Merry Christmas

Editor's note: I know it seems like I am trying to share the spotlight by prefacing every article with some remarks of my own, but this time there is a purpose. I am going on vacation and so wanted to post this Christmas entry by the Author today in case I do not have time later on. Enjoy!

The Gospel According to Luke 2:1-7
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyre'ni-us 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. 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."

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 Saviour, 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.

"Fear not..."

In the older King James Version (KJV) the line reads "Be not afraid...." Its one of my favorite lines from the entire Bible. Imagine being a simple shepherd boy, out in the fields, tending your flock, when "whammo" an angel appears. A real, honest to goodness angel. Wings, harp, flying around, voice sweeter than any chorus. My first instinct would probably be to run like hell while trying not to soil myself. I think that's what I like about it, because I would be terrified. The angel does not command them, does not order them, casts no spell on them, but instead simply says "Be not afraid." There is much strength in those words.

There is indeed much to fear in today's world. Violence, war, bombings, protests, death and disease. Even though I'm now a father, and its my job to ensure my wife and child are not afraid, there is much that scares me. Some times the sheer enormity of the world's problems, let alone my own, can be overwhelming. "Be not afraid." Reassuring words. There's even a hymn we used to sing at a church I once attended called "Be not afraid." Its a beautiful song. I wish my new church would put it in the rotation. Oh well. I can still remember the tune and, though I don't remember 95% of the words, it still brings me a smile.

The story of a man called Jesus, who was born some 2,001 years ago, is fascinating read. The troubled times, the Roman occupation, the Pharisees, colluding with the Romans to oppress the Jewish people. Death, disease, war everywhere. Into that world was born a simple child. He's been called King of Peace, the Son of God, God Himself. The affects of his teaching, his work, his ministry can not be denied. He may be the most influential person in the history of humanity. I don't care what your religion is, if any, the waves created by that simple carpenter resonate to this day. But at that moment in time, he was just a simple newborn child. I've held a newborn in my arms, my own child. Its an experience every person should have. There's no feeling quite like it in the world. So small, so helpless, totally dependent upon you for every thing. Quite the responsibility. "Be not afraid."

I love the fact that he was born in a manger. His crib was no doubt, a quickly cleaned up feed trough. Hardly the trappings you'd expect for the King of Heaven. Talk about humble. In those days, as they are still today, the rulers of the world are rich beyond belief. They have everything they could possibly want. And God chooses to make his entrance in the most humble of ways. I think that's the point. God is not the God of the rich alone, He is also the God of the poor and down trodden. There is no God but God.

Lord knows he caused a big stir. Preaching to the poor, the disaffected, outcasts of society. He ate dinner with tax collectors, considered the lowest of the low in those days [Editor's note: Still considered so, by some.]. He saved a prostitute from being stoned to death by saying "Let he is without sin cast the first stone." For a carpenter, he certainly had a way with words. There are more words of wisdom in his parables than I could digest in a life time. Using the parable of the Good Samaritan, he asked his disciples "Who was that man's neighbor?" Indeed, who is my neighbor?

He finally crossed the line, made too many waves, and found himself nailed to a cross - the Roman version of today's public service announcement - "Commit this act, and this is what you get." Its been said that before the Romans conquered Judea, the land was filled with trees, but most of them were cut down to build crosses. I guess the Romans had a lot of public service announcements to make.

The agony of his last days on earth were terrible. He came to earth to save mankind, to teach redemption, to show us there is a better way, and for all his efforts, he was beaten, whipped, and crucified. And when he didn't die fast enough, he was stabbed with a spear. I'm sure there was plenty of fear in Jesus. After all, he cried from the cross "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" "Be not afraid."

But for the very first Christmas, there was none of that. There was only a family, with a newborn child, and no bed to lay Him in. I'm sure Joseph had plenty of worries. But for one night, all was calm, all was quiet.

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

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
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. I hope every one has the ability to give all the gifts they want this year, because that's the true spirit of Christmas, to give. As God gave of himself, so that sins may be forgiven, give to others, even if its just a smile, or holding open a door.

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”