David Bahn - Reflections

We don't know much about Joseph. But we can see the righteousness of his character in the little we do know. Obedience and patience are not often the counsel of the wicked, sinners, or scoffers. Thank God Joseph did not take their counsel, but obeyed God, believed the angel's message, and waited for God to lead and provide for him: Truly blessed he was indeed.

The promises of this Psalm apply to any follower of Jesus who is willing to reject the influences of this world and love his or her neighbor. We won't do it perfectly. But certainly we must do this - not to gain God's favor, or even merely to get these promised blessings - because God has loved us so fully in Jesus, and by reflecting that love to others we honor him. That's what I want to do, and I pray you do also, Dear Reader.

How is it that Jesus who lived a perfect life in every possible way did not experience total outward success? Why does his life on earth not look like a tree planted beside the waters? He died a cruel and unjust death. How does that square with the psalm?

First of all Jesus went through the valley of the shadow of death for us, carrying our sin to the cross. He took on the consequences of our wickedness, sin, and scoffing. But God raised him from the dead, and exalted him above all. The ultimate fulfillment of this Psalm is connected to Jesus. Through faith in him we will be exalted in glory with him forever.

When the law of God accuses us, that brings us to repentance and a return to God. Whenever that happens, God delights to forgive and receive us into his gracious presence. And when we are curbed from gross acts of disobedience by fear of God or consequences, we can thank God for the law that brings that fear to us, and calls us to repent. That was Jesus' first recorded sermon in Mark's Gospel, "The time has come. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the good news." It's a good message for us to meditate on walking, standing, or sitting.

Because of the Father's great love for us, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

What a mystery!

What a blessing!

Thanks be to God!

Of the Father’s Love Begotten

Of the Father’s love begotten

Oh, that birth forever blessèd,

This is He whom seers in old time

O ye heights of heav’n, adore Him;

Christ, to Thee, with God the Father,

Text: Public domain

Jesus, Lord at thy birth. Jesus Lord on the cross. Jesus Lord over death and the grave. Jesus Lord at the end of all time. Jesus Lord, confessed by all in the life of the world to come. What a beautiful truth to remember this Christmas!

Somebody needs to send out the message. Bells need to ring. People need to hear. That's why choirs sing his praises. Congregations join in the hymns and carols. Cantatas, concerts, and celebrations of many sorts point us toward Jesus.

Our hope and belief is that right shall prevail. The wrong shall fail. That's why we must not stop and stay at the manger, but follow Jesus on to Calvary, and look with expectation to the life of the world to come. There will be perfect peace!

The angels announce a heaven-born Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He is the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2). He has laid his glory aside in order to redeem us and give us second birth (Philippians 2:5-8; John 3:3-5). We are to join the refrain of the angels. We too must sing his praises. We too must acknowledge his work in and for us. We too must rejoice in his reconciling work. We too must call the nations to rise and give glory to God for his gift of Jesus.

This is the beginning of a great deliverance. It's only the beginning. But its outcome is assured as the baby is born. Angels announce it. They sing God's praises: Gloooooooooooooooooooooooooria in excelsis deo! Though most likely not in Latin, the message is clear, Glory to God in the highest. No matter how powerful, mighty, important, or high and honored the place or person, the glory to God on this occasion reaches beyond. Good News of great joy. A Savior is born. Glory to God in the highest - and in the deep places of our hearts as well.

The call goes out, O come all ye faithful! Come and behold him, the King of angels. True God from True God is he, light from eternal light, born of a virgin, the only-begotten Son of God. Come and join the angel chorus glorifying God. Indeed, to Jesus may all glory be given.

That is what I want to celebrate and sing. I hope you do too!