Category Archives: Jesus

Christmas Lights – Part 3

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The next morning, it took Fred awhile to remember where he was.

 [This short story begins here]

When he looked around and remembered, he wasn’t sure just how much of what had happened had been a dream. Trying to get a better grip, he got up and splashed cold water on his face from the basin in the corner.  He quietly made his way down the stairs, thinking, “I’ll just leave a note of thanks and some money.” But Papa was just setting out a big breakfast of scrambled eggs and called him into the kitchen.

As they ate together, Papa said, “You are probably a bit confused just now about what has happened to you. It’s all right; don’t worry. That is the way it feels to most people when they come here. They wake up with a lot of questions, wondering if they have been dreaming or something. That is why I gave you the book. You are going to find a lot of answers in there. You will be amazed at how, the more you learn, the more questions you will have and the more you will want to know. Just keep that book handy.  Gradually, you’ll begin to get the hang of it.”

“What happened to me?” Fred asked.

“You had your heart fixed; you came to Life – real Life. That empty place in your heart has been filled with life and light. Jesus has come to live in your heart. You don’t have to protect yourself from being hurt anymore, you don’t have to be afraid to love and be loved. You don’t need to worry about being vulnerable. Now that He is alive in you, you will never be alone. You have been given a new kind of life and power – a new kind of light. It takes some getting used to, but as you will see, everything will be different. Oh, your car is still broken. It’s still cold and snowy outside. Your wife and kids are still gone. None of that has changed. Perhaps some of that will get fixed, in time – who knows? But you will discover as you leave here and go back out to your car, you will experience all these things with new peace, new power. But don’t worry: Trust Him, like He said. And, oh, by the way, let me be the first to say it to you: Merry Christmas!”

About an hour later, as Fred climbed up into the cab of the tow truck, he noticed how the snow, which had looked so menacing last night, now seemed to sparkle with beauty. The driver looked over at Fred, jammed the truck into gear, and growled, “Bummer to be stuck on Christmas, eh?”

Fred just smiled and said, “You know, the most amazing thing happened to me last night…”

The name of that story is, Christmas Lights. There are many kinds of light that we experience at Christmas.

  • There are Christmas lights on houses, for example. Some only see those lights from a distance, but others go over to get closer. The Wise Men did that.
  • Then there is the light that is an invitation, spilling out from God’s front door. Some see that light and walk on by, feeling a bit wistful but not going in. Others kick the snow off their boots, go in and accept a hot mug of cider and a seat by the fire. Mary did that.
  • Some are content to just sit in the glow of the firelight, and the lights on a Christmas tree – but others see a gift with their name written on it. As they open the gift to see what it is, they discover that the gift is Jesus, who offers to heal the wounds, take away the twistedness and sin, and light a lamp of life in the darkness in their heart.  Some say, “No thanks, I can do this by myself.” But others trust Him and receive the gift. Lots of times they wake up the next day, a bit bewildered. With amazement, they begin to learn what has happened, and how Jesus died to make it possible. They have heard these things before but now they begin to understand. It is like the dawning light of a new day – the thrill of watching the sunrise on Christmas morning – as they begin to see how it all fits together.

Of all the different kinds of Christmas light, that one is the absolute best. It is the light that Jesus lights in a heart that never goes out, the light of true life. Jesus said it like this: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

“Yet in the dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.”

Merry Christmas!  May you be blessed in 2017!

Tom

Christmas Lights – Part 2

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I must be dreaming, Fred thought.

[If you haven’t read it, this short story begins here.]

But with a sense of creeping wonder, he began to untie the ribbon and open the gift. He looked inside the box and saw a very old book. “A book?” he asked, “Is this really for me?”

The old man said, “Yes, but that book isn’t really the gift, it’s just the instruction manual.”

Now Fred was sure he was dreaming, but he said, “Where is the gift?”

A voice, behind him said, “Turn around, Fred.” Don’t ask how he knew, but he when turned around he was looking at Jesus. Holding up his hands, Fred said, “I don’t know how you knew my name, or how you pulled this deal off – and I want you to know that I really appreciate your kindness and offer of a place to stay for the night – but I’ll be honest with you, I’m not interested in religion right now. But thanks, anyway.”

Jesus smiled at him and said, “This isn’t about religion, Fred, this is a gift. Don’t you want to know what it is? This is about fixing that lonely, empty, dead hole in your heart.”

Fred said, “I’m going to be all right. I’ll find a new home, get a new job and turn my life around. I don’t need sympathy – I’m a “can-do” kind of guy and I want to fix this by myself.”

But Jesus said, “Fred, if you will simply trust me, I can fill up that empty place inside you. You have convinced yourself the only safe place in this world is to be all by yourself, with no one close enough to hurt you. But, no matter how much you fight to ignore it, no matter how much money you make, or how many fun things you find to do, deep inside, Fred, you know you are lonely. You are empty inside. Dead. But, if you will trust me, I can fix that. Not just for tonight, but forever.”

Fred started to work up a rebuttal. He told himself he wouldn’t let this guy get to him, that it wasn’t safe. He wanted to grab his coat and run back out into the night, where at least he knew what was going on. But despite all of those thoughts that were pulling on him, when he opened his mouth to reply, what came out surprised him. He said, “I’m not sure I know how to trust You. Can You help me with that?”

Before he had even finished saying the words, he felt a warm rush of something filling his heart. It was like a hot-spring had begun bubbling up inside him. It was like a candle had been lit in a dark corner of his heart and now the light was getting steadily brighter.” He tried to hold it back, but began to cry. All he could say was “Thank you, thank you.” For a long time he just closed his eyes and wept as the most amazing and confusing emotions swept through him. He felt as though he was coming to life in a way he couldn’t understand.

When he finally pulled himself together and opened his eyes, he was alone with Papa. With a smile, Papa said, “Let me show you where that bed is. You’ve had quite a night.” Bewildered, but grateful, Fred followed up the stairs and down the hall. Before long he was sleeping as he had not done in a very long time.

(To be continued…)

 

Night Light

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2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
3 You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Merry Christmas!

Whose Life Matters?

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Shepherds were outcasts, considered subhuman lowlifes.  Not welcome in town, they lived and slept out in the fields with the animals.  According to the American Journal of Biblical Theology,  “…because of their vocation, shepherds were considered unclean and could not take part in temple worship without ritual cleansing.  They were despised by the people, considered untrustworthy, and unable to testify in a court of law.”  Interesting it was shepherds to whom God initially announced the birth of Jesus. 

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.  (Luke 2:8-11)

People who could not readily enter the Temple were chosen by God to receive His most important message.  He chose people considered despicable and untrustworthy, unable to testify in court to be His first witnesses.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.  (Luke 2:20)

 Those marginalized and rejected by society were the very ones God chose!   But why?  Why not chose people more respected and trusted?  The answer is contained in verse 10 above.  One little word; can you see it?

It’s the word, “all.”  The good news of great joy would be for all the people.   Why all the people.  Because all the people mattered to God.  He loved all the people.  He sent His Son as a gift to all the people.

Even you.  You matter to God.  This good news is for you.

To slightly change what Tiny Tim said, “God blessed us, every one!”

Peace on Earth 4

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The “piece of cod that surpasses all understanding,” Swedes talk about is lutefisk.  It’s an apt description, but the whole thing is a pun from this bible verse:

 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:7)

Three questions:

  • What is the “peace of God?”
  • How does one attain it?
  • What does “surpasses all understanding” really mean?

The “peace of God” means a peace that is given to us by God, a kind of peace that is superior in all ways to what the world thinks of as peace.  It’s not an absence of conflict but a genuine wellness of soul which gives the wherewithal to go through seasons of strife without losing it.  That’s because it “guards our hearts” from going off into unproductive second guessing and “if only.”  Instead, it keeps our hearts and minds settled in Jesus.  That’s not some emotional trick.  We make our home in Christ, in His mindset and in His care.

This peace is given to us in response to our genuine prayers:

“…The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:5b-7)

Mixing prayer requests with thanksgiving – real thankfulness – is a key to this kind of prayer and that kind of peace.  When we turn computer problems over to an expert, knowing he has the knowledge and skill to take care of it, we don’t waste time futilely trying to figure out how to fix it ourselves.  Same thing when we turn problems over to Almighty God, only so much better.

The phrase, “surpasses all understanding” probably means it is impossible to understand the peace that comes, much less to explain it logically.  But I suspect it also means the peace we receive is better than the understanding we yearn for in tough circumstances.  We cannot explain why God would allow this tragedy to have occurred but as we pray and, as He blesses our souls with peace, we discover that understanding why it has happened is not so important.  We have peace that comes from God, comes from knowing the God of sovereignty and grace, knowing He is on the case and somehow that is enough.  More than enough, it’s better.  It surpasses the mere desire to understand.

Peace on Earth 3

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You are driving your rental through a city you have never been in.  The British lady on the GPS says, “Take the next right hand turn ” but you are pretty sure that where you are going is off to the left, somewhere.  You shut off the GPS and turn left.  Now what?  You think, “I guess I’m on my own here…”   If you have ever been there and done that, you know your stress escalates.  There is no peace at that moment.  It is much more peaceful to simply follow instructions than it is to find your own way.  Despite occasional glimpses of “deja vu,” your future is a place you have never been.

In this third post about finding peace, the kind of peace Jesus said He gives us (John 14:27 – scroll down to read the two previous posts), Jesus models peace that comes from following His GPS (God Positioning System).

30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
“Come now; let us leave.  (John 14:30-31)

Faith in God does what He says.  So-called faith that does not obey God is not really faith. When you know for sure God has a plan (Peace on Earth 1), He knows what is going to happen and is in control (Peace on Earth 2) it really makes sense to obey Him.  And it brings peace.  Obedience to the instructions and commands of an expert is much more peaceful than guessing what to do on our own.   You want peace?  Act out your faith by doing exactly what God tells you to do.

Jesus taught this same principle:

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11:28-30)

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me” means, let me tell you what to do “and you will find rest for your souls.”  You want peace?  Obey Jesus, obey God.  Sounds simplistic but sometimes the things that work best are simple.

Here’s a prayer for all you who read this, that you will enjoy real peace during this Christmas season, and all throughout your life – right here on earth.

Peace on Earth 1

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Peace would be easy if we weren’t on earth.  It’s the stuff that happens on earth that destroys our peace.  You are settled in for a “long winter’s nap” and at 2:00 am the phone rings.  There goes peace.  You are ready to go “over the river and through the woods” and you break a timing chain.  Your boss asks you to work overtime.  Your daughter gets strep throat.  And so on.

And yet, it was “on earth” where Jesus said.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  ( John 14:27)

He said those words about giving us peace as a gift, not being troubled or afraid, just moments before His arrest, hours before He was crucified.  He knew it was coming.  So, how did Jesus find peace in an “on earth” moment like that?  How did He have it to give?   How can we find it.  The next few things He said give us insight.  This time let’s look at what He said in verse 28:

 28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.  (John 14:28-29)

Instead of focusing on His impending pain and death, Jesus fixed His gaze on the big picture, on how His terrible suffering would be used by God to achieve His purposes.  Like a football player who eagerly runs onto the field, knowing he is about to be clobbered and possibly injured but fixes his mind on the possibility of helping his team win, Jesus suffered the cross “for the joy set before Him.”

And we can find peace through that attitude as well.  God uses our suffering to reveal the beauty and strength of having His life within us.  He does not waste any of it.  If we can consider our circumstances “on earth” from a heavenly perspective, like Jesus we can find peace in the midst of troubling events.

More, next time.

Unwrap Music

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The mysterious thing about gift wrapping paper is it slows time to a crawl.  After I wrap a gift, I can hardly wait, and frequently fail to wait, until the moment the gift is first unwrapped.  The more special the gift, the slower goes the time.  It’s not just me, it’s a rule, a law of physics.  Which means angels in heaven must have had a very hard time waiting for Jesus to be “unwrapped.”

Think about it from their perspective:  In heaven, you hear about God’s plan to have His Son become a human and be born on earth.  Earth is a sphere that spins around some tiny speck of light way out in the universe.  Humans are creatures God made to live on that sphere.  And Almighty God has decided to send His Son there as a human! You can hardly imagine it, let alone understand it.  More amazing than if the Orkin man decided to become a termite.  And after Jesus has been “wrapped” in Mary, so to speak, imagine the gathering anticipation for the reveal.  Imagine how slowly those nine months would pass, worse than waiting at the DMV.  And how excited you would be to witness this miracle.  You would be ready to explode!

So now, God comes and says, “We’re getting a choir together to celebrate it when Jesus is born.  What do you think, would you be interested?”  “Are You kidding?  Of course I’m interested; I can’t wait!”  And after Gabriel is done setting the stage for the shepherds and gives the cue to the angelic choir director, how enthusiastic would your singing be?  This is probably a vast understatement:

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.”  (Luke 2:13-14)

Jesus is going to come again, this time not as a baby but as the King of Kings!  Time is creeping at an agonizing pace.  But, as we wait, you don’t have to try to contain your excitement.  You can get ready to pump your fist and sing!

Kindness

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The divers came upon a whale, tangled in an abandoned net, who would die if not released.  Trouble was, the whaled was freaked out and likely to injure or kill them if they got close enough to help.  But by their gentle and peaceful approach they gradually won her trust.  She allowed them to begin the tortuous task of cutting away the tough net to set her free.  Their gentleness, their kindness, convinced the whale she could trust them and submit to their rescue procedures.  I watched this amazing story with awe and will give you the link below.  But read this verse from Romans carefully and think about that principle:

4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?   (Romans 2:4)

God’s kindness was costly.  He accepted the risk of excruciating death in order to draw close enough to cut away the net that holds us captive.  Don’t dismiss that kindness or take it for granted.  Submit to what He is trying to do for you.  Let Him cut you free.

To watch the whale video, click HERE.  Make sure to watch all the way to the end to see a pretty good image of what Jesus meant by “life to the full.”

 

 

Finding Joy

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When you see the word “Joy!” on Christmas cards and decorations, do you flinch?  Do you ask, “Where’s the joy?”  So many do at this time of year.  Does holiday joy seem artificial, forced and frantic?  So many activities of the season hold the promise of joy but leave us feeling empty.

There is a reliable solution. But it’s not just for Christmas.  It is a prescription for joy that lasts beyond the season, revealed in this teaching of Jesus:

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:9-12)

Love is a primary ingredient, necessary for sustained joy.  If you know in your bones you are truly and unconditionally loved, it changes your mood from the bottom up.  Joy becomes possible despite circumstances that would otherwise sap it.  So Jesus begins His lesson with a reminder that you are loved by God – really!  The love Jesus extends to us is the same as the love God the Father extends to Him.  How much does The Father in Heaven, the One Who is love, love His One and Only Son?  That’s how much you are loved.   Really understanding that is step one.

Step two is learning to experience that constant love.  Jesus says if you keep His commands, you will “remain” in His love.  The word, remain, means to make your home in or dwell in the experience of His love as a constant reality.  Note that He did NOT say He wouldn’t love you if you didn’t do what He said.  He said you wouldn’t “remain” in the experience of being loved.  His love does not change based on what you do, your ability to experience this love changes.  Love must be known, it must feel real and deep in order to produce joy.  If you want to experience the love God has for you, get in step with how Jesus instructed us to live.

Jesus told us this for two astounding reasons.  He wants our joy to actually be His joy.   And, He wants for us to have joy that is complete.   Unadulterated.  Not faked for the season but bubbling up from within our souls in a sustained way.  That’s my wish for you, too.

“Joy to the World, the Lord is come…”