Rediscovering the Christmas Season 5 of 25

Welcome to day 5! 

Matthew 4:12-17

12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— 16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Isaiah 9:1-3
1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation;

Matthew 5:14-16
14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Lights

Exposure: Read these passages about Jesus being the light. Research the beginnings of the tradition of Christmas lights. Drive around town with a group of friends or family and look at the different expressions of lights.

Exploration: How is Jesus the light of world? Think about the scientific facts you know about light. In what ways is light the perfect illustration God created from the beginning to illuminate who Jesus is?

Expression: Why do you think Jesus refers to His followers as the light of the world? What would that mean for your life to be a light in your relationships and situations?

Experience: How has your life been a light to those around you? Make a point to be light during this season.

We'd like to thank LifeChurch.tv for their generosity in providing the structure for the "Rediscovering the Christmas Season" reading plan. To learn more about LifeChurch.tv, visit their website at http://lifechurch.tv. 

Rediscovering the Christmas Season 4 of 25

Day 4 reflection...This one really hits home for me 

Mark 9:33-37
33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, What were you discussing on the way? 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all. 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.


Servant of All

Exposure: Read Jesus' remarks to His disciples about being a servant. In the next 24 hours, live this out by serving someone. Especially think of a way you welcome a little child in Jesus' name.

Exploration: Why do you think Jesus took a child into His arms for this remark? What does it say about Jesus' ministry that a little child was already nearby?

Expression: Who do you think was blessed more? You the server or the people being served?

Experience: Take an inventory of how you spend most of your days. Is your life characterized more by being served or serving? Is it any different during Christmas time?

We'd like to thank LifeChurch.tv for their generosity in providing the structure for the "Rediscovering the Christmas Season" reading plan. To learn more about LifeChurch.tv, visit their website at http://lifechurch.tv.

Rediscovering the Christmas Season 3 of 25

Good Morning!

I have really been enjoyng spending my days thinking and praying as I prepare my heart and mind for Advent.

Enjoy day 3

Read Luke 2:1-20

Terrified

Exposure: Read the account of the shepherds who became witnesses to Jesus' arrival.

Exploration: Wonderful and terrifying at the same time! What do you think was going through the shepherd's minds when the angels appeared?

Expression: How would you have felt if you were given this news? Discuss with a friend or journal about your reflections of this miraculous scene.

Experience: Have you had an experience where God interrupted your life with an important message? How was that a combination of terrifying and wonderful? Take time to pray—not to say anything to God, just to listen.

We'd like to thank LifeChurch.tv for their generosity in providing the structure for the "Rediscovering the Christmas Season" reading plan. To learn more about LifeChurch.tv, visit their website at http://lifechurch.tv.

Rediscovering the Christmas Season 2 of 25

Enjoy day two!

Read Matthew chapter 1

The Announcement

Exposure: Read the opening chapter of the New Testament—the account of Joseph, the earthly father God chose for His Son.

Exploration: Consider how the weight of generations of expectations affected Joseph's ability to step into such an awesome role. What do you think was going through Joseph's mind when the angel showed up and told them about Jesus?

Expression: How would you have felt if you were Joseph? Discuss with a friend or journal about what this announcement meant to Joseph and to all of us.

Experience: Have you had an experience where God asked you to do something that seemed ridiculous? Make a plan this Christmas season to do something ridiculous that you know God wants you to do.


We'd like to thank LifeChurch.tv for their generosity in providing the structure for the "Rediscovering the Christmas Season" reading plan. To learn more about LifeChurch.tv, visit their website at http://lifechurch.tv.

Rediscovering the Christmas Season 1 of 25

Here we go!

Join me in these readings and let's prepare our hearts for the deepest joy as we meet Him in a special way this Christmas season!

Day one begins December 1, 2012 but here is a preview. Each day I will add the next reading and contemplation:)

Read Luke Chapter 2:21-40

A Preface to This Adventure

What Is Advent? Advent comes from the Latin word adventus meaning arrival or coming. The Hebrews looked forward to the coming of a Savior or Messiah—the First Advent. Now, we are waiting expectantly for His return to sweep His bride off of our feet—the Second Advent. The Church has been waiting for Him to come back from the moment He left the first time.

Why Should I Participate in Advent? So, what does Advent have to do with celebrating the arrival of Jesus?
Traditionally, Advent counts down the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Practically, Advent reminds us to look forward to His return every day. This season is about resetting Jesus Christ at the center of our lives. After all, when He comes to take us home forever, we want to be ready. Expect to be inspired, challenged, refocused, broken, motivated, unified, encouraged, and most of all, expectant.

How Do I Use This Reading Plan? Each day provides daily reflection questions and often a suggested activity to help you center that day on Jesus. You can go in order or you can skip around and pick a day that you feel would be the most beneficial. You can go through the plan as an individual, but think of ways to do them in groups or as a family. Some activities will be things that you may already do during the Christmas season, but will suggest a Christ-centered way to think about it. Other activities will be things that you have never done before, so be open-minded and willing to try something new. Each day will include Exposure,

Exploration, Expression, and Experience. You may find that you want to read the Additional Content each day before the scripture to guide what you’re looking for.

Exposure: Read the account of two people who waited every day in the Temple for Jesus' arrival. To add a traditional element, look up information about Advent wreaths and set up something like it in your home to use during this time. Yours can be as simple as four candles arranged in a circle.

Exploration: Discuss or journal about these two people who were blessed by seeing God's Savior with their own eyes. How can your life reflect this kind of anticipation?
Expression: Think about how you anticipate Christmas. How much of this feeling of excitement is centered on the arrival of Christ?

Experience: Before you dive into this 25-day journey, spend some time in prayer. Ask God to open your eyes so your vision of Jesus becomes clearer than it has ever been. Ask God to make you more aware of what it means to live your life with the expectation of the Advent of Jesus. Even on a personal level, when Jesus comes, life truly is an

ADVENTure. Let's experience it fully this Christmas season!

We'd like to thank LifeChurch.tv for their generosity in providing the structure for the "Rediscovering the Christmas Season" reading plan. To learn more about LifeChurch.tv, visit their website at http://lifechurch.tv.

One-anothering your spouse...Doing the DIRTY work

In John 13:14-15, Jesus says, "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you." 

It was expected in Jesus day, that a guest in your home would be offered water to clean his feet or perhaps a servant would be given the task as the guests arrived. It was a lowly job, reserved for the lowliest of servants. 

So, what in the world is Jesus doing in his final days on earth, stooping to wash his disciples feet? Well, he says he was doing it as an example for them to follow! Imagine how uncomfortable the disciples would be; the teacher is on the floor, stooping, cleaning, getting his hands dirty...example-ing! 

And then he says..."do just as I have done to you." Really Jesus?

So, can we humble ourselves with our spouse? Is there dirty work that needs to get done? Is the lesson of Jesus that we should wash each other's feet or is there more to it?

I think there must be more to it, since I have never walked into church or a person's home and been offered water for my feet. I can't just say, "well that one doesn't apply to me." :) While there are many valuable lessons that we could learn from Jesus' action, one that I don't hear very often is "how does this apply to marriage?"

What do you think was the key quality that Jesus was displaying? I think it was humble service! The Bible says, in a well known passage, that Jesus humbled himself as a servant...and that we ought to do likewise. (See Philippians 2)

Are there jobs that you just don't like to do? Are there some that you feel are beneath you? 

Honestly, there are jobs that I don't like to do. When my children were young, my wife had the primary responsibility of changing diapers - I joined in as long as I could keep my gag-reflex from overwhelming me! I can think of many times that I just said, "here you go, your daughter (or son) needs to be changed." At other times, a child may be sick in the middle of the night, "honey, it sounds like someone is getting sick..."(nudge, nudge) You get the picture. 

While I never thought those jobs were beneath me, there have been times that I have thought..."I have more important things to do." Ouch, that hurts to say that! I am glad that Jesus didn't say that!

I am blessed with an incredible wife. In retrospect, I think I have taken her humble service for granted. Over the years, she has demonstrated, time after time, the point of Jesus words, ..."do just as I have done to you." She has taken up her bowl of water, knelt down, served, and...exampled Christ to me. Somewhere along the way I began to take up my own towel, and kneel down to serve (nowhere near to her level, but still aspiring.) It is not just her example, of course, but my Saviors, that inspires. 

What does this kind of service look like in your marriage? Cleaning up after the children, the dog, or each other? As we age together, I know that there will be many other ways to humbly serve (come quickly, Lord Jesus!). Your marriage has its own "dirty work" that must be done...are you above it or ready to follow Christ's example?

Let me say it this way. When I am confronted with a decision that makes me want to say, "not me," perhaps I should stop and ask the question, "why not me?" Certainly, if anyone ever had the right to say, "not me," it would be Jesus. But, instead he stooped, he cleaned, and...he exampled servant-hood constantly.  And he asked us to model it for one another.

There are probably lots of better analogies and lessons and applications to be learned from Jesus teaching here. But if I am seeking to be the best husband I can be, and esteem and value my wife deeply, then it may just start with following Jesus example of doing the dirty work and humbly serving her.

Pastor Dave

"One Anothers" apply to marriage (and family) ...too!

One Anothering Your Spouse!

If you are like me, you have heard a sermon or two on the "one anothers" of the Bible. I love these passages of scripture like, "accept one another..." or "encourage one another" or certainly, "love one another." These truths give valuable instruction about how we are to live here on earth with, and express God's care for, the family of God.

Some years ago, however, as I was thinking about how to carry out these instructions with the Body of Christ, I had this thought, "shouldn't these one anothers first apply to my own family and especially my dear wife?" Since that initial thought, I have desired to think through how these truths apply to my marriage. I can't tell you how many times since then I have been interrupted in my spirit with that idea...and sometimes even before I violate one the one another commands with my spouse;)

Case in point? Have you ever noticed that sometimes we treat total strangers (or people outside of our immediate family) better than we treat our own spouses or children? We might show extraordinary kindness to someone in line at Starbucks who appears to be having a "tough day," and moments later be snapping at our spouse or kids in frustration for something totally insignificant. Maybe this does not apply to you, but I have both experienced this and have seen this phenomena countless times. I am assuming that you have as well, so I won't bother pointing out any other "hypothetical" situations:) The "why" of this might be an interesting topic to discuss in a future entry, but for now I am guessing that you would agree that it is God's desire that we learn to do the one anothers of God's Word with those closest to us, as well as the broader family of God. 

In my next entry, I am going to begin examining these "one anothers" of the Bible in order of their appearance in the New Testament. I am hoping that you will join me.