Gift of Peace

But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel. Matthew 2:6

In the chorus of the song "O Come, all ye faithful", we sing "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!" When Christ was born, not everyone who claimed they wanted to worship the Christ child really wanted to do so. Many of us go through the motions of church worship and service but our minds are usually far away. It is possible to mouth the words of worship and adoration yet not feel them in our hearts. Does anybody know what you really think about in your heart and mind? Are you willing to expose your fears, dreams, and drives to anybody? Exposure is risky?? Are you at peace?

When the wise men from the East came searching for the King of the Jews in Jerusalem where Herod lived, they caused a major commotion. Herod the reigning tyrant king of the Jews, was extremely upset. He was a man who had killed his wife, mother-in-law, and three of his sons, because of his insecurities and greed for power and wealth. The news of the birth of the King of Kings intrigued him. Herod immediately called for the religious men of law and asked them where the Messiah was prophesied to be born. The chief priests of the day said they expected the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Herod asked the Magi to tell him when they had found the child, so that he could worship Him as well. However, in reality he did not want to worship Him but wanted to kill the baby who was an imminent threat to his throne.

The coming of the wise men from the East showed that the Messiah was recognized as one who would bring peace to the Jews as well as the Gentiles Micah 5:4-5. Christ was born during the Pax Romana, a time when there was relative peace in the territories controlled by the Roman Empire. The Romans assured their people of peace and security. The legal system that brought law and order to the provinces is still practiced by many of the western court systems even today. The Jews detested the Roman rule and Herod as he was appointed King by the Romans.

Does not everybody want to live in peace? What was the peace that Christ offered to the world torn apart by hatred and violence then, and even today? What steps have you taken to be a visible sign of God's peace on earth?

Jesus said,"I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." The peace that Christ brought was peace of heart and mind (John 14:26-27). Are you willing to surrender your fears, dreams, and drives to Christ? Christ has promised the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us and direct us through our life on earth. He offered us a way to live at peace with God and our fellowbeings. He showed us a God who loves us dearly (John 3:16) and sent us His Son that we may all inherit eternal life (John17:3).

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Bit-By-Bit

After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. (I Corinthians 3:5-6)

Mega-churches are growing bigger and bigger everyday. They are taking the likeness of well run business corporations of today. They have to their credit music studios, publishing houses, record labels, and daily talk shows broadcast through their own satellite networks. The largest Mega church Lakewood led by Pastor Joel Osteen recently leased the Compaq Center previously occupied by the NBA Houston Rockets. They have recently increased their television airtime expenditure from 6 million dollars to 12 million dollars, now being able to reach 92% of US households. Pastor Rick Warren Of Saddleback Church has sold 5.8 million copies of his book Purpose Driven Life. He outsold Billy Graham and has become the most successful Christian publisher in USA today. Corporations pay big bucks to market their products and the mega churches are following suite. However what the corporations lack is the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who reach out to the needy in love.

The fundamentalist and evangelical movement focused their attention on inviting their members to build a personal relationship with Jesus and in so doing obtaining personal salvation. While the mainline churches continued their focus on social issues. Is the gospel message focused on righteousness that zooms in on personal development or social development? Are churches built around the personality of the pastor or built around the personality of Christ? What makes people and churches to grow spiritually?

Paul draws us to a similar situation in the church where there was jealousy and quarreling among the members of the church. He said they were being controlled by their own desires (I Corinthians 3:3). Beware of any spiritual leader that focuses on your personal desires, financial prosperity, and the need to gain success by world standards because that only leads to ruin (I Corinthians 3:15-17). We should always envision the bigger picture, where we are all partners working together to build communities that love God, one another and live transformed lives centered on Christ (I Corinthians 3:9). We should learn to appreciate that it is only God that causes the growth (I Corinthians 3:6).

Christ spoke of a parable (Mark 4:26-29) of what the Kingdom of God is compared to, He said it is like a farmer who planted seeds in the field. Bit-by-bit the seed sprouted and grew to become a plant that yields fruit. This is how we grow spiritually, step-by-step, slowly we begin to become who God created us to be. Our hope is not in anything within us that makes us grow, but in Christ who brings about this growth. Jesus said that anyone who is willing to hear, listen, understand and obey are the ones who will be open to Him and grow spiritually. Just as the seed relied on the earth, air, sun, and water all of which is provided by God, so we rely fully on God who can only bring about the growth in us that is of eternal value. Yes, Paul says some sow the seeds and some water but it is only God who can bring about the growth(I Corinthians 3:6).

Dissipation, Drunkenness and Doubts

Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. Luke 21: 34

Walking through the mall with my family, we came across a young man selling olive wood carvings of various themes from the Bible. Prominent among them were manger scenes in different varieties. Among others were Last supper, Christ on the cross, Good Shepherd with a lamb around his shoulders, and many others. On the roof of his cart that had all these carvings displayed was a small board that read Bethlehem Christian Families.

He said this olive art tradition had been handed down from father to son since the 12 th century. The designs displayed on this small cart were the workmanship of over 85 families. The wood used was from Olive trees that were over 700 years old.

We were delighted with the designs and more so that they were from olive trees grown in the holy land for thousands of years. The religious significance of them made out of the evergreen Olive tree the symbol of peace and beauty, possibly the wood used to crucify Christ also compelled us to make a small investment in the manger scene on a lazy Susan, with music box attached at the bottom of it. We hoped it would provide entertainment for our one year old as well. Here in this Temple of Commerce, we found something symbolic of Christmas. With long lines of families waiting to take a photograph with Santa and even longer lines with shoppers waiting to buy stuff from Sears, Macys and J. C. Penny we found ourselves indulging in buying this scene. We found ourselves been drawn out of the maddening crowd of shoppers to this carpenter with a push cart carrying his merchandise from Bethlehem.

It was something that stirred our memories of a long time ago in Bethlehem when the Christ child was born. Something that brought in the living presence of the Christ into our lives. Something that fills us with hope that one day we will be with Him. As the season of feasting, acquiring and drunkenness sets upon us, let us find ways to turn to Christ. When we set out dining, acquiring, achieving and drinking, we scarcely have time for God. Christ is telling us to take care for He is present where He is invited to be. Christ is present among the poor, lonely, sick, and forgotten. Are these not people who have the time for Christ? Do you know of anyone who is in dire need? If not find someone stricken by poverty, death, or illness and reach out to them during this season of Christmas with your presents or with your presence in their midst.

Simple Deeds of Mercy

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:35-36

Whom did Christ expect us to care for? Who did He call the least in the world's eyes? Those who have no standing in society. Those who do not have the means to live from day to day. Those who are lonely and in need of comfort and strength to face each day. When we reach out to those in need (the least) through simple deeds of mercy, it shows that we are listening to the voice of our Heavenly Father. Christ said my sheep follow me because they know my voice (John 10:3). We are called to practice these deeds from day to day.

On the day of final judgement, Christ will separate those who have practiced deeds of compassion from those who have not. In his parable he refers to them (Matthew 25: 31-46) as sheep and goats. The sheep are those who go out of the way to reach out to those in need and are sent to live in Heaven. As the parable indicates they feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe those who have need of them, care for the sick, and visit the prisoners. While the goats are those who did nothing to lend a helping hand to those in need and are sent away to Hell.

Jesus said that He lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:15). As sheep of His flock it means to realize that it is not our good deeds, but the sacrifice of Christ on the cross that gives us eternal life. This gift of grace calls us to lay down our lives to follow in the way that Christ calls us to go. How can we say our God is love, when our brother or sister is in need? As we grow in our faith we begin to hear the voice of Jesus calling us to reach out to those in need through simple deeds of mercy.

Good and Faithful

'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matthew 25:21

The Kingdom of God was likened by Jesus to a land lord who goes on a long journey. Before he goes he calls 3 of his servants and entrusts them with money according to different proportions. When he returns two of the servants doubled their money while one who was given the least played it safe and just buried it in the ground. It addition to this the servant rebuked the master for being so unkind to him. The master called him lazy and wicked and threw him out into the darkness where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth.

What are the things that God entrusts us with and expects us to faithfully use them for his glory? It can be any kind of opportunity, ability or talent that God entrusts us with. What are we doing with them to glorify God? It can be even washing the dishes or taking care of a large organization. If we do our tasks to bring glory to God we have faithfully discharged our duty. We must always remember whatever we have is not our own. It has been entrusted to us to use to bring glory to God's name. When we aspire and try to make a name for ourselves or amass wealth for ourselves we are doing this to glorify ourselves and not God. God knows our thoughts and our intentions we must be careful with how we use them.

We see two different kinds of responses to the call that was given by the servants. One responded with goodness and faithfulness. They did their best to use their gifts serve God's Kingdom. But the one servant did nothing. Unless we are productive and bear fruit we are of no use to the Kingdom of God (1 Peter 4:10-12). Unless we make the best of our opportunities we are of no use to the Kingdom (Ephesians 4:16).

Stay Awake Be Prepared

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13

It is still a custom in many traditions where the bridegroom comes at night to claim his bride along with his friends. Jesus used this tradition as a parable to picturize His return. Jesus depicted the Kingdom of Heaven to the story of 10 bridesmaids who were expectantly waiting for the arrival of the Bridegroom. 5 of them came prepared with extra oil and the others came with nothing extra. When the Bridegroom arrived after considerable delay the 5 who had no extra oil asked for some for their lamps. The other 5 who were prepared replied they did not have enough for all of them. So when they returned after getting their lamps lit the Bridegroom refused them entry stating that He did not know them.

Jesus denied them entry into the celebration because he did not know them. Do you know Jesus? Do you have a personal relationship with Him? How deep is this relationship? It is proven fact that relationships grow stronger particularly if they are built during times of stress and hardships. Our relationship cannot be acquired, inherited, bought or borrowed at the last minute.

What is this Kingdom of Heaven that Christ spoke off? He was talking about heaven, earth and even the hearts of all believers. We have to come to Jesus in repentence and humbly restore our hearts that often stray away from Him. Here the 10 bridesmaids were all anticipating the coming of the Bridegroom but only 5 were prepared. Jesus was showing us that there is a difference between knowing about His return and being prepared for his return. Jesus is cautioning us to be on the alert, stay prepared, and be awake.

Signs of the Times

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. Matthew 24:4

Today there are many who claim to know and understand the signs of the times. They claim that the world will end shortly. However this question had been in the minds of even the disciples who when they asked Christ, " What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" His advice to them was not to let any one mislead them. Not to be carried away by wars, persecution and even by many who will do great miraculous signs. All Christ desires of us is to live our lives in a manner that will bring glory to God. It is very easy to spend our time in fear or inactivity of the time when the world will come to an end.

The coming of Christ will be like a thief at night. Christ said that ,"the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Matt 24:44 So how can we prepare for the Second coming.? Christ cautions us not to break our heads over these things but to spend our time in looking for ways to spread the gospel or to help our neighbor. Look for ways to deepen our relationship with Christ and our Fellowmen. Paul urges us not to sink into a state of inactivity but to be watchful, pray and exercise discipline in everything.

If we knew that Christ was coming tomorrow what will we do today? We need to be a light to the encompassing darkness around us (Matthew 5:14). Christ urged us to live our lives in a manner that men may see His light shinning through our lives, through our actions and our words. In this day of reality TV are our lives a living reality of Christ's love? We need to listen, understand, and act on what the Spirit of Christ is telling us to do today.

Lifting the Human Veil

In Christ we have boldness and access God with confidence by the faith Him. Eph 3:12

Tozer in his book "The pursuit of God" says, "Self is the opaque veil that hides the Face of God from us.” Many of us are so self-sufficient today that we barely sense the need for God. How can we tear this veil of self sufficiency today?

He goes on to say, "Let us beware of tinkering with our inner life in hope ourselves to rend the veil. God must do everything for us. Our part is to yield and trust." Often we try hard on our own to make our inner lives stronger scarcely realizing that it can be only done by the working of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds. All we have to do is yield and trust God to complete the work he has started.

Moses in Exodus 33:18-23 pleads with God to see his glorious presence. Yet God denied this request by saying that no one can see His face and live. Later Philip longed to see God the Father, and asked Jesus to reveal Him to them that they may be satisfied. But Christ’s words to him were, “Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves (John 14: 9-11).”

If we yield ourselves to Jesus, He will lift this veil of self that separates us from God, and restore us into an abundant life in the glorious presence of His mercy and grace.