Panic or Ponder

When I was a younger man, I was convinced that when I reached a certain age, I would have life figured out, that the questions would be settled by time and experience. Many questions have found answers, but many remain. What I now realize more than then is the importance of being willing to wait, to walk through the mystery with faith intact. God’s ways sometimes confound me, sometimes confuse me. How about you?

Faith has taught me to worship Him even in such moments.

The Christmas story brings us a moment like that in the life of Jesus’ mother. We read this: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2)

That sentence, in the middle of Luke’s story of the birth of Jesus, brings me wonderful peace. Mary was told about God’s plan in Nazareth by an angel and yet at the day of the birth of Jesus when she heard about the angelic announcement during the visit of shepherds, she was left to wonder at it all. It did not make sense to her, at that moment.

Reflecting on that same thought of her wonder, Mark Lowry wrote a song that asks “Mary, did you know…? One of the verses says -

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
Is the Great I Am?

When that blessed woman stood 33 years later at the foot of the gruesome cross where her Son hung dying I wonder if Mary retreated to that Holy Night, to the words of shepherds and angels she has stored up in her heart so that she could draw comfort from knowing that He and she were in the center of the will of God?

As we live through days where noise and confusion is all too common, when our lives go sideways with disappointment, when the future is murky – let’s be willing to return to the Word of God, to the declaration that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  (Romans 8)

When fear pushes us toward panic, let’s choose instead to ponder! As we pause and think, His Spirit can whisper to us about the wonder, the mystery of the Incarnation (God in flesh.)  He is Immanuel - ‘God with us!’

Let’s make sure that in all our celebrations the momentous message is kept in mind. It is summed up this way - "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12, NIV)

I pray for you a most blessed Christmas,
a renewal of love for the Savior,
a re-centering of faith on Him, and
a recommissioning to service of the Baby of Bethlehem,
now the Lord of Heaven and Earth, our King!

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The Heavy Burden of Expectations

Our celebration of Christmas usually comes with a burden of great expectations. The bright lights and nostalgic songs stir up different longings in each of us, don’t they? We want to heal broken relationships. We hope to connect with our family in a way that is meaningful. We want to find the kind of faith that settles our restless heart. We wish for …  yes, you would likely answer that question differently than I would.

But there are choices that we can make that will help us to find our way into the New Year with a richer, fuller heart as we reflect on Christmas, 2024.

First, let’s adjust our expectations of ourselves and others!
Deep inside of us, we can become almost childish thinking that surely the carols, the candles, or even Old Saint Nick will change our lives. We love Dicken’s story of the transformation of Old Scrooge in that tale - "Christmas Carol."  Life doesn’t work that way.

Just because it is Christmas that miserable person that rains on your parade is highly unlikely to turn into Sam Sunshine. Be realistic! Know, too, that one gift or gesture, as nice or generous as it may be, cannot erase something hurtful from the past. Face the fact that a marriage that is cracking at the seams won't be repaired by an expensive gift. If we are realistic about the limits of the day, it will help us to celebrate with more joy.

Second, focus on the spiritual part of the Season.
Yep, you've heard that before, too, haven't you? It is celebration of Christ's birthday. You won't find Him on Amazon.com or in the twinkling lights of the decorations. Giving gifts can be a lot of fun. Decorating our homes and offices can add a festive air. Parties are great, sometimes.

It is worship, however, that brings true peace, which connects us to the One who came to be our Prince of Peace. Every year in my pastoral ministry I have urged people to carve out moments in which they can listen to God's voice, pray, meditate, and know Gods’ peace. Mostly we don’t!  But, I hope you will.

Serve someone in the Name of Jesus with no ulterior motive. Go to church having prepared your heart to participate in the corporate acts of worship.

Third, admit to yourself - "I cannot do it all!"
Somebody will be disappointed that you didn't get to their party. Somebody won't get the perfect gift. The pie you bake might turn out with a burnt crust. Uncle Joe may growl at your kids and remind you that you are a failure as a parent. Nobody’s 100%, able to please, and mega-competent.

It's all right to be human. Admit it - first to yourself. If you own your own humanity, it is a way to unload a ton of pressure.

And, don't forget to be child-like.
Give yourself permission to experience some wonder. Let the Grinch be cynical! Laugh at those things that are absurd. Hug Grandma. Sing, even if you can't, and enjoy the experience. Ponder the story of a Baby born in a manger, of Shepherds who heard angels sing, of God come to earth to change everything, including your eternal destiny. Ask God to give you the eyes of a child again.

I think if you'll do these things, January 1st will roll around, and you'll wish it were still Christmas, instead of being glad it is gone for another year. Let me know, won't you?

Read these ancient words today. I pray that you will experience something like the wonder in the word from the Word.

"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:6-11, KJV)
"And all they that heard it wondered at those things ..." (Luke 2:18, KJV)

There we find the hope of humanity, our salvation, and an anchor for all of life’s storms.
Remember Jesus!

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