Christmas Trees?

During my years in full-time ministry, few Christmas seasons went by without someone raising the question of Christmas trees.

What does the Bible say about Christmas trees?  First, the short answer is that the Bible never mentions Christmas trees. The phrase does not appear in any version of the Bible. Second, does the text of Jeremiah 10 set forth a principle that forbids Christians using Christmas trees? The study of any Bible text always begins with establishing the context. What is the context of Jeremiah 10?  Jeremiah 10 is a passage about idolatry.  The passage focuses on the superiority of God above all gods and shows the inconsistencies of idolatry. Isaiah 44 provides a parallel passage more than a century before Jeremiah wrote. One should read the entire context of Jeremiah 10 — not just vv. 3-4.  Jeremiah 10 exists in the context of Jeremiah’s Temple Sermon, a sermon that teaches against false sources of hope or confidence.

The context of Jeremiah 10 makes clear that what is being considered is idolatry. To consider possible applications today, one must ask questions such as, “Does one set up a Christmas tree as an idol or as something to be worshiped?  What is the purpose of the tree?”

An interesting history of the Christmas tree appears on the website: “biblicalstudies.com”.
Green trees were often used in ancient Egyptian and Roman religious festivals, but the Christmas tree is a relatively recent tradition. Not until the sixteenth century did the practice become widespread. An old “miracle play” given in preparation for Christmas featured a fir covered with apples in a story concluding with the promise of Christ’s return. Martin Luther is credited for the first lighted tree. Tradition has it that he saw bright stars twinkling through the branches of a fir tree one night while he was walking home. He cut a small tree and placed lighted candles on its branches to imitate it. It became a permanent fixture in his Christmas celebrations. Eventually, the practice worked into the celebrations of others, and now, of course, it is solid tradition.

An additional factor to be considered in the study of Jeremiah 10 is that this passage, the one which is most often used to argue against Christmas trees, is an Old Testament (old covenant) passage, valuable for learning and admonition, but not binding under the new covenant. While the Old Testament provides principles and examples, one must be careful about drawing unwarranted parallels. Certainly, idolatry is always wrong. The question ultimately comes down to the meaning and purpose of the Christmas tree and whether one intends to worship the Christmas tree.

It’s Sunday Again: Christmas–He Appeared (Tit 2)

We live in limbo. We live between two appearings. This is a Christmas sermon, this is a Bible study. We explore together an unknown text, seldom associated with the Christmas season. Titus 2:11-14 speaks of the appearing of the grace of God, bringing salvation. The reference is to the coming of Jesus. The same text speaks of the appearing of the glory of God — Jesus is coming again. We hopefully await the glorious appearing of our God.

The conclusion is valid: we live between appearings. We live in the reality of saving grace and in the anticipation of ultimate glory. We are strange creatures living in strange times. Often we see glory better than grace. Glory is more fun; grace, frankly, is challenging!
The appearance of grace disciplines us. It steers us away from ungodly living and worldly passions. It demands of us self-control, righteousness, and godliness. Grace declares our treasured status, uniquely possessed and valued by God. Grace speaks purity and commitment to what is good and right.

Yes, this text is a bit unusual for a Christmas week sermon text, but the connection is undeniable. If we do not see God’s grace in the Christmas story, we will continually struggle as we live between the appearances of Christ!

Can You See Him?

Merry Christmas! I blog much less frequently than I did a dozen years ago. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media have large replaced blogging. Nonetheless, for those who read these words, whether on my blog or on social media, I send out a Christmas Day greeting.

Now that I no longer preach full-time, many of my older sermons are archived and seldom revisited. Today I share one of my favorite Christmas Sermons. May you be blessed today; may you this day take time to see the Christ.

A popular Christmas song asks the question, “Do You See What I See?” The early chapters of Luke give us an insightful orientation. Consider with me what various people saw in the events surrounding the Nativity of Jesus.

First, what Luke saw. Luke saw an opportunity to write down the things he had researched and learned from eyewitnesses. He calls it an “account with certainty” — that you might know the certainty of the things you have been taught (Luke 1:1-4). The Greek construction emphasizes the certainty.

What Gabriel saw. The angel Gabriel came to Mary with a message from God (Luke 1:26-38). His words to Mary encourage us to see Jesus as Savior and Son of God Most High. We are reminded of His greatness, His position on the throne of David, and His eternal reign. Because of the presence of and power of God, nothing is impossible.

What Mary saw. The Magnificat, or Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55), tells us what Mary saw. She saw God as her Savior, one mindful of her, one who blesses her, and one who does great things. She speaks of His holy name and His mercy, and calls Him the helper of Israel.

What Zechariah saw. Based on the promise of God, Zechariah speaks of the role of his son, John the Baptist, in preparing the way for the one who will bring redemption, salvation, and mercy (Luke 1:67-79).

What the shepherds saw. When the angels appeared to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-14), the angels spoke words of the one who is Savior, Christ, and Lord. The shepherds were to see in Jesus “glory to God, peace on earth, and favor toward mankind.”

What Simeon and Anna saw. In the temple, Simeon saw salvation, revelation and redemption (Luke 2:21-35). Anna spoke of the coming redemption (Luke 2:36-38).

At the Christmas season, the focus is typically on the the babe in the manger. Many will go through the holidays giving little thought to the entire story of Jesus, never bowing in adoration and worship. In contrast to the things that have come to characterize this season, it is interesting the the biblical account in Luke speaks of Jesus as king, Son of God, revelation of God, Savior and Redeemer. He is Christ, the Lord. He is God with us. Can you see Him? Will you take time to see Him?

It’s Sunday Again: Christmas Resolutions (Luke 2)

I like Christmas! Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I enjoy the season; I enjoy the festivity. I enjoy the opportunity to revisit an important part of the storyline of Scripture.
The Christmas season is misunderstood by many, diminished, even demeaned. Christmas is much larger than the story of baby Jesus. For many people in the world today, Christmas is only a secular holiday, no longer a religious holiday. Some churches and religious groups reject Christmas. Other churches and religious groups attach so much ritual to the season that they forget to tell the story and explain its importance. For many years, the Christmas season was largely ignored in my religious heritage. In more recent years, many of my tribe have swerved to the other side, celebrating the Christmas season with traditional religious trappings. In both cases, we were and continue to be largely silent about the biblical message that is so needed in our world today.

In the biblical narrative of the shepherds in Luke 2, three questions come forth. Three “Christmas resolutions” follow.
First, Who is Jesus? (In the city of David, is born a Savior, Christ the Lord.) I want to see Jesus! I want to understand and know him.
Second, What will I do with the story of Jesus? (Let us go see and verify what we have been told. And they spread the word.) I will share the good news of Jesus.
Third, What will I do with Jesus? (And they returned glorifying and praising God.) Luke’s historical account has a long list of those who reacted to and participated with the Jesus story in various ways — John the Baptist in the womb, Mary and Joseph, Quirinius, the shepherds, Simeon, Anna. And outside the Lukan account, one could add Gabriel, Herod, the Magi, and others. I will bow down in worship — I will praise and glorify Him.

Three resolutions: to know Him, to share Him, to exalt Him. Quite a life-changing set of resolutions, for the next two weeks, for the coming year, for life! May God bless you as you resolve to understand the biblical significance of the season!

My Christmas List

I have been a list-maker for almost as long as I can remember. I find it much easier to maintain priorities and focus. Plus I find that keeping a “to do” list and marking items as accomplished is quite satisfying.

In December, I restudy and present some of the great themes of the Nativity narratives. Every year, questions continue to echo in my mind. What would I have done had I been there? Would I have been a shepherd, a wise man, an innkeeper, or an oblivious resident of Bethlehem? How would I have heard the news of joy, graciousness, peace, and salvation? Would I have believed reports about a new king being born?

Many people in the world today barely know or the Christmas story. Some never knew the story well; others remember only a non-threatening baby born into a poor family. In rereading the story of the shepherds, I have developed a new Christmas list — things I want to get done before this year is over. I marvel at how the shepherds listened and heard the spectacular announcement, accepted the unbelievable, acted because they wanted to see and experience for themselves, and then shared the good news. Not a bad “to do” list.

Here is my idea for a Christmas list — Christmas resolutions. Here we are in mid-December, two weeks before the calendar turns to 2021. I’m making a list, checking it twice! Things I want to do before the New Year arrives.

It’s Sunday Again: Christmas–God Came Near (Heb. 2)

Christmas sermons abound in Scripture. An anonymous first-century author reflects the Christmas story when he affirms that “God came near to us and spoke our language” (you can see more details of his affirmation in Hebrews 2). While his focus is on the High Priesthood of Jesus, he affirms two encouraging truths.
• In Jesus Christ, God came near to us in new and delightful ways
• In Jesus Christ, God allows communication with him

The God of the New Testament is the God who is near us; He is the God who understands. A theme that echoes throughout the book of Hebrews is that we can now come near to God with confidence (2:14-18; 4:15-16; 10:19-25; 12:18-25).

When God came near in Jesus…
• The kingdom came near. Jesus comes announcing, “The kingdom at hand, the kingdom is near…”
• When the king comes in his kingdom, that changes everything about the God-relationship. God speaks our language, the language of hurt, need, temptation.
• Because Jesus became like us, he is able to represent us in his death. His life, death, and glory make possible our redemption and the fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose.
• Because Jesus became like us, He understands our language, culture, situation, challenges. He shares our humanity, he frees us, he represents us before God, he atones for us, he understands us and helps us.

Here is the beauty of the Nativity, the Christmas story. Because Jesus is like us and speaks our language…
o His death destroyed the power of death and frees us from the fear of death.
o Think of illustrations from your own life that show how much people fear death.
o He “priests” us — represents us, serves on our behalf, atones for our sins.
o We know how hard it is for us to deal with the reality of our lives.
o He succors us, nourishes us, helps us.

It’s Sunday Again: Christmas–Name Above All Names (Phil. 2)

The Christmas story is not told only in the well-known gospel accounts in Matthew and Luke. The Incarnation is foundational to the message of the New Testament. Christmas texts abound throughout Scripture. Consider how Paul recounts the Christmas story in Philippians 2:6-11. Jesus, taking on servanthood, becoming human in form, humbling himself, emptying himself, obedient to death. The name Jesus is given at birth, meaning Savior, Paul declares to be the name that is above every name. How often is the connect between Matthew 1 and Philippians 2 ignored?

Names mean something. But one day, the person who bears a certain name is gone, and who will remember? The name of Jesus is different. After centuries, it remains. This name has been spoken in almost every language.

Notice these things about the name, Jesus.
(1) His name speaks his identity, nature, character (Isa. 9:6-7).
(2) His name is a saving name: “Thou shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). New Testament texts declare salvation through his name. The Christmas story is not to be ignored. The name Jesus was given at birth is not unimportant. The gospel begins at his birth — good tidings!
(3) His name is a comforting name. “Let not your heart be troubled neither be afraid” (John 14:27). In Jesus is comfort as we walk the roads of tears, sadness, and troubles. He never leaves us. We feel His touch upon hearts that are broken. When no one remembers your name, Jesus will remember.
(4) His name is and will be an Exalted name.
Jesus’ name communicates Glory, Greatness, and Majesty.
(5) His name is an eternal name. When Jesus comes again, His face brighter than the sun, His hand holding the Scepter of Power and Dominion — every knee will bow, every tongue will declare: “All hail the Power of Jesus’ name. Let angels prostrate fall, bring forth the Royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all.”

Christmas 2020: Doubt, Fear, Love, Joy, Peace, Hope

As the calendar turns to December 2020, we live in a world we have never known, journeying an unknown highway, doubtful, uncertain. Do you feel the disconnect? To celebrate the themes that customarily surface during the Christmas season — love and joy, peace and hope, we must come to grips with the contrast reality that surrounds us. Before we can experience the hope that springs forth with the beginning of a New Year, we must talk about what happens when hope is gone. Peace becomes a double blessing when we recognize how desperately we need it in a world of turmoil. Hope is more hopeful when we recognize the hopelessness experienced my many. Rejoicing struggles to resound when loss and grief are the reality for many. John writes that perfect love casts out fear. Honesty demands that we acknowledge this truth — carols of God’s love are hard to hear when fear rules in many hearts.

We can deny fear, but few have never experienced its grip. Can we see ourselves, analyze ourselves? What do we fear? Why are we fearful? We all have fears — things we avoid thinking about, things we can’t stop thinking about, things that bring unbidden tears at the mere thought.
In this season, I want to shout from the housetops that the Christmas story answers our worst fears. The Christmas story can fill us and refill us — with love and joy, peace and hope. Immanuel has come — Christ is with us through it all.
The story of Jesus, beginning with his birth, climaxed by his death and resurrection, buoys my spirit. The story of Jesus helps me in my struggles, encourages me in my search for love and joy, peace and hope. Jesus can make everything new. In this season of peace and joy, I encourage you to sort out the fears of your heart. May revived faith conquer the fears and firmly secure you in Christ.

Book Review: Jerry Jones. Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage

Jerry Jones. Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: Seen Through the Character of God and the Mind of Jesus. College Press: Joplin, MO; 2016, 270 pp. softcover.

Dr. Jerry Jones has advanced the study of marriage, divorce, and remarriage in his book of the same title in three ways. First, Jones carefully works through the relevant biblical texts with an obvious commitment to objectivity and shows us his research. He presents various interpretive options and explains which is preferred and why. Second, he points out the problems of some of the traditional ways of reading the texts, thus raising doubts about traditional interpretations. He shows when and why the literal interpretation of the passages studied must be rejected, or at least must not be allowed to be the last word. Third, he suggests an alternative paradigm through which to view the subject—reading the New Testament through the eyes and heart of God and Christ. The book has three principal sections: the study of 1 Corinthians 7 (40 pages), study of the gospel passages (55 pages), and a conclusion (10 pages). The remaining 140 pages are bibliography, charts, and 740 footnotes.

The in-depth academic study of the text of 1 Corinthians 7 is understandable even to those who have not studied the biblical text so deeply. Jones considers the occasional and situational nature of the Corinthian teaching as Paul’s response to a question from the Corinthians.
The comparative study of the gospel texts is thorough, at times exhaustive with multiple references to Old Testament backgrounds. Jones looks at the texts taking into account historical, cultural, linguistic, and grammatical factors. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jones does an intensive study of hyperbole as a literary technique, showing that much of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon cannot be taken literally. In comparing the Gospel teachings, Jones shows the importance of considering the intended audience, the context, and the historical roots, going back frequently to the Old Testament. He explains the nature of occasional, situational literature, a concept that is too seldom applied to the Gospels and the gospel passages related to the subject.
One could wish for more detail in the brief conclusion, but Jones has cast enough doubt on the traditional understandings of 1 Corinthians 7 and the gospel texts to cause the reader to want to seek an alternative. That alternative, calling us to God’s nature, character, desire and purpose, gives a fresh perspective, not only the texts related to the study, but to many other texts where we struggle with literal readings when God is trying to show us something more profound, something with more impact and more hope for changing lives.

Any student interested in studying the topic will want to read this book. The book is a valuable resource because of how well it is documented, thus pointing the reader to primary sources. It makes a valuable contribution to the study of a complex subject.

It’s Sunday Again: Measuring Life?

A long time ago in another millennium, I read a book that changed the way I have looked at life across almost five decades. The book is The Compulsive Christian by David Mason, first edition 1969.
Our society tends to measure life by what we have or by what we do. Mason reminds that God’s standard is being, not having or doing.
Further, each of these three verbal concepts has a past, present, and future. Nine possibilities! One can measure life by what one had, has, or will have. One can measure life by what one did, does, or will do. One can measure life by what one was, is, or is becoming.
I think about these options, and it is clear that God is most interested in what we are becoming. May I today be transformed to resemble him more closely, bringing him more glory, participating more fully in his purpose and will.