The ability of the Christmas spirit to transform lives
Illustration
Object:
Click here for the printer-friendly version.
Isaiah 7:10-16
The ability of the Christmas spirit to transform lives and restore fellowship is aptly illustrated in Charles Dickens' story "A Christmas Carol." Everyone is familiar with the miser Scrooge whose attitude toward Christmas, as with life itself, was "Bah! Humbug!" Then on Christmas Eve he is visited by the ghost of Marley, his late business partner. In three visions -- Christmas past, present, and yet to come -- Scrooge glimpses his life as a schoolboy, then as an apprentice and young lover; followed by the joyous home of Bob Cratchit, his underpaid clerk, and what his lot would be if he were to die now, heartless and despised. These revelations redeemed his disposition, transforming Scrooge to a cheerful, benevolent, and friendly caretaker. Awakening Christmas morning with a renewed countenance, a jubilant Scrooge whoops, "I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A Merry Christmas to everybody!" It is indeed a joyous time for those who capture the true message Christmas.
Recall though, Scrooge's change of heart came only with an epiphany. It was only when he saw the three ghosts -- the three signs -- of Christmas past, present, and future that he realizes he had to reorient his life. It was a sign that he needed to turn from his money bags to the turkey hanging in the window. It was a sign that his life could be redeemed.
Isaiah realized his people were disturbed because they had no sign from God that they would be liberated. They lived with doubt and wondering. With this uncertainty sought some kind of sign to indicate they would be liberated from their present destitute state. This is when Isaiah shared with them these prophetic words, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." And I am sure, once assured of this promise, their hearts became as light as a feather.
We do not know the mysteries of the Holy Spirit and how God communicates with us. Seldom is it as pronounced as the three visions that appeared to Scrooge, but if we are patient the message of assurance will befall upon us. And on that day we shall sing, "I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A Merry Christmas to everybody!"
Ron L.
Isaiah 7:10-16
In Persian folklore, a king has a request for his viziers. "I want something," he says, "that will make me happy when I am sad -- but will also make me sad when I am happy." The viziers think long and hard. Days later, the head vizier brings the king a small box. In the box is a small, plain ring. The king picks up the band. After a moment, he nods. As the viziers withdraw, the king contemplates the ring in his hand. On the band, the following words are inscribed: "This, too, shall pass." In Isaiah's reading today, Isaiah gives Ahaz a prophecy -- but he also tries to give Ahaz some perspective. Ahaz is concerned with a war between two nations. Isaiah reminds him that in God's plan, these two nations are of little consequence. Indeed, by the time this prophecy comes true, these nations will no longer be a threat to anyone.
Leah T.
Romans 1:1-7
Often in a person's life, there is a singular moment that defines their legacy, good or bad. Martin Luther will be known for centuries as the man who nailed the 95 Theses to the door of the chapel at Wittenberg. Bill Buckner of the Boston Red Sox will be remembered for letting a ground ball slip through his legs during the 1986 World Series, costing Boston the game and the championship. Lee Harvey Oswald will be forever remembered as the man who shot President John F. Kennedy in Dallas in 1963.
Towering over all of these is the legacy left by Jesus Christ, "declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead" (v. 4).
Craig K.
Matthew 1:18-25
Country music singer Brad Paisley is famous for witty lyrics and clever songs. However, despite his fondness for wordplay, Paisley's songs are also known for their sweet honesty. One of his hits is called "He Didn't Have to Be." The song is a tribute to stepfathers and other non-biological fathers. The song begins like this: "When a single mom goes out on a date with somebody new/ it always winds up feeling like a job interview/ My momma used to wonder if she'd ever meet someone/ Who wouldn't find out about me and then turn around and run." Single mothers have a careful line to tread when their child -- or children -- are involved. It takes a special man to be willing to take the on the responsibility for raising and caring for children who are not their own. Brad Paisley sums it up in his chorus, talking about those strong men who accept the role as stepfather: "I hope I'm at least half the dad/ That he didn't have to be."
Leah T.
Matthew 1:18-25
Names. Nicknames. Titles. These are all very significant to us for they provide a sense of personal identity. We take serious pride in personal designations for we accept them as a mirror of ourselves to others. Entwined with our ego they are inseparable from promoting or destroying our self-esteem.
The Secret Service has a long-standing practice of assigning code names to the presidents and presidential candidates they have sworn to protect. President George W. Bush was "Tumbler." This was the code name assigned to him when his father was president, reflective of his behavior prior to his life-changing encounter with evangelist Billy Graham. His father, George H.W. Bush, was "Timberwolf," respectful of his Texas heritage. Ronald Regan was "Rawhide," the true cowboy who occupied the Oval Office. Bill Clinton was "Eagle" and his wife, Hillary, still carries the designation "Evergreen." Jimmy Carter was "Deacon," acknowledging his position as a Sunday school teacher. New England roots defined John Kerry with the word "Minuteman." Barrack Obama, the only 2008 presidential candidate to be afforded Secret Service protection, is called "Renegade." Dick Cheney is "Angler." Al Gore was referred to as "Sawhorse." After countless protest on his part it was changed to "Sundance," a designation he found equally objectionable.
Jesus had a code name assigned to him; it was "Immanuel." The title was not ascribed by to him by a governmental committee, but it came directly from God through the voice of the prophet Isaiah who said, "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel." This is more than just a code name, for it is a declaration meaning "God with us."
Every four to eight years, depending, we look to "Deacon," "Rawhide," and the others who will follow the path to the Oval Office, for leadership and guidance. We also know that no matter how well they perform their task of directing the economy, enforcing the laws of the land, overseeing the political process, and providing for national defense, the ability of each is limited. Each president is limited by opposing political views, limited by special interest groups, limited by finances, and is limited by the lack of cooperation from other foreign heads of state.
Jesus surpassed these limitations and all others for his personal identity is "Immanuel." Immanuel overcomes all obstacles, for he is in fact the Word of God who became flesh to live among us. This is why this Christmas season we can affirm the apostle Paul's confession, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Ron L.
Isaiah 7:10-16
The ability of the Christmas spirit to transform lives and restore fellowship is aptly illustrated in Charles Dickens' story "A Christmas Carol." Everyone is familiar with the miser Scrooge whose attitude toward Christmas, as with life itself, was "Bah! Humbug!" Then on Christmas Eve he is visited by the ghost of Marley, his late business partner. In three visions -- Christmas past, present, and yet to come -- Scrooge glimpses his life as a schoolboy, then as an apprentice and young lover; followed by the joyous home of Bob Cratchit, his underpaid clerk, and what his lot would be if he were to die now, heartless and despised. These revelations redeemed his disposition, transforming Scrooge to a cheerful, benevolent, and friendly caretaker. Awakening Christmas morning with a renewed countenance, a jubilant Scrooge whoops, "I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A Merry Christmas to everybody!" It is indeed a joyous time for those who capture the true message Christmas.
Recall though, Scrooge's change of heart came only with an epiphany. It was only when he saw the three ghosts -- the three signs -- of Christmas past, present, and future that he realizes he had to reorient his life. It was a sign that he needed to turn from his money bags to the turkey hanging in the window. It was a sign that his life could be redeemed.
Isaiah realized his people were disturbed because they had no sign from God that they would be liberated. They lived with doubt and wondering. With this uncertainty sought some kind of sign to indicate they would be liberated from their present destitute state. This is when Isaiah shared with them these prophetic words, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." And I am sure, once assured of this promise, their hearts became as light as a feather.
We do not know the mysteries of the Holy Spirit and how God communicates with us. Seldom is it as pronounced as the three visions that appeared to Scrooge, but if we are patient the message of assurance will befall upon us. And on that day we shall sing, "I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A Merry Christmas to everybody!"
Ron L.
Isaiah 7:10-16
In Persian folklore, a king has a request for his viziers. "I want something," he says, "that will make me happy when I am sad -- but will also make me sad when I am happy." The viziers think long and hard. Days later, the head vizier brings the king a small box. In the box is a small, plain ring. The king picks up the band. After a moment, he nods. As the viziers withdraw, the king contemplates the ring in his hand. On the band, the following words are inscribed: "This, too, shall pass." In Isaiah's reading today, Isaiah gives Ahaz a prophecy -- but he also tries to give Ahaz some perspective. Ahaz is concerned with a war between two nations. Isaiah reminds him that in God's plan, these two nations are of little consequence. Indeed, by the time this prophecy comes true, these nations will no longer be a threat to anyone.
Leah T.
Romans 1:1-7
Often in a person's life, there is a singular moment that defines their legacy, good or bad. Martin Luther will be known for centuries as the man who nailed the 95 Theses to the door of the chapel at Wittenberg. Bill Buckner of the Boston Red Sox will be remembered for letting a ground ball slip through his legs during the 1986 World Series, costing Boston the game and the championship. Lee Harvey Oswald will be forever remembered as the man who shot President John F. Kennedy in Dallas in 1963.
Towering over all of these is the legacy left by Jesus Christ, "declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead" (v. 4).
Craig K.
Matthew 1:18-25
Country music singer Brad Paisley is famous for witty lyrics and clever songs. However, despite his fondness for wordplay, Paisley's songs are also known for their sweet honesty. One of his hits is called "He Didn't Have to Be." The song is a tribute to stepfathers and other non-biological fathers. The song begins like this: "When a single mom goes out on a date with somebody new/ it always winds up feeling like a job interview/ My momma used to wonder if she'd ever meet someone/ Who wouldn't find out about me and then turn around and run." Single mothers have a careful line to tread when their child -- or children -- are involved. It takes a special man to be willing to take the on the responsibility for raising and caring for children who are not their own. Brad Paisley sums it up in his chorus, talking about those strong men who accept the role as stepfather: "I hope I'm at least half the dad/ That he didn't have to be."
Leah T.
Matthew 1:18-25
Names. Nicknames. Titles. These are all very significant to us for they provide a sense of personal identity. We take serious pride in personal designations for we accept them as a mirror of ourselves to others. Entwined with our ego they are inseparable from promoting or destroying our self-esteem.
The Secret Service has a long-standing practice of assigning code names to the presidents and presidential candidates they have sworn to protect. President George W. Bush was "Tumbler." This was the code name assigned to him when his father was president, reflective of his behavior prior to his life-changing encounter with evangelist Billy Graham. His father, George H.W. Bush, was "Timberwolf," respectful of his Texas heritage. Ronald Regan was "Rawhide," the true cowboy who occupied the Oval Office. Bill Clinton was "Eagle" and his wife, Hillary, still carries the designation "Evergreen." Jimmy Carter was "Deacon," acknowledging his position as a Sunday school teacher. New England roots defined John Kerry with the word "Minuteman." Barrack Obama, the only 2008 presidential candidate to be afforded Secret Service protection, is called "Renegade." Dick Cheney is "Angler." Al Gore was referred to as "Sawhorse." After countless protest on his part it was changed to "Sundance," a designation he found equally objectionable.
Jesus had a code name assigned to him; it was "Immanuel." The title was not ascribed by to him by a governmental committee, but it came directly from God through the voice of the prophet Isaiah who said, "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel." This is more than just a code name, for it is a declaration meaning "God with us."
Every four to eight years, depending, we look to "Deacon," "Rawhide," and the others who will follow the path to the Oval Office, for leadership and guidance. We also know that no matter how well they perform their task of directing the economy, enforcing the laws of the land, overseeing the political process, and providing for national defense, the ability of each is limited. Each president is limited by opposing political views, limited by special interest groups, limited by finances, and is limited by the lack of cooperation from other foreign heads of state.
Jesus surpassed these limitations and all others for his personal identity is "Immanuel." Immanuel overcomes all obstacles, for he is in fact the Word of God who became flesh to live among us. This is why this Christmas season we can affirm the apostle Paul's confession, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Ron L.
