The Work of Christmas … to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me…to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” 

Luke 4:18-19

Reading from the scroll of Isaiah, Jesus finished with this final nugget of prophecy: I am anointed “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:19). No doubt this passage had been read in that particular synagogues to those folks many times. Perhaps they even knew the words by heart. It is you and I who need it explained. 

The year of the Lord’s favor was thought to refer to the Year of Jubilee written about in Leviticus 25:8-55. The short version: every fiftieth year all mortgages were cancelled, all lands returned to the original owner, all bondfolk freed from their indentured service, all heralded by the sound of the trumpet. The land belonged to God (25:23) and the Israelites were His servants (25:55), and He would have them back in His hands.

Fast forward with me to the ultimate Jubilee year at the end of time. The good news Jesus was about to preach to the poor would culminate in the redemption of all who believe. There would be no further misunderstanding of His messianic reference. “But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets” (Revelation 10:7).

Let the trumpet sound! As Howard Thurman ended his poetic interpretation, the Work of Christmas is destined “to make music in the heart”. 

Ladies, while Christmas is fresh on our minds, the Work of Christmas is no small thing for us to consider. As we approach 2017, may we not rest in the celebrations of the nativity. It is up to us to preach the good news to all who will listen: How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:14). 

Nancy P

The Work of Christmas . . . to release the oppressed

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me…to release the oppressed.”

Luke 4:18

Political unrest was rampant in Israel as Jesus travelled its roads, preaching the good news to all who would hear. The Roman governors in its various provinces were constantly at odds with the Jewish hierarchy. Oppression was rife. As you are well aware, King Herod summarily killed all the boys in Bethlehem under the age of two in order to quash the threat of the one who has been born king of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-16).  

The online Bible Background Commentary tells us that only four miles from Nazareth, the capital city of Galilee, Sepphoris, had been destroyed by the Roman armies due to a Messianic revolt. Perhaps we can give the townspeople the benefit of the doubt at their fury as they attempted to throw Jesus over the cliff (Luke 4:29). Maybe they feared equal retribution. Maybe not. Certainly they were oppressed. 

Just think of the good news they were missing out on.Jesus had told them He was anointed by God to release them from all that fear, all that oppression. They should have celebrated, at least inwardly. Or maybe they did. At the brink of the hill outside Nazareth, Jesus somehow walked right through the crowd and went on his way (Luke 4:30). 

Now don’t get me wrong. The good news had the potential to light the way to eternal life while freeing them from satan’s grasp. But the oppressors would not leave them alone. The apostles were all mercilessly put to death for their faith, and even today the stories of countless martyrs abound. The difference would prove to be found in the hope that arises when you have Jesus on board.

Ladies, we in this country haven’t seen anything yet. The pilgrims came here to practice their faith openly. Religious persecution is once again rearing its ugly head.   

As the folks in Corinth figured out the tension, we can too: We are hard pressed on either side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). That’s good news.

Nancy P

The Work of Christmas … recovery of sight for the blind

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim…recovery of sight for the blind.” 

Luke 4:18

It is true ladies, that without Jesus every single one of us is poor, a pauper, destitute, without hope. The good news is good news for all of us. Why would one not jump for joy to hear it, especially considering all Israel were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:38)?

Jesus had a Spirit-anointed focus as He turned to read from Isaiah 61:1-2 that Sabbath in the synagogue in Nazareth. His family would have been there, his friends and neighbors too, when He distinctly told them He was the one Isaiah prophesied about: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).

Initially they were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips (Luke 4:22). But Jesus knew what they were thinking: “Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum” (4:23). In other words, prove to us you are the Messiah. Sensationalism topped the good news that would save them.

How blind they were. The Son of God had grown up in their midst. He had played in their streets, gone to their schools, worked in the carpentry shop with Joseph. When they heard His words, they chased Him out of town, intent on throwing Him over the cliff (4:29). Sad to say, ’tis true: “no prophet is accepted in his hometown” (4:24).

But I too was once blind, once perplexed by Jesus’ divinity/humanity. I too challenged Him to prove Himself, and even tried to throw Him over the cliff of my disappointment at my mother’s premature demise. What did God care?!

Jesus healed many physically blind folks as He travelled through the region. This, to me, is the most telling: “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see.” “Receive your sight; your faith has made you whole” (Luke 18:41-42). All it takes is faith to dissolve the scales of spiritual blindness from one’s heart.

Praise God, now I see. The good news became abundantly clear when I took the time to examine the scriptures. You too?

Nancy P

The Work of Christmas . . . to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners.” 

Luke 4:18

When the song of the angels is stilled

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the Kings and Princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flocks,

The work of Christmas begins: 

To find the lost…To heal the broken

To feed the hungry…To release the prisoner

To rebuild the nations…To bring peace among brothers and sisters

To make music in the heart.

—Howard Thurman (1899-1981)

Ladies, the Reverend Howard Thurman worshipfully framed Jesus’ proclamation from Isaiah in his captivating poem, set to music by Dan Forrest. I came across it last December at my grandson’s Christmas choir concert. Could hardly wait to share it with you. I am so guilty of getting caught up in the angels and the carols and the star of Bethlehem, in the wise men and the shepherds. You too? How convicting, to be jarred back to the reality of the work of Christmas, the work Jesus was born to do.  

To preach good news to the poor pinpoints Jesus stated mission to mankind. The shepherds got it straight from the mouths of the heavenly host that Christmas day so long ago: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). A Savior. Mankind was in desperate need of a Savior. Good news is an understatement.

Jesus, now grown, fresh from His desert temptation (Luke 4:1-13), says He’s anointed and ready to define the good news for them. All these years they have been prisoners of the law, poor, paupers, far short of the glory of God. The law is no longer the way. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me” (John 14:6), says Jesus. “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40).

Confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9), and you are free, free, free!

Nancy P

The Work of Christmas … to preach good news to the poor

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day 

he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor… 

Luke 4:16-18

Welcome, ladies, to the morning leisure of the day after Christmas. In case you didn’t know, it’s Boxing Day. In my youth, in Canada, parents lounged in their pajamas by the fire, lingering over a second cup of coffee while we kids explored the toy world at our fingertips. No one worked; the stores were closed. By afternoon kids and parents alike were ready to head for the nearest frozen pond or snow-covered hill, skates or toboggans in tow. And leftovers were the evening fare: hot turkey sandwiches.

The tradition for Boxing Day can be traced back to Britain. The lords and ladies of the manor boxed up food and other items for their servants, field workers, and trades people the day after Christmas, St. Stephen’s Day.

As the carol tells us: “Good King Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Stephen” and took pity on a poor man struggling through the snow, “gath’ring winter fuel”. At the end of the carol, we uncover the intended spirit of Boxing Day:

“Therefore, Christian men, be sure,

Wealth or rank possessing,

Ye who now will bless the poor,

Shall yourselves find blessing.”

Foreshadowing the spirit of Boxing Day, Jesus declared the celebration of His birth not an end in itself, but the beginning of God’s blessings. Reading from the scroll of Isaiah,He proclaimed the work of Christmas: “to preach good news to the poor” (4:16).

In Canada today, Boxing Day is a statutory holiday, but the stores are open and the post-Christmas sales abound. Personally we still love coffee by the fire, the world of toys, and a walk in the park considering the lack of snow in Texas. And of course, hot turkey sandwiches.

We, like you, will continue to bless the poor with material gifts. More importantly however, the Work of Christmas is a challenge to us to do as Jesus did, to bring good news to those in need of redemption.

Nancy P

God’s Gift List: You and Me

For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

God is NOT through giving gifts, yet.

Let THIS gift amaze you, too.

We, that’s YOU and ME, when we believe, are GIFTS to JESUS from GOD!!!!! Wow! Wow! Wow!

The magnitude of this immense truth makes me weep. I, of all people, am a gift to Jesus from His Father, The Lord God Almighty.

“All those the Father gives me will come.” John 6:37a

Jesus repeated these beautiful words about the Father’s gift to Him when He prayed for His people the night before His death on the cross.

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” John 17:24 (I like to substitute my name for the word “those” in Jesus’ prayer.)

You know how some gifts end up in the trash broken or re-gifted due to carelessness or dislike. Not so, with us as a gift to Jesus. Every person the Father gives Jesus comes to Him through faith and remains with Him forever.

“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” John 6:37b

Jesus will never turn away anyone who comes to Him, whatever their past or present failings. Naughty or Nice!

Let this gift increase your faith, love, and thanksgiving for God’s Greatest Gift of Baby Jesus born in a manger. Jesus is The Christ. Jesus is The Promised Messiah. Jesus is Our Savior and Soon Returning King.

Amazing Grace

Amazing Love

REJOICE!

Claudia Jackson

God’s Gift List: Eternal Life

For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

During the holidays I feel like I sit in traffic for an eternity. Traffic lights seem to stay stuck on STOP forever. A ceaseless parade of cars is always between me and my destination. In the shops an infinite, unbroken, unending line at every checkout.

I know you are getting my point. Yep! Yep! Yep! And that is not even approaching “eternal”, it just seems like it.

Jesus was born as a Gift to us from His Father, so that we can live with God in Heaven forever and ever without end. When we believe Jesus is our Savior and accept God’s Gift of Salvation our timeline becomes time without end in Paradise.

That everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. John 3:15

Jesus is the gift that comes with an eternal guarantee. The gift that has “NO assembly required” and has no missing parts. He is THE PERFECT GIFT. All that is required is accepting it. God even provided the “Operator’s Manual”, which is His Word, the Bible.

Thank You Lord, You are the Perfect Gift Giver.

Claudia Jackson

God’s Gift List: The Messiah Jesus Christ

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son

John 3:16

Naughty! Naughty! Naughty are gross understatements of how sinful we, as God’s much beloved children, have become.

I can imagine God asking “What gift can I give My children to save them from their own downward spiral away from Me?”

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ The Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12

Since that miraculous night we have come to know this baby as: Savior, Redeemer, Alpha and Omega, Anointed One, Beloved Son, Beloved of God, Bread of Life, Great Shepherd, Christ the King, Christ the Lord, Deliverer, Faithful and True, Holy and Righteous One, Hope of Glory, Image of God, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Lord Jesus Christ.

Our most precious Gift from God is His most precious One and Only Son who came to save us from our deadly paths away from God.

REJOICE

Claudia Jackson

God’s Gift List: Generosity

For God so loved the world that He gave

John 3:16

Have you ever noticed when you love someone you want to shower them with gifts? Your sweetheart, spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, you are always looking for gifts and ways to show your love.

God gave first because He loves His creation----you and me.

Look at the myriad of ways God is showing how much He loves us.

“So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. But, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33.

And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

God has generously flooded us with gifts.

His Grace-----But, He gives us more grace. James 4:6

His Wisdom---If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

His Peace-----And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

His Rest-------Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give rest. Matthew 11:28

This is a very short list of His gifts.

All of these gifts can be opened right now! Which gift would you like to open first? Open one, two, or all at once. His love is without limit.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.

Claudia Jackson

God’s Gift List: Love

For God so loved

John 3:16

Doll (check), 2 pair matching pajamas (check), tricycle (check), video (check), pony??? (I always wanted one!). How is your gift list going this year?

Did you know God has had a gift list since the beginning of time?

Number one on His list is LOVE.

We can feel love, give love, recognize love, know love, and share love because we are made in His image.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness”. Genesis 1:26.

Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8.

God is love in His essential nature and in all His actions.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us. 1 John 4:10.

Because we are created in His image we have been given the gift of LOVE, we can love and know love.

God’s gifts do not have a “Do Not Open Till December 25th” notice on them.

Hurry! Open His gift of LOVE today, now! Do not wait!

Grab handfuls and hearts full of LOVE! Throw it in the air and scatter it like sparkling confetti. Let it land all around you---on your family, your co-workers, neighbors, salesclerks, friends, that person that irritates you, and people who have offended you.

O God of LOVE---Thank YOU.

P. S. God, thank You for Your wisdom of not giving me that pony. It would have had to sleep in my bedroom.

Claudia Jackson