Advent Devotional Day 19: Epic Fail

December 19:

B.C.verse: Micah 5: 2-5

A.D. verse: John 21: 15-19

Christmas hymn: “Little Drummer Boy”

Hymn for today: “Savior, Like a Shepherd”

Epic fail. This is a phrase that the average teenager whips around these days. It’s a phenomenon that has gone viral with regard to videos on youtube and has even inspired its own app.  Basically, an epic fail occurs when something that should have been easy to accomplish goes horribly wrong, resulting in complete and total failure.

Epic fail pretty much describes the Israelites in today’s passage. After Solomon, the nation of Israel fell apart – literally. They refused to obey God or His laws, which naturally resulted in all sorts of negative consequences. Add in a little drama in the house of Solomon, and all of a sudden, Israel was a nation divided in two. The result was something like 400 years in which God was silent, and Israel (and Judah – the other half) were attacked by their enemies.  As was promised, there was no human king during the interim.

In the prophecy from Micah, God offers His sin-oppressed, depressed people a light at the end of the tunnel with the promise of a king, a savior.

“The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies until the woman in labor gives birth” (Micah 5:2). Literally and figuratively, a birth would end the Israelites exile. Just as a woman’s labor pains end with the birth, so Israel’s pain would end with the birth.

“He will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’ Strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God” (Micah 5:4). This new king would not rely on the strength of armies or human wisdom. Like his predecessor, David, this king would trust and obey God and His laws. “Then, his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the world. And he will be the source of peace” (Micah 5:4). The end result of putting God first will be all the blessings He intended for his people in the first place.

Even though Israel had experienced an epic fail, the good news was that it was not too late. God was offering a way out of the mess. The solution, however, was not without a price, but God was willing to foot the bill for a mess He hadn’t even made. . .without an expectation of ever being repaid.

Israel wasn’t the only one to get a second chance. In the A.D. verses for today, we read about Peter’s epic fail.

Prior to this moment, Peter had denied Christ, so when they met again, I would imagine that Peter felt somewhat awkward around him. Then, to make matters worse, Jesus engages Peter in a weird conversation in which Jesus asked him three times, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” (John 21:15). The first two times, Jesus was basically asking, “How much do you love me? Would you sacrifice yourself in some way for me?”  

If I put myself into Peter’s shoes, I have no doubt that the questions made Peter squirm. When the opportunity had presented itself earlier, Peter had experienced an epic fail; rather than sacrifice himself for Christ, Peter had actually denied him. It must have felt like a knife being ground into Peter’s side. So, when he said, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you” (v 16), Peter was saying (because it was the only thing he could honestly say at this point), “Of course, I care about you; you are a good friend of mine.”

The third time Jesus asked him, Jesus used Peter’s definition (above) in framing the question, and “Peter was grieved that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, ‘Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you’” (v 17). Peter was hurt and distressed because he KNEW that Jesus had lowered his standard and (in Peter’s mind) opinion of Peter. Peter felt as though there was a spotlight on his epic fail.

Christ, in His perfect timing, sensed that Peter was now in the frame of mind that Christ needed Peter to be.  Jesus continued by letting Peter know what was in his future, and it didn’t involve a happy ending with regard to his human life. However, “Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he [Peter] would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, ‘Follow me’” (19).

Rather than be traumatized further, Peter was relieved to hear that his epic fail would not haunt him for the rest of his life. In the end, Peter would truly show Christ that he loved him by sacrificing his life for him.

Thus, it would seem as though epic fails are not terminal failures. Our biggest failures are necessary in order to humble us and lead us to repentance. It is only then that our hearts and attitudes are finally centered on God versus ourselves.

“And when you begin to see [a] person in the middle of a difficult and painful struggle, don’t try to prevent it, but pray that his difficulty will grow even ten times stronger, until no power on earth or in hell could hold him away from Jesus Christ. . .You may often have to watch Christ wreck a life before He saves it” Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest.

Daily Challenge:  Replace what you use today (Ex. Toilet paper roll, soda, water or copy paper).

Advent Devotional 18: Treasures from the Chest

December 18:

B.C. verse: Luke 2: 19-20

A.D. verse: Philippians 1:9-11

Christmas hymn: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

Hymn for today: “All This Time” by Britt Nicole

The night stand by my bed is the warehouse of all my “special” stuff. These are items (mostly paper) that mean something only to me. For example, every journal that I have written in since 1993 is in this night stand. I have old pictures, my grandma’s Bible, a broken bracelet from my great-grandma, and a prayer book that was given to me by my other grandma. I also have every handwritten note/letter that my kids have given to me as well as their baby teeth and even the positive pregnancy strips that announced imminent motherhood.

Even though that last one is admittedly weird, these are my treasures. The fact that I have tucked them away in a “special” hidden place indicates that they are valued and special only for and to me. Likewise, my treasures define me; what I keep is an indication of what is most important to me.

In today’s verses we read that “Mary treasured all these things in her heart and thought about them often” (Luke 2: 19). Even though the verse does not discuss physical items that Mary treasured, it does indicate what she valued – where her heart was. In order to keep all that had happened – God’s blessings and providence – fresh in her mind, she “pondered” them often.

What we choose to “ponder” is a reflection of our hearts – the place where our true treasures abide. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21). In my case, the contents of my night stand indicate my heart’s treasure, which is family, especially my children. “Warm fuzzies,” however, are not the only “treasures” that are stored away. Bitterness, resentment, hatred and the like are also reflections of the heart.

Good or bad, whatever we ponder will either nurture or poison us. Those thoughts affect our actions, which ultimately become our character. Therefore, it is important that we carefully choose what to ponder and treasure.

Today’s A.D. verses are my “life verses;” it is a reminder that what we think is what we become:

 “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation – the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ – for this will bring much glory and praise to God” (Philippians 1:9-11).

Daily Challenge: Do something for a neighbor today.

Advent Devotional Day 17: Seeing is Believing, or Believing is Seeing?

December 17:

B.C. verse: Luke 2: 15-18

A.D. verse: Psalm 9:1b-2; Psalm 40:5

Christmas hymn: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

Hymn for today: “Amazed” by Kutless

On Saturday, we celebrated ThanksChristmas with my side of the family. Just as soon as we arrived and brought gifts into the house, Wy, our 3 year old nephew, was chomping at the bit to open presents. He quickly ate his lunch and patiently waited while all the dishes were taken care of. After the obligatory pictures had been taken, and the annual poem had been read, it was finally time to get down to business.

Suddenly, there was a “Ho, ho, ho” in the stairway. Wy’s eyes were as big as saucers as Santa made his way to the basement with his ginormous bag. Even though he wasn’t so sure at first, it didn’t take Wy long to assist Santa in emptying his bag. 

As I watched him, Wy reminded me of Erika not so long ago. While Erika had never officially seen Santa, she believed in his existence until she was something like a fourth or fifth grader. She was always amazed to wake up and find bites out of the cookies and half-glasses of milk. Any question marks she had about the whole concept were wiped clean when she found her stack of gifts under the tree. Santa HAD to have brought them because the wrapping paper he used was nowhere to be found in the house.

Say what you will about the whole Santa controversy; it’s just one example in which adults try to maintain child-like innocence for as long as possible. As we know all too well, disappointment is a bitter pill to swallow, and we would rather not like to rush that “first” when it comes to our kids. The simple joy they get in believing is just as much for us as it is for them.

Somewhere along the way in becoming adults, we lose our child-like acceptance (whether it’s Santa or something else). Believing is no longer enough; we get demanding and have to “see it in order to believe it.”

Apparently, the shepherds suffered from this same sort of skepticism. “When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing had has happened, which the Lord has told us about’” (Luke 2: 15). It seems as though the angel’s message was not enough; they wanted to see it for themselves.

Then, “After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child” (Luke 2:17). There it is again; after tangible proof, the shepherds were on the move to tell anyone they could find.

If believing is such a simple joy (and I believe it is), then why do we make it so complicated? The simple explanation is that the world around us embraces logic, reason, and common sense. While these are all important, I believe that they were not originally intended to be the most important ingredients in decision-making and living. A simple, child-like faith was supposed to be the priority, but as has been historically shown , we humans have managed to turn everything upside down from the way God intended.

 So as adults, are we doomed to never again experience the wonder and joy of simple belief? I guess that question can only be answered by each individual. For example, if one puts a seed into the ground, s/he can believe that when a plant pushes through the soil, it is the result of a complete scientific process only, or s/he can believe that there is a Master Creator who designed and ensured the perfection of the scientific process. I know which belief brings me joy; how about you?

The response to this joy is to do what the shepherds did – to do what I am doing right now – and that is to share that joy with anybody who will listen. “I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1b-2).

“O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal.”

Daily Challenge: Spend some time at an animal shelter or make a donation ($ or goods) to one.

Advent Devotional Day 16: Glory to God in the Highest (Rain or Shine)

December 16:

B.C. verse:  Luke 2:13-14

A.D. verse: Philippians 2:9-11

Christmas hymn: “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Hymn for today: “To God Be the Glory” and “He Reigns” by Newsboys

Friday night was gift-wrapping night. I do this to myself every year. As I/we purchase Christmas gifts, they are deposited on the bed in the spare room until there is an ominous mound waiting to be wrapped. Then, I take one night and blitz-wrap the whole pile. As a reward for my efforts, I make sure there is a Christmas movie playing in the background. On Friday night, Elf was the entertainment.

At the very end of the film, Santa’s sleigh is grounded in Central Park in New York City. Buddy the Elf is working feverishly to get it operational, but what it really needs to get it off the ground is a large dose of Christmas spirit. Unfortunately, as Santa sadly confesses, Christmas spirit levels have been woefully low in recent years, which is why Santa’s sleigh now needed the mechanized power.

Jovie, Buddy’s new love interest, senses that she needs to act.  Even though she considers singing in public to be the ultimate anathema, she remembers something Buddy had told her: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loudly for all to hear.” Timidly, she begins singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” As others begin to join her, she gains confidence and volume. Eventually, everybody is singing at the top of his/her lungs, and miracle of all miracles, it is just the right dose of Christmas spirit to get Santa’s sleigh off the ground, so he can finish his Christmas Eve tour. Miracles happen when enthusiastic spirits and voices unite.

Hey, wait a minute; that reminds of something. “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased!’” (Luke 2:13-14). The fireworks at Lake Beauty Bible Camp are hands-down amazing and light up the sky like nothing I’ve ever seen, but I’ll bet a sky full of singing angel warriors would totally kick its butt in magnificence.

And look at what they are doing – singing glory to God - songs of praise, adoration, and thanksgiving. Likewise, they are requesting peace on earth – freedom from all disturbance, rest, tranquility – for those who are favored by God. It’s a scene of perfect happiness. Who can’t relate to that? When any of gets a wonderful piece of news, we react! We laugh, we scream, we cry, we shout, and yes, we sing. In our moments of perfect happiness, we want the world to know too.

Here’s the true test of an unshakeable faith – singing in moments of absolute distress. It’s easy, appropriate, and even contagious to sing in moments of pleasure, but what about those moments when it feels as though the walls of your world are falling down around you?

In August 2011, we received a call on a Sunday morning that Mike’s uncle in Grand Forks was not doing well. He had been struggling with cancer for quite a while and was now preparing to exit this world. Mike’s sister, Rhonda, and her husband, Rick, Mike, Erika, and I immediately hopped in the car for the four-hour drive to the hospital.

When we arrived, it became clear rather quickly that today was going to be the day. The hospital room was entirely filled with Arlin’s family – his kids and their spouses, his wife and her kids, his ex-wife, his sister and brother-in-law (Mike’s mom and dad), his mom, and us. When we arrived, he was still lucid, so we all had the blessed opportunity to be able to take turns in saying goodbye. Then, it became a waiting game.

At some point, Arlin’s ex-wife, Linda, began to sing hymns. Sometimes, she sang alone, and other times, we sang with her. Of the injustices in life, one of the worst is when a parent outlives a child, and even though her “baby” was 60+ years old, Granny, Arlin’s mom, was having a tough time in saying goodbye. One of many poignant memories of that day was watching Granny sing a hymn while tears rolled down her cheeks.  

I have no doubt that the aerial praise and worship concert on the night that Christ was born was the most awesome musical extravaganza in history, and God was smiling like none other.  I bet He has just as wide a smile when someone in the pits of despair weakly whispers a song of praise. Praising God when everything is going well is easy; praising God when things are crappy is true faith.  

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

“Praise You In This Storm” by Casting Crowns

Daily Challenge: Write a specific, positive comment today on someone’s Facebook wall, Twitter comment (tweet), or blog. 

Advent Devotional Day 15: Saving the Best for Last

December 15:

B.C. verse: Luke 2: 8-12

A.D. verse: John 16:33

Christmas hymn: “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”

Hymn for today: “What a Savior” by Laura Story

When I was 18 years old, I was in desperate need of money so that I could go to college. At the suggestion of my mother, I acquired a job as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) at what was then known as Christian Nursing Center.  It was a nursing home, and I spent the next four years of my summers and weekends there.

It is one of the most difficult jobs I have ever had in my life, and I often joke that my college graduation present to myself was turning in my resignation– but not for the reason you might think.

To explain, the physical work was difficult. Lifting and transferring residents, offering personal care, and walking many miles a shift were taxing; however, the job was mentally draining as well. Rarely are people in the last years of their lives at their best, and having to cope with death on a regular basis took some getting used to.  

The worst, however, was working short. For any of you who have ever worked in a nursing care facility, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The nursing home at which I worked had two wings, which was staffed (on paper) with about four to five CNAs to each wing. Typically, a CNA’s list (of people in one’s care) was something like ten. If one or more people called in sick, the list would easily and quickly blossom to twenty. In such conditions, it was impossible for us CNAs to provide the care necessary; that’s what I disliked about the job, and that’s why I was relieved to turn in my resignation.

In my opinion, CNAs are among the least respected in the world of work. First, the actual work they do is undesirable and distasteful to most people. It takes a special person with a compassionate heart to do this job the right way. Fortunately, most of the people with whom I worked could easily fill that description. Secondly, a nursing assistant is the lowest on the totem pole when it comes to nursing care. Technically, they are not nurses, but they are responsible for direct patient care.

In essence, the CNAs of the modern world remind me of the shepherds in the ancient world. Like CNAs, the shepherds got stuck doing the work no one else wanted to do. It was an undesirable, distasteful job, and shepherds were not respected or acknowledged. The Bible makes it pretty clear that the shepherds were a sort of social pariah. “That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep”(Luke 2:8).

Even so (and this makes me smile because I have a soft spot for the underdog), God chooses to make the big announcement about the birth of His Son to the shepherds! “Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them. . .Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that bring great joy to all the people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Luke 2: 10-11).

Not only does God choose the most insignificant city in which to be born. . .not only does he choose the worst, most disgusting location and conditions in which to be born; he also chooses to relay the big news to the most insignificant members of society. He is definitely threading humility into every aspect of His birth.

It’s been twenty years since I last walked the floor as a CNA. However, working at the nursing home planted the seeds of a servant heart within me; empathy and compassion are necessary in my position today, and I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today if I had not had my job at the nursing home. Humility isn’t a genetic condition; it is a choice one makes over and over again. God certainly underscored that point as He carefully arranged the conditions of His birth.

The fatal flaw in humans is our preoccupation with, preservation of, and protection of self. Putting self before God is what caused sin and death to enter the world in the first place.  As God enters the human world to extend grace and salvation, it is clear that self has to take a back seat. . .all the way to the back of the bus. Humility allows God the ability to drive the bus, and that’s the only way to salvation and joy.

Daily Challenge: Do something anonymously for someone who works in a service profession today.

Advent Devotional Day 14: The No-Frills Baby

December 14:

B.C. verse: Luke 2: 6-7

A.D. verse: I Peter 1: 13-16

Christmas hymn: “Silent Night”

Hymn for today: “He is With Us” by Love and the Outcome

My nephew and his wife are just days away from becoming new parents. Mandi is due on December 22, but if looks are an indicator, that baby should arrive any time (and Mandi hopes it is sooner rather than later).

Their baby will be the first grandchild and great-grandchild on our side of the family, so to this child’s birth has been anticipated would be an understatement.

Just as soon as the pregnancy was confirmed, plans for the arrival began in earnest. The young couple purchased a fixer-upper farm place in June of 2012 and has spent the last year in completing various home improvement projects, one of which was the baby’s nursery.

For many months, the crib has been ready and waiting to be filled. The walls are pink as it has been confirmed that “Baby K” is a girl. The décor has established that Baby K will like owls as the critters have been thematically included in every facet of her room. Not surprisingly, Baby K’s closet is already filled to bursting with frocks and frills meant for little girls. Strollers, pack-and-plays, and other equipment stand at attention, awaiting the special cargo that will fill them.

The planning and preparation is complete. Hurry up, Baby K; there are a lot of people waiting for you.

Long ago, there was another baby who was long-anticipated and eagerly-awaited. However, the preparation and supplies for this baby were not as elaborate and overwhelming as Baby K’s.  “[Mary] gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them “(Luke 2:7).

The birth of “Baby K” signals the start of a new generation, the birth of a new era. The birth of “Baby J” signaled much the same thing in terms of a spiritual family. “Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world” (I Peter 1:14).

Rather than be born in a royal palace, the King of the World, the Joy of our Salvation, the Mighty God entered simply and humbly. There were no grand preparations or celebrations; it occurred exactly as He ordained – in a stable with a trough for a bed and rags for clothes.  His birth is his first lesson to us as He begins his interim as a human, for, like him, his birth was holy, which means “specified or set apart for a religious purpose.”  Thus, our thoughts and actions should be likewise. “But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy” (I Peter 1:15).

Just as Christ’s birth was humble and simple, so should our faith be. We don’t need frilly theology, elaborate devotionals, or well-prepared prayers; we just need a humble heart, a willing spirit, and undiluted faith.

  

Daily Challenge: Mail a handwritten note or card to the first person you thought of when you read this.

Advent Devotional Day 13: Lemon Drops, Tea, and Pickles

December 13:

B.C. verse: Luke 2:1-5

A.D. verse: 2 Corinthians 5:6-7; Isaiah 41:10

Christmas hymn: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

Hymn for today: “It is Well With my Soul”

When I was a kid, my next door neighbor’s name was Grandma Nellie. She technically wasn’t my grandma, but she was very old, and she always had a lemon drop for me. Across the street lived George and Gracie. Even though Gracie has since passed away from cancer, I still see George now and then, and he is still the kindest, most gentle man ever. He is still sharp as a tack and always makes a point to ask about my husband, kids and career.

Down the street was another very old Dutch lady named Nell. Since I had a paper route, I visited her once per week (Fridays) where I would always be treated to a cup of tea and pickles as snack while her crazy cat gave me the death glare from atop the refrigerator.

I could keep going, if you like.

As you can probably surmise, I grew up in a very small community – less than 600 people total; additionally, this was a community with a strong, mostly-Dutch, Christian Reformed heritage. There was a private school in this town that was largely supported by the area Christian Reformed churches, and I attended this school, K-12.

Welcome to my hometown.

There was a period and time when I couldn’t wait to leave this town. As a senior in high school, I was experiencing growing pains and couldn’t wait to see the “real world.” Well, I have seen the “real world,” and I will admit I miss the safe, connected “bubble” in which I grew up.  Like almost every small town on the planet, a fact of small towns, which can be both an advantage and disadvantage, is that everybody knows everybody, and everybody knows ABOUT everybody. While some people do not like it at all, I have come to appreciate this intricate social tapestry as well as the social “guidelines” of my hometown and the purpose it served.

The bottom line is that for good or for ill, your hometown, to a certain extent, defines you.

And so it was with Joseph. When the census was required, Joseph had to return to his hometown  (or “own town”).  For the purpose of discussion, his “hometown” was tied to his lineage, and since he was of the house of David, he had to return to Bethlehem.   “Descendant of David” not only defined Joseph; it influenced how others regarded him.

That certainly explains the practical reason as to why Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but that was a man-made reason. “In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census would be taken of the entire Roman world. . .And everyone went to their own town to register” (Luke 2: 1 and 3). Of all the places God could have chosen for Him, a King, to be born, why did he choose Bethlehem?

The Sunday School answer is that the prophets had foretold that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem. Sorry if I am being disrespectful, but that is circular logic. That’s like saying, “I need a new car. Therefore, I am going to buy a new car because I need a new car.”

Why did God specifically choose the dinky, little town of Bethlehem to be the place of His birth?

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David” (Luke 2:4). Obviously, Bethlehem was David’s town, so here’s a thought: God specifically chose a small, insignificant, almost-forgotten town in which to be born because the town reflects David himself.

Think back to when Samuel showed up on Jesse’s farm to anoint a new king. He and God played a game of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. . “Is this the one, God?” When Samuel had gone through the whole works without a winner, he asked Jesse if there were any other kids. I imagine Jesse scratching his head and then an imaginary light-bulb flashes over his head. As a matter of fact, “There is still the youngest but he is tending the sheep (the least respected task that was reserved for the youngest/most powerless)” (I Samuel 16:11). The kid on the bottom of the totem pole ended up being king. The most insignificant had the most important task.

It kinda sounds like Bethlehem, doesn’t it? The least important city was awarded the privilege and historical claim-to-fame of being the place of the Savior’s birth. Likewise, while Bethlehem did not define Christ, it certainly was defined by Christ’s birth.  It wasn’t the size or looks of the city (or king) that impressed God; it was the character. We would be wise to chew on that idea for a while. “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35).  

Daily Challenge:  Complain less today. Every time you feel a “whine” coming on, smile.