Life This Side of Heaven

Christmas is a popular time of the year for most people – including thieves. It’s been noted that between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, thefts, burglaries and property crimes increase significantly. So, it’s not surprising that each year local police departments release tips on how you can safeguard your home for the holidays. Another thief goes into high gear at this time of the year. It’s the adversary...

It's not surprising at this time of the year to find that the package you were expecting on your doorstep is one that was actually meant for your neighbor. So when John the Baptizer sent his disciples to Jesus with the question, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else,” it almost sounds like they’re asking if there was some confusion in the delivery.  But it’s a heartfelt question and one that might cross our lips as well,

What do you give to those you love? It’s the annual conundrum of Christmas. What do they like? What would bring them joy? What will my wallet allow? But the question that comes up in a popular Christmas tune asks, "What do I bring to Jesus, the newborn King?" The answer may surprise you.

You and I have good reason to sing and rejoice. The sentence for our sins is gone and through faith in our Savior, who died and rose for us, we have been reconciled to God. But did you know that God Himself sings for joy over you and this eternal reconciliation?

“Bah! Humbug!” That's the famous line from Charles Dickens 18th century story, “A Christmas Carol.”  It’s the contempt-filled reply that Scrooge gives to in response to Christmas greeting shared with him by his cheerful nephew. But have you ever wondered what this phrase means?

Someone you love may not be with you this Christmas. And that may make it feel especially difficult to be around those who are celebrating. In fact, more than once some have said, that, they don’t feel very joyful and and have even thought about skipping Christmas altogether.  You may be feeling this way as well. But I hope you’ll reconsider. The truth is that this Good News of Christmas is especially for you.

Here in Luke, he quotes a highway project that was described all the way back in the days of Isaiah. What Isaiah descried is a picture of what took place when ancient kings would visit a region. In anticipation of their arrival the the roads were cleared of debris and other hazards. The cry here was for the people of Israel to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Messiah, the Savior. It’s the same Advent cry that’s made to you and me this day.

“Batteries not included.” Three tiny words. And they’re not always easy to see on the box. But you’ll recognize their importance on Christmas when the gift is unwrapped and there’s no way to power it up. When God sent John to announce the coming of our Savior, He sent Him out to not only call people to repentance and faith but provided the power to go along with it. God's gift to you of salvation is the complete package. You could say it comes "batteries included."

In fairy tales, they begin with a common literary device that provides neither any datable chronology or point of reference on a map. They simply begin, "One upon a time in a land far away ..." That’s not how Luke begins his narrative describing the events surrounding the birth of our Savior. That's because God, His love for you, and the eternal rescue He sent His Son to carry out on your behalf, are all real...

When it comes to nostalgia, our memories are like a sieve. It’s like sifting the lumps out of the powdered sugar sprinkled over cookies or flour for Christmas baking. However, what Jesus came to do for us is even better.