One cannot read the Christmas story found in the Gospel of Matthew without wincing at the atrocity of evil that occurs there. King Herod, warned by the Magi of his newly born replacement, slaughters the innocent. Jealous for his continuing reign, he has every male child, aged two and under, in Bethlehem and its vicinity murdered.  Matthew identifies his massacre as fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted,  because they are no more.” Matthew 2:18.  But was Rachel, viewed here metaphorically as the nation of Israel, weeping over something more than this particular slaughter?  And would an end to her tears ever come?  

The real Rachel was the wife of Jacob, father of the twelve tribes of Israel.  After experiencing great difficulty in giving birth to their second child, she died. Just before her death, she was encouraged by her midwife, who said, ““Don’t despair, for you have another son.”  Genesis 35:17.  Jacob named this son Benjamin.  Afterward, he buried Rachel near the town of Ramah, where they had stopped as they journeyed toward Ephrath (Bethlehem), a village some eleven miles away.  Flowing from the tragic nature of this event, Rachel’s tears would become a sign of Israel’s mourning.

Jeremiah’s use of Rachel’s tears was first intended to convey grief over Israel’s sin. The nation, birthed in part from her womb, had been exiled to Babylon.  Jeremiah, himself sent as a captive, had been found by Israel’s conquerors in Ramah.  His prophetic words above portrayed Rachel as weeping from there, still looking toward Bethlehem, as thousands of Jews were staged and carried off in defeat.  Why had they been taken captive? Over many generations, through many kings and priesthoods, they had forsaken God, rebelling against him.  He had allowed their exile to occur.

Hundred of years later, and after many captives had long since returned to her, Israel remained broken, both physically and spiritually. At the time of Jesus’ birth, she was still in desperate need of a Savior.  So…we shouldn’t find it surprising that Rachel mourned again as another of her kings mortally stabbed her own babes and toddlers. Yet she truly need not have despaired.  For another son had, indeed, been born to her.  He was a Messiah, a deliverer.  His name would be Jesus.  And he would save the faithful found not only in her, but in all nations of the earth.

Admittedly, the ultimate salvation found in Jesus awaits us, with today being no different from the evil days of Herod.  Innocents are still murdered by the guilty, in a variety of horrific manners.  But Jesus will bring them justice.  He will avenge all who are found not guilty through his sacrificial blood.  Just as he determined to begin the Christmas story, so shall he bring its end.  And upon that end, when he returns, Rachel’s weeping shall cease.  So shall that of her children.  For ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things [will have] passed away.”  Revelation 21:4.  That will be one Merry Christmas!

 

 

Did Joseph tell Mary he could find no decent room in Bethlehem for her to give birth?  Or did she just know by the look on his face when he returned from the last place he’d tried? They had to be disappointed…and exhausted.  They’d traveled a long way to the tiny village just to show up for a Roman census. Now, they faced resting with the livestock and placing a newborn into a feeding trough. No bassinet. Definitely no Pack-n-Play.

Do you ever wonder how people could have been so insensitive to a couple in their situation?  Surely, their dire need could have been sized up with just one look at Mary’s burgeoning tummy.  I’d like to think I would have come up with some alternative to the animal cave. I’d like to think I would have done anything to make room for Jesus. Yet, I’m not so sure I would have.  I don’t always make room for Him now.

The prelude to Christmas keeps me so busy.  There are meals to make…cookies to bake…and shopping trips to take.  There are lights to hang…trees to decorate…presents to wrap.  If I’m not mindful, I can allow Christmas to come and go without even pondering my Savior’s birth for more than a few moments. Over the years, I’ve learned that making room for Jesus requires my intentional efforts.  I must set aside definite times on my mind’s calendar to remember Him. And, I must engage in activities that gratefully acknowledge He’s still The Reason for the season! Here are several things I’m doing this year to invite Him into the inn of my heart:

1) Reading the Gospel of Luke (which contains a detailed account of Jesus’ birth). 2) Setting up a nativity scene for my granddaughter and me to play with. 3) Hanging “Adorn-a-ments” on our tree showing various names for Jesus, such as the Door, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World. 4) Shopping for a non-profit charity that exalts Jesus’ name. 5) Telling the nativity story using Mickey Mouse Clubhouse character hand puppets! 6) Attending Christmas worship services.

After reconsidering the plight of Joseph and Mary, I’m determined to make extra room this December for the Baby who grew up to save me…for the One who gave His life in exchange for mine.  What are you doing to invite Jesus into your Christmas? I’d love to know! You can tell me in the comments section below.

 

George. Our family’s Thanksgiving turkey. Named after the First POTUS, he was a phenomenal bird. With every touch of my sharpened carving blade, he began to lay himself bare. Moist and tender, his flesh fell away…nearly to the bone.  If only I’d had a double-edged sword! I must admit I chuckled as this routine, holiday endeavor brought to mind a passage of Scripture: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”Hebrews 4:12-13.

Hmmm…such a powerful proclamation requires some rather serious contemplation. Does God’s Word do what Paul says it does? Yep. Having studied Scripture for most of my adult life, I can say with confidence that it does far more than prod the conscience. It candidly weighs the contents of what I think and feel. Carving through my life-toughened exterior into my inmost being, it reveals the secrets of my heart. Deceit cannot hide. Doubt cannot run. Fear has no way of escape. Indeed, I am laid naked before the eyes of the One who made me. Though I find myself vulnerable, and often pained at the revelation which comes, I am not afraid. Just filled with wonder and awe…amazed at the lengths God would go to in order to set me aright…to secure my footing and give me a firm place to stand. Who knew the butchering of a Thanksgiving bird could hold such a power of conviction? He did.

T-shirts. Jeans. Cardigans. Ankle boots. Little jewelry. Nothing fancy. These are the wardrobe choices I make to reflect my physical lifestyle at the moment. But what do I put on to portray who I am on the inside? What can I wear to convey the message of my heart? The Apostle Paul tells us to clothe ourselves with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12. These are certainly admirable qualities, yet I must confess I don’t always think about cloaking myself in them.  I should.  Perhaps, you should, too.

Just imagine for a moment what the world around us could be like if we took the time to dress ourselves in these virtues every day.  Compassion would sow love. Kindness would diffuse sadness. Humility would meet everyone’s needs. Gentleness would allay fear. And, patience would turn away wrath. What a significant impact these selfless qualities would have! Perhaps, we could don them more readily if we kept in mind the perfect wearer of them…Jesus. During his ministry on earth, he exemplified each one perfectly, in everything he said and did. How did he do so consistently? He called upon his Heavenly Father, asking for his help. He followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, relying on his guidance. And, he remembered the Kingdom of God, sacrificially setting his priorities according to it.

As we enter into this season that recognizes our Savior’s birth, may we clothe ourselves with his very attitude. May we call upon our Heavenly Father, routinely asking for his help. May we stay in step with His Spirit, moving wherever He leads us. As we walk about the Kingdom, our new apparel will surely yield us ample opportunity to spread good tidings of great joy and a message of eternal hope!