Receive the Word

Who is the Word? Do we receive the Word? Does the Word live with us? Let’s look at Jesus’ pre-existence as God and how we receive Him in John 1:1-18.

Jesus is God

John 1:1-5 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 nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Before the Gospel of John was available in all churches, some thought that Jesus was a created being and not God. This Arian heresy is still believed today by some groups, notably the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Athanasius bishop of Alexandria in Egypt used our text today to counter this wrong idea.

Not having a complete New Testament meant parts of the puzzle were omitted. It’s simple enough to see in the very first verse of John that the word (Logos in Greek) was God, that through the Word (Jesus) all things were made. He was not created, but created all things.

Receive Him

John 1:6-13 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

We receive the word by listening. Faith comes from hearing the word (Romans 10:14-17). An ancient practice was to read the Bible aloud, because then it is also heard. Public reading of the Bible, making it clear and giving the meaning is also an ancient practice (Nehemiah 8:7-9).

When preachers avoid the Bible, especially the words of Jesus, the sheep cannot receive “the Word.” Why would we want to go to a church where the Word may be quoted in the Gospel text for the day every Sunday, then ignore him in our politics, business practices and marriages?

The Word Became Flesh

John 1:14-18 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” 16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

The word “dwelt” is “tabernacled.” Christmas, remembers the incarnation whereby the Word began to “tabernacle” in an earthly tent among us as He did in the first Tabernacle in the wilderness and looks forward to that time when the New Jerusalem descends to earth and God permanently dwells with us.

Jesus is the Word? If we skip too much church how can we hear and receive the Word? The Word wants to tabernacle with us. Someday heaven will descend to earth and He will live with us for all eternity.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

Jeremiah 31:7-9

The restoration of Israel is foretold and a redeemer will come. Though the people had strayed and were punished for a season, God stayed true to His covenant and in His grace, eventually saves His people.

Psalm 147:12-20

The forensic evidence for God’s Providence is everywhere in His Creation. Because God rules all creation, we are in good hands and we have no need to fear.

Ephesians 1:3-14

Before time, God had planned to adopt a people as His own, redeeming us by His blood, and we don’t get the glory for that, He does. We trusted and believed.

John 1:1-18 in Rhyme

In the beginning was the Word
The Word with God, God was the Word
Always with God from origin
Everything was made through Him

Without Him nothing came to be
Not one thing that has come to be
In Him life was
And the life was
The light of all humanity

And the light shines in the darkness
Which the darkness could not possess
God sent a man whose name was John
To bear witness concerning one

To testify about the Light
That all through him believe alright
He was sent and was not that Light
Sent to bear witness of that Light

The true Light, every man lighting
Into the world He was coming
He was in the world, made through Him
The world He made did not know Him

Even His own rejected Him
But as many as received Him
Their right as God’s children became
To those who believe in His name

Not born of blood, nor fleshly thrill
But of God, not of human will

The Word became flesh and with us dwelled
And so His glory we beheld
Of the Father’s one and only
Full of grace and truth in glory

John bore witness and cried and said
“This was He of whom I had said
‘He who follows me is preferred
For long before me, He was heard.’”

Of His fullness we’ve all received
And even more gifts, grace for grace
The law was given through Moses
Grace and truth came through Christ Jesus

No one has seen God ever yet
The only one God did beget
In the Father’s intimate zone
He has come and made Him known

Jesus as Refugee

Mistreatment of others is part of every nation’s history. Let’s recognize humanity’s mistreatment of foreigners and innocent children, and Jesus as the world’s only hope, in Matthew 2:13-23.

Flee to Egypt

Matthew 2:13-15 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

We are confronted by the fact that peace on earth is not yet here, not even in the church. Instead, the news was of yet another brutal monarch killing people, children under two years of age. Jesus’ family fled to Egypt. Jesus identified from childhood with all who suffer persecution.

The murder of perhaps as many as 20 boys under two in Bethlehem is not known in any other record, but due to Herod’s similar murderous abuse is very plausible. Jesus and His parents became stateless refugees. We cannot look self-righteously at Herod. All nations have a history of atrocities.

Massacre of the Innocents

Matthew 2:16-18 “Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: 18 ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, Lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, Refusing to be comforted, Because they are no more.’”

Jesus was a foreigner in Egypt and later in Nazareth. Under God’s law, He reminded them that uncircumcised foreigners must be given the same poverty relief as a native born citizen, and live by the same legal standards. God watches for the welfare of the foreigner and other disadvantaged groups.

God will bless a people that does not oppress the foreigners among them. In the New Testament we are told that God will speak the Gospel through foreigners, but Christians of all nations are not foreigners to each other, though foreigners to the world and their citizenship is in heaven.

One of the saddest stories of Christmas is the murder of the little children. We decry the senseless murder of innocent children at a school shooting and the perverted treatment of little ones in child porn and then turn a blind eye to the greatest abuse of our children, abortion.

We kill innocent children mostly for convenience. We abhor rape yet punish the wrong people, the innocent children who had nothing to do with the crime, but are just as much victims as the mothers were. We decry terrorism, but are guilty of our own homegrown terrorism against the innocents.

The Home in Nazareth

Matthew 2:19-23 “Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, ‘Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.’ 21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

Jesus returned to provincial town Nazareth and later from there as an adult, began a ministry telling of the good news of peace. Jesus was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:2-3, Isaiah 53:7-9, Isaiah 53:12; Psalm 22) as were people from Nazareth (John 1:46; John 7:52).

Mistreatment of others is part of every nation’s history. Let’s recognize humanity’s mistreatment of foreigners and innocent children, and Jesus as the world’s only hope.

Readings

Isaiah 63:7-9

I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord And the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord has bestowed on us, And the great goodness toward the house of Israel, Which He has bestowed on them according to His mercies, According to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses. 8 For He said, “Surely they are My people, Children who will not lie.” So He became their Savior. 9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the Angel of His Presence saved them; In His love and in His pity He redeemed them; And He bore them and carried them All the days of old.

This passage is about to be fulfilled as a Savior is born. The Jews had betrayed God many times, each time suffering for it. In Jesus, the incarnate Lord of the Hebrew Scriptures became the Savior that they seek, revealing His lovingkindnesses, great goodness, mercies, His love and His pity.

Psalm 148

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! 2 Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! 3 Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light! 4 Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens! 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. 6 He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, You great sea creatures and all the depths; 8 Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word; 9 Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars; 10 Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and flying fowl; 11 Kings of the earth and all peoples; Princes and all judges of the earth; 12 Both young men and maidens; Old men and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven. 14 And He has exalted the horn of His people, The praise of all His saints—Of the children of Israel, A people near to Him. Praise the Lord!

Citing visible evidence, one of the culminating Psalms is filled with praise for the Maker of all things. Even in our vociferously naturalistic world, the creation loudly voices praise for its Creator.

Hebrews 2:10-18

10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” 13 And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”

14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

This tells us who Jesus is and what He has done, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Salvation is a rescue mission from heaven, only made possible because Jesus was willing to call us His brothers and sisters and suffer like us.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Matthew 2:13-23 in Rhyme

To Joseph an angel appeared,
In Egypt, safety is assured
Stay there until I bring you word
Herod wanted no children spared

So by night they left for Egypt
And stayed ‘til the death of Herod
Fulfilling prophecy begun,
“Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

When Herod saw the wise men flee
He went on a child murder spree
Fulfilling what the prophet said,
Lamentation through Ramah spread

When Herod died, an angel said
You can go back home, Herod’s dead
Fulfilling prophecy foreseen
“He shall be called a Nazarene.”

God with Us, God Saves

What was Jesus’ birth really like? Let’s understand the circumstances of Jesus' birth. Let’s look at Joseph's dilemma, the meanings of Jesus' names and whether or not Mary remained a perpetual virgin in Matthew 1:18-25.

Joseph’s Dilemma

Matthew 1:18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Joseph, betrothed to Mary, found her pregnant. At that time, a groom typically prepared a home for his bride, which could take a year. When all was prepared, he came to collect his bride, like Christ comes for the Church. Joseph decided to cancel the wedding privately for Mary’s sake.

Joseph’s Mercy

Matthew 1:19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

Imagine being engaged, feeling betrayed, yet loving her and not wanting to disgrace nor punish her. An angel says, it’s of God and her son would bring salvation. You marry her knowing there will be gossip. You also know the child’s name, Jesus (God saves) and Immanuel (God with us).

Name Him Jesus

Matthew 1:20-21 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Jesus’ name means “YHWH (the Lord) saves.” His name is the hope of the whole world (Matthew 12:15-21). Jesus’ name heals (Mark 9:38-40). We should take Jesus name seriously and pray for blasphemers. His Greek name is abbreviated ΙΗΣ[1], IHS in English, a sign seen in churches everywhere.

[1] Greek capital letters Iota-Eta-Sigma, biblestudytools.com, newadvent.org/cathen, christogenea.org

God with Us

Matthew 1:22-23 All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: 23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity, His birth, resurrection, salvation, divinity and humanity. In 451 AD, the last Ecumenical Council recognized by most Protestants, came to the greatest historical consensus on Christ, affirming the Trinity, Christ's virgin birth, his humanity and his deity, and his two natures in one person.

Jesus means Joshua. Two Joshuas were forerunners of Jesus. Joshua the son of Nun conquered 31 cities in Canaan beginning around 1400 BC. Joshua and the promised land symbolize Jesus and eternal life. Joshua the son of Jozadak was a high priest (Haggai 1). Jesus is our high priest (Hebrews 8:3-5).[2]

[2] newadvent.org/cathen; The Oxford History of the Biblical World. 1998. Oxford University Press; biblearchaeology.org; orthodoxytoday.org)

Perpetual Virginity?

Matthew 1:24-25 When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

Was Mary a Perpetual Virgin? Jesus had siblings (Mark 6:3, Matthew 13:55, John 7:3, Acts 1:14, 1 Corinthians 9:5). The Greek word for cousins was not used. In John 19:26-27 Mary is a spiritual mother, not without her own children to look after her.

Psalm 69, quoted several times, refers to not only David, but also Jesus (John 2:13–17, John 15:24–25, John 19:28–30, Romans 15:3). It states plainly that “my brothers” are “my mother’s children” (vs 8). Let’s not hide doctrinal errors behind infallibility, but repent and admit the truth.

Jesus was God with us, is God with us every hour of every day and will be God with us forever.

Readings

Isaiah 7:10-16

10 Later, the Lord sent this message to King Ahaz: 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign of confirmation, Ahaz. Make it as difficult as you want—as high as heaven or as deep as the place of the dead.” 12 But the king refused. “No,” he said, “I will not test the Lord like that.”

13 Then Isaiah said, “Listen well, you royal family of David! Isn’t it enough to exhaust human patience? Must you exhaust the patience of my God as well? 14 All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). 15 By the time this child is old enough to choose what is right and reject what is wrong, he will be eating yogurt and honey. 16 For before the child is that old, the lands of the two kings you fear so much will both be deserted.

The word of the Lord.

In the virgin’s child lies the hidden mystery of God becoming fully human in Jesus Christ. In the name Immanuel lies the mystery of redemption for all humanity.

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph, to be sung to the tune “Lilies of the Covenant.” 1 Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph’s descendants like a flock. O God, enthroned above the cherubim, display your radiant glory 2 to Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Show us your mighty power. Come to rescue us! 3 Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved. 4 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, how long will you be angry with our prayers? 5 You have fed us with sorrow and made us drink tears by the bucketful. 6 You have made us the scorn of neighboring nations. Our enemies treat us as a joke. 7 Turn us again to yourself, O God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.

17 Strengthen the man you love, the son of your choice. 18 Then we will never abandon you again. Revive us so we can call on your name once more. 19 Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.

Thus ends the reading from the Psalms.

God is so far above us, and our sins have separated us from him, that glimpses of heaven can seem science fiction. Yet, we can return to God and be saved. Let’s pray to turn our lives to God, and for His strength to help us make the journey home.

Romans 1:1-7

1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 2 God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. 3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, 4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.

6 And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

The word of God for the people of God.

Paul’s titles were not grandiose or bragging when he wrote them. Servant or slave is a humble title. Apostle simply means a messenger.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 1:18-25 in Rhyme

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was this way
Mary was to marry Joseph some day
But before the marriage even took place
She’s with child by the Holy Spirit’s grace

Righteous Joseph caused no anxiety
Chose to break the engagement quietly
But, an angel came to him in a dream
Don’t fear, the Holy Spirit’s in this scheme

She’ll have a son, and you’ll name him Jesus
He’ll save his people from their sins grievous
The Lord’s message through his prophet compiled
“Behold! The virgin will conceive a child!

She’ll give birth to a son, Emmanuel,
Which means ‘God is with us.’ as all will soon tell”
Joseph awoke and took Mary his wife
Then after the birth came marital life

And Joseph named him Jesus
[And Jesus means, God saves (us)]
And Joseph named him Jesus
[Emmanuel, God with us]

Offended by Jesus

Are we offended by Jesus at Christmas time? If he walked the earth today would we be offended by him? Let’s examine the real Jesus and being offended at Jesus in Matthew 11:2-11.

Are You the One?

Matthew 11:2-3 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

Are we offended by Jesus? John the Baptist doubted. Was Jesus the ONE? He was different than expected. He was a pacifist not a freedom fighter. Jesus ate and drank with sinners. He preached repentance and the kingdom and turned the other cheek. He healed and preached the Good News.

Are we are disappointed in Jesus? He did not encourage tongues, Sabbaths, prayers to Mary, or rosaries. He did not teach about nationalism or a materialistic gospel. He condemned abusive, authoritarian religious leadership. He healed, preached to the poor about giving and self-sacrifice, and a kingdom not of this world.

Are we frustrated by Jesus? John was an activist and revolutionary. Jesus was a healer and teacher. Jesus did not make John a disciple. John looked for a political Messiah. Are we disappointed with Jesus, His life of poverty, dying on a cross or do we wait patiently for salvation?

Not Offended by Jesus

Matthew 11:4-6 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

What do we think about when we hear about Jesus, a little baby in a manger, or someone who heals lives and preaches to the poor? Instead of an imaginary Jesus of our wishes, let us get to know the real Jesus and be grateful for who he really is.

Is our salvation found in ways of this world? Jesus used no worldly methods. The blind received sight, the lame walked, lepers were cleansed, the deaf heard, the dead were raised up, and the poor heard the good news. This is what the Messiah looks like. He is the one.

Have we created a fake Jesus in our minds? Do vain human traditions and picture the truth about Jesus? Denominationalism, politics, and traditions only divide us. Do we build a Jesus that we created, because we are disappointed with the simplicity of the real Jesus? The real Jesus unites us.

I Send My messenger

Matthew 11:7-12 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’

Christmas was rescued from paganism. Yet, Christmas is again becoming a pagan festival, the pursuit of profit, the focus on gifts, parties, the stampede for merchandise and the pressure to spend. There is still a voice of one crying in the wilderness. Let’s rescue Christmas from paganism all over again.

The Violent Take it by Force

Matthew 11:11-12 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

God’s kingdom suffered violence when John was murdered. Violent people take the kingdom by force. The Greek word can also be translated as zeal and certainly ardent zeal is needed for Christians to enter God’s kingdom. Christianity is not the easy path. It is an ongoing spiritual battle against evil.

Do we know the real Jesus or have we created a fictitious Jesus? Are we expecting Him to create a cushy Disneyland for us, now or do we look forward to that day when He will return and take over the governments of this world? Have we put our faith in the real Jesus?

Readings

Isaiah 35:1-10

1 The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; 2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, Even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, The excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, The excellency of our God.

3 Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.”

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert. 7 The parched ground shall become a pool, And the thirsty land springs of water; In the habitation of jackals, where each lay, There shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

8 A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray. 9 No lion shall be there, Nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; It shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there, 10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

The word of the Lord.

A picture of Israel after her return from captivity will be much greater in the world after Jesus’ return. The world will be transformed, and all religion will be purified. If we have spiritual discernment, eyes to see, we can allow God to create these conditions in our hearts today.

Luke 1:47-55

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth 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 on those who fear Him From generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. 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 seed forever.”

Thus ends Mary’s Song.

God’s kindness to Mary was unique in human history. No other woman who ever lived would bear the child who would be the Messiah. Mary sings of God’s power, holiness, mercy and faithfulness.

James 5:7-10

7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.

The Word of God for the people of God.

Waiting upon God is a large part of our faith. Advent is also waiting for Jesus’ second coming. When we suffer, we learn patience. We learn to wait. A world of suffering looks for quick fixes in politics, medicine, credit cards and getting high. We look for a coming Messiah.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Matthew 11:2-11 in Rhyme

John heard in prison what Christ was doing
He sent two disciples to Him asking
“Are You the One who is to come?
Should we expect another one?”

Jesus said, “Tell John what you hear and see
Lepers cleansed, lame walk, deaf hear, the blind see,
Dead are raised, poor hear the gospel decree
Blest is anyone not stumbling at Me.”

Jesus spoke to the multitudes of John
“What did you go in the wilds to look on?
A reed in the wind? A man in soft clothes?
Those in soft clothing live in fine abodes.”

“Was it a prophet you went out to see?
Yes, I say, more than a prophet was he.
For this is he of whom it is written
‘Prepare the way, My messenger’s mission.’”

“Of those born of women there’s none greater
But the least in the kingdom are greater
The kingdom suffers intensely
But the bold take it zealously.”

Preparing for Christ

A commercialized, materialistic Christmas often leaves out the greatest Christmas gift of all. How did John the Baptist prepare for our Savior? Let’s look at John’s preparation for Jesus in Matthew 3:1-12.

Preaching

Matthew 3:1 “In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was,”

John the Baptist preached that the kingdom was near (Matthew 3:1-2; 4:17). Preaching and teaching are VERY important to the life of the church. Preaching is a public announcement to unbelievers. Teaching is instructing believers to obey what Jesus commanded. That's what Jesus instructed (Matthew 28:19-20).

How Prepare

Matthew 3:2-3 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

John called for repentance. Is something wrong with our modern world? Repentance is a change of heart about our life’s direction with hope for a new beginning. John wanted to see proof of repentance, fruit. The root cause of all our planet’s ills is spiritual and so is the solution.

Is repentance just a one time thing? Christian life is a continual repentance. Conversion is merely the beginning of a process of change. Our journey begins with small changes. The idea that we do not have perfect knowledge and the humility to learn new perspectives are indicative of ongoing repentance.

John was urgent, the “kingdom of heaven is near.” In military terms, God was establishing a beachhead and would eventually take over. God rules in the lives of those who accept him. The “kingdom of heaven has come near” is the same as saying God is now taking control.[1]

[1] The Gospel of Matthew, The New International Commentary of the New Testament, R. T. France, 2007, Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, p. 102
Preacher in Poor Country Clothes

Matthew 3:4 “John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.”

John was dressed in farmer’s clothes. He emphasized the often overlooked ingredient of repentance, a change of heart. After confession of sin, John ignored Levitical sin offerings, and instead emphasized baptism. His baptism of repentance prepared for a new high priest who would also baptize people with the Holy Spirit.

The Announcer

Matthew 3:5-6 “People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.”

John heralded an important announcement in the wilderness, at the edge of Roman control. This last of the Old Testament prophets was dressed in simple farming clothing reminiscent of Elijah. Israel crossed the Jordan to become God’s people in this wilderness. It was a fitting place to announce a revival.

Brood of Snakes

Matthew 3:7 “But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath?”

John the Baptist preached a discomforting call to repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 3:1-12). He called some religious leaders a brood of snakes, and to produce proof of a changed heart. In a selfish and corrupt world sometimes a confrontation with truth is needed?

Fruit

Matthew 3:8-10 “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

Social gospel is a modern concept of a social responsibility highlighting love for neighbor. The idea of a social responsibility towards others is clearly evident among those who believe. John the Baptist told the Pharisees to show fruit of a changed heart. One such fruit is how we treat others.

Baptism of Fire

Matthew 3:11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

The baptism of fire has two possible meanings. The tongues of fire on the faithful at Pentecost (Acts 2), similar to water baptism on the head. It also means the unrepentant who choose hell over heaven are to be thrown into a lake of fire, more like an immersion baptism.

Why was God with us, Emmanuel, born as a helpless baby. Like the still, small voice that Elijah experienced, the power of God is often small or even unseen. There is great power in the good news that Jesus brought. May we truly hear that message and find miraculous power.

Never Ending Fire

Matthew 3:12 “He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”

John and Jesus’ disciples were disappointed that Jesus came to die for the world rather than conquer the world. What the world really needs is not another king like this world’s, but one who rules in our hearts and produces a fire that creates permanent change from the inside out.

Should we preach smooth things, or is there a better way? Is a revival of that message of repentance needed, that bitter pill which we really need for the healing of our world today? Repentance is preparation for the coming of the Christ?

Readings

1. Isaiah 11:1-10

1 Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 3 He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. 4 He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. 5 He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment.

6 In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all. 7 The cow will graze near the bear. The cub and the calf will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. 8 The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. 9 Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord.

10 In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.

The word of God.

The stump takes us back to the rootstock, David, a man after God’s own heart. That shoot is a second David growing from the stump. It is the Christ, will bring true justice and so change society that former enemies, symbolized by a wolf and a lamb, live together in peace.

2. Psalm 72:1-7; 18-19

A psalm of Solomon. 1 Give your love of justice to the king, O God, and righteousness to the king’s son. 2 Help him judge your people in the right way; let the poor always be treated fairly. 3 May the mountains yield prosperity for all, and may the hills be fruitful. 4 Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy, and to crush their oppressors. 5 May they fear you as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains in the sky. Yes, forever!

6 May the king’s rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass, like the showers that water the earth. 7 May all the godly flourish during his reign. May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more...

18 Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things. 19 Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!

Thus ends the reading from the Psalms.

Psalm 72 is a mandate for national rulers, be they kings, prime ministers or presidents, to love justice, treat the poor fairly and crush those who oppress the needy. A righteous king encourages righteousness in the people. Sadly, very few kings who reigned after David were righteous.

3. Romans 15:4-13

4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. 8 Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. 9 He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote:

“For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name.” 10 And in another place it is written, “Rejoice with his people, you Gentiles.” 11 And yet again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles. Praise him, all you people of the earth.” 12 And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.”

13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Do we accept the failures of the weak? We all have weaknesses, be it judgmentalism, sexual problems, drunkenness, compulsive lying, anger, or lust. Do we accept others, just as Christ accepted us? Do we allow the Holy Spirit to do His job without interference, and lead us into all truth?

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 3:1-12 in Rhyme

In those days John the Baptist came
To the wilderness to proclaim
Repent of sins and turn to God
The Kingdom is near, not abroad

Isaiah speaking about John said
Shouting in the desert he spread
Prepare the way, the Lord’s coming
Clear the road for his forthcoming

John’s clothes were made from camel’s hair
And a leather belt he did wear
He ate locusts and wild honey
People came from the whole country

They went out to see and hear John
To confessed their sins they were drawn
He baptized them in the Jordan
And their leaders came to hearken

John denounced them, “You brood of snakes!”
Who warned you to flee when wrath breaks?
Where are your fruits of repentance
Sons of Abraham is no stance

God can make sons of Abraham
From these very stones in the land
Now the ax is poised and ready
To sever the roots of the trees

Every tree that has no good fruit
It’s chopped down and given the boot
I baptize people with water
But someone’s coming much greater

I’m not worthy his shoes to wear
He’ll baptize with Spirit and fire
He’ll separate the chaff and wheat
He’ll winnow and clean the floor neat

He’ll place the wheat into the store
Burn the chaff with eternal fire”