We Three Kings

   It is good to finally be back in the desert. I know that sounds odd but if you just dealt with what I dealt with you would know why I say that. It’s not that our journey didn’t have good things happen; actually the greatest thing happened in the world. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Who am I? I am one of the Magi.

   About two years ago I was looking up in the sky. You see, I enjoy watching the stars. I looked and I saw a new star had appeared. I conferred with my other Magi friends and we realized that this was the star of prophecy. The king of the Jews had been born. We set out immediately. We knew the journey would be long so we prepared our food and servants. We traveled at night and rested during the day. This helped us stay cool and helped us see where the star was.

   We arrived in Jerusalem. We decided to ask the ruler if he knew where the King of the Jews was. I thought that maybe the King would know where the child was. I was wrong. King Herod was a proud man. He talked like he actually cared about the child but my friends and I could see the greed and jealousy behind his eyes. But, who were we to judge this king? Herod asked us many questions and we answered him to the best of our ability. Then Herod told us that the child would be in Bethlehem. He asked us to come back to him after we found the child because he wanted to worship him too.

   We hastened our way to Bethlehem. The star went ahead of us. Finally, the star stopped. We were overjoyed. Then we saw the child. He looked about two years old now. We bowed down and worshiped him. This was the child of prophecy. This was the savior of the world. We were so amazed that we almost forgot our treasures for him. We opened the gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. Then we left the family. Our journey was accomplished (Mat.2.1-12).

   We found a place to stay. While I was sleeping a dream came to me. I was told not to go back to Herod. I knew that my fears back in his palace were right. We returned to our country a different way.

   Looking back at it, people may have thought we were crazy to travel so far. We gave up our time, money, and treasures just for one glimpse of this savior. To me, it was worth it. This was the king of kings born and I got to see him face to face. For that, I would give up any treasure.

   So, would you give up time and money to see the savior? Will you go tell others about the gift God has given us?

   We Three Kings-Go Fish video

   Image from here.

Oh What a Glorious Night

   “Glory to God, glory to God, glory to God forever.” Oh, sorry I didn’t see you there. I was just singing praises to my Lord. I get to do that every day. Isn’t that amazing? That’s my purpose in life, to sing praises and glorify him. I’m an angel of the Lord.

   I had just finished singing praises to God. When I noticed Gabriel had just come back from his mission. God had us do our normal defending against demons but it had been a while since any of us had been called to show ourselves to humans. Gabriel told us he had gone to see a woman named Mary. She was going to have the son of God. Jesus was going to leave heaven to save the humans. We knew that God, in his infinite wisdom, was planning something from the beginning. He loved humans enough to save Adam and Eve from death right after they disobeyed Him. God is mysterious. We didn’t know what he was planning exactly but we knew it would be something great. One thing we did know was that God keeps his promises. Many prophesies would be brought about and soon (Dan.7.13-14, Ps.2.1-12. Is.7.14, 2 Sam.7.12-16, Genesis.3.15).

   The heavenly host were all amazed with God; then one day I received a mission. It turned out that the earthly father of the Son needed some encouragement. I visited Joseph in a dream and told him to take Mary as his wife. I could tell he was nervous about being the father of the son of God. If he wasn’t nervous I am sure God would not have chosen him. After the encouragement he was given, he married Mary.

   The day for Jesus to be born was getting closer. God had told us that we were going to have another special mission soon. We watched as Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem for the census. We could not imagine the pain that Mary was in but we knew that God had Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem to bring about the word of the prophets (Micah.5.2). Then, the child was born in an area meant for animals. God was born in one of the lowliest places on earth. Then God told us to visit some shepherds and tell them the news that the savior had been born. Never questioning God we went. We told them that the baby would be found in a manger and praised God. The shepherds found the baby then sang praises to God all the way back to their flock.

   I began to see God’s purpose in all of this. God is love. He loves these humans and he wants each of them to know that he loves them. Maybe that’s why he sent us to the people that humans believe had a lowly job: shepherds. He wants all to be redeemed so that he can be with them. We know that the son of God has a hard road ahead of him. According to the prophecies he will die a painful death. It really does prove how much God loves humans. He sent his son in the most humble way and knew that he would die all for love. That’s what should be celebrated about this day: love.

   So, do you realize that God sent his son out of love for you? God brought all of these events for our good. Do you believe that he has a plan for your life?

   Oh What a Glorious Night-Sidewalk Prophets video

   Image from here. 

The Shepherd's Praise

   The day started out like any other day. I was out in the field watching my flock. Of course, I had to defend them from a wolf that day, which was a little odd. Also, many people were in town for the census that Caesar called for. I was just thankful that I didn’t have to go anywhere because my family was from Bethlehem. However, a change of scenery may have been nice. It gets a little boring when all you do is watch sheep all day. Hi, I’m a shepherd.

   Now, before you go running off because I smell so bad and because I have a very underappreciated job hear me out. As I said, the day started out like any other. My shepherd friends and I were out watching the sheep. The sun had gone down a while ago and I was about to lay down for a nap while the other shepherds watched the flock. I had just shut my eyes when a bright light flashed. I thought one of my friends was playing a joke. Then I saw their faces. They looked frightened.

   I looked up in the sky and I saw why they were frightened. There was an angel of the Lord there. I fell on my face and covered my eyes. We had no idea why the angel was there. I wasn’t sure if we did something wrong. It had been so long since anyone wanted to talk to us, let alone an angel of the Lord. Then the angel said “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. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke.2.10-12). I was a tad overwhelmed. The Savior was a baby? And, he was in Bethlehem? I didn’t have long to be overwhelmed by that because suddenly there was a great company of angels praising God. Needless to say my friends and I stood there for a while after the angels had left with our mouths open.

   More questions came to my head. Why was the savior here? Why hadn’t anyone heard about it? Why were we the ones to hear about it? I shook these thoughts from my head. Why did those questions matter? They didn’t, all that mattered was that we had to find this baby. We left our flock, which is a big no, no for shepherds if you didn’t guess. But, it’s not every day you are told by angels that the savior was born. We searched the busy streets of Bethlehem. We had a good idea that he would not be in an inn because the angels told us that he was in a manger.

   Finally, one of my friends found him. He was in a place meant for animals. His father stood to make sure we meant him no harm, I assume. His mother was leaning over the manger. But, once I saw the baby I couldn’t take my eyes off him. This was the savior? I looked at him and he seemed to smile at me. I wondered what that baby was thinking. What would his future hold? Then I suddenly got the urge to do something I never do. I knew I had to tell everyone about what happened here tonight. I was usually very quiet because I was a shepherd and no one wanted to hear what a shepherd had to say. However, we shepherds were told about this child for a reason. The savior was here. We ran through the streets praising God and telling others that the savior had come. After a while we went back to our flocks.

   That night was so magical. I knew that God had great plans for this child. And, maybe he told us about it because that baby came to save us too. I realized that night that God cares for me. I think that’s why I risked losing everything to gain so much more. And, I’m glad I did.

   So, if God asked you to drop everything and do something, would you do it? Do you believe that God sent Jesus to save you?

   The Shepherd Song-Hearts of Saint video

   Image from here. 

Such a Strange Way to Save the World

   I was so excited; my wedding day was coming up. Soon I would get to marry Mary. She was such a kind woman and she loved the Lord. I knew she would make a great wife. Then one day my thoughts about her changed. Who am I? I am a simple carpenter from Nazareth. I am Joseph.
   The day started out like most. I was working in my workshop. But, my thoughts were not on the project I was working on. They were on Mary. The next thing I knew Mary was walking through the door. I was so happy to see her. I dropped what I was doing and ran over to embrace her. But, this embrace was different. She was holding back; no, did she seem larger? How could she seem larger in such a short time? I looked down and saw that Mary was pregnant?! I had so many questions but none of them came out of my mouth. 

   Mary told me that the child came to her by the Holy Spirit and that he would be the son of God. I was speechless. I had so many thoughts running in my mind. Could Mary be lying? She was a godly woman. I never thought she would do something like this out of wedlock. But, if she was telling the truth then that meant that, if I married her, I would raise the son of God. Why would I be worthy enough to raise the son of God? I was just a simple carpenter. I knew nothing about raising a king, let alone the son of God. But, if I didn't marry Mary she would be ruined. I could divorce her quietly that way she wouldn't be punished. That seemed like the best option so I divorced her quietly then and there. She looked crushed but I couldn't raise God's son.
   I left and went into my home. The home I was to share with Mary. I couldn't stop thinking about her and what she said. Mary was definitely worthy to have the son of God. She loved God with all her heart. But, it was strange that God's son would be born to a common girl. I could not sleep I was thinking about this so much. Finally my body gave way and I fell asleep. While I was sleeping an angel came to me in a dream. He told me, "Do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife...She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus" (Mat.1.20-21). I woke up and realized I must do what God called me to do. I still didn't understand why God chose me; but who was I to question the will of God? I went to Mary and married her.
   Months went by and it was very close to the time for Mary to have the baby. Then we got the news that Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census would be taken. I really didn't want to to take Mary to Bethlehem, my family's home town, because it would be a hard journey. But, we knew that this must be part of God's plan. We packed up and headed to Bethlehem. The journey was rough, especially on Mary. I tried to make it as easy as I could for her. 

   We finally made it to Bethlehem and it was so crowded. I kept Mary with me as we tried to find an inn. Mary looked at me and told me it was time for the baby to come. I panicked. We had to find a place for her to have the baby. I ran from inn to inn but each time we got the same answer. There wasn't any room. We came to a place for animals that wasn't very crowded. It smelled horrible. I couldn't let the son of God be born there. I told Mary I would keep looking. She grabbed my cloak before I could run off and said the baby was coming now. I didn't like it, but she laid down and gave birth to the son of God there.
   When I first saw the baby I was in awe. He was so tiny. How could the son of God come like this? Then I touched his finger and he looked at me. It felt like he was looking into my very soul. I gave Mary the baby and she held him so gently. Then she wrapped him in cloth and laid him in the manger. I heard a noise as Mary was looking at the baby and stood ready to defend us. Shepherds walked in. They said they were told by angels that the Lord would be laying in a manger tonight. They bowed to the child then left praising God (Luke.2.1-20).
   Mary was quiet for a long time after that. I knew she was thinking about everything that happened. I was thinking about that too. It was all so strange. I never would have expected God to come as a baby in a manger. I also promised myself that I would take care of this child as best I could. Little did I know how many dangers were to come.
   So, do you ever feel unworthy to do something God calls you to do? Do you ever feel like you don't deserve God's grace? What can you do to encourage others who may feel unworthy?
   Such a Strange Way to Save the World video.

   Image from here.

Mary Did You Know?

   Imagine you were minding your own business, you know doing your chores during the day, and then suddenly you see a man in white. Then you realize it's not a man it's an angel. What would you do? That's the question I asked myself because I was visited by an angel one day. My name is Mary.
   Of course, you can imagine I was so frightened. It's not every day you have an angel come to you and say, "Greetings, to you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you" (Luke.1.28). I had no idea what this angel wanted with me. But he said, "Do not be afraid...You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus" (Luke.1.30-31). Needless to say I was shocked because I wasn't married yet. The angel reassured me that the Holy Spirit would be upon me and the child would be the son of God. Well, who was I to get in the way of God's plan? I am his servant after all.
   Now, I knew that soon I would start to show that I was pregnant so I went to see my cousin, Elizabeth. She was also with child and when she saw me she exclaimed that I was blessed for believing that I would have God's son. I was reassured and filled with joy that I was carrying God's son. I sang a song of praise to my Lord because he was bringing about his perfect plan.
   A while later I went home and told Joseph, my betrothed, everything that happened. He was amazed and frightened. He knew that I was pregnant, it was hard to miss. Joseph said he wanted to call off the marriage quietly. I was heartbroken. I wondered how this could be part of God's plan. Would I need to raise this child on my own? Many questions ran through my mind but I knew God's plan would come about. This child would be born one way or another and he would save us all. Joseph came back to me one day and said he was visited by an angel too. He said he wanted to go through with the wedding (Mat.1.18-25). I was relieved; I wouldn't have to go through this alone. For a time, I thought that we had gotten over our biggest mountain so to say. Boy, was I wrong.

   Caesar Augustus was the ruler of our land. He called for a census. Joseph told me we would have to travel to Bethlehem for it. I could see the worry in his eyes. I was very pregnant at the time. I was also scared but I knew this was part of God's plan. We packed up and left. The road was hard, and painful, but I just kept saying to myself that God's plan would come about.
   We reached Bethlehem and the place was packed! I could hardly step anywhere without accidentally bumping into someone. Then I realized that the baby was coming. You should have seen Joseph's face. He went running about from inn to inn looking for a place for me and the baby. But, there was not any space left. Finally, we found a small space meant for animals. Joseph said this is not the place for the son of God to be born. But, I said, "this baby is coming now!" I can't remember ever being in so much pain.
   Then, in one moment the pain stopped. I saw the child, the son of God, look up at me. He was so precious. His eyes were so loving and I thought I could see power in this child. I carefully wrapped him in cloth and I laid the son of God in a manger, no less.
   I watch the child with wonder. Then I looked up and saw some shepherds come to us. They told me that angels had told them to find a baby in a manger. That baby is Christ, the Lord. They bowed down and worshiped Jesus. I could hardly speak, much less comprehend why these things happened this way. The shepherds left and I could hear them praising God all the way. It was an amazing journey, that was just beginning.
   Did I know what would happen next? No, but I knew this child would do great things. I was just honored to be a small part of his story.
   Do you trust in God's plan when the road is hard? Do you believe that Christ did great things and God is still doing great things?
   Mary Did You Know-Pentatonix song.

   Image from here. 

Is Jesus Safe?

   Today Christians have this mindset of I want to be safe. But we are promised we will not be safe (Blessings Blog). John 15:17-18 says "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."
   We will be hated because we stand for good. We are sinful creatures and we want to follow our own desires. But, once we accept Christ, it is no longer alright for us to follow those desires. Because of that, people will not like us because we stand for a code of morals. That is why we will not be safe.
   In fact, even God is not safe. "'Safe?' said Mr. Beaver; 'don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you'" (Chronicles of Narnia The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe). Of course that quote is from a book but it still applies. God has never changed; he's just changed the way he deals with us. He is still the God of wrath from the Old Testament. He still hates sin and cannot be with it, which is why he's not safe if you are a sinner. But, if you accept Christ, you are his child. He will love you no matter what you do.
   How can we stop trying to be safe? We need to get out of our comfort zones. In Matthew 5:10-12 we are told: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'" The prophets were persecuted, the disciples were persecuted, and even Jesus was persecuted. Why is it that we think we won't be persecuted?
   We are going to be persecuted. Every Christian needs to answer this question honestly: "If it was illegal to be a Christian, would you still profess to be a Christian?" If you said "no," I encourage you to get into the Word. Pray and deepen your relationship with God. Ask yourself, "why am I a Christian?"  When you answer that question remember that this life is temporary. God's kingdom is forever.
   So, when you are persecuted what will you say? Will you choose to cling to Christ?

   John 15:17-18 and Matthew 10:34-39

   Image from here.