples
3. Jesus is a Light of revelation to the Gentiles
4. Jesus is the glory of God’s people Israel.
Please consider the importance, the strategic importance of this very public place and statement about Jesus while He is a 6-week old baby (His public ministry is 30 years away!) It is strategic for them…but also for us. I just LOVE the inclusion of the Gentiles…we were part of the redemption story from the beginning too. Oh Bless the Lord….He is our redemption! Too.
www.cleansefillpour.com
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Shepherds...
Luke 2:15-20
“15 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.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.”
Can you even imagine what this event must have looked like and felt like to them?? No wonder, AGAIN…the first words out of the angel of the Lord’s mouth is; “Do not be afraid!” Amazing! This is not just a cool experience, this is life-changing. For many. Look at the series of events and all the people involved. Angel of the Lord-Shepherds-many angels-Mary/Joseph-all who heard it….all of them- marveled, wondered and pondered on these things. And the experience propelled them to action, especially the shepherds. They hurried to Bethlehem to recount the events and message…
This is what the angel of the Lord said….
“10 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; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’
This is what the angels sang….
14“ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
This is all true! They found exactly what they were told that they would find….then the rest of the message must be true!? The “sign” was true….Jesus was wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. To the shepherds, time will tell about the rest of the message….history would confirm and Jesus God would fulfill to completion the message. The Messiah had come. They marveled, others wondered…Mary treasured and pondered. Jesus had come. Glory to God in the Highest!
“15 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.” 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.”
Can you even imagine what this event must have looked like and felt like to them?? No wonder, AGAIN…the first words out of the angel of the Lord’s mouth is; “Do not be afraid!” Amazing! This is not just a cool experience, this is life-changing. For many. Look at the series of events and all the people involved. Angel of the Lord-Shepherds-many angels-Mary/Joseph-all who heard it….all of them- marveled, wondered and pondered on these things. And the experience propelled them to action, especially the shepherds. They hurried to Bethlehem to recount the events and message…
This is what the angel of the Lord said….
“10 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; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’
This is what the angels sang….
14“ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
This is all true! They found exactly what they were told that they would find….then the rest of the message must be true!? The “sign” was true….Jesus was wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. To the shepherds, time will tell about the rest of the message….history would confirm and Jesus God would fulfill to completion the message. The Messiah had come. They marveled, others wondered…Mary treasured and pondered. Jesus had come. Glory to God in the Highest!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Angels we have Heard on High...
We are going to weave together some thoughts….in the first days of Jesus’ birth and of His last days before His death. If the angels proclamation wouldn’t have cried out, the plains and mountains would have. Glory to God in the Highest….the Messiah Jesus is born to explain the Father and fully give the correct opinion of who He is! Gloria in excelsis Deo- Glory to God in the Highest!
Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV)
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14“ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
The Angels exclaimed….”Angels we have heard on high”, English version translated in 1862. The chorus is; Gloria in excelsis Deo which is Latin and is translated. "Glory to God in the highest”. Read the beautiful words of “Angels we have heard on High”
Angels we have heard on high
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Gloria in excelsis Deo Gloria in excelsis Deo
Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ whose birth the angels sing
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord the newborn King
Gloria in excelsis Deo Gloria in excelsis Deo
See him in a manger laid
Whom the choirs of angels praise
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid
While our hearts in love we raise
Now weave the thoughst full circle….33ish years later, the baby now a man. Jesus Christ the Messiah born to die and give life. On Palm Sunday days before His death, burial and resurrection….another proclamation is cried out by the crowds in Luke 19:29-39. If the crowds wouldn't have proclaimed the rocks would have cried out;
“ 29 When He approached Bethphage and Bethany, near the mount that is called Olivet, He sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village ahead of you; there, as you enter, you will find a colt tied on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as He had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, and they threw their coats on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As He was going, they were spreading their coats on the road. 37 As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, 38 shouting;
“BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 40 But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!”
I don’t know about you, but I see the parallels and the beautiful weave of glorious Truth in the same proclamation …. The Angels in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” at the beginning of His life and the crowds in Luke 19:38, “BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” at the end of His life. He certainly is the King who brings peace!
Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV)
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14“ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
The Angels exclaimed….”Angels we have heard on high”, English version translated in 1862. The chorus is; Gloria in excelsis Deo which is Latin and is translated. "Glory to God in the highest”. Read the beautiful words of “Angels we have heard on High”
Angels we have heard on high
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
Gloria in excelsis Deo Gloria in excelsis Deo
Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ whose birth the angels sing
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord the newborn King
Gloria in excelsis Deo Gloria in excelsis Deo
See him in a manger laid
Whom the choirs of angels praise
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid
While our hearts in love we raise
Now weave the thoughst full circle….33ish years later, the baby now a man. Jesus Christ the Messiah born to die and give life. On Palm Sunday days before His death, burial and resurrection….another proclamation is cried out by the crowds in Luke 19:29-39. If the crowds wouldn't have proclaimed the rocks would have cried out;
“ 29 When He approached Bethphage and Bethany, near the mount that is called Olivet, He sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village ahead of you; there, as you enter, you will find a colt tied on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as He had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 They brought it to Jesus, and they threw their coats on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As He was going, they were spreading their coats on the road. 37 As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, 38 shouting;
“BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” 40 But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!”
I don’t know about you, but I see the parallels and the beautiful weave of glorious Truth in the same proclamation …. The Angels in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” at the beginning of His life and the crowds in Luke 19:38, “BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” at the end of His life. He certainly is the King who brings peace!
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