There is no other time of the year quite like Christmas time. The old song sung by Andy Williams, says “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” I would agree, Christmastime is truly wonderful. It is estimated to be celebrated by up to 2.3 billion people each year. Here in the United States, data shows that 93% of the population celebrate Christmas.
Christmas is also the most celebrated holiday in which people have established and follow traditions. One on the traditions that I grew up with and continue with each year, is the reading from the Gospel of Luke Chapter 2 in the Bible. Typically read prior to opening our gifts from under the Christmas tree.
This same manger scene, or nativity, as described in the Bible is often seen on Christmas cards, displayed with glowing colorful lights on snow covered lawns. It is reenacted in church programs and in homes where children often play-out the characters before their families. Most often there is a baby doll lying in a manger, or beside the manger lovingly held in Mary’s arms.
We know this as The Incarnation. Were God, through His divine plan came into the World in the form of the man. Thereby making baby Jesus the most precious gift to all mankind. His birth, life, death, and resurrection, made a way for all (absolutely anyone) to believe in Him as their savior. If you don’t know the story beyond his miraculous birth, Jesus grew-up and lived a life as an example for us as one (who like we) can connect personally with God the Father.
Sadly, many people today still picture Jesus as a baby in the manger scene. They have not taken the time to consider why Jesus came, nor do they ponder the rest of His earthly life. Jesus is no longer baby Jesus! You see, not only did God come to us through the incarnation…not only did Jesus live a life as an example for us…but at 33 years old, He willingly died at the hands of self-righteous people and evil rulers. Why? This too was all a part of Gods plan. Jesus died as a once and for all sacrifice, allowing us unmerited grace and personal access to God.
Perhaps you have read this Bible verse or even seen it pop-up on your TV screen as you were watching a professional sporting event. It’s John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”
The Bible also tells us that after Jesus died, He rose again and ascended to heaven, where He is now continuing to serve as our intercessor (see Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, and 1 John 2:1).
God’s love came down for us…for you friend. If you have not invited Him into your heart or maybe it’s been a long time since you have considered opening your heart to Jesus, why not do that today…this Christmas. Salvation and a life through Jesus is a gift, and all you have to do is receive it. It truly is the best decision and gift you could receive!
Also, I would challenge you… Don’t stop at the Christmas story. I remember receiving my first Bible when I was about 13. That Bible (which I still have today) had the words of Jesus printed in red. Although, I did not truly heed to these words until I was 21 years old, my heart opened up when I actually started to read the Bible for myself. So, I encourage you, read Gods Word. Whether through electronic Bibles or paper Bibles, I encourage you to pay particular attention to the red-letter-words of Jesus; they truly give us a pathway to follow in life. Read through the Gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke & John). These are foundational to understanding and seeing Jesus as so much more than a baby in a manger 😊 READ THE RED-LETTER WORDS 😊
To our family and friends: We continue to be blessed this year with a loving family and God’s incredible faithfulness. We (Mark, Tracy, John & Jan) traveled to Cheyenne Wy over Thanksgiving and had a great time with Rick, Teri and family. In November we were able to get the Stuberg Fam all together for the first hockey tourney of the season (see Pic below). Celebrations start tonight with John & Jan. Followed by Christmas Eve at our house with John, Jan, Eric, Jess, Roman, Kingston & Lachlan. Then Tracy & I will be in Bismarck on Christmas Day with Alisha, Brandon, Skylee, Harlow, Cash, Pike & Honey. Returning to Oak Grove for Jana’s visit, who is coming on the 29th.
Pictured are (left to right), Skylee (17), Alisha (X), Tracy (XX), Mark (XX), Jess (X), Eric (X), Roman (14), Brandon (X). Top row: Harlow (14), Cash (13) Kingston (13), and Lachlan (10).
From our home to yours…Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Blessed by The Best,
Mark & Tracy
P.S. Please feel free to pass along this message or any one of the messages on seeyouintheriver.com They are written to encourage others, and this past year alone has been viewed by people in 69 different countries.
It’s Christmas Season 2024. Wow! This past year sure went fast. Let’s take a little trip down memory lane. Here are some of the top Christmas gifts through the years.
Buzz Lightyear (1995)
Hot Wheels (1968)
Furby (1998)
Cabbage Patch Kids (1992)
Game Boy (1989)
Barbie (1958)
Rubik’s Cube (1974)
Lego’s (1932)
Mr. Potato Head (1952)
Etch-a-Sketch (1960)
Did you know that there have been more than 6 billion Hot Wheels cars sold since 1968? And Mattel estimates that over a billion Barbie dolls have been sold, with a vintage 1950 Barbie being worth over $25,000. Also, I was surprised to know that LEGO’s have been around for 90 years, and that they are the largest toy manufacturer in the world by sales. Over 1.1 trillion LEGO pieces have been produced. That’s enough for every adult and child worldwide to have 140 pieces. Wow!
A VALUBLE LESSON
Winters are so much fun when you are a kid (not so much for me anymore 😊) In my small hometown of Leeds, ND, I pretty much had the whole town as my play yard. At the age of 9, you would most likely find me at the skating rink, especially on weekends or during Christmas Vacation. The only problem that year, was that I had outgrown my ice skates.
So, for Christmas that year, I had made it well known to my parents that I wanted a brand-new pair of ice skates. I even cut out pictures of ice skates from the Sears Christmas catalog and taped them on the wall. And when the local newspaper came with a sales flyer from Gerrells Sporting Goods, I circled the skates and rushed the flyer into my mom’s hands.
A little over a week before Christmas my family was shopping, and we stopped at Gerrells. Could it be—I wondered—if I was going to get my Christmas gift early? Right away, I spotted all the ice skates along the back wall. Sure enough, we went right over to that area where a store clerk met us and asked my mom if she needed any help. My mom replied, “I just want to have my boy sized for a pair of ice skates.” The man measured my feet and brought out several boxes for me to try on. “Could this really be happening?” I was so excited. And then my mom reiterated that we were just checking for size and seeing what was available. She told the salesclerk “Thank you,” and I think she may have winked or something (not sure on that part) 😊, and we went home.
Every day leading up until Christmas Eve, I looked under the Christmas tree for a wrapped gift that had my name on it and was also the same size box as I had seen in Gerrells Sporting Goods. Christmas vacation had already started, and my friends were already enjoying the skating/hockey rink without me. Then finally, on the afternoon of Christmas Eve, I saw the box under the tree with my name on the tag. I was so excited. I knew all the Christmas family traditions and would have to be patient. First candle-light church service, then Christmas Eve supper, my dad the reading of the Christmas Story from the Bible, and then…then, we could open gifts. And I would be skating in my new skates in the morning…or maybe I could even talk my parents into letting me skate that night.
Finally, it was time. The box was placed on my lap. I had a grin from ear to ear as all eyes in the room were on me about to open my brand-new skates. But as the wrapping paper came off, my huge grin slowly went flat, and my eyebrows dropped about an inch. Why? Because the picture on the box was of a little girl wearing tiny white figure skates. I thought, “What…No, no, no!”! But sure enough, as I opened the box, they were indeed white little girls figure skates. “Is this a joke,” I shouted. To which my mom said, “I’m sorry Mark, but they didn’t have your size. We will have to return those to the store when they get your size shipped in.” To which I responded, “But…but I already tried them on in the store. I know they had my size.” Then my mom simply said, “I’m sorry, you will just have to wait.”
I shouted, “I can’t wait… I WON’T wait! How could you let this happen?” and I stormed off to my bedroom, crying. My mom gave me some time and then came and sat on my bed. I asked why she did not purchase the skates on the day that we were in the store. To which my mom explained that my dad, who was a life insurance salesman, had been waiting to get paid for a commission. And his check did not arrive until the day prior to Christmas Eve.
But do you think I understood that? No, I completely refused to even try to understand that. Furthermore, I stormed out of my room to find my dad, where I proceeded to complain that I would not be able to play hockey at the skating rink with the rest of my friends. All because he didn’t have the money to pay for my skates on the day that I had been in the store with my mom. I remember the look on my dad’s face. He wasn’t upset with me, although he had every right to be for the selfish way I was acting. No, he just looked very sad…almost crushed. He didn’t even say a word. At that moment, I realized that he was probably feeing exactly the way I was wanting him to feel. I didn’t know how to handle the emotions, so I just ran off.
To this day, I can still picture they look on my dad’s face. It’s something I will always remember. I can’t remember what I got for Christmas the year before or even the year after that, but I sure remember that Christmas and how I was such a little self-centered brat. I was determined to make that Christmas all about me.
I wonder how many similar “what about me” Christmas stories there are around the world each year? And how often we all might have the tendency to focus on giving or receiving the perfect Christmas gift, while totally missing the true meaning of WHY we celebrate Christmas, even in our exchanging of gifts. I wonder how many parents or grandparents grew up hearing the Biblical account of the first Christmas, but have failed to carry the story over to the next generation? The birth of Jesus is truly the most incredible gift of all time. Additionally, God offers the free gift of eternal salvation through receiving the gift of His son Jesus. Now that’s a gift worthy of mentioning!
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS
Like a lot of you, I grew-up hearing the Christmas story as told from the Bible. As a child, I remember acting out a live nativity scene in Sunday School. Did you know that the word nativity is Latin, and basically means “to be born.” Beginning around the 14th Century we started to attach the word to the birth of Jesus, and nativity has since become almost exclusively understood in that manner. Anyway, I understood from an early age that the baby Jesus was born in a stable where the animals were kept, but at the time I didn’t totally understand why.
I have also been particularly curious about the significance of the wise men who came bearing gifts for baby Jesus. They brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Since childhood, I have always thought those were strange gifts to bring, right? They certainly would not make the top 10 by today’s standards.
Interestingly, according to the Bible, the wise men (also called Magi) were actually not present at the manger scene as is so often portrayed in nativity sets. They in fact arrived at a “house” to visit Jesus (Matt 2:11), indicating they came sometime after his birth, possibly even a couple of years later, not at manger scene in Bethlehem. There is some added support to this timing, but still these guys do play a significant role in the Christmas story and continue to be present in our reenactment of the nativity. So, I guess I’m Ok with them being presented there by the stable. Don’t worry neighbors…I’m not going to run into your yard and push over your 3 kings 😊.
The Magi were a class of scholars in Persia who were especially interested in astronomy, science, and prophecy. It is thought that the Magi knew of the prophet Daniel’s vision about the Christ through the angel Gabriel (who also appears in many nativity scenes). The Magi were ready and alert for the sign of a star to guide them. They also knew that that this child would one day be their Deliver and even greater, the Ruler of all Nations. The gifts they brought needed to reflect the esteem and awe that they felt towards this King/Messiah.
These valuable items were gifts to honor a king or deity in the ancient world: gold as a precious metal, frankincense as perfume or incense, and myrrh as anointing oil. These were not little gift-wrapped boxes with tidy little red bows…They were likely large, well-protected chests “Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11). Scholars think that these three were chosen not only for their high value at that time, but for their special spiritual symbolism about Jesus himself—gold representing his kingship, frankincense a symbol of his priestly role, and myrrh a prefiguring of his sacrificial death.
THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL TIME
Why was Jesus born in a stable and not a palace? Afterall, this was God’s plan…He set this whole arrangement up. Jesus certainly could have born in a palace with all of the glory and riches of the world surrounding Him. Why was the Savior of the world born amongst the stink and filth of barn animals? Why were the only witnesses His family, the animals, and shepherds, the lowest people on the social ladder in Israel at the time?
The Bible states that there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn in Bethlehem. The manger was a practical solution to the overcrowding in the inn. The manger was also sign—When the angel appeared to the shepherds in the field to invite them to visit the newborn King, he told them to look for a baby in a manger. The manger wasn’t just a sign for the shepherds; it’s a sign to all of us that Jesus is accessible to everyone who seeks Him. The shepherds would not have had access to a baby born in a royal palace, and as strangers, they probably wouldn’t even have had access to a baby born in the confines of a family home. But a manger was accessible to all—and still is.
Mary’s delivery room was not sterile. There is probably not a lower place on earth for the baby to be born than in a stable in a small town in a tiny country in the backwater of the Roman Empire. This is exactly the point. No one is excluded from a stable. The shepherds on the night of Jesus birth were considered to be the lowest member of society. They were viewed with disgust by the finer people. They were never welcome in palaces or great houses. They were perfectly at home where Jesus was born.
The nativity and manger scene is incredibly significant to all people. Because, no matter where we are at this moment, where we were born, or how lost we have become, He makes the same offer today. “Come to Me everyone,” Jesus says. The offer is available to everyone, everywhere, any time. Jesus can relate to everyone, and invites all to come, just as they are.
THE GIFT OF SALVATION
I get readers from countries and backgrounds all over the world. In the last couple weeks, I’ve been getting hits again on my Christmas time blogs from previous years. People everywhere are interested in the Christmas message. Jesus is known as the Savior of the World. The word “savior” and “salvation” are used synonymously and are central to Christianity. Salvation is truly at the center of why we celebrate Christmas.
Salvation is a term or word that is sometimes used very loosely in our western culture. But this Latin derived word basically means to be saved from a dire situation. In Biblical theology salvation refers to the deliverance of the soul from eternal punishment and separation from God. It is therefore the most precious gift one can ever obtain.
Contrary to what many believe, no one can earn salvation. Many believe that once they die, that there is somehow a scale or balance that will tip in their favor if they have basically been a good person. That’s a nice thought, the problem is that it is totally unscriptural. In fact, no one can ever be good enough to earn salvation—it is a gift. (see Ephesians 2:8-9). This gift, however, was purchased at a very high price. It was paid for with the blood of Jesus as He willingly laid down His life as a sacrificial gift to all who will call on His name (see 1 Peter 1:18-19, John 3:16). Therefore, it is only by the grace of God that we may be saved.
The Bible states that all one must do is to receive this gift by faith. Then believe by putting one’s trust in Jesus (Romans 1:16). This faith involves personal repentance coupled with dependence and trust in Jesus (see Acts 3:19, Romans 10:9-10, 13). Basically, this means that we recognize that trying to control our on own life is futile, and that we want Jesus to take over. Just talk to Him. Once this occurs, we are justified by His grace—signifying the relief from the burden of sin. (See 3:24). What an amazing gift! There truly is no greater gift, and it is 100% free.
Maybe you are a regular reader of seeyouintheriver.com, or you like many others just popped-in through a search. I realize some readers are from countries where the Biblical account of the Christmas story has not even been allowed to be told or repeated publicly. I encourage you to read about it in the Bible. You can find that the Christmas story in both the gospel of Luke, Chapter 2, and in Matthew 1:18-2:23.
Perhaps there are others of you that just needed a reminder today of the fact that God loves you so much, that He not only made a way for you to know Him through His son Jesus Christ, but that He also has an awesome plan for your life. Regardless of who you are, where you are from, or what you have done, I encourage you to reach out and receive the free gift of His love today.
The Christmas story as told from the Bible has been told in many different ways—from professionally Hollywood productions to children dressed in bathrobes on living room floors. Many times, the story is conveyed through the eyes of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, or the wise men. But have you ever thought about how God, The Father, felt as the very first Christmas was taking place? After all it was his plan being carried out, as ordinary people responded in obedience to bring about the Savior of the World. Words cannot explain the Joy He—God Himself—must have felt when Jesus was born. I was ecstatic when our kids were born. I can’t begin to understand how God felt at that moment, knowing what it meant for the future of mankind?
I recently read a statistic finding that 90% of Americans say they celebrate Christmas. Also, that 95% of Christians say they celebrate Christmas. I wasn’t too surprised that 10% of Americans don’t celebrate Christmas. I live and work in a major city where there are people of multiple ethnic backgrounds and other religions. But the lingering question for me was why, if you were a professing Christian, would you NOT celebrate Christmas? Especially that 5 out of every 100 Christians, do not celebrate the birth of their savior. How can that be? After all, the greatest event in the history of the world is the incarnation as God became man in the birth of Jesus.
Upon further investigation, there are a few reasons why some Christians are not celebrating Christmas.
One argument against Christmas is that the traditions surrounding the holiday have origins in paganism. Bells, candles, holly, and yuletide/yule decorations are mentioned in the history of pagan worship, but the use of such in one’s home certainly does not indicate a return to paganism. While there may be pagan roots to some traditions, there are many more traditions associated with the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of the Savior of the world in Bethlehem. Bells are played to ring out the joyous news, candles are lit to remind us that Christ is the Light of the world (John 1:4-9), a star is placed on the top of a Christmas tree to remember the Star of Bethlehem, and gifts are exchanged to remind us of the gifts of the Magi to Jesus, the greatest gift of God to mankind.
Another argument against Christmas, especially having a Christmas tree, is that the Bible forbids bringing trees into our homes and decorating them. The passage often cited is Jeremiah 10:1-16, but this passage refers to cutting down trees, chiseling the wood to make an idol, and then decorating the idol with silver and gold for the purpose of bowing down before it to worship it (see also Isaiah 44:9-18). The passage in Jeremiah cannot be taken out of its context and used to make a legitimate argument against Christmas trees.
The Bible does not indicate that we should celebrate Christmas as a Holy Day (As with other Jewish Holiday’s I’m guessing??), nor is Dec the 25th the accurate day of Christs birth. As it is true that the Bible does not give clear direction as to whether Christmas is a holiday to be celebrated by Christians, there is certainly nothing wrong with celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. Also, the fact that the Bible doesn’t give us the actual date of Christ’s birth, is not proof positive that God didn’t want us to celebrate the birth of His son as the most important event in the history of mankind.
Christmas is nothing but a commercialized holiday that draws people away from the holiness of Christ. I would agree that Christmas is overly commercialized, and that Santa and his reindeer do sometimes seem to take center stage. But there are also many Bible believing Christians all across the globe who do celebrate Christmas and see the occasion as an opportunity to proclaim Christ as “the reason for the season.”
The bottom line: There is no legitimate scriptural reason not to celebrate Christmas. As well, there is no biblical mandate to celebrate it, either. In the end, of course, it is a personal decision. So, back to my original question: What is God’s perspective of Christmas? Here are some further questions to ponder:
1) Do you think God appreciates it when we celebrate His ultimate gift to the world? And do you think He works in us and through us when we give and receive (whether through a gift, special time with family and friends, sharing meals, and celebrating)?
2) Do you believe God works on hearts especially at Christmas. Does he delight in manger scenes, Christmas songs, and bright lights? Does He pay attention to children laughing and enjoying Christmas treats and feeling the love of family and friends as they gather together for special meals and games?
3) Does He delight in special outreaches to the poor and needy in the Christmas season? What about the smiles and greetings given freely as people say “Merry Christmas” to strangers in the street.
4) Does He enjoy reenacted manger scenes played out by our children dressed out in bathrobes and paper-towel beards? Is that precious to Him, even though it may not all be done exactly correct?
5) Does God feel honored as we gather in churches and our homes as we recount the Christmas Story?
6) Is God expectant and are the angels waiting in anticipation to celebrater the multiplied hearts, lives and families that will and accept Jesus—the savior of the world—this very Christmas season?
Yes, yes! I believe he does delight in all of these things and more. People become aware of the story of Christs birth more so at Christmastime than at any other time of the year. Interestingly, Google reports that the word “church” is the top word searched for during Christmas and Easter of each year.
Of course, it is important to separate the reality of Christmas from the clutter. Not everyone who comes to the party will be there for the right reason, but that is not reason to cancel the party. Christians all over the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmas, let’s let our love shine brightly as we celebrate with one another. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
How about you? Do you have joy? Do you have peace in your heart? Are you right with God? Friend, that is why Jesus came. No matter where you are in life or what you are going through, God has not turned His back on you. His arms are wide open to you. The Bible states in Rev 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” That door is your heart. Will you let Him in? You too can celebrate Joy that is unspeakable and peace that is ever lasting, and you too can embrace the true meaning of Christmas.
From our home to yours—Merry Christmas!
Blessed by The Best,
Mark & Tracy
*As always, If you have further questions or comments, we would love to hear from you.
Wow! The Christmas season is here once again. I love Christmas, don’t you? I know this sounds a bit cliché, but It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The birth and the life of Jesus, however, is anything but cliché. The King of Kings, the Savior of the World, was born in a humble stable made for farm animals. His life further displayed unparalleled miracles and qualities that throughout history people across the globe have read about, talked about, and followed after. Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the World, is the reason for the season. It is truly a time to celebrate, reflect, and grow.
Today, I’d like to put a magnifying glass over an aspect of Jesus life that is not often talked about. Yet, it was actually a primary quality that Jesus put at the forefront of His ministry. Sadly though, we often miss it. Time and time again, He purposely demonstrated this most powerful act, while we have looked right past it. Perhaps we are more inclined to study the miracles that Jesus did. We are intrigued by His power to prophecy and to have words of knowledge. To minister in the way Jesus did is certainly something to aspire after. All the more reason however, that we do not miss this one very important attribute.
What is this amazing attribute of Jesus? It’s value. Wherever Jesus went, and whomever He encountered, His objective was to stop, take the time, and truly value the individuals he was ministering to. Friends, this is so important to understand. We have got to open our spiritual eyes and see—I mean to truly identify—with how Jesus instilled value to people. Why? So that we can effectively do the same. Everybody needs to feel valued, right? To be valued is at the very core of every human being. Furthermore, I don’t believe we can effectively minister to people if they don’t feel valued by us. Maybe you have heard this famous quote by John Maxwell, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” This is so true.
How do you value others? I’m not talking about if you think others are important or valuable to you, I’m asking “how” do you intentionally place value and show (that’s a verb) others that they are precious and valuable human beings? Without exception this was at the forefront of Jesus’ life on planet earth. And God wanted to make sure we gleaned from each and every example by carefully having them recorded in His Word.
Many might say, “Yeah, but that was Jesus. He had special powers.” Let me remind you, Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. Christmas reminds us of His humble birth in a dirty stable. Let’s not forget that He willingly laid his deity aside while here on earth (see Phil 2:6-7). Luke 2:52, says that “Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” Jesus was, in his human nature, fully man. Therefore, He grew up through the stages of childhood and matured into an adult just like us, yet without sin. Why…why did He do this? To be our model. And one of the primary things He exemplified was how to value others. We ought to pay attention, right?
My brother-in-law (John-David) is a great example of one who values others. He is one who chooses to look at life as filtered through the hands of God. His glass is consistently half-full, and he outright refuses to follow the thoughts of those who think and speak from a half-empty mentality. I love that! John-David is also one of those people who purposely and genuinely goes out of his way to make you feel like you matter…not only to him and to family, but that you matter to the world around you. This kind of encouragement seems to come naturally from him, but I assure you that there are choices that he makes in the process each and every time. What is he choosing? He is choosing to value others and to make them feel valued. I for one, love to be around people like that. Don’t you?
Let’s look deeper into the life of Jesus. There are many examples, but I’ll just list a few:
Jesus had compassion and valued sinners. This seems like a no-brainer, right? Certainly, His sacrifice by going to the cross trumps everything. The value placed upon every human being was ultimately displayed by God through the cross. But in His earthly ministry, Jesus did not hesitate to surround Himself with sinners. In fact, he befriended and valued those that others wanted to avoid.
“While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw Him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:15-17 (See also Luke 15, Matt 18, 25:42, Eph 2:4-9)
Jesus valued children. In a time when children, widows, the sick, and the elderly didn’t have much status or respect, Jesus came and flipped all of society’s previously held perceptions. They all came to Him, worshipped Him, and were excited to be a part of His ministry (See Matt 21:15). Some, however, didn’t think children should be “distracting” Jesus from His greater ministry. In the book of Mark, however, Jesus rebuked His disciples for turning away those bringing children to Him. “When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14-15). In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus told His followers, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:10) Jesus made it clear that value and significance are not born of wealth, power, race, gender, influence, or age.
Jesus valued women. The cultural attitudes toward women in Jesus’ day were deplorable. There were no such thing as equal rights. Women were treated as second class citizens. Until Jesus came along. He restored value to women and treated them with honor and respect. This is most evident in the way he treated the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:1-42. No self-respecting Jewish Rabbi would give a woman—let alone a Samaritan woman with a nasty past like this one—the time of day. But Jesus did. At the end of their conversation Jesus told her to “go and sin no more.” But hear me, that instruction to her would have been totally non-effective had Jesus not first valued her as a human being. This is so key, and we dare not miss seeing into the heart of Jesus, as it should motivate us to reach out to people. Everyone…everyone is valuable.
And how about the woman who was caught in the very act of adultery (See John 8:1-11)? The Pharisees didn’t care about her. They only wanted to use her situation to trap Jesus. But they were no match for the love and grace of Jesus. He gave her something no one else would – grace, love, forgiveness and a second chance, “I’m not here to condemn you. Now go and leave your life of sin.” (See also Eph 5:25, Luke 10:38-42, Matt 28:10)
Jesus valued the poor. In Luke 8:43-48, Jesus was on his way to heal Jairus’s daughter, who was dying. However, along the way, there was a woman who had been severely bleeding for 12 years. The woman was now in a state of poverty because of her illness. Her condition, which appears to be a form of hemorrhaging, affected her livelihood and well-being. Also, others would have considered her ritually unclean, leaving her as an outcast from the rest of society. in an act of sheer desperation, she reached out and touched the edge of Jesus’ cloak. She had hoped that the mere touch would heal her. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. Jesus could have just pressed on, but no, He took the time to stop and hear her story and testimony. Jesus knew He could not just keep walking and was being obedient to the Holy Spirit. When Jesus said, “Who touched me?” (vs 45), Peter’s response was basically, “Seriously Jesus, who knows?” — Since everyone was crowded against him while He was walking. But only when Jesus, stopped and took the time to value this otherwise outcasted woman, was it that He further recognized that she needed more than just a physical healing. The woman had fallen into a state of material poverty. As an outcast, she was both spiritually and emotionally poor. By giving the woman the opportunity to share her testimony and show how God had worked in her life, Jesus was able to restore her in these other areas as well.
Jesus valued the rich. The calling of the disciple Matthew as recorded by his own writing in the book of Mathew, is quit intriguing. As a tax collector for the Roman government, it was common knowledge that Matthew had become rich at the expense of the poor by extorting from them and had been filling his own deep pockets. He was rich and conceited. Yet, Jesus saw something else in Matthew. One day, while Matthew was working, Jesus locked eyes with him and said, “Follow Me!” In an instant, Matthew was so compelled that he walked away from his lucrative and secure lifestyle to follow Jesus. (See Matthew 9:9-13). What did Jesus do? He recognized value in Matthew when nobody (likely even his very own family) saw value in him. He was despised for his selfish lust for money, yet Jesus essentially said to him, “Come, be my friend.”
Jesus valued the church. To be clear, “The church,” has never been about a particular building or denomination. Jesus’ view of the Church included a diverse collection of men and women who were distinguishable, marked by the fact that they had been resurrected from spiritual death. Jesus saw the Church as being a source of overflowing goodness and generosity. Even in the hardest of external circumstances, the Church has always been rooted in an unshakeable and sure foundation, and therefore, it will always triumph. In fact, historically, the church has had its greatest growth and influence during times of adversity.
Jesus had a clear vision for his church. It is set out in his prayer in the garden, just before his arrest:
“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:20-23).
Jesus wants us, His global family/community, to be one. And it is our oneness that will show the world that God sent Jesus.
Jesus valued the Father. As earlier stated, Jesus was 100% God and 100% man when He came to physically walk planet earth. While here, He willingly laid down His deity in order to show us–as the ultimate example—how to stay connected to the Father.
Throughout His earthly life we see examples of Jesus taking time to pray (See Luke 3:21, 5:16, Matt 14:23, just to name a few…I found 29 references). Why did He pray? The obvious is the same reason we need to have conversations with God; we need His wisdom and guidance. Truly, Jesus valued His relationship with The Father more than anything else in life. If Jesus needed to stay connected in that way, where does that leave us? Jesus put it this way, “I am the vine, you are the branches, and the Father is the gardener. Stay connected to me, and the Father will prune off the bad fruit, and multiply the good fruit.” (My paraphrase…See John 15:1-7).
Perhaps the most compelling connection Jesus makes with God The Father comes from John 17:21, where Jesus prayed, “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” True authentic Christian “love” is meant to distinguish believers from non-believers. True love is not cheap, it has deep value. The unbelieving world cannot see the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 5:11). All they see is how self-professed believers (the church) speak and act (Matt 5:13-16). More often than not, we are the only Bible they will see.
Recently Tracy and I were taking the time to reflect on past Christmases, even back to our childhood days. There are so many fond and loving memories. The Christmas season is known throughout the World as a time of giving. Perhaps you are aware of the 5 types of love languages (words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch), a well-known concept created by Dr. Gary Chapman. I think these are very inciteful. Receiving gifts is certainly most widely experienced during the Christmas Season. But if we truly want to value someone, we can’t just buy them a gift and expect that they will feel valued, especially at a time or event when gift giving itself is somewhat expected.
Christmas time is a great time to start being more intentional to be like Jesus and truly value others. Will you join me? I think we can all improve in this area, right? To value others is truly the heart of God, and we are here on this earth to re-present Jesus. Gifts are nice, and sometimes appropriate, but let’s just make sure we don’t take the easy route for the sake of our own convenience. Gods gift to us, and ultimately Jesus’ willingness to give His life as a sacrifice for us, was anything but convenient. Furthermore, His loving sacrifice is the ultimate way of showing us all (every human being) that we are valued.
We have so much to be thankful for and to share the true joy of Christmas is a great way to respond to God’s love. Particularly, the power of Gods love when we value others. May this Christmas Season be full of joy, peace, love, laughter, and expectation.
From our home to yours…Merry Christmas, and a very blessed and happy New Year.
Blessed by the Best,
Mark & Tracy
BTW: We would love to hear from you. Please send any comments and/or prayer requests by clicking Contact on the menu tab above. Also please forward to anyone who could benefit. See you in the river 😊
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