19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

I have a question...actually I have several questions...and it sounds like the disciples might have had a question or two as well from this passage;
      Jesus, weren’t you dead?
      Why did you want us to meet up here on this hill? It’s cold up here!
      Are you sure you are Jesus?
      When you say you have been given “all authority” does that include lunch orders? I’m hungry!
     When you say “all the nations,” does that include Samaria? They creep me out!  What about Rome? I don’t like Rome! Can I go to Egypt? It’s warm there!

Christmas morning always makes me want to ask Jesus a few questions;
    Why did you arrive as a baby?  If you came as an adult, you could have skipped diapers, learning to walk, and teenage acne.
     Did you know who you were when you were born? What you were supposed to do? How you were supposed to die?
    What was it like having a mom and dad when you were the one who created the universe?
     Are you sure you want me to go make disciples?  I can imagine much better people for the job. Which commands am I supposed to teach again?

Of course, these kinds of questions always get the same answer, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  We will always have questions, hopefully smarter questions than these.  We will always have days of doubt and reluctance.  But we are given this promise, this Christmas gift if you will, Jesus will always be with us.  That doesn’t mean he will always answer our questions, provide an easy assignment, or order our lunch.  But it does mean that we will never...ever...ever...be alone.  On days that bring pain and on days that bring joy, Christ is with us.  We may not know much, but this is one thing we never have to doubt!

Merry Christmas!  

20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

The words spoken by Jesus in this verse say to me that Jesus is trying to meet us where we are at; all we have to do is let Him in?  In saying that if someone hears Him and chooses to open the door that He will then eat with that person, I think He is saying that despite His efforts to be there for us and to make Himself known to us, we have to accept His presence for us to truly be in His company and He in ours.

I also think that the mention of Jesus sitting down and eating with us is particularly powerful in this verse.  We learn in our faith that the act of sharing a meal, of breaking bread, is a symbol of shared community and understanding.  In providing the prospect of sharing a meal with us ,and further the implicit meaning that is attached to that, Jesus tells us what our role is in the matter:  to allow Him to be among us by accepting Him and the spirit of His teachings.  We have to let Him in and embrace Him to unify ourselves with Him. 

12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

The book of Revelation is hard for me.  If there is a Bible study on Revelation, I can find lots of reasons not to take it.  Let me study the Old Testament, the Gospels, or the Letters.  I can relate to them.  So, I struggle with the first part of this scripture about Jesus coming soon and bringing us rewards.  The coming soon part isn’t so hard, but God’s time frame and mine are so different.  The rewards, I don’t understand.  That is one of those things I choose to wait until the second coming to find the answer and that is OK.  I don’t think we are menat to understand everything.  We just need faith that God is in control.  

He is the Alpha and the Omega.  The Beginning and the End.  Trust in Him.

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Unity, Service, humility---All components of love---Taught by Jesus.

Unity and service go together, and the more we serve, the more we become unified in purpose.

The times in my life when I have not been involved in church, I have felt like an outsider. During those times, I often felt disconnected and unsure of my place within the church, which made me realize how important active involvement is for building relationships. As I became more involved, that feeling of unity gave me a sense of belonging, (I belong, you belong, we belong). Jesus served by putting others before himself. There was no boasting, or “Look what I did!” Jesus modeled for us how to be a servant to others, and how to serve with humility.

Unity becomes easier when we have the same mindset of helping. That does not mean we have to think alike, but to serve others with humbleness. If we get these three components of love right, we are following Jesus, and the example he set for us when he walked on this earth.

14 Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.

The prophet Zephaniah’s main theme is the coming of the day of the Lord. These verses are a part of the restoration of Israel’s remnant. Verse 14 (NIV) begins with the word sing, then mentions rejoice.

Verse 15 includes a line “the Lord, the King of Israel is with you”. This part of the verse has a personal meaning for our family. Jon has faced many health issues over the past 2 years and many times we would sing the For King and  Country song “God is With Us”. This song was a comfort in the hospital, during tests, surgery and medical appointments.

This scripture reminds us we should sing, rejoice and know that God is with us every day.

22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant[a] depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Luke 2:22-35 describes the presentation of infant Jesus to the Temple. Simeon recognizes Jesus as the Messiah. Simeon describes the prophecy of  the rise and fall of many people in Israel. Jesus will be a figure of both hope and division. He also forewarns Mary that she will experience great sorrow.

For me, this passage is about seeing hope in the waiting and trusting God's plan. Although it might include pain, God's purpose is still being fulfilled. As a mother, I admire Mary's strength in how she chose to receive the prophecy. 

2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Their visit reveals different responses to Jesus’s birth: The Magi worship him, King Herod seeks to kill him, and the religious leaders show indifference, highlighting that Jesus’s arrival inspired both worship and hostility from the beginning. To me, this means all men still need Him in our everyday life, to live in our hearts.

15 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.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

If I was one of the shepherds going to meet Jesus, I'd feel honored that I was one who got to experience that. But, I would also feel nervous because it was such a big thing to do.

After meeting Jesus, I would feel happy and excited.

I really like the story of Jesus' birth. It's cool to remember where Jesus came from and how he's so important to our religion.

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 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. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

In these verses, an angel appears to shepherds, telling them that the Messiah has been born, and to give all glory to God.  The main thing that I got from these verses was how big a deal Jesus being born was.  It was prophesied throughout the Old Testament, and the news was so big, that a literal angel broke the news to these people.  Also in verse 14, the praise is redirected to God, showing us the true reason for all of our blessings and magic in life.  Something else cool that I noticed is in verses 9-10, the angel appeared to the shepherds, and they were terrified.  I believe that this was because these angels had so much power from God and humans are so distant from God, so the shepherds felt an overwhelming sensation that is described as fear.  They could have also been scared because they thought the angel was delivering bad news.  Either way, the angel says, “do not be afraid,” and we can apply this to our lives, knowing that we have God on our side. 

2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 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, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke is a to the point writer.

As I read his version of the birth of Jesus, I saw the story of Mary come to life. Words like trust, faith, listening to awe and devotion.

God had a purpose and a journey for Mary, and she didn’t question it. She just went and delivery took place in a barn  as a humble beginning of Jesus’s journey.

How many of us feel a tug on our heart to do something we feel Jesus is telling us to go and do this in My name? Is it easier to give an excuse? To say I can’t do it as it is too hard, too busy, or someone more qualified can do a better job.

46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Out of the 4 gospels, only 1 speaks of Mary’s song. She is visiting her cousin Elizabeth who asks Mary in V.43, “How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Mary’s response was a spirit of praise. Mary was not only giving God praise, but the truth is also that her song speaks of who she is and how deep her faith is. V.46-47 says, “Oh how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” Mary could have focused on the fear she felt. Instead, she focused on blessings within her turmoil. This happens today, we focus on the negatives we face when we should be giving thanks to God for allowing situations to happen.

There are 3 types of revolutionary thoughts in Mary’s words. The first is a moral revolutionary thought in V.51, “His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and the haughty ones.” Mary is speaking of the death of pride. In our day and in this society, we hold a lot of pride. We tend to turn a blind eye to those in need and refuse to ask for help when we need it. Our pride can hold us back from acting on God’s direction and being obedient.

Second is a social revolutionary thought. Mary says, “He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble.” Mary knew she was nothing special to the eyes of the world. She saw her situation as God exalting the lowly. God has seen fit to use a poor girl to bring the greatest gift to mankind. Our society puts lots of importance on prestige and wealth. The more we have the better we are. God is proving that the world’s labels and prestige are not important to him. He is looking at the heart of a person, like he did with Mary.

The last is economic revolutionary thought. V.53, “He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.” If we are a Christian society, why do we have hungry people? God’s word tells us that our status at the bank will not matter when God comes again. To live obedient to God, we should not gain wealth and let our fellow man go hungry. Having wealth is not a bad thing. The issue is how we choose to use our wealth to glorify God.

Lastly, we see Mary trust in the Lord. V.54-55 “He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to Abraham and his children forever.” Mary trusted God! She believed in his covenant to Abraham. She trusted that God would keep his promises. Should we not do the same? Even in hard times, we must keep the faith and trust that our God has it all under control.

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

As I think toward the Christmas season, I think of this time not just as a time of festivity, but as an opportunity to connect with others, share joy, and recognize the miracle of God’s love.  In this passage, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth reminds us that joy comes from celebrating life through our relationships and experiences with others.  Sometimes that joy comes from unexpected circumstances.  Although different, they shared something in common.  Often that’s all it takes to open up new relationships.  Both of the miraculous pregnancies remind me of the hope, joy and faithfulness that God offers and to appreciate all blessings in life.  Just as Mary and Elizabeth rejoice in their unique journeys, I too should embrace the hope and faith that this season brings.  Their connection encourages me to want to reach out to others offering support, love, and joy where I can.  I am inspired to think about the miracles of life and the love and joy and hope that comes with new beginnings and cherished relationships, both old and new. 

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

I think that this verse could teach us a couple different things, primarily, it shows us that God can do things that transcend our understanding. Secondly, it shows us that God will provide us with what we need. He brought his one and only son into our mortal world so that he would die for each and every one of our sins and so that we could have eternal life in Heaven. And lastly, it teaches us to have faith in God's plan, as Joseph was hesitant to marry Mary, especially after she had become pregnant before getting married. But after his encounter with an angel of the Lord, he believed in God and his purpose of being Jesus’ father. 

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He 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, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 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. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Again, the sovereign mystery of how our Lord God works, this brief private meeting between His angel and His faithful servant…a young, bethrothed woman.

Showing significant concern, Mary is reassured by Gabriel about the Good News He brings.  Mary listens to the grand announcement and her chosen role.  She simply asks one question “How”?

The angel succinctly explains the omnipotence of the Most High.  Sharing collaborating news that her older, barren relative is now six months with child.

We are asked to share the Good News.  Mary, a true servant of the Lord God leads by example with her commitment.  “May it be to me as you have said.”

5 In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. 7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. 8 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, 9 according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. 11 And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” 18 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” 21 And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. 23 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. 24 After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, 25 “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Zechariah was on duty to serve as priest before God, chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary. Normally this would have been a quiet moment. Technically, the other priests would tie a rope around the ‘on duty’ priest just in case he needed to be pulled out if things got real.
 
Well, that day, things did indeed get real! What Zechariah probably assumed was going to be an uneventful, routine task turned into a conversation with no less than the angel Gabriel. You would think that a high priest seeing someone suddenly appear in the Holy of Holies would tend to believe the words that would follow, but worldly age and experience still caused Zechariah to doubt.
 
While Zechariah’s muteness seems at first to be merely a punishment for lack of belief, it turns into an opportunity to glorify God when he is suddenly able to speak after affirming the baby’s name is John. May we all see the consequences of our sin not as just a punishment, but moreover as an opportunity to glorify God!

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Hebrews 3:1-3 reminds me of the main figure of Advent, Jesus Christ. He is both my High Priest and Apostle, highlighting His duel roles as Gods Messenger and the intercessor for humanity. As we look forward, this reading encourages me to focus on Jesus’s faithfulness and sacrifice, showing him to be the fulfillment of Gods promises and the source of our salvation!

It also shows Jesus’ perfect obedience to God’s will and reliability as our savior!

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

God loved each person in the world so much that he sent his only son. He gave each of us a choice to believe in Jesus and have everlasting life in Heaven or to be condemned.

10 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. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

This is love not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God;, but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete.

To me, I John 4:10-12 is a love story. God sent his son to die on the cross for our sins that we may have eternal life. One of the fruits of the spirit is Love. The greatest commandment is Love.

God loves us unconditionally and through His grace we are forgiven of our sins.

Love is taught throughout the Bible. Love is patient Love is kind. God tells us to love one another as He loves us.

Many songs in our hymnals are about love. Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so. Love lifted me.

No sin is too big that God won't forgive. That's real love for God's Children.

God tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. At times we don't love ourselves. How can we love our neighbors?

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 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.

A true love for God and people is proof of one being a born-again Christian.  When a person has experienced God’s forgiveness and received the Holy spirit you don’t have a choice to forgive or show love to people.  If we expect God to forgive us and show us love, we need to do the same in Jesus’s name.

Jesus who lived a life without sin willingly died on the cross for us so we might be forgiven of our sins.  This also had to take place for us to receive the Holy Spirit.

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

The passage speaks on the light coming into the world, but, with intention, His people not recognizing Him. Rather, He gave them the choice to recognize, believe, and follow. He gave the gift of life and rebirth the world, as long as they chose him. In this Advent season, it is with this present from God that begins the season where we continually must choose to strive and reach for the light that illuminates the darkness.

The love and faithfulness given to us by God through Jesus is the best present we could ever hope for every Christmas season. In an attempt to emulate, to a very minor capacity, this gift, we give gifts to one another and light the Advent wreath to remind us. These reminders are beacons in the darkness to show us of God's light and love. These remembrances are important for my family as we progress through the season. It gives us hope and reminds us that light overcomes darkness and replaces doubt with feelings of hope and peace.

12 And say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: for he shall branch out from his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord. 13 It is he who shall build the temple of the Lord and shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne. And there shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’

In a small town nestled between rolling hills, the people longed for hope and peace. They remembered the promises of old, that someday a King would come to reign with justice and righteousness. Among them was Zechariah, a humble prophet who had received a divine vision.

One winter's day, Zechariah was pondering a strange symbol—a branch, standing tall and full of life. The Lord spoke to him, saying, "Behold, the man whose name is the Branch, for he shall branch out from his place and build the temple of the Lord." This was the promise of a coming King, a Savior who would bring salvation and establish God's kingdom.

As the days grow shorter and darkness falls over our land, let us hold  onto this hope. As we decorate our homes with greenery and lights, let’s remember that even in the darkest times, the promise of the Branch shines brightly.

As the advent season approaches, let Zechariah’s words echo in your heart: "He shall build the temple of the Lord and he shall be a priest on his throne." This is a reminder that God's promises are sure.

With anticipation and faith, we can remember the day when the Branch came, bringing light, hope, and peace to all.

2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. 3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. 4 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.

Micah the prophet told the people that the next King in the lineage of David would be born right there in Bethlehem, and He would establish a kingdom that would never end.

And He did come!  Hundreds of years later, Jesus was born in a lowly stable in Bethlehem just as Micah had prophesied.  He came to deliver all who believe to the majesty of God. And His greatness reaches to the ends of the earth!  

1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, 4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.

To me this passage is speaking about the future of Jesse's lineage. That there will be a future person down the line who will be righteous and blessed by the Lord to help others in need. He will not judge others by their previous actions or perceived wrong doings. Instead, he will get to know others for who they are in the present day and love them unconditionally.

He will also know when to lead others towards a more righteous path. His words will speak of devotion to the Lord and he will listen with compassion as people speak to him. His words will be a testament to the Lord. He will slay the wicked with the breath of his lips through prayer. His righteousness will keep him anchored and his faithfulness will be evident. 

13 And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Immanuel.  God with us.  Do you feel his presence with you?  God with us.  These words fill us with joy, stir our hearts and bring hope to our lives.  He walks with us.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always.”  When we feel that we are alone or that no one cares what is happening to us, let us remember that our true gift of Christmas is God with us.  He walks with us.

Let these words from “O Little Town of Bethlehem” be our prayer in all our seasons:
 “O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel!”

1 I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. 2 For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.” 3 You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: 4 ‘I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’”

Each Christmas, we celebrate the miracle of God’s faithfulness — the promise kept through the birth of Jesus. Psalm 89: 1-4 reminds us that God’s love and hope endure forever, even when the world feels uncertain or frightening.

Many members of RUMC have seen this promise alive in Momance, Haiti. In the faces of children learning in the classrooms we helped build, in the hands of doctors and nurses tending the sick, and in the joy of worship that rises from humble places — God’s steadfast love shines bright. It’s a reminder that His faithfulness is not confined to one place or season. It moves through us, across oceans and generations, carrying hope to the world.

This Christmas may our hearts and celebrations reflect the scripture, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever.”