Sermons From My Heart

Do you know that you have spiritual gifts from God?

That’s right. Each and every one of us has spiritual gifts from God. These gifts come in many different forms. Some are greater than others, but they are equally important. Each gift is essential for the benefit of all believers. The danger is that someone who possesses a public and “impressive” gift might lord it over the one who possesses a private gift of service. Those who have the gift of helping others rarely seek recognition or attention. Their instincts are to reach out and serve other without reward or recognition.

The theme of Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians is unity. The church in Corinth had many issues, but the greatest problem was the lack of unity within the church. In the section of First Corinthians that is just before the reading we heard today, the diversity of the body illustrated the diversity of the gifts within the body of believers. In this section of the Letter, attention is cast on the fact that many members are required to make up one body.

The church today sometimes finds itself in a similar situation. Sometimes there is fighting about who is most important in the church body. This wastes time that would be better spent demonstrating unity to a world that needs a model of genuine community and unity.

One sign of unity is when all members equally care for one another. Spiritual gifts are not just a matter of figuring out what one is good at so he/she can be satisfied in serving. Spiritual gifts are intended to promote unity and working together to share the Good News.

One example of spiritual gifts is the gift of prophecy. Prophets in Old Testament times were those who proclaimed the very words of God before there was a written text. A prophet today is one who proclaims the very words of God as revealed in the Scriptures. Paul listed apostles first and speaking in tongues last. The Corinthians were putting speaking in tongues first and casting aspersions on the apostles, especially since the apostles were acting in a similar manner to Old Testament prophets.

Some believers have the gift of preaching while others have the gift of leadership. Not everyone has the same gift, and not everything we do will satisfy us 100% of the time. Not all roles or gifts are equally exciting, but they are equally important. Everyone works together and they are firmly planted on the foundation of their faith in God.. Being a Christian is like being a part of a human body. Each Christian is unique, but each Christian is part of something bigger, namely, the Body of Christ. If we aren’t connected to the church, we won’t know the purpose of our lives. We won’t know our role or our function. We won’t know our value or our meaning. We need to be in relationships with other people. We have to learn from others if we want to fulfill our potential and our role within the Body of Christ.

God creates people to carry out specific kinds of work in order to meet human needs. God uniquely designs each of us. He fits each of us for certain tasks. He distributes skills, abilities, interests and personalities among us so that we can carry out his work in the world. That work includes spiritual tasks and secular tasks such as health, education, business, law and so on.

In light of what has gone before within the Corinthian church, Paul’s exhortation to desire the best gifts may seem contradictory. As the following verses will reveal, what Paul considers the best gifts will be quite different from what the Corinthians had been pursuing. The best gifts are those that glorify God the most.

The church is the body of Christ. Every believer is part of that body, so every believer should make the church a priority. When church isn’t a priority, believers deprive themselves and fellow believers. That foundation helps us work together, especially when one member is suffering. Believer are encouraged to come together to help fellow believers when they suffer. The best way to help is for each believer to use his/her gifts. When we use our gifts to do God’s work, we strengthen each other and the Church as a whole.

We need to be connected to a church family so that we can fulfill our calling to serve other believers in practical ways. We need the church and the church needs us. There are no insignificant roles to play in either the church or the body of believers. Every role is of equal importance, because all of the roles are connected. This is something for us to seriously consider at this time of year. It is time for church and parish annual meetings, and during these meetings people are elected to various positions of leadership within a church or the parish. If you are asked to consider running for a position, it means that the people who are asking you think that you have gifts that are especially suitable for the position.

Most of us will never be in a position to influence a lot of people. When we act or speak, only those who are close to us will notice, but our actions will ripple outward to affect an entire community. When we serve God and others, we steady the whole body as we support each other. We must always look for needs that God can meet through us. We don’t have to depend on our own personality or powers of persuasion. Christ will work through us. We are his eyes, ears, hands and feet in the world.

The measure of a Christian worker is not the ability to speak or the worker’s personality. It is the enduring work which he/she accomplishes. That work won’t be manifest or completely recognized until Jesus returns. Only Jesus can truly judge the merits of our efforts.

Some people are multi-talented and well-rounded, but they rarely commit to doing one thing well. They are spread so thin that their impact is minimal. All Christian workers need to stay focused on what they are good at. Here’s a good example of why we need to stay focused.

A sea captain and his chief engineer argued as to which one of them was more important to the ship. They couldn’t agree, so they decided to switch roles. The Chief Engineer came to the bridge and the Captain went to the engine room. After a couple of hours, the Captain come on the deck. He was covered in oil. He waved a monkey wrench at the Chief Engineer and shouted, “Chief, you’ll have to come down here. I can’t make the ship go.”

The Chief Engineer replied, “Of course you can’t. We’ve run aground!”

We must not allow our gifts to be greater than the fruit of the Spirit. When our gifts are greater than the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, our lives will crumble. When we grow in faith, God’s power will work in us to make us more Christ-like.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p. 1588)
2. Ed Young, “Body Builder.” Retrieved from www.edyoung.com
3. Carolyn Dale Newell, “No Member is Too Weak.” Retrieved from com@crosswalkmail.com
4. Christine Caine, “Gifts and Fruit.” Retrieved from Biblegateway@e.biblegateway.com
5. Pastor Rick Warren, “Where Do You Believe God Can Use You?” Retrieved from connect@newsletter.purposedriven.com
6. Charles Stanley, “How to Serve the Church.” Retrieved from www.intouch.org
7. Michael Brooks, “Standards.” Retrieved from forthright.net
8. Jack Graham, “How to Maximize Your Kingdom Impact in 2015.” Retrieved from www.jackgraham.org
9. Joel Osteen, “Know Who You Are.” Retrieved from joelosteen.com
10. Os Hillman, “Is There Hierarchy in Calling?” Retrieved from com@crosswalkmail.com
11. Jim Liebert, “Partners of Equal Value.” Retrieved from homeword.com
12. David Jeremiah, “A Helping Hand.” Retrieved from turningpoint@davidjeremiah.org
13. David Jeremiah, “The Body of Christ.” Retrieved from turningpoint@davidjeremiah.org
14. David Jeremiah, “Uniqueness and Unity.” Retrieved from turningpoint@davidjeremiah.org
15. Rick Warren, “You Learn Your Purpose Through Relationships.” Retrieved from connect@newsletter.purposedriven.com
16. Rick Warren, “God Created You to Need Other People.” Retrieved from connect@newsletter.purposedriven.com

Jesus’ first miracle-that of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana-is a significant moment in Jesus’ ministry. It’s also an important explanation of God’s character and mission. Throughout the Scriptures God’s relationship with His people is compared to a marriage. God wants an intimate connection with us in which we are loved, known and made known.

What we have here us the power of God showing itself in the world to bring about something only God could do. It’s about God acting through Christ in a way that gives us a sign that God is at work here. John wants to show us what Jesus says, does and means. Jesus means life, joy, abundance and peace. John believes that the Christian life is meant to be a comedy, not a tragedy. Despite how dark things appear to be in the world, despite the fact that the path of life will lead Jesus and us through death, things will turn out bright in the end. God is in control, and He will lead us to light and life in Jesus.

Jesus performed His first public miracle, not in the temple but in a Jewish home in Cana; not at a funeral but at a wedding; not at a fast, but at a feast. This is a reminder that the life of a Christian should reflect the joy that characterized Jesus.

The miracle at Cana was the first sign, or evidence, of Jesus’ glory, and the disciples saw and believed. God’s glory was revealed through a miracle that did not heal anyone or cast out demons. It was a miracle of abundance. It was part of His plan for us. Jesus was a man of sorrows and grief, but He was also a man who went to parties and had a good time. His presence at the wedding in Cana is an invitation for the rest of us to join Him at His party and to enter into His joy. Jesus wants to be invited as a vital part of every relationship. Inviting Him at the beginning will strengthen and set the direction for it.

The servants were the only people who recognized what happened. Everyone else enjoyed the wine without knowing where it came from. The servants knew what happened in that situation. If we want to know what Christ is doing in a particular situation we have to be a part of that situation. The work of God’s kingdom comes through those who bring its light into places that are ravaged by sinful human nature.

Jesus was asked by Mary to get involved in an unusual problem. Have you ever asked Jesus to get involved in an unusual problem? No matter what problems we have, Jesus invites us to seek Him as the solution. Mary saw the shadow that she knew could be answered by Jesus’ light. She invited Jesus to change the situation of poverty into a celebration of love that was shown in a wedding that ran up against human limitations.

Jesus performed His first miracle not merely to replenish the wine supply but to save a humble Galilean family from disgrace. Running out of food or wine at a wedding feast was considered a terrible mistake on the part of the groom’s family. In Jesus’ time, a wedding day was a great celebration. The ceremony usually took place late in the evening after a feast. Then there was a procession to the groom’s home, with an open house that went on for at least a week. No wonder the people ran out of wine! We don’t know how or when Jesus turned the water into wine. He simply moves in His own time and in His own way.

Mary spoke to Jesus as her son, but Jesus changed the relationship from son to Saviour. His response- “What does your concern have to do with Me?”-was not meant to demean her but to refocus her perspective. Notice the emphasis on timing when Jesus says, “My hour has not yet come.” Everything Jesus did had a purpose and was on schedule.

Jesus’ response to Mary’s request might seem to be rude or indignant, but it wasn’t. It might have been spoken in a tender manner. He did not intend to refuse to provide wine, but only to delay it a little. Mary’s response indicates that she did not consider Jesus’ words a rebuke. Jesus is still looking for those who will respond to Him with the same simplicity of obedience.

The meaning of Jesus’ comment was that He has started His mission on earth, and all other activities were not as important. He was following a schedule that God created before the creation of the world. The Old Testament prophets described the Messianic age as a time when wine would flow liberally. Jesus was likely referring to the fact that the blessings of the Messianic age would come after His death and resurrection. Jesus’ actions show how vastly different God’s ways are from the world’s. The world starts with the better, which often becomes bitter in the end. But God starts with something ordinary and makes it extraordinary. Whenever Jesus enters a life, He transforms it.

This miracle showed His power and character as the Messiah. It showed His divine power and that He was commissioned by God. This miracle caused many people to believe that He was the Messiah. Those who believe in Him can take comfort in the knowledge that He is always present and He is always with us. We should welcome His presence.

The waterpots were large, low basins for the purpose of Jewish purification. Six of them would have held enough wine for more than 2,400 servings. This miracle foreshadowed the day when Jesus would replace the water of Jewish ritual with new wine that was superior in every way.

The old and new wines represent the old and new creation. The old wine of the law has given out, but the new wine, representing the new creation, has come. Jesus pours out the wine of the “end times” and there is enough for everyone. Jesus is the good wine that allows our lives to grow. As we get older, our faith gives us a taste of life in new ways. We drink a wine that keeps getting better and better. It gives us a longing for the best wine we will drink at God’s banquet table.

When we invite Jesus into every aspect of our lives, He can change our past pain for present comfort and turn our deep sorrow into joy. He can take our wounds and turn them into fresh wisdom. The miracle of turning water into wine reveals Jesus as:

1. One who honours the bond of marriage by His presence at the wedding.
2. One who bestows His gifts lavishly; if in the physical realm, how much more in the spiritual?
3. One whose infinite love is made effective by His equally infinite power
4. One who, accordingly, is the Son of God, full of grace and glory.

This was the first of Jesus’ miracles on earth, but it wasn’t his last. When we walk with Jesus every day, we become accustomed to the miracles he performs. He does so many great and wonderful things for us. He supplies everything we need — a roof over our head, and a nice warm bed. We have clothes to wear and plenty to eat and drink. Oh yes, He is so good, but do you know what? He is saving the best for last. What is it? Eternal life. If we put our trust in Jesus as our Savior, we will live forever in heaven with him. Now, that’s what I call “saving the best for last!”

This story is about more than turning water into wine. It’s a sign, and each sign reveals who God is so that people would accept him and the nearness of God that he brings. The people are gathered and want to celebrate, but they don’t have the means to do so. Jesus allows us to celebrate the nearness of God. God has come close and given us the reason and means to celebrate. God has saved the best wine until last.

So what can we do? What is our place in a miracle of plenty? We can be like Mary. We can notice, name, persist and trust. No matter how profound the scarcity, no matter how impossible the situation, we can interfere, pull Jesus aside, ask for help and ready ourselves for action. We can tell God hard truths, even when we’re supposed to be celebrating. We can keep human needs squarely before our eyes, even when denial, apathy or distraction are easier options. Finally, we can invite others to obey Jesus, who we have come to know and trust.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; pp.1443-1444)
2. Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament. Part of Wordsearch 12 Bible software package.
3. Fredrikson, R.L. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol.27: John (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1985; pp. 64-77)
4. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)
5. Jude Siciliano, OP, “First Impressions, 2^nd Sunday in Ordinary time -C-.” Retrieved from preacherexchange.org
6. Vikki Burke, “The Miracle of Abundance.” Retrieve from dbm@dennisburkeministries.org.
7. Os Hillman, “How Would Jesus Impact Your Wedding Party?” Retrieved from tgif@marketplaceleaders.org
8. The Rev. Jason Cox, “Come and Dine: Epiphany 2-C- 016.” Retrieved from epipscopaldigitalnetwork.com
9. “The Wedding Guest.” Retrieved form BibleGateway@e.BibleGateway.com
10. Jude Siciliano, OP, “First Impressions, 2^nd Sunday -C-, January 20, 2019”. Retrieved from preacherexchange.org
11. “Saving the Best for Last.” Retrieved from Sermons4KIds.com
12. Debie Thomas, “They Have No Wine.” Retrieved from journeywithjesus.net/lectionary-essays/current/essay
13. Dominic Ryan, OP, “Water into Wine.” Retrieved from www.english.op.org/torch/water-into-wine
14. “Marriage for All.” Retrieved from noreply+feedproxy@google.com

This is an exciting time. It is the beginning of a brand new year. Some people like to make New Year’s resolutions or promises to themselves about what they plan to accomplish in the new year. The number one resolution that people make is, “I am going to lose weight.” Even if we don’t make any New Year’s resolutions, this is an exciting time. It is a time that we can forget our past mistakes and look forward to new opportunities that lie ahead of us. It is a time of new beginnings.

At the beginning of Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, the crowds might have sensed a new beginning, especially the people who were baptized. They might have had a sense that John the Baptist was the long-promised Messiah. John did what all good messengers do. He pointed past himself to the one whom he was sent to herald.

John was able to reject the notion that he might be the Messiah for several reasons. The Messiah would be more powerful, worthy of far more reverence, and would have a broader ministry. Also, the Holy Spirit would work differently in the Messiah’s ministry; supplying it with a purifying, judging and saving aspect that John’s did not have.

Jesus experienced times of new beginnings in his life too. One of those times was when He was baptized. He was a carpenter and a faithful son of Mary and Joseph. He was about to begin his role as the Messiah, and He probably asked himself, “Who am I as I begin the greatest work in the universe?” There were a couple of very important things that happened when Jesus was baptized. First of all, the Bible tells us that the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit came down in the form of a dove and landed upon him. The second thing was that God spoke and said, “You are my Son. I love you and I am well-pleased with you.”

There are times in our lives when we need someone to encourage us and reassure us. We need someone to tell us who we are, why we matter, and why they have high hopes for us. Jesus needed reassurance and encouragement at this time when His life would take a new direction. He knew that He would need resources beyond His human abilities and wisdom.

When God said that Jesus was His Son and He was pleased, He was telling us the same thing.  If all we ever do in this life is exercise our primary calling-that of being His child-we have fulfilled our primary purpose and God will be pleased with us. Having God’s approval isn’t easy because He demands complete and perfect obedience in everything we do, say and think. We can’t obey God perfectly on our own. We need the power of the Holy Spirit. He teaches us to know God and truth and things hidden from wise people. His touch glows within us and lights a fire within us.

Why did Jesus need to be baptized by John? Baptism was the outward sign of repentance from sin, and Jesus was sinless. His baptism was the assurance that He is like us in every way except for sin. That’s why He submitted to baptism at John’s hands. He is like us and not like us at the same time. His identity came from God, but His role was confirmed by John the Baptist as He began an earthly phase of His life. Although John’s was a baptism of repentance, Jesus did not need to repent. For Him, baptism was a means to identify Himself with sinners in order that they might identify with Him in His life.

In baptism Jesus was initiated into the family of God and claimed by God as His beloved child. In baptism Jesus accepted His ministry, accepted that He is the one John was teaching about, and claimed His identity as the Saviour that the prophets spoke about. He knew that He needed to acknowledge and repent for all of our sins, merely by being human.

Up until this time, He has not performed any miracles, but with God’s stamp of approval and with the spirit of God upon him, Jesus began to perform great miracles. From this new beginning, many people began to understand that Jesus was truly the Son of God and they began to follow him.

Our own baptism represents a new beginning for us as well. When we are baptized, it shows the world that just as Jesus rose from the dead through the glory of God the Father, we also live a new life in him. God may not always be well-pleased with us, but He looks down with an approving smile when He sees us trying to walk with Jesus.

Before He was baptized, Jesus prayed. We might ask ourselves why Jesus prayed if He was so attuned to the will of His Father. He prayed because he wanted to keep in a relationship with the heavenly Father. What is stressed is that Jesus was at prayer, the Spirit came and Jesus’ true identity was proclaimed. We should have the same purpose when we pray. We can pray to Him at any time and in any place. The Holy Spirit is there for us. All we have to do is pray and ask for it.

The events at the baptism of Jesus present one of the Bible’s clearest pictures of the Trinity, with the entire Godhead present. The Son of God stood in the Jordan River, identifying Himself with sinful mankind. The Father spoke from heaven, affirming the Son. The Spirit of God descended from heaven in the form of a dove and anointed the Son for His coming ministry. The dove is a symbol of purity and harmlessness. In this situation, the dove represented the spirit with which Jesus would be endowed-one of purity and innocence.

Just like Christ’s baptism marked the start of His ministry, our baptism is our entrance into the Christian faith. When we gather together publicly in worship, there should be celebration, praise and thanksgiving. God calls us into a deeper relationship with Him through Christ as God declares to us how special we are as God’s children who are prepared and sent to take part in ministry with God. Jesus has given us an example to follow.

The Baptism of the Lord is a call for us to change our attitudes. As we get older and wiser, we move toward Jesus’ message or a reduction of the dignity and worth with which we were created. In other words, we are on the road to eternal life with Christ or a life of eternal damnation. Our baptism, like Jesus’ baptism, is a choice. How have we progressed? How have we given in to the ways of the world? As we begin a new year, we can try again to make the choice about how we can grow in our spiritual lives.

Baptism not only represents our movement away from sin, but it also marks our movement toward something as well. Some people argue that it marks our movement toward purity and holiness as we seek to allow the Holy Spirit to baptize us as well. God gives us opportunities for new beginnings. Let us make the most of them as we live a new life in Christ through the power of his Holy Spirit.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p.1390)
2. “New Beginning.” Retrieved from Sermons4Kids.com
3. Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament. Part of Wordsearch 12 Bible software package.
4. Larsen, B. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 26: Luke (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1983; pp. 77-81)
5. Jude Siciliano, OP, “First Impressions, Baptism of the Lord, -C-.” Retrieved from preacherexchange.org
6. Pete Briscoe, “Experiencing Life Today.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
7. Pastor Ken Klaus, “A New Beginning.” Retrieved from lh_min@lhm.org
8. B. Meyer, “Our Daily Homily.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
9. David Walle, “Luke 3:15-17,21-22.” Retrieved from communic@luthersem.edu
10. The Rev. AnnaKate Rawles, “Baptism of Our Lord: Worthy of Our Calling.” Retrieved from comment=reply@wordpress.com
11. Jason Buckwalter, “Luke 3:15-17,21-22.” Retrieved from http://www.aplainaccount.org/luke-315-17-21-22/
12. Christine Hallenback Ask, “Luke 3:15-17,21-22.” Retrieved from commuinic@luthersem.edu
13. Lanie LeBlanc, OP, “First Impressions, Volume 2: Baptism of the Lord, January 13, 2019.” Retrieved from volume2@lists.opsouoth.org
14. Carol and Dennis Keller,  “First Impressions, Volume 2: Baptism of the Lord, January 13, 2019.” Retrieved from volume2@lists.opsouoth.org
15. Brian Gleeson, CP, , “First Impressions, Volume 2: Baptism of the Lord, January 13, 2019.” Retrieved from volume2@lists.opsouoth.org

The Feast of the Epiphany is the day when we remember the visit of the three wise men, but we also remember that Jesus came into the world for everyone-Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, upper class people and lower-class people, humble shepherds and wise men and so on.

It is also a happy time or a sad time depending on how you look at it. It marks the end of the 12 Days of Christmas and the end of the holiday season. For most of us, the decorations have been put away for another year, the parties and celebrations are over, visitors have returned home, and we are settling back into our daily routines after the Christmas season. We, like the Magi, need to break away from our daily routines and busyness to take time to look for the Christ Child. It might mean stopping in the midst of our daily lives to pray that God will help us center our thoughts on Jesus more than our daily lives. It might mean that we have to put down our to-do list to pick up our Bibles to read and absorb God’s Word.

The wise men endured a long, difficult journey. They endured dangers, hardships and scorn to find Christ, and so should we. When they found him, they worshipped him, and so should we. They set an example for us as Christians to follow. The Magi were on a quest, looking for more in their lives. They were not satisfied with the way things were. Otherwise, they would have stayed put. Change started for them when God made the first move and showed them a light in their darkness. They didn’t have to follow that light, but they picked up and began a journey that took them to Christ. They left their daily routines to find Jesus.

The star the Magi followed was not a natural phenomenon. It is a reminder that we need divine intervention to find out where Christ is in our lives. The busyness of our everyday lives can distract us from seeing the Messiah. When the light of Christ dwells in us, it guides us and blocks out the light from outside, worldly distractions. The light of Christ gives us the strength we need to make the name of Jesus known throughout the world.

The wise men studied the stars and believed in astrology. They believed that a person’s destiny was influenced by the star they were born under. They believed that if something strange happened in the sky, it was because God was breaking into the natural order to announce some special event. That is why they noticed and followed the star of Bethlehem. They had a limited sign and came to the Messiah, but those who knew the truth about God, his words and actions failed to take the Messiah’s birth seriously when they found out about it. In fact, they, like Herod, saw it as a threat to their positions and their way of life. Herod even saw it as a threat to his rule.

The Magi could not return to their old way of living after they met the Messiah, and we can’t return to our old way of living after we meet the Messiah. Jesus’ presence changes everything. There is more to life than our routines and careers. Life has more meaning now because the light of God’s presence is among us.

Those who refused to take the Messiah’s birth seriously were wrong. Jesus was a threat to their positions and their way of life because he challenged their way of doing things. He challenged them to change their ways, accept God in faith and follow his ways and teachings. He was ignored and despised not only because he challenged the established way of doing things, but also because he was not the type of Messiah people were looking for. They were looking for a Messiah who would come from the established ruling class and drive out the Romans. Instead, they got a humble servant who came from earthly parents who belonged to the lower classes of society. This fit in with one part of God’s plan for salvation-concern for the poor and disadvantaged members of society.

Epiphany is more than the inclusion of the Gentiles as part of God’s Kingdom. It is about breaking down the barriers that divide people. It challenges us to reconsider how we look at people whom we see as being outside the boundaries of God’s love. We must remember that God’s love knows no boundaries. We must take off our spiritual blinders and welcome those whom we don’t want to love.

The wise men represent us in God’s plan. They represent everyone who sets out in search of a king and finds the son of God. They gave Jesus the most precious material gifts they had, but each and every one of us can give him something even better-ourselves. Those who, like Herod and the chief priests and scribes, try to derail God’s plan for salvation will fail. They are no match for God or God’s people. God loves everyone, and Jesus came to save everyone.

The Magi were foreigners in the eyes of the ruling class, but Jesus was of keen interest to them. They went out of their way to find him and set treasures before him. The gifts the Magi brought were symbolic. Gold was a gift fit for a king, and Matthew’s Gospel introduced his Jewish audience to a king who would rule with love instead of hate, peace instead of violence. Frankincense is a gift for a priest. Jesus ministers to God on behalf of men. Myrrh is a gift for someone who is about to die. Jesus came to die for us on the cross. As we end another Christmas season, one of the best things we can do is to think about what gifts we can bring to him.

Bibliography

1. Billy Graham, “Who Were the Wise Men?” Retrieved from arcamax.com
2. Augsberger, M.S. and Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 24: Matthew (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982)
3. Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASB (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 2009)
4. Jim Liebelt, “The First Christmas Gifts”. Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
5. Mel Lawrenz, “” Magi”. Retrieved from thebrookletter@me.com
6. Exegesis for Matthew 2:1-12. Retrieved from lectionary.org
7. Jude Siciliano, O.P., “First Impressions, Epiphany of the Lord (A)”. Retrieved from preacherexchange.org
8. Karen Ehman, “Search Carefully”. Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
9. John Boll, O.P., “Volume 2, Feast of the Epiphany (A)” Retrieved from Volume2@preacherexchange.org

Well, Christmas is almost over for another year. For most of us the holidays are over and our lives get back to normal this week. Children will be going back to school, people will be going back to work, family and friends will be going home (if they haven’t gone home already), and we will be settling back into our normal routines.

There is one more part of Christmas to come, and that’s why I said that Christmas is almost over. There is one more gift for all of us, and on the Feast of the Epiphany we receive that gift. That gift is the fact that Jesus came for all of us-both Jews and Gentiles. This concept is represented in the visit of the Magi, which is written in Matthew 2:1-12, but it is also represented in the legendary story of the fourth wise man-a man named Artaban.

As he journeyed with his friends, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, he became separated from them. He never made it to Bethlehem. For many years he sought the Christ Child and in the process had many adventures and assisted many people, including dying beggars and frightened mothers, to whom he gave two of the three great jewels he had originally planned to give to Jesus. He even traveled to Egypt, hearing that Jesus and his parents had gone there, but was again frustrated in his quest. Now, after 33 years of searching he arrived in Jerusalem, hoping at last that he might find the child.

At Passover time, Artaban, now an old man, noted an unusual commotion and inquired about its cause. People answered him, “We are going to the place called Golgotha, just outside the walls of the city, to see two robbers and a man named Jesus of Nazareth, who are being crucified on crosses. The man Jesus calls himself the Son of God, and Pontius Pilate has sent him to be crucified because he claims to be the king of the Jews.”

Artaban knew instinctively that this is the king he had been searching for his whole life. Thus, he rushed to the scene. On the way he encountered a young girl being sold into slavery. She saw his royal robes and fell at his feet pleading with him to rescue her. His heart was moved and he gave away the last jewel for her ransom. Just then, darkness fell over the land and the earth shook, and great stones fell into the streets. One of them fell upon Artaban, crushing his head.

As he lay dying in the arms of the girl he had just ransomed, he cried out in a weak voice, “Three and thirty years I looked for thee, Lord, but I have never seen thy face nor ministered to thee!” Then a voice came from heaven, strong and kind, which said, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of my brothers or sisters, you did it to me.” Artaban’s face grew calm and peaceful. His long journey was ended. He had found his king!

This popular story powerfully presents the Epiphany message. The three magi of whom Saint Matthew speaks in his gospel brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, recognizing Jesus as priest, prophet, and king. Additionally, their presence in Bethlehem demonstrated how Christ was manifest to the nations. In a similar way, Artaban’s adventure showed that Christ calls us to manifest his glory to all nations. Artaban’s goodness and openness to all, even those he did not know, brought the face of Christ, namely the one he sought, to him. Additionally, those to whom he came, the poor and destitute, became Christ to him. Without realizing it, all his life he had been achieving his goal, to see the Christ Child. We, in turn, are challenged to be Christ to others; we must be ambassadors of the Lord.

God came to us in the form of Jesus so that we could come back to him. When we come to Christ, we are adopted into his family. We are also freed from the bondage of sin. That freedom has a purpose, which is being part of God’s plan for our lives. Our lives and the paths we take in life matter to God. We are to remember this when our lives seem aimless and without direction.

The church was unknown in the Old Testament and the Gospels. It wasn’t fully revealed until the events in Acts 2 occurred, especially the events that happened on the Day of Pentecost. It was not fully explained until Paul began his mission. The heart and soul of the mystery of the church is that Jews and Gentiles are joined into one body. The Gentiles are fellow heirs with the Jews, fellow members of God’s household, and fellow partakers of the promise of salvation for everyone. This process started with the visit of the Magi, but it was not fully realized until Peter preached to and baptized the Roman centurion Cornelius and his family.

Paul was the apostle, teacher and preacher to the Gentiles. The sufferings he experienced during his ministry were on their behalf, just like Jesus’ suffering and death were for everyone-both Jews and Gentiles. There are times when we as Christians will suffer for our faith like Paul, Christ and the disciples did. When we praise God, especially when we suffer, it forces us to keep our eyes on him and lifts us out of the pain of our suffering. It allows us to see clearly how God works in and through all believers to change something that is evil into something that is good. That does not mean that God causes pain and suffering. It means that God is with us and that he can use our suffering for his purposes.

Paul’s calling to preach to the Gentiles was the disposition of God’s grace. God not only appointed Paul a minister of the Gospel to the Gentiles through grace, but anointed him with power. This verified Paul’s apostleship-an amazing thing considering that Paul so violently persecuted the church previously.

Christ came to unite Jews and Gentiles into one body of believers through the Gospel. Christ revealed the mystery to Paul on the road to Damascus and at other times during his ministry. The purpose of his ministry was of interest to angels, especially since they rejoice when a sinner repents.

The mystery is made known to us through both God’s direct intervention in our lives and through Scripture. This revelation is a gift for everyone, whereas until Christ was born it was seen only as a gift to the people of Israel. We are to share the promise with everyone.

If we enlarge our horizons, our theology will not be restricted to a denominational understanding but will affirm the ecumenical affirmations of the Christian faith centered in Jesus Christ. To be sure, we ought to preserve the best in our own theological tradition, but admittedly we do not possess the whole truth. We can learn from one another, and as we dialogue we sharpen our basic convictions.

In order to share the gift, we have to use the gifts God has given us. Some of us have the gift of preaching and teaching. Some of us have the gift of singing. Others have the gift of leadership, and still others have the gift of just being able to talk to other people and share what God has done for them in their lives. We know what our gifts are, but we also know our limitations. We don’t have to worry, because God will make up for our limitations.

God created the church to be a public testimony to his grace-a place where anyone (both Jews and Gentiles) can go to receive a constant flow of mercy, and a place to hear the message of the Gospel. Yet the church not only declares the truth to humanity; God also designed the church to display the truth to angels.

The church is called to be a house of prayer. God’s people don’t need a priest to be a mediator to approach him, as was required in the Old Testament. Jews and Gentiles both have full access to God through Jesus.

Within the church there are to be no divisions due to race, spiritual or social reasons. Faith gives us free and unlimited access to God. When we place our trust in God, it opens the way for us to communicate with and have fellowship with him at any time and in any place. Anyone and everyone can come to him. We can do so because of God’s grace.

God wants everyone to see and share his wisdom. It’s up to us to make certain that this happens. Sometimes we can’t see that Christ came for everyone and can use everyone. We need to share our gifts and burdens just like Christ shared himself with everyone-both Jews and Gentiles. We are to spread the Good News to a world that desperately needs to hear it. When we spread the Good News, we are to share it with everyone, because Christ came for everyone-and that is the greatest gift that everyone can give and receive.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, NKJV (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; pp. 1642-1643)
2. Preaching Magazine, November/December 2015 (Nashville, TN: Salem Publishing Inc.; p. 65)
3. ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.
4. Dunnam, M.D. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 31: Galatians/Ephesians/Philippians/Colossians/Philemon (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982; pgs. 175-182)
5. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, NASV (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)
6. Don Ruhl, “Our Job: Make People See the Manifold Wisdom of God.” Retrieved from comment-reply@wordpress.com
7. Michael Youssef, Ph.D., “Moments of Weakness.” Retrieved from mydevotional@leadingtheway.org
8. Joni Eareckson Tada, “Let Me Not Shrink.” Retrieved from communications@joniandfriends.org
9. R.C. Sproul, “Answering the Ultimate Question.” Retrieved from Corsswalk@crosswalkmail.com
10. Pastor Bob Coy, “Access-able.” Retrieved from activeword.org
11. Don Ruhl, “The Privilege of Sharing the Preaching of Christ.” Retrieved from comment-reply@wordpress.com
12. Richard Hasler, “Enlarge Your Horizons.” Retrieved from http://sermons.com/sermon/enlarge-your-horizons/14228
13. Richard Gribble, “Ambassadors of the Lord.” Retrieved from http://sermons.com/sermons/ambassadors-of-the-lord/1467337

Good morning boys and girls!

Did you have a good Christmas? Did you get lots of gifts?

Did any of you go on a trip over Christmas?  How did you get there? Did you have to get directions? How did you get them? Did you ask someone? Did you go online and get directions? Did your parents use a GPS system or a map?

A long time ago there were some people who went on a journey. Can anyone guess who they were? They were the Three Wise Men. Let me tell you the story.

The Wise Men didn’t have a map or the Internet or a GPS system. They had something even better to guide them. They had a star.

Bibliography

1. “Seeking the Saviour.” Retrieved from sermons4kids.com

A birth is a great adventure. it doesn’t matter if it’s the Messiah’s birth, our birth, or the birth of one of our children. Birth is a great mystery, and God is the giver of that life. At Christmas time, we celebrate the mystery of the greatest birth of all-the birth of Jesus.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, deity invaded humanity, eternity invaded time, and royalty invaded poverty. From the time He was born, Jesus identified with the common people-people who lived lives of holiness, humanity and dependence. God chose the least of all cities-Bethlehem-to host the birth of His Son, and He chose the least of society-shepherds-as the first witnesses. Shepherds were considered ceremoniously unclean because they invariably had to engage in financial transactions with the Gentiles; therefore, they were not allowed to worship in the temple. Nor were they allowed to testify in court, because they were considered unreliable witnesses. When God chose to announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds with his contingent of angels, He made his point clear: Everyone is loved by God, everyone has access to God, and everyone is desired by God.

The Glory of the Lord appeared for the first time in centuries in, of all places, an open field populated by shepherds. Mary, Zacharias and the shepherds were all in the will of God, going about their daily duties, when the supernatural broke in. Although greatly afraid in the moment, these witnesses ultimately experienced deep joy.

The phrase “do not be afraid” was a standard admonition on the heels of an epiphany, which is a brief but direct encounter with God. It was also a message for that time in history, for the anxious and restless nation of Israel had been without a word from the Lord for 400 years. The people toiled under the heavy yoke of the Roman Empire, understanding that if they did not submit, they would be destroyed. Jesus was born at a time when a message of great joy was particularly needed.

God took on flesh in the midst of a forced government relocation. He was born in a town so crowded that a feeding trough was all that was open. No one attended His birth. Lowly shepherds were the first visitors. We can’t remake Christ’s birth in our own image. Sure, compared to some people at that time the Holy Family had sufficient housing and a well-made bed, but if we emphasize the fact that they were better off compared to a lot of people then and now, we lose the importance of Christ’s birth. He was born among the lowly, not among the high, mighty and powerful.

The Jewish people of the day longed for a Saviour, but they expected Him to free them from Roman rule. The angels’ message meant something far more important: Jesus had come to reconcile humanity to Himself. People want to be saved from many things such as bad marriages, debts and others’ sins, but He came to save individuals from their own sin.

Today, we need a Saviour who can restore us and get us back on track. That Saviour came on that first Christmas Eve, and He is willing and able to come to us today. The shepherds recognized Him and worshipped Him. Those who recognize and worship Him today have nothing to fear in either this world or the next.

The angels’ message contained three components: a song of praise, a song of peace, and a song of purpose. The message of the gospel is that humanity is no longer an enemy of the Almighty; God’s Son has torn down those barriers. This message of peace was entrusted to shepherds-a hated class of people who were outcasts from society. They weren’t allowed to testify in a court of law. God gave the message of Christ’s birth to amateur peacemakers. This message is still being heard today.

At the world’s first evangelical service, the shepherds were the congregation, the herald angels were the preachers, the announcement was the gospel in all its beauty, and the invitation was responded to by everyone who heard it. The shepherds carried out the angels’ instructions and then became preachers themselves when they returned, glorifying and praising God.

News this good must not be neglected and not held to ourselves alone. Everyone needs to hear because everyone needs that Saviour and in every case, when received by faith, Jesus delivers his wonderful salvation-forgiveness of sins. eternal life and a right, living relationship with God.

In more than a few past wars, the warring nations would call a cease-fire for Christmas Day. They would agree that on Christmas Day they wouldn’t shoot at each other, drop bombs, or try to destroy one another. Then, of course, the day after Christmas they would start killing each other again. Jesus’ birth brought peace-not the abolition of war, but a different kind of peace. It is the peace for everyone who receives God’s good pleasure. This peace will come when we give glory to God in the highest.

As strange as that custom has been, in a wonderful way it is a mute testimony to the purpose for which Christ came-to bring peace. That was the message the angels proclaimed. Because of Christmas, there will come a time when everyone will acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. Jesus came to die to show the depth and breadth of God’s love for us.

Sin means missing the mark of God’s perfection. Because we have missed that mark, we have been separated from God. Jesus came to defeat death so that we, who are hopeless without Him, could experience love, forgiveness and freedom. Jesus came to reconcile us to God. That reconciliation brings God’s peace.

Jesus reconciles us to God. He counteracts the evil forces that divide society. We need to make peace with God, our neighbours and ourselves. God’s peace is a gift to those who are the objects of His pleasure. How blessed would we be if we took our troubles to Christ-who was born, lived, suffered, died and rose again so our lives might be changed. Even now, Jesus is speaking words of reconciliation between a lost humanity and God. The Christ child in the manger is an indication of the great lengths God will go to reconcile us to Him.

There is nothing we can do to receive God’s peace. He lived the perfect life we can’t live. He gave his life to free us from the curse of sin. When we humble ourselves, confess our sins and trust Jesus as our Saviour, God is pleased with us.

Jesus came to fix our broken world and mend our broken lives. Jesus also brought joy. Joy came because He gave the Holy Spirit to those who follow Him. That joy came because of the peace Jesus brought and the lives He mends.

How do we please God? It is only through Jesus Christ, only through the way of reconciliation He has made available to us. If we want to be reconciled to God and reconciled to others, then it must be through Christ.

Do you need some reasons for celebrating Jesus’ birth? Here are some ways that can help us move from survival to celebration:

1. We can celebrate because Jesus was born to save us.
2. Because of Jesus, we can celebrate that we don’t have to pay for the sickness of our sins.
3. Because of Jesus, we can celebrate that we have God’s presence in our lives and we have access to His power.
4. Because of Jesus, we can celebrate that we have a place waiting for us in heaven.
5. Because of Jesus, we can celebrate that while we’re living here we can keep growing to be more like Him.
6. Because of Jesus, we have peace-the peace that passes all understanding.

On earth, peace will come, because when the heart has only one aim to follow, it is delivered from dividing and distracting cares. It will come because the glory of God is so lofty an aim that it lifts the soul into the atmosphere of the heavenly and eternal world where peace reigns unbroken. It will come because we are not greatly troubled by the reverses and alternations of fortune that are incident to all work in this world, since the main object of spending eternity in heaven is always secure and beyond fear of failure.

It seems that in our secular world there is less and less room for Jesus. In fact, a growing number of people won’t even allow Jesus to stay with the animals. They want Him out of everything we can possible think of, including Christmas celebrations.

Is there room in your heart for the Lord Jesus? How often has Jesus tried to touch our lives through a circumstance or a tragedy, or even an incredible blessing? Do we say, “I’m sorry, there’s no room,” or, “Just sit over there in the corner and I’ll let you know when I’m ready for you.” Have we prepared room for Him in our hearts? Have we received Him and let Him be King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

God came to save us from a dark past, an empty present and a hopeless future. He brought hope in the dark places of His time, and He brings hope to the dark places of our lives today. Will we let His light shine in the darkest places of our lives? When we receive God’s special gift, our past is forgiven, we have a new purpose in life, and we have a home that is prepared for us in heaven.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible: New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p.1386-1387)
2. Larsen, B. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 26: Luke (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1983; pp. 47-54)
3. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)
4. Pastor Ken Klaus, “Stolen Valor.” Retrieved from lh_min@lhm.org
5. Jill Carattini, “Imagining Christmas.” Retrieved from slice@sliceofinfinity.org
6. Pastor Ken Klaus, “Peace Among Those With Whom He is Pleased.” Retrieved from lh_min@lhm.org
7. Pastor Ken Klaus, “A Living Nativity.” Retrieved form lh_min@lhm.org
8. David Jeremiah, “Celebrate His Love.” Retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com
9. Pastor Ken Klaus, “Not the Way I Would Have Done It.” Retrieved from lh_min@lhm.org
10. Pastor Dick Woodward, “Great Joy for All People.” Retrieved from Crossswalk@crosswalkmail.com
11. Sharon Jaynes, “What About Those Christmas Carols?” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
12. Gwen Smith, “From Cradle to the Cross.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
13. Pastor Greg Laurie, “What Message Did the Angels Bring?” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
14. Doug Fields, “Christmas: Survive or Celebrate?” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com
15. David Jeremiah, “A Humble Birth.” Retrieved from turningpoint@davidjeremiah.org
16. Ed Young, “Worship Like Angels.” Retrieved from ministry@winningwalk.org.
17. The Rev. Canon Lee Curtis, “Christmas Eve (B): Flat Jesus.” Retrieved from comment-reply@wordpress.com
18. Ed Young, “Watching Sheep Sleep.” Retrieved from ministry@winningwalk.org
19. Jeff Schreve, “Has the Grinch Stolen Your Christmas?” Retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com
20. Ralph Douglas West, “Hope for the Hopeless.” Retrieved from pas@ralphdouglaswestministries.org
21. Ed Young, “Don’t Leave This Gift Unwrapped.” Retrieved from ministry@winningwalk.org
22. Ed Young, “Make Room in Your Heart for Jesus.” Retrieved from ministry@winningwalk.org.
23. The Right Reverend Charlie Masters, “Advent 2018 Letter from Bishop Charlie.” Retrieved from admin@anglicannetwork.ca

Have you ever heard of the old saying, “Good things come to those who wait”? If so, the story of Simeon, Anna and the baby Jesus in the temple in Luke 2:22-40 is a good example. The coming of Christ involved all manner of waiting on God. A young maiden, a dying man and an old widow all model hearts yielded to God.

The tale of Simeon and Anna is a tale of grace. Anna’s name means “grace”, an early reminder by Luke that his gospel is a story of God’s free gift of self to us through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Simeon and Anna are recognized and graced by God. That is why the aged Simeon, over a long period of waiting and from the numerous children brought to the temple recognized God’s salvation in Christ.

Simeon and Anna waited for years for the coming of the Messiah. In Simeon’s case, the centre of his joy was the privilege of being God’s servant, and in return, God let him see the salvation of the world as it dawned. Simeon saw the baby Jesus as the fulfillment of all the hopes and dreams of the Jewish people throughout the years. In the Old Testament, God promised Moses that a prophet would come who would be unlike any other prophet. God promised David a son who would reign forever. God told Isaiah that a son would be born of a virgin and he would be called Emmanuel-God with us. The prophet Micah predicted that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

Anna was an eighty-year-old widow who stayed close to the temple and served God through fasting and praying. In return, God blessed her by allowing her to see the Saviour of the world as a tiny, newborn baby. God fulfilled the promise he made to Simeon that he would not die before he saw the Messiah. When God fulfilled that promise, Simeon uttered the words that are part of the funeral liturgy in the Anglican Church-the Song of Simeon, also known as the Nunc Dimittis- “O Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which hath been since the world began”.

Simeon and Anna are symbolic and representative figures. The world has never been without people like them, people with a forward look in whom there burned a great hope, people on tiptoe, the flame of freedom in their souls, the light of knowledge in their eyes, living in hope and expectation that a great day was coming when wrong would be righted, when justice would be done, when God would reveal his arm and bring salvation to mankind. One night over two thousand years ago, the Word became flesh in a baby born in Bethlehem. One day, it will become flesh again when Christ returns to set up his kingdom here on earth.

Simeon also told Mary of the suffering and death Jesus would have to endure for all of his people. Most people thought of the redemption of Jerusalem and God’s people in terms of freedom from Roman rule, but some had a vision of an even greater redemption-a vision of spiritual renewal. God’s salvation is for all of us, but not all of us will accept it, just like some people did not accept Christ and his teachings and salvation. Those who reject Christ are already condemned.

God’s salvation doesn’t mean that we will never suffer troubles, illness, rejection or death. It happened to Jesus. It happened to Mary. It will happen to us, but if we endure hardships with faith, we will have a great future. It takes faith to know a blessing from God. It is the joy of celebrating God’s goodness in the midst of our chaotic, suffering world.

As life passes us by, how do we grow old in such a way to end well and finish awaiting Christ’s message, “Well done, good and faithful servant”? Since many of us will end our earthly pilgrimage alone with our spouse preceding us, how will we finish when we will be alone and old for some of those years? We are never too old, weak or sick to make a difference. Our attitude and behaviour will make a difference. Like Anna, God will guide us to share the story of Jesus with everyone we meet.

We have also been told of the coming Christ. Like Simeon and Anna, we are heirs of a promise. We are prompted by the same Spirit. We long to see the same face. To do so successfully, we must wait forwardly, patiently and vigilantly. When we look at Jesus’ face, we will know that it is time for us to repent and come home to our heavenly Father, just like Simeon knew it was time for him to go to his heavenly home when he saw the face of the baby Jesus.

We have just come through the season of Advent and Christmas, and during those seasons we, like Simeon and Anna, had to wait and prepare for the coming of the Messiah. God works in a time zone where a day is as a thousand years. For those who have walked the long road of faith, who have held the long cord of life in their hands and felt all of its frays and burrs, but also found it very sturdy, for those who have waited on the Lord while holding on for their lives, they have received the reward of joy

When our dreams don’t come true in a day, we, like Simeon and Anna, need to keep in mind that God is still at work. He is still wrapping the package. He is still preparing the gift to fit our needs. We need to pray, not just for the gift, but also for patience to wait for God’s unveiling. As we practice faith, hope, attentiveness, submission and patience, we see the Christ child.

Like Simeon, our eyes have seen God’s salvation. When we receive the bread and wine during Holy Communion, we are holding Christ’s very body and blood, which was nailed to the cross and poured out for our forgiveness. We have seen it with our own eyes and felt it with our own hands and on our tongues. Having been saved, we glorify God and depart in peace to share Christ’s salvation throughout the world.

 Bibliography

1. Stanley, Charles F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASB (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers: 2009)
2. “Jesus: The Consolation of Israel”. Retrieved from crosswalkmail.com
3. Pastor Bob Coy, “Anna”. Retrieved from crosswalkmail.com
4. Exegesis for Luke 2:22-40. Retrieved from sermonwriter.com
5. Pastor John Barnett, “Simeon and Anna: Single-Hearted Devotion”. Retrieved from dtbm.org
6. Phil Ware, “Heartlight Daily Verse”. Retrieved from crosswalkmail.com
7. Max Lucado, “Waiting Forwardly”. Retrieved from crosswalkmail.com
8. Jill Carattini, “Remember Me”. Retrieved from rzim.org/Slice
9. Jude Siciliano, O.P., “First Impressions: Feast of the Holy Family”. Retrieved from preacherexchange.org.
10. David Timms, “Sacred Waiting”. Retrieved from ChristianityToday.com/global/printer.html?/moi/2011/006.december/22.22.html
11. Jamieson-Fawcett-Brown Bible Commentary. Part of Lessonmaker Bible software package.
12. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary. Part of Lessonmaker Bible software package.
13. Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Part of Lessonmaker Bible software package.
14. ESV Study Bible. Part of Lessonmaker Bible software package.
15. MacArthur, John: MacArthur Study Bible, NASB (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006;2008)
16. Larson, Bruce; Ogilvie, Lloyd J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 26: Luke(Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc., 1983)
17. The Rev. Dr. Ozzie E. Smith. Jr. “A Sight for Certain Eyes”. Retrieved from day1.org/1125-sight_for_certain_eyes.print
18. The Rev. Beth Quick, Sermon 12-29-02. Retrieved from bethquick.com/sermon12-29-02.htm
19. The Rev. Dr. William K. Quick, “Seeing and Believing”. Retrieved from day1.org/702-seeing_and_believing.print.

Have you ever stumbled around in the dark-either at night or during a power outage? It’s not a very pleasant experience, is it?

Darkness is associated with a number of unpleasant things. When we are in the dark, we tend to move slowly or wander aimlessly. We tend to be scared in the dark, mainly because we can’t see the dangers that would be apparent if it were light. There is something about darkness that makes us scared.

We can also wander around in spiritual darkness. That darkness is caused by our lack of knowledge in or faith in Jesus. When we receive the Light of Christ, we don’t have to be afraid of darkness or evil. Christ will be with us. When we are faithful, we will be rewarded.

The prophet Isaiah wrote this passage during a time of spiritual darkness. Israel was at war with Assyria and was on the verge of being conquered because of their disobedience to God. Throw in a crop failure, no welfare system, an economy that relied solely on agriculture, no technology to preserve food and no system to distribute the food and the result is a very bleak situation.

For Isaiah, the answer to this crisis was God’s ability to intervene at a moment in history and accomplish his purpose for his people. Isaiah emphasized peace and the end of war-a plan that was appealing to a nation that had been eroded by warfare and strife. Isaiah’s vision for the people was to live in a world where God’s light would penetrate the darkness of sin.

Isaiah’s vision happened because of his faithfulness. God showed him the revelation of the future and the Messiah who was to be born. The Messiah would conquer death and would be the great light of hope that would shine on all of humanity. He will make His people more abundant, increase their joy and break the rods of their oppressors.

In the Bible, darkness points to both known ignorance and willful blindness. People are either lacking knowledge about God or they reject him or both. The seasons of Christmas and Epiphany point to the glory of God as revealed in Jesus’ birth in that humble Bethlehem manger. His birth was the dividing line between the age of darkness and the age of light.

Our world is full of darkness and sin. Our leaders sometimes make decisions that don’t make sense to us as Christians. They don’t trust God. We must not allow despair to overwhelm us. We are to live in the light of God’s presence. He is the deliverer, the ultimate agent at work in the world.

Isaiah speaks of the area of Galilee in the northern kingdom of Israel experiencing humiliation at the hands of the Assyrians. However, a time would come when a great light of salvation through the messianic King would dispel the dark gloom of judgment. When Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, the fulfillment of this prophecy was set in motion. Isaiah compares this King’s victory over Israel’s enemies to the day of Midian, when Gideon and his outnumbered Israelite army defeated the Midianites through God’s powerful intervention.

God’s light brings life, clarity and safety. It drives away gloom and brings hope. The deeper the darkness, the brighter the light. If you light a match in a deep cave, it is a torch. Those who live in darkness receive the shining light of Christ. When sin closes in on us, God sends His light into the world. Those who prefer flickers to flame won’t see the light. People who live in the dark yearn for bright light, and God will give it to them.

There will be no gloom or sorrow for those who are suffering or in bondage to sin. Those who suffer will be saved from the yoke of their oppression. Not even the darkest gloom of sin and despair can keep the light of God’s presence from shining, even on those who live in the darkness known as the shadow of death. That’s why we have “deathbed conversions.” That’s why the thief who hung on the cross beside Jesus repented. The light of God’s presence spreads to every corner of the earth. That light conquers death and sin. It provides comfort for those who suffer for their faith at the hands of those who prefer to live in the darkness of sin and evil.

Bibliography

1. Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013, pp. 890-891)
2. McKenna, D.L. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 17: Isaiah 1-39 (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1993; pp. 135-138)
3. MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)
4. Calvin Aardsma, “Light in Our Darkness.” Retrieved from thisistoday.net
5. Exegesis for Isaiah 9:1-4. Retrieved from lectionary.org
6. Amy Oder, “Commentary on Isaiah 9:1-4.” Retrieved from workingpreacher.org

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God”. This is John’s version of the nativity story. It doesn’t begin with shepherds and angels and a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. John’s nativity story takes us back to the beginning of creation and time, and it echoes the creation story in Genesis. In John’s Gospel, the very God who created the heavens and the earth and who breathed life into Adam was the same God who became flesh and lived among us. Jesus is the exact representation of God’s nature because he is God himself. This fulfills the purpose of John’s Gospel; namely, to prove that Jesus and God are one and the same.

Prior to Christ’s birth, there had been 400 years of silence since God spoke through the prophet Malachi. During this period of silence, the people were straining to hear a word from God, so God sent the Word. But first, he readied the world for the gospel. Because of the influence of Alexander the Great, the spreading of the Greek language made communication much easier. Also, because of the roads and general peace of the Roman Empire, missionaries could travel everywhere with less difficulty. Finally, with all of the Jews scattered throughout the Roman Empire, evangelists had many synagogues from which to preach the Good News throughout the known world.

The first Christians were Jewish, but the Gospel spread quickly to the Greeks, who knew nothing of the messiah or the fulfillment of prophecy. John had to translate these concepts into language that the Greeks could understand and appreciate. The Greek idea of “word” was “the mind of God”, or reasoning. In their minds, everything that exists was made by God. John is saying to the Greek world, “Jesus is the mind of God in human form”.

It is a concept that is so big our finite minds have difficulty understanding it. Jesus was in heaven with the Father and the Holy Spirit, but he came down to earth in the form of a human being. He walked among us and subjected himself to our human weaknesses even though he was God in human form. He walked on the earth for 33 years, but most people never even recognized him. They thought of him as being the carpenter’s son.

Whatever Jesus does, he does with grace. Whatever Jesus says, he says in truth. If we want to understand what God is like, all we have to do is look to Jesus. God came to us in Christ. When hostility and enmity exist, we can break the silence because of Christ and offer what God has offered us-a word of Grace. The true light came on the first Christmas-the light that shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it. This does not mean that darkness won’t attempt to overcome the light; however, its efforts will be unsuccessful because the light of God always prevails, even in the darkest hours of history.

Light equals life. The Light of Christ has come into our lives. Do we see it as a disturbance, or do we see it as the Light of life, like the shepherds did? This light brings peace, comfort, reconciliation and joy into our lives. The light came into the world where he could be seen and enlighten human understanding, but in spite of all that, the world failed to recognize him-did not understand him-rejected him-crucified him.

There is a story about two brothers, named Tom and John, whose father had died. He had willed the farm to the two of them to keep his sons together. It had not worked that way. John had married and lived in a small town with his family. Tom, who remained single, lived alone in the old farmhouse. “John is always preoccupied with his family,” Tom thought. “I do more than my share of the work.” He began to resent his brother. “Tom is always so grouchy,” thought John. “He is jealous of my wife and children.”

A wall of resentment built up between them. They would hardly speak to each other. They attended the same little church in town and sat on opposite sides of the nave during the Christmas Eve service. John was troubled because they had hardly acknowledged each other’s presence as they sat in church. On the way home John said to his wife, “Tom is alone and has no one to share Christmas. I know he won’t come here. Maybe we can take a warm dinner to him.” His wife prepared a delicious meal and John put it into a sleigh and started from the small town to the farmhouse in the country. Meanwhile, Tom, sitting alone, said to himself: “Life is too short for this. John is my only brother and he has it hard with his wife and family. I will load my wagon with wood for the fire and gifts for the children.” So he loaded his wagon and drove toward town.

Down in the valley between the farm and the town they met. They were silent for a moment and then they embraced with shouts of “Merry Christmas!!!!” Reconciliation took place at that moment, and the true light of Christmas was bright with a glow that could be seen for miles around.

In the Anglican Church, we do not have altar calls, spelled “A-L-T-A-R”, but Jesus always issues an altar call, spelled “A-L-T-E-R”. He calls on us to change our lives for a better fit. He calls on us to change habits that drag us down. He calls on us to read our Bibles and pray daily. He calls on us to help the less fortunate. By doing these things, we will shine the light of Christ and the light of this Christmas season on all of humanity throughout the year and draw others to him.

Bibliography

1. The Rev. Wm. McCord Thigpen, “Christmastide: A Reminder Where Our Hearts Belong”. Retrieved from day1.org
2. John Munro, “The Mystery and Mission of Christians”, Decision Magazine, Dec. 2010, pp. 30-33.
3. Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, NASV
4. Exegesis for John 1:1-18. Retrieved from sermonwriter.org.
5. Pastor Steve Molin, “Do You Like Beginnings?” Retrieved from sermonwriter.org
6. Pastor Steve Molin, “Alter Call” Retrieved from sermonwriter.org
7. Pastor Vince Gerhardy, “God Has a Word for You”. Retrieved from sermonwriter.org
8. Harold Sala, “The Incarnation”. Retrieved from www.guidelines.org
9. Jill Carattini, “To the World as We Know It”. Retrieved from rzim.org/Slice
10. Arthur J. Schoonveld, “Christmas Response”. Retrieved from thisistoday.net
11. Notes from Peter Anthony’s Bible Study on the Book of John, 2010-2011
12. Pastor Jim Collins, “Success Scripture of the Week: Dec. 20, 2009”. Retrieved from beyondpositivethinking.org
13. Anne Graham Lotz, “The Revelation of God”. Retrieved from angelministries.org
14. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary. Part of Wordsearch Bible software package
15. ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch Bible software package