Advent|Dec.25th ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

December 25th! Day 25! Christmas Day!

In the middle of Christmas, somewhere between breakfast and gift giving, Sarah and I were able to read through Luke's account of Jesus' birth as a whole. It was great to see the whole story unfold once again, and to remember why we celebrate Christmas: Jesus!

What stood out to both of us, probably because we both love music a lot, was the singing involved. Apparently there may have been more singing then the text says, as some believe Mary's words of praise, Zechariah's prophecy and Simeon's blessing were actually sung. If this was true, couple those songs together with the angelic host singing of Jesus' birth and you have a good deal of singing in Jesus' birth account.

Doesn't this make sense though? Jesus was coming to rescue mankind from their sin! Why would this not be sung about? Who could stop the praise from happening? Heaven was breaking into the world that we know, and why not break in with music and singing? Why not create in hearts a new song? Why not give men a song to sing about for ages and ages to come?

Have you noticed that Christmas is probably the only time that the world begins to sing. They may not always be singing about Christ and His coming (often times it's about Santa and his reindeer), but this is one of the only times people "sing in" the holiday. The same is just not the case for other holidays such as Thanksgiving, Halloween (All Hollow's Eve), Easter and others.

And the songs continue to be written. We sing hymn after hymn of Christmas music. We have artists creating new Christmas songs. We have old hymns done in a new way. In many of these hymns there are amazing words! So, on the last day of Advent I thought it would be fitting to share the words of one of our most favorite Christmas songs, words that tell of all that Jesus' coming accomplished!

O Holy Night

....Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

...The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother.
And in His name all oppression shall cease.

...Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!


You can listen to Folk Angel's rendition of this song HERE.

If you're into history like I am you will find the original poem most encouraging and powerful. Below is the English translation of "Midnight Christians" from the French poet Placide Cappeau (1808-1877), the words to which "O Holy Night" is adapted from.

Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour,

When God as man descended unto us

To erase the stain of original sin

And to end the wrath of His Father.

The entire world thrills with hope

On this night that gives it a Savior.

People kneel down, wait for your deliverance.

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

May the ardent light of our Faith

Guide us all to the cradle of the infant,

As in ancient times a brilliant star

Guided the Oriental kings there.

The King of Kings was born in a humble manger;

O mighty ones of today, proud of your greatness,

It is to your pride that God preaches.

Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

Bow your heads before the Redeemer!

The Redeemer has broken every bond:

The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.

He sees a brother where there was only a slave,

Love unites those that iron had chained.

Who will tell Him of our gratitude,

For all of us He is born, He suffers and dies.

People stand up! Sing of your deliverance,

Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer,

Christmas, Christmas, sing of the Redeemer!

Advent|Dec.24th ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

December 24th! Day 24! One more day till Christmas!

Will tomorrow be a day that Sarah and I celebrate Jesus, or a day we ignore Him for many other distractions going on? In the second part of John's account of Jesus' coming, which we read today, John answers this question in what he writes to the people of his time.


"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us... He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."
                                                                                                    John 1:14, 10-13

The truth is, many in the world and many within Jesus' own community despised Him, rejecting Him and His message. They did not want to hear Jesus' words...

But Jesus' message was to bring joy and hope and laughter, inviting all to come to Him for life. Instead, His message offended a lot of people. The world did not know Him, ...and His own people did not receive Him (v. 10-11) For the irreligious, they didn't want to be told that they were in rebellion, since they were proud of their own achievements. For the religious, they didn't want to be told that they couldn't clean themselves up, since they were proud of their own righteousness. 

But Jesus came with good news to all! For the rebellious who run away, He was the good shepherd who would come after them; and for the morally good who didn't think they needed help, He was their freedom from constant failure and guilt. 

Jesus still calls out, "To all who receive Me..." (v. 12)

Everyone needs a Savior; everyone needs forgiveness from their sin. His message is not exclusive but inclusive. To all who receive Him! This promise isn't temporal, unreliable or mysterious. It doesn't come from a man but from God. He has promised and He will make it come to pass. Receive Him today and become a child of God, a son or daughter of the King of kings :-)
 
By God's grace alone Sarah and I have received Jesus, so tomorrow will be a day we celebrate His coming! Our hearts will be filled with great gratitude for all that He has done and continues to do for us!  

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
                                                                                                        Colossians 1:15-20


 

Advent|Dec.23rd ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

December 23rd! Day 23! Two more days till Christmas!

Because of the small break Sarah and I got, we were able to spend some time in the morning these last few days doing our Advent reading before the day started (a nice holiday break always has some great perks). It was great getting the extra time in the morning to be with the Lord. 

Today's reading came from John's account of Jesus' birth. I guess if you could compare readings, Matthew and Luke zoom in to the trees of the forest, giving the reader every detail. John's perspective comes from one who has zoomed out and sees the whole forest. He tells the reader the bigger picture of why Jesus came. This too is just as important, and why I wanted to make sure Sarah and I read through it.

    "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..."   
                                                                                                                                 (John 1:1-5, 14)

 Jesus Christ, the God-man, existed before time even began. He was with God the Father from the beginning, making all things created by the word of His mouth. He brought things to life as the Bread of Life. He brought light into the darkness as the Light of the World.This Jesus, who existed with God from the beginning decided to humble Himself, enter into our world and become man! 

   " ...(Jesus) who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
                                                                                                                                 (Philippians 2:6-11)

This very passage describes what is so shocking about the Advent story, about God's Story. God, who created everything in the universe, entered into our world to rescue us! He left His glories to be born a man and walk upon this broken world, and to love and bring back to life sinners lost in darkness.

The beautiful thing about all of this is in verse 5, "and the darkness has not overcome it." Jesus' victory over Satan, sin and death is final. There is no more that needs to be done. He has rescued His kids, He has finished His mission, and He will one day call us home. His first coming paved the way for Him to come again, and to reclaim what is rightfully His :-) This is why God has given Jesus the name above every name, so that at His name every knee will bow and every tongue will confess, "He is Lord!"




 

Advent|Dec.22nd ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Day 22! December 22nd! Three days till Christmas!

After getting up, packing and safely traveling down to Hood River, Oregon, Sarah and I got to end the day reading the final words from Luke's account of Jesus' birth.

"And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him." Luke 2:39-40

Jesus returned to Nazareth, a humble town a few days journey north of Jerusalem. It wasn't a popular town, it wasn't noted for much of anything. In fact, the saying was thrown around by some, "can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Apparently it wasn't a place you would assume the Son of God to be raised, but He was. This was His town. He knew the people, the places, the culture and community.

 Jesus grew up like all of us. He learned wisdom, made decisions about life, money, finances and more. He was a carpenter, with strong, skilled hands. He understood the value of working hard at something, and also found that things fall apart and break. He understood that work was hard, difficult and frustrating. But in all of his growing up years He never sinned. He never lied, never became jealous, never showed disrespect, never committed any of the sins we commit. As my sister put it so well in her own blog, "the King of kings and Lord of lords came as a servant... He grew weary, but never impatient; tired but never irritable; accused but never defensive..." He was God's Son, perfect Son, sinless Son, sent to grow up in Nazareth, a small town noted for nothing. Yet, here He was, sent to save His people from their sin.

Sadly however, we find out through reading John 1:11 that His own people did not receive Him. Luke also records this as well, as Jesus prophecies to His own town.  The good news would not sink into the hearts of His own people in the synagogue, but others far away and far removed from Nazareth This set Nazareth ablaze with anger towards Him, and His own words became true that day, "Truly, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown." (Luke 4:24, 28-30)

This is why it was vital for Jesus to know one thing amidst all of this: God's favor was upon Him. (v. 40) This kept Him going, this gave Jesus boldness, courage, hope and perseverance. This is how Jesus was able to live for 33 years and then die a bloody death for our sins on the cross. He knew He was doing His Father's will. He knew God was smiling down on Him in approval. He knew that He was completely loved by God. God's grace was upon His Son, from day one! This is how He continued on, when his own people rejected Him.

Do you know that this is true for you and I? In Jesus Christ, God is smiling down at you in approval. In Jesus Christ, God completely loves you and will never love you less. In Jesus Christ, God is for you and will see your life to completion! This is how Sarah and I can continue on, even if everything else is up in the air, mysterious, and unknown. What a peace and rest this brings during a season that promises peace from everything else but Jesus. May you cling to Jesus this Christmas and find your identity, value and worth is secure in Him!

"For our sake he made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21

Advent|Dec.21st ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

Day 21! December 21st! Four more days till Christmas!

After a late night wedding Sarah and I went to bed reading a little of Luke. Of course, I couldn't blog right then and there, but waited till Saturday :-)

Our reading from Thursday continued on with the story of Anna, but turned to the redemption of Israel.

"...She (Anna) did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem." Luke 2:36-38

Anna comes up to the temple and what does she see? Baby Jesus, the promised Messiah, the Redeemer, the King! What a day that must have been for her! Did she know ahead of time? Did she see this day coming? Did she know that today was the day? Salvation for Jerusalem and for all of Israel was finally here! But what kind of salvation was everyone hoping for?

If she had lived much longer she would have seen that the salvation she was speaking of did not happen through politics and war and bloodshed. This was not a physical kingdom that Jesus had now come to start. Jesus had an entirely different mission than this, for this time. He didn't come to win votes but to win hearts. He didn't come to build a house in Jerusalem, but a house in people's hearts. He did not come the first time to right everything wrong in the world, but to right everything wrong in the heart. 

Jesus' redemption of Jerusalem would begin with the people of Jerusalem before He would ever start on the land itself. He was here to change hearts and create a people of His own. This is still how Jesus is working to this day. His message is aimed and directed toward my heart and your heart. He is not seeking for those who do all the right things, or look changed on the outside. Jesus turns His love and affection toward the broken and contrite heart; the heart that confesses and believes. Sarah and I know this with all of our hearts, and we want the whole world to know this too, starting with Seattle.

"... a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
                                                                                                       Psalm 51:17

"... if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
                                                                                                       Romans 10:9-10

Would you be one of those today who gets to experience the redemption that Jesus brought? Will you turn to Him, confess your sins and receive His grace and forgiveness. Jesus can be your Salvation, your Redeemer, today :-)

Advent|Dec.20th ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

Day 20! December 20th! Five more days till Christmas :-)

This was a special day for Sarah and I. We got to take a night off and have a little date in the middle of a busy week. We got to read the Advent, open a few early gifts and look ahead in excitement for our friends' wedding on Friday! 

Our reading from Thursday continued on with the story of Anna, but turned to the thought of her age.

"...She (Anna) was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem." Luke 2:36-38

Can you guess how old Anna was at this time? I don't know if I could give you the exact number myself, but the truth is: she was older than 84! I guess what I would like to ask her is: how long had she been at the temple, fasting and praying and serving the Lord? This is the question I would ask her if I could. What would you want to ask her?

What a long life for Anna the prophetess. How many prophecies had she told that had come true? What were they about? What kind of reputation had this older woman gotten from those around her? Did they all stop and listen when she spoke? Did she speak only ever so often? Was she more commonly known as a quiet woman around the temple? So many questions to ask....

I guess the phrase that speaks to her old age and the attitude of her heart is verse 38, "...to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem." She was just one of many who were waiting for the Redeemer to come. She had been waiting at least 84 years now! What struck for Sarah and I was the faithfulness to God that Anna exemplified, even into her old years. She loved Him with her whole heart and she knew of the prophecies that a Redeemer would come; so she waited... and waited... and waited... and when she thought she couldn't keep waiting, she waited some more...

And at last, at an old age she gets to see the promise of God fulfilled! The only thing that mattered to Anna, the one prophecy that she probably told to anyone who would listen, was actually happening right before her eyes. The redeemer of Jerusalem was finally here! God had come to save His people!

What about my heart? Do I get as excited as Anna got knowing the Redeemer has come? What about God's future promise that my Redeemer is coming again? Will I trust in God no matter what, even if I live to be 84? I pray the answer is a resounding, "Yes!" I pray that for both Sarah and I, as we remember His first coming. May God give us the grace to be faithful to His future promise as well, that He is alive and He is coming again!

Advent|Dec.19th ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

Day 19! December 19th!

Sarah and I enjoyed reading through the final sections of Luke's Advent story. After Simeon's blessing came Anna.

"And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day." Luke 2: 36-37

Here was Anna, of the tribe of Asher, one of the sons of Jacob. Her name would have been known in the temple through her connection with this wealthy tribe, Asher. I'm sure men would have been whispering, "There goes Anna," "Do you see her over there? That's Anna, the prophetess."

It seems that Anna, being a women amidst a lot of men, would have gone unnoticed. But she was a female prophet, a very distinguished gift that wasn't exhibited in many women in those days. As one of the older individuals in the temple, she would have been respected and revered, mostly known through what she said when she spoke. 

What I love about Luke's account of Anna, is that he zooms in on what she does privately vs. what she does publicly. Anna worships her God through prayer and fasting. She withholds from food to have more of God. She withholds from filling up her day with too many things and instead spends more time in prayer with God. God was worth so much more to her than other things, and because He satisfied her she was willing to do without other things. I think we can learn much from Anna in how she worshiped her God. 

What is worth cutting out to have more of God? What are we willing to do without to enjoy more of God? What are we willing to say no to so that we have enough time to rest and enjoy being with the Lord? These should be good things to ponder, since the end result is more time with God! This is what Sarah and I want, because we do know that He does satisfy our souls! Anna, Mary and many others understood this as well.

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

Advent|Dec.18th ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

 December 18th! Day 18!

Today's reading came from Luke 2:33-35.

    "And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 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 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.'"

Though many love to celebrate Christmas because it reminds them of Jesus' coming, many do not. Many have chosen to remove even Christmas from their vocabulary, possibly because it reminds them of Christ, the name found within the word. Plenty of other words have replaced Christmas, such as "seasons greetings," "happy holidays," "joyous holiday," "winter break," "best wishes," "warmest thoughts," and more. If the word Christ creates such a controversy these days, it can only be understood that the same was true for Jesus in His day. And it was.

Simeon's quote above reminded Sarah and I that Jesus wasn't accepted by everybody. Opposition and calamity and hardship were part of his life. He even warned those whom He called to follow Him that it wasn't going to be an easy road. There were no hotel overnights where he was traveling. No wealth and luxury. He even stated that many nights He would be found homeless and without a bed to sleep on. 

Even his own parents would have a hard time with him and his words. But that is what Jesus' ministry did. He was the God-man, sent to convict hearts and show everyone what they believed. This is what Jesus still does and continues to do. He reveals what is inside our hearts, whether we accept Him as our friend or reject Him as our enemy.

"...Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also)..."

This same dividing sword didn't just cut through Mary's soul a long time ago. It cuts through all of our souls. We all have to ask the same question. Is Jesus going to be my enemy or my friend? Will I trust in my own strength and believe my own truth? Will I reject His help and His salvation? Or will I trust in His words and trust that He has my best in mind? Do I know that I'm a sinner, helpless, lost, alone and in need of His salvation?

From one who has received Jesus as Savior, come to rescue me, I can say that He is worth it! Jesus is the only thing that truly satisfies my heart!

"If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you,'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." John 4:10

Advent|Dec.17th ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

 December 17th! Day 17!

Sarah and I enjoyed our night with a Christmas Party. Desserts, food, games and ugly sweaters was what filled the night. It was a great time to be with the church, enjoying gift giving and laughter. It's always a great highlight for the year!

 We were so tired and not in the best spirit after coming home, but the Word always brings us back to what matters, and what is true, even when our feelings may say otherwise. I have found this truth to be real and tangible many times. The light of the Word pierces my foggy darkness and reminds me of what is true. Here in Luke 2, Simeon reminds us that Light has now come! 

"'...a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.'" (v. 32)

Simeon's quote refers back to the time of Isaiah, when he spoke of Israel receiving glory and being justified (Isa 45:25). This is true of all who are changed by Jesus. They would receive Jesus, the Light that made all tarnished things shine with brilliance, all dull things become colorful, all mundane actions flourish with meaning! He was changing everything!

He would open the blind hearts of the Gentiles and bring brilliance and color and meaning into the tarnished hearts of Israel. What was lost would be found. What was religious and stale and stagnant would be given new life and vibrancy and power. Jesus was here and He was changing everything!! 

The Light of the world had now come, piercing through the darkness. He was opening the eyes of the blind, bringing light into dark minds and dark hearts. Rooms that were locked up and never touched were being opened, and the Light of Christ was shining in them. He was revealing truth to those who are stuck in lies; speaking to people in ways they had never been spoken to. He was changing people from the inside out!

The good news is this: that Jesus changes people from the inside out :-) Through Jesus, things that seem foggy and unclear can be made clear. Things that hide in the darkness, including sins in our own life, can be revealed by the Light.We can be changed from the inside out! Sarah and I have been witnesses of this truth, and we've seen it happening in our own lives. This is reason to celebrate this Christmas. The true Light has come to rescue us from our darkness!

Jesus has changed us, and He is changing others through us!

"I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness." John 12:46

Advent|Dec.16th ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

Day 16! December 16th! 

9 more days till Christmas!

What a great day Sarah and I had with our church today. The preaching made me want to keep hearing more and more of the Gospel and the good news contained in the Gospel. Our pastor spoke on family, and how the Gospel relates to parenting, and to the individual roles within the family: husband, wife, kids.

He highlighted that parenting can easily lean toward whatever the kid wants, or whatever the parents want, but both can fail. It's really about centering the life of the family around what God wants :-) It was so good!

As Sarah and I read through Luke 2:27-35, verses 27-31 stood out as key verses for the both of us.

"And he (Simeon) 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, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 'Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples...'"

What is so amazing about the coming of Jesus and His birth is that God chose to come for us! Jesus, Son of God, humbled Himself from His reign in heaven and came down in the form of a man, even a lowly baby. He was fully God and fully man, subjecting himself to the laws of the land. The verses above show us these things.

Mary and Joseph bring their new baby to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord. Here was Jesus, Son of God, in the humble body of a baby. What a surprise this family was in for! Mary and Joseph didn't know he would one day resurrect dead men, create food from nothing, calm the stormy seas. They didn't know he would walk on water, heal diseases, make the lame walk. They didn't know he was born to die on a cross for his own parents' sins. They probably had no idea who they were holding in their hands. 

But Simeon gave them a vision of it. This baby was "God's salvation," and God had prepared Him for His rescue mission. Prepared to be born a man, to live righteously as a man, and to die as a man, fulfilling the holy wrath of God against sin. The big picture of it all was that Jesus was born to die. It's a more solemn understanding of Jesus' reason and purpose for coming to earth, but it is also the best thing about Jesus' birth. The only one who could save us, God Himself, was here! Our Rescuer had come!

One of my favorite bands, Shane and Shane have sung about this truth, and I figure I would share it with you HERE. 

"...I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

Advent|Dec.15th ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

December 15th! Day 15!

It was good to have a day to spend time with my wife, talking about life and spiritual things and just getting to know my wife a little bit more :-) Marriage is a growing process, and a beautiful one at that (though not always easy). 

Today we got to focus on the character Simeon, particularly from Luke 2:25-32. The amazing thing about his story is that, here in Luke we see all three Persons of the Trinity mentioned within this short account. The Holy Spirit reveals to Simeon that he would not die until he saw Jesus. And then when He does finally meet Jesus here, as he's being led by the Spirit to do so, He lifts the baby up and blesses God in the process. The Spirit leads Simeon to Jesus, and Simeon blesses God for being a witness to "the Lord's Rescuer." (v. 26-28) Wow! 

What a cool thought that should make us all pause in wonder and amazement! At least Sarah and I did. All three Persons of the Trinity, God the Spirit, God the Son, and God the Father, are all here, present for the entrance of Jesus into the temple. Here was the light that would shine into the darkness of the world and bring truth. Here was the glory of Israel, the prophesied Rescuer whom they had been waiting for! All wrapped up in this newborn babe, Jesus the Son of God. And here was the Trinity, all together as One, celebrating as One, unified as One, confirming the Comforter of Israel had arrived :-)

There's another crucial point in Jesus' life where this same thing occurs again! Remember at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, at the age of 30. He comes to John the Baptist to be baptized and the Trinity is all fully present to celebrate and confirm that Jesus is the Son of God, Savior of the world. Matthew records this for us, "And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him; and behold a voice from heaven said, This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Matt 3:16-17)

What an awesome thing. To know the Trinity was all of the same mind about this rescue mission plan. They were all heralding the same message. Jesus was the Son of God, sent by God to bring salvation to all who would turn from their sins and believe in Him! He had finally come, He was here! And all of heaven had shown up to announce and participate in this great news!

  

Advent|Dec.14th ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

December 14th! Day 14!

Today Sarah and I focused on a small portion of Luke 2. "And at the end of eight days, when He was circumcised, He was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb" (v. 21).

What's in a name? We all have a name, and we all have a meaning tied to our names. Ironically, Paul means "small," which is quite fitting for me. My wife's name, Sarah, means "princess." We all have a name with a specific meaning. Sometimes it fits us well and speaks about who we are; sometimes it doesn't. :-)

Jesus' name had a meaning too. And back then, names were far more important, and their meaning meant everything! Jesus means, "The Lord rescues (saves)." What a fitting name! When people heard that Jesus was born, or that Jesus was coming to their town, or Jesus was preaching, they all understood His name had an important connection to all these things. He was born to rescue, born to speak of rescuing, born with the purpose of rescuing. And this name fit Him so well.

He did come to be a Rescuer. The Rescuer of mankind! He came to die in our place, pay the penalty for our sins and give us the gift of eternal life. When Jesus came to earth everything changed! This was why His name was so important to get right. This is why the angel announced to Mary what His name would be! Did you know that right now, if you believe in Jesus as your Rescuer who came to rescue you from your sins, your name is known by God? He has your name written down in His book. So a name is super important! Jesus' name was, and so is yours. 

"...rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:20

Advent|Dec.13th ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

December 13th! Day 13!

Sarah and I read from Luke 2:15-20: "When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us... And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them" (v. 15, 20).

Put yourself in the shoes of these shepherds. Did they know about a coming Savior? Did they think about God at all? Were they just shepherds who thought that the night would go on like every other night, quiet and uninterrupted? Imagine an angel appearing, and then a host of angels. The sight and the sounds! And the message! What about this good news? This great joy? What about a Savior being born? What would have been your reaction? What would you have done after all of that?

These shepherds went to see this Savior. And they went quickly! Maybe they left the sheep or left some of the shepherds behind. We don't quite know the details. All we do know is their initial reaction was to go and see. They believed what the angels had said and actively sought for this Savior; and after searching for Him they found Him! A baby, this crying baby in a manger, was the Savior? This was God's Son? Yes, and they believed!

The end of this reading shows what happened to the heart of these shepherds. After all they had heard and seen they were changed! Maybe they had been skeptical, certainly they were afraid. Now they had seen with their eyes and believed! Jesus was coming to bring peace on earth, He was the object of good news! They returned to their sheep with worshiping hearts, glorifying and praising God! That is the power of God. That is what Jesus came to do. He came to turn fearful shepherds into worshiping shepherds.

It reminds me of the words Jesus said when he was all grown up, "Blessed are those who have not seen me and yet still believe" (John 20:29). It reminds me that God's mission is to change hearts and make them worshipers of Him! Worshipers of His Son, Jesus!

"But the hour is coming, and now is here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him." John 4:23

Advent|Dec.12th ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

December 12! Day 12!

After attending Sarah's game of soccer with her coworkers, we were quite exhausted, but still wanting to finish the day off with the Word :-)

Our reading came from Luke 2:8-14. "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and 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 among those with whom He is pleased.'" (v. 10-14)

I love how the angels play a vital role in God's story. We notice them littered throughout Scripture, performing many different services for the Lord. Imagine them all in complete excitement when they announced this good news! The Son of God was coming to Earth! Jesus was coming on His rescue mission for us, and the angels were the first ones to announce it! "It is here! It is here! they all shouted. The time has come! The greatest thing ever is happening right now! 

Here an angel in particular is the first herald of good news. Good news of great joy that will be for all people (v. 8). Then suddenly thousands of angels appear singing aloud, "Glory to God! Glory to God! What a sound, what a symphony of voices that must have been! What a spectacle for these shepherds to experience. A concert to top all concerts! 

Sarah and I were both struck with the end of their message. Peace among those with whom He is pleased (v. 14). The mission of Jesus was to seek and save the lost, and to bring sinners back into relationship with God. He brought peace which passes all comprehension, the peace that comes from a reconciled relationship with God. 

Without Jesus I would have no hope, completely torn from God because of my sin. I would not have peace either, knowing that something was missing. Jesus came to change all of that! Through his life, death and resurrection, He conquered sin and brought back together what was torn apart. He has brought peace into this world, He has brought peace between me and God. This is the greatest news ever, and this is why the angels had so much to sing about!

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

Advent|Dec.11th ~ Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

December 11th! Day 11.

Tonight we spent time with our Capital Hill Community, looking at how the Gospel plays a huge role in singleness and marriage. It was a great time to be with the church, talking about life and truth.

Tonight Sarah and I read through Luke 2:1-7 "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered... And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child." (v. 4, 5)

What a trip this must have been for Joseph and Mary, his pregnant wife. It was probably very uncomfortable; probably felt longer than ever; and they were probably scared about whether the child would be coming during this trip or not. Though Joseph's plan was to head to Bethlehem for registering, God's plan was much greater (Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:5-6). Bethlehem would be the place where this child, the Son of God, would be born!

As Sarah and I read through this, we noticed the timing and way in which God orchestrated everything. Caesar Augustus "just so happened" to put out a decree that everyone needed to be registered. It "just so happened" that Joseph was from the line of David and had to register his family back in Bethlehem, his home town. It "just so happened" that Bethlehem was the town spoken of many hundreds of years before this as the place where Jesus would be born. It "just so happened" that while they were in Bethlehem registering for the census, Mary gave birth to Jesus! Of course, really none of these things were by accident. God was in complete control and His plans were unfolding just as He said they would :-)

Sarah and I love how that's always the case with God. He plans out everything and He makes it happen just as He plans. His plans are not always the easiest, as I'm sure Mary could have told you, but they are always the best plans. He is a good Father and always does what is best for His kids, even when the road ahead seems impossible or we think we have a better plan than God.

May we always trust that His plan is the best and be joyful about it, knowing He is in control of everything. For the best plan of all, the coming of our Savior, Jesus, was His idea! :-)

 "And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace..." Micah 5:4-5a

Advent|Dec.10th ~Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

December 10th! Day 10! Fifteen days to Christmas :-)

Tonight we were able to finish our day with the reading from Luke 1:46-56. Mary cries out to God in praise, and in this prayer we get to see Mary's heart.

"...for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.... He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty." (vv. 48, 51-53)

This passage got us talking about how different God's economy is from the world's, and how easy it is for Sarah and I to start believing what the world preaches at us. The world says that the most powerful, strongest, longest lasting, and better built will always win. It teaches us all to "look for the toughest, tallest, smartest, brightest, fastest, greatest, etc." Sadly, we often times get trapped into believing that this message is the truth. But God doesn't work like that. God isn't about those kinds of things, and Mary understood this :-)

Mary's song reminded Sarah and I and all of us in this world what God does, and whom He chooses to use in the unfolding of His story. God brings down the mighty and exalts those of humble character. He brings down the somebodies and lifts up the nobodies. Mary listened and obeyed His voice. She didn't have degrees or position or power, but she had a willing servant's heart.

God also fills the hungry. There are those who have nothing to their name, who know they are imperfect and broken, who know they need His help every day of their lives. They come knocking on His door night and day... and He fills them! He fills them with good things and they rejoice in His name! The hungry know who the Gift Giver is, they know how gracious God is. They are like Mary, this teenage girl who knew she had the best gift in the world: God!

May Sarah and I remember, when we think what the world thinks, that God lifts up those who are weak and fills up those who are hungry. He fills us up with good things, even the best thing we could ever have: the gift of His Son, Jesus! May we praise God for this, as Mary did so many years ago!

"But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word." Isaiah 66:2

Advent|Dec.9th ~ Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

December 9th! Day 9!

It's always the highlight of our day right now for Sarah and I to take a break, sit down and read the story of Christ's birth. Today's reading came out of Luke 1:39-45

"...'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!...And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.'" (vv. 42, 45)

It was one thing in that day and age to be called blessed from the Lord, and it was an entirely other thing for a woman to receive that kind of honor. Women were not honored in that culture, not considered of much importance at all. Jewish laws insisted they had to stay close to their husbands and close to their homes at all times. If they were to venture out into the public or to worship centers, they were called to wear a veil, showing their status to be below that of men. They were considered to be 'second-rate' worshipers, barely more important than the household servant.

But in this account written by Luke, both Elizabeth and Mary take center stage. Both of these women play some of the more important roles in all of Scripture. Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist, the prophesied forerunner and herald to the Son of God, Jesus. And God chooses Mary, this teenage girl, to be the mother of the Son of God! I don't think you could figure out a way to show more honor to women than this!

So yes, blessed is she who believed! Blessed are all who believe. Not because of how amazing the person is who believes, but because God has given His grace and His power to those who do believe! This, too, is amazing. Mary knew that people would start asking questions, they would start looking down on her, gossiping about her, creating stories that were not true. But none of that would deter her from obeying the word of the Lord. She welcomed His will instead of wishing some other girl was picked. Of course this woman should have been honored! Blessed among woman she was, and God let her know His favor was upon her through the words of Elizabeth.

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord, 

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. 

For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;"
Luke 1:47-48

John 1:12 "But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God,..."

Advent|Dec.8th ~ Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

Day 8! December 8th.

Today's reading came after the kindest of surprises from Sarah. An early Christmas present. We were able to go see the Nutcracker here in Seattle! It's art direction came from the same man who illustrated the popular children's story, Where the Wild Things Are. It was amazing, to say the least, and a great surprise gift from my beautiful bride :-)

As we continue on with our reading in Luke, Sarah and I think Luke 1:36-37 is important enough not to overlook. 

"'And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.' And Mary said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.'"

God does the impossible! He made Elizabeth, who was known in her whole town as barren, to have a baby boy. Imagine this woman who was despised and considered less than in her town, who thought she would never have kids to carry on her family's legacy, suddenly have her life completely changed! God came and visited her and opened up her womb to have a baby boy! And she believed He would do the impossible!

Imagine this teenage girl Mary, who was ready to be married to Joseph, suddenly receive word from God that she would give birth to His Son. She didn't run away, she didn't laugh, she didn't disbelieve. She said, "May it happen, just as you have said." She certainly had questions in her mind about how all this would happen, but she didn't doubt. She believed God could do the impossible!

Nothing will be impossible with God. Do Sarah and I believe this? Do we believe this, truly? Is this just  something we say with our mouth when we need to, or when we are called to give the 'right answer'? As Sarah and I grow in our marriage, we are always praying for this truth to grow in our hearts and be seen through our lives. God does do the impossible, and we have seen it with our very eyes! He has changed hearts that hated Him to hearts that love Him. He has given babies to women who have been told they will never have babies again. He makes two individuals, who were miles apart from each other, never knowing the other existed, come together in marriage, unifying the two into one. He has done the impossible and will continue to do the impossible. Do you believe it?

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Advent|Dec.7th ~ Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

Day 7! December 7th.

After a wonderfully cold night, including hot chocolate and the Figgy Pudding event in Downtown Seattle, as well as the Gingerbread Village in the warm Sheraton Hotel, Sarah and I came home to celebrate Advent and read through Scripture (this is our most favorite part of the day :-)

Today's reading came out of Luke 1:32-33. "He (Jesus) will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

If you can remember the records and readings from the Old Testament about the kings and rulers of those days, you will realize how different Jesus would be. Jesus wouldn't be like them at all! The kings of the Old Testament all reigned over the house of Jacob, but it was only for a short amount of time compared to the whole history of Israel. Some reigned for months, and some for only a few years. Others reigned for decades and decades. But as all kings do, their reign eventually ended; some peacefully and some tragically.

Jesus however would be completely different. His reign would soon begin and it was never going to end! His kingdom was going to go on forever. Remember what the angel told Mary, "And of his kingdom there will be no end" (Lk 1:33). King Jesus wasn't going to be like any other king over Israel. His reign wasn't going to end; it would go on forever!

And unlike some kingdoms that you want to end, Jesus' kingdom is one that you never want to end. It is filled with feasting, laughter, joy, and life that will never end. There is no more sorrow, no more pain, no more tears. The things that hurt us will be gone, and the things that make us so happy and so thankful will be in Jesus' kingdom. There will no longer be any death and sin will be completely gone. Everything that is wrong will be made right! And everything that is old, damaged, and broken will be made new! Wow! What a kingdom this one will be!

 Jesus is a different King and a different Ruler than all the kings and rulers before Him. All of His words are true and good and lovely. All of what He does is perfect and righteous. He cares for His kingdom as the kindest King. He is the first thing there ever was and He will be the last thing standing. He is the good perfect King, who reigns over the best kingdom. 

Don't you want to be a part of that kind of kingdom? Doesn't that sound better than all the other kingdoms out there? The one thing that gets you in to this kingdom is by accepting the King of this kingdom, Jesus! He came to be your King and offers you the free gift of His loving rule and reign over you. He is the best King, so wouldn't you want the best King to be in charge? :-)  

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'

And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.' And he said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.'" Revelation 21:3-7

You can hear this Scripture in song HERE

Advent|Dec.6th ~ Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!



Day 6, December 6th!

Sarah and I have come to the end of Jesus' birth as told by Matthew and have jumped over to the account recorded by Luke.

Together we read Luke 1:26-33. It wasn't a big section so we read it twice, or maybe even three times. I can't remember. What astonished us from our reading today was the part where the angel speaks to Mary and says,

"Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God" (v. 30).

A more plain reading of these words would go something like this: 'Don't be afraid Mary, for before this very moment, and right now, God freely gives you His grace!'

What good news, what comforting words to this teenage girl who was told that she would be giving birth to the Son of God! The angel reassured her that God had been thinking of her and was showering His favor upon her this whole time. She had nothing to fear, even with all the possible questions and fears going through her head. God was in control of it all!

And wasn't He? Think of all the things that showed God's power and control in this story. He sent down Gabriel to announce His plans. He put a new star in the sky to signify something new was happening. He directed thousands of angels to sing at Jesus' birth. He led the wise men to bring gifts to His Son. He directed Joseph and Mary through dreams to keep them out of harms way. Wow! And that was just a little of all He was doing!

The truth is, God says the same thing about all of His children; to all those who know and love Him! We have "found favor with God." Or to put it more plainly, we have received the same grace from God that Mary received! He tells you and I that we get the same grace from Him. No matter what we are fearing, He is our comfort! No matter who laughs at us, He is cheering us on! No matter who looks down on us, He has accepted us! No matter who makes up stories that aren't true about us, He knows who we really are! He is in control of everything, and He will never forsake us!

What a love we have from God. And He doesn't just tell us He loves us. He showed us that He loves us, by sending Jesus into our world to die for our sin, rise again and give us eternal life with Him. We didn't deserve this gift of grace, we will never deserve it. He gave it to us because He is gracious, just as He was gracious with Mary :-)

"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:9-10

Advent|Dec.5th ~ Celebrating our Rescuer's Coming!

Sarah & I would like to share with you one of our "first" traditions (if we can call it a tradition yet). We decided to get an Advent calendar for our Christmas season! 1. Because I don't remember the last time I ever went through an Advent calendar 2. Because it's cool and we live in Seattle 3. Because it's biblical (thought I should add this one). We are celebrating Advent, because the word means "coming," and reminds Sarah & I of the best "coming" there ever was! The arrival of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ!

Day 5, December 5th!

What stuck out for Sarah and I in our reading of Matthew 2:13-23 was the use of dreams as a means of God in guiding this new couple, unfolding their story in His way and His time.

"...behold an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said..."

"behold an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt..."

"and being warned in a dream he (Joseph) withdrew to the district of Galilee." (vv.13, 19, 22) 

Dreams is one of the more fascinating things about our human bodies that I will never understand. Why do we dream? Why did God create within us such an ability to do so? Was it for such purposes as we see above? Was it for reasons we will never know while we live here on earth?

What's even more fascinating is how real a dream can feel! Whether a good dream, or a nightmare, it can affect how well we sleep at night, whether we can sleep at all and so much more. Sometimes certain dreams affect someone so much that they change the way they are living because of it. Here in Matthew we find an example of this. An angel comes to Joseph and speaks to him while he's dreaming, and Joseph acts upon it!

One way that God uses dreams is for such occasions as above: to guide the direction of His children. When God wanted this couple to move or change the way they were living, He decided to use an angel and a dream. There was another Joseph, a long time ago, who also was influenced by his dreams. Remember Joseph and his multi-colored coat...

"Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. He said to them, 'Hear this dream that I have dreamed: Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf. His brothers said to him, 'Are you indeed to reign over us?' So they hated him even more for his dreams and his words." (Gen 37: 5-8)

God used dreams and many other things that we would consider 'out of the norm' to unfold history as He lovingly planned it. He used a dream and an angel to get Joseph's attention and move him and his pregnant wife to safety. As this story shows us, God sometimes uses dreams and uncommon methods to lovingly guide and move His children as they live. He is a good God, and is bigger and better, wiser and more gracious than we could know! He does whatever He pleases; even if it means using a dream to gain one's attention :-)