TGIF
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
(Luke 2:8-11 ESV)
The cries and screams from the apartment were terrifying and loud.
It sounded like someone was being violently killed.
In reality, the noises were the death throes of hope.
The police were called and upon arrival found not a crime scene, but a hysterical single mom.
There would be no Christmas for her children…there was no money for gifts.
The pain and humiliation had grown inside her until it outgrew her and exploded outward in peals of pain.
“Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:
“A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.””
(Matthew 2:16-18 ESV)
Christmas has always been about the birth of Jesus and the wrath of Herod, of glad tidings of great joy and of pain that can’t be comforted.
It’s always been about who gets the gift and what the gift cost.
It’s always been about the laughter of the redeemed and weeping for the children.
Angels have always had to sing over the top of those lamenting to be heard.
The woman in the apartment was saved…the cops not only consoled her, they bought gifts for her children…and the song of an angel could be clearly heard all about the area.
They are still singing…and the song is for you…and me.
The baby came to die and from death bring forth new life and a new song in the throat of all who lament.
Someday, we will all sing with the angels even if we are crying over their song today.
Someday, every one who believes in the baby will have a very, merry, Christmas.
The promised Gift is the risen Gift and the reigning Gift…and He’s yours.
Make your own application…
Beautiful…tears…thank you. I love your Friday writings.
Thank you, my friend.
Amen.
Here is a link to the first service message from Crossroads on Sunday with Paul Young….
“The coming of the Son” Very thought provoking
It’s always been about who gets the gift <<<
An interesting question for a Calvinist to ask.
I’d love to hear what others think of the Paul Young link. I listened to it and was in tears over it. He said some pretty radical theological statements. Any comments? I’m a simple woman and would love to hear from some of the pastors here.
Great stuff, MN, you’ve still got it.
Thank you, PP Vet…
Xenia…not really.
The gift is for all those who want Him…
Nonnie,
I watched it…and as usual, Paul said some really wonderful and profound things and some really weird ones.
I embraced the former and giggled at the latter.
“The woman in the apartment was saved…the cops not only consoled her, they bought gifts for her children…and the song of an angel could be clearly heard all about the area.”
Yes, angels are real, and they are us
There are real angels too…ministering spirits sent to those who will inherit salvation.
We get extra credit for emulating them…
Thanks Michael. As I listened to it, I had some “what did he say” and also some “Wow!.”
Nonnie,
I think I watched the second service and he had some easily refuted notions about the Holy Spirit…but nothing to burn him over. 🙂
I’m certainly not looking to burn anyone! I’d be first in the fire. 😀
“Real angels”, for me, are the intrusive and daring messengers of God, human and possibly otherwise, who bring God’s touch into a dire situation of pain, confusion and hopelessness and empower the hopeless to rise up, receive the gift and the companionship.
“Ministering spirits”, for me, are the outrageously awesome and inspiring impulses of imagination which move the human heart to manifest the unseen and make it a tangible reality.
Pretty much, for me, I don’t care how it gets done, just that it does, and that we get to be part of the adventure is the icing on the cake!
😉
Such a precious gift so beautifully wrapped and given only has value if we untie the ribbon and tear open the wrapping!! After opening it, we leave a mess all over the floor that pales in comparison to the glorious beauty of what’s inside. Have a love-filled Christmas Michael!
To you as well, Pam…and thank you for all the retweets this year!
Pam…that is priceless! Yes, we leave a mess, and yet what is inside is so beautiful and precious! Thank you!
Methinks Michael is having a Merry Christmas season.
Jim,
My negativity toward Christmas is beyond help at this point, but I have to try to bring things into some semblance of biblical truth for myself…and hopefully others who can’t wait until it’s over.
I think one of the things so often forgotten during these holidays is Jesus, Yeshua, the Son of God, and few other names all demonstrate a trait of God which begins in Genesis and ends on the last page of Revelation, God partners with His creation for their salvation.’
Noah had to build the Ark to ride out the flood God brought and Jesus had to lower Himself and put aside deity so humanity can rise with Him into eternity.
Simple message about a young woman who carried the Hope for all humanity, not unlike Noah and the Ark he had to build (all under the instructions of God).
Does God love His creation? Well He seems to never stop partnering with them for their salvation.
Good TGIF.
Michael,
Try selective sensory deprivation.
I screen out all Xmas music.
It’s works as long as the sights of Xmas don’t bum you out.
Driving with a blindfold is not wise. 😉
I’ll take the box. I can get inside and be invisible. I can pretend to be anyway. When the little darts of the unbelievers poke through the box it’s not so bad.
Well Michael, you’re doing well. If I was unaware of your feelings during this time of year… I’d be unaware.
Michael, I’m sorry about your Christmas pain. God is the redeemer of all things. I know He’ll redeem all your pain in heaven. I hope He redeems your Christmas pain down here.
Thank you, Stu…
Michael, beautiful TGIF! Once again, you show your pastor’s heart by leading us to the hope that is found in Jesus in spite of, or perhaps because of your own pain. Thank you for that. Much love to you, my friend.
To you as well, my friend!
I noticed something this year I never saw before while reading Luke 2 for my kids’ club lesson. It wasn’t the angel the shepherds feared. It was the glory of the Lord. People think they’ll be able to stand up to God in their own defense on judgment day. I think not.