Not just a bunch of boys, sheep, old men and gifts.

Is it not interesting to note that it was Sheppard's and Wise Men that came to worship and glorify Christ at his birth? Why is this so interesting? Because these two groups were not of the Jewish faith. Perhaps maybe the Sheppard's were, however they were low on the Jewish social latter, seen as dirty and unclean. The Wise Men were those from the east... and were not from Israel, therefore they were not in the Jewish genealogy. 
So I stop and look at this, and as God has been encouraging me to look forward onto the cross this Christmas, I cannot help but see the amazing things He is telling and showing all those around through these two groups.
Through the Sheppard's God reveals that Jesus will work with and among those who are seen as outcasts, and that they will draw close to Him, seeing who He truly is being healed not only physically and mentally, but spiritually as well.
God reveals through the Wise Men that Jesus' words will touch those who are not Jewish, that He will impact the Gentile world too. This is very evident as His gospel was not only brought to Gentiles after His death and Resurrection but also during His life, seen especially by his works with the Roman soldiers prior to and at the cross.
So the few sheep herders and old men from the east were not just a coincidence at the "Christmas story" they plaid an important part for what God was, is, and will always do physically and spiritually.
And so I challenge you this Christmas to look deeper into the "Christmas Story" we know so well and seek to see what God has, and is trying to truly say to His creation! 

Merry Christmas everyone

I Am Tired of Christmas

It's Eve Christmas, the presents are out, the trees are dressed in lights and childhood memories, the craziness of last minute shopping (men) has begun, and the last minute changes of outfits for the Church service will be a common thing tonight.
But here's the thing, I am tired of Christmas. That's right you heard this Pastor kid, Theology student, Bible believing, breathing, living Christian. I. AM. TIRED. OF. CHRISTMAS.
Now before you get all mad at me and say that I am Satan hear me out on what I mean by this.
What I mean is that I find as Christians although we try are best to not get caught up in secularism, we then dive to far into the Nativity story.
As Christians to stray away from the world we turn to our cute little nativity season and Christmas pageants with the Sunday school kids sticking their hands down their pants and running around throwing the sheep at the three wise men (who I might add dawn their drawn on beard quiet proudly) but we forget that Christmas isn't really about little Baby Jesus at all.
Again I say "CHRISTMAS IS NOT REALLY ABOUT LITTLE BABY JESUS AT ALL" and please bear with me here... I do not condone heresy or Satan. So what is Christmas about then Nathan? Mr.JESUS ISN'T THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!?
This is what I mean, we focus on Baby Jesus so much that we forget about Adult Jesus. And then BOOM Easter and it is all about Adult Jesus and we forget about everything else... but once that's done good bye Adult Jesus...
The thing is Jesus is the same Jesus... he's the baby, and the adult. And I have been convicted lately (especially in the last week) to not read the traditional "Christmas story" but in my devotions (I have been working my way through the Gospels) I just happen to come to Mark 14... aka the the "Easter Story" the week of Christmas... Coincidence? I think not my dear Blog reader!
You see God has been saying to me, "Nathan today and tomorrow are not about Jesus being born... that's a minor thing, today and tomorrow, they are about what I am about to do in History at this point. This part of the story is merely the ending of the prologue, the preface, the overture, the final touch before the real story." You see God has been showing me that Christmas isn't about "Away in a manger, no crib for a bed", it's not about Sheppard or Wise men... NATHAN IT'S ABOUT THE CROSS! It's about the anticipation for the climaxation of all of creation! (Yes I know climaxation is not a word... but you gotta admit it sounds cool in that sentence!).
So here's the thing, I am tired of Christmas... I am tired that we have made Christmas about a baby and not a conquoring king... not about THE GREATEST SACRIFICE OF ALL OF TIME AND HISTORY!
This Christmas join me in remembering not the baby, not the manager... but join me this Christmas in really remember CHRIST MASS (A REMEMBER OF CHRIST'S SACRIFICE ON THE CROSS) join me in properly enjoying, rejoicing and celebrating Jesus and who He was, is and will forever be.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!