Fourth Sunday of Advent

A testimony for the fourth Sunday of Advent…

“I am the Lord’s servant, May it be to me as you have said.”
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”  (Luke 1:38, 45  NIV)

After the angel Gabriel told me that I was going to bear the Son of the Most High who would sit on David’s throne, I decided to go and see Elizabeth.  Gabriel had said that she was to bear a child also.  This would also be a miracle, because Elizabeth was past the age of bearing children.  I wanted to tell her what the angel had said to me and find out how these things were coming to pass in her own life as well.  When I entered her house she began to prophesy:  “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!”  It seemed that at every turn, God was confirming His word to me.  At first Joseph, after I told him I was pregnant, wanted to break off the engagement, but an angel spoke to him that this child was of God and to not be afraid.  Then the Romans ordered us to Bethlehem to be part of the census.  It couldn’t have been at a worse time as the baby was due at any time, but this, too, was part of God’s plan.  Shepherds came and worshipped Jesus in the stable where I had given birth.  They also spoke of angels that had told them about the Savior born to them, the Messiah, whom they would find in a manger.  Later, Magi from a far country arrived with gifts and a story of a star that had guided them.  And then an angel spoke again to Joseph and told us to go to Egypt as Herod wanted to kill Jesus.  At last we were able to return to Israel.  I thought upon these things for many years and wondered what they all meant; then Jesus, my son, the Son of God, began the work his Father had called him to.  The word of God, miracles, healings, all flowed from him like a river.  Men and women followed his teaching and bowed to him in worship.  I realized that God’s plan was unfolding.  But then, all too soon, it seemed that it was all coming to an end.  Just as Simeon had prophesied, “And a sword will pierce your own soul too”,  I watched as they crucified my son and my heart broke.  But Jesus’ Father had a different plan.  Three days later, God raised His Son back to life and after a season He ascended back to His Father to rule and reign.  You see, Jesus was my son, but He was also my Lord and Savior.  I worship Him as God, because I know that He is God’s only Son, and I have put my trust in Him.  Have you made Jesus your Lord and Savior?  Why not put your trust in Him in this season of honoring His birth and experience your own “new birth”?  (see John 3:1-21)

First Published December 20, 1998

Third Sunday of Advent

A testimony for the third Sunday of Advent…

“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.”
(Luke 2:25  NAS)

I have lived most of my life waiting for the fulfillment of a promise; a promise from God.  The Holy Spirit spoke to me about something that has been ever present in my thoughts:  “I would live to see the coming of the Messiah!”
When I first heard the Spirit, I was so excited and thought, “Surely His arrival cannot be far off.”  Then the months turned to years, and I laughed to myself when I realized that I had a promise to inherit, just like Abraham!  And like Abraham, I waited, believing that what God said; He would do.  Then one day I awoke and realized that the Spirit was directing me to go to the temple.  I wondered if today would be the day that I would see the Messiah.   But I had come to rest in whatever the Spirit said to me, so whatever God had to tell or show me, I would be content.  I waited in the temple court and prayed, “God, here is your servant…” and then I saw the young couple walking into the courtyard.  And the Spirit spoke to me that the baby they were carrying was the Messiah!  What joy filled my heart, when I realized that God’s promise to me was being fulfilled!  I approached the couple and explained to them God’s promise to me and how their child was the hope of Israel.  I took the child in my arms and as I looked upon Him the Spirit came upon me and I began to prophesy:  “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.  For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”  (Luke 2:29-32  NIV).  I handed the baby back to the astonished parents and blessed them and even prophesied to the mother as well.
I left the temple that day content in God’s promise being fulfilled.  Joy, praise, and thanksgiving fill my heart as I rejoice that the Word of God as spoken to the prophets is coming to pass.   God Himself has come to deliver His people and His Spirit is the seal that guarantees His promises (see Ephesians 1:13, 14)!
What are the promises that God has given you?  Their fulfillment is found in hope in Jesus and the Holy Spirit is the guarantee!  Be like Simeon and Abraham:  Don’t waiver in faith, but believe the One who has promised!

First published December 13, 1998

Second Sunday of Advent

A testimony for the second Sunday of Advent…

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.   This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
(Luke 2:10-12  NIV)

I am a shepherd.  My friends are all shepherds.  All I have ever done or known is taking care of sheep, just like my father did, and his father did, and as far back as anyone can remember, we have all taken care of sheep.    Sometimes my friends and I sit around the fire and tell stories late into the night, about David before he was king, and how he was a shepherd and took good care of his sheep.  He would even risk his life for them, killing a bear and a lion.  Maybe he was even tending his sheep in these very hills when God called him to be the next king of Israel.
It was on one of those nights around the fire that we, just like David, had God call upon us.  Our conversation had begun to lull and we watched as the flames began to die down.  That’s when we noticed for just a moment how quiet it was, but suddenly the air around us became radiant, like daytime.  We jumped to our feet, terrified at this phenomenon.  Then this beautiful and frightening being appeared out of nowhere.  We could not look upon him and we fell to the ground, shaking with fear.  He told us to not be afraid and that he had good news for us.  That the long awaited Son of David, our Messiah was born and that we could see him in Bethlehem.  And then the whole sky lit up brighter than day with the glory of God shining everywhere, and angels declaring praises to Him:  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  (Luke 2:14  NIV).  And just as suddenly, they were gone.  All was quiet again.  We all felt like we were waking from a dream, not certain what had happened or what it meant.  From across the valley someone shouted, “Did you see that!”  That seemed to bring us to our senses, for we had all seen and heard and felt.  Everyone began talking and shouting at once.  At last someone said they were going to Bethlehem to see the Messiah and everyone agreed to this plan.
We hurried to the city, and found the baby in the manger, just like the angel had said.  When we entered the stable and saw the child, we found ourselves in God’s presence once again.  We fell on our faces and worshipped our Lord.  When we left and returned to our flocks we shouted and gave praise God who saw fit to visit His people.   Now the story we tell is about all we witnessed.   Give God the glory, for He is still visiting His people!  Have you visited with Him lately?

First published December 6, 1998