Advent Devotional Day 12: A Song Without a Melody

December 12:

B.C. verse: Luke 1:46-56

A.D. verse: Psalm 139; Revelations 4:8b

Christmas hymn: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

Hymn for today: “Revelation Song” by Phillips, Craig, and Dean

In the space of a few months, Mary goes from engaged teenager to a pregnant woman who has been specifically chosen to carry the Savior of the world. She has spent most of those months “chillin’” with Elizabeth, a very old, pregnant woman. They seem as unlikely a pair as possible. It’s not like Elizabeth could give Mary much advice on pregnancy and childbirth since this was Elizabeth’s first time around too.

Even so, hanging out with Elizabeth probably served two very useful purposes. First, staying with Elizabeth and Zechariah allowed Mary to prepare for the changes in her own life. To explain, Elizabeth had lived many years and was reported to be a righteous woman; it just follows that she was wise as well. Elizabeth was just the right person to come along side and fortify Mary’s faith and spiritual resolve. Secondly, on a practical level, Elizabeth and Zechariah’s home was just the right “hideout” to get Mary out of the limelight until she had developed thick enough skin to deal with the gossip and public scrutiny, which would ultimately accompany her condition.

In the verses for today, Mary finally gets a moment to herself, and we get a privileged glimpse into her thoughts. Her life is about to get as complicated and stressful as it’s ever been, and what does she do? She sings. . .a song of praise. She thanks God for choosing her, “a lowly servant girl” (Luke 1: 48).  She says, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!” (46-47).   She continues to talk about all the things that God has done for her and His people.

Likewise, in Psalm 139, David does the very same thing:

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me (1).

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand (6).

You saw before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment

                Was laid out before a single day had passed (16).

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! (17)

I think that they are on to something. Using Mary’s song as a template, I am going to create my own song:

                Oh, how I believe, respect, and trust you even when the world tries to me not to.

                Hearing Your Voice speak to me through Your Word and in the wee hours of the morning brings me contentment and peace that I find difficult to describe.

                For you to bother with me, an opinionated, prickly mess whom others find irritating, I am humbled and grateful - that you care about my character, that you challenge me to my limits to improve my character, that you truly, genuinely know my heart.

                For the Mighty One is holy, And He has done great things for me.

                He shows me that pride is a stumbling block that needs to be removed So that I can move when He tells me to.

                His mighty arm has done tremendous things!

                He has given me two strong-willed children to teach me humility.

                He has brought me to a career that seemed so unlikely for me – Every experience and encounter has been a divinely-ordained stepping stone in my faith walk.

                He has filled my mind and heart with persistent dreams, of which only He and I are aware. He does not laugh at me, ignore me, insult me, hurt me or tell me no; He understands with a compassionate, encouraging heart.

                He has helped me to find the answers in the most unlikely places; His time, Will, and purpose is perfect. He erases my doubts, one by one.

                For He has shown me that He is the only path to fulfillment and joy.

The end of David’s song (Psalm 139: 23-4) 

is the perfect end for mine:

                Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

                Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life 

Daily Challenge: Adopt a soldier overseas today and send him/her something – a note, package, etc.

Advent Devotional Day 11: Why Bother?

December 11:

B.C. verse: Luke 1:39-45

A.D. verse: Galatians 3:14; I Peter 3:13

Christmas hymn: “Away in a Manger”

Hymn for today: “10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman

I may not understand what Jesus Christ says, but the only thing that will bring him dishonor is not obeying him. . .I know when a proposition comes from God because of its quiet persistence. When I have to weigh the pros and cons, and doubt and debate come in, I am bringing in an element that is not of God, and I come to the conclusion that the suggestion was not a right one. Many of us are loyal to our notions of Jesus Christ, but how many of us are loyal to him? Loyalty to Jesus means that I have to step out where I do not see anything. . .Faith is not an intelligent understanding; faith is deliberate commitment to a Person where I see no way.

Not coincidentally (because I don’t believe in coincidence), my devotional reading from Oswald Chambers’ His Utmost for my Highest correlates with today’s Advent reading concerning Mary’s visit to Elizabeth.  “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said”(Luke 1:45).

 It’s seems like a simple math equation; belief equals blessing. Just as Joseph obeyed, Mary, too, submitted to God’s Plan. For her obedience, Mary is honored and favored.

The lesson is clear, but here’s the thing: I have a question. It probably seems irrelevant and maybe even disrespectful, but it’s where my mind is going today.

I understand the prophecy. I understand (and am grateful) for God’s decision to come to this earth, to live among mankind, to offer redemption and grace. I understand why he came as an infant.

What I wonder is why He incorporated so many humans into His big entrance. I mean, come on; God is God. He could have entered the world in any way He wanted to in order to save His people. Why Zechariah? Elizabeth? John the Baptist? Mary? Joseph? After all, it was mankind who created the mess in the first place (hence, the reason for the prophecy). Why, in the world, would He even think about infusing mankind into the whole redemption process?

As I mulled this over, I came to a couple of conclusions. I am not claiming any theology other than what I know to be true about God.

1.       In much the same way that a parent loves his/her child, God, our heavenly Father, loves us no matter how badly we screw up, and in the case of mankind, we screwed up big time. Perhaps, God incorporated mankind so that he could part of the solution to the problem. He didn’t NEED mankind’s help, but in order for mankind to have a “buy-in” and really appreciate the sacrifice, it seems like a good idea.

For example, when Nick was little, he liked to drive his electric fire truck up and down our driveway, the sidewalk, and the neighbor’s driveway. Our next door neighbor was very particular about everything – lawn, vehicles, etc. One time, Nick turned a bit too fast and left a black mark on the neighbor’s immaculate driveway. When we discovered what he had done, my husband brought Nick next door where he proceeded to apologize and scrub the black mark off the driveway.

The point is that Nick had made the mistake, so with his dad’s help, Nick was also a part of the solution to the problem. A parent who loves his child disciplines his child without destroying the relationship. Perhaps God intended the same?

2.       Along the same lines, by incorporating mankind, God modeled the concept of grace. Just as God humbled himself to the point of death to fix a problem that man had created, mankind was now challenged to extend the same grace to each other. Perhaps, that was His intent? Since the rest of the New Testament provides lesson after lesson as to how to live in God-like harmony with our brothers and sisters, that might make some sense.

3.       Additionally, the concept of faith in relation to true joy is emphasized with man’s involvement. From Elizabeth to Joseph to Mary, we see one example after another of faithful obedience leading to greater-than-imagined results. Perhaps, in order to train mankind to look to God for guidance and leading, God opted to include mankind as part of the process? Even today, each successful faith step and subsequent blessing leads to an understanding of where true joy can be found – an invaluable and necessary concept, especially as we await Christ’s return.

      At the end of the day, I see four key words that create the link between God and mankind (with reference to both the birth story and today): Love, Grace, Faith, Joy.

Daily Challenge: Donate something (and not junk you want to unload) today. . .a book, blood, clothes, etc.

Advent Devotional Day 10: "Obey" Equals Joy?

December 10:

B.C. verse: Matthew 1: 22-26

A.D. verse: John 14:21; John15: 10-11

Christmas hymn: “Emanuel, God With Us” by Amy Grant

Hymn for today: “God With Us” by MercyMe

There is an incurable epidemic that runs rampant among the teenaged set (and ok, adults too). It is called procrastination. Perhaps, you may have heard of it?

I am, by nature, NOT a procrastinator and never have been. Whenever a new task presents itself, I typically dive in right away and get it done. From the time my kids were very little, I tried to instill this same work ethic into them, and when they were little, I could control the circumstances and consequences with more success. Now that they are on the cusp of adulthood, I have come to the often painful conclusion (since I can clearly the train wreck on the horizon) that both of them have to face the consequences of their choices.

However, that doesn’t mean that I have given up the fine art of “reminding.”  In their vernacular, my reminders are referred to as “nagging.”

On one particular occasion, my son had reached his zenith with regard to my reminders. He said rather pointedly, “You do know that your nagging just gets me mad, right?”

Without missing a beat, I asked him, “Well, you do know the cure for nagging, right?”

Sensing a trap, he asked anyway, “No. What is it?”

“If you would do what I asked you the first time I asked you, nagging would be unnecessary and therefore would not exist.”

He wasn’t impressed with my wit, but he did get my point.

Yesterday, we read about Joseph’s dream – how God had implored him to keep Mary as his wife. In today’s verses, we read his reaction to that dream. “When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife” (Matthew 1:24). From what we read, there was no hesitation or procrastination. God commanded, and Joseph obeyed. His actions are a reflection of his reputed righteousness. “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me “(John 14: 21a).

People naturally prickle when they read or hear the word, “obey.”  It means all sorts of “icky” things that are averse to the self – to comply, to conform, to follow commands and the guidance of others. In a modern culture that promotes me-first self-preservation, this is a highly unpopular, even combative notion. While me-first logic and action provides short-term happiness, does it educe long-term joy? In my experience, the answer is no.

Oswald Chambers, in his book, My Utmost for His Highest, addresses this concept when he says, “An elevated mood can only come out of an elevated habit of personal character. . .When you get higher up, you face other temptations and characteristics. Satan uses the strategy of elevation in temptation, and God does the same, but the effect is different. . .when God elevates you by His Grace into the heavenly places, instead of finding a pinnacle to cling to, you find a great table-land where it is easy to move.”

 In other words, true obedience introduces us to rewards and benefits we could never have imagined on our own. In short, our submission to God’s commands produces JOY. “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow” (John 15:11). If that’s the case (and it is), why would anyone ever hesitate or procrastinate again?

Daily Challenge:  Cook a meal for someone today, or if you don’t cook, don’t let someone eat alone.

Advent Devotional Day 9: Heredity is Not Destiny

December 9:

B.C. verse: Matthew 1:18-21

A.D. verse: Romans 8:28, 31

Christmas hymn: “Mary’s Boy Child”

Hymn for today: “Trust and Obey” and “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns

How The Grinch Stole Christmas is an Aaker family Christmas classic. When the kids were little, we had a “list” of Christmas movies that we watched in a certain order throughout the Christmas season.  The Grinch was among the kick-off movies for the season, so we are all well-versed in Grinchology.

For as many times as I have watched this movie, I came to an important realization today: The Grinch isn’t the most important character in that movie.

While the Grinch’s transformation from nasty to nice provides the narrative structure, the real star of the show is Cindy Lou Who.  Cindy Lou had grown up hearing all sorts of nefarious tales about the Grinch, but she had a nagging instinct about the Grinch’s true character. Cindy Lou could have joined the status quo, and the Grinch would have persisted as the miserable misanthrope he had become.  However, even though she was just a kid, Cindy Lou bravely swam against the current, risking both her and her family’s reputation. Ultimately, her actions led to an improved state of being for everybody in Who-ville (including the Grinch). In short, because Cindy Lou moved when prompted, lives were changed.

It seems Joseph of Nazareth and Cindy Lou have some things in common.

Oftentimes, Joseph is treated like window dressing in the Christmas story. Mary gets all the press while Joseph plays the role of the nice man who “drove” the donkey and looked for a room in Bethlehem. The fact is, however, Joseph is the antihero who rises as the true protagonist mostly because HE was the direct lineage to Christ. “Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee, called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David” (Luke 1: 27).

When Joseph found out that his betrothed was with child, he had an important decision to make. Like Cindy Lou, he had to decide whether or not he wanted to risk public embarrassment. At first, it seems pretty clear which direction he planned to go. “Because Joseph, her husband, was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly (Matthew 1:19).

Honestly, his decision seems like a moot point. The Christ child was going to be born, with or without Joseph’s involvement; Mary was already pregnant.  For whatever reason, God wanted Joseph to be in on the action and become the fulfillment of his name, which means “May Jehovah add and increase.”  Apparently, this issue was so important to God that “an angel of the Lord appeared to [Joseph] in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife’” (v20).

Why a dream? One simplistic explanation is that a dream was one way to capture Joseph’s full attention. Undoubtedly, since Joseph was a righteous man according to Scripture, he was probably struggling to decide what the right course of action was; this probably meant that his mind was troubled and preoccupied. In a dream, God specified what needed to be done, and since Joseph was a good and moral man, he responded to God’s voice.

As part of the lineage of Christ, Joseph came from a long line of men who moved in faith even when common sense and tradition said no. . . Abraham, Moses, David. It was now Joseph’s turn to maintain that tradition through an important faith decision. Fortunately, Joseph chose righteousness and was ultimately blessed as his name foretold. “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purposes” (Romans 8:28).

God didn’t NEED Joseph to help fulfill His Plan; He wanted Joseph to CHOOSE to be a part of His Plan. Even though Joseph was derived from a lineage of faith, the quality was not hereditary; it was chosen. Since Joseph was to become the earthly father to God’s Son, he needed to prove he was a man of faith, ready for the task.

His simple obedience in spite of the controversy and adversity is an example to us all. Truly, “what, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v 31).

Daily Challenge: Give someone the benefit of the doubt today. Trust him/her.

Advent Devotional Day 8: Go Big or Go Home

December 8:

B.C. verse: Luke 1: 26-28

A.D. verse: Hebrews 10:35

Christmas Hymn: “Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)” by Amy Grant

Hymn for today: “Have Thine Own Way” and “I Will Follow” by Christ Tomlin

As I read today’s Bible verse, I find myself trying to get inside Mary’s head. She was a teenager who was engaged to be married. Even though I won’t be able to find out until I am in heaven to ask her, I wonder what Mary thought about that. Was she quiet, compliant, and resolved about the issue? Was she excited? Was she dreading it?

More than likely, she was non-committal about the whole issue. Undoubtedly, an older male in her family had arranged the marriage for her, so she was just biding her time until it was time for her to change mailing addresses. Even so, I have been teaching teenaged girls for 21 years, and I have one of my own; there is no way I am buying that Mary was meek, mild, and calm. Since the name, Mary, means “rebellion” and “bitter,” I think I might be right.

Most of the teenaged girls that I know/have known are all about relationships (friends, boys, etc) and almost all struggle with feeling insecure on some level. They spend their teenage years figuring who they are and how they want to be perceived. If you have a teenage girl, you are well aware of the fact that the road to that end is at times extremely rocky. It is often filled with emotional booby-traps and irrational logic.

Now, do I think that Mary was spazzing out by kicking cooking pots and punching holes in walls?  Not so much. She must have had an underlying maturity – at least, spiritually – or there’s no way she would have ever made the cut to be the earthly mother of Christ. But I am guessing that she probably was opinionated and defiant; her name suggests as much.

I am also guessing that her feistiness made God smile. He needed someone with a little fire in her belly to be able to deal with the stares, whispering, and disapproval that would inevitably ensue once the public found out that this “virgin” was pregnant. A shrinking violet would get squashed in the rumor mill. God needed and saw a beautiful rose; her thorns were an asset instead of a liability.

Thus, when Gabriel says to Mary, “Hail, favored one, the Lord is with you,” he isn’t kidding (Luke 1:28). “Favored one” also translates to meaning “one receiving special grace.” Mary was about to embark on a difficult physical, social, emotional, and spiritual journey; she definitely needed special grace. Likewise, when he says, “The Lord is with you,” there is a double meaning. Not only is the Lord God physically with Mary in her womb; He is also with her for the long haul.

It certainly wasn’t the traditional engagement that Mary had been anticipating, but for some odd reason, I don’t think that Mary was as traumatized as we might think. In my mind’s eye, I see her giving me an impish wink that says, “Go big or go home.” Even in her youth, Mary seemed to have realized that end would justify the means; it’s a good lesson to us all. “There, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward” (Hebrews 10:35).

Daily Challenge:  Let someone go in line in front of you today.

Advent Devotional Day 7: Messes Made by Mouths

December 7:

B.C. verse: Luke 1:18-25

A.D. verse: Psalm 37: 3-7a; Psalm 20:4

Christmas hymn: “Good Christian Men Rejoice”

Hymn for today: “Standing on the Promises” and “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless

I have a terminal condition. Even though there are periods of remission in which it seems to be under control, I am fairly certain that I will suffer from this condition for the rest of my natural life, so here it is:

I constantly put my foot in my mouth.

As an example, a couple of years ago, I was saving seats at some sort of music concert at the high school. To kill some time before the concert, I turned around and began talking to the woman behind me. I knew her casually through Mike (who wasn’t there yet). The woman had put on some weight since the last time I saw her; in fact, her weight gain centered specifically around her belly in the form of a rounded mound.

I’m pretty sure you know where this is going.

I asked her, “So, when’s the big day?”

She replied, “What are you talking about?”

I continued, “There must be something special coming up in your future.”

She furrowed her brows and gave me a quizzical look. “I don’t think so?”

Suddenly, a prickly sensation started at my hairline and rippled to the back of my head. It was the ultimate “OH-CRAP!” moment, and I was panicking as to how to recover. Suddenly, I remembered a detail that Mike had mentioned about this woman. I stuttered, “Uh, I heard you guys are going to Mexico.”

“Oh that,” she said and rolled her eyes, “That’s not for another six months. We have plenty of time to. . .”

I didn’t even listen to the rest of it. I was SO relieved that an embarrassing social faux pas had been averted. That was close. This time, I got off the hook. Usually, I’m not so lucky.

Neither was Zechariah, apparently. In today’s passage, Zechariah found himself in hot water because he questioned the angel, Gabriel. “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years” (Luke 1: 18). His punishment for lipping off is losing the ability to be lippy. “And now you will be silent and not speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at the appointed time” (v. 20).

The Bible is pretty clear regarding the destructive nature and danger of an uncontrolled tongue. “But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself” (James 3: 5-6).  

Seriously, though, Zechariah didn’t say anything BAD; he just expressed his doubts. What’s so bad about that?

The fact that he said anything at all is the problem.  Verbalizing our thoughts is a way of internalizing them. Likewise, saying them aloud and making them public forms our character in other people’s eyes. As the verses in James indicate, our verbalized thoughts can also corrupt our entire bodies.  By questioning the angel, and therefore, God, Zechariah not only was doubting God; he was, in a sense, stating that he knew better – in this case, that progeny was an impossibility. While I am pretty sure that disrespect was not Zechariah’s intention, his comments indicated a fissure of faith, and God cared enough about Zechariah to correct the problem, which, in this case, mean months of silence.  Zechariah would not have plenty of time to listen and think before speaking.

 If only we could all be so lucky to have that punishment. Especially me.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psalm  37:7).

Daily Challenge: Be kind/do something kind for someone today whom you generally dislike.

Advent Devotional Day 6: If the Shoe Fits. . .

December 6:

B.C. verse: Luke 1: 11-17

A.D. verse: Joshua 1:5-9; Psalm 56: 3-4

Christmas Hymn: “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear”

Hymn for today: “We Won’t Be Shaken” by Building 429

With a name like Richard Santana, he sounds as though he should be a rock star; in truth, he IS a pretty big deal. Even though Richard’s connections to First Covenant Church had been established long before, our family met Richard three years ago when we went on a mission trip to Ecuador. For lack of a better description, Richard’s official function was travel guide/interpreter. Throughout the ten days of the trip, Richard wound his way into the fabric of our family to become an important part of our lives.

While his life’s story is as colorful as his personality, Richard, a native Ecuadorian, is currently in the United States on an educational visa. His intention is to get a pastoral degree from North Park University in Chicago so that he can return to Ecuador with a thorough theological background to teach and equip others to become spiritual leaders and pastors.  

Even though it sounds simple, Richard has met plenty of challenges along the way. He has had to leave his entire family and everything he knows to enter a new, foreign culture. He has struggled to learn (to the point of fluency) a second language. Plus, he has had to rely on the generosity of churches to support him and his educational expenses. Even though the situation has looked grim and impossible at times, not once have I seen or heard Richard waver in his conviction. He is “all-in” for God and is 100% confident that he was meant for this time and for this purpose.

In today’s reading, an angel gives Zechariah the 411 regarding his future son. His name will be John. He will be a joy and delight. He will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will never drink wine or any other fermented beverage. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit (an unprecedented proclamation) even BEFORE he is born. “He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God by turning the hearts of parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous” (v. 15-17).

The name, “John,” is derived from the Hebrew “Yochanan” and means “Yahweh is gracious.” It also translates into meaning “Jehovah has been gracious; has shown favor.” In considering John’s future responsibilities, this is a tremendous vote of confidence to that end.

In fact, the angel’s location as he delivers the message confirms John’s name and importance to God. “Then, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense” (v 11).  The spatial detail of the angel being on the right side of the altar is significant. In the Biblical world, the “right” side is a place of honor and authority; it exalts one above another. Likewise, the angel delivers the message by the altar of incense, which accompanied a meat offering on the Day of Atonement. The angel’s placement is not accidental. It is a visual confirmation to both Zechariah and us concerning John’s significance. The fact that John will never be allowed to have liquor emphasizes the fact that he is special and separate – consecrated for God’s purpose.

In short, John had been specifically chosen to fill some mighty big shoes. Even before he was born, it was clear that his life would not be an easy one; he would have to buck the system, take the harder, less traveled road, and spend his life trying to convince others to do a 180. Yay. Sounds like fun. Nevertheless, this is what God had ordained for John from the very beginning; this was his calling and life’s purpose.

As I see it, Richard is a sort of modern-day John the Baptist. In spite of the difficulties and challenges, Richard continues to move in faith, pushing ahead and never looking back. He believes that this journey and his purpose are ordained by God.

Where there is faith, there is no room for fear. They cannot co-exist. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid” (Psalm 56:3-4). Why are you here for such a time and place as this? What shoes have you been asked to fill? If you can contemplate that question with excitement instead of fear, you are ready, and it's so on.

Daily Challenge: Become an organ donor. Do it today; don’t put it off for tomorrow.