Wisdom Matters

The whole world measures time based on the birth of Christ. In many ways, the world became new again because of Jesus.

Rome had spent many years and thousands of man-hours constructing a system of roads through the countries they conquered. The Roman roads were built to carry soldiers, chariots, and weapons of war. Those same roads were also used to carry the word of God throughout the land.

Rome had established itself as the world power. There was relative peace throughout the civilized nations. Rome had shared their markets, their language, their money, their culture, and their belief in multiple gods with the world as well.

The Jewish people had revolted against the Romans and had reconciled themselves to their rule. Yet, their faith and values still held a stronger influence in their lives than Roman laws and ideals. 

As Paul wrote, “But, when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.” The studies of the timing of Christ’s birth are fascinating. Jesus picked the perfect time to come. Most people spoke one language and therefore understood his sermons. Rome protected his freedom to speak even when his Jewish brothers did not. The Roman culture had many gods and therefore was less concerned when Jesus was just “one more.” Jesus was born to be the sacrificial lamb, and Rome was even the reason he would be hung on a cross. 

What Rome did not understand was that Jesus was born in the fullness of time “to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:5). Jesus didn’t come to usher in new followers of the old covenant law or  new citizens of Rome. Jesus was born to help people understand their “citizenship” was in heaven because they were the adopted children of the Holy God. 

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. Jesus wisely and carefully chose to be born at that particular time in history. And world history was reborn at that same time.

Most of us can quote John 3:16, but we don’t finish Jesus’ message to Nicodemus without verse 17. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Then Jesus told Nicodemus why he had come to save the world: “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

It is the week of Christmas. Most of us will spend time this week with someone in our circle of friends, or even in our families, who does not believe in Jesus like we do. Most of those people will feel like we “condemn” their way of thinking, and they would be right. How do we condemn their lack of belief without condemning them?

Most of the time, John 3:17 is our answer and our Christian perspective. If Jesus told Nicodemus his purpose was to save rather than condemn, then we know that truth is our purpose as well. 

We can get caught up in the need to be right, which can justify some wrong words if we aren’t careful. We can get caught up condemning their wrong beliefs and never earn the right to offer them the truth about Jesus. He was born to save, not to condemn. If we don’t follow our Lord’s motivations, we follow something or someone less.

God so loved the world he gave his Son to anyone who would believe. God wants people to live their earthly lives with the promise and hope of life eternal. God did not send Jesus to condemn the world. Instead, Jesus was born to save the world.

But there is one point of theology we must stand firmly upon. God will only give his Son and his salvation to those who will believe. God doesn’t want anyone to perish, but salvation is a personal choice, and God won’t force anyone to choose. Jesus was not born to condemn; he was born to save. John 3:17 is the only way to share John 3:16.

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. Our treasure was given to us so we would carefully share it with others. If unbelievers realized we owned and were willing to share a “pearl of great price” (Matthew 13:46), they might be more ready to listen to our message.

The Christmas season offers so many opportunities to lift up our faith to a world that doesn’t understand it but at least appreciates our Christmas story.

We can say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy holidays.” We can wish someone a “blessed day” instead of a “good day.” We can decorate our homes, send our cards, post on social media, and prioritize our time with the goal of celebrating Christ with those we know. Peter taught that we should “honor Christ the Lord as holy.” I think Peter would encourage us to do that by keeping our Christmas celebrations “holy” as well.

Peter also taught that we should always be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks.” If you make it a goal to lift up the name of Christ, you will at some point be asked why you believe. If you are open about your faith, people will expect you to be faithful to Christ. Most people are looking for the hope we have, even if they don’t realize that our hope is in Christ. Are you ready to answer their questions and lead them to meet the baby of Bethlehem who was and is the King of kings?

Some of the world’s ideas about celebrating Christmas can seem pointless, absurd, and even offensive. Peter would encourage us to share the truth about Christmas with words and an attitude of “gentleness and respect.” Even when we aren’t given that same respect from others, we remember our accountability is to the Lord himself. Sharing the good news of Christ isn’t a debate; it is a delivery. We don’t hand them an argument for Christmas; we give them a gift from God.

If Jesus would leave the glory of heaven to be born in a humble stable, we can lay aside our personal “rights” in order to be righteous. Jesus deserves our humble service, and we should be prepared wherever we go to be his Presence, his voice, and his love through the power of his Holy Spirit. 

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. Wisdom is being prepared and ready to share our treasure with gentleness and respect every time we are given the opportunity. 

Micah prophesied that the “ruler of Israel” would come from “Bethlehem Ephrathah.” Jesus, the King, was born quietly in a Bethlehem stable. He grew up in the home of a carpenter and lived his first thirty years in Nazareth as a tradesman. 

Except for his visit to the temple at the age of twelve, we know very little about the “ruler of Israel.” He amazed the priests at the age of twelve, but who else noticed Jesus wasn’t just another man?

Jesus impacted a small region of the world after his baptism. Many were healed, many were taught, and many experienced his miraculous power. But Jesus didn’t fulfill Zechariah’s prophecy until the week before his death.

Zechariah had written, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The day Zechariah’s prophecy was fulfilled, the people shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9). Only a few days later, the shouts would change to: “Let him be crucified!” (Matthew 27:23).

The story of Christmas is a story of great hope, but so is the story of Easter. Jesus’ glorious birth was followed by a long period of day-to-day, natural growth. The story of Jesus’ earthly ministry was just about three short, busy years. The glory of his entrance into Jerusalem was soon overshadowed by his tragic death. But, just three days later, his glory was established forever. 

The hope of Christmas required a wait. So did the hope of Easter. Peter taught those early believers, and us, how to wait with hope. He wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:3).

The hope of Christmas is the hope of Easter today, but it is a living hope that dwells in each of God’s children. If you have the Holy Spirit of Jesus living in your life, you have that living hope because you have the promise of one day spending Christmas with Jesus in your eternal home. 

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. Treasure the living hope we have as believers today.

The story behind the hymn “Silent Night” is a compelling picture for our Christmas season. 

It was on a cold Christmas Eve in 1818 that an Austrian pastor, Joseph Franz Mohr, carried a poem he had written years before to his friend Franz Gruber. The Christmas Eve service was only hours away and a flood had destroyed the organ at the church. The pastor hoped his friend could put his poem to music that could be played on a guitar.

That is how “Stille Nacht” began. The hymn has been translated and many of the lyrics were altered from the original, but the spirit of the hymn remained. There is something profound in the quiet beauty of a candlelit sanctuary filled with people singing the timeless carol “Silent Night.” That moment reminds us that Christmas is a holy season.

It’s no wonder that the world has turned the season into a long list of things to do. Jesus warned his disciples, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Satan is the “father of lies” (John 8:44). I like to teach that Satan is also the demon of distraction. There are so many “good” things to do each Christmas that we sometimes get distracted from those things that are godly.

“Silent Night” has been a favorite Christmas carol since it was written. Somehow, even a flooded church couldn’t stop Christmas worship. God blessed one man with an idea and another with a melody and their song has blessed countless people since. Satan would have chosen to kill and destroy a worship service in Austria. Jesus decided to bring abundant blessing instead.

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus was born to defeat Satan’s claim on God’s people. Christmas was a miraculous, abundant gift from God. We should be careful to measure the abundance of our holiday by his standards. 

Satan would love to distract us by killing plans, stealing our joy, and destroying all that God wants to bless us with. If we allow Jesus to work, he can inspire and lead us to enjoy a blessed Christmas, filled with abundance. 

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. Consider the lyrics of “Silent Night” and make this night a calm, “holy night.” May your Christmas be abundantly blessed as a result.

he kings from Persia were probably a very large group of travelers. The magi presented Jesus with three gifts, which is why tradition has whittled their number down to three. The story of the magi is only found in Matthew’s gospel because his audience was Jewish. This story was a link to Jewish history, and only they would have been able to see the connections.

Matthew 2:1–12 tells the story. These “wise men” came from the East in search of a newborn king. Their arrival in the city of Jerusalem would have caused a commotion. A group of this size and this importance would have had quite an entourage. Their status is indicated by the fact that they went to Herod expecting him to give them an audience. Their status is also indicated by the fact that Herod was less than candid about his plans for that “newborn king.”

They went to ask Herod their question, knowing him to be of Jewish lineage. Herod had been raised as Jewish, which is why the Romans chose him to be their leader in Jerusalem. The magi asked Herod where they should look for the newborn king, and he consulted with the Jewish leadership. Micah 5:2 is the verse the Jewish leaders quoted and the reason Herod sent the magi to Bethlehem.

Bethlehem was home to King David’s family at one time. It was “little . . . among the clans of Judah.” It was a small place, home to farmers and shepherds. But, just as King David in “ancient days” had come from Bethlehem, so would the Messiah, the One who was to be the “ruler in Israel.” That verse would have led the magi to their king and was also the reason Herod plotted to kill all the young baby boys who had been born there. 

Bethlehem was a small town, so the number of baby boys born there would have been small, probably less than ten. That number wasn’t significant to Roman history, but it was significant to those who were Jewish. That’s why Matthew included this story in his gospel to the Jewish people.

The magi were wise men, likely influenced by the faith that Daniel and others had taught when they were taken captive in the region of Persia hundreds of years earlier. Their faithful teaching during those days had likely inspired these kings to go in search of the new “ruler of Israel” hundreds of years later.

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. The timing of Jesus’ birth is a testimony to the wisdom, prophecy, and perfection of God’s plan for the salvation of the world.

Christmas is a unique aspect of our Christian theology. An in-depth study of the Christmas story tells us so much about why our world needed a Savior and why Jesus was the Savior the world needed.

We are blessed to have access to biblical theology in the countless volumes written by theologians from around the globe. We have access to the strengths and weaknesses of the Christian church through the historical and biblical records that date back thousands of years. We have been “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” that we can easily find examples and encouragement for our faith from their lives.

This life is a race, and we are called to run it with endurance. Every Christmas has sweet memories of past Christmas seasons and hope for all the celebrations to come. Every Christmas sparks a bit of sadness because of those whom we will miss and sparks joy because of the new lives who have joined our families.

If something is heavy on your heart this Christmas, the author of Hebrews would encourage you to “lay aside” that weight so you can “run” your race. If there are unconfessed sins, he would tell you to repent so you can throw the burden of it to the side and run with endurance. We have been given a perfect example in Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. How would Jesus perfect your Christmas this year?

Jesus endured the cross so that we could run our race with joy and with hope. We can live with gratitude to him by running the race, that is, living our lives with spiritual endurance. If Jesus walked up to you right now and held out his arms, what burden would he ask you to give up by giving it to him?

Jesus, and so many of those biblical heroes, encourage us with their stories. None but Jesus were perfect people, but many allowed God to use their lives for his good and holy purpose. We can too! Jesus is the founder and perfecter of our faith. How does he want to perfect your Christmas season and your life today?

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. We can run our race with endurance and joy if we run our race led by his perfection. 

Shepherds are a favorite analogy in Scripture. In biblical times the shepherds were key members of the culture, caring for the flocks that provided for the needs of the communities. The shepherds led the sheep to water and green pastures while protecting them from their natural predators. David was a good shepherd who grew to become a great king.

Jesus told his disciples, “I am the good shepherd.” Jesus was born to care for God’s people and lead them through life. Jesus described himself as the good shepherd and then said, “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Jesus is the good shepherd who will leave the ninety-nine to go after the one. Jesus is the good shepherd who will fight Satan, the wolf who “seeks to kill and destroy” (John 10:10). 

The baby of Bethlehem grew up to be the good shepherd. Bethlehem is located about six miles from the city of Jerusalem. The fields were used by the shepherds, especially during the Passover season, to provide pilgrims with the lambs they needed to bring to the altar for sacrifice.

The first Christmas most likely occurred during the spring when the shepherds were in those fields near Bethlehem, watching their flocks by night. There were a lot of shepherds in the fields that night when the skies were set ablaze with angelic light. Those shepherds were the first to go and see “the good shepherd” lying in that stable.

All of us have people in our circles of influence whom God has called us to “shepherd.” Are we willing to guide them to those still waters where God can restore their souls? Are we willing to chase after the one who has wandered off? Will we do all we can to shepherd them and bring them to the good shepherd, the One who laid his life down for them?

We might need to “lay down” some plans tomorrow to go after one who has wandered away. We might need to put our own lives on hold in order to lead others to a safer place. Shepherds are called to care for the flocks, for the good of the community. How will God put you to work tomorrow?

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. Wisdom is allowing the good shepherd to lead us and use us to care for his flocks. It’s an honor and privilege to serve the One who laid down his life for his own.

Enjoying the Christmas season with the peace and joy God wants us to have takes effort. We can know that our desire to be godly during these days is an effort God will reward. 

If we want to experience the holiness of this season, we simply need to allow Paul’s words to the Ephesians to be our great advice for these days. We shouldn’t be running around trying to do everything that seems important. If we do, we will likely miss what God has told us is important.

There is an amazing power that has been invested into each Christian’s life. When we received God’s Holy Spirit, we received the person and power of his character. First John 4:8 tells us that “God is love.” When Christians are yielded to God’s Spirit, we are filled with God’s character. And God is love.

Paul told the Ephesians, and each of us, to “walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” If we were standing with Christ each day, how would he feel about our patience with others? If we were seeing people with the compassion of Christ, how would our thoughts and actions change? Paul told the church to “walk in love, as Christ loved.” That is the goal we should set for this Christmas season and every day that follows.

We can walk in the love of Christ if we will walk with the Spirit of Christ. Jesus sacrificed his life so that we could live filled with the character of God, the character that is love. Our effort isn’t to love others; it is to rely on the power of God’s love within us and give his love to others. 

Jesus became a “fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Now, through his Spirit, we can carry the fragrance of Christ to those we meet as our sacrificial service to God. We can see others and love them as Jesus would. That can be our Christmas gift to the One who gave everything to us.

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. We are greatly blessed. May the love of Jesus be the treasure we share with others.

I was asked to play Mary in the Christmas pageant more than once. I had long brown hair and my age fit the part. Only once did I have to hold a real infant in my arms, and I remember working hard to discreetly cover the baby’s ears so the orchestra and choir wouldn’t cause him to cry. I hoped it was a sweet time for the crowd, but I was relieved to get through it with no problems. I only played a small role in the pageant, but I remember thinking later how incredibly difficult that first Christmas truly was for Mary. 

The angel told her that she, a virgin, would give birth to a son. She had all the questions any young woman would have, then said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Jesus chose Mary because she understood that the highest purpose for her life was to live as a servant of the Lord. 

Mary would have cared about how her family, friends, and community would be impacted by her news. She was surely worried about telling Joseph. She had every reason to say no except one: she was called to serve the Lord. So, she said, “Let it be to me according to your word.”

Later, when Mary saw Elizabeth, she received her first encouragement. Elizabeth, filled with God’s Spirit, confirmed and affirmed Mary’s pregnancy. The Magnificat is Mary’s song of praise and begins with the words, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46–47). Mary was honored to be chosen and used by God.

Jesus chose Mary to be his mother because she knew how to serve. Jesus chose Mary because she knew how to put God’s calling ahead of anything else, even those who were most important to her life. Jesus chose Mary because her soul rejoiced at the chance to serve. Mary is one of the finest examples in Scripture of what it means to trust the Lord with all of our heart, not leaning on human understanding but in every way knowing and accepting God’s calling. It is then we will allow God to direct our path.

Wisdom is understanding that the gift of Jesus is our treasure. I wish I had known more about Mary before I was asked to fill her role in the Christmas pageant. If I do that again, hopefully it will be with her heart, the heart of a servant.