Just As He Said
Expanding Our Thinking
I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:8-11
Christmas is a time of year when Christians, as well as the secular population, spend countless amounts of time, energy, and money to create the perfect celebration with and for those we love. The foundations of these celebrations are numerous, and sadly, many do not know the monumental truths behind this sacred event observed every year. Many unbelievers will readily admit it is the commemoration of Jesusā birth. Unfortunately, the hype of commercialism buries the hallowed event in the magical land of the North Pole with a character named āSanta.ā A new character, Buddy the Elf, believes āthe best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.ā
As Christians, we scoff and express platitudes like: āJesus is the reason for the seasonā or āKeep Christ in Christmas.ā Yet church rituals during Advent can make our worship vulnerable to banality. We are blessed with pre-defined lectionaries, liturgical formats, and hymns we love to sing every year. But stay alert! These can fuel nostalgic complacency in our hearts and minds. āSo, because you are lukewarmāneither hot nor coldāI am about to spit you out of my mouthā (Revelation 3:16).
Consider this scenario: a pastor presides over a service during Advent dressed in purple robes and the hymn āWhen I Survey the Wondrous Crossā is sung during worship. Being completely distracted, our thoughts scream, āThis is Advent, not Lent!ā
Oh, Christian, is it wrong?
Meditate on todayās Scripture. These verses were originally a prayer written by David, a prophecy of what the Messiah would do. Jesus, the Christ-child whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, came ultimately to overcome death so that in our final days, we will not be āabandoned to the graveā but will gain āeternal pleasuresā with him in heaven. These verses expand our thinking beyond the infant in the manger to the ghastly but loving sacrifice he endured on the cross to secure eternal life for all.
Peter used this prayer of David in a sermon shortly after Jesusā ascension and Pentecost. His goal was to prove to those living in Jerusalem who Jesus was and what he came to do. Like today, many people at that time did not know that Jesus was the Messiah. Despite the fact that many of them were first-hand witnesses, they did not understand. But in hearing these words preached by Peter and moved by the Holy Spirit, āthose who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that dayā (Acts 2:41)
Dear Christian, spend a few moments during this Advent season meditating beyond the routines of the normal liturgy, lectionary, hymns, and blue paraments. Dig into the Bible, where the many prophecies of the Messiah in the Old Testament can be found. Share these verses and devotions with a neighbor, friend, or someone who may not know the true meaning of the Messiahās coming. Godās Word and the Holy Spirit will reveal the depths of truth behind Christmas. It is an eternal treasure for all.
Prayer:
When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a tribute far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. (Christian Worship, #407).
Written by Lou Ann Mokwa
Provided by WELS Women’s Ministry