Jesus Comes to a World of Trouble

Getting to hear my son Ben preach the day after Christmas was like putting the angel on the tree after all the decorations were complete.  It's always a joy when my children come home and we can spend a few days together.  It is especially joyful at Christmas time.  Ben's sermon this morning was a welcome reminder that in spite of the happiness and good cheer that many of us experience this time of year we still live in a world of trouble. 

I couldn't help but think about those whose holidays were not so jolly because of death, disease, financial reversal, or other problems.  Matthew's gospel is a wake up call that even though the kingdom of God has come with the arrival of Christ, the kingdom will not be here in it's fullness until he comes again.  And so we live with hope in the midst of trouble. 

The twin accounts of the birth of Jesus serve as a wonderful contrast to what we experience in life.  Through Jesus we can sing hallelujahs with the angels as Luke's account compels us to do.  At the same time we can live in the midst of trouble without being overwhelmed because God is with us as Matthew's text reminds us. 

Thank you Ben, for bring us the word this morning.  My prayer is that no matter what situation those in attendance found themselves when they walked in the sanctuary, they went home with the hope of the Christ in their hearts.  “'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')." (Matthew 1:22)

God's Dwelling Among Us

Who would have thought that Israel's Tabernacle would be such an appropriate topic for a Christmas sermon? The standard picture for this season is, of course, a baby in a manger. This image certainly communicates a number of important truths. However, thinking about God coming to "tabernacle" with us in the person of Jesus makes his birth even more unique.

The Old Testament tabernacle glittered with all the gold that was used in it's construction. The gold directed Israel's attention to their God. Likewise, the Heavenly city of Jerusalem in John's Revelation, is made of gold as clear as glass (a quality that surpasses any gold on earth!). However, when God became flesh in the person of Jesus and "did tabernacle among us," the only gold he received was when the Magi presented it to him as a gift (Matthew 2:11). Jesus did not need the reflection of gold to show the glory of God. He IS God dwelling (or tablernacling) among his people! He is the one who is truly more precious that silver, more costly than gold. And as the song says, "Nothing I desire compares with you." Jesus is the fulfillment of all of our dreams and desires. Give him all the glory and honor this Christmas and every day!