John 20:11-18: But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb.  And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.  They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.”  Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus.  Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”  Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).  Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”  Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

What makes the celebration of Christmas so sweet is not just the baby in a manger, but the knowledge that this same human who took on flesh was Lord even at His birth. Even before His first breath God had a plan that would include resurrection from the dead. He knew that Jesus’ purpose was to defeat sin and death! Glory to God! Praise to Jesus. Just as angels announced His birth, so the angels were present as Mary peered into the empty tomb. As they sat there they must have wanted to shout out “He did it! He is alive! Instead they remained silent and let the spot light shine on the star of the event. As Jesus spoke to Mary she realized who it was. I pray that your response and mine will be much like Mary wanting to cling to our Savior. I pray we will not ever want to let go of Him in total praise and adoration. But just as Mary had a job to do, so do we. Our job is to go and make Him known. As we have walked through this advent I pray that we have all seen the Lord. I hope through the scriptures He has been made known. Now we are to stir others up to see, know and follow Him. What a great task, but it all started with a handful of followers. He can and will use you and me if we will allow Him to! Thank you for making this advent journey with us. May the Lord richly bless you in the year ahead.

Luke 2:6-7 “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”

This little snippet of scripture is so calming in that it suggests they were doing alright. As with the arrival of any baby, Jesus came in his own timing. There was no cozy nursery and cute outfits awaiting him. There was only father, mother, and baby. Close your eyes and try to picture it. Mary just delivered the Savior of the world and after wrapping him up to lie him down, I image she tried to get some rest as well. The simplicity of the mental picture I get is so frighteningly beautiful. I’m in favor of the modern conveniences that have come along for labor and afterwards when you bring baby home. I wouldn’t eagerly sign up to deliver in a barn. That part scares me. As the same time, this picture still holds beauty because God provided what they needed exactly when they needed it.

Like the scene we find here, your life may lack the fluff and frills but don’t for a moment think God has held out on you. He has provided what is most important, the purification of your soul. Thank you, God, for Your son. You have provided and he is enough!

Matt 2:13-14:  “Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt”

Unexpected interruptions! Don’t you just hate it when you have a plan and then unbeknownst to you God has a different plan. Mary and Joseph had finally settled into life with their small family when in the night an angel again interrupted Joseph’s dream and it set into motion a quick departure to Egypt. What followed must have broken Mary and Joseph’s heart as they heard reports of so many innocent lives taken because the king was looking for their child. In some ways it must have been comforting too to see how God had again taken care of them and provided a way of escape. Otherwise Jesus would have been one of the slain.

The lesson I take from this passage is to be sensitive to God’s leading. Joseph had learned to listen and respond to God’s leading. It is the same with us. If we listen to His guide we will move in step with Him and find ourselves protected and provided. We may still go through difficult things. I am sure the trip to Egypt was taxing especially for a young family, but it was lifesaving. Is God leading you to do something uncomfortable or even that doesn’t make sense? Listen to His voice and go where He sends.

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting 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 do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
31  that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

When driving in an unfamiliar place I am constantly looking for landmarks to reassure myself that I am on the right road and heading in the right direction. I wonder if Mary and Joseph found themselves in similar situations. I am sure their visit to the temple was a special time already. Taking God’s Son to the house of God for the first time probably was a little scary. I wonder if they anticipated anyone or everyone recognizing God’s Son. I wonder if they pondered the possibility of religious leaders taking Him and making a big scene. Did they see Jesus more an an ordinary child with little to no fan fare. I can’t imagine the smile or look on their face when the old saint spoke his words of affirmation over the child. Were they breathless, encouraged, hopeful. Was this the landmark or sign that they were on the right track in raising the Savior.

I am grateful for godly men and women who have been in my life to speak truth over me. I think of people like Mrs. Turner my first grade teacher or Mrs. Mo Southerland who taught me the books of the bible and paid me in Lemon Heads (candy). I am so grateful for youth pastors and music ministers like brother Bob Waldrip who took us on summer mission trips and choir tours. Each person I am sure was just trying to survive another youth outing, but what they poured into me has affected the lives of thousands that my life has affected. I guess the real challenge for today is to be mindful of who is around you and in the Spirit as we come into each day listening for God’s voice in our own lives we will then encourage and uplift many along the way. Be a Simeon and speak life into those looking for the spiritual landmarks along the way.

6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

A year ago today I stood in the hall way as my daughter in law gave birth to our first and only grandson. She had experienced a placental tear that the doctors had watched for months sending her to bed rest a month and a half before. The entire pregnancy had had its challenges and we were at the end of an exhausting day of labor. I had been chasing our 1 year old grand daughter around all evening finally getting her to lay down at midnight while we waited for her brother’s arrival. My husband and I had watched as doctors and nurses had run in and out of the room pushing carts with equipment on them preparing for the imminent arrival. We had prayed so hard and had friends and family interceding that this precious boy would be born healthy and that his mom would withstand the birthing process. As we waited my anxiety grew because the baby seemed to be struggling to exit the birth canal. FINALLY there was a tiny voice screaming out his arrival! I wept with joy and total relief to know he was finally here and both mother and child were healthy. There was still a flurry of activity as doctors and nurses ran in and out of the room, but he was healthy and so was she.
I stood there thinking, wondering really, how did Joseph feel when he heard Jesus’ first cry? Did he weep too? Were there moments that Mary and Joseph questioned the health of mother and or child? Was the labor long and arduous? Was Mary scared without her mother there? Did the angels attend the birth even without human awareness? Did God smile? So many thoughts! So thankful that we do know that after His birth his mom swaddled him and laid Him in the only bed available. Oh God, thank you so much for a young woman of faith who lived out what she believed. And for an earthly father that trusted his Heavenly Father to provide and take care of his new family.  Thank you Father for Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer.

Luke 2:17-20: And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

How have you responded to Jesus? In our reading today we get to see how a handful of people responded. The shepherds made known what the angels had said about the Christ child. They went and told that a Savior had been born. The people who heard what they said wondered. That is a wonderful term, “wondered” used by many in the south especially to mean they thought about it and even made some of they thoughts known. They probably questioned, “Do we believe the shepherds? Did they really see this or were they just drunk again? Standing out in a field with a bunch of sheep could certainly make the mind imagine things. What if they are right?” All of these questions. The things we don’t see if that they shepherds could have told them, “You don’t believe me? Come and see for yourself.” Yet His identity was not made known far and wide, so chances are few believed. Mary believed though and she treasured up all she was seeing and experiencing and thought about it often. The song “Mary Did You Know” predicts some of her thoughts. If you haven’t listened to it in the last few days, take time to listen and allow your mind to ponder what she might have been thinking.
The greatest question today is what will you do as a result of what you have seen and heard? I pray you will be like the shepherds and glorify and praise God for all you have seen and heard. Make Him known to all you see over the next week.

John 3:16-17:   “For God so the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

The term love is used frequently these days. We love a new hair style. We love chocolate. We love that new adorable puppy or kitten. Even when used appropriately love can be viewed in different ways. I love you if… I love you because… I love you in spite… So many attachments to this word and expression. When God said He loved the world it was so much deeper than any surface “like”. It was a selfless, all in Love. It was and is a love without attachments like I love you if or because. God’s love for us as seen through Jesus was the deepest love known to man. This love is defined by the fact that gave His Son to die for us though we were filthy dirty sinners who were much like a helpless baby, we could not even come close to a relationship with our sinless Savior. God’s love didn’t and doesn’t condemn, but it brings life and light to our dark lives. If I put a one-word tag on Christmas it would be LOVE because God loved us enough to send His only begotten Son so that we might have eternal life. We can’t be good enough to earn it or do enough acts of kindness. It is a gift to an undeserving people. I am thankful that when He said whoever, my name was a part of that list and so is yours.

8But of the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”
10And,
“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
11they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment,
12like a robe you will roll them up,
like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will have no end.”
13And to which of the angels has he ever said,
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

God wrote His own advent devotion today. He wants us to know that His Son is so much higher than the angels or any other created thing. Jesus reigns above all things created. Jesus loves righteousness and hates wickedness. Jesus laid the foundation of the heavens and earth. Let that sink in. All that the eye can see was created by Jesus! These created things, the heaven and earth will pass away, but Jesus will remain forever!!!! I wish the save the earth crowd could understand that we are to worship the Creator not the created. The heavens and the earth will wear out like a garment, Jesus will roll it up, but our Savior will be the same forever! It is almost like God is saying Jesus will do the clean up and at the end of the party here the party in Heaven will just begin. Today Jesus sits at the right hand of His Father and all enemies are placed under his feet! Glory to God!

“9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
When I was a child my mom taught me a little song:
Little Baby in a Manger, I love you,
Coming down to Earth a stranger, I love you,
Wise men saw the star and answered I love you,
Little baby in a manger I love you.
The song was childlike, but the truth was evident, Jesus, a baby born of humble stature was unknown by the very world He helped to create. He was there when God created all things, yet he chose to step down out of heaven to live a human life. Hence The Word became flesh and dwelt among us! When it says we have seen His glory it reminds me that His glory is all around. The sky, stars, moon, nature, all growing things all shout that a divine creator made them. The wise men saw the star and the glory of God. We too can look all around us and see God’s glory from the cry of a newborn child to the strength of a thunderstorm. His power and glory are evident. The wise men’s response was to worship. Religious leaders of Jesus’ day missed the whole event because they did not know Him and were not looking. Their response was to reject Him and eventually to put Him on a cross. He did not stay dead! He rose on the third day and that is why we have the right to become children of God!!!! We too must decide what to do about Jesus. Do we choose to worship Him or reject. The answer has eternal consequences.

16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

Do you remember when you first heard about Jesus? How did you respond?
When the shepherds heard the message from the angels they quickly went to find the family the angels had told them about. They searched and found them but more importantly they found Him. I wonder what they thought. How could this child be the Christ? Could He really be the one all of the prophecies were written about? A baby? And yet there must have been something special about this family because the shepherds left believing what they had been told.

I was told of a little boy who was playing the Inn keeper in a children’s play. He had rehearsed his lines over and over preparing to tell Mary and Joseph there was no room in the Inn. The night of the play the rambunctious little boy was struck by the truth that Jesus’ parents were turned away and denied a place to sleep. When it was his turn to say his line confirming there was no room in the Inn he said it with gusto “There is no room in the Inn.” He followed it with “but you can have my room.” The teacher nearly fell out of her chair, but the heart of the child speaks for itself. When you understand who Jesus really is it changes you, and when the shepherds heard and saw they too were changed.

How about you? Has Jesus changed you?