Bonnie J Martin

Christmas

A Christmas List

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A white Christmas would be nice but it isn’t at the top of my list. Diamonds and gold don’t make the cut. I already have kitchen gadgets galore. I really like my car, no need for a new one.

No. The stuff on my list can’t be bought in a store. It isn’t labeled with nutritional facts. The price tag is pretty hefty though. But it is already paid in full.

It fit under and on a tree once upon a time. It won’t now. It won’t again. 

The lights on the tree and in the yard and all the neighbors’ yards combined can’t compare to the Light from my Christmas gift.

I want to share my Christmas gift. It isn’t just mine.

The Christmas gift I am looking for isn’t just for me.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24 (NASB)

This is my Christmas list. For me and for you.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:1-5 (NASB)

Be Still and Know

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““Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.””
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

Silent night. Turned loud with angel voices.

Busy shepherds hurrying to find the barn. Not the one for their sheep but the one for their Shepherd.

Moms and dads and grands and aunts and uncles and sisters and brothers rushing and hoping that the gift is good enough. It isn’t because there is only One that is.

Wrapping presents. Furiously shopping until the very last minute to fulfill all the list. Nestle the packages under, around, on branches of the tree. Presents that will be unwrapped like the unwrapping of the Savior before He hung on that tree.

Silent night. All is calm. The moon shines bright. The stars twinkle. The earth is still.

Hold your breath. Can you hear the cry of the Baby? Not yet? Then be still. He will make Himself known.

He is exalted.

Find space for Him. Be still and know Him.

Merciful Savior

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Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NASB)

Flesh draped Jesus. Perfect Son of God. Full of mercy. Giver of grace. Creator. Savior. Helper. Friend. 

He faced the same junk we do. He cut teeth. Potty-trained. Navigated social injustices. Felt the sting of slaps. Faced ridicule from His family. Tempted in every way. But He didn’t allow temptation to overtake Him. He didn’t sin.

Not exactly what you think about for a Christmas theme. Consider His life. This innocent, helpless Child came to save sinners. He brought the perfect gift through His mercy and grace. A gift we could never repay. No wrapping is elaborate enough to match the mercy-wrapped Christmas Child.

In the wretched condition of our hearts and minds, He stepped in. Desiring us to turn to Him. Coming close to us, near. Walking the same walk we walk. Touching, feeling, seeing, smelling, tasting, hearing but uncompromising. Steady. Righteous. Unwavering.

He reaches out to us. He rescues us. He restores us to Himself. He redeems.

Keeping our eyes fixed on Him, He makes the way for us. Stripping all tightly wrapped temptation away. He stripped Himself down to a Child and offered us what no one else could. The perfect, blameless sacrifice to take our sins. His perfect Christmas gift.

Prince of Peace

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For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NASB)

The news blared loud from the screen hanging on the wall. It was too much to take. Robbery. Murder. Scandal. War. Terrorism. Disease. Political nightmares. Financial distress. Suicide. Natural disasters.

Its all there and more. Sometimes I think the media alone could cause the ruin of a country and even the world. Choices made to broadcast far and wide the worst of the worst. It sells. It is sensational to watch the images run across screens. Supposedly far removed from the confines of my living room. But are they?

When I can’t take it anymore, it gets turned off. The ones living it can’t turn it off. Despite the media placing spins on situations, there is destruction and desperation. There are lives in peril. And there have been since the beginning of time. There will continue to be.

But there is hope. Wrapped up in layers of cloth, He was placed in an animal feeding trough, sitting in a dark, cold barn with animals and their mess. He was placed in the midst of us. He left the comfort of His home to join us in ours. In all our mess, He shows up. 

He doesn’t mind the floor in need of sweeping.

He doesn’t mind the laundry piled high.

He doesn’t mind the scum in the shower.

He doesn’t mind the dust on the lamp.

He doesn’t mind the stain on the front of your shirt.

He doesn’t mind that thing you did five minutes ago that you regret.

He doesn’t mind that thought you let go too far.

He came. As Wonderful Counselor. Seek His counsel. He wants you to. Just call on Him.

He came. As Mighty God. Fear Him. A reverential fear knowing His power. Just look around at His creation.

He came. As Eternal Father. Rest in Him. Perfect protection. Everlasting provision. Rely on Him.

He came. As Prince of Peace. When you know Him, you know peace. If you don’t know Him, allow me to introduce you to the Savior of my soul.

He came as a baby. To create a path for us to follow. It is a path of love that is incomprehensible. In the middle of all the nasty, rotten junk that I think and do, He reached down and said I am forgiven after I reached the end of me. I had to look to Him. I had to recognize Who He is. And I had to ask for forgiveness. But He forgave. He replaced my hurt and regret with peace and love. He gave me mercy. He gave me grace.

He will do the same for you.

Leap for Joy

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I have carried three babies. I remember over 30 years ago the first flutter of movement with my very first child. It was like a paint brush stroking the inside of my abdomen. A light swoosh of movement, that until you feel it, you don’t know it. Until you experience it, you can’t explain it. It grabs your attention.

As she grew inside me, I could begin to detect her head and her knees and her feet. Small knots protruding under my skin. She could kick. Her brothers could too. I loved to lay on my back or sit real still. My movement kept them rocked comfortably. But let me be still and they wiggled. Feet would always stretch to push against my taut skin.

I am thankful for those memories. I am thankful to have known their presence before I could see their faces. I knew them. They were part of me. They were attached to me. 

Elizabeth was a little older than I was during pregnancy. Well, she was probably much older. Blessed with one that had been promised. Blessed with one that would be a leader. Blessed with one that would be radical in his day. Blessed with one that was already aware of the presence of his Savior while in the womb.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! “And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? “For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.” Luke 1:41-45 (NASB)

I can get so wrapped up in the two mothers here. Maybe because I am a mother. Maybe because here, two women, very different ages, very different life circumstances, both very pregnant, both carrying a man-child that would proclaim good news. One a forerunner to lead the way and prepare the fertile ground for planting seeds and sowing them ahead of the One that would come to finish the work.

I think John was getting ready in the womb. He was already doing push-ups and squats. And apparently, from what Elizabeth said, he was jumping. If you have ever been pregnant, you know what she means! But I have to think that was a little more significant than seeing baby feet imprints on a swollen belly. 

This boy leaped for joy. It was a holy moment. It filled his mother with the Holy Spirit. It caused her to cry out loudly. She had no way of knowing about Mary’s condition. Mary’s mom didn’t have a cell phone. And neither did Elizabeth. But Mary showed up unannounced. And when she did John went wild.

Joy. He was excited. He wanted to reach out and touch Jesus. Imagine a little tiny hand desperately wanting to reach his Savior through his mother’s skin. Jumping, leaping, hands raised high, praising the Messiah. A baby in the womb.

Does your joy look different than John’s? Maybe your joy is an inner peace that exudes throughout your chest and fills your senses with silent anticipation of all is well. Or maybe your joy is a smile across your face even when times are tough. Is it raising your hands in worship, no matter where you are or who you are with? 

Where are you recognizing your joy? Do you recognize it?

Are you so wrapped up in the wrapping paper and countless events of the season that you miss the joy of it? The season of expectation. The season of hope. The season of joy.

Take time to be aware. Recognize the presence of joy. Realize the source of joy. Worship the Messiah this season.

Gifts

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The very presence of the Holy Child was the greatest gift ever. EVER! His gift ushered in THE WAY to the Father. His gift brought eternal hope. His gift was fellowship with Him. His gift was the only sacrifice that could save our souls. 

But we continue giving gifts. Small tokens of affection bestowed upon those that hold special places in our lives. Cost, unimportant. Action, more important.

The gift of the Messiah wasn’t the only gift brought to Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. Magi saw the star and knew its meaning for all mankind. This wasn’t just any star. This star led the way to Jesus. They were wise to follow it.

After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way. Matthew 2:9-12 (NASB)

Have you ever had an experience when you just couldn’t believe you were there at just the right moment and became amazed at what you just witnessed? Words can’t properly express the amazement you feel? Overcome by a sense of awe, silence envelops you. Wide-eyed wonder. Jaw-dropping. You don’t know whether to fall on your face or scream at the top of your lungs with hands in the air. Suspended in time.

I imagine that is how the magi felt. Their lives were devoted to studying stars and nature. The earth and sky were their textbook. They knew what to look for. They made it a practice to be prepared. Only distance stood in their way and they shortened that by taking action to get to where they needed to be to witness and worship.

The star led the way. And they followed.

Mary standing there in her normal apron, fixing supper. Lamps lit. Flour smeared on her forehead from where she tried to push an errant strand of hair from her face. Jesus, not sure how old he was when they arrived, but, Jesus, playing with blocks of wood from Joseph’s shop under Mary’s feet. Jesus sitting on the floor with big baby eyes and little fingers and toes learning what it is like to be human. Joseph just out back cutting wood.

Elaborately dressed easterners show up at the house. Probably a pretty big party. I wonder if Mary started counting heads and cups of flour. Camels and attendants and wise men. Carrying precious gifts. Flooding the humble dwelling with magnificence. Again, Mary, wondering how all these people will fit in her house. Well, it was already full with Magnificence, but the worldly grandeur entered with fine spices and precious metal. Costly gifts. The entourage was impressive. They had just left the king and to have audience with him would not have been common. And the uncommon visitors flooded their small space.

Upon arriving they fell to their faces in worship. On the floor where tiny baby toes wiggled. Baby giggles heard over the sight in His space. His fingers grasping the fingers of the travelers. The travelers bowing low and timid, desperately wanting to stare into His deep eyes to behold all of Him. That was why they had to be there. They traveled far to worship. They traveled far to bring gifts. They traveled far to bring their gift of worship.

Their gifts, provisions for the Savior.

How often in your life have you been able to see Jesus face to face? What would you do to get there? What gifts would you present to Him? How will you recognize and respond to the gift of Him?

The Messenger

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But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:10-14 (NASB)

Break it down. This thing appearing to the shepherds caused them to be terribly frightened. Not just startled but scared. These rough people that kept company with sheep, sleeping outside, on the ground, well accustomed to predators lurking in the dark, were terribly frightened. Protectors of the unprotected, scared!

That is why the messenger had to tell them, “Hey, it’s okay. I am not here to harm you. Even though I am a fearful looking being, I just need to tell you something. And it is going to bring great joy!” Okay. Could the delivery have been a little more subtle? Maybe a little less fierce looking? Hearts were pounding.

Imagine hanging out in a field. Sheep settling in for the night. The shepherds counting sheep. Making sure none have gone astray. Heavy eyes. Wanting sleep. But fiercely protective over their flock. Its dark. Real dark.

Then all of a sudden there is a light unlike anything they have ever seen. Blinding. Do you run? Do you drop on the ground? Are you already on the ground and roll up in a ball, burying your head and eyes in your bed roll? Do you scream? Are the sheet scattered in all different directions? Or did they know what the shepherds didn’t? There’s a gift a few hills over.

Good news. Great joy. A Savior. Messiah. The Lord. A baby? In a manger? Like the feeding trough for animals? The Messiah, a baby, in a feeding trough?

How do you get your head around that?

Just when the shepherds are able to breathe again, more light. How can it get any brighter in the middle of the night? But it isn’t just the light, it is the praising of a multitude, in the middle of a field, in the middle of the night. A concert of heaven for the traveling band of shepherds. But it isn’t just for the shepherds. 

This concert celebrates the Messiah’s birth. This concert announces great joy. This concert is to celebrate the saving of the world. This message announcing freedom. Heralding in the redemption of all who seek Him.

Shepherds get around. They went to see the child. Amazed by everything they had witnessed, they couldn’t keep quiet. After seeing the baby in the manger, they had the privilege of sharing the good news. Raised eyebrows. Wondering minds. From that field in the middle of the night, ripples went out of the good news. Stories shared from town to town.

And we are still sharing it!

King vs. King

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He felt threatened. Word of His birth had him scrambling to secure his throne. He would not sit back and allow a foretold Child to overtake his position as king. So he did what had to be done. He decimated a generation.

His agenda was to maintain control. He wasn’t the first one to want what didn’t belong to him. And he certainly wasn’t the last. Doing whatever it takes to secure our position, we all will lie and cheat and steal and destroy to hold on to what destroys us in the end. He lied to locate the Messiah. Deception was no match for Truth. His royal position ended in his own demise. 

Why bring Herod into this line-up? He was a contributor to how prophecy would be fulfilled. He was used by God to execute His plan. Herod made the choices but God knew he would. No self-serving king would sit back and be replaced so easily by a Child. He tried to steal Christmas.

Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.” So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.” Matthew 2:13-15 (NASB)

The Child, protected from the murderous king, escaped the enemy’s plot. His position was more secure than any earthly king. His Royal Heritage was unmatched. His throne had to wait on Him for a few decades but it is eternal. 

Herod couldn’t destroy the gift of Christmas.

What Herod’s are you allowing into your manger scene? Maybe your manger needs to be cleaned up a little. Consider what may be stealing your Christmas.

Are you missing redemption because it is covered up with glitter and twinkly lights? Is the King of Kings missing from your Christmas celebration because you have allowed another king to reign?

Place Jesus on the throne this Christmas. Allow Him the place of honor in your celebration. Worship Him.

A Willing Participant

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He isn’t discussed much in the story. None of the writers mention him often. There isn’t much said about the man. Have you looked for him in this story?

His family tree is provided. A brief narrative of interaction in a dream is described. His description of being a guardian is recorded. 

But have you considered him? 

Thrust into a story only he could serve as a quiet, strong, willing participant. No different than Mary, unknowingly, given a position in history only he could play out. He received reassurance but it came in dreams. On the outside, opinions, judgments, dangers, and speculating eyes all followed him. 

He obeyed the law of Moses by taking the Child to Jerusalem. Along with Mary, he was anxious about the Child’s welfare. He filled the role of earthly father. 

He did what any other father would have done for the Child. He provided leadership. He taught Him a skill. He was able to keep that which was given to him safe from the enemies of the King.

He had a front row seat and personal influence over the Messiah. His hands held the Child. 

God allowed Joseph to raise His Son. He gifted a righteous man, with a willing heart, to hold the hand of His mother. Her body may have carried Him, but Joseph protected Him. She pondered the things and kept experiences in her heart but Joseph had Him on his mind.

His profession was carpentry. He knew how to measure. Accurate cuts were required. He knew the different species of wood. He knew which were appropriate for different purposes. He was a craftsman. Attention to detail with creative flair was required in his job.

He took his family to church. He made sure the things of God were placed first for them. He had Immanuel living in his house! 

I would like to have a conversation with him. I want to know things from his perspective. Did he look at Jesus the way I see my husband look at our children? He stands back and lets them learn. He doesn’t rush in the way I want to do to help and hinder. But he releases them to think and grow when I want to hold on and keep them as they were wrapped in a blanket, nestled in my arms as tiny babies.

Joseph knew the baby blankets couldn’t stay. They weren’t meant to be lasting articles of warmth. He knew the cold world was like a blood-hound seeking to devour but he trusted the One that gave the Messiah. He knew the tools needed for life were thicker and stronger and couldn’t rip apart over time. 

Luke records:

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52 (NASB)

I know God provides wisdom. I know God is in control. But I also know that a child is influenced by those adults that come in direct contact with Him. God placed Joseph in the life of His Son to raise Him. To teach Him. To love Him. To protect Him. To guide Him. To give Him enough room to hang out in the temple. To let Him grow.

Since I am not a theologian with knowledge of the historical accounts of the man, I can’t say when Joseph died, but he isn’t mentioned at the cross. He prepared the Son for adulthood and then he was gone. He did what was needed of him and was taken out of the picture. He didn’t linger, wringing his hands. He didn’t worry that the job he performed wasn’t good enough. He did what he knew to do and trusted the Master.

I want to be like Joseph. I want to fulfill the role God has for me while I am here on earth. I don’t want to sit around wringing my hands worrying, needlessly. There is work to be done. I want to be a willing participant in the story God is writing for my life.

Are you a willing participant?

The Widow Prophetess

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Her heart pounding, she slipped through the passages quickly. Her steps quick and agile despite her age. She had been walking these passages for decades. Her husband had passed away only seven years into their marriage. Her life had been devoted to Him and serving in this very place ever since. The fastings and prayers left her mind and body aware and able. She knew only necessities not all the extra niceties. Nothing fussy about her. But this visitor stirred her to excitement and she couldn’t keep quiet. She straightened her dress and brushed in stray hair with her hand while humming under her breath a prayer of gratitude and anticipation.

She was a prophetess. Had God freed her heart for Him alone at the passing of her husband? She had to see Him. She had to share Him. Others needed to know Him. She had to tell them.

Thanksgiving on her tongue, she couldn’t keep quiet. The air was electrified by the very presence of this Little One. Did she reach out to touch Him? Was she given the opportunity to hold Him? She had been held by Him her whole life. And now she sees the tiny fingers and nose. The silky smooth eyelashes swooshing the air. What did those eyes see as they opened and closed. Was all creation still known and seen behind those round balls of light? Soft grunts of stretching because that body was a tight fight for One so great. The scent of heaven still on His skin.

This little body held the redemption of Jerusalem. She knew this. Like Mary, Simeon and Nicodemus, she had been listening and studying and knew the scriptures. She knew the world had been waiting on Him. She knew the world needed Him. And here He was. In the flesh. Within her reach. Behold the Lamb.

And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four *. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38 (NASB)