Salvation is Created

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by

the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders

to kill...

Matthew 2:16a

King Herod finishes out the Christmas story with the unthinkable.  Haunted by the gossip of singing angels, a standout star, visiting royalty and a newborn King, furious that the Magi had hightailed it home in another direction, and driven almost to madness by his frantic hold on power, Herod turned even more brutal and deadly.  He ordered the death of every male child from age two and under, in Bethlehem and all the surrounding regions.  His soldiers rode out from Jerusalem on their sinister mission, returning with calloused hearts and bloody swords.  And every baby boy, from toddler to infant, was sacrificed on the altar of Herod's crushing ego.

Every baby boy except one.  The child that Herod sought to destroy was safely away in Egypt.  There he would stay until the king was dead, and his heavenly Father called him forth to begin his work of salvation.

And thou shalt call His name, Jesus -

for He shall save His people from their sins.

 

A Command to Flee

And having been warned in a dream not to

go back to Herod, they returned to their

country by another route.

Matthew 2:12

It appears that God's angel messengers were not quite finished with their assignments for the wondrous event of God's Son come to earth.  After the Magi find Joseph and Mary and have the opportunity to see and worship the baby Messiah, they take their rest before venturing back to their homeland.  In a dream, they are warned not to return to Herod, for his overture of peace toward the newborn king was just smoke and mirrors.  When they headed for home the next day, they took a circuitous route that did not lead through Jerusalem.

The angel then appeared to Joseph in his second nightly visitation, this time with a heavenly command:

Get up, take the child and his mother and

escape to Egypt.  Stay there until I tell you, for

Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.

As the Magi slowly wended their way home, Mary and Joseph escaped under the cover of darkness and made their way to Egypt.  They would live there for an unspecified amount of time until Herod was dead and the danger was over. The wonderful gifts of the Magi would provide for their travel and needs in that strange new home.

 

The Leading of the Star

After they had heard the king, they went on their

way, and the star thety had seen in the east went

ahead of them until it stopped over the place

where the child was.  When they saw the star,

they were overjoyed.

Matthew 2:9-10

As soon as the Magi left Herod's palace, the star blazed forth to light their way.  The Bible states that the star led them to a "house."  Contrary to our modern nativity plays, the kings did not show up at the stable.  The star first appeared on the night of Christ's birth.  It took many months (perhaps as much as two years) for the men to travel to Jerusalem and then on to the town where Jesus lived.  He was no longer an infant, but a young child, and...

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his

mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.

At this point, the Magi brought forth gifts for the young king - very expensive gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.  Legend has always presented three wise men with three gifts, but in point of fact, we have no idea how many men made that journey.  The pronoun "they" indicates more than one, but beyond that, we simply do not know.  What we do know is that they recognized this young child as the Savior of the universe, and they bowed before him in humble worship.

Herod and the Magi

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out

from them the exact time the star had appeared.

He sent them to Bethlehem and said,

"Go and make a careful search for the child.  

As soon as you find him, report to me,

so that I too may go and worship him.

Matthew 2:7-8 

 

Through every age and in every country, there are men of government and leadership - princes, kings, presidents, chancellors - some good, some bad.  Herod the Great, King of Judea, Galilee, Iturea and Traconitis from 37-4 B.C., was not one of the good guys.  He was a ruthless savage who murdered his wife, his three sons, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle and a host of others.  He was an expert at removing any person, place or thing that interfered with or threatened his reign.  

King Herod was "disturbed" by the accounts of the Magi that a new "King of the Jews" has been born.  He consulted the religious leaders as to any prophecy that might shed light on this event, and learned of the prophetic writings of the book of Micah regarding the birth of a ruler in Bethlehem.  When he chatted with his important guests, the main focus of his inquiries were to pinpoint exactly when the natal star first appeared in the heavens.  He then sent his guests onward to Bethlehem, asking them to report back to him on the exact location of the tiny king, so that he also could come and pay homage.  Considering that the only thing Herod worshiped was himself, his parting words to the Magi rang false indeed.  

The Coming of the Magi

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

during the time of King Herod, Magi from the

east came to Jerusalem and asked,

"Where is the One who has been born king

of the Jews?  We saw His star in the east,

and have come to worship Him."

Matthew 2:1-2

Luke skips almost two years of Jesus' life after telling the story of His christening in Jerusalem.  Matthew leaves out most of the story in Nazareth and the facts of Christ's birth that Luke tells so well, beginning his story with the arrival of the magi or wise men from the east.  Believed by many to be astrologers, they set out on their journey by following a new star that they believed would lead them to the newborn Jewish king.

The magi followed the star to Jerusalem, where their presence in the city disturbed the people of the city and King Herod as well.  They sought guidance in their search for the star-kissed child.  Unfortunately, guidance was not what King Herod had to offer.

Merry Christmas

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was

with God, and the Word was God.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling

among us.  We have seen His glory, the glory

of the One and Only, who came from the Father,

full of grace and truth.

John 1:1, 14

For unto us a child is born,

unto us a Son is given.

And the government shall be upon

His shoulder, and His name shall be called:

Wonderful, Counselor,

the Mighty God,

the Everlasting Father,

the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

A Very

Blessed Christmas

to All

    

In the Temple: A Second Opinion

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter

of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was very old;

she had lived with her husband seven years after

their marriage, and then was a widow until she

was eighty-four.  She never left the temple but

worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

Luke 2:36-37

 

As soon as Simeon had finished speaking to Joseph and Mary, another elderly parishioner joined the conversation.  She was a very aged widow who was a constant presence at the Temple, worshiping, fasting and praying.  Luke records that she also came up to Jesus' parents, gave thanks to God, and then spoke about the infant to anyone who would listen - all those who were "...looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem."

Mary and Joseph must have been both humbled and encouraged by the recognition of their child as the Messiah by these two pillars of Israel.  Simeon and Anna spoke about the mission and life of this baby in the same way that the angel had in his visitation to each of His parents.  If they had maintained any doubts about the message of the angel, this was a powerful affirmation of the heavenly messenger's words.

Luke says that after Joseph and Mary had accomplished everything required by the Law for both Mary and the child, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.  In so doing, Luke leaves out a huge portion of the Christmas story.

Simeon and the Baby

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon,

who was righteous and devout.  He was waiting for

the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was

upon Him.  It had been revealed to him by the

Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had

seen the Lord's Christ.

Luke 2:25-26

The old man who waylaid Mary and Joseph in the Temple had been searching every day throughout the courtyard for the One who had been foretold by the prophets.  With eyes sharpened by the gift of the Holy Spirit, he instantly recognized the baby Jesus as the Christ - the Messiah.  Taking the child in his arms, he proclaimed:

Sovereign Lord, as You have promised,

now dismiss Your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

which You have prepared in the sight of all people,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and for glory to Your people Israel.

 

While Mary and Joseph were trying to digest the meaning of these strange words, Simeon pronounced a blessing on the parents, and then turned directly to Mary:

 

This child is destined to cause the falling and rising

of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be

spoken against, so that the hearts of many

will be revealed.

And a sword will pierce your own soul too.

 

 

The Journey to Jerusalem

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise

him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had

given him before he had been conceived.

When the time of their purification according to

the Law of Moses had been completed,

Mary and Joseph took him to Jerusalem to

present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law

of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be 

consecrated to the Lord"), and to offer a 

sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law

of the Lord: a pair of doves or two young pigeons.

Luke 2:21-24

On the eighth day of life for Mary's little baby, his parents were still in Bethlehem.  He was brought to the rabbi for the rite of circumcision, and was named Jesus, as the angel commanded.  According to the Law regarding women who give birth of a son, Mary had to wait 40 days before going to the Temple in Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice for purification.  In addition, each first born son was to be dedicated to the Lord.  When the forty days were over, the little family set out on their short journey.  The distance between Bethlehem and Jerusalem was only about five miles, so this trip would be fairly easy for Mary and her infant son.

Upon arrival in the city, the family made their way to the Temple, where they would purchase the animals for the sacrifice - probably opting for the cheaper option of two pigeons or doves rather than a lamb.  As they moved across the courtyard to toward the place of presentation, an elderly man stopped them with a simple request:  he wanted to hold the baby.

The Shepherds IV

...all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds

said to them.  But Mary treasured up all these things

and pondered them in her heart.  The shepherds

returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things

they had heard and seen, which were just as they had

been told.

Luke 2:18-20

The shepherds were not just bit players in this heavenly drama in Bethlehem.  They were the first evangelists, sent out to the surrounding hills to tell their friends about what they had seen.  The Bible says that everyone who heard their story were amazed.  I'll bet they were!  You couldn't dream up a scenario with better dramatic potential than this.  The scriptures record that what they found in the manger was exactly as they had been told by the angels.  They returned to their sheep, praising God for blessing them with the honor and privilege of witnessing the angelic announcement of the newborn King.

Back at the stable, all is quiet except for the snuffling of the animals and perhaps a cry or two from Mary's baby.  The narrative says that after the shepherds left, Mary gathered together in her mind and heart all the unbelievable things that had occurred that night, tucking them away so that she might "ponder" them.  God must have been smiling at her tender innocence.  If she thought the angels and the shepherds were amazing, just wait...

The Shepherds III

When the angels had left them and gone into

heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 

"Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has 

happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph,

and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

Luke 2:15-16

First the blinding light, then the radiant angel, then an entire legion of angels singing out their joy at the birth of the Messiah.  The light recedes, the darkness returns, but the wonder and joy in the hearts of the shepherds is nigh to overflowing.  Securing their flocks, they rush to Bethlehem to find the stable and the newborn King.

Imagine Joseph and Mary's surprise when this motley crew stumbles into their humble accomodations.  Their occupation would have been obvious from the clothing they wore, but their purpose in coming to the stable may not have been immediately obvious.  I've often wondered, did Mary and Joseph hear the angels singing in the starry heavens?  Did they see the brilliance?  Or did they learn of the angel chorus from the shepherds?  Either way, it appears that Jesus' parents graciously welcomed the curious shepherds, and the Bible records that after a time, they left the manger and spread the news of what they had seen throughout the countryside.

There Were Shepherds II

...and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and

they were terrified.  But the angel said to them,

"Do not be afraid!  I bring you good news of great

joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of 

David a Savior has been born to you; he is

Christ the Lord.  You will find the baby wrapped in

cloths and lying in a manger.

Luke 2:9b-12

In the midst of the overwhelming radiance stood a being - an angel - the messenger of God to a sleeping world.  The angel did not go to the courtyards of Herod.  He did not go to the apartments of the high priest.  His visitation list did not include a single Pharisee or Sadducee.  The powerful and learned were passed by as the angels winged their way to the manger.  Instead, they stopped on a crude hillside filled with smelly sheep and ignorant shepherds. The startling news of a newborn King was given to the lowest of the low.

The frightened sheepherders discovered that the angel's visit was not just beautiful music and blinding light.  No, the angel told them exactly where to find this newborn Prince, and their hearts overflowed with wonder at being chosen to witness this wondrous event.  The Bible then records...

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host

appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth

peace to men on whom his favor rests."

vs. 13-14

 

 

There Were Shepherds...

And there were shepherds living out in the fields

nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them...

Luke 2:8-9a

 

In the hills above the town of Bethlehem, shepherds were bedding down their sheep for the night.  Some of the flocks would be inside their protective enclosures, others would be out in the open air with the shepherd close by.  The night must have been clear because the stars were visible in the sky.  The men and boys who were protecting the flocks expected another calm, peaceful night.  After all, nothing happened in Bethlehem.

The fellas who were out there on those hills did not have college degrees - probably not even the bare rudiments of an education.  They were common peasant folk - trustworthy, responsible, loyal.  The last thing in the world they expected was for the night sky to turn as bright as mid-day with a radiance unlike anything they had ever seen.  Floods of light poured over the Judean hills as angel messengers prepared for the most spectacular announcement of all time.

O Holy Night

While they were there, the time came for the baby
to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn,
a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him
in a manger, because there was no room for
them in the inn.
Luke 2:5-7

I cannot recall how many sermons and plays I have heard and seen about that horrible old man, the innkeeper of Bethlehem, who turned away Joseph and Mary in the hour of their greatest need.  I have also heard the legend that it is the innkeeper who led the couple to the stable (cave) where they could be protected from the elements and have some measure of privacy.  I've always felt sort of sorry for the innkeeper of Bethlehem.  The Bible doesn't even talk about an "innkeeper;" it only mentions that the local inn was full.  And he, after all, was simply doing his job, having already booked out all the rooms and probably the common spaces as well.  Was he the one who led Joseph and Mary to the stable?  We don't know the human hand that guided them there.  We only know that in that place of protection, no matter how crude, the Savior of the universe was born.

A Prayer for Newtown

Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,

unuttered or expressed.

-James Montgomery

We pause for a few moments this

evening to ask for prayers for the

families of Newtown, CT, in the

wake of the terrible tragedy that

occurred today at the

Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Our thoughts and prayers

are with the families of the victims,

specifically the families of the

little children who lost their lives.

May you find some measure

of comfort from 

your family and your faith,

and the unwavering support

of the people of this country. 

 

One Small Child

In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that

a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.

This was the first census that took place while

Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And everyone went

to his own town to register.

Luke 2:1-3

Mary's story leaves the book of Matthew at this point, and leapfrog's back to Luke, beginning in chapter 2.  Caesar has just ordered a census to be taken of the Roman Empire.  Everyone had to journey to their hometown to register for the census.  Joseph was of the house of David (as was Mary), and he would need to register in Bethlehem.  The journey would be 70+ miles, and Mary was in no shape to travel, being in her ninth month of pregnancy.  Whatever the circumstances or objections, however, Mary ended up enduring those long, bumpy roads riding on the back of a donkey. 

They finally arrived - dusty, weary and beyond tired.  Joseph's search of the local inn(s) came to naught - there was not an empty bed in the town.  The Bible does not say when the baby was born relative to when they arrived in Bethlehem.  It simply says, "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born..."  Because their accommodations were in the stable (most likely a stone cave), when the baby decided it was time to begin its birth journey, Mary and Joseph made ready a feeding trough to serve as bassinet and cradle for their little boy.  

Joseph's Angelic Dream

After he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared

to him in a dream, and said,

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary

home as your wife, because what is conceived in her

is from the Holy Spirit."

Matthew 1:20

During the stress-filled days of agonizing about what to do with his shattered engagement, Joseph had a dream from God.  When Mary returned from visiting Elizabeth, she would have told Joseph the entire story of the visit from the angel and his exact words, including his answer to her question, "How can this be?"  His ruminations about divorce seem to indicate that he found the message far-fetched.  What he could not digest from Mary's explanation he suddenly received from the horse's mouth.  The angel in the dream told Joseph the exact same message that Gabriel told Mary - this pregnancy was not from common human dalliance, but from the Holy Spirit.

The angel told Joseph that Mary would have a son, and that he was to call the child Jesus, "...because He will save His people from their sins."  This statement would have been an unmistakable indication to Joseph that the child to be born would be the long-awaited Messiah.  The gospel writer Matthew interjects at this point in the narrative that all of this was done to fulfill the words of the prophet Isaiah in chapter 7, verse 14:  Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel - God with us."

 

When Joseph awoke from his dream, he did exactly as the angel had commanded.  There were no more question, no hesitations, no "what if's".  God had clearly spoken.  Matthew says that Joseph "...took Mary home as his wife," and cared for her for the remaining six months leading up to the long-awaited birth.

 

Mary's Return to Nazareth

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:

His mother Mary was pledged to be married to

Joseph, but before they came together, she was found

to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because

Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did

not want to expose her to public disgrace,

he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Matthew 1:18-19

In order to discover the next event in Mary's story, we have to leave the book of Luke and go to the first chapter of the book of Matthew.  Mary is pledged (or espoused) to Joseph; before the ceremonies are concluded however (actually, exactly when she returned from Elizabeth's house), it is discovered that she is pregnant.  Matthew appears to be writing from Joseph's perspective, and yes, Joseph discovers that Mary is past her first trimester of pregnancy.

Think of the agony of mind that must have possessed Mary on her travels back to Nazareth.  How am I going to explain this?  Will anyone even listen to me?  Will Joseph believe me?  If he doesn't, will they stone me?  There is nothing overly dramatic about these questions.  Her situation really was a life/death matter.  One assumes that Mary went home to her parents following her visit to Elizabeth.  Their shock at her condition would only deepen Mary's qualms.

Joseph, poor fellow, was absolutely blindsided.  One can only imagine the turmoil, hurt and embarrassment that must have weighed on his mind, especially if he cared at all for Mary.  The Bible tells us that he was a good man - a righteous man, and did not want to make Mary's situation a public spectacle, leading me to believe that he genuinely cared for his young bride-to-be, and wanted to handle this awkward situation as quietly and discreetly as possible.  The God of the universe, however, had other ideas.

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months,

and then went back to her own home.

Luke 1:56

Three months.  A very long time for some, a fleetingly short time for others.  Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months - a haven against the social storm that was to come.  For 12 weeks, Mary could ponder, prepare and pray.  I think perhaps her thoughts might have been thus:

• What will my parents say?
• What will Joseph say?
• Will anyone believe me?
• How can I do this on my own?
• How in the world will I raise the Messiah?
• Should He go to school?  Should I homeschool Him?
• What shall I feed him?  
• What shall I teach him?
• What shall I say when he asks about his father?

I could go on and on, but there is really no need.  I know you get the picture.  An overwhelming task is ahead of this child/woman who has been handpicked by God to birth His Son.  And Elizabeth?  She who is now elderly is giving birth to the forerunner of Christ - an equally overwhelming task for an old woman. Together they probably have more questions than answers.  But they are both women of strong faith.  No doubt they use these few precious months to strengthen and encourage one another and to spend time in prayer. 

We hear nothing more of Elizabeth after the birth of her son, but we know that he grew into a strong, unique man wholly devoted to God. Mary, however, continues on her slow journey to that lonely stable on the outskirts of Bethlehem.

Song of Mary

And Mary said,

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit

rejoices in God my Savior..."

Luke 1:46-47

When Elizabeth finishes her greeting to Mary, Mary bursts into song.  This is how it reads from The Message:

I'm bursting with God news,

I'm dancing the song of my Savior God.

God took one look at me, and look what happened - 

I'm the most fortunate woman on earth!

What God has done for me will never be forgotten,

the God whose very name is holy, 

set apart from all others.

His mercy flows in wave after wave,

on those who are in awe before Him.

He bared his arm and showed His strength,

scattered the bluffing braggarts.

He knocked tyrants off their high horses,

pulled victims out of the mud.

The starving poor sat down to a banquet;

the callous rich were left out in the cold.

He embraced His chosen child, Israel;

He remembered and piled on the mercies,

piled them high.

It's exactly what He promised

beginning with Abraham and right up to now.

Luke 1:46-55

Mary's Road Trip

At the time, Mary got ready and hurried to a town in

the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's

home and greeted Elizabeth.  When Elizabeth heard Mary's

greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was

filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed:

"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child

you will bear!  Blessed is she who has believed that what

the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Luke 1:39-42, 45

If there's is one thing that we can assume for sure and certain, it is that Mary needed someone to talk to.  The message of the angel is so astounding, the thought of being pregnant through a miracle from God is unfathomable, and Mary wants someone to talk to.  Before he departed, the angel had declared that her elderly cousin, Elizabeth, was six-months into her own pregnancy.  Mary knew that Elizabeth would understand her fears, her concerns, and her predicament with Joseph. 

When Mary arrives at Elizabeth's home and calls out her greeting, her cousin's baby makes a dramatic movement in the womb - recognizing instantly the mother of the Messiah.  Elizabeth praises Mary, not only for her pregnancy, but also for her willingness to believe the angel's words and surrender her life to the will of her Creator.  Mary's mature faith is a amazing in one so young, and Elizabeth encourages her with an acknowledgement of the truth of Gabriel's words.  In Elizabeth's home, Mary finds a welcome refuge from the slander, gossip, and end of her betrothal that is sure to come.   

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/emp9qhAOoX4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Where's the Line to See Jesus?

While they were there, the time came for the

baby to be born, and she gave birth to her

firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths 

and placed him in a manger, because there was

no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:6-7

This video has a story - of a little boy's question while shopping at the mall before Christmas and of the song that the question inspired.  There's no reason for me to tell the story - we will let the music do the talking.

 

May It Be as You Have Said

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered.

"May it be to me as you have said."

Then the angel left her.

Luke 1:38

About three and a half years ago, I received a call from a friend indicating that they had recommended me as a vocal coach to the family of a young girl who had just finished the fourth grade.  That phone call began a journey that is still in progress today.  I have taught her for three years, and find her to be a remarkable young woman.  There have been many ups and downs in her life, but she seems to excel straight through any hardship.  Her talent is enormous and her appeal is equally great.  It is a privilege for me to know her and work with her.

What a privilege it would have been to have lived in Nazareth during the time recorded in the book of Luke, with the possible opportunity to meet Mary.  We know so little of her, and yet everything that is recorded in Luke 1 showcases a young girl of incredible maturity, responsibility, and devotion to God.  When confronted by a strange being who claimed to come from God, Mary assessed the situation and the words spoken - the stranger (his countenance and his claims), and made the amazing decision to acquiesce - to accept the message as the Lord's chosen path for her with grace and dignity far beyond her years.  She would prove to be an amazing mother for the world's Messiah.      

Mary, Did You Know?

"How can this be?" Mary asked the angel, 

"since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come

upon you, and the power of the Most High will

overshadow you.  So the holy one to be born will

be called the Son of God."

Luke 1:34-35

Imagine:  you are a 15-year-old girl living with your parents, engaged to be married to a kind, stable, older fellow, when your room is suddenly filled with light, and a strange being proclaims that God is honoring you above every other woman on earth by causing you to become pregnant with a male child.  What would your first comment be to this amazing news?

Mary's was a question:  "How is this possible??  I've never been with a man.  I am a virgin."  Of all the things she might possibly have said, Mary takes the practical approach:  Wait a minute - we have a problem here - it takes two to get pregnant!  Conventional wisdom would certainly agree with that thought, but this was no conventional messenger, and his reply is astounding:  "You, Mary will be the mother.  The Holy Spirit will be the father.  The child will be born holy.  He will be the Son of the living God."

To my knowledge, there has never been another child of whom it could be said that they were born "holy."  But then, there has never been another child whose father was a member of the Godhead.  Did Mary understand all of this?  Did she realize that she was going to give birth to the Messiah?  How much of this unbelievable story could she comprehend, much less believe?  Buy Mary is a young woman of simple yet strong faith, and her reply to the angel is said without hesitation.

Mary: Blessed Above All Women

The angel came in and said, "Hail, you who are

highly favored, the Lord is with you and

blessed are you among all women."

Mary was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind

a greeting like that.  But the angel assured her,

"Mary, you have nothing to fear.  God has a surprise

for you:  you will become pregnant and give birth to

a son, and call His name Jesus.  He will be great,

becalled 'Son of the Highest.'  The Lord God

will give him the throne of his father David.

He will rule Jacob's house forever - no end,

ever, to his kingdom."

Luke 1:28-33

When I read this story in the book of Luke, I begin to wonder if Mary actually realized it was an angel she was talking to.  Surely she must have wondered, "Who in the world is this?"  Here is some guy telling you that you are blessed more than any other woman on earth.  If that were to happen in this day and age, any girl would be wondering where they got such a bad pick-up line.  The Bible says that Mary was perplexed...thoroughly shaken...troubled - and probably a good dose of fear thrown into the mix.

Her strange visitor then stuns her with the message that she is going to have a baby - a son - and even gives the name for the child:  JESUS.  He is going to be the Son of the Most High God, from the family and lineage of David, ruling over Israel forever.  These words may sound odd to us, but for Mary, they held great significance.  The angel was plainly saying, "Your child - your son that will be born to you - is going to be the Messiah, the Promised One of Israel."   I doubt if any message that the angel could have delivered would have surprised her more.  You, Mary, are the fulfillment of one of the greatest prophecies in the Old Testament:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given,

and the government shall be upon His shoulders,

and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor,

the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Hello, Mary

And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel

was sent from God to a city of Galilee named

Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man named

Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's 

name was Mary.

Luke 1:26-27

I have always wondered what exactly angels look like.  The illustrations we usually see around this time of year show large, masculine figures with huge wings, either blowing trumpets or gathering in groups to light up the sky.  Around Valentine's Day, we see little fat, naked cherubs with halos strumming on harps or flitting around with bows and arrows.

Because the Bible reveals that the angel visitor sent to Mary was named Gabriel, I have always imagined him as the masculine variety with great, beautiful wings.  But it is anyone's guess what this strange being looked like.  It's a good possibility that he was rather terrifying, because the first words out of his mouth are, "Fear not, Mary!"  Whatever his physical attributes, this must have been an unnerving experience for a young Jewish maiden. Given the history of the acceptable age for marriage in that culture, Mary was very likely a girl in her early teenage years, espoused to Joseph - most likely a much older man.  

We know very little about this girl, but one fact is vividly clear:  there must have been something very special about this young lady for the Creator God to send His right-hand angel to speak with her.  And his message?  Life-shattering, to say the least!

Requiem for an Unknown Young Woman

Be happy, young man, while you are young,

and let your heart give you joy in the

days of your youth.

Ecclesiastes 11:9a

My daily perusal of the Internet brought me to a tragic story that again proves the old adage, Money can't buy happiness.  The tragedy that unfolded in Kansas City this morning is heart-breaking, but the media aftermath to the events is sad, indeed.

Jovan Belcher, a starting linebacker with the Kansas City Chiefs and at age 25, already a four-year NFL veteran, erupted into violence early this morning, turning a gun on his girlfriend and shooting her several times.  Her mother was in the home at the time and called 911.  When the police arrived, the young woman was dead and Belcher was gone.  A few moments later, police receive a call from the Chief's training facility where Belcher was outside the entrance of the building, holding a gun to his own head.  The team's coach and general manager were attempting to talk with Belcher; when the police pulled up, the young man pulled the trigger and ended his life.

In the media storm that broke when the news became public, the Los Angeles Times, CNN and the Kansas City Star reported the bare facts of the tragedy.  The NFL issued the following statement:

  "Our thoughts and prayers are with Chiefs and the families 

and friends of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy. 

We connected the Chiefs with our professional counselors to support 

both the team and the families. We'll continue to provide assistance."

Most of the news outlets included Twitter comments in their reports - all of which were regarding the young man who perpetrated this tragedy - his career, his loss to the team, why would he do this when he was so successful and making so much money, and the burning question of whether or not the Chiefs will play their game scheduled tomorrow against the Carolina Panthers (the NFL told the Panthers to get on the plane to Kansas City).  No where, in any of these early reports I have read, does anyone talk about the young woman who lost her life in a hail of gunfire - not a single mention, except in pronouns such as "those" who lost their lives or "the families" involved. 

Matt Miller, writing for the Beacher Report, began his online article with this accurate and thoughtful statement:

There are times as writers, reporters and analysts 

when the game doesn't matter. Today is one of those days.

And later in the article:

Whether or not the Chiefs play Sunday seems trivial, 

as this tragic end to two lives is much bigger than a game.

Sadly, Mr. Miller does not mention the young woman either.  In fact, he ends his article saying,  "Helping the players and team staff grieve should be the priority of all involved."  No, not really.

Somewhere in Kansas City tonight there is a mother who is reeling from the unexpected shock of the death of her daughter.  Whether or not she actually witnessed the tragedy is irrelevant to her suffering.  Her child's life was snuffed out in an instant.  As a mother with three grown daughters of my own, I believe that the world should be grieving for the loss of this precious young woman, certainly to the same degree it is grieving the loss of the man who took her life.

James Throws a Curve Ball

...but each person is tempted 

when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.  

Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; 

and sin when it is full-grown brings forth death.

^{James 1:14-15 NIV}

...but each man is tempted when he is drawn away

by his own lust and enticed; then lust, having

conceived, brings forth sin; and sin, when it is finished,

brings forth death.

James 1:14-15 ASV

James gives a fascinating lesson in the progression or development of sin (evil) that starts out with a nicely-pitched curve ball.  Remember - verse 13 of James 1 says that God cannot be tempted of evil, and He does not tempt any man.  So, where exactly does the temptation come from?  James pins it squarely on each person - who is tempted when he is "drawn away."  Drawn away from what?  If this is speaking of a believer, which I think James is, then I am going to take a wild guess that the individual portrayed here is drawn away from God - stepping out of the light of life into the overwhelming darkness that is always found outside the boundaries of God's love.

If asked the question, "Is lust sinful?" I think most of us would say, "yes."  James does not agree.  The Greek word here translated "desire" in the NIV and "lust" in the King James and American Standard Bible is ĕpithumia, (a longing [especially for what is forbidden], desire, lust [after]).  It comes from the word ĕpithumĕō ( to set the heart upon, long for [rightfully or otherwise], covet, desire, lust [after]).  So for James, each human being allows himself to be drawn away from God by the longings and desires of his/her heart.  Note that these desires, these wishes, these feelings of setting our heart on something are not sin, but we allow them to draw our hearts away from the holiness and completeness of the presence of God.  Once we have been separated from God, our desires inflame into enticements, which lead us into sin (evil), which brings forth death.

Lucifer desired - longed for - recognition and power.  When he allowed those thoughts to separate him from God, it was only a tiny step further to decide that he wanted to be God Himself.  When Adam realized what Eve had done (eaten the fruit) and his desire for her swelled up until it blotted out the goodness and compassionate love of God, he did not have to tiptoe much further down the path to deciding to take matters into his own hands.

How Do You Create Evil?

Let no one say when he is tempted,

 “I am tempted by God”;

for God cannot be tempted with evil 

and He himself tempts no one.

 James 1:13

If God created "evil" - what exactly did He create?  A puff of smoke?  A black cloud? A talking serpent?  A sinful being?  We are explicitly told that both Lucifer (angel) and Adam (human) were perfect and morally spotless at their creation.  So God did not create "evil" in either of these beings.  The serpents in the Garden of Eden were not "evil" either - they were a part of the sixth day of creation when God  proclaimed all created things as "good."  Further, in order to create something - anything - one must have experience with its components.  Our verse in James today proclaims that God has nothing to do with evil.  He is not tempted by evil, nor does He tempt any other being with evil.  God does not deal in iniquity, evil, sin and darkness.  His realm is one of truth, purity, life and light.

I was taught as a child that sin cannot exist in the presence of a perfectly holy God. If God had created "evil," it would have been incinerated at the very moment of its creation.  I will say it again - sin cannot exist in the presence of perfect holiness. That is why we do not have the face-to-face access to the Father that Adam and Eve had.  Now we "see through a glass darkly" but someday will return to being "face to face" when Christ comes again and makes all things new.    

Perhaps if we read a bit further in the first chapter of the book of James, we might discover fresh answers to this age-old quandary.

Lucifer, Son of the Morning

How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, 

son of the morning!

Isaiah 14:12

The entrance of evil - sin - came long before the decision of Adam in the garden to go his own way.  The above passage in Isaiah 14, as well as verses in Ezekiel 28 tell the story of a powerful angel in heaven, created by God to fill the roll of a covering cherub - one of the highest positions among the angels.  Exekiel proclaims this angel to be the perfection of God's creation:  You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.  Lucifer was not created "evil" or sinful:  You were blameless in your ways from the day that you were created, until iniquity was found in you.

The meaning of the Hebrew word translated "iniquity" in Ezekiel 28 is evil.  So within the heart of this perfect angel is found "evil."  It wasn't in his heart when he was created - he was "perfect" and "blameless."  So how, exactly, did it get there?  Ezekiel 28 proclaims, Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor.  Isaiah 14 is even more implicit:   You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God... I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”

Here is this perfect angel - one of the two covering cherubs, who begins to believe that he is not as high up as he should be.  He wants a throne - a place of power - over the rest of his fellow angels.  More than that, he wants to be God.  He who is created wants the power and position of the Creator.  God has created this angel for companionship and for service.  He wants only equal billing and status. At some point, Lucifer rejected God's plan and purpose for his life and determined to go his own way - be his own god.  That choice separated him from the Creator God, and gave birth to sin = evil.

In the same manner, Adam was faced with a choice in the garden.  His beautiful wife had already eaten of the fruit of the tree.  What to do?  What do I do?  Do I trust in my Creator, the One who has walked and talked with me every single day since I came into being?  Do I believe that even though my wife has disobeyed, my friend God will work things out?  Do I look at Eve, who is standing there in perfect health, and tell myself that God obviously lied about dying, so what else has He lied about?  Do I decide that since Eve has suffered no harm from her snack, that God obviously doesn't know what He is talking about?  Whatever his thoughts were, Adam's final choice was to rely on his own wisdom, seek his own way - be his own god.  That choice blossomed forth as sin = evil. 

Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven.

-John Milton, Paradise Lost