The Pilgraimage

The Bible tells us that After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea . . . Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?” (Mt. 2:1a,2 NIV)

What an enigma surrounds the Magi. We know they practiced astrology—not to be confused with astronomy. Astrology was a forbidden activity for the Hebrew people. (Deut. 18:11) Yet the the wisemen were God’s chosen vessels—sent to announce the arrival of King Jesus.

We might also be outside the acceptable codes or practices for God’s children—involved in forbidden activity. But we are not outside God’s grace. The story of the wisemen tells us salvation is for all people. God invites us, just as He invited the Magi, to make a pilgrimage—to seek a revelation of Jesus.

Originally published December 23, 1983.

She Meditated and Marveled

The Christmas gospel tells us, Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Lk. 2:19 NKJV)

So many things had happened to Mary. There was an angelic visitation, a miraculous pregnancy, prophetic words from her cousin Elizabeth. Then Joseph believed her, accepted her into his home, and provided for their journey to Bethlehem. When Jesus was born, shepherds unexpectedly arrived and announced another angelic visitation.

Small wonder that Mary pondered. She thought deep thoughts about events related to the child sent by God. But her pondering was not merely excited mental gymnastics racing out of control. Nor was it doubt. Rather, Mary meditated upon—marveled over—the great love and power of her God. God was doing a mighty work on the earth, and she was privileged to be a part of it.

If God is truly alive in our hearts, we will ponder, too. He has done—and continues to do—mighty works on the earth. We cannot help but think deeply about His great love and power toward all who believe.

Originally published December 21, 1990.
Picture: Karen's garden, Winona, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Prince of Peace

Peace seems to be the cry of almost every heart. If you doubt it, why do so many Christmas cards focus upon peace as a theme—with angelic choirs signing before lowly shepherds: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace good will toward men. (Lk. 2:14 KJV)

But peace is an elusive quality. It has not been found by world governments—although they often bandy the word about. And social conditions indicate personal peace within individuals is also rare.

When Jesus approached the end of His ministry and His impending death on the cross, He wept because the people did not know peace. Overlooking the city of Jerusalem He said, if you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. (Lk. 19:42 NIV)

Perhaps we do need the emphasis of peace during the Christmas season. But a genuine search for peace cannot focus on a concept but on the person of Jesus.

After hearing the angel’s message, the shepherds responded by immediately going on a search. But they did not search for peace. They searched for the baby. They knew He was not only the key to the angel’s message. He was the message. They said, Let us now go. . . . And when they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. (Lk. 2:16 KJV)

They found a Savior—and it is the Savior who brings Peace.

Originally published December 10, 1982.
Picture: Creche carved from olive wood. Photo by Solveig.

The Babe of Bethlehem

The Babe of Bethlehem had characteristics that could be—and can be—found in other babies. The Bible tells us that He grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. (Lk. 2:40 NKJV) He also increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Lk. 2:52) These characteristics are unusual, but history records a number of unusual children with hearts tender toward God.

There are some essential differences, however, between the baby named Jesus and other babies. When He became a man, Jesus died for the sin of all people. He could do this because, unknown to most people, He carried within Himself a divine seed that came from God. By sacrificing His divine life, He broke the power of Satan—and He specifically broke Satan’s hold upon the lives of people who call upon Him.

Jesus humbled Himself and came to earth as a man—to die for the sin of all men—so we can have eternal life. The Babe of Bethlehem died in my place.

Originally published December 24, 1987.