A Merry Christmas Lesson

       

“Please Excuse This Interruption.”

Matt. 1:18-25, 2:13-15; Lk. 1:26-38, 2:4-7,8-20

In life you are going to have many interruptions. Some annoying, some disheartening, and others angering you, but there are those interruptions that are life altering from God and you shouldn't ignore, fear, or be infuriated at. Such interruptions are throughout God’s word. Here are a few examples: Noah was interrupted and told to build an ark in which to be saved. Mose’s life was interrupted by a fiery bush and he led the Israelite people out of bondage. God’s purpose and way for each of us will include interruptions that will change the world and our lives.

Let’s read the Christmas story, “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband, was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”

In the Christmas story, God interrupted a group of people: a young couple, the lives of believers who are searching, and an unbelieving world.

We begin with a young couple who are in love, betrothed (engaged), and dreaming of life together, then God interrupts. He wasn’t being rude, but purposeful. Joseph and Mary were no different than any other young Jewish couple, they attended synagogue regularly, believed and obeyed God’s word, and were amenable to life’s changes and challenges in their near future. But God had a change of plans for their lives, and this meant interrupting the status quo. The angelic visits of Gabriel (Mary) and the angel of the Lord (Joseph) were both sent at night during a fitful sleep. Mary received the message at first in fear then in acceptance, as did Joseph, they both  listened and agreed. What else could they do, it was God speaking and he had given them a new game plan for their lives. All of which went totally against the status quo. 

Then Caesar, the Roman demigod, throws in a census that just happens to happen during the birth of Jesus. Coincidence? Joseph and Mary packed up the bags, and small essentials and began the journey to Bethlehem in Judea. There is no mention of a donkey for Mary on this arduous trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem in scripture, they had to walk like most of those being interrupted by this census. And they would have left early knowing they had a 70 mile journey before the baby was to be born. But God knew and provided as he always does for those who are following his will and purpose. “And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.”  Rom. 8:28 LTB

When they got to Bethlehem, it was over-packed with people from various places with Davidic lineage, whose lives were also interrupted. Many of these were not as amenable to the census or the change as Joseph and Mary. For there were no rooms at the inns, no rooms at the B&B, no rooms even in the guestroom at Joseph’s relatives, all that was available was the ground level room stable (Matt.2:11), and this room usually housed the animals who were brought in at night to protect them from theft or harm. It was in this humble setting that Mary gave birth to Jesus amongst the livestock. There was clean straw, a decent manger, and all that would be needed for the birth of the Son of God. 

Next, the working class were still working the flocks and herds on the fields and hills at night near their homes. They were probably tired, and a little putout with all the guests, visitors, the weary travelers, and the census. But God interrupted their lives, their solitude and sleep to a grand angelic announcement, an angelic choir of majestic quality and number. They would be forever changed in the following sequence of that night’s interruption. Let’s read the story, “There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

   At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed. Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told! Lk. 2:8-20 MSG

 Last, the world would be interrupted by God. Let’s read the story, “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”  When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.”

In far away lands, Magi had seen a new astronomical site, a new star. In their curiosity about this interruption in the heavens, they did some serious research for it foretold the birth of a new king in Judea. They packed up their tents and bags, camels and horses, and some precious tokens for the new king to whom they would go to meet.  During their journey, they stopped in the capital of Israel, Jerusalem, and asked around about the new king who was born, they found he was in a small village, not the royal palace. He was found amongst the poor, not the wealthy, and they were overjoyed to see the star stop and shine down on an average house, but with a not so average king, one born in humility and divinity. There were others who had heard from the shepherds and they too talked of the unusual activities that were happening during this census. Mary and Joseph were overwhelmed to say the least and treasured all of this in their hearts. 

Let’s read the final part of the Christmas Story, “When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt.”

It was at the departure of the Magi, Joseph was awakened again by an angelic messenger, this time with a dire warning to leave Bethlehem in the dead of night for Egypt. Another interruption by God to provide safety and security for this young family.

In our world today, God is still interrupting our lives for his purpose and plan. He wants to guide and provide for us, he wants to encourage and not discourage us, and he often interrupts us at times we least expect him too, with circumstances that upset the status quo of our lives. We need to ask ourselves, “Are we going to listen to the voice of God or his messengers?” Are we going to yield ourselves to the interruptions and the leadings of God and his call?

There are going to be more interruptions in our lives of various types. For example, illnesses that God will use to bring glory in their healings, and then the neighbor or acquaintance you have been talking to about Jesus, all of a sudden they begin to ask you questions and want to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord of their life. 

Looking at another interruption by God, the upper room. The disciples weren’t sure who to expect while waiting for the advocate, counselor, or paraclete but God interrupted with wind, and fire, and the manifestation of His power. The results were fire baptized disciples, gifted with the power of heaven. Then there was Peter testifying to Cornelius’ home, family, and friends and the Holy Spirit interrupted the gathering with the fire baptism with the manifestation of his gift and power. Then the disciples walking down an Ephesian road, encounter Paul, and the Holy Spirit again interrupts the meeting and infills them with the fire baptism. Also, Jesus interrupted the two on the road to Emmaus. These are all good interruptions from our Lord God, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Lastly, Jesus told us to be alert and ready for another interruption of world-wide proportion. God is going to send another angelic announcement, this time with a trumpet, a very loud shout, and a promise fulfilled. Jesus promised the Church, the bride of Christ, that he would come back and take all of them to be with him in his kingdom, to a place where he has prepared for all who believed in him, for eternity.  

Are you ready? Will you let Jesus interrupt your lives for his purpose and will? The Bible says, “For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor.6:2

Merry Christmas all, and may God’s purpose and will be fulfilled in you all. May He give you today the promised gift of the Holy Spirit with power and peace that fills to the utmost, overflowing and empowering for the work He has for us to do.