Come, See This Man Named Jesus!

As we finish the leftovers of the Thanksgiving turkey, ham, potatoes, & pie, many of us may now be inundated with two things. One is the feeling of “calorie guilt’ for eating so much over the weekend. The other is the constant barrage of newspaper & TV ads inviting (demanding?) that we spend our hard-earned money on yet more trinkets, gadgets, fashions, etc. It seems our media culture can’t stop the rocket ride we are on of “busyness” and over-stimulation for our consumer-driven desires. We consume, yet are never satisfied.
But Jesus, the supposed focus of the “Holiday Season”, actually invites to slow down and consider what really satisfies our souls, meets our truest & deepest needs, and brings the greatest joy & freedom we are meant by God to enjoy: dwelling with Him personally as Friend to friend. In Luke 10, we see the restless heart of a woman named Martha who was consumed about the details of the special visit of Jesus & the meal for a throng of His followers. She complained to Him about the “laziness” of her sister, Mary, who was not helping out, but rather was sitting in rapt attention at Jesus’ feet. Jesus gently reminded Martha about what was truly needful, spending time with God, and that would not be taken from Mary. The next time we see this family, in John 11, Jesus is again visiting their home. Martha is now doing her work of preparation, and Mary is again at Jesus’ feet. Both have now accepted a posture of worship from the heart & free from pressures of certain role expectations. Each of us, likewise, must learn how to consciously serve & worship Jesus our King in unique ways that reflect our personality and giftings, but focus totally on Him.
At Jesus’ birth and toddler stages, as we understand the Christmas story, He is visited first by ordinary Jewish shepherds who come to worship the newborn King of the Jews. They gather at the stable around the smelly manger trough and gaze in wonder, and then worship this special infant. Eternity burst in on the moment in time and a quiet, Holy hush was felt in the room. When the moment of their visit ended, they went out and testified to people of the area of all they had seen & heard. On the eighth day after His birth, He was dedicated to God in the temple at Jerusalem. While there, a prophet named Simeon and a prophetess named Anna approached them, being moved by the Holy Spirit, and prophesied over Jesus’ life. They worshipped Him and began telling others about Him. Mary pondered and treasured all these things in her heart. About 2 years later, we find Joseph & Mary and Jesus living in house in Bethlehem where they are visited by some foreign wise men who also have come from afar to worship the new King of Israel and bring Him wealthy gifts of gold, frankincense, & myrrh.
When people get a glimpse of the real Jesus, as the infinite God-man, the Creator, Redeemer, & Savior of us all, they begin to understand that all of creation needs to slow down and give glory to Him alone. All priorities, plans, pressures, pursuits, and pleasures begin to pale in comparison to Him. This Christmas, when you are singing or caroling the great Christmas hymns or songs, please look carefully at what you are singing about. (“Hark, the Herald Angel Sings” is my personal favorite!) Don’t just read them or mouth them. Ponder them. Treasure them. More importantly, ponder HIM! Treasure HIM! Worship HIM! Learn anew how to gaze upon the glorious light He brings and also learn how, by His light & glory, to see everything else! Watch your perspective, priorities, & purposes change, and with it bring a new Joy, Grace, Appreciation, Wonder, as well as great blessing and effectiveness in Christian living, giving, serving, & witnessing.
This Christmas season, our church will explore the Wonders of Christ’s Incarnation through the worship arts & drama, and anointed teaching, the deeper meaning of Christmas. These themes include Hope & Expect-ation, Courage & Humility, Worship & Unity, Joy & Wonder, and the Light of the World. I hope you join us in this time of great excitement & celebration.
Christmas 2008 – Catch the Spirit!

Isaiah 9:6-7
9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”

Have a very Merry & Blessed Christmas!
Pastor Shawn & Ruthie Oberg and family