Advent Day 24 – Angels Announcing His Birth

Posted on December 24, 2013 by David Nuottila

Northern-Lights1And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. Luke 2:8-9

St. Luke tells the story of shepherds in the fields, watching and protecting their flock. Shepherds in those days were not educated people; it was not a glamorous job. Artwork depicting this scene is most certainly a little askew as many images portray humble men in flowing tunics. Such was not necessarily the case, being a shepherd was a lonely dirty job and shepherds were not pillars of society. Yet, regardless of their status, or perhaps because of it, God chose them to be the first to hear the announcement of Christ’s birth.

Away from the city, in the fields alone, suddenly, instantly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them saying “Don’t be afraid.” How could these shepherds not be afraid? One moment they are watching their flock and the next they are confronted by an angel. Then all at once, they must have also been blinded by a great light because “the glory of the Lord shown all around them.” Don’t be afraid? Luke tells us that they were terrified. But imagine their full range of emotion when there hear the good news for the first time.

“Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

God’s angel announced the birth of the long awaited Messiah to those simple, dirty, uneducated men watching sheep in the fields. And suddenly, if that weren’t enough, standing in front of them was a sight they never could have imagined. Among them was not only one angel, but a choir of the heavenly host. There were hundreds of thousands of angels! The company of God’s angels came to earth that night singing “Glory to God in the highest!” The only witnesses? A band of shepherds and their sheep.

The announcement heard so many years ago by shepherds in the fields was missed by the world. Shepherds sang for joy and angel choirs sang sweetly or’e the plains while in a crowded town the Messiah’s birth went unnoticed. It is the same announcement made today. God’s power made perfect, coming as a child born of lowly parents. Even as churches all over the world sing Glory to God in the highest, a fallen humanity is caught up in worldly concerns. Many continue to miss the announcement of Messiah’s birth.

People of God, listen. Listen and hear the echoes of sweet music accompanying beautiful voices as they announce the birth of Christ. Listen and reflect as angelic choirs sing Glory to God in the highest, because God has saved his people through power; power perfected through weakness; the power of Love.

Glory to God in the highest! And on earth, peace and good will! Amen.

Photo: Northern Lights over Michigan, A Healthier Michigan

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Advent Day 23 – Light of the World

Posted on December 23, 2013 by David Nuottila

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The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Isaiah 9:2

When the Word of the Lord came to the prophet Isaiah, he spoke to a people who, much like those of our busy and difficult times, were caught up in the struggle against the powers of the world. Living in exile for many years, many of the people of Israel were made to bow to idols and false gods. They were captive in a foreign land unable to sing the sacred songs of the Lord. Still, there remained a faithful remnant who continued to offer their worship to God in ways they prayed would be acceptable in His sight.

Today, Christians find themselves in a similar situation. Our progressive society strives to discourage public profession of faith. Public prayer is replaced with moments of silence lest Christians offend others. And the world, in its continued attempt to reinforce secular observance to the day Christians celebrate our Lord’s birth, demands the removal of symbols, songs and language reminding us of God’s ultimate gift to humanity. How ironic that the powers that defy God insist on a skewed celebration the day when God came to earth, but stand so strongly against the mere mention of Jesus at Christmas. Certainly, people are still walking in darkness.

Isaiah’s prophetic witness bears truth to the power of God’s love. Living as a people fallen into sin, humanity walks in the darkness of a world separated from God’s love by sin. Yet God’s promises stand firm; “I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations” (Isaiah 42:6). The power of God’s love is measured by the gift of salvation brought to those who call upon the Lord and believe Jesus is light for our darkened world.

Today, living as people walking in the light of Christ, Christians continue in the struggle to worship God in ways that are pleasing in His sight. We offer our songs of praise and lift up our prayerful concerns with such belief that God has already fully addressed our needs. God calls His people to live differently than as the world lives. He calls us to remain faithful in times of trial and to take every opportunity to share the good news of Christ the Lord. God help us to remain faithful to this calling, and cause us to be faithful reflections of the light of Christ the Lord.

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Advent Day 22 – The Star

Posted on December 22, 2013 by David Nuottila

star-of-bethlehem1I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. Numbers 24:17

Sometime before the birth of Christ, a bright new star burst forth shining its light on a world darkened by sin. Perhaps most didn’t notice it; after all there are so many stars in the night sky who would notice the addition of one more dot of light in the heavens? Yet, there were some who did. Magi from the East, men who were star gazers, astronomers, wise men, they noticed this new and brilliant star. Something told them it was important. A feeling came over them that they should follow its light and see what revelation it might bring to bear. Who knows? Perhaps it could be the sign that God’s Christ is to come to earth.

Long ago God spoke through the prophets. The prophecy of the Messiah came to God’s people in many and various ways. Balaam bore witness to God’s promise to send his anointed; the star from Jacob shall come and defeat the powers that hold God’s people captive to sin and defy His will for the world. Darkness would no longer engulf those whose sins are forgiven and the people walking in darkness will be children of the light.

Today, we call this star the Star of Bethlehem. It is the subject of children’s Christmas pageants and Sunday school lessons. It is also a central part of a hymn that has become a fixture in liturgical churches, a hymn about wise men and the revelation of Jesus’ coming into the world. The star is a beacon of hope and a symbol of the eternal reign of Jesus as Lord. Have you noticed it?

The signs of God’s gracious love are all around. Even now, as Christmas is just days away the signs and symbols of Jesus’ coming are all around. In the lawns of churches and homes we may see a crèche complete with shepherds, sheep and angles keeping watch as Mary and Joseph welcome their child. Church bells ring in praise of God’s glory, candles glow with the warmth and light of God’s favor. Trees are decorated with symbols and Christ monograms telling us of God’s most precious gift. And somewhere deep within the night sky, a star burns brightly. Can you see it?

O Star of wonder, star of night;
Star with royal beauty bright.
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to Thy perfect light.

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Advent Day 21 – Return from Exile

Posted on December 21, 2013 by David Nuottila

???????????????????????????????So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. Nehemiah 6:15-16

It is difficult for Christians to imagine not being able to come to the house of the Lord and worship on Sunday morning. Most of us have the opportunity for regular worship and life among God’s people. There are, however, places around the world where the people of God are prohibited from public expression of their faith and gathering in worship. In many ways, these persons are in exile, yet God is with them just as He was with the Israelites in exile so long ago.

Following many years of captivity, the children of Israel finally returned from exile to the land God promised their ancestors. The book of Ezra records for God’s people the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring His people home. Under the leadership of Nehemiah and after many years of construction, adversity and determination, the walls of the great city Jerusalem were built and foundation of the temple was laid. The people of Israel had indeed returned to their homeland. It would be many years still until the temple unto the Lord was completed, but with Nehemiah as governor and Ezra the scribe, public worship and reading from the Book of Moses were restored.

Throughout the history of Israel, we see how God has reached out to his people, extending to them His love, mercy and grace. Keeping His promise to restore the people to the Promised Land, God demonstrates His faithfulness in keeping His promises. As public worship resumed, so too did the proclamation of God’s prophets concerning the promise of the Messiah. Just as they were kept from worship for so long, for another four hundred years, the people of God would wait for the announcement of the angels concerning the birth of Christ.

Through the gift of Christ Jesus, God continues to demonstrate the lengths He will go in order to deliver His people. Throughout the history of Israel, God reached out in love to a people fallen into sin. With them even in exile, God delivered His people once again and restored them to the land promised them so long ago. Throughout time and space, God reaches out to those who suffer from the consequences of our human condition. Through the gift of Jesus, God kept His promise of a Savior. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, God continues to keep His promise to be with His people. Now, as Advent people, we continue to look for the coming of our Lord in glory and God’s keeping of His promise to bring us into His kingdom forever.

Saving God, as we continue to walk in the darkness of a sinful world, we know that through Christ, you have brought light and life to a fallen humanity. Keep us steadfast in your Word and strengthen our faith, as we await the coming of your Christ. Bring us into your kingdom where we may worship and live with your forever. Amen.

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Advent Day 20 – Remaining Faithful

Posted on December 20, 2013 by David Nuottila

scripture_closeup_0_previewShadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

As influence of worldly kings and powers that defy God grew among the ancient people of Israel, many of the children of God turned to false gods and idol worship. Angered by their continued disobedience, the people lost favor with God. Conquered by the Babylonians, the Israelites were exiled to a foreign land and forced to bow down and worship the gods of their captors. The One true God, however, did not abandon His people.

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob remained with His people even in a foreign land. Where His people went, there He would go too. Even in exile under a ruthless king, a remnant of the people of Israel remained faithful to the God of their ancestors. Refusing to bow to false gods, they knew and believed God would remain true to His promises to deliver His people. Through the words of the prophet, God said, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2).

In our world today there is no shortage of false gods and evil powers working against the goodness of God. The influence of these false gods is felt even among the most faithful followers of Christ Jesus. False gods such as wealth, power and political prowess lead some into a sense that they are impervious to much of what is wrong in the world. As society continues its attempt to influence the Church, the powers that defy God attempt to convince humanity that what was once called sin is now socially acceptable and pleasing. All too often, God’s people are expected to abandon their public proclamation and conform to the norms of a fallen world. Still, the people of God are called to remain faithful.

So long ago, God preserved a faithful remnant of the people of Israel and through them fulfilled His promise to redeem the world. Born in the lineage of King David, Jesus Christ came into our time and space as the child of Mary and Joseph. He lived among God’s people teaching according to the law and the prophets that we might learn from his example and strive to live a god pleasing life. Jesus gave His life as ransom for our sin and on the third day was raised from the grave so that we too might have eternal life through Him. Until that day when He comes again, the people of God are to proclaim His gospel of truth and live a life of repentance, confessing our sin and turning away from powers that lead us astray. We are to share this good news of God’s salvation and in doing so God’s promise remains true; “I will be with you.”

Loving Father, we give you thanks for your divine presence in the lives of your people. Help us to see that through your Holy Spirit, you are with us always. Give us the strength to remain faithful to your Word and bring us to everlasting life in your kingdom through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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