Matthew 1:20-21 (NKJV)
“Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
When you were young, did you spend time writing a list of the things you wanted at Christmas? Did you dream of a huge stack of presents under the tree and getting everything on that list? How about feeling the joy on Christmas morning when you saw what was left under the tree?
We may remember a time like this from our childhood where Christmas was magical and brought so much hope to the things that could be. Others of us might have memories of disappointment with either not getting exactly what we wanted or there was barely anything at all. Even as adults we want to make lists and go in search of all those black Friday deals.
Being older, it is a little more difficult for me to bring forth those slivers of events from Christmas so long ago. I do know that there was a mix of both good and bad memories that seem more petty than anything else. The joy of the Christmas season was always around me and the expectations that went along with all the celebrations.
But later years, after my parents were no longer together, bitterness clouded some of the better memories from further back. The disappointments of things not received were compounded by the hole that was left in my family. No answers or no replacement shiny bobble that would fill the void.
I was like so many others that dwelled on unfulfilled expectations. Looking for all those special things that would fill the many desires I had. That special toy or new bike that would transport me to the places I wanted to go was not there.
Like I said, I let negative events in my life overshadow the joyous season that I was in. I was always taken care of and had what I needed. Sure, I did not receive a brand-new car on my sixteenth birthday, but at the time I really did not need it. How many of us let that negative in our lives take away from the joy that may be right in front of us?
I returned home after years away and many items from my childhood were still there. They brought back memories of happy times spent with family and friends celebrating the holiday season and sharing what I had received. The best part was that some of the greatest items that sat on the shelves were not even on my list to begin with.
If we look back in history, we can find stories from people and even entire communities that hope for one thing and received so much more. That inventor or scientist that set out to create one thing but ended up with something greater. An unintended fungus turned into penicillin, the quest for a poison gas detector led to the creation of the smoke detector, and the creation of an opiate-free painkiller ended up as the most popular cola drink.
We can look at other historical circumstances where people facing impossible situations rose to the challenge to become someone who was remembered for their actions or what they started. We have to look no further than the Bible to find stories where everyday people were chosen to be a great leader or do great things.
If we look at the Jewish people in the Bible as a whole, we will find a similar sentiment as when we wished for one thing and received so much more. From the earliest books in the Bible such as Deuteronomy 18:15 there is the announcement of a new prophet coming like Moses, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear,”
So, even after they were led into the promised land, the Jewish people were still waiting for their Messiah and King. Years passed as they waited, but only the prophecies continued to come. In the 8th century Isaiah brought forth another glimpse of what that may be.
Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” A child would be coming and will place the nation on His shoulders.
Isaiah 9:7, “Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” There will be peace, judgement, and especially justice.
Everyone dreamed about a king who would right all their wrongs and set everything right. Many thought this meant that all their enemies will be destroyed by this leader who was anointed by God.
Instead, the child grew into a man who preached love, grace, and service to others. They were not to destroy their enemy, but feed, clothe, and love them. The sick, the lost, and the hopeless took center stage as the ones who would be entering God’s Kingdom if they repented and followed Him. The worst part, this included everyone, not just who they felt were God’s chosen people.
What they got was not what they wished for or expected, but it was so much more. Join me today by thanking God for sending His Son and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
SO MUCH MORE THAN ECPECTED
It is a time of year where many dream of all the things they want,
We cannot avoid all the ads around and some are such an affront.
As a child my list kept getting longer until I had to flip to the other side,
Not many clothes but mostly toys and maybe something I could ride.
Growing older everything got larger and cost much more than before,
Sometimes never feeling satisfied and always wanting more.
Most times I did not receive many of the items I had written down,
Instead of smiling for what I did receive often I would sit and frown.
This is what happened so many years ago waiting for a king,
A conqueror who would make things right and salvation bring.
Instead one dark and lonely night we heard a baby crying,
While some rejoiced his arrival others just continued denying.
It was years before a few truly saw who Jesus really was,
A redeemer sent to save the world not through force but acts of love.
Just like years ago when I thought what I desired was being rejected,
If I really saw what I received it was so much more than expected.
Simple Faith Christian
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Simple Faith Christian 