"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God."  John 1:1

Although there are many names for Jesus, one of my favourites is the Word. I like words.  I enjoy writing and creating with words.  Pictures in the mind's eye, emotions of the heart can be evoked just by the use of words. So what do these few words in the first verse of John's Gospel say to us?

First, Jesus is called the Word, the very expression of God.  This may seem a stretch as it is not spelled out in just that way.  But in Hebrews 1:1 & 2a, we see this confirmed by another New Testament author.  "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son..."  God has chosen to use various messengers in order to communicate with humanity.  Angels and prophets are clearly God's mouthpieces throughout history as recorded in the Bible.  But it is declared that in these last days, which includes our time right now, that God has spoken to us by His Son.  The Son = Jesus Christ.  

The Word was in the beginning.  That means Jesus Christ existed in the beginning.  He was not created as other humans were.  He existed before creation and was present and involved in creation.  Colossians 1:15 & 16 "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him."  

The confusion comes in when we try with our limited understanding to understand Jesus as God.  He is one of the Trinity, Father, SON and Holy Spirit.  He existed with the Father before time.  And yet Christmas is the celebration of His birth through a human mother.  How do we make sense of the divine and the human in one Person?

We don't.

By faith, we believe God could do what He said to Mary:  "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy - the Son of  God."  Luke 1:35  

What an amazing plan, that God would speak to us through His Son! The Word He chose was Himself in human form, someone who could speak on God's behalf but be able to relate to us because He became one of us!  

The question is:  are we listening to the Word?

 I am fascinated with names.  The meaning, the origins, the reasons why last names evolved and how people choose the first names for their children.

For instance, my name was chosen after a friends' daughter, Cindy, who would have been 5 or 6 years old when I was born.  And my second name, Marie, was in honour of my maternal Grandmother, Cecile Marie.  

When choosing the names for our children, Walter and I discussed many names.  Of course in the early 1990's, we didn't know whether we were having a boy or girl until D-Day (delivery day!). So I had written different names and combinations of first and middle names on paper.  With our first child, we had no decisions made for either gender when we went to the hospital.  Within a few hours, our son needed emergency surgery and so while the procedure was taking place, we wanted to have his name secured.  Walter had seen my doodlings on paper at home and he remembered the name Mark.  I agreed that would be a good first name.  Then for a middle name?  We liked Christopher but also, since my Dad hadn't any sons of his own as namesakes, we thought Ronald might be a good second name.  So we wrote the two names on paper, folded them and used a plastic dish in the hospital room to draw from.  Christopher was the name chosen.  So Mark Christopher.  And as the Lord set him apart after this surgery, we thought "the mark of Christ" seemed a suitable name.

Basically right after we had Mark, I thought of another boy's name that I liked:  Daniel James.  It was a strong Bible name - both for characters in the Bible who were godly and wise.  Wouldn't you know within 20 months, we had another son!  Without any hesitation, Walter and I decided on that name (it became D.J. for a few years until Daniel started school).  There were two boys in our youth group at that time, one Danny and the other Jimmy.  They thought we had named D.J. after them and we didn't confirm or deny that!

Our third baby was due when the boys were 3 years old and 17 months.  I was almost certain I would have another son, but somehow this pregnancy was different.  I carried this baby in a different position (higher or lower, I don't remember now!) and I felt sure I would be early to deliver.  Sure enough, our daughter was born two weeks early, small but healthy!  I wanted to name her with the same initials as myself (my mom is Charlotte, Grandma Cecile and myself Cindy).  Walter thought Cayley after a town in Alberta was a nice girls' name.  I changed the spelling to Caylea and added Marie for the middle name.  Caylea's name in the Gaelic language is spelled "Ceilidh" and means a party - no doubt!  Wherever Caylea goes, she loves to celebrate!  

How is this relevant to Advent?

When our Saviour was born, the tradition would be to name the firstborn son after the father, or another male relative. In a dream, an angel told Joseph to name the child "Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."  (Matthew 1:21)  Jesus, or Joshua, or Yeshua are all variations of the same name, which does mean "God saves" or "the Lord is salvation."  

The baby born to Mary was special, unique and one of a kind!  Whenever the child was addressed, they were reinforcing His name and His calling: to bring salvation.  And Jesus grew up to be the Saviour of the world, the Lord Jesus Christ!

How wonderful and holy is the Name of our Saviour and Lord!  

"Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His majesty is above earth and heaven."  Psalm 148:13"

 Just outside the huge city of Jerusalem, near the little town of Bethlehem, were pastures.  In particular, there was this special pasture, where the sheep being fed and cared for had a very specific purpose.  The shepherds were carefully guarding, protecting and providing the best grazing for these sheep.  Why?  They were being prepared for sacrifice.

Once a year, there was a special offering made for the sins of Israel.  The lamb offered must be perfect, without blemish, healthy and whole in every way.  The shepherds' responsibility must have weighed heavy upon them.  When the high priest and his assistants were presented with the flock, great discernment and spiritual insight would be required to  make the selection.

"And in the same region there were shepherd out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."  Luke 2:8  To our North American minds, we would not catch the significance of this statement in the Christmas story.  When my husband did some preparation for a sermon, he came across this information giving cultural context to this verse.  (I am stealing from his research!)  The field was the special pasture reserved for the sheep that had been chosen from the larger flocks of Israel.  And it would be reasonable that this location would be near Jerusalem, the Temple and religious centre of Israel.  

So when the angel of the Lord does appear to the shepherds, this is more than a heavenly choir performance!  This is God pointing out to these sheep-herders that He is making the selection for the Passover Lamb, the perfect sacrifice for sin.  

"Fear not..." the angel begins the message from God.  Those poor shepherds must have been shaking and falling down in absolute shock and awe!  The glory of heaven opening, the shining brilliance of heavenly beings must have jolted the resting shepherds in the middle of the night.

And then these same shepherds leave their special assignment to go "over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened..." Luke 2:15b  Why keep watch over the sheep that can only at best cover the sins of the people for one year?  The Christ is born!

Scripture repeatedly admonishes us to "Fear not" because we tend to get freaked out!  In Deuteronomy, just as Joshua is to take over from Moses' leadership into the Promised Land, God gave a powerful command for Joshua's benefit.  "Be strong and courageous.  do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake."  Deuteronomy 31:6  

In history, as in our current situations, any new or frightening event can cause us to be fearful and in dread.  The Israelites were heading into the new land.  The Shepherds were about to meet the Saviour of the world!  The unknown, the unseen can cause us to be so filled with fear and trepidation.  But thanks be to God that He promises to never leave us or forsake us.  God goes with us into every new thing!

Be blessed today as you consider God's presence in the Christmas story and beyond...

 Psalm 95:6 "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!"

Today is the 2nd Sunday of Advent.  If we were at home this morning, we would be heading to church, Balgonie Baptist, to worship with our church family.  Our normal routine is now delightfully interrupted by our winter vacation adventures!  So how will we spend this Sunday away from home?

This reminds me of the journey of the three kings or wisemen from the east who were far from home.  Unlike our travels, they were not seeking rest and recreation, a break from their regular life.  These rich and influential men left their home in search of something very meaningful.  They used their resources to follow a star to find a king of an insignificant middle eastern country.  That seems crazier than our journey into the mountains of western Canada in December!

So they traveled to Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, where it would seem logical to find the king of the Jews.  Except when they arrived, the current reigning king, Herod - in place by order of the Roman government who occupied Israel - was troubled by their search.  A baby born King of the Jews?  Herod did some research and learned that this "Christ" or king or Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (as predicted in Micah 5:2).  So off these wisemen trooped to Bethlehem, about five miles away from Jerusalem.  King Herod asked them to return and tell him where this newborn baby could be found "that I too may come and worship and him."  (Matthew 1:8b)

You see, this was the purpose the wisemen had for traveling so far - to worship!  And as recorded in Matthew's Gospel, "When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him..." (Matthew 1:10-11)

For these dignified and wealthy men to fall down, to kneel, to worship a baby would have been a radical and undignified act.  True worship doesn't mind the humbling and potentially shaming act of kneeling, of bowing.  Their act of worship was the greatest offering, more valuable than the gifts of gold, frankincense and myhrr!

Advent is about that search for the King. We will pause today and join our church family's worship on Zoom.  Our hearts long to worship our Saviour.

Will you come and bow down and worship Him today?

Twinkling lights, striped candy canes and festive garlands are displayed in every town we pass through on our BC tour.  From the restaurant where we had supper last night, we could look down into the hot springs pool, which was lit by strands of red and white lights and miniature snow-covered evergreen trees complete with decorations, as well.  The Christmas tree in the corner of the warm dining room enhanced the atmosphere while soft carols played in the background.

I almost felt like I was in a Hallmark movie, sitting across from my handsome husband as we shared an intimate meal together.  In this alpine setting, it was romantic and relaxing.  Warm, fuzzy feelings wrapped up in sentimentality carried me away!

But you and I know, Christmas isn't always full of romance and perfection.  As much as the Hallmark movie plots always end happily ever after, real life can be just the opposite.

Many struggle through the holiday season.  For those who grew up with Christmas being the season of parties, it can be filled with fear and tragedies that took place.  Money gets spent extravagantly, only to cause hardship afterwards. Some find the holidays to be lonely.  It emphasizes that loved ones who have passed away are no longer there to celebrate with.  Other have become so disillusioned with the Hallmark version when reality just never measures up!

This verse from the Bible may not seem connected with Christmas at all, but I think it fits.  "It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart."  Ecclesiastes 7:2

A party appears to be a fun, happy, carefree time!  Food, laughter, drinks and music...and I'm not saying not to celebrate at Christmas or any other occasion.  People were created with a natural desire to rejoice and celebrate! Even more, followers of the Lord Jesus Christ ought to be able to celebrate the most because we are forgiven and have the hope of eternal life in heaven!  But many times, a party can be an excuse for over-indulgence in an attempt to hide the pains of real life.

If you want reality, attend a funeral.  Go to a house where mourners are sharing memories of their departed loved one.  Go to a hospital and sit with a family as their loved one slips into the next life.  We all must face the harsh reality of death.  And a house of mourning or a funeral is where people can think with clarity about the future and where they will spend eternity.  It is where they are often open to spiritual truths and conversations.

But the good news is found in the announcement the angel gave to the shepherds on that special night:

"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:10 & 11

A Saviour has been born!  We have a reason to truly celebrate - to party with real and lasting joy!  We have a comforter, a healer, a friend who will never leave us or forsake us.  Jesus Christ has come!

(If you are one who feels depression at this time of year and you want to skip over these calendar days of December 24-January1...I am praying for you.  Reach out to someone you trust and find hope and healing.  You are loved!)

 Contemplating Mary, the mother of Jesus, has spurred me to think of other aspects of her unique calling in life.  Luke recorded many details in his Gospel (chapter 1 verses 26-56) here are a few thoughts that jumped out at me this morning!

Mary and her betrothed, Joseph, were both of the lineage of David.  They were going about their lives in the usual way as most Jewish folks did.  Anticipating their marriage, Joseph was preparing a home for his future wife.  Mary would also have been preparing items for her household.  They lived in Nazareth in Galilee.

God sent an angel to visit Mary!  "Greetings, O favoured one, the Lord is with you!"  (Luke 1:28b)

How did Mary become a favoured one?  Did she do something to be noticed by the Lord?  No, she was not special by anything she had done.  Being in the line of David meant she was qualified according to the promise that a King would come through this family. Mary was chosen and that's all we know.

When she listens to the angel's pronouncement of her calling to be the mother of the Messiah, her response is expected, normal.  "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34b)  

She doesn't doubt the angel's message, nor do we see any decrease in her faith in God.  But her mind is going over the realities and practicalities of becoming pregnant.  She isn't willing to compromise her faith and sincerity in following God's laws.  

When the explanation is given and the character and abilities of God are shown through the miraculous pregnancy of Mary's relative Elizabeth, then Mary is faced with a choice.  Will she trust?  Will she believe?

Luke 1:38 speaks to me strongly as I read Mary's reply to the angel.  "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."

I have been asked to be a missionary, to serve among First Nations people.  I have been blessed to have a husband and three children, to raise our family in a cross-cultural setting.  I have been asked to travel, to go to remote places and help my husband in bringing leadership to a mission organization.  And my response has sometimes been:

*Lord, are You sure it's me You want?

*I am not gifted in this area.

*I get carsick!

*I am afraid I will fail.

*Will my kids be okay?

*Is the pressure too much for my husband?

*I don't want to!

The beautiful song Mary sang reflects her absolute trust and submission to her God. "The Magnificat" found in Luke 1:46-55 will inspire you and convict you - as it did me - and challenge you to say "YES" to God's call on your life.

"Let it be to me according to your word."

 Winding around the bends of the lakeshore highway, Walter and I are making our way to our next destination.  Tall evergreen trees are laden with heavy snow frosting.  The Kootenay Lake plays peek-a-boo as we drive along its curving edges.  

I glance at the clock display on the dash of our truck - the time shows 3:00 pm and the ferry we are hoping to ride leaves at 3:40!  Will we make it?

I keep my eyes straight ahead, keeping watch for wildlife and oncoming traffic.  Walter is gripping the steering wheel, expertly manoevering each curve.  The sign reads 14 km to the Kootenay Bay ferry crossing.  Surely we will make it on time.  But the minutes tick by and at only 40-50 km/hour, it seems to take forever.

Finally we arrive to a small line up just as the ferry is approaching the dock.  Whew!  

The ferry ride is pleasant and smooth, only 35 minutes across the lake.  When we disembark, we see the sign for the hot springs.  Not long now.

It was only 4:30 but with the cloudy sky and towering mountains, we find ourselves driving in late afternoon darkness.  More winding road, a few impatient drivers who drive way too fast and come up too close behind us.  Walter slows and drives into a pullout and lets the speedy little car pass.  We carry on to see a sign warning of a steep downhill grade.  

And there it is.  The little community of Ainsworth, BC.  We turn at the hotel/restaurant and the sign for the Hot Springs Pool/Caves!  We pull up to the lobby entrance and Walter leaves me in the truck while he checks to see if they have any rooms.

Another couple in history had a long journey to make.  There were curves in their trail, obstacles to their itinerary.  They may have had different scenery surrounding them - desert terrain - and more rustic mode of travel - donkey?  They, too, were seeking a destination.

I have often tried to put myself in Mary's shoes as I think of the biblical account of Jesus' birth.  Was she stressed?  Was she suffering and uncomfortable, being advanced in her pregnancy?  Was Joseph confident as he navigated their way to Bethlehem?  Did the days drag on?  Did darkness seem to settle in over them?

But unlike Mary's experience, I am blessed to rent a room at the inn we found.

Sometimes I need to take note of the everyday details of Jesus' unceremonious coming, the humble and inconvenient circumstances His mother endured.

Lord, thank You for helping me see the perspective of Mary's journey as we trust You on ours.