The Real Spirit of Christmas

The obvious spirit of that first Christmas was one of being blessed, of having received mercy and grace from God. . . .

In our attempt to find the true spirit of Christmas, then, we need to be able to define its counterfeit.  A variety of things can make us feel good during the holidays, but many of them are cultural messages. The true message of Christmas humbles us. It shows us for what we are: poor, blind, deaf, and dumb receivers.

 This season when you are preparing your gift giving and your charitable Christmas projects, focus not on what you are able to give, whether great or small, but on what you have received [from God]. Let the grace and mercy you have received at His hands first fill your heart, and then flow through you to others. In so doing, you are inviting others to join in your grateful celebration. Allow yourself to experience the wonder and joy of gratitude in this holy season. . .  .

We are both receivers and givers at Christmas. Let's just remember which comes first.

~In Search of the Real Spirit of Christmas by Dan Schaeffer 

For more on the true spirit of Christmas listen here.

 

 

Frail Hillary

The Associated Press reports:

 "Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who skipped an overseas trip this past week because of a stomach virus, sustained a concussion after fainting, the State Department said Saturday."

Wow. The article is dated December 15, and it reports that all of this happened "last week," and her recovery will prevent her from being able to testify at a hearing about Benghazi this coming Thursday.

Which makes me wonder: If she's so frail at 65 that a bad stomach flu and concussion from last week has her in such a condition that she's unable to pull herself together enough to testify regarding the loss of an American ambassador's life (and the lives of others who were defending the embassy) while she was in charge, how could she possibly face the rigors of the presidency in four years when she'll be 69? Never mind carry on until she's 73, at least.

I used to tell my kids that if they were too sick to go to school, they were too sick to play on the computer . . . watch TV . . . talk on the phone . . . etc. So I'm thinking that if you're too sick to do your duties as secretary of state, you're probably too sick to be president of the United States.

Election 2012

"It makes no sense," was one child's response to the election results this morning. We're a political family, and we followed this election closely, all the way back to the Republican debates. This child, only 18 at the time, cast his first vote ever in the Republican primary. He recognizes the importance of his duty of living as a citizen in America even at this tender age. He understands that the principles by which a president operates have consequences.

What can I say? It makes no sense to me, either. We're all a little subdued at our house today. We've reminded him (and myself a thousand times) that God is in control; God tells us that "by me, kings reign" (Prov. 8:15). We know that his purposes are good and true. Why it is God's will to put an arrogant golf-playing, abortion-loving, celebrity-seeking Islamic sympathizer who supports gay marriage and who believes that debt brings prosperity and the government is the sovereign that should control our lives is a mystery that I must place in the "known only to God" categories and believe him when he tells us that all things work together for the good of those who love him.

And so I've had several thoughts as I've reflected on the election of 2012 and the implications it has for us as Christian citizens in a country that moves "forward" toward a world where gay marriage is becoming more and more acceptable, where the media becomes a part of the liberal candidate's campaign, where the lives of children in the womb and the lives of American diplomats and soldiers fighting terrorists in Arab Spring nations become equally disposable because they are inconvenient for someone who would rather they die.

This morning I received an email from my doctor, who uses holistic methods of treatment and has addressed certain physical issues for me effectively. I have not found this help from other medical doctors. The email announced that my doctor would not be accepting new patients because now Obamacare would not be repealed: "We are sorry that we have to close the practice, but the current and near future medical reimbursement climate does not allow us to make any other choice." They don't know how long they will be able to continue their practice for current patients.The other child (incidentally the one who had the honor of being the last person in our precinct to vote last night as the poll workers were closing up shop) also is a patient. She observed that because some women were being offered the "freedom" of free contraception via Obamacare, her freedom to seek the kind of medical care that helps her with her heath issues could now be limited. And I realized again--certainly not for the first time--that a big government of entitlements offering freedoms to some inevitably strips away the freedoms of others, whether it's the "wealthy" who need to pay their "fair share," religious organizations who are now forced to deny their convictions, or owners of small businesses who can't afford to grow because the financial burdens of growth will be greater than whatever prosperity they might achieve. And in the end, freedom is a myth, because the government owns us all. This is what the majority of Americans chose on election day.

Another harsh realization: This is the kind of country and government that more than half of Americans want. And yet unthinking citizens being drawn to superficial political leaders who obviously crave power and are motivated only by self-interest is not a new phenomenon. David's son Absalom demonstrates that playing to those who believe they are victims brings political victory. Here was a man who was scandalous (he killed his own brother) and arrogant. He was well-known for his good looks and beautiful hair. Because he had no sons, he erected a monument to himself. He won the people's hearts by sitting in the city gates and sympathizing with those who came with disputes for the king, telling them there was no one to hear them and promising justice if only he were in charge. He nearly successfully stole the kingdom from his father and certainly had the popular support of the people. I've never (not even for a moment in 2008) understood the charisma of Obama. But apparently manufacturing wars on women, attempting to achieve "fairness" for those who live in our country illegally, and promoting the rights of those who wish legal status for their immorality is great political strategy. It works.

But probably my last, and most important, realization has been that as Christians living in the kingdom of this world, we can expect rulers who are unjust. If there is a candidate who runs on the policies of defending our nation and creating a climate where the gospel may be freely preached (Belgic Confession art. 36), I'll certainly vote for him or her. But a quick glance at any instructions to Christians-as-citizens in the New Testament demonstrates that they are to be submissive to those who rule over them, and the types ruling over them in those days were Roman emperors, who were not exactly known for their sympathy for Christians. An unjust, faithless ruler does not excuse us from submitting to the government's authority--because the government that we have has been given to us by God. The church often flourishes in affliction, and perhaps we Christians in America will be finding that out firsthand. Our help is in the name of the Lord, maker of the heavens and the earth. "The best is yet to come," President Obama said to his supporters last night in his victory speech. I rarely agree with him, but on this I do. It won't happen in his four more years, though, and not while any of us Christians live on this earth.

As Christians, then, this must be our prayer as we face, for many of us, the disappointing results of another presidential election: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).


 

It's All about the Bridegroom

I've  been thinking a lot about weddings lately--probably because in less than a month, our family will be experiencing one. It's interesting that when you're planning your own--as I was a little more than four years ago--there isn't a lot of time for deep reflection. But when you're not at the center of it--when you're watching from the sidelines--you start asking the questions that you probably should have been asking when it was your turn: What's actually happening here? What should be my priority as I spend thousands of dollars on one day of my life? Should I be spending thousands of dollars on one day of my life? What should we be communicating to the people we invite to celebrate this great occasion with us?

Instead, we get caught up in questions like these: What color palette should I choose? Can I afford the reception venue of my dreams? If I choose the reception venue of my dreams, what can I cut from the budget that will be less important to me? Should I use fresh flowers or artificial? Rent tuxes or purchase suits? Buffet style or a plated meal? If I invite this person, then will I have to invite that one lest he/she be offended? Unity candle or colored sand?

And in this Facebook age, when people are members of a social network of millions and we easily get lost because the next person has better vacations, a more exciting life, and more friends than we have, how far do we have to go to make our wedding stand out? What can we do that will make people sit up, take notice, and tell their coworkers on Monday, "I was at this wedding on Saturday, and do you know what they did? I've never seen that before." Planning a wedding has become a complicated thing.

Probably one of the most famous weddings ever is recorded in John 2. Clearly the people who lived at the time of Jesus (and earlier) made a big deal of weddings--probably more so than we do today. They lasted for days. It may be that they had a better understanding than we do of how important weddings were to God. One of the very first things that happens in the Bible is a wedding. And we know today that the last thing that happens in the Bible is a wedding. God is definitely interested in weddings.

And so in John 2, Jesus is on one of his early outings with his newly recruited disciples. Some think that perhaps the bride or groom was related to Mary, Jesus' mother, because when there's a problem--and it's a huge, embarrassing one--she seems to feel responsible to find a solution. The problem is that somehow the wine runs out. And that was disastrous. Mary, knowing something of her unique son's capabilities, asks him to do something about it, so reluctantly he does. He instructs the servants to fill six twenty- to thirty-gallon jars with water. Then, at Jesus' instruction, the servants draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. The master of the banquet is surprised. Usually the finest wine is served first, and then, after everyone has had too much to drink, they serve whatever is left. No one cares any more about the quality of the wine. But this bridegroom breaks with tradition and saves the best for last.

Of course it's the best wine because Jesus created it. And we could look at that and say, "See, Jesus knows the value of a good party! He wanted everyone to keep on having a good time. He wanted them to have excellent wine! We should have excellent wine at our wedding too. We should spend thousands on a reception hall and the best food, drink, and music. Jesus set the pattern at that wedding in Cana of Galilee."

I'm not suggesting that we shouldn't have wonderful, memorable celebrations when we get married. We like to say that the wedding day is all about the bride, that it's a special day full of romance and joy that we'll never forget, a day when all eyes are on a couple who are just setting out on a great adventure. It's all about them. But if we really understand what is happening in Cana, we'll see that the point is this: weddings are all about Jesus. What Jesus was showing the people who were celebrating at Cana was that he--and only he--provides the fullness of joy that we need. He gives the best wine--he is the best wine--and he gives an abundance far beyond what we could ever ask for or imagine. The focus of any wedding should be him.

Our marriages are a picture of that great marriage that will one day take place--the one at the end of the Bible. They should point to that day, even as we celebrate the gift of marriage that God gives us here on the earth. It's a solemn thing when a man says, "I will love you like Christ loves his church and gave himself for it for the rest of my life," and a woman says, "I will submit to you as the church submits to Christ for the rest of my life on earth." There really isn't much place for silly fashions, silly behaviors, and silly breaks with tradition.

Keeping that in mind helps us keep weddings and wedding celebrations in perspective. When our first goal as a Christian couple is to show a picture of Jesus Christ and his love for his church, suddenly things fall into place. Brides aren't as eager to do something "unique" like pair formal wear with tennis shoes, wear cowboy boots, have a dance party up the aisle, or find the most elaborate reception venue possible. Because even though it's our special day, we want the focus to be on that greatest of Bridegrooms, the one who provides joy and celebration that no amount of money can purchase. And we want people to come to our wedding and say, "Mostly, I saw Jesus there. But the bride was beautiful, and the food at the wedding was delicious."

Calvin's Prayers

I'm currently editing a book of John Calvin's prayers, compiled and edited by Dustin Benge. It should released by the end of October (in time for Reformation Day, we hope). These prayers are buried in Calvin's Old Testament commentaries on the major and minor prophets, and they truly are beautiful. For someone like me, who isn't well studied in this part of the Bible, they are an education as well. The Old Testament commentaries were actually compiled by Calvin's students, who took notes as he lectured. He would conclude each of the lectures with a prayer based on the passage, but tying it to our own New Testament experiences, showing that the church of the Old Testament has much to say to the church of the New.

This one struck me today as quite helpful, as my attention of late has been easily arrested by the "impious refulgent and terrible to ourselves and others." Even they can be used by the Holy Spirit to promote our salvation as we rest calmly under the protection of our faithful Savior. These are also comforting words as we think about our nation's great tragedy of September 11, 2001.


Commands and Commends

Grant, Almighty God,
since we so travel through this world that our attention
is easily arrested and our judgment darkened when
we behold the power of the impious refulgent and
terrible to ourselves and others.

Grant, I say, that we may raise our eyes upward and
consider how much power Thou hast conferred
upon Thine only begotten Son.

Grant also that He may rule and govern us by the might
of His Spirit, protect us by His faithfulness and
guardianship, and compel the whole world
to promote our salvation;
thus may we rest calmly under His protection and fight
with that boldness and patience that He both
commands and commends, until at length we enjoy
the fruit of the victory that Thou hast promised
and that Thou wilt provide for us in Thy heavenly
kingdom. Amen.