December 31 | Matthew 2:13-18

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DAILY READING

Matthew 2:13-18

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REFLECTION

Jesus Understands

by Julie Ogg

"When they (the magi) had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."  (Matthew 13:2)

For those of us who may be tempted to imagine Jesus’ early years as a gold embossed nativity scene complete with fresh straw, rested parents, and a shining halo, this verse shatters that illusion.

Jesus was born in an unfamiliar town with no lodging or extended family after an arduous journey prompted by an occupying nation.  Jesus’ family then fled, at the angel’s instruction, to Egypt and lived there until after Herod’s death.  

While Jesus was God’s son nothing about his life was easy.  This is so important for us to remember when we bring our struggles to Him.  

Jesus can identify with those who flee their homeland to escape violence and persecution.  While Jesus fled to Egypt, Herod had all the boys age two and under killed in Bethlehem (Luke 2:16).  Jesus’ family survived but were displaced and alone far from their typical support systems.

Jesus can relate to those who are misunderstood and rejected.  Jesus’ own family often did not understand who he was as Messiah (Mark 3:31-35).  He was rejected by most of the religious leaders of his day and also by his closest friends (Luke 22:54-62).

Jesus experienced personal temptation from Satan himself (Luke 4:1-13), and also the daily emotions and limits of life in a human body. The Gospels record Jesus being tired (John 4:6), overcome with grief (Matthew 23:36-38, John 11:35), and angry at hard-heartedness and injustice (Mark 3:1-6, 11:15-18).

As Isaiah prophesied in 53:1, "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem."

Let this understanding motivate you to bring your deepest emotions, questions, and pain to the one who understands our weakness.  "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." (Hebrews 4:15).

PRAYER

Lord, thank you that you are Emmanuel, God With Us. Give us confidence, that when we fellowship with you we can bring our whole selves, knowing that you understand what it is to be human. We are so grateful for this precious gift!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JULIE OGG

I have lived throughout the Midwest, the last twelve years in Columbus with my husband, Dan, and dog, Lollipop. I love to cook, travel, read, garden, and spend time with our nieces and nephews. I am naturally drawn to the Old Testament, particularly the poetic and prophetic books. I am grateful to be a part of the community of believers at UALC.

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December 30 | Matthew 2:1-12

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DAILY READING

Matthew 2:1-12

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REFLECTION

Are We Wise Men and Women?

By Dave Mann

Of all the characters of the original Christmas story, the magi are the most curious.  There is a striking contrast between the religious leaders in Jerusalem and the magi.  The magi, supposing that the star's appearance was a sign that the reigning king (Herod) must have had a newborn child, made a long, arduous trip to investigate.  They logically first stopped at Herod’s palace.  But they found no royal newborn there to honor.  Suspecting there might be a challenge to his power, Herod called on the religious leaders to ascertain what the Hebrew prophecies might say.  The priests knew the Scriptures and correctly cited Micah 5:2, pointing the magi to Bethlehem. 

The magi were delighted, especially when the star reappeared and confirmed the matter, as it moved toward Bethlehem.  They advanced to the small town, where they presented their gifts and worshiped Jesus.  These mysterious men – likely from a pagan culture, possibly immersed in astrology, presuming that stars had the power to give spiritual advice – these men, in some ways very distant from the truth, actually drew near and worshiped Jesus.

In contrast, what did the chief priests do?  Did they exhibit a bit of curiosity that perhaps the Messiah was born?  Did they even send someone to Bethlehem to check it out?  They had the Scriptures and the head knowledge. They could cite the specific verse concerning the birthplace of the predicted Messiah.  But did this knowledge move them one step closer to God? Did they ask God for the eyes to recognize their Messiah?  Sadly, no.

As I write this reflection, I suppose some of you who read this reflection are like me.  We might have more in common with the chief priests than with the magi.  We know the Scriptures.  We can often cite chapter and verse.  We participate in religious events, especially at Christmas time.  We are not involved with astrology and would not make a long, hard trip to honor an unknown newborn king.

Sometimes those who grow up in a culture traditionally distant from the Lord are the bravest to ask the best questions.  The magi saw something (a star) that they thought might lead them to the truth.  When they arrived at the king’s palace (actually the wrong place), they did not give up on their quest but continued with the new information from an Old Testament prophecy and followed the star further.  Furthermore, when they came into the very presence of Jesus, they presented gifts and bowed in worship.

Because of this uncomfortable comparison, I fall on my knees and implore the Lord:

O Lord, use the example of the magi to shake me out of my spiritual and religious slumber.  Lord, use the curiosity of the magi to move me to worship, to obey, to offer my gifts and myself to you.  May I be a wise man or woman who truly follows Jesus.  Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of six. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.

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December 29 | Luke 2:25-40

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DAILY READING

Luke 2:25-40

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Post Christmas Blues?

By Elaine Pierce

I don't know about you, but the days right after Christmas can feel.....almost sad. The presents are opened. The family meals are over. Loved ones travel home. Work beckons. The bills from all that Christmas shopping come due. The pine needles seem to be all over the place....and my clothes have shrunk -or else I had one too many Christmas cookies.

We all sang Silent Night and celebrated the Savior's birth. But what happens next? Today's passage is a reminder that Jesus didn't freeze in place as a baby, lying in a manger in the small town of Bethlehem. He grew up. Luke tells us that "the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him (v. 40)."

HIs parents knew that he was special. When he was born, the angels proclaimed this news of great joy, and the shepherds rushed to his side to worship him. Eight days after he was born, as was the custom for Jews then and now, Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple to be circumcised. Two people - Simeon and Anna - both known to be especially devout and righteous - recognized that this baby was not just any baby. They praised God that they had been given the opportunity to 'behold your salvation...a light to the Gentiles and for the glory to your people Israel (v. 31-32).'

So after we pack up the Christmas tree (or put it at the curb), and take down the lights and the front door wreath, let's remember that the story doesn't end in a cradle. It is just the beginning. Jesus is God in the flesh. It is not just a sweet story we tell as we exchange gifts. He was born of a virgin. He grew in wisdom and stature, and he died for your sins, for my sins. And he will come again. In his well-known book, Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis said it well: "The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God."

Merry Christmas - may it be so today, and every day!

PRAYER

The gift of your son, coming to earth as a helpless baby, is too much for me to fully understand. Thank you, Lord, for this gift, freely given, not based on my works or my good deeds. As we move past the Christmas season into the ordinary, humdrum days, help me to focus on how you love me, how you long for me to spend time with you, and how you forgive my every sin and shortcoming. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!

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