1/1/14- John the Baptist and the coming of Christ

15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”)...29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” (John 1)

‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.” (Jn. 3:29,30)

Thoughts: Jesus and John the Baptist were close (probably second) cousins.  They needed no reintroduction when Jesus came to be baptized by John.  Mary visited Elizabeth when they were both pregnant.  John the Baptist in utero lept for joy.  It was an early sign that a little child will lead us.
     One of the truly amazing things is the humility lifted up at Christmas.  Jesus was born to a poor family, and placed in a manger.  But John humbles himself below Jesus- pointing his disciples to Jesus, and willing to give up his popularity in order for Jesus to be well known.  Jesus' coming to earth was made clearer and his ministry was propelled by John's pointing away from himself to Jesus.  John knew something we will all realize one day- that we will all humble ourselves before God, and that we are placed on earth to glorify God more than ourselves. 

   In our self-absorbed, what's-in-it-for-me, selfie driven world, we could learn a lesson from the humility of both Jesus and John the Baptist.  On this first day of the year, let us enter into the new year with humility and listening ears- keeping our eyes on Jesus. 

Prayer: Lord, may I decrease and may you increase.  

(Infant Jesus and Infant John the Baptist by Bartolome Esteban Murillo d. 1682). 

12-30-13- The people of Nazareth

19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene. (Matthew 2)

24 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown... 28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. 30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. (Luke 4)

Thoughts: Today if you go to Nazareth, the Christian population parades through the towns on Christmas Eve (click here).  Why Nazareth? Nathanael asked if anything good come out of Nazareth (John 1:46).  I believe God chose an unlikely country- run over by those from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome; a small unlikely town and a small unimportant family to show His ability to lift up the humble.
    Yet the people of Nazareth, like the people of Israel, rejected him.  Perhaps they did so because they were too familiar.  Maybe they knew the carpenter and his son too well and didn't think anything unusual could happen with them (just as Nathanael wondered if anything could happen from Nazareth).  Too often we think God cannot do anything unusual with people around us.  But God can do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.  With God nothing is impossible.  But we expect the ordinary and some even get mad when we think beyond the ordinary.  

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are able to do the extraordinary with the ordinary.  Thank you that you lift up the humble.  Help me to humble myself in your sight that you may lift me up. 

(Nazareth today- with Church of the Annunciation prominent)

12/30/13- The Priest Who Circumcised Jesus

21On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.       22When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”^b ), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons...27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, (Luke 2:)

Thoughts: Jesus was probably circumcised in Bethlehem and was dedicated as the firstborn in the Temple in Jerusalem.  These were both two very ancient and important rites for a young male firstborn.
     Colossians 1 says that Jesus was also the firstborn of all creation- having created all things; and that he also was the firstborn from the dead- leading the way for the rest of us from death into life by His resurrection and ascension. The word "firstborn" is used 97 times in the Bible.  But Exodus 13:2 tells us that because God spared the firstborn of Israel in Passover's final plague, the firstborn of Israel should be consecrated to God. Jesus as the firstborn (born of a virgin would definitely qualify- maybe the ultimate firstborn), would be consecrated to the Lord and to His kingdom.
     These rites were both dedication and purification rites. They remind each of us of our need to be dedicated to the Lord and to seek to have a pure, dedicated heart to God.
      Interestingly, there is no mention of the priest in either rite here (Simeon was not a priest).  It is not the priest who matters, but the God that makes the rite a reality who matters.  Still, what a privilege and joy it would have been to administer the dedication rites to the One who was dedicated to the Father for us.  What an honor to have administer the sacrament of circumcision with its symbol of purification to the pure hearted Son of God. The circumcision of Jesus was a symbol of His being a part of the chosen people; that he underwent the pain that they underwent; that uncleanness was rolled away and He was dedicated to God.
      The grace is that the priest probably didn't know what he was doing, but God used him anyway.  The grace is that though the priest may have actually come up short in having true faith, God used the priest anyway to accomplish his rite of purification.  Years ago there was the ancient heresy of Donatism that said that if the priest wasn't pure he couldn't do the purification rites.  But there is no pure priest.  Priests and ministers need forgiveness of sins too.  Only Christ is the Great High Priest who did not need purification nor baptism- but did such things as examples for us of obedience, humility, and grace. 

Prayer: Lord, I give myself to you, and ask that you would make me pure and holy.  I claim your grace and mercy.  

(Rembrandt's The Circumcision of baby Jesus)

12-29-13 The Ones Who Were Listening

17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2:17-20)

38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.  (Luke 2:38)

Thoughts: The shepherds spoke to all about finding the baby Jesus, and what the angel said.  Simeon and Anna also spoke about the baby Jesus as a Messiah and Redeemer.
     Let's think for a minute about those who heard.  The people of Bethlehem marveled and were amazed.  Mary pondered these things in her heart, and the Bible says that she and Joseph marveled at what was being said by Simeon in the Temple.  It does not say how the people reacted to Anna's words of hope, but it says that she only spoke to those who  were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.  In other words, Anna had been talking about God coming and saving the people to a group before.  They were teachable and she knew they had ears to hear.  When we open our ears to God, and are looking for Him to come faithfully and in keeping with what He has said before, then God comes to us.  

Prayer: Help me to listen when others bring good news of God to me.  Let me be numbered among those who are faithful to your Word and commands-- even we are only a remnant-- and help me to be sensitive enough to hear and respond when you come to me.  

12-28-13 Anna

³⁶ There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, ³⁷ and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.  She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. ³⁸ Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Thoughts: Anna was a prophetess.  There were many examples of a prophetess in the Bible:  Isaiah's wife, Deborah (who was also a judge), Philip's seven daughters.   Anna was a  widow for 84 years (according to the Greek- not the age as in NIV).  If so she was at least 105 in a day when the average person lived until they were 27 (no antibiotics, good food, sanitation).  She was of the tribe of Asher- not a tribe of the priests (Levi) or of the kings (Judah), but the everyday Jew.  Her uniqueness is found in her dedication and zeal. 
    She never left the Temple.  Perhaps she took to heart Psalm 84 "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere."  Today, too many would rather be anywhere but in God's house.  It is part of our rebellious nature- running away from our true Father. 
     She was not distracted with other loves, and her focus was clear and true.  She worshiped all the time.  Being with God was her main desire. In heaven we will want to have a heart like hers.  All other distractions will prove secondary.  This does not mean that we should all seek to be a widow that stays in church all of the time.  But this was her calling.  She found purpose, love, grace there.  Many miss out on this today and just vegetate in front of a computer or TV.  It is almost like we cannot see the stars for all the street lights.  But we are designed to be together with others in God's house. 
     When someone takes God seriously, it shows in their demeanor and patience.  The discerning person would listen to what they had to say. Anna along with Simeon, received Christ into His court- His earthly home- His Father's house. 
      Anna also was not embarrassed of being made fun of.  Her focus was on God and also how to help her people.  She did not mind speaking of the child to everyone she met.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to have more focus on you.  Keep me from being distracted.  Help me to speak of you to all I see.  Let your love overflow from my heart. 

    

12-27-13 Simeon

25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

30For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

33The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2)

Thoughts: Simeon means "he who hears and obeys."  Simeon kept the words of the prophecies of the Messiah's coming near him.  He knew the signs of the times, that the secular world was rising under Rome and the religious world was fading under the rules of the Pharisees.  But Simeon made himself open to hearing God by being just and righteous.
       He was one of the first to recognize "the Lord whom you seek shall suddenly come to His Temple" (Malachi 3:1).  He saw in Jesus the salvation not just for Israel but for the Gentiles as well.  Simeon also blessed Joseph and Mary when he was done prophesying that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah.  

Prayer: May I, Lord, like Simeon- recognize you and welcome you. 

12/26/13- The Ones the Shepherds Told

17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  (Luke 2:17,18)

Thoughts: There were people who heard the news of the shepherds and responded positively to it.  There are the first people to respond to the Gospel outside of the shepherds hearing it from angels. How would you respond?  Shepherds were not widely respected in Judea.  But in Bethlehem they were more respected than most places.  Bethlehem got its fame from being the hometown of David.  David was a shepherd boy, giving a good name to the shepherds of Bethlehem who continued his work.  Shepherds were seen by many in that culture as the next thing to homelessness.  They would live outside with the sheep.  They were known for being unable to do ceremonial washings in order to go to the Temple for festivals or sacrifices in keeping with the Jewish Law.
      Yet, in Bethlehem they were respected.  The shepherds would shop in Bethlehem.  They would come in and knew the people in that small country town 5.5 miles from Jerusalem.  The scripture says, "All who heard" the shepherds news "were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."  They were not in disbelief.  The King James says "they wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds."  The word "wonder" comes from the idea of awe and wonder, not questioning.  The word in Greek is ἐθαύμασαν this word means to be amazed or marvel at.
       Matthew records in chapter 2 that when the wise men reached Jesus he was living in a house and was called a child (not a baby).  It appears that at least temporarily that the people of Bethlehem finally opened up to Joseph's family.  He had a house there until he left it to go to Egypt to escape Herod (the time gap between Luke 2:38 and 2:39).  But it appears that the people went from having no room, to supporting the family either as carpenter clients or in kindness.
      The question before us is can we listen?  Can we listen to someone other than the "experts" the religious leaders and priests- and listen to the experience of others?  Can we go from not making room for Jesus to supporting His cause and person?  

Prayer: Help me to listen to your voice.  Help me to support your kingdom Lord.  

(Adoration of hte shepherds- Carravagista)

12-25-13 Jesus

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God,  did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,  to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2)

Thoughts: The greatest character of Christmas is Jesus.  While God is one, if it was possible to divide the emotions of the Godhead: the Father loved the world and gave His Son; The Spirit loved the world and overshadowed Mary; the Son loved the world by humbling Himself.  It would be humbling for any man to be born in an animal stall.  It would be humiliating for any king to be born that way.  But Jesus is God come down.  He came down in the most humbling way to understand, empathize, to understand and to show us that God cares about the pains and heartaches of life.
    Perhaps the most humble thing God did was to be born- with all the risks and vulnerabilities of a baby.  Some find it so humbling that they cannot believe it was real.  But that was the miracle.  Babies are so helpless- and that is the opposite of God the Almighty and helpful One. 

    His life was full of humility- he had no home (foxes have holes, birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head).
    His death was most humbling.  He was rejected by the people (all of us) He came to save.  He was mocked, tortured, and died on a displayed painful torture mechanism now outlawed everywhere.
     Our passage above notes that since Jesus humbled himself- we should humble ourselves- in our relationship with each other, and bowing our hearts before the God who showed love in His humility. Christmas is Merry only because God humbled Himself to show His love. 

Prayer: Lord, let me embrace humility.  Let me hold fast to your example. 

(Nativity Giorgione 1527)

12-23-13- Angels at Christmas

THE PASSAGES BELOW RELATE TO ANGELS AND THE CHRISTMAS STORY: 

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John... 18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.” (Lk. 1)

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 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, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on 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. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1)

20 But after Joseph had considered this [ie. divorcing Mary], an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Mt. 1). 

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2) 

There also is a passage in Matthew 2 about the angel directing Joseph to take the baby Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod.

Thoughts: The very word angel means "messenger."  So wouldn't we expect messengers from God to be involved with the glad tidings?  All four gospels have angels around the life and ministry (Mk. 1:13) and resurrection (Jn. 20:12) of Jesus.
     Why would God send the unusual to earth?  Some would say God didn't have to, but these are second guessing and being skeptical of the witness of the Gospel to the existence and presence of angels.  The angels were a sign that something special is going on.  The angels testify that the supernatural presence of God was intersecting with the natural life.  If we believe in a God who is outside of yourself and is above nature, then maybe we should be at least open to the idea that there may be other super-human creatures in the universe beside us.  Ironically, as the belief in angels declines belief in UFOs goes up.
     Angels in these stories were visible- by more than one person at once (the shepherds), and are personified and named (eg. Gabriel).  Angels may come one by one or in a great company.  But every indication is that they are sent from God and have something to say.  On occasion angels are seen as "ministering spirits sent from God" (Heb. 1:14).  So they often told several to "not be afraid."  So they ministered to Elijah when he was tired and depressed, and to Jesus after his time of fasting, praying and dealing with the Tempter. So an angel came and released Peter from prison.
     I am someone who believes angels are still around.  Maybe a bit like Clarence in "It's a Wonderful Life" but perhaps less silly and more quiet and peaceful like.  As a pastor, I have met many who will tell us in our very secular, sophisticated culture- that they have seen angels.  

     Angels did not just pop in and out every day in the Bible.  But when Christ came there was a lot of extraterrestrial activity.  The important news was trying to be told.  We do angelic work when we are evANGELists- telling and spreading the good news of Christ to a world that needs to know.  

Prayer: With the angels, let me sing, "Alleluia" to you, my King.  I join my voice to theirs to speak words of good in a world that needs hope and joy. 

12/22/13 Teh Shepherds of Christmas

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2:8-20)

Thoughts: The shepherds stood out among others. No other people around Bethlehem got the news that night.  Wise men followed the star later, but God wanted someone to know right then- so He sent his angels to the uneducated, the humble, the cave-dwelling shepherds.  Ironically, a whole town was full of King David's descendants- but they were not told.  Only the lowly shepherd in the cold.  God cares for all people the great and educated but gentile wise men from far away and the poor uneducated Jewish shepherd close at hand.
    Ironically, the shepherds were keeping the sheep in Bethlehem- and you can see the hills of Bethlehem from Jerusalem (about 5 miles away).  Jesus is considered the Lamb of God (John 1:29; Rev. 5:6).  Now Israel is basically the same latitude as South Carolina and mid Georgia.  The average temperature is
    The shepherds heard the news and responded by seeking Him, and then worshiping Him.  But then they also spread the word.  This is an example for us all- to listen, to seek, to worship, and to spread the word.  

Prayer: Help me Lord to humble myself that I might hear, seek, worship, and witness. 

12-21-13 The keeper of the stable

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2:4-7)

Thoughts:
I kept the stable for the innkeeper.  It was my duty to feed the animals while he kept the inn. I was the innkeeper's son and I was learning how to be a great businessman like my father.  He was always friendly and always went out of his way to help people.  He was full of hospitality.  I want to be just like him. 
    Bethlehem was packed with people.  The Romans had issued a rule that everyone had to go to the home of their ancestors.  Many people wanted to come to our little town because it was also the home of king David.  So if you wanted to claim any royal blood, this was the place to be for the census.
    Everything was so packed and everyone got here on time for the census.  Everyone except for this one couple.  They looked like they had been moving slow because she was so pregnant. They came straight for the inn and asked to see my father, the innkeeper.  I ran to get him.  He told them the bad news that there was no more room in this inn and there wasn't another inn in our small town.  The man begged for help.  He said his wife was pregnant and about to have a baby any minute.  My father, as I said was hospitable.  So he let them stay in our stable instead of in the street.
      Our stable, like most around Bethlehem, was a cave in the hills. It wasn't that clean- we weren't expecting guests there.  I did clean it out daily, but it wasn't meant for inspection and definitely not for a baby to be born there.  The man was desperate, and I led him to the stable.  Almost immediately the woman cried out in pain.  She was going to have her baby before he could even unload the donkey.  I tried to clean out the dirty hay and put some fresh hay down, but it still wasn't very clean.  I tried to start a small fire to get some warmth, but it wasn't much. The father wanted me to get the midwife- but by the time I found her in all this crowd I knew it would be too late.  But I still tried to find the mid-wife.
     When I came back an hour later- I still hadn't found the mid-wife, but there was no need- the mother had her baby.  I was so sad for them.  I went back and told my father and he sent me back with some cloth strips for the baby, water, and a little food.
      Everyday I would come visit the baby and the family.  Shepherds came to the inn looking for the new baby born.  I took them to the stable as my father was busy.  The shepherds told me that the baby was special- that they heard angels who said the baby was special- the Messiah.
     My father said he was not sure.  But I believe the shepherds.  Why not?  

Prayer: Help me Lord, to care for those who are in need.  Help me to believe.
      
      

12/20/13- A Distant Cousin of Joseph in Bethlehem

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2:1-7)

Thoughts: Bethlehem was full of Joseph's distant family.  All of them were claiming to be from King David's line and King David's stock.  But David was a person who had compassion- like on Mephibosheth who was lame- inviting him to his table.  Yet there is no record that any of these pretenders tried to open their rooms to this woman about to have a baby.  The sad thing was Mary had the baby without a doctor, without a midwife, terribly alone, and in an unsanitary place.  It had to tear Joseph's heart.  You had to wonder what kind of help he tried to find before she went into delivery.  Perhaps this is a lesson to care for the needy around us.  It is one thing to be happy you have your own place of shelter, but it is another to care for those in the shadows who have no place to stay, or even to have a baby.  Christmas is a reminder that God cared for us- leaving the comfort of heaven to be on our level.  Yet it is also a reminder that we do not care so much.  Joseph doubtless had first cousins, second cousins, maybe some aunts and uncles there.  No hospitality was offered.  The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world was born in a stable.  

Prayer: Help me to care for those around me.  Help me to care for those around who do not speak my language, who are poor, who have nowhere to go, who do not have a home.  Help me to care because you cared for me.