You could have

 You could have come in majesty

With splendid crowns and royal robes

But came a simple, helpless babe

To people who were very poor

 

You could have had a kingly bed

With satin sheets and silver posts

And golden netting up above

But chose a feeding trough instead

 

You could have had the emperor

Attend your coming on his knees

But chose instead some shepherds who

Were ordinary as the night

 

You could have saved the very rich

And left the rest to rot and burn

But chose to come for all of us

Who’d turn to you in simple faith

 

You showed us that the finer things

Aren’t really very fine at all

When they’re compared with just a babe

Who’s very God in very flesh

The rush

 In the harried Christmas rush

Buying presents by the score

Let’s go check just one more store!

All at once we sense a hush

 

We’re drawn back two thousand years

Out with shepherds, flocks by night

Suddenly angel light

Holds out hope to quell our fears

 

On beyond our hurried fun

Is the angel’s holy voice

There’s a reason to rejoice

Though our shopping's never done

 

It’s about a single birth

God has come to live as man

All our presents never can

Match that holy baby’s worth

Advent 22 post 16 Because

 Because of Your birth

I can celebrate my rebirth. I’ve been born again to abundant life.

 

Because You chose Mary

I know You use people who have hearts to serve You. My qualifications aren’t Your focus.

 

Because of Mary’s song of praise

I am encouraged to praise You even when I don’t have all the answers. If You ask me to do something. I can be grateful that You have chosen to use me and I can trust that You will see it through.

 

Because You chose a humble manger

I better understand that trappings don’t matter. You came to serve, not to be served.

 

Because You chose shepherds as your first visitors

I know that You include everyone. You’re not looking for credentials. You welcome ordinary folks, like me.

 

Because of the angel army

I know the hosts of Heaven worship You and we are invited to join them.

 

Because You fulfilled prophecy

I am assured that You are indeed Messiah. You came to set us free, inside and out, now and forever!

 

Because of the visit from the Wise Men

I know You are Messiah for all, the King of the Jews and the reigning King of All for All Ages.

 

Because of their gifts

I get a glimpse of who You are even when You were a young child, King of Kings, Great High Priest, and Perfect Lamb.

 

Because You are Jesus (The Lord Saves)

I am rescued and safe in Your arms, forever.

 

Because You are Immanuel (God With Us)

I am never alone. You have promised to be with me always.

 

Because You are God Incarnate (Love in the flesh)

I am content knowing that I am a child of God, enfolded in Your love. I don’t have to work for Your approval.

 

Because You are Joy

I am freed to live in joy regardless of circumstances. I belong to You and Your promises are true.

 

Because You are the Prince of Peace

I am at rest. There is turmoil in this world, but I dwell in You.

 

Because You are the Hope of the World.

I am confident of my present and my future because You control both.

Advent 22 post 15

 The angels invited the shepherds,

Humble men of poverty,

The star guided the Wise Men,

There was a King they wanted to see.

What a picture this story paints

God’s salvation is for everyone,

Rich and poor, wise and simple,

All are embraced by God’s loving Son.

Salvation is meant for all mankind,

The work of God’s mighty hand.

It’s His desire we receive His Son,

That’s always been God’s plan.

Thank You, Lord, for extending Your invitation to everyone. Give me a heart to love Your children – all of them, not just those I find likeable or deserving. May my life reflect Your beauty. May others see Your love in me. Amen

Advent 22 post 14

 Matthew 2 1-11

We are Magi from the East

And we have travelled far

To see the newborn Jewish King

Led by the Bethlehem star

We didn’t come unprepared 

We carefully chose the gifts we'd bring

Gold was an obvious choice

A gift to honour the newborn King

Our other gifts?

Frankincense and myrrh

An incense and a spice

One to mark a holy priest

One to make ready a sacrifice

Finally seeing the mother and Son

Try to imagine the wonder we felt

There was only one natural response 

We approached in reverence and humbly knelt

Over the years our titles have varied 

We’ve been called Kings and Wise Men, too

But honestly we were mere seekers

Seeking the Truth, just like you.

If there is anything that distinguishes us,

That somehow makes us wise

It’s really found in simple things

Wanting to see Him with our own eyes 

And when we saw Him, we worshipped 

We knelt before Him in awe

We gave Him gifts to honour Him

And praised God for all we saw

Perhaps herein lies wisdom 

It’s shown in reverent humility 

Recognizing that God is sovereign 

Over all that is and is to be

So when He invites you, come promptly

Love Him with soul, mind, and heart

Bow down and humbly adore Him

And give Him your best, all that you are

There is a lot that we do not know about the Wise Men. We don’t know exactly where they came from, how many there were,  when they actually arrived. But we know what we need to know. They came looking for Jesus even though it involved a long journey. They brought precious gifts. When they saw Him, they knelt before Him and worshipped. We, too, would be wise to seek God, to draw near to Him whether or not it is convenient or easy. We owe Him our best. And our response to Him should be one of awe and worship. Because of Jesus we have access to the Father, how foolish we would be to ignore that. How wise to follow Him.

Lord, help me, like the Wise Men, to come to You, regardless of convenience or ease. And let me offer worship that pleases You. Help me to remember that wisdom lies in seeking You. Amen

Advent 22 post 13

 Luke 2.36-38

I spend my time in the temple to worship God with fasting and prayer.

There’s no other place I’d rather be – day and night, I’m always there.

So when I heard Simeon talking and saw him with the baby boy,

I knew at once He was Messiah, imagine my gratitude and joy!

I couldn’t wait to share the story – there were others awaiting this King.

They were all beyond excitement when they heard the news I had to bring.

I wonder how His parents felt with all the attention and prophecy.

Overwhelmed, I suspect, but filled with awe and expectancy.

Anna is another person that I rarely think of as ‘part of the story.’ There are only three verses in the Bible about her. But what a testimony to her and her love for God that Luke would choose to include her. She had been widowed for many years and spent her life worshipping God. God honoured her by revealing His Son to her and letting her share the news with others. Even when we are old like Anna and Simeon, God remembers us and has a purpose for us.

Forgive me, Lord, when I take for granted the miracle of Christmas, when all the celebration becomes more important than seeking Jesus. Let me learn from Anna and Simeon that the joy of Christmas is in seeing Jesus. May He be the joy of my heart! Amen

Advent 22 post 12

 Luke 2.22-35

I knew I must go to the temple today.

Why? I really didn’t know.

I couldn’t explain the strong urge I felt,

God’s Spirit just told me to go.

 

I hadn’t been there very long

When I saw a young couple with their son.

My heart was overcome with joy

I knew this was God’s Holy One.

 

He was only a tiny baby

Maybe that’s a bit of a surprise.

But I knew instantaneously

The Messiah lay before my eyes.

 

I took Him in my arms and praised Him,

The Shining Light for all mankind.

Sadly some will hate and reject Him,

Others in Him their joy will find.

 

God had promised me long ago

That I would see His Chosen One.

Now I have held Him in my arms,

I praise God for all He has done!

 

Now I can die in peace,

The Messiah has arrived!

I may be approaching the end of my life,

But I’ve never felt more alive!

 

 

When I remember the “Christmas story,” I rarely think of Simeon. But consider him for a moment, a man so devout that his heart’s greatest desire was to see God’s Messiah. And God honoured his devotion with a promise that he would indeed see Him before his own death. The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple while Mary and Joseph were there to present Jesus to the Lord. Simeon immediately knew who Jesus was when he held Him. I wonder if he was surprised that the Messiah was a tiny baby or if he had expected that. Regardless, he was satisfied! He was grateful to see Jesus and said he could die in peace now. Oh that my heart would find its desire satisfied in Jesus alone!

 

 

Lord, Simeon’s deepest desire was to see You. May that be the desire of my heart, too. Forgive me, Lord, for taking the blessing of Your constant presence with me for granted. Open my eyes to really see You and my heart to acknowledge and enjoy Your nearness. And, like Simeon, may I be filled with gratitude and with Your peace. Amen.

The journey

 Oh, Joseph, must you go to Bethlehem?

And if you go, then why must it be now?

The baby’s due to come so very soon!

You know, my love, that I’d do anything 

To keep you and God’s holy baby safe.

But I must go. It’s Caesar’s own command, 

And us? We don’t ask why. We just obey.

But come along with me. I’ll keep you safe.

Yes, come with me. The Lord will give us strength. 

And so, they packed a little bag and left.

They walked along the dusty road for miles.

At first, adventure filled their minds, and hope.

But by the middle of the second day,

The newness now long gone, just hope remained, 

Sustained by faith in their all-faithful Lord.

They walked on still. The miles now seemed to stretch.

The third and final day wore down to dusk.

At last, they entered little Bethlehem, 

And Mary knew her time had almost come.

Now Joseph hurried, rushing to the inn,

But found no room for Mary’s birthing hour. 

Discouraged, he then found a quiet place

Where animals, not men, had often slept. 

He thought he’d failed, but Mary looked at him

With love and said, “Oh, Joseph, it’s enough.”

And so they found themselves, that strangest night, 

In Bethlehem beside a feeding trough.

The couple

 Mary, clean virgin, 

Yet knowing her weakness and sin, 

Wholly astounded, 

Heard news of God’s baby within.

Righteous, good workman 

Now brimming with shock and dismay, 

Joseph determined 

To quietly send her away...  

Then saw an angel 

Appear in a dream in the night; 

Heard with amazement 

His bride was still holy and right. 

Wounded by gossip 

And called by the census away, 

They found a manger 

To fill with a baby, not hay. 

Leaving his glory 

And veiling his infinite worth 

Such is the story 

Of God now in flesh here on earth.

Advent 22 post 11

 How amazing! How glorious! Heaven has come to Earth!

How astounding, even puzzling, such a plain and simple birth.

His earthly parents –  just everyday folk, travel-worn and tired,

Simple shepherds who came to visit, having heard the angel choir.

 

How like our gracious God, He honours the meek again.

He makes it clear the work is His – what man can’t do, God can!

We can’t save ourselves, we owe a debt that we can’t pay.

We can’t work our way to Heaven, but God came to make the Way.

 

 

Thank You, God, for doing for me what I can’t do for myself. Remind me, Lord, that I need a Saviour, I am a sinner and You’re the only one who can save me. Without You, I am lost. Thank You, Jesus – the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Father God, I come to You now through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen

Advent 22 10

 Luke 2.19

 

This has been quite a journey,

Remarkable from the start.

I’m trying to take it all in,

To store it forever in my heart.

 

An angel's visit, a promised Son,

A husband who honoured the vow he’d made,

An arduous trip, a stable birth,

Shepherds, and an angel serenade.

Angels and shepherds joined in worship,

Heaven and earth in one accord,

I’ll hold these memories in my heart,

As I hold my baby and my Lord!

 

 

What a day and night it had been! Mary had to be exhausted, she was probably hurting, too. But she didn’t want to miss a thing, she pondered all that had happened. Her heart was full, and I’m sure she wanted to remember every detail as she meditated on all God had done and the way He had done it.

 

 

Lord, I want to be one who ponders, too. Impress on my memory the events of the night of Your birth and may I treasure them in my heart. May I embrace all of You with all that I am. Please take Your seat on the throne of my heart. Amen

Advent 22 post 9

 Luke 2.8-20

Shepherding a flock is rarely exciting, in fact, the hours can drag on.

At night when time passes slowly, the urge to sleep is strong.

But not tonight! We’re wide awake! An angel appeared in God’s glory.

He stood in radiance among us to tell the Christmas story.

Oh, we were terribly frightened, I think you would be, too,

If in the quiet of a routine night God’s angel appeared to you!

He reassured us quickly and told us not to fear.

He had come with good news to tell us, God’s Son, the Messiah, was here!

Then suddenly the armies of heaven joined him, together their voices they raised.

“Glory to God in the highest,” the heavens were filled with praise.

And so we set out to find him, to kneel in adoration,

We were humbled and thrilled to be there by God’s personal invitation!

Before we returned to our fields, we told others what we had seen.

Everyone was astonished, what could all of this mean?

Could this be the Messiah? A manger stall His birth site?

Is Immanuel sleeping in a manger as God works a miracle tonight?

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby...” Consider what these poorly regarded shepherds experienced, while watching their sheep on what they thought was an ordinary, maybe even boring, night, they were visited in person by an angel, they were given news that had been announced to no one else, a host of angels joined them, praising God and giving Him glory, they were invited – in fact, instructed – to visit the newborn Christ, when they arrived they were the only guests invited – just Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and animals, they were the first missionaries, telling others what they had seen. Quite an experience for a group of men on the bottom rung of society! Their dull night had been changed into a night of affirmation and rejoicing!

Lord, You left the majesty of heaven to be born in a manger in a small town, worshipped by ordinary shepherds – what a glorious message! I am ordinary, too. Don’t let me miss Your messages to me. And when You invite me to approach You, may I eagerly draw near in humble adoration. May I respond with worship and obedience. Amen

Advent 22 post 8

 Luke 2.6-7

Come to the stable.   

What do you see? 

God in a feed trough for you and for me.  

He’s just a baby,   

Tender and small, 

But He will be the King over all.

Jesus – fully God and fully man

From the first, redemption's plan

Display of God’s love, atonement for sins

Born in a manger, Salvation begins!

God kissed Earth with the physical presence of Himself! Jesus! Messiah! Perfect Lamb! Soon and Coming King! Lord above all lords! But tonight He's a tiny, helpless Baby in the care of Mary and Joseph, and he's just gone to sleep so Shhhh.

Lord, You knew from man’s first sin that You would send a Saviour. I’m not sure that I fully comprehend how monumental that is – that the Creator of the universe would come and live among His children as one of them. Yet You love us so deeply that that is exactly what You did! The Baby in the manger didn’t look like the mighty Saviour of the world, but that’s who He was – and is. Thank You, my Lord and my Redeemer. Amen

Advent 22 post 7

 Luke 2.1-7

Lord, did I hear You right?

The trip to register was a difficult one.

I want to submit to Your plan, of course, 

But Bethlehem? For the birth of Your Son?

We’re here seeking shelter – anywhere!

“No room” is the familiar refrain.

But this is Your Son we’re talking about 

Jesus, the Messiah, born to reign!

He’ll be born in a humble stable,

Not in a warm, cosy room.

Mary is resting among the animals

Ready to give birth very soon.

I know You’ve planned this all along,

This hasn’t caught You by surprise.

You’re right here with us by design,

You’re God all-knowing, God all-wise.

So here again the lowly and plain

A simple birth in a cattle stall

Is paired with the miraculous and holy

Jesus, Son of God and Lord of All!

I can only speak for myself, but I think I’d be really whiny if while being a nine-month-pregnant woman, I had to go on a long trip – in a car, much less on foot or donkey! And then ask me to sleep in an animal stall? And deliver a baby there? I would suspect that Mary and Joseph both wondered about the circumstances, but apparently they humbly accepted the realities of these crude birth conditions. They remained faithful in their commitments to be obedient to God’s guidance and to trust that He had a plan.

Help me, Lord, not to second-guess You. Too often, I think I know how things are supposed to be and during ‘Bethlehem/no room in the inn' moments, I run ahead of You to work out the details in my own way. Help me to trust Your plan and to remember that when things seem to go wrong. You’re not caught by surprise. Sometimes when everything seems to be going awry, I’m right in the centre of Your will and need to rest there. Remind me to be still and rest as I wait on you. Amen

From to

 From the brilliance of heaven

To the darkness of night

 

From the songs of the angels

To the mooing of cattle

 

From the all wise Creator 

To an ignorant babe

 

From the fragrance of heaven

To the smell of a stable

 

And this rich condensation 

Was but only the start

 

From the depths of our being

We must fall down in worship

Is it for children

People say Christmas is for children 

It is. It’s for children of the King.

Don’t forget to enjoy the Christmas story with childlike wonder once again this year.

Think of a baby in a stable overcoming the mighty Roman empire – and be amazed

Think of angels – a host of them – singing to a group of shepherds – and be amazed

Think of the Creator of the universe voluntarily becoming helpless – and be amazed 

Think of a pure virgin having a baby, and of her betrothed believing her – and be amazed 

Think of God loving you so much that He sent His Son to rescue you – and be amazed

Advent 22 post 6

 Matthew 1.18-25

This has been a time of turmoil,

Emotions are running wild.

I’m betrothed to sweet, young Mary

Only to learn that she’s with child!

I don’t want to humiliate her

Or expose us both to public disgrace,

So I'd decided to divorce her quietly,

We’d just go our separate ways.

Then the most amazing thing happened,

An angel came to me in a dream.

He said to go ahead with the marriage 

Things are not what they would seem.

The Father is the Holy Spirit,

She hasn’t been with another man.

Though I know some people will gossip,

I’m willing to submit to God’s mysterious plan.

So we’ll have the child and name him Jesus,

He will save us from our sin.

I’ll have to say it’s scary, but exciting,

To watch God unfold His salvation plan.

While we make much of Gabriel’s visit to Mary and her response, I think sometimes we overlook Joseph and the compromising and embarrassing Mary’s pregnancy caused him. Had Mary been unfaithful? But he, too, believed the angel who came to him in a dream, and he proceeded with his wedding plans. I suspect there were many thought him naïve or who maybe questioned his fidelity. I admire his faith, his humility, and his willingness to put God’s will first.

Lord, sometimes I wish an angel would come to me in person or in a dream, then I could hear You speak. But wait! Remind me that You do speak to me. You dwell within me and You inspired an entire Book to guide me. Open my heart to Your Holy Spirit and to Your Word. May I listen to You and then be as obedient as Mary and Joseph we’re. May my greatest desire be to please You and not to gain the approval of others. Thank You for choosing to use us in working out Your will. You are an amazing God! Amen 

Advent 22 post5

Luke 1.46-55

 

My soul magnifies the Lord,

I praise His holy name.

He has chosen me to bear His Son,

My life will never be the same!

 

He has regarded my humble state,

He honours the lowly and meek.

He’s unimpressed with status and pride,

He exalts the poor, the needy, the weak.

 

Receive my praise; I rejoice in You,

For You have done great things.

Generations will call me blessed,

The mother of Messiah King!

 

 

When young children receive gifts and favours, we remind them, “What do you say?” We want to teach them common courtesy and gratitude. Sometimes when God blesses me in a special way, I need someone to remind me, “What do you say?” It’s easy to forget the Source of our blessings, worse yet, we can even start to question whether God really caused something or if we misinterpreted or misunderstood. Maybe it’s a coincidence. Not Mary! She was quick to thank God and to praise Him for His goodness. No “What if’s?” No “Why me’s?” Instead, “My soul glorifies the Lord.”

 

 

Lord, I praise and glorify Your holy name. I’m grateful that You have a plan for my life and that it’s a good plan! You are trustworthy, so I can be confident that You are working for my good. Thank You for all You do on my behalf, both the things I know about and the blessings that I don’t even recognize. Yes, Lord, I praise You. Amen.

Advent 22 post 4

 A young girl and a barren matron,

Don’t you find it odd?

The details of this human drama

Bear the fingerprint of God.

Yes, Mary and Elizabeth were unlikely heroes,

But they listened to God and were quick to obey.

God uses unlikely people

In a most miraculous way!

Lord, I don’t suspect Mary and Elizabeth thought of themselves as heroes. They simply believed You would do what you said and they were honoured to be part of Your plan. I’m an unlikely hero, too, Lord. Please help me to hear You when You speak, believe what You say, and be quick to follow where You lead. Amen

Advent 22 post 3

 Luke 1.36, 39-45

God is in the business of miracles – ask me, I should know!

Gabriel promised I would bear a child, I’ve been barren for years, but it is so.

And now, here is Mary, pregnant with God’s Baby Boy.

When she came into my presence, my unborn child leapt for joy!

“Favoured are you, Mary, God is honoured that you believe,

Blessed are you among women, what is promised, you will receive.

You will give birth to God’s own child, a plan ordained from the dawn of time,

You His mother, God His Father, the frailty of Earth at one with the sublime.”

Elizabeth had been barren for years, a disgrace in Bible times. I’m not sure that I can even imagine her joy when she became pregnant – a miracle for sure. When Mary came to visit Elizabeth, she didn’t even have to tell Elizabeth her news, she simply greeted her and Elizabeth and her baby boy knew her secret. Elizabeth’s baby boy John, Jesus' forerunner, leapt for joy in her womb and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. She knew that she was in the presence of the mother of her Lord and she blessed Mary. What a sacred moment – two women carrying God’s miracle babies, each blessing and encouraging the other.

Lord, like Elizabeth, may I be sensitive to Your presence and in awe of your divinity. Prompt me to be an encourager as Elizabeth was for Mary, may my words and actions uplift others and point them to You. Amen

Advent 2022 post 2

 Luke 1.26-38

 

“Greetings, Favoured One,” I heard Gabriel say,

He was right before me – so very near.

“Be not afraid, I have good news.”

I have to admit – I did feel fear.

 

He called me highly favoured,

Said the Lord was with me,

But I was really puzzled

What kind of greeting could this be?

 

He bore a message from God.

I would give birth to a son.

I didn’t understand how this could be

I was a virgin and had been with no one.

 

The Holy Spirit would come upon me

With the power of the Lord Most High.

I would carry the Son of God!

How could this be? Such a simple girl as I!

 

His coming had been prophesie

Jesus, Messiah, heir of David’s throne.

Imagine that – God chose me

To carry and bear His precious Son!

 

I’m honoured and humbled, but nervous, too.

Things could be dangerous – I’m unwed.

But I will do as the Lord desires,

“May it be to me as you have said.”(.38)

 

When I was thirteen or fourteen, I was preoccupied with friends, school, and daily activities. Granted, Mary’s culture was very different, but it’s amazing to think how young she was when she was approached by an angel who bore life-altering news. This unwed girl would bear God’s Son. She did ask how but raised no objections. She could have protested that she was betrothed to Joseph and this could nullify the engagement. She could have speculated that no one would believe her and that news like that could cost her life. Instead she uttered a simple but profound response. “May it be to me as you have said.”

 

Lord, You have never sent an angel to tell me anything. But you do speak to me. Make me sensitive to Your quiet voice. And when you nudge me to do something, help me to respond with Mary’s simplicity of, “May it be to me as You have said.” Amen