Weekly Devo: The Journey To Bethlehem — New Beginings.

(Luke 2:25-38; Matthew 1:18-25)

What started as a text sent to a stranger has resulted in a 10-year friendship. You may have already heard the story… Grandma was texting her family, and one text went to a stranger. He jokingly sent a response, correcting the situation but asked if he could still attend – even though he was a stranger. Grandma said, “Of course, that’s what grandmas do. We feed everyone!” (Wanda & Jamal)

Wanda Dench and Jamal Hinton Celebrate 10th Thanksgiving. 

As we now turn our attention to traditional Christmas, this Advent season, we are going to take a journey. A journey that can help us in our spiritual development. (I say this is the traditional Christmas because we don’t know the exact timetable of the birth of Jesus.)

Today’s journey looks at Mary and Joseph.

Mary and Joseph are having a baby. Their trip has been planned from the beginning of time, and they are on their way to a new beginning! For them and for us too, the circumstances were a surprise, but it was definitely a planned and purposeful pregnancy.

Even though they had some choice in the matter, there were certain elements of the Christmas story that surprised even them. They were forced to go to the ancestral hometown of the line of David.

As we take this journey through Advent this year, my hope is that you will gain a greater understanding and appreciation for what God wants to do in your life.

Together, we will look at the villain or the powerful in the Christmas story. We will gain an understanding of how Herod sought to destroy God’s plan.

Together, we will also look at the most vulnerable period beginning with the baby Jesus, as well as in the lives of simple people who are invited first to come and worship. The realization that the greatest proclamation and gift given was to the lowly — The Shepherds! 

We will also take a look at the role that the angels serve in this Christmas story. Certainly, Gabriel and the heavenly choir teach us something about the preparation needed for the unveiling of a Savior.

We cannot look to the manger without also seeing the cross. In this part of the story, we find that the angels were busy in their preparation, but at the cross, they were restricted from interfering.

We will also take a look at those who have come from far away. These may be referred to as the outsiders, but they were considered the Magi, wise men who were kings in their own right and brought gifts to the Savior, which spoke of His death more than His birth.

So let’s get into this first journey. It was certainly not a vacation destination.

Bethlehem was not a tourist spot except for the many who also needed to register according to the law; a census was to be taken. Having to return to their hometown/region, they were responsible for making the arrangements. This pointed to the prophecy that connected Jesus to the line of David! But as you know, the place was overrun with many people. As we are told, there was no place for them, so they had to have a makeshift manger scene. Probably, it was the back room of a home where every other part of the residence was filled.

In Micah 5, we find one of the many prophecies being fulfilled. It is in Bethlehem, the least of all cities, that would bear the most. It was the least chosen that proclaimed the best message of all, illuminated by a star that guided the spectators.

A Ruler from Bethlehem

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,

are only a small village among all the people of Judah.

Yet a ruler of Israel,

whose origins are in the distant past,

will come from you on my behalf. (Micah 5:2)

Which Christmas movie is your favorite? No Christmas season is complete without the many Christmas movies. I have many, as do you.

One that really sticks out to me, featuring a belief in the spirit of Christmas, is “Miracle on 34th Street.” Because of its commercialization and popularity, a child-like faith was on trial. The story is about how everyone came to a child-like faith. Though the story was about belief in Santa Claus, the message was clearly about faith and belief in something more than ourselves. (We can watch this fantasy film and also discuss the reality of faith in Christ.)

Another favorite is with Jimmy Stewart. You may recall it - “It’s A Wonderful Life.” It was set in a community in Bedford Falls with the ever-struggling Savings and Loans business. It wasn’t a business that George wanted, and eventually, he was so depressed and worried about a scandal that he wished he had never been born. It was a journey that he was on, a road to no return. Clarence, his guardian angel, saved him from a dreadful decision but took him down the road that reminded him that his life has value. Remember the famous line? “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets their wings.” (We can also learn that through sacrifice and giving to others, one finds that what matters is faith and friendship!)

The true Christmas story is one of struggle and hardship, but the struggle gives way to a miracle for each and every one of us.

We too are on a road of our own. Some are of our own making while others are directed by God. Don't be surprised if you discover that these roads are going to merge at the junction of God's making (if you let Him). Roads are not always easy. Few are paved because this may be the first time they have been traveled. The young couple discovered that surprise trips to us are well-traveled by God, who promised a great miracle in the making. Embrace the plan that God is revealing to you.

The Gospels record that Mary was visited by an angel, and Joseph was awakened from his dream with the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:34 & Matthew 1:24). Their journey was one of faith, hope, and love. It is joy that we experience through the Gospel account of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

What trips have you taken? What do you usually forget to pack? What plans have you had interrupted on your journey? Consider Mary and Joseph. Their trip was filled with uncertainty mixed with excitement. A new baby was going to be born to change them as well as the world!

Growing up, our family did not take many vacation trips. Though a few were to visit family, most of our holidays were spent at home. (Trips to Florida to visit my mother’s family created memories for me.)

Debbie McDaniel wrote in her article, “7 Promises from God to Remind Us: He Will Bring Good from the Storms in Our Lives.”

“Through every trial and storm we encounter in life, God will use it to make a mark in this world.The troubles we walk through can bring glory to Him. He will use our lives, the joy and faith we have, in spite of our problems, to draw others to Himself, and to help us remember that what we see around us is not all there is. For He has more in store, and it is greater than we can ever imagine….”

What lessons can we learn from the journey of Mary and Joseph?

Though they were not guided by a star, they held closely the secret that was to be revealed to the whole world, for unto us a child is born! God with us – Emmanuel. He came to be known as Jesus, and He came to relate to our suffering so that we can experience the joy of salvation.

Here’s a bit of a rundown of the things that they experienced that I believe we can relate to as well in our own spiritual journey.

1. Their journey began with a promise.

2. Their journey was filled with uncertainty.

3. Their journey had a nemesis, an enemy who wanted to destroy God’s plan!

4. Their journey was witnessed by key individuals that marked the truth and substance of the Gospel!

5. Their journey gave testimony to the greatest gift!

What can you take away from this journey as we wait on the Lord this Advent? 

What does God want you to trust Him with? 

What promise has He given to you to sustain you spiritually? 

What provisions has He given which display His glory in your life? 

What gift have you received and can’t give away that has eternal value?

Mary and Joseph were faced with a fearful and uncertain experience, yet they found faith and trust in God’s plan and direction along the way.

We also learn the importance of community and the support needed in uncertain times, demonstrated by the innkeeper, the risk of dreams dashed because of the jealousy of the powerful - Herod, the visit of the shepherds (the lowly), and the choir of angels who announced this wonderful birth of the Christ child! The first gifts given pointed to the cross by the Magi. 

**We know of adversity in this story. It is very much present, and the drama is also complete with the very first gifts given by the Magi.

Each week we will further unpack the story, verse by verse, and come to learn the incredible story of the Birth of a Savior — Who is Christ the Lord!

Closing: 

As we conclude our journey to Bethlehem, we are reminded that the path to new beginnings is often filled with uncertainty, challenges, and divine purpose. Just as Mary and Joseph embraced their calling despite the obstacles, we too are invited to trust in God's plan for our lives. The Christmas story is not just about the birth of a child; it is about hope, faith, and the miraculous ways God works through ordinary people and situations.

Quote for Conclusion:  

“Every journey we take, whether marked by joy or hardship, is an opportunity for God to reveal His purpose and promise in our lives.”

Action Step:  

Take time this week to reflect on your own journey. Identify an area where you can trust God more deeply and express that faith through a specific action, whether it be reaching out for support, stepping out in faith, or embracing the divine purpose unfolding in your life.

Reading the scripture that reminds us to make room in our heart for Jesus! 

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!

She will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel,

which means ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:23)

(RickECarder.com | Lancaster Wesleyan Church)

Weekly Devo: A Grateful Heart Is Peace-filled & Contentment.

I find it hard to sit still. I am always processing ideas and my mind is often racing. I have my list of things that need done. You do too! We can find ourselves rushing through life. Why are we in such a hurry? 

I notice that even when someone rushes past me on the road, they end up stuck at the same stop light as me. I laugh inside, as do you. Hurry doesn't always win the race!  Take time to listen to the message here. 

 

Today we are dealing with a couple of related topics, but it brings us closer to understanding how we can have a grateful heart. Gratitude is the key to a happy and fulfilling Christian life. As you know, it’s not about the stuff we have that makes us successful but only whaybis done in Christ. 

 

Over the last several weeks, we have walked through the book of Philippians. It is here that we find Paul speaking of joy, even though he is in chains and in prison. Last week I shared with you the number of days that he was in prison. (It was over 2,100 days.) This week I’m going to give you another number that will hopefully help us to understand more deeply the power of God‘s Word applied in our lives.

 

The apostle Paul tells us that we should not worry. That’s easy for him to say. Worry as often what leads as a major theme in our lives. How can you say that? Well, he gives us the answer.  He says pray about everything.

 

In this world, we will suffer. I hope that’s not bad news for you. In reality, it should be bring us joy to know that in our suffering God walks with us. We don’t live under our circumstances, but we live holding the hand of our savior through every trial.

 

As Christians, we understand this. Non-Christians don’t. This is why we are called upon to live virtuous. That is to be kind and generous. We should let the fruit of the spirit rule our lives through the Holy Spirit. As you know, virtue doesn’t save us, but God uses it to bring people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

 

This is why we are collecting food. We want to help others who are in-need! 

Our world is mixed up and upside down. It’s a terrible thing to seek success by climbing up that corporate ladder only to discover that you are leaning against the wrong wall. Equally, it is not the one with the most toys who wins in the end. It is often the one who sacrificed and gave up for the sake of others that true happiness and joy originate. 

We are but only a few days away from Black Friday – you know. It is when Christmas officially begins because of commercialization. People rush to get their things and they forget the most important of all priorities can only be found in Jesus.

 

In life we are encouraged to be successful. We are rewarded for being first. When we rush we can risk crashing. This last week I drove to Wisconsin by way of Chicago. It is ironic to think that people fly past you at 80 or 90 miles an hour only to end up at the same place as me. They risk their lives to get ahead, but, to what benefit? Today we’re learning about the benefits of a grateful heart. The final chapter in Philippians teaches us a few various essential values that we take to heart.

 

We all like the idea of Philippians 4:13. It tells us that we can do all things. That’s not exactly true. Put simply, in the context of which it is written, Paul is in chains. He could do all things. So we must start the message by helping us to understand the context to which this is written.

• It is written in a time of limitation – Paul is in chains.
• It is written in a time of suffering in hardship.
• It is written during circumstances that are less than ideal and especially for the apostle Paul clearly demonstrated a zeal in a passion in his ministry.

How should we understand this passage related to the rest of Philippians? We must understand that it is through peace and contentment that we can truly understand the joy of a living faith because of the work of the Holy Spirit.

 

This verse is often interpreted in the context of contentment, resilience, and divine empowerment.

 

Although we don’t have time to study yet, we have to remember that the Book of Acts is titled the Acts of the Apostles, but I tell you this, it is the Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles & during the wonderful beginning of the church.

 

The gratitude funnel helps us to envision what it means to have a grateful heart. Each of these elements we have discussed through the writings of Paul. We now come to a couple that we will talk about that are related to one another. The idea that Paul wants us to know is that we can have a peace filled and contented life.

 

Max Lucado:

   - "It is not just that Christ empowers us; it’s that His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses. This verse reminds us that our limitations can become opportunities when we lean on His strength."

 

Yet, we are instructed to find peace even in our midst of broken pieces. We should race for the right things. For the approval of God and not the applause of mankind. We are told by Paul to stay true to God and resolve conflict. 

 

We must not worry about anything. (Philippians 4:6-7) Paul found peace when he understood that God will supply all his needs because God is generous and knows what we need. 

 

This is my testimony! I came from difficult times, but God used those experiences to shape me into who I am today. Though I’m not who I’m yet to be I praise the Lord that I’m not who I once was.

 

Life was not easy. There seemed to always be conflict. I had never felt like I measured up. I dealt with abuse – forms of injustice that occurred to me when I was vulnerable. Some find my story unbelievable but, God brought me through.

 

I found peace that passes all understanding.

 

Last week we learned that there is an eternal perspective that we must have about circumstances that we are dealing with. Though we cannot control the world or the things that happened to us, yet we can control – through the power of the Holy Spirit the effect that could have in our lives.

 

We don’t have to hold to resentment or pain or bitterness or hatefulness or anger or be frustrated in life. If we could see that God is writing his story in our lives – for his glory – it changes our perspective.

Also related to Philippians 4:13. It actually reads, “…all things through Christ.”

 

Wesleyan Anthology:

   - "Paul’s assertion in Philippians 4:13 speaks not to the triumph of human effort but to the divine support that enables believers to overcome all trials. The assurance of strength in Christ fosters a spirit of perseverance and faithful living."

 

Peace in the midst of broken pieces – this is how God does his best work in our lives – if we let him.

• We also must understand true contentment comes from God.

• Paul understood this and he tells us to put first things first. 

• We need to prioritize Jesus above all things.

 

It’s easy to have our list of problems about anything because if we do not find contentment, we will find complaints.

 

What is your deepest need? God knows! In fact, He is trying to work that out within us if we would let him. Think about what you struggle to achieve the most… Success? Money? Reputation? Better things? To be number one? These are things that are filled with vanity and none of them will we take with us.

 

Prayerbis surrendering unto God into in alignment to our priorities, according to the things of God, the scripture says that all other things will be added unto us, but first we must seek Hum! 

 

We need to depend upon Jesus in all things.

 

Paul’s circumstances were less than ideal yet he learned to be content whether he had plenty or was in need – whether he was full or empty. In either case he sought to depend upon God.

 

That, my friends is not easy. Life‘s filled with frustrations at all different levels: some of our own making and others because of somebody else’s doing.

 

I have to tell you that I would love to put a dummy thermostat in the Church sanctuary. Why? Because it doesn’t regulate your temperature yet we constantly adjust it to suit ourselves. It is intended to regulate the environment for which we occupy. If our internal thermostat is working, that is 98.5°, which makes us human and not lizards or fish, we will find true contentment no matter the environment we are in. Of course, she may have to grab a sweater or a jacket or a hat and maybe even find some mittens to help regulate your internal thermostat. Nevertheless, it’s easy to want to control the condition for everyone else.

 

I believe that there is a spiritual conditioning or a discipline that we learn as we grow in the Lord, and it is up to us as individuals to adjust to God‘s plan and in His environment.

 

Can I suggest that contentment is a learned response?

 

Look at the first couple of verses and you will see the conflict is inevitable within the church. The two ladies that are in conflict with one another are being encouraged to find harmony. How would you like to be recorded in the Bible for all eternity as having conflict with each other? They certainly had a reputation that Paul was trying to solve.

 

True peace and true contentment can only come through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

 

In just a couple weeks, we will be studying the Christmas story. Within that story is an understanding that Jesus is the prince of peace, but at no time in history in the past present, nor in the future, will there be lasting peace. Only by coming to Jesus as individuals, humbled, and submitting to his will can peace and contentment exist.

 

Every peace accord or treaty or United Nations agreement have all been broken. It will happen again. Why? Because we are imperfect, and apart from God through the Holy Spirit work in our lives, it remains in probable and impossible for there to be lasting peace and contentment.

 

Yet we can have gratitude!

 

It starts with being thankful and then quickly moves to having the right attitude – knowing that we are blessed by God, and having the fruit of the spirit as a harvest of the heart and gaining a true knowledge of an eternal perspective. It is only then can we find peace and contentment in our own heart.

 

What is this number? Looking at the King James version of the translation of the book of Philippians, this is the number of words that are found here through a Greek translation. Paul uses over 2100 words to describe a single idea. He is Going on and on through illustration and principle, based on his own life and his relationship with God through Christ, that he resolves that joy is the main topic.

 

There’s a funny sketch that Bob Newhart does in a video you may have seen. He is sitting at his counselor‘s desk when a woman comes in and says that she needs help. He tells her that for 5 bucks he can solve her problem with just two words. It is simple! The punch line? He would tell them to, “STOP IT!”

 

I don’t want to simplify or minimize the circumstances for which we live. It is natural for us to worry and have fear. But, God will walk with us, no matter the circumstances. While I want us to understand that it is simple, we need to understand also that it is not easy. The things that we are dealing with in the concerns that we are confronted with are real. It is not practical to assume that we are to be removed from the world. However, God walks with us in and through every circumstance. We are being perfected, but it’s the work of the Holy Spirit.

 

As we consider our conclusion by summarizing those four or five things that Paul teaches us, we must begin with a heart of thankfulness. We then quickly move on to have the attitude of Christ who was humble and meek. We can have a life that is fruitful through the work of the Holy Spirit. And finally, we can receive peace that passes all understanding and contentment no matter how much or how little we have.

 

Paul certainly is grateful for the help that he received. Yet, Paul gives praise to God as well.

 Joy unspeakable and full of glory, this is what God has for us. It is at work from within through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives.

 

Every good work of God must have a beginning. Today is your new beginning. As I ask these final questions I want to encourage each of us to come to God with open hands to receive what he wants to give to us.

 

Closing questions:

When was the last time you felt at peace? How did God supply what you needed? What is keeping you from finding contentment in Christ alone? 

 

Perhaps a summary verse that we can close our service with today would be the following: 

 

Philippians 4:6 reads:
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all He has done.