This will be my last post before Christmas, so here are a few thoughts regarding Christmas that come to mind.
Quotes about the miracle of the Incarnation:
In the book 300 Quotations and Prayers for Christmas, Eliot Ritzema compiles a list of great quotes. Here are a few:
- The Incarnation compared to creation: “Though creation may be a majestic organ of praise, it cannot reach the compass of the golden canticle—incarnation! There is more melody in Jesus in the manger than in the whole sublime oratorio of the creation. There is more grandeur in the song that heralds the birth of the babe of Bethlehem than there is in worlds on worlds rolling in silent grandeur around the throne of the Most High.” Charles Spurgeon
- The most incredible miracle: “It was the greatest miracle of all God’s works that ever He revealed to the sons of men, to take the human nature into union with the divine—that Christ, who was God, should condescend to be made man. And the next is that He will take His church into union with Himself, and will magnify His love, in such a wonderful advancement of poor sinners, that without His grace they could not well believe it.” Richard Baxter
- The heart of the gospel: “If, for the first time, you had heard of the visit of the incarnate God to this world, you would be struck with a wonder which would last throughout all eternity, that God Himself should really condescend to such a deed as this. This is the heart of the gospel, the incomparable fact of the incarnation of the Son of God, His dwelling upon the earth, and His presentation of Himself as a sacrifice unto God.”
One of my favorite quotes about the Incarnation from Wayne Grudem: “It may be easy for us to lose sight of what is actually taught in Scripture. It is (the Incarnation) the most amazing miracle in the entire Bible, far more amazing than the resurrection, & more amazing even than the creation of the universe. The fact that the infinite, omnipotent, eternal Son of God could become a man and join himself to human nature forever, so that infinite God became one person with finite man, will remain for eternity the most profound miracle and the most profound mystery in all the universe.”
I’m not sure about you, but I find it easy to coast into the Christmas season. Even though I look forward to it, I think it’s easy to overlook the wonder of this miracle. Take some time this week to thank God for this and worship Him because of it.
Christmas memories:
As our family has gotten older, I’ve noticed a change in some of our Christmas traditions. I’ve talked with some who are my age, and they’re wrestling through the same things. Some of the changes are due to new marriages, babies, or expanding families. So, I thought I would offer a little friendly, pastoral advice on this issue. As a friend of mine used to tell me, “chew up the meat and spit out the bones.”
The first thing is, cherish the memories you do have. I vividly remember all our kids helping us decorate the Christmas tree. I fondly remember reading the Christmas story or a devotional to them first thing Christmas morning. I look back on our extended family dinners that afternoon with joy. The changing of the times doesn’t mean we lose great memories.
The second thing is to look for new ways to make new memories. Many of our kids are entering new seasons of their lives, and it is exciting for them. Our job is to “rejoice with those who rejoice.” They’re celebrating their own “new” traditions. Make it easy for them by finding new ways to create memories or traditions. This might mean some of your traditions are lost (but they’re not forgotten). We have found that this has opened new opportunities to build deeper relationships with our kids. Further, don’t be possessive with your kids and their new lives. We have seen that push families apart rather than bringing them together.
If you’re a newlywed or maybe your family has expanded, and your traditions are changing, be aware that your parents are missing days gone by, and be willing to communicate graciously and gratefully with them. Your parents miss you and the things they’ve enjoyed with you. If there’s any way to invite them into your world or to do one of the old family traditions with them, do it. But don’t miss this opportunity to show your parents you love them. Let them know that the changing of the times doesn’t mean your love for them has changed.
Guard yourselves from bitterness or anger. Bitterness robs us of relationships and harms others (Hebrews 12:15). Bitterness usually sets in when we harbor frustrations or concerns, without talking face-to-face. If there is a misunderstanding, please sit down to talk it out or get someone you both respect to help you. Family relationships are challenged in changing times, and this is especially pronounced during the Christmas season. Talk through expectations, schedules, and plans, and discuss any disagreements with grace.
This week and looking ahead:
The study from Hebrews 1 was a joy. This week, we will look at Colossians 1:15-20 and look at the preeminence of Christ. My aim in this short series is to marvel at the greatness of Jesus so that we can marvel at His birth.
Marveling at our Gospel Legacy Initiative:
If you missed this on Sunday, I shared that a $25,000 donation came in from a friend of mine in Texas. It was a sweet moment of seeing God behind us in this initiative. But I also shared that the new property we just purchased gave us enough parking spaces for our new building. Without that purchase, we might not have had enough. It’s another moment of seeing God go before us in this initiative.
We’re about $390,000 away from having Phase 1 committed to completion. If you haven’t jumped in to help with our Gospel Legacy Initiative, go to: https://clfroseburg.com/legacy/, to make a donation or see our progress. The Lord is at work!
Cheap Seats:
- This was a great story: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/veteran-working-full-time-at-grocery-store-goes-viral-as-social-media-rallies-to-help-him/3858273/
- The College Football Playoffs start this week. I’m hoping the Aggies get to the next round, and I would love to see Ole Miss go on a bit of a run to spite Lane Kiffin:).
- Seeing Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons go down with ACL injuries is hard to watch. Even though I’m glad the Chiefs will miss the playoffs (sorry, Dave Quilla and Deb Koberg), I hate seeing injuries like that. It’s the same as seeing Danny Dimes (aka: Daniel Jones) go down with an Achilles tear (I felt his pain).
- Philip Rivers…I don’t know what to say, but if I were a defensive coordinator, I’d cram the line of scrimmage & force him to throw it further than 20 yards. On one sack, the announcer said, “Well, if he can get up off the turf by himself, that’s a good sign.” We’re talking about a 44-year-old, coming out of retirement after five years, and they’re just glad he can get up off the ground by himself? Sounds like my kids talking to me after I’ve been stretching. “Dad, you need help??”
Have a great week!
Christ is King!
In Christ,
Dave York
