JESUS GROWING -- A CHRISTMAS CALL

“Joseph, Joseph … he kicked me!  feel!  Look, he is pushing with his foot, right here!”  The little one within her began to move!  Some have called this moment “quickening” but life was there long before any of this.  And this Life was definitely moving long before anything!  One of his disciples would later write about this Cosmic Lord, Creator of all, very Word of God.  But, for now, He was forming, moving, growing, all within the belly of his mother, Mary.  And, she surely marveled, “… until this child be formed within me …??”

There was no room in the Inn.  So, He drew his first breath, in this world, in the stables, laid in a manger, in wraps of cloth.  He took in sustenance, and began His journey among us.  He would grow into the very image of God, a servant, the Savior, very Lamb of God, and High Priest, reconciling us to Heaven.  But, Bethlehem missed their moment, as so many others would miss their opportunity to meet and be moved by this man child, the Son of Man.  He was born in their village, but not in their hearts.  As Mary was overshadowed by the Most High, we too must come under the engendering power of Heaven, with Him being formed within us.

At the tender age of twelve, he had the Sages and Teachers of Jerusalem rubbing their heads, in amazement, as he questioned and answered them in His Father’s house.  Years later some of these same men would meet Him again, and marvel at His teaching.  But, so many would turn away in hard-hearted stubbornness.  For now, Jesus went home with his road-weary, wonder-filled parents.  One can only wonder what Joseph thought of this young man.  But, we are told that Mary pondered these things in her heart.  Jesus went home with them to his father’s house, obedient, growing “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke2:52)  Did He smile, knowingly, as others wondered?

He plainly and powerfully revealed himself to the Samaritan woman, declaring, “… if you knew …” (the gift and the giver) and then began to speak of living water and the Spirit., and never thirsting again! (John 4)  In another place, He had earlier confused Nicodemus with talk of being born of the water and the Spirit.  New Birth?!  Starting over and growing up afresh?  (John 3) Who does not want this refreshing water, this fresh start, this new beginning?  Parched, stunted, distorted, twisted lives given eden-like regeneration, to grow into their original, potential design?!

Paul, an apostle of this Man, wrote of  being “…in pangs of birth until Christ be formed in you …” (Gal.4:19)  He also spoke of “…Christ in me…”  (Gal.2:20) and challenged believers, asking, “Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?” (2Cor.13:5)  In yet another place, he wrote of Christ working within you and your working out your own faith – allowing the faith within to expand and fill you out, molding you into His image. (Phil.2)

The Babe, Jesus the Christ, was formed within the womb of Mary.  But, He must also be born into the heart of each man, growing, maturing, shaping, molding until we grow up unto the full image of Christ.  This is the heart of what we call Christmas.

PONDER IN YOUR HEART CHRISTMAS

PONDER IN YOUR HEART CHRISTMAS

An old shepherd gruffly sends his hard-headed, young son into the fields to help tend sheep.  “No need for you to study … just go to work …”   Years apart from town and teaching,  he grew into the form of the rough crowd around him.  Then, unexpectedly, there it was!  The heavens were aglow with the angelic choir announcing the Birth.  With the other men tending the herds, he went to the stables, and he murmured, “… what is this that I behold?!   I am but a shepherd, standing between the sheep and danger or starvation…  I do not understand the wonderful sight?!”

In the East, far away, apart from “election” and without “revelation” or “covenant”, a young heart looks to the heavens, wondering at the order and the expanse.  Futility and frustration are the results of much of his pondering.  Ancient texts from many places are examined.  But, one night, a new Star appears in the night’s sky; and, he follows this light to its westward pointing, to the Light.  “… I’ve read, ‘king of the Jews’?? … What awaits us there?!”

On the face of Elizabeth was a twinge of pain as the baby within kicked her, hearing the greeting of His mother, Mary.  He knew what so many others would miss?!  Zechariah and Elizabeth would watch the child of their old age become a recluse and wanderer – angry and awe-filled, by the shame of man and the glory of Heaven.  His favorite word, it would seem, would become “Repent!”  Simple and sanctified was his life.  He prepared His way, and then stepped aside, pointing all to “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!”  Alone in prison, John questioned, “… are you the One…?”

The scribes and lawyers missed Him?!  Old Simeon and Anna were rewarded and found the desire of their hearts.  The slaughtered innocents never saw it coming.  Their death insured His escape.  (surely, they hold a special place among the martyrs?!)  Bethlehem knew not who it was that was forsaken to the stables of the Inn.   A long since forgotten Roman census overshadowed the Event of the ages.  “Father, have mercy … we know not …”

“… she pondered these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51) is the summary of the burden of Mary.  The angelic announcement … a virgin, with child, heaven engendered … miracle … Messiah … my firstborn, man child … God-Man … Lamb of God …

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)  …  Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."  (Mark 9:24)

MEDITATION

Meditation

Here I sit, musing, reading, and, now stewing in consternation.

With a longing heart, seeking God, I consider Christian meditation.

Surely, involved in this spiritual discipline is some sort of cogitation.

But, it must go well beyond assembling facts, to deeper rumination?

Some would point to an inner light, perhaps calling it illumination.

But, this alone is not enough, if not linked to practical transformation.

At times, this holy habit may well lead to ineffable, esoteric transportation

into ethereal, other-worldly, God-glorifying, silent, worshipful exultation.

But, more often, guidance and direction are the blessed, practical application.

The Eastern mind calls for darkness and clutter and cacophony purification,

Ultimately leading to the soul’s, the mind’s, yes, even the self’s elimination.

But, Heaven warns of the sterile room; and there is need of earnest supplication

for replacement, for addition, for refurbishment, yes, for lively alternation.

Sometimes, this is best approached and practiced in quiet, sober isolation.

But, often, input and direction can best be found in believer congregation.

Simply understood, it could be called listening for His quiet communication.

Misunderstood it might be wrongly compared to ungodly, heathen divination,

Or, even misconstrued as some sort of mere psychological manipulation.

The writers of the Holy Scripture were moved along by what’s called inspiration.

Yet, to such heights and depths, I dare not compare this struggler’s holy situation.

Meditation.