ISAIAH 62:6-12
THE BACKGROUND
This passage is taken from one of the last chapters of the book of Isaiah. The people of God have returned to the Promised Land from Babylonian captivity. They discovered that the Land of Milk and Honey needed a lot of hard work, to restore it to its former glory. They were disillusioned and discouraged. Is this an appropriate selection for Christmas Day? We’ll see.
THE DETAIL
- God has placed sentinels on the high walls surrounding the city of Jerusalem. They are there to sound the alarm, in case of attack, or are threatened. God tells his people to be alert and sound the alarm constantly, until He restores Jerusalem, and its reputation is well-known. (vv. 6-7)
- God reassures His people that He will protect them from harm, and nobody’s going to “eat their lunch”. They will enjoy the fruits of their own labor. (vv. 8-9)
- Now, God tells His people to get to work and rebuild their city. (v. 10)
- The rest is a sort of pep talk, reminding them that they have been saved by God, and are not forsaken. They have been redeemed. (vv. 11-12)
THE TAKEAWAY
Sometimes, reality is not as sweet as our dreams. God came to His people with a word of encouragement. They were discouraged and depressed. God reassures them, and gives them a pep talk. God comes to people in need today, through His people here.
At Christmastime, we like to wrap ourselves in a warm and fuzzy blanket made of Christmas carols and sweet memories. But Christmastime is also a difficult time for many people. Some are reminded of a loved one who is no longer with them. Others are faced with financial or emotional difficulties. Christmas is just another reminder of their failure. We need to be sensitive to the feelings of those around us. This Christmas is a good time to share God’s love. One way to do this is by being sensitive to those around us, and being ready to be Jesus in our time and place.
TITUS 3:4-7
THE BACKGROUND
Paul had appointed Titus as a bishop, or leader, of the church on the island of Crete. Paul gives Titus and his church some specific instructions in this letter. In the previous chapter, Paul has given them some sage advice on how to live their lives as Christians. He tells them what to do and what not to do.
So often, Paul’s writings provide a condensed, precise statement that explains a truth of the Christian faith. These verses from his letter to Titus are one of these statements.
THE DETAIL
Having spent many words instructing them on how to act as Christians, Paul wants to remind them that their salvation does not come from what they do. It does not come from their “works”, or good deeds. Their salvation comes purely from God as a free gift—through his grace and mercy. It comes through the gift of His Son, so that we might have eternal life.
THE TAKEAWAY
At Christmas, it is most important to remember that God freely gave His son to us, to save us from our sinful lives. We cannot work our way into God’s favor; we get that by having faith in His son.
LUKE 2:1-20
THE BACKGROUND
The first chapter of Luke, after an interesting introduction (vv. 1-4), is about the birth and life of John the Baptist. Chapter 2 is the well-known story that is so often read in church at this time of year. Since it is so well-known, I’ll skip describing it in The Detail, and go directly to The Takeaway.
THE TAKEAWAY/ FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Most of this passage focuses on the shepherds. It is noteworthy that because of their profession, it was nearly impossible for them to worship God. In order to prepare to enter the temple would require about a week of ritual cleansing. Shepherds were, therefore, sort of outcasts of the normal society. These are the first to hear of the birth of the Messiah. More remarkably, they did not find him in a cradle fit for a king, but in a feed trough in a stable. What does this say about our God? Surely, this was intentional. Why would God have his precious son enter our world in this way? What does this say about who He values in our society? The savior is not born to high society folk, but to common people. The first visitors are not wise men, but lowly shepherds. Jesus came for people like you and me.