The First (Unplanned) Christmas

(This was my message at Reservoir Presbyterian Church at a community Christmas event. It was great to share Jesus amongst this community.)

 

There are certain times in your life where it can be exciting to go somewhere without having everything planned. Being a young adult and heading interstate and just driving until you decide to stop can be a great experience and a great way to meet people. 

But there are also times in life when you don't want to leave home without knowing exactly where you are going. One of these times would be when you are pregnant. And yet this is precisely the position that Mary and Joseph find themselves in. Pregnant - heading to a different town - not sure where they will stay. 

What brought them to this position? What made them leave their home town of Nazareth where things were a little more settled, pack their things, and make the long journey to Bethlehem? And why would they do it at that time? 

The truth is, that for Mary and Joseph, this was an unplanned pregnancy and an unplanned journey. They were planning to get married, but before that happened, Mary was pregnant. How did this happen? The Bible records the story of Mary being met by an Angel named Gabriel who told her, "You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus." (Lk 1:31) This was clearly going to be a problem for both Mary and Joseph, and for their families as well. 

Joseph isn't sure what to do, but after his own visit by the angel takes Mary home as his wife. Perhaps now they can begin life together and make their home ready for the birth of this child. 

Or so they thought. 

Their peace together is broken when they hear that a census has been called and instead of sitting where they are and answering a few questions, they need to return to their ancestral home. So, because Joseph is from the house of David, a towering figure in the history of the Jewish people, they need to travel south to Bethlehem. 

Now, there's every chance that neither of them had been to Bethlehem before. So try and imagine how they are feeling. Recently married and pregnant. Leaving the town they call home in Nazareth, and the people who did support them. Travelling together, walking the dusty highway between the towns. And where would they stay when they got there? 

I wonder if somewhere along that journey they talked about what was happening for them. And I wonder if one looked at the other and said, "You know, if God wanted us to have this child, this Saviour, couldn't he have organised it so we didn't need to make this journey?" 

I wonder how many times you have thought that God could have, or should have, organised things in your life differently. Perhaps you would have preferred not to have taken a journey you have taken. Perhaps you would have liked things in your life to have worked out easier then they have. Well if that is your thought, be encouraged. Even the mother of Jesus had a difficult journey in life. 

So eventually they arrive in Bethlehem and it is time to find a place to stay. Without 'Air BnB' or 'Trivago' there was no way to plan ahead. And pregnant women don't walk too fast so maybe they were some of the last to arrive in the town, but maybe that won't matter. After all if Joseph is heading to the town of his ancestors, surely that means that many of his extended family will be there too. Surely someone there will help him. 

But it seems that his family didn't help him. Luke, who wrote about this, simply said, "there was no room for them in the inn." 

So if it isn't enough for this couple that they have an unplanned pregnancy to deal with, then a long unplanned journey to Bethlehem, it seems they also need to cope with a family that don't want anything to do with them. 

Again, I wonder if either of them looked at each other at some point in this and said, "God could have made this easier!" 

And who would blame them for asking such a question. It seems strange to us that the one who willingly does the work that God has asked of them should suffer. We would think that such people should be acknowledged and rewarded. But this isn't what is happening for Mary nor for Joseph. Instead it seems that ever since they accepted God's choice for them and committed themselves to what God was planning, their lives had been changed in many ways and none of them positive. 

They have an unplanned pregnancy before marriage in a time when such a thing is seen as an offence and could be seen as proof of adultery, which could be punished in terrible ways. They have an unplanned pregnancy which cannot be explained in ways that would be believable to anyone around them. But, at least they have each other, and Joseph has a trade that will keep him employed.

Until they learn about the census. And now they have a journey to take. How long will they be away? What do they need to take with them? Can they get out of the census? Is there an easier way to get to Bethlehem? No. The census will happen and they need to go. Bethlehem is where they need to be, and so they must join the crowds of people who are travelling from one town to another. And Bethlehem is their destination. An unplanned journey.

Was it an unplanned journey? For Mary and Joseph it was, but not for God. Many years before one of the prophets had indicated Bethlehem was the place where the Saviour would be born: 

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.’” (Mic 5:2)

Was it an unplanned pregnancy? For Mary and Joseph it was, but not for God. I remind you of all that the angel said to Mary. He didn't just tell her she was going to have a baby, he also told her what his name should be - 'Jesus'. And that wasn't all he said either. Listen to what he also said about this child: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Lk 1:32-33)

This is the child we celebrate at Christmas time; the child who is great and is called the Son of God; the one whose kingdom will never end. 

Mary's journey to Bethlehem had a great purpose - the birth of a Saviour. Here on the other side of the world, some two thousand years after that event, we celebrate that birth. We don't celebrate a life and wonder what he might have done if he had lived longer. In Jesus we celebrate a life that goes on; a life that has conquered death; a life that brings salvation and forgiveness of sin. 

We celebrate Jesus. 

And in Jesus our life can not only have a great purpose, it has a great destination. I pray that it is not just the angels who will sing about this king. I pray that you too might be able to sing:

"Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled"

"Veiled in flesh the godhead see

hail the incarnate deity"

"Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth"

These aren't just old words we sing in December. These are songs about Jesus, and these are songs about you. Celebrate the one who gives life. Celebrate Jesus. 

This is my father's world

This (New Zealand) Is My Father's World

I am sitting at a desk preparing for our worship service on Sunday morning. As I am considering which song would be helpful to begin a time of worship together, the song "This is my father's world" came to mind. I love the poetry of these verses and the tune that matches the words so well, so it seemed like a good idea. When I looked it up in the hymn book used by many in the Presbyterian Church in Australia, I was surprised to see that it only has two verses. I've always known the song with three verses, so where is the missing verse? Where are these majestic words:

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.

Looking for these missing words, I went to http://www.cyberhymnal.org and found there not only the words I was looking for, but also three other verses I had never known. To be sure, verses 4 and 5 would be difficult to sing with extra syllables, so I understand why many editors would choose not to include them in the hymnbooks. But verse 6 is worth reading and knowing:

This is my Father’s world. I walk a desert lone.
In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known.
This is my Father’s world, a wanderer I may roam
Whate’er my lot, it matters not,
My heart is still at home.

In a country like Australia where bushfires are common, words like these can be helpful to have in mind when a fire is raging across the countryside. For many other countries, the experience is the same, so it is worth reminding ourselves that God will be glorified in all things, even in 'a bush ablaze'.

I don't know why the editors of Rejoice! (hymnbook) have chosen to only use two verses, and I'm not writing to criticise them. Rather, I write to point any who read this to the other verses that Maltbie Babcock wrote some years ago that express a simple faith that God is seen everywhere and in everything.

"God is the ruler yet."

Books I read in 2014.

I know it seems silly to post this in March 2015, but here is a list I was keeping through 2014. 

First up, I am aiming to read through the Bible in 2014. Haven’t done that for a while. Here are other books I have read:

January

Making Small Groups Work.

I read this in preparation for a workshop I was leading at Engage’14. I found this easy to read, with short chapters full of wisdom.

I would give this a high recommendation.

February

I Kissed Dating Goodbye

I didn't like this book. It is worth noting that I read the 1997 edition, so some of my concerns may have been addressed in the updated version. However, I wouldn't recommend this book.

While there is much within the book that is worthwhile, and can lead to good discussions, it doesn't seem to give much scope for finding the one who will become your wife/husband. In fact, I am worried that it ends up doing what I think Harris aims to stop people doing - looking for the ‘one’ who will sweep you off your feet.

I read a review on Amazon that expressed my concerns well. It might be good for teenagers, but for those in their mid 20s and beyond, it provides no guidance.

Captured By A Better Vision

This book by Tim Chester is a very helpful resource for people struggling with pornography, or those who are helping. Chester gives 5 key ingredients to put in place (found on p21) to help win the fight. And rather than just pointing to all the foolishness of pornography helps to look beyond it to something much better, both in terms of relationship and in worship.

Well worth reading.

March

War and Peace.

I started this book in February during our holidays. I read this after a conversation with Nathain S. who found this book helpful to understand predestination. As I enjoy reading historical fiction, Nathain also said this would be worth reading.

I can’t say that I enjoyed the book. I found it to be very slow, and with Tolstoy not just telling a story but also giving his own opinion of the history of Napoleon, I found it hard to follow.

There are great aspects to the book. On page 150, I read a description of war that I found fascinating and worth noting. There were some other metaphors and illustrations that I found helpful too.

At 1358 pages, it was hard to hold, hard to keep up with, and hard to concentrate. I can say that I’ve read it now, but I absolutely prefer his short stories.

Unpacking Scripture in Youth Ministry.

This is the third book in a series by Andrew Root. They are excellent, but I have found them harder to read than I imagined. I think this is because there is much to reflect on and consider. I certainly need to read this book again.

This revolves around Nadia, a youth worker who has been confronted with the need to define what she believes the Bible to be and how it should be used in ministry. Her realisation that the Bible is best used when we look forward and not back, when we read it to help explain what God is doing rather than just trying to understand God is helpful.

There are times in this when I’m left wondering if Root believes the Bible really is the word of God. It is possible to read this book and come to the conclusion that he holds to the view that it ‘becomes the word of God’ when it is revealed to us. Regardless of this, it is a helpful and challenging read.

God’s Good Design

I read this at the encouragement of my wife, Anne, and our friend Joy V. The book is in two halves, with the first dealing with the place of women in the church and the second the place of women in the home. It is part one that interested me most. Smith takes a careful look at the ‘controversial’ statements of the NT and shows that even though they are counter-cultural, they can still be read as God inspired scripture. As such, we should still follow their instruction.

I can’t say that it has resolved everything for me. As happens, I’ve heard and read things that conflict with her statements and am trying to weigh all these up. However, her conclusion, as I understand it, that it is within the local church that women are not to teach or have authority over men makes sense. This provides direction for the local church and allows her to speak in women’s gatherings, and in mixed gatherings that are outside the local church setting - such as the preaching class she refers to.

Her chapter on Proverbs 31 is very helpful, for both men and women.

(I think I did read something in April - I hope I did - but obviously didn’t write it here)

May

The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts.

This was a free e-book from somewhere (maybe churchleaders.com) and was good to read. I enjoyed learning a bit more of his history and his desire to make the great themes of Scripture singable. I was intrigued to learn that some of his songs are the re-writing of some Psalms to which he is not afraid to add a verse that names Jesus.

This is a very good book.

Fruit that will last.

Tim Hawkins describes this as the book that sets out his vision for youth ministry. While I don’t think it is as good as “Disciples who will last” it is still excellent. In this book he describes the history of his youth ministry, and the impact these changes have made.

Definitely one of the important books for youth ministers to read and to share.

June

Unlocking Mission and Eschatology in Youth Ministry

This is the fourth and final book of this series. The themes that have come up in the first three continue to shine in this, but with the extra twist and focus on mission and eschatology. If you’re looking for a way to present ‘end-times’ to teenagers, this won’t help you. But if you’re looking for something to provoke your thinking about the value of short term mission trips with your youth group, then this has much to say to you.

July

Worship in Spirit and Truth.

I haven’t read a lot of Frame’s work, and there’s a lot of it, but what I have read I have greatly enjoyed. This book is incredibly helpful. Frame comes from a Presbyterian perspective and writes affirmingly of the Regulative Principle in worship, so it is very relevant for me. But he also points out that most church leaders use the Regulative Principle to maintain a tradition rather than to consider what the scripture teaches on the subject of worship. Frame writes in a way that helps me to feel free in worship and still be sure that I am not going against God and his commands. It is not hard to read, and the questions give opportunity for further reflection. This is indeed a book worth sharing with others.

These three books are the second trilogy by Mor that I have read, and these are written as a prequel to the first trilogy (The Wanderers). I really enjoy reading Mor’s works. These focus on early Ireland in a time of turmoil and upheaval as new invaders come and make their presence felt. There is a strong element of folk religion in this trilogy, that helps to give ground to the other trilogy. How much is historical, ancient stories, or Mor’s own imagination I cannot tell. But I certainly enjoyed reading this set.

August

Sticky Teams

This is a book that I read together with Mark and Nello. I found this to be an outstanding book on the issue of church boards and councils. Perhaps not everything here would fit in the context of a Presbyterian Church, but I would still want to read through it with a group of elders if I get back to Parish ministry. Here is the review I posted on amazon.com:

This is a book that should be read and shared by every church Board and Eldership. Osborne lays out some guidelines that help you to ensure you are working together in a way that can help to keep the relationships on that board healthy and the mission properly directed. The fact that he helps you to consider issues and determine how to handle them before they arise is incredibly helpful.

If I get back to being a church pastor, this is a book I would want to read together.

The Shadow of what was lost.

This is the first book written by the author - who is the husband of Sonja, my fellow worker at PYV. It may be his first, but it is incredibly well written. It kept me awake too long at night as it is hard to put down once you start reading, and it is a great story. I know it will be a while before volume 2 is written and published, and I’ll probably need to read this one again to remember all that has happened, but that won’t be a burden.

Here is my review on Amazon.com:

This book kept me turning the digital pages later into the night than I should have. As the story unfolded I was wondering who was the villain and who was the hero, and even at the end I'm not convinced I know for sure. It will be a shame that I have to wait so long for the next book.

The story is original enough, but featuring classic themes of the genre. And that is what makes it well worth reading. I liked the 'El' reference too.

If you are disappointed by this book, you're way too hard to please.

Glad I read it.

September

Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry.

While I finished it in September, it has been on my reading list for much longer than that. This is not the easiest book to read, but it is an important book to read, and it is significantly more than just a book about youth ministry. In the first part of this book, Root gives a brief history of adolescence - I learned stuff here - and a history of youth ministry. Again, there was stuff in here that took me by surprise; particularly the vitally important role of para-church groups in the development of youth ministry in the local church. Part two really disects the model of ‘Relational Youth Ministry’ that many of us would have learned. But rather than throwing out the baby with the proverbial bath water, Root gives a much deeper and stronger understanding of relational youth ministry connected to Jesus and the church.

Much of this aligns with some changes that have been happening in my own mind in recent years about the segregation of ages in our church and the folly of this. It was nice to read his conclusions are similar to mine. He has done more work on the issue, and as such is able to provide a better way forward.

I will be recommending this to other youth leaders.

(And when I attended a study week with Andrew Root, he signed my book.)

October

Jesus: A Theography.

This took a while to read through, but I finished it in October. It is a book that takes the reader through the entire Bible seeing how Jesus fits in to the whole story. So it is a theological biography.

Some chapters are better than others - and this may reflect the two writers, although I'm not sure who wrote which chapter. And some of the suggestions make me thing the writer might be stretching the metaphor at times.
As something of an introduction to Biblical Theology, I have found this very helpful. The opening chapter was particularly helpful.

December

(We moved house in late October and this had a massive impact on me. There wasn’t a lot of reading done for a number of weeks.)

In preparation for a workshop at PYV Summer Camp, I re-read “Captured by a Better Vision” by Tim Chester. There is so much that is good about this book.

Paradoxology.

I think there are two books that should be on every youth leader’s bookshelf. “The Reason for God” by Tim Keller, and this one. In this volume, Kandiah takes readers through some difficult passages and themes of Scripture and helps us to see through those difficulties. The paradox that stands out and can confuse us in a number of areas is made clear here. Not all, but some.

I heard Kandiah speak on the Deuteronomy passage at a Youth Ministers Gathering earlier in the year and it was outstanding.

(And he signed my book).