Weekly Devo: The Journey to Bethlehem - The PowerLESS

Read Luke 2:8-20. Listen to the message and service here. 

In most cases, the birth of a baby is followed by announcements to the VIPs first. Baby showers and gender reveal parties gather the most important people: family and friends. On special occasions, those at the top of the list matter most, and we too prioritize them over others.

Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been on a journey—a journey to Bethlehem. Today, we will take a deeper look at the background of both Bethlehem and the locals who live in and around the region.

Though we missed the first Sunday, Mary and Joseph were on a journey that required courage in their calling. They found that God provided everything they needed, including a place for the baby to be born. It was a borrowed space in the back room of a home or in a stable connected to the house. The location was not ideal.

While we must dispel a few myths, the story is nonetheless true and important. For instance, we need to understand that there was no innkeeper who prevented them from having a place for the baby. It was most likely in a home, and hospitality at that time would have meant they would not have been left out in the cold, even if the circumstances were less than ideal.

The scene that we often depict isn’t an exact representation, but that does not diminish the truth of the Gospel.

A star shone in the sky, pointing the way to the manger. We know that Herod the Great was a villain. Like Satan, he wanted to destroy us. His jealousy drove him to think that there was a king who would take his place. Herod was filled with rage because of his rejection of God’s love and rebellion against the greatest story ever told! We noted that the powerful resisted this Gospel message.

Even our culture today has turned Christmas into a commercialization that taps into our deepest desires: greed, want, and materialism. All contribute to circumstantial happiness—a shallow understanding of real joy! Yet, the story includes the lowly. The Bible tells us that the VIP announcement of baby Jesus was given to the lowly—those with no influence or power. The shepherds received the announcement first. The shepherds recorded that angels celebrated and told the powerless first. It is the lowly who were lifted. The shepherds were told to go and see the wonderful news that the Savior, Christ the Lord, was born. In the most humble of ways, Jesus was placed in the most vulnerable means—a manger. 

No Christmas story or major scene is complete without the shepherds. Why are they so central to the story? Why were they told first?

Let’s explore:

A. The Invitation Goes to the Lowly!

We see that the shepherds are like us! They are not the most powerful but the least! It is God who scripted this incredible story. The invitations were sent to those who do not usually receive VIP invitations.

B. The News Was Given to Those Seemingly Less Worthy!

We might raise concerns about having “dirty” people come to visit the newborn. In nurseries for babies, cleanliness is expected. The best Mary could provide was a hay-filled manger with a small piece of linen. We know that Jesus had no place to lay His head!

C. The Humble Birth Was Met with Astonishment!

The messengers were unskilled shepherds, an honored profession, yet it involved dirty work. They lived with their sheep, known for being dirty animals. Their value lay in the wool they provided, but that wool needed to be cleaned!

It is the humble—not the proud—who were invited by the impressive order of the Angelic Choir!

It is true that God lifts up the humble! This was true for David, the shepherd boy many years prior. This tiny town is where David, the King of Israel, is from! Remember him? He was the one chosen from the least of the sons of Jesse. He was just a shepherd—nothing impressive. Yet, he was chosen by God to be the King! He was a man after God’s own heart!

The story in Bethlehem is not complete without the shepherd! The angels orchestrated the greatest of all announcements to the descendants of King David. (I have to wonder if David was present in the planning of this part of the story. Did he meet with the Angel Choir and suggest that this announcement be given to the lowly shepherds?)

This was a journey of humility and honor for the shepherds! They were given the responsibility to go and witness the Christ child, then carry the message to others! The lowly were often ignored, yet they were chosen to deliver the news! Though they didn’t shout, “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” they were similarly announcing this good news to many in the streets of London, Boston, and New York, delivering the newspaper—lowly in status.

I was a paper carrier. It was a route of over 100 customers, and I loved it. After school, I would load all the newspapers in my saddlebag and make the rounds. I was that messenger! It wasn’t glamorous or respected, but it was necessary. (My family had the route for over 20 years! After this route, we all worked at the Monroe Evening News printing press.)

These shepherds were likely descendants of David! Professions often pass down through families in this town. Even after being exiled, this was likely their profession. Many of the patriarchs were of lowly status!

There are two reasons why the shepherds are central to the story! Of course, Jesus was the star attraction, yet the shepherds and sheep were important to the bigger story of Christmas.

Last week, I mentioned that we cannot look at the manger without seeing the cross that Jesus would die upon for our sins! The Lamb is a sacrifice because shepherds did not kill their sheep—this was their livelihood. They sheared the wool, not the animal. It would make no sense to kill their livelihood. Yet, this was the sacrifice needed to pay the penalty of sin! The most vulnerable (as was Jesus) became the most precious gift!

We cannot miss the message of this simple manger. The shepherd's visit was important because they came to worship the Great Shepherd! Jesus is our Shepherd!

The shepherds know that they are to protect and care for the sheep! They risk their lives to safeguard their livestock. They would leave the masses to go after the one lost and lonely sheep (who often strays from the herd).

The metaphor is obvious! The Great Shepherd, Jesus, leaves the 99 to seek the one. The sheep know their shepherd! (Like my son Jon’s K-9 with the Sheriff's Department. The K-9 knows his handler.)

The shepherd has but one defense: his rod and staff. Lily performs the dual function of directing the sheep (keeping them in line) and warding off predators! The hook is used to reach down and pick up the weak and those in danger or in a ditch. The shepherd’s rod and hook are the all-in-one tool (like a multi-tool or scout’s knife). It is the only tool needed!

No one is left out! We too are included in the manger scene! Let me also explain the key to understanding this passage of text. This is where we now find ourselves!

What is the best candy to give on Christmas Day?

Two billion candy canes are manufactured in the USA. Most of them are given during Christmastime. The story of the candy cane is a great reminder for all of us today. 

It’s important to recognize that this is a gift for all eternity that was given to us through Jesus. This highlights how precious this gift is! It was Jesus who gave His all in a borrowed manger and a borrowed tomb so that we might have life and life more abundantly. God’s continued work of grace in our lives is available to us, poured out for us in this most vulnerable child who became the precious Lamb of God.

Is He your Great Shepherd? Will you allow His death to be in vain? In other words, will you pass up this precious gift delivered to us?

As R.C. Sproul tells us, “The most prominent people in biblical times were called by God from the realm of the culturally insignificant.”

Who are the powerless around you? As we wrap up today and reflect upon the town of Bethlehem and the lowly shepherds, let us realize how they responded to the announcement of the birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. Did they just sit there, or did they go and tell? We too are called to come and worship and then go into the town.

The text reveals that “All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.” (Luke 2:18)

A “Clearical” Call To Christmas!

I enjoy playing games, sorta. There are certain games that I enjoy more than others. Trivia games are not my favorite. I know stuff but my ability to recall the answer before someone else is a challenge. I like card games if they’re simple like Uno or Go Fish. During long periods of break like a vacation, games can be a terrific experience of family bonding and true laughter.

One of my favorite games is Sniglets. It is a favorite because I think I have mastered the use of words that don’t actually mean anything and likely not found in the dictionary. My grandkids can attest to this. I tend to make up words on the fly, and they seem to make sense in every context. It’s probably why I have so much trouble with English and grammar. I tend to break the rules of good communication.

Thus the reason why I have given this article strange title. I have  combined a couple ideas in one single word. In one respect I want to bring clarity to something. In another respect, I want be like a good clergy man who is offering something spiritual. And again on the other hand, I am trying to help express the idea of focus. Especially now, during a busy time of year call the season of holidays or Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year. If I had a word for it, I probably would call it, “Thank-ChristmaNew.” Now you see what I mean?

So what am I writing about? 

It seems to me that in the busyness and rush of this holiday season, we don’t go deep enough to appreciate the importance of this time of year. Certainly, we gather with family more often than any other time of the year yet, we seem to miss the importance and the value of family and, for that matter, friends.

Stress seems to be at its highest peak during this time of year. It also puts a strain upon our bank account and us at its highest threat this time of year. It seems as though we are in a hurry to nowhere, but we say happy holiday while forcing a grim. We fake emotions a lot.

So you are now getting the picture of what I’m calling us to. I believe that we should be clear while presenting purpose in the most wonderful time of the year.

Perhaps it’s high time that we begin to identify priorities now rather than waiting for the new year and calling it a resolution. prioritizing the best instead of re-organizing the good maybe the first stop in this journey we are on. I believe it’s important enough for us to find rest so that we don’t miss out on the beauty of the manger scene.

Very few people rush past the nursery because babies are a reminder of how precious life truly is. Though we don’t know exactly when Jesus was born, we have chosen to celebrate it at this time of year. Christians around the world will gather in worship of the Christ child. Far too many will pretend that He is still a baby never letting him truly develop our understanding of Christ, as Savior.

Going back to the basics is what I’m calling us to. As you look at your list of things to do, is it possible that you could whittle your list down to your top three or four priorities? Maybe even just categorizing them in three or four clusters. That certainly would be an improvement since it would give more focus to the objectives rather than being confused with all of the details.

Every Christmas story seems to be a race against time in a reminder to put the important things first. 

So here’s your assignment. Consider the following so that you can focus on the right things this year.

Instead of making a list of all the things you have to do, prioritize, the top three things that you should say no to in order to enjoy and appreciate the important things in life

Make a list of some of your favorite movies and take time to enjoy them this year.

Instead of gifts for everyone, be creative and give something for others in-need. Maybe ask everyone to contribute to your gift by giving to those that are in-need and make that their Christmas gift too because we all know, we don’t need more stuff.

Create a project that everybody can contribute to and ask them to bring something associated with that project that could be collected for a family that truly is in need. 

This year we’re having an open house with cookies and other fun snacks. We’re asking people to come with a few items that could be given to police officers like hand warmers, lip balm, beef, jerky, and other items that would keep them warm while working in the snow during their shift as first responders. 

Don’t rush into the New Year without also considering that one word that God would give you. Maybe it’s a word from the scripture that would help guide you in 2026. 

For me, the last three or four years, I have chosen a word that has been a guiding concept or principle throughout the year. I don’t like resolutions because they are usually short-lived and it feels like you are breaking a promise, not only to yourself, but to others. However, a word that is a guiding concept throughout your year will be an anchor to bring you back into focus as to what’s essential in your life.

It’s time to slow the pace down, not add more. Don’t miss out on the treasures under the tree this year. Rather than rush through the season of ribbons and wrappings, spend time in quiet contemplation with the Lord. Be still and know Him, the greatest gift of all. It is in His presence that we discover the best gift of all, being present! 

Weekly Devo: The Journey to Bethlehem - The Powerful.

Read: Matthew 2: 1-12

What a journey for those who resist change! As we are in the Christmas season, the tradition of Christmas seems daunting and overwhelming. It is a journey for sure. There are many packages to buy and wrap with many more activities to keep us going from work parties to family get-togethers. Travel certainly takes its toll as we are rushing about, trying to meet all the obligations that are pressed upon us. 

In last weeks‘s message that I posted as an article on the Facebook of Lancaster Wesleyan, I highlighted the journey that Mary and Joseph were on. There are road to Bethlehem was met with times of confusion that challenge both their calling and their commitment to obey God‘s plan for their lives.  You might’ve missed it, but nevertheless, we need to understand that they had to overcome and even find the courage to do the impossible. While their journey was difficult, resolved was needed yet, the certainty of what was coming next meant that they had to have faith in God, through his messengers.

Listen to worship and message here. 

This week we’re going to focus on the nemesis of the story of Christmas. They are certainly our skeptics that are very prevalent when it comes to the gospel story of Jesus. But today this is not just about skeptics for those who are wavering between two ideas. This is about a nemesis who sought to destroy God‘s plan for mankind.
We all certainly have skeptics in doubters in our midst. But few of us have those who want to destroy the plans that we have. Every story must have its villains.

There are always skeptics at every story. Men are negative as if to hold out, resisting change. We see them everywhere. You remain positive while they find reasons to be negative. You celebrate while they maintain skepticism.
Yet beyond this are the enemies of our soul. Look at all the Christmas stories that we have that have been written over the vast hundreds of years. Each of these dramas are highlighted by the enemy. It brings tension to the story in order to draw out the characteristics of each participant.

Let me give you an overview:
We see it in the story of a Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge is that villain. In more modern times we might even see that it is t\The Grinch, he sets out to steal Christmas from those in Whoville. Of course, in Santa Claus, not a real character, of course – it is Jack Frost. In Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer, also not a real character – you find that it is the abominable snowman. In more real life episodes you find these characters who want to destroy the plans of others. In the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, you see it as the cranky old bank executive/owner - the greedy Mr. Henry Potter. 

Each of these villains seek after the vulnerable in order to take advantage so that they may steal, rob, and destroy. Who does that sound like?  

Every good story has an evil villain. It is the opposite of the good and virtuous.
In spiritual terms, we know that to be the devil. While we don’t blame everything on him, we do realize that life is just that way. There is that preverbal wrench thrown in our way. It is the challenges that we face. But let me be clear, the evil nemesis is not a victim, but instead, a predator. 

Everybody knows the Wizard of Oz story. Of course it’s not a Christmas story, yet, we know that the wicked witch wants to destroy the opportunity that Dorothy and her friends have as they make their journey to the land of Oz. In today’s version, “Wicked“ tells us that the reason that the wicked witch is the way she is because she is a victim. Made to think differently and almost with empathy for the one who is doing evil. 

In newer and more modern stories of Christmas, we are seeing a trend that is quite disturbing. Although I’m not trying to analyze movies I’m helping to set up the context for which we will study today – Herod the Great!

The Bible tells us that there were many who did not see the beauty of the birth of Christ yet alone sacrifice of this great birth of a King. 

Locals who had no room for Jesus. 

• Leaders that resisted and were even jealous of this Jesus as a baby. 

• Those loathing the birth of Christ goes beyond the manger!

Today we look at the most evil villains, Herod, the Great.

Who was he? Why did he act the way he did? What was it about the baby Jesus that was so threatening to him?
The first thing that we see is that he is filled with deception. What does he ask? He wants to know the location of this. Christ Child, the king of the Jews, pretending that he would want to worship him.

We need to understand that there are several different people of the line of Herod the Great. We also need to understand the background of the political and geographic context to which we experience this part of scripture.

We can study the tradition and early church historians to come to know that there are several things we know because of tradition - not biblical.  We have to ask, were there only 3 wisemen?  How far east did they travel?  Were they connected to King Herod as fellow traders?  

Herod was known as a builder. We have many of the buildings of Jesus‘s Day that remained for hundreds and thousands of years. We see that he contributed to the temple of Jerusalem inscribing his very name into that construction. He imposed a great deal of tax on the people so that he could build more of these large buildings that would represent his powering control.

We can also learn that there are several people names Herod in the Bible at the time of Jesus.  This was Herod the Great who saw that an alliance with Rome and the Jewish (religious) leaders meant that he was political. He helped in the funding and construction of the Temple that they worshipped in Jerusalem. 

There were also pagan temples and an olympic area for the sport of killing and violence. Herod was know as a master builder.  He was known for the hatred of the people.  He was known for enslavement of the people to appease Rome. He considered himself a KING. 

He was Jealous of any other power including the birth of a Christ-child known as KING.  He wanted to destroy anything or anyone who stood in the way of his power!

This particular “King – like” figure is ultimately self-serving. But it goes beyond just jealousy and rage. The dynamics of the region was setting up for greater threat to his power. You see today we’re talking about the powerful. Those individuals that hold seemingly all the control and they treat others as subordinates and even serfdom (thus word was made popular by The Road to Serfdom by F. A. Heyek). He even has his family killed to protect his power!  It is a surprise that he has any children left to serve as protectors of his name.

We have to understand that there was tension within the region between that which was Rome imposing their way in the region, as well as those other factions from the east, who were also imposing their way. It’s at the turn of the Old Testament to the New Testament that we find these types of battles, throwing boundaries back-and-forth. We don’t have time to get into the details, but just so that we understand that Herod thrived on this type of conflict. He was trying to appeal to the powers of Rome so that he could make the most of his own powerful kingdom.

Let me be clear:

— he was no victim.
— he ruled with an iron fist.
— he took hold of power of the people, but most especially those of the religious elite. 

The enemy seeks to destroy.
   There is an enemy of your soul.  It is Satan. He wants to destroy you because in doing so it hurts God. His power is real but not in the same way that God’s might is stronger through Christ in your life. We can become the villain as well because of your rebellion and rejection of the Word of God. 
The powerful are everywhere!

   There are powerful people and influences everywhere. When I was a child, I was easily influenced. When I was a teenager, I didn’t want to miss out of being involved or accepted. When I was an adult, the powerful temptations impacted my choices and actions. As I grow in Christ, the influence of the Word of God, prayer, and spiritual habits form my worldview and help me to know how to become influential to those around me. We cannot run and hide - We have to recognize that this is a spiritual thing.
The mighty search for the vulnerable.

   The mighty look for victims. The mighty need to be bullies. What happens when you stand up to the bully?  You find out that they are not a much in control as you were made to feel. We should be strong enough to defend ourselves against those negative influences in our lives. 

The enemy wants to destroy your testimony.
   The enemy isn’t interested in taking your stuff. It is not that the enemy needs more stuff, except for the trophies that he can display! It is not interested in taking away your health. The enemy is not interested in taking your loved ones. Although he will do this to a degree, yet, the enemy does this so that you will give up your testimony. If he can defeat you it is by removing your good reputation, diminish your name, take away the trust that others have in you. It is your testimony in Christ that the enemy wants to damage. 

The Giants are meant to fall for God‘s glory.
   As you have giants in your life, God wants to help you defeat them. It is for His Glory that the giants are destroyed. They are those temptations you have yielded to and those negative things that happen to you that the enemy will use to destroy you. Giants were meant to fall. 

Mary and Joseph received a calling that required obedience. They set-out on a journey that was unknown to them with challenges that meant with their full dependence was on God.
Today, we are recognizing both rejection and rebellion and this journey of Herod the Great 

Rejection: 
Those who reject Christ are condemned to wander in bitterness, carelessness, hate, and hopelessness....

Rebellion:
Those in rebellion can always be saves. It starts with humility and mercy....

Although we are all subject to send, depravity is our greatest nemesis. Satan wants to destroy us, but we tend to even destroy ourselves. We do this because we reject God and we rebel against his plan. Though subtle, indifference and inactivity can produce the same results of a worldly perspective.

Let me caution you. Even though we’re talking about Herod, knowing that he cooked up a recipe for disaster, the enemy wants to do the same in us. How does he do it? I think there are several ways and here are the ingredients you might want to avoid:

Jealousy: Simple jealousy can be boiled down in self with a dash of anger and loss of control until fully mixed with…. 
Bitterness: A stewing over ingredients of self pity and control that is stirred until full mixed with…
Hate: Deeply baked until dark and fully cooked 365 days and eventually destroys friendship, family values, and love.

What do you see when the dish is cook and served?  

A recipe for DISASTER.

It is a dish best served COLD. 

It is a dish that can easily be DIVISIVE. 

It is a meal that leaves you wanting more - control and anger with cravings that never satisfy. 

Our sin will ultimately destroy ourselves. While damaging and injuring others, it is our own transgressions that lead to our own destruction. You need to be careful, if we don’t become the villains that we so often seek to destroy.

Unfortunately, our celebration of Christmas has been hijacked by commercialization. What was intended to be understanding of the gift exchange has turned into a huge commercialization for stuff; society is materialistic and it appeals to our most basic - a primitive want for more. 

So I show you this number. 45 billion. This is how much is lost because of shoplifting. Unfortunately, 29% of shoplifting is by employees. It is what goes out the back door.

I show you this number because it helps give recognition to the problem with sin. Unfortunately, many never get enough, and it becomes a craving for more. The result? A loss of freedom as we become bound by the chains that we have created for ourselves. Just Iike Ebenezer‘s partner, Jacob Marley who is represented by the chains of greed and selfishness that he made each link, by link, by link. We too can become bound and imprisoned by these chains.

We can break the cycle. We can be set free. We could find a means of grace through Jesus Christ. 45 billion gifts that have been stolen. But ,what is the good news?
The good news is that there is one single, solitary gift that has been given to us, which will set the captives free. It is a gift. It is free. It is free to every soul willing to receive it. It is not earned, deserved, owned by us, nor given because of power. It is a gift that we receive humbly because it is a unmerited grace given freely to all who receive it, and whose hearts are filled with gratitude because of the precious price that was paid for this gift!

Have you received this gift?
Let me pause for a few moments to ask you to consider letting everything else go for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let me ask you if you have not only received this gift but what if I told you you must let everything else go and fully embrace this gift with open arms and an open heart For the sake of the gospel.

Like Scrooge, we must fully embrace this new life that has been given to us. We can’t ride the fence or behalf hearted or hope that something better comes along. We must realize the price that was paid. When we look at the baby in the manger, we must see The Christ on the cross who died for our sin. What did Scrooge say, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep in all they year.” 
Why suspicious? Why skeptics? Why doubt?

In a couple weeks, we will be looking at the kings/Wiseman from the east. You may not remember this but nowhere in the scripture. Does it tell us that they were three Wiseman. We only get that because of the three gifts that were given. But there’s a significance to those three gifts.

The realization that we must acknowledge. You cannot look at the baby in the manger without seeing the Cross that he was to bear. Consider this, Jesus was born and a borrowed cradle, a stall or a manger, a barn. We also recognize that when he died, he was buried in a borrowed tomb. The God of the universe came as a child, most vulnerable and owned nothing. As he gave of himself on the cross for us, he was put into a tool that was also borrowed.

 

In our agreed, we want to be owners. We want to take possession of things and call it our own, but, the savior of our soul did not take for himself, but gave of himself for you and me. 

For now, however, read with me the scripture and Matthew 2:10 which reads: “When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.”

Weekly Devo: The Journey To Bethlehem — New Beginings.

(Luke 2:25-38; Matthew 1:18-25)

What started as a text sent to a stranger has resulted in a 10-year friendship. You may have already heard the story… Grandma was texting her family, and one text went to a stranger. He jokingly sent a response, correcting the situation but asked if he could still attend – even though he was a stranger. Grandma said, “Of course, that’s what grandmas do. We feed everyone!” (Wanda & Jamal)

Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton Celebrate 10th Thanksgiving. 

As we now turn our attention to traditional Christmas, this Advent season, we are going to take a journey. A journey that can help us in our spiritual development. (I say this is the traditional Christmas because we don’t know the exact timetable of the birth of Jesus.)

Today’s journey looks at Mary and Joseph.

Mary and Joseph are having a baby. Their trip has been planned from the beginning of time, and they are on their way to a new beginning! For them and for us too, the circumstances were a surprise, but it was definitely a planned and purposeful pregnancy.

Even though they had some choice in the matter, there were certain elements of the Christmas story that surprised even them. They were forced to go to the ancestral hometown of the line of David.

As we take this journey through Advent this year, my hope is that you will gain a greater understanding and appreciation for what God wants to do in your life.

Together, we will look at the villain or the powerful in the Christmas story. We will gain an understanding of how Herod sought to destroy God’s plan.

Together, we will also look at the most vulnerable period beginning with the baby Jesus, as well as in the lives of simple people who are invited first to come and worship. The realization that the greatest proclamation and gift given was to the lowly — The Shepherds! 

We will also take a look at the role that the angels serve in this Christmas story. Certainly, Gabriel and the heavenly choir teach us something about the preparation needed for the unveiling of a Savior.

We cannot look to the manger without also seeing the cross. In this part of the story, we find that the angels were busy in their preparation, but at the cross, they were restricted from interfering.

We will also take a look at those who have come from far away. These may be referred to as the outsiders, but they were considered the Magi, wise men who were kings in their own right and brought gifts to the Savior, which spoke of His death more than His birth.

So let’s get into this first journey. It was certainly not a vacation destination.

Bethlehem was not a tourist spot except for the many who also needed to register according to the law; a census was to be taken. Having to return to their hometown/region, they were responsible for making the arrangements. This pointed to the prophecy that connected Jesus to the line of David! But as you know, the place was overrun with many people. As we are told, there was no place for them, so they had to have a makeshift manger scene. Probably, it was the back room of a home where every other part of the residence was filled.

In Micah 5, we find one of the many prophecies being fulfilled. It is in Bethlehem, the least of all cities, that would bear the most. It was the least chosen that proclaimed the best message of all, illuminated by a star that guided the spectators.

A Ruler from Bethlehem

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

are only a small village among all the people of Judah.

Yet a ruler of Israel,

whose origins are in the distant past,

will come from you on my behalf. (Micah 5:2)

Which Christmas movie is your favorite? No Christmas season is complete without the many Christmas movies. I have many, as do you.

One that really sticks out to me, featuring a belief in the spirit of Christmas, is “Miracle on 34th Street.” Because of its commercialization and popularity, a child-like faith was on trial. The story is about how everyone came to a child-like faith. Though the story was about belief in Santa Claus, the message was clearly about faith and belief in something more than ourselves. (We can watch this fantasy film and also discuss the reality of faith in Christ.)

Another favorite is with Jimmy Stewart. You may recall it - “It’s A Wonderful Life.” It was set in a community in Bedford Falls with the ever-struggling Savings and Loans business. It wasn’t a business that George wanted, and eventually, he was so depressed and worried about a scandal that he wished he had never been born. It was a journey that he was on, a road to no return. Clarence, his guardian angel, saved him from a dreadful decision but took him down the road that reminded him that his life has value. Remember the famous line? “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets their wings.” (We can also learn that through sacrifice and giving to others, one finds that what matters is faith and friendship!)

The true Christmas story is one of struggle and hardship, but the struggle gives way to a miracle for each and every one of us.

We too are on a road of our own. Some are of our own making while others are directed by God. Don't be surprised if you discover that these roads are going to merge at the junction of God's making (if you let Him). Roads are not always easy. Few are paved because this may be the first time they have been traveled. The young couple discovered that surprise trips to us are well-traveled by God, who promised a great miracle in the making. Embrace the plan that God is revealing to you.

The Gospels record that Mary was visited by an angel, and Joseph was awakened from his dream with the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:34 & Matthew 1:24). Their journey was one of faith, hope, and love. It is joy that we experience through the Gospel account of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

What trips have you taken? What do you usually forget to pack? What plans have you had interrupted on your journey? Consider Mary and Joseph. Their trip was filled with uncertainty mixed with excitement. A new baby was going to be born to change them as well as the world!

Growing up, our family did not take many vacation trips. Though a few were to visit family, most of our holidays were spent at home. (Trips to Florida to visit my mother’s family created memories for me.)

Debbie McDaniel wrote in her article, “7 Promises from God to Remind Us: He Will Bring Good from the Storms in Our Lives.”

“Through every trial and storm we encounter in life, God will use it to make a mark in this world.The troubles we walk through can bring glory to Him. He will use our lives, the joy and faith we have, in spite of our problems, to draw others to Himself, and to help us remember that what we see around us is not all there is. For He has more in store, and it is greater than we can ever imagine….”

What lessons can we learn from the journey of Mary and Joseph?

Though they were not guided by a star, they held closely the secret that was to be revealed to the whole world, for unto us a child is born! God with us – Emmanuel. He came to be known as Jesus, and He came to relate to our suffering so that we can experience the joy of salvation.

Here’s a bit of a rundown of the things that they experienced that I believe we can relate to as well in our own spiritual journey.

1. Their journey began with a promise.

2. Their journey was filled with uncertainty.

3. Their journey had a nemesis, an enemy who wanted to destroy God’s plan!

4. Their journey was witnessed by key individuals that marked the truth and substance of the Gospel!

5. Their journey gave testimony to the greatest gift!

What can you take away from this journey as we wait on the Lord this Advent? 

What does God want you to trust Him with? 

What promise has He given to you to sustain you spiritually? 

What provisions has He given which display His glory in your life? 

What gift have you received and can’t give away that has eternal value?

Mary and Joseph were faced with a fearful and uncertain experience, yet they found faith and trust in God’s plan and direction along the way.

We also learn the importance of community and the support needed in uncertain times, demonstrated by the innkeeper, the risk of dreams dashed because of the jealousy of the powerful - Herod, the visit of the shepherds (the lowly), and the choir of angels who announced this wonderful birth of the Christ child! The first gifts given pointed to the cross by the Magi. 

**We know of adversity in this story. It is very much present, and the drama is also complete with the very first gifts given by the Magi.

Each week we will further unpack the story, verse by verse, and come to learn the incredible story of the Birth of a Savior — Who is Christ the Lord!

Closing: 

As we conclude our journey to Bethlehem, we are reminded that the path to new beginnings is often filled with uncertainty, challenges, and divine purpose. Just as Mary and Joseph embraced their calling despite the obstacles, we too are invited to trust in God's plan for our lives. The Christmas story is not just about the birth of a child; it is about hope, faith, and the miraculous ways God works through ordinary people and situations.

Quote for Conclusion:  

“Every journey we take, whether marked by joy or hardship, is an opportunity for God to reveal His purpose and promise in our lives.”

Action Step:  

Take time this week to reflect on your own journey. Identify an area where you can trust God more deeply and express that faith through a specific action, whether it be reaching out for support, stepping out in faith, or embracing the divine purpose unfolding in your life.

Reading the scripture that reminds us to make room in our heart for Jesus! 

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!

She will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel,

which means ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:23)

(RickECarder.com | Lancaster Wesleyan Church)