Introduction
Well here it is, yet another Christmas season. With it comes the promise of Jesus Christ. We often get so caught up with shopping, decorating, cooking, wrapping and partying that we forget what we are celebrating—the promise of Jesus.
The birth of Christ was not heralded by a parade at Macy’s or door busters at Walmart. Someone who would change our world arrived quietly and without fanfare, and his arrival changed everything. You know what it still does. Jesus changed and still changes lives, and this year he wants to change yours.
This year, we want to focus on the simpleness of the arrival of Jesus and the promise of Jesus’ return. Join me as we venture to Bethlehem and visit the manger of the Christ child, and how God’s gift can change your life in the here and now. Along with these daily thoughts, I encourage you to read the Gospel of Luke one chapter a day, and by the end of our time together you read one book of the Bible that focuses on Jesus.
Let’s start our journey together with a musical selection which sets the tone for our journey.
Sunday December 1, 2024
Today starts the season of the year known as Advent. We do this in our churches by lighting a candle in the Advent wreath. The term Advent means “arrival” or “expected coming.” It is a time to get ourselves ready for the birth of Christ. We are getting ready for the birth of Christ, but we are also getting ready for his return.
As sure as Christ came once, he will come a second time. This time it will different. For one thing Christ’s second coming will not be quiet and unannounced. You will know who he is, and what he is here to do. We tend to view Christ as this spiritual person teaching, performing miracles and being this great guy. Understand that he was that, but when he comes back things will be different. He is coming to establish God’s kingdom here on earth, and to do away with evil.
The candle we light today is called the HOPE candle also called the prophet’s candle. The prophets of the Old Testament, particularly Isaiah waited in hope for the Messiah that God had promised. They had predicted the birth of Christ several hundred of years before it happened. Isaiah and others had hope that Christ would change things. He certainly did change things, and is still changing things today.
Monday December 2, 2024
Part of our Advent preparation involves being still. Did you know that the term be still is used seven times in the Bible? Perhaps the most recognizable passage is found in Exodus 14:13 as Charlton Heston addresses the crowd at the Red Sea and says “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Another reference is found in Psalms 46: 8-11 which states, “Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolation on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Waiting is not something many people are good at. It’s not one of my strong suits. I did learn its importance two years ago during this time of year as I waited patiently for my stage three melanoma to heal from the inside out. I had to follow doctors orders not once but twice and stay off my feet, and yes I did what I was told believing that healing was coming. It did happen, but I had to wait. During this hectic season, we are called to wait, know that he is God and he will do battle for us. What red seas do you need parted in your life?
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Today we start at the very beginning, a very good place to start. Oops I am dating myself. The Sound of Music which is where that line came from was the first movie I ever saw in a theater, way back in 1965. You know when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
I want you to read where everything started today found in Genesis 1. I remember back in 1968 when on Christmas Eve when Apollo 8 showed the first pictures of the earth from the moon and read Genesis 1. Man landed on the moon the next year, but those first pictures of the earth from the moon were something. The reading of Genesis 1 made sense to the astronauts of Apollo 8, and it was a perfect fit. It was not received well here on earth, as people objected to its reading how could they refer to God. How could you not? For some reason that just stuck with me, the awesomeness of God’s handiwork.
It is no coincidence that light was the first thing created, and it was good. Have you ever stopped and just admired God’s handiwork on display for your enjoyment? Do not be so wrapped up in the shopping and physical preparation that you overlook being still and just admiring what God has done and will continue to do for you.
Wednesday December 4, 2024
As we journey towards Bethlehem, at the heart of our celebration needs to be our worship of God and everything he did through Jesus, but also what he continues to do in and through our lives.
If you are looking for a good gift for yourself or someone else this year, may I suggest the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. So many people are wandering through life without purpose or direction. If you start reading the book the first line reads “It’s not about me, it’s about God.” How often I need to remind myself of that?
Warren concludes that we are here for God’s pleasure, formed for God’s family, created to become like Christ, shaped for serving God, and made for a mission. As you prepare for the arrival of God’s son, remember those nuggets from this book. Maybe you need to remind yourself that Christmas is not about all the festivities and gift giving, but rather it’s about God and not you.
Thursday December 5, 2024
Someone needs to hear these words today from Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come to pray, and II will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.”
If you are looking for a Christmas present for the men of your life, get them a copy of “Show Me The Father.” It is a movie that really changed my life, and how I see God. It is a documentary following the lives of five people sharing their earthly fathers stories, but more importantly it tells the story of their heavenly Father. Have no doubt today that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving God who wants nothing but the best for you, his child.
Friday December 6, 2024
A line in a Christmas carol says “A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.” Children get excited when the world Christmas is used in a sentence. Think back to your childhood, did you get excited about Christmas? Do you still excited about this season, or is it more of a time to dread with so much to do?
This year I encourage you to look at Christmas through the lens of a child, your childhood. What gift was your favorite? What made it so? For me, it wasn’t so much what I received that stood out. One year my Dad and I made a car for my brother to use at college. Well Dad did the work I held the light. We went from junkyard to junkyard getting a piece here and there. That year my older brother got a matchbox in his stocking, and you know what he appreciated it.
This year I encourage you to pause and reflect on Christmas’ past and what made them special, and then share that with your kids before they open up their haul for this year. It’s not in the gifts or their financial equivalent, but rather we celebrate HOPE this time of year.
Saturday December 7, 2024
Christmas is all about music isn’t it? Perhaps the greatest piece of music ever written is “The Messiah” by George Fredrick Handel. Throwback to my CD choir days with Irene Christman directing. Here are some interesting facts about this piece of music:
- There are two sections to this piece, a Christmas section which we are more familiar with and an Easter section.
- It was first performed in Dublin in 1742.
- It recounts the prophecies of Christ and his birth, life and death utilizing scripture from Isaiah, Psalms, Job, Lamentations, Haggai, Malachi, Zechariah, Matthew, Luke, John, Romans, Hebrews and Revelation.
- At its London opening King George was so moved by the Hallelujah Chorus that he stood, starting a tradition that continues to this day. Speculation is he thought it was over and wanted to beat the crowd.
Without further ado, the Hallelujah Chorus as it was made to be sung. Standing on tables is optional.
Can you imagine what heaven will be like with millions of voices singing praises to God. I can’t begin to fathom what a time that will be, but I look forward to it.
Sunday December 8, 2024
Today we light the second candle of the Advent Wreath. This one is the light of FAITH. It Is called Bethlehem’s Candle and it focuses on Micah Chapter 5 which predicts that a Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.
Let’s talk about faith, and specifically your faith today. The season of advent causes us to examine our relationship with God. Don’t grade yourself on your church attendance, your giving, or what happens in your church. Instead judge yourself on what God requires. What is that you ask? In Micah 6:8 the path is clear “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
God’s expectations are for his children to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly. Does he expect perfection? He does not, and that his where his gift to us of Jesus enters the picture. As you go through your week, remember what God expects act justly, love mercy and walk humbly.
Monday December 9, 2024
In a recent year, Americans used used 28 million rolls of wrapping paper, 17 million packages of tags and bows, sent out 372 million greeting cards, and put up 35 million Christmas trees. Who remembers as a child playing not with the toys you got on Christmas but rather the boxes they came in? Keep your eyes open for just the perfect box this week. You will use it to put something special in it and give it as a birthday present, but more about that later.
It is not going to be a Merry Christmas for everyone this year. We have so many in the Carolinas and other places who have lost loved ones or everything they had they had. They need to understand the true meaning of Christmas this year and that is Emmanuel—God with us. God is with those struggling this year.
The message of this and every Christmas needs to be that God loves you so much that he sent his son to the darkness of this world to deliver people from their sin. Christmas is not so much about presents, as it is God’s presence with us.
Tuesday December 10, 2024
Who is in your corner? Do you think you got where you have gotten by yourself? Today’s scripture is found in Hebrews 12: 1-3 and is one of my favorites “Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sits down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
I understand the concept of the cloud of witnesses that are described in Hebrews 11, but I firmly believe that I have not just a cloud but I have a crowd. Who is in my crowd? People who have stood in the gap for me, people who have encouraged me, helped me grow spiritually. I come from a background that is church centered, and the people I grew up kept me on my spiritual track. From godly parents to Sunday School teachers who prayed for me, and told me I was going to be a minister. I thought nothing of it at the time, but after 25 years in youth ministry I understand she knew what she was talking about. My crowd watches me from heaven or here on earth and just cheers me on. I really believe that my heavenly crowd gets rowdy at times that can only be calmed down by my Mother.
I will take this one step further and say you have a crowd too. So who is in your crowd? Who believed in you, encouraged you, prayed for you, helped or challenged you? Think about that today who is in your crowd and write their names down and be thankful for their support and encouragement. Be thankful and grateful for their love and support. In my first book, I have a two day exercise to identify your crowd. I spent an hour on this assignment, and you know I identified over 100 people who are in my crowd. Whose in yours?
Wednesday December 11, 2024
I mentioned my Mom yesterday. One of the many things I learned from her is the need to finish the race strong. She lived her life as testimony to God, blessing everyone she came in contact with. I was blessed with such a wonderful spiritual model. I learned to be a Christian influence in people’s life, because of her faith and determination.
My Mom was not a preacher, well maybe she was but not as a speaker. In her hay day she was the chief cook for church dinners, pot pie dinners, fasnachts, pie sales, peanut butter eggs and everything else. In her senior years she helped where she could, making phone calls, encouraging someone. But most important, she prayed for her kids and grand kids.
What does this have to do with Christmas you ask? Everything, because as we look at the FAITH candle we need to examine our faith, where it came from, and most importantly how can God use us. Where can God use me not only to get the word out about this glorious season? How can I encourage someone else spiritual journey?
Thursday December 12, 2024
Remember George Bailey? No Christmas would be complete without watching It’s A Wonderful Life. George has these great dream and hopes about seeing the world, and making a ton of money by being an architect. As hard as he tried, George never saw those dreams realized. Who can forget his angel Clarence who helps George realize that he had a wonderful life that impacted many lives.
Of course the movie is most noted for the line “every time you hear a bell ring, it means that some angel just got his wings.” Did you know that if you watched that movie from start to finish a total of 42 angels would receive their wings.
How can you have a wonderful life in the midst of darkness this Christmas? It begins in Bethlehem with the story of Jesus. At the center of your life needs to be your relationship with God. George Bailey lost focus as he wanted to do as much as he could for himself. Be still today and focus on the manger and what Jesus did for you. As we talk about faith this week, consider the possibility that God wants to use you to reach out to share your faith with others. It does not require a degree or anything like that, it does require living a life that reflects the change has made in your life.
Friday December 13, 2024
Anyone for a train trip? To get to Bethlehem in time, we need to take the train. Sort of like what I did back in 1997 when I took my youth group to a Youth For Christ conference in Niagara Falls over Christmas break. We had no idea what to expect, what happened would change our lives as we came face to face with Reggie Dabbs, a youth motivational speaker and one of my spiritual mentors. I felt like I had been run over by a truck. None of us had experienced God in such a meaningful way.
If someone were to ask, what is the most quoted scripture passage in the Bible. It’s John 3:16 and it is on display front and center at Christmas. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believe in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Have you ever wondered what this verse looks like? What would John 3:16 look like in the flesh.
Join me on the train today—the train of life. Go ahead, bring your baggage and let’s go on this great adventure. For some this might be a bumpy ride. Be still today and know that God goes with you on this train.
Saturday December 14, 2024
I talked yesterday about one of my spiritual mentors Reggie. Let me tell you today about another one—Joe White. My relationship with Joe was solidified in the first few minutes of meeting him. Back in 2006 I worked with Joe’s ministry Men at the Cross. Joe started the conversation with this question—so what’s your story? I ask you that today.
Each of us has a story to tell when it comes to our relationship with God. Even the most devout atheist has a story to tell where God is concerned. Now it is about their refusal to accept God’s gift at Christmas, but it is their story all the same, and they will have an opportunity to tell it.
How is your life different with Jesus in it? As you read through the life of Jesus this month, you know that he came to teach, perform miracles, tell people how to live and various other reasons. But the most important reason why Jesus came at Christmas is that he came to die. While we look to the manger may we never forget what Jesus did on the cross, and that is Joe’s message. Joe has build crosses like what you will see today all over the world with the message that your debt is paid in full. As he builds the cross today, be still and realize that he did this for you.
Sunday December 15, 2024
We have reached the third week of Advent. The candle lit today is the JOY candle, and it is my favorite. It is also called the Shepherd’s candle. To their joy, the angels announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds abiding in the field. His birth wasn’t a royal one, but it was announced to blue collar folks—shepherds abiding in the field. They were called to the manger fully of joy and expectation.
We had a slogan back in my youth ministry days do everything with Joy. I impressed on the youth the need to have joy in their lives. I didn’t care if it was cooking 35 pounds of french fries, doing dishes or making a 5 am tarp run all events at the Creation festival. Fast forward to Christmas, it is easy to find something to be joyful about and no it’s not all about the presents under the tree.
What gives you joy today? Tap your little paw and think about that. Is it a good day of work, a good meal, your team winning, your kids behaving, what makes you happy? Look around for that today, and be as joyful as the shepherds were. They were full of joy, because they believed God was going to do a great thing through Jesus. Do you want God to do something great for you? Be joyful and let God work. Let him do something great in and through your life.
Monday December 16, 2024
As we get closer to the manger today we must look at the life of Jesus’ mother Mary. I firmly believe that Mary did know what was going on after her visit with the angel Gabriel. Let’s pick up the story in Luke 1:27-38 “The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, Greetings you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, do not be afraid Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most high. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end. How will this be, Mary asked the angel since I am a virgin? The angel answered, the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”
Mary was the willing vessel God used to change the world. Jesus came not only to change things not only at that time, but he is still changing and disrupting things today. God’s plan to redeem the world included Mary, and to be honest that plan includes you today. God wants to change you, and he wants to bring about change through you. Mary got to see it all Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. She was the anchor holding everything together. What role are you assigned in God’s plan of redemption? It’s not about you it’s about God working in and through you.
Tuesday December 17, 2024
I am asking today for God to let it rain on you. When you work in youth ministry, rain is normally not a good thing. It general means you go to plan B and sometimes that’s not possible so you just get wet.
The physical rain is not what I am referring to today. As we continue on our journey towards the manger, I ask a simple question—what do you need God to do in your life today? What storms do you need for him to calm? What situations do you feel are impossible? What miracles do you need not next week but today? Be still today and know that he is God. He is ready to step into your circumstance and let his mercy rain down on you. He will be with you in the fire and the flood that you are facing today.
My prayer today is for God to rain on your life and in this world and bring about a return to him. I want to see a spiritual revival the likes of which we have never seen before. It’s predicted to happen, and how I would love to see that in my lifetime. Let’s see spiritual rain where people repent from their sins. Let’s see God’s light and love shine brighter than it ever has before. May we be the generation Lord. My prayer is to see God’s peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
Wednesday December 18, 2024
As I write these thoughts I am drawn to the music of Trans Siberian Orchestra who puts a different twist on the Christmas classics. I don’t know what the music of heaven will be, and I don’t think there will pyro involved, but who knows. That might be reserved for the other eternal destination.
That raises an interesting question, how do we know if we are getting into heaven? I tend to agree with Rick Warren who in his book Purpose Driven Life who believes that God will ask you two questions at judgment, What did you do with My Son and What did you do with the gifts and graces that I gave you? Are you prepared to answer those two questions?
Are there scriptural references to reassure us? Of course there are. In John 14:16 Jesus says “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This passage from Romans 10:9 answers the question emphatically. “If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” It is that easy.
Just as there are scriptural references to assure us there are also references that detail who will not get into heaven. There are two references I will let you read for yourselves today found in 1 Corinthians 6: 9-10 and Galatians 5: 19-21. If you fall into one of these groups I pray for you today and hope as we get closer to Bethlehem, you come to your senses and come home.
Thursday December 19, 2024
Christmas is all about tradition isn’t it? No singing on the roof today it could be dangerous. What traditions did you have for the Christmas season? Think about that today. Tap your little paw if you have too. Where do our traditions come from? I did a bit of research:
- Who selected December 25th? It is generally agreed that Jesus was not born on this date. The Bible certainly does not mention a specific date, rather a time of year it took place. It was Pope Julius 1 who chose that date. It was first called the Feast of the Nativity.
- Who was Santa Claus? This can be traced back to the monk St. Nicholas who was born in Turkey about 280 AD. He gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick.
- Poinsettias are named after Joel Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico in the 1820’s.
- The Salvation Army has been ringing bells since the 1890’s.
- Rudolph was the product of Robert May in 1939. He wrote a poem about reindeer to attract customers to his Montgomery Wards department store.
- The first eggnog was consumed in 1607 in Captain John Smith’s Jamestown settlement.
- I have no idea when the first fruitcake was made nor do I care.
Pause and reflect on your Christmas traditions today. Be thankful for your traditions and establish ones for you and your family this year. I share with you a remake of the 12 days of Christmas.
Friday December 20, 2024
Can you remember a favorite Christmas vacation? Over a hundred million people will travel more than 50 miles from December 23 to January 1 each year. Are you one of them? For us, we don’t travel over Christmas much. We travel at Thanksgiving with is just as bad if not worse.
Growing up we didn’t travel at Christmas. The day after we did as Christmas marked the official start of snowmobile season and that was what my Dad lived for. We would head to our cabin in God’s country which for you novices are the upper corner of Lycoming and Potter counties. It was not resort living let me tell you, no running water, you had electric most of the time, and heat was needed as the temperature when you arrived was between 0 and 10 above.
The point to today’s devotion is simple—get outside and get away from the hustle and bustle of your life to enjoy God’s handiwork. Jesus applied this principle getting away from people to draw closer to God. As we can see the lights of Bethlehem in the distance, be still today and reflect on God’s handiwork, what he did through Christ and what he is doing in your life today.
Have you gotten your box ready yet?
Saturday December 21, 2024
Did you know that in 2020 consumers spent an average of $997 on gifts and other holiday items? Compare this to the average weekly salary of $994 before taxes. Translated we spend over a week’s salary just on Christmas gifts.
If you study the birth of Christ, you understand that gift giving started with the four wise men, but more about a bit later. We have sort of taken this business of gift giving to extreme. When I was growing up, we didn’t have much at Christmas and that was okay, because Christmas was all about family and friends. We actually made Christmas gifts back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. It was a much simpler time.
Do you have all your shopping done yet? If not what are you waiting for? In all the excitement and fervor of this season, don’t overlook the most important gift you have to get, and that is a birthday gift for Jesus. What could he want this year? We will talk about in just a few days, but I will leave you to ponder the reality of getting Jesus something to honor his birthday.
Sunday December 22, 2024
Today we light the fourth candle of advent called the PEACE candle. This is called the Angel’s candle and it represents them announcing Jesus not only that he was born, but that this baby brought peace. He came to bring people close to God, and to die for a sacrifice taking our place before a holy God.
Here in 2024, people are so separated, so disjointed, so divided, so angry is there anything that can bring us together again. The only thing that can bring peace is Jesus Christ. He can bring peace to our individual lives, but he can and will bring the world together in peace. Here is your post holiday assignment, read the book Revelation. It doesn’t matter if you can’t understand everything or if it is confusing. You will be blessed by doing so, and it says that in the very first verse. The central character in Revelation is you guessed it—Jesus and his triumphal return to earth to rid it of evil and sin.
There are a lot of people who need the light of God in their lives today and every day. Many need encouraged, they need hope, they need faith, they need joy, and they need peace. Do you know someone who needs one of these things? Be still and know that you are the hands and feet of Jesus today.
Are you ready to receive the Christ child? Your assignment today is to read Matthew 2: 8-12 today. This is the story of the three wise men recorded. What wasn’t recorded was that there was a fourth wise man, and as we visit the manger we will hear his story over the next two days. Get your box and come on, the Christ child is calling.
Monday December 23, 2024
I’ve been talking about it all month, the big day has finally arrived the arrival of the wise men to the manger. This is a story we heard at the Youth For Christ Conference in Niagara Falls in 1998 told by Reggie Dabbs. It has reshaped my world, and how I think about things. I never understood that Jesus loves gifts for his birthday, especially if it’s from your heart. For this story you need a few props: you need a box that you want to get rid of, paper and a pen.
This is a story about Tommy. Let me tell you a little about him. He is in the fourth grade. He has a great life. He has everything, a huge house, parents that love him, he has everything he needs. Well, that is about to change. See, Tommy’s father has a business and hasn’t been paying taxes, and before long the IRS arrives, and they take everything. Tommy goes from everything to nothing overnight. He goes from this large house to a little two-bedroom apartment on the other side of town. But for Tommy, that’s okay, because he knows his parents love him, and that is all he needs.
As time goes on, though, Tommy’s father can’t find work to support his family and turns to a life of crime to do that. He didn’t even know the gun was loaded that day when he robbed a store, and the gun went off. Tommy’s father was charged with murder and it would be the last time he would see him. Tommy knew his mother loved him and that would be enough. The problem with that was that she couldn’t care for him. She never had to take care of anyone by herself before.
It got so bad that Tommy’s teachers realized he wasn’t being cared for and decided it was best for him if he was placed in foster care. They took Tommy from his mother and he went to live with this other family. All he had was a bag of clothes and this box. Take a moment to look at your box now. Almost everything Tommy had was in this box. He carried it everywhere.
Tommy’s new family was great. They really cared about him and for him. They did something that he wasn’t used to. They prayed, talked to God and went to this thing called church. Everywhere Tommy went, he carried this box. Look at your box for a moment. He went to church and carried this box. He went to school and carried this box. Now one day there was a problem at school as the school bullies used recess to take Tommy’s box. They wanted to know what was in the box, and Tommy used the greatest word in the English language—stuff. They didn’t stop though, so Tommy beat up the two bullies and marched into the principal’s office, expecting the worst. It surprised him when the principal gave him five dollars and sent him back to class. He had achieved super hero status.
The best day of the week for Tommy was Friday. He knew every Friday he would get a letter from his mother just telling him how much she loved him, wished they could be together, and one day that might happen. See, Tommy still loved his mom. He loved his dad, too. Well, that was until one Tuesday when he got home from school and found out that his dad had written him a letter. It wasn’t too nice. In this letter, Tommy’s dad blamed him for his being in jail and the fact that it was Tommy’s fault everything happened. He never wanted to see Tommy ever again. Of course, Tommy was upset about that. He stayed in his room and cried all night. But his foster parents did something different; they sat outside his door and prayed for him all night and prayed that God would help Tommy feel better. The next day, Tommy went to school like nothing ever happened. He still took that box everywhere. Look at your box again. We will continue this story tomorrow.
Tuesday December 24, 2024
Let’s pick up on the story of the fourth wise man.
It was Christmas time and Tommy’s Sunday School had the assignment of putting on the Christmas pageant for the whole church. A few weeks before, they were giving out the roles the various kids wanted to be. Tommy was quiet that day. Everyone had a part, except for Tommy. His best friend wanted to be a tree, so he was a tree. His best friend wanted to be a sheep. Asked why, the sheep said, because I get to go to the bathroom on the tree. After class, the teacher asked Tommy what he wanted to be in the play. Tommy said he wanted to be a wise man, but they already had three. The teacher thought about it for a second, and said but Tommy, the name of our play this year, is the fourth wise man. Tommy, you need to think of the most important thing to give to the baby, Jesus. Go ahead, look at your box again.
The night of the play was awesome. Well, that was until the tree and the sheep got together. They were chasing each other through the sanctuary, running into and over people. Tommy felt like a million dollars though, as he walked to the manger and laid down his gift. Can you guess what his gift was? There was gold, frankincense, myrrh and a box. There was a cookie reception afterwards and after that Tommy and his family were coming back through the sanctuary to leave, and his foster dad told Tommy to go get his box. But Tommy said “No, I gave it to Jesus. I don’t need it anymore.”
What Tommy and his family didn’t see is that while they were having cookies, an angel came down from heaven, picked up the box, took it to heaven, and gave it to Jesus. Jesus’ response was unique as he started to cry. All of heaven came round the throne to see what Jesus was crying about. Jesus composed himself enough to open the box. A bunch of loud-mouthed disciples in the back wanted to know what was in the box. Jesus replied with the universal answer—stuff. They wanted to know, so Jesus opened it up and found a few items—a picture with Tommy and his family, letters from his mom, one letter that you couldn’t even read because of the tear stains on it was the letter from his dad. It wasn’t much, so another angel wanted to know why Jesus was crying. The reason for Jesus’ emotion was that no one had ever given him a birthday gift before.
You know how the story ends, don’t you? You don’t okay, I will finish it. We all have a box like Tommy’s. It’s the place where we store up all the pain and bitterness in our life. Jesus wants you to give him your box today. What is keeping you from the perfect relationship that he so desperately wants? That is your assignment today. Give your box to Jesus. Take your pen and paper and write what you want to give to Jesus today. It can be pain, hurt, a sin, it doesn’t matter. What you write is between you and Jesus. When you are done with that, put the paper in your box, tape it shut and get rid of the box. Throw it out, recycle it, light it on fire, whatever you want to do, but realize that as you do that, you aren’t carrying that burden around anymore. It has become the property of Jesus and he has taken the weight of what you are carrying around. You don’t have that stuff in your life anymore. Your burden has become Jesus’. Yes, you have given Jesus a gift, but he has returned the favor and given you one by carrying your burden.
We talk about the gift that keeps on giving. Jesus is that gift that keeps on giving. May the love of God light your path to this manger this year and every year. May we never forget God’s gift to us in the form of a baby who would become a man who would become our Savior.
Tonight in many churches the fifth candle of the Advent wreath is lit. This is the Christ candle. This is the candle in the center of the wreath representing light and victory. Be still today and now that as sure as Christ is the light of the world, so are we. Christ came into this world in a simple fashion. He wants to come into our lives this year that same way and help us change the world. Pause at the manger today and reflect on how this baby that we celebrate has changed your life, and then tell someone else about it. The message of Christmas is to be shared with others. Do that today.