Star Trek: Special Delivery
Isaiah 60:1-5,19-22; Matthew 2:1-11
For 32 years my stepmom Norma delivered mail for the U.S. Postal service in my hometown. I’ve always been proud of how committed and good-spirited she was in serving our community. Though Norma hardly weighs 100 pounds soaking wet, she loaded bulging canvas mail bags into the back of her pickup truck 6 days a week and she rarely called in sick! Over the years her rural route tripled in size, but she had the same amount of daytime to make her stops. I once asked what kept her going and in such good spirits. She said it was seeing her neighbors, and being a small part of their daily lives. Something else she enjoyed was making a “special delivery”; she’d ring a doorbell and hand over a much anticipated package to a child, or a perhaps a senior citizen. She loved seeing their joy!
This week I’ve been thinking about how today’s Scripture focuses on a long ago “special delivery”. There were wise men who each had a carefully wrapped package. They travelled together on a bone-wearying journey from the Orient to Bethlehem. For over a year they were always out in the elements; they faced danger of every kind on the roads, and their families back home must have worried about them. But the wise men were determined to make it to their destination; they had read the prophecies, and upon seeing the very bright star, were eager to see the promised king and bring him gifts. Only God knew that His Son would later need each gift in the coming years.
Imagine the scene: Jesus is a little under 2 years old and his parents are likely renting some rooms for their home. Three or more powerful, rich, and well-educated “worldly” men come to visit -- they kneel, bowing in humility, worshipping Jesus with reverence. They see and believe the young one is God’s Son.
Their faith amazes me! They believed He was the Messiah based on ancient prophecies alone. They didn’t have any awareness of an angel visiting Mary or Joseph’s dreams from God. They had no idea that shepherds, of all people, saw angels in the sky and were told the Savior was born. Nevertheless, these men believed that God had arrived, in the flesh. They were determined to see him with their own eyes.
One thing that strikes me is that nowadays we don’t often find those with power, riches, and advanced education in churches on Sunday morning. Why is that? They know our doors are open, we meet on Sundays, and there will likely be some empty pews. I believe every human heart is restless until it rests in God, so what barriers might there be with modern day Wise Men, and women? I doubt it’s a lack of confidence to be in a room with strangers! I suspect one factor is having a life that’s too crowded. But those who take surveys on faith matters reveal that the way into church, for all people, is primarily through people. Another step toward coming can be seeing a church’s website and liking what is there. Once visiting, newcomers will usually remain if they’re meaningfully connected to 2 or 3 people.
Knowing this, we should start asking people to come to church, or at least check out our website. But who specifically might you and I invite, who are well- educated, rich, or powerful? It could be your lawyer, an elected official you know, or the local bank manager. It could be a professor, the owner of a local business, or even your own boss. If that seems intimidating, try imagining Jesus coming up to that person and having a conversation that leads to inviting them to a preaching event the next day. And remember that God gives us His Spirit so we have the words and courage!
Another group this passage brings to mind, who need to discover who Jesus is, are little children. They are wide open to the truth and at a fairly young age may invite Jesus to live in their heart. I’m reminded of this because the Bible fast-forwards from the time when the Wise Men visited Jesus, to age 12 when he went to the temple in Jerusalem with his family. Those childhood years matter… what happened? We can be certain that Mary and Joseph taught him, and their other children, Scripture, and they sought to model that in their everyday lives. Did you have parents, grandparents, or great grandparents who spent their evenings reading the Bible aloud to the whole family? There may not have been homework assignments and quizzes on the Bible, but over the years a great deal of faith formation happened.
Do you know that “Sunday School” was originally used to help children learn to read? It was also meant to supplement the Bible teaching parents regularly did in their own homes. Moms and dads are the ones God is counting on to teach their kids and teens the fundamentals of the faith, to be reinforced at church.
These days we send our children to public school to learn what they need to get a job and be responsible citizens. Youth have lots of textbooks, homework assignments, and projects - then they take exams to measure their progress. Most parents do all they can to make sure their children succeed in their education; getting their diploma or certificate is the pathway toward earning a living.
This morning, as a new year begins, I encourage anyone who has a child or teen in their life to make Christian faith formation part of each week. Purchase a devotional book appropriate for the age of your child and set aside time to read it as a family. If kids aren’t keen on the idea, tell them it’s your role as a parent to help equip them for their adult life. Don’t parents give chores to kids, so they contribute to the household and learn how to take care of a home? That’s teaching they’ll need as adults. Don’t we teach youth how to drive, manage their money, and schedule their time because these are keys to having a good life? We allow kids to play sports after school, because it keeps them fit and they enjoy it.
When a child turns 18, they often start living independently. Much of what’s been taught and reinforced in them will likely continue into adulthood. They may be a responsible and respectful employee at their job, and on weekends practice good sportsmanship when playing sports. They might have a great driving record and a pretty good ability to cook meals and care for the lawn. Or the opposite can also be true. Parents play a pivotal role, influencing their kids in uncountable ways, shaping them through words and their example.
Do you know that the fastest growing category in the latest polls on faith among young adults is called “the nones”? The youngest generation, just entering the workforce, when asked if they have faith, are saying “no, none”. The main X-factor that influences their answers is whether or not their family practiced any faith traditions. That makes sense, but it makes me sad. You can’t give away something if you don’t have it yourself. Do you see the importance of faith formation for yourself, and for others?
Most of us have lived long enough to realize that our jobs earn us a living, but they don’t change us for the better. We can be excellent at cleaning a home or working on vehicles, but surface satisfaction doesn’t last long. We can even be rich, powerful, and well-educated, but none of that guarantees a life of joy. We all need God if we want a full and fulfilling life.
As parents of two young adults, we think that’s true! For that reason, we’ve expected them both to be in church every week. When asked “why” or “Do I have to?”, we’ve said it’s our role as parents to give them a foundation that we think will give them the most satisfying life. We’re doing our best to show them what it means to be a Christ-follower. They’ve heard at least 500 sermons, and three times as many hymns and praise songs. They’ve listened to thousands of prayer requests and numerous joys. They have not only heard about faith and doing good for others; they’ve seen it in action and helped out as well. They’ve watched babies blessed in baptisms and been to funerals that celebrate the lives of those they’ve known. They have formed relationships with some amazing Christian adults and kids their age along the way.
What our kids freely choose to do as adults will be their decision. We know we’ve trained them in the Christian faith; they know God loves them, and that Jesus wants to be their Savior and Friend. I always encourage families to have their children and teens in church each week. I hope parents come to see that while public school education is needed, their sons and daughters also need faith training, which hopefully leads to a lifelong personal relationship with God.
Now, kids will predictably test your boundaries, kick at the rules, and see if they can get their way. Most parents tell their kids they have “no vote” when it comes to dropping out of school, at least until 16, because they believe education is essential for their child, not optional. Parents can also be united in that same conviction when it comes to church. Their kids may not skip academic classes or church services! If parents have a “take it or leave it” attitude with church, chances are their kids will too. But if your family is in church, year after year, you’ll find your kids surprising you. They’ll learn a lot and will ask questions. You’ll have meaningful and challenging faith conversations on tons of topics.
If there are Christians you really admire, I encourage you to ask them what their growing up years were like; I think most will say they went to church regularly with their family. The Wise men of long ago probably didn’t have that experience, but when they got older, richer, and more powerful they became seekers, and then believers. What made that possible was something or someone showing them the way. The best time to start any journey, though, is as young as possible.
During most of my growing up years, no one took me to church and sat beside me. I walked or got a ride and was in my small Methodist church almost every Sunday of the year. I started out as a seeker and ended up a follower. I asked Jesus into my heart in those early years. He put a wonderful peace in my heart. I began to talk to Jesus, to pray. I shared my questions and worries, my secrets and sadness with God. He’s received me just as I am - each time. I’ve confessed my sins, and asked God and others for forgiveness. When I’ve felt burdened, I’ve poured out my troubles and left them (mostly) with God. And when great happiness is mine, I turn to God in praise. I rise each day knowing God is with me, and lie down to sleep, assured of it once more. I myself cannot live like this; it is Christ in me. He fills me with joy and replenishes my hope. I’m not afraid of the future, for God is with me. He is both my shield and my portion. He protects and provides for me. It is well with my soul.
If you feel much the same, praise and thank God. He wants to continue to use you and me as messengers of His amazing love in this New Year. Word needs to get out that God’s “special delivery” to us was his Son. He’s the Gift and reason for the season of Christmas. Some may receive Him with joy - others may say, “Nope, wrong address, not interested!” Either way, let’s keep telling the simple story of God’s great love for all people this year, and every year. Amen.
This week I’ve been thinking about how today’s Scripture focuses on a long ago “special delivery”. There were wise men who each had a carefully wrapped package. They travelled together on a bone-wearying journey from the Orient to Bethlehem. For over a year they were always out in the elements; they faced danger of every kind on the roads, and their families back home must have worried about them. But the wise men were determined to make it to their destination; they had read the prophecies, and upon seeing the very bright star, were eager to see the promised king and bring him gifts. Only God knew that His Son would later need each gift in the coming years.
Imagine the scene: Jesus is a little under 2 years old and his parents are likely renting some rooms for their home. Three or more powerful, rich, and well-educated “worldly” men come to visit -- they kneel, bowing in humility, worshipping Jesus with reverence. They see and believe the young one is God’s Son.
Their faith amazes me! They believed He was the Messiah based on ancient prophecies alone. They didn’t have any awareness of an angel visiting Mary or Joseph’s dreams from God. They had no idea that shepherds, of all people, saw angels in the sky and were told the Savior was born. Nevertheless, these men believed that God had arrived, in the flesh. They were determined to see him with their own eyes.
One thing that strikes me is that nowadays we don’t often find those with power, riches, and advanced education in churches on Sunday morning. Why is that? They know our doors are open, we meet on Sundays, and there will likely be some empty pews. I believe every human heart is restless until it rests in God, so what barriers might there be with modern day Wise Men, and women? I doubt it’s a lack of confidence to be in a room with strangers! I suspect one factor is having a life that’s too crowded. But those who take surveys on faith matters reveal that the way into church, for all people, is primarily through people. Another step toward coming can be seeing a church’s website and liking what is there. Once visiting, newcomers will usually remain if they’re meaningfully connected to 2 or 3 people.
Knowing this, we should start asking people to come to church, or at least check out our website. But who specifically might you and I invite, who are well- educated, rich, or powerful? It could be your lawyer, an elected official you know, or the local bank manager. It could be a professor, the owner of a local business, or even your own boss. If that seems intimidating, try imagining Jesus coming up to that person and having a conversation that leads to inviting them to a preaching event the next day. And remember that God gives us His Spirit so we have the words and courage!
Another group this passage brings to mind, who need to discover who Jesus is, are little children. They are wide open to the truth and at a fairly young age may invite Jesus to live in their heart. I’m reminded of this because the Bible fast-forwards from the time when the Wise Men visited Jesus, to age 12 when he went to the temple in Jerusalem with his family. Those childhood years matter… what happened? We can be certain that Mary and Joseph taught him, and their other children, Scripture, and they sought to model that in their everyday lives. Did you have parents, grandparents, or great grandparents who spent their evenings reading the Bible aloud to the whole family? There may not have been homework assignments and quizzes on the Bible, but over the years a great deal of faith formation happened.
Do you know that “Sunday School” was originally used to help children learn to read? It was also meant to supplement the Bible teaching parents regularly did in their own homes. Moms and dads are the ones God is counting on to teach their kids and teens the fundamentals of the faith, to be reinforced at church.
These days we send our children to public school to learn what they need to get a job and be responsible citizens. Youth have lots of textbooks, homework assignments, and projects - then they take exams to measure their progress. Most parents do all they can to make sure their children succeed in their education; getting their diploma or certificate is the pathway toward earning a living.
This morning, as a new year begins, I encourage anyone who has a child or teen in their life to make Christian faith formation part of each week. Purchase a devotional book appropriate for the age of your child and set aside time to read it as a family. If kids aren’t keen on the idea, tell them it’s your role as a parent to help equip them for their adult life. Don’t parents give chores to kids, so they contribute to the household and learn how to take care of a home? That’s teaching they’ll need as adults. Don’t we teach youth how to drive, manage their money, and schedule their time because these are keys to having a good life? We allow kids to play sports after school, because it keeps them fit and they enjoy it.
When a child turns 18, they often start living independently. Much of what’s been taught and reinforced in them will likely continue into adulthood. They may be a responsible and respectful employee at their job, and on weekends practice good sportsmanship when playing sports. They might have a great driving record and a pretty good ability to cook meals and care for the lawn. Or the opposite can also be true. Parents play a pivotal role, influencing their kids in uncountable ways, shaping them through words and their example.
Do you know that the fastest growing category in the latest polls on faith among young adults is called “the nones”? The youngest generation, just entering the workforce, when asked if they have faith, are saying “no, none”. The main X-factor that influences their answers is whether or not their family practiced any faith traditions. That makes sense, but it makes me sad. You can’t give away something if you don’t have it yourself. Do you see the importance of faith formation for yourself, and for others?
Most of us have lived long enough to realize that our jobs earn us a living, but they don’t change us for the better. We can be excellent at cleaning a home or working on vehicles, but surface satisfaction doesn’t last long. We can even be rich, powerful, and well-educated, but none of that guarantees a life of joy. We all need God if we want a full and fulfilling life.
As parents of two young adults, we think that’s true! For that reason, we’ve expected them both to be in church every week. When asked “why” or “Do I have to?”, we’ve said it’s our role as parents to give them a foundation that we think will give them the most satisfying life. We’re doing our best to show them what it means to be a Christ-follower. They’ve heard at least 500 sermons, and three times as many hymns and praise songs. They’ve listened to thousands of prayer requests and numerous joys. They have not only heard about faith and doing good for others; they’ve seen it in action and helped out as well. They’ve watched babies blessed in baptisms and been to funerals that celebrate the lives of those they’ve known. They have formed relationships with some amazing Christian adults and kids their age along the way.
What our kids freely choose to do as adults will be their decision. We know we’ve trained them in the Christian faith; they know God loves them, and that Jesus wants to be their Savior and Friend. I always encourage families to have their children and teens in church each week. I hope parents come to see that while public school education is needed, their sons and daughters also need faith training, which hopefully leads to a lifelong personal relationship with God.
Now, kids will predictably test your boundaries, kick at the rules, and see if they can get their way. Most parents tell their kids they have “no vote” when it comes to dropping out of school, at least until 16, because they believe education is essential for their child, not optional. Parents can also be united in that same conviction when it comes to church. Their kids may not skip academic classes or church services! If parents have a “take it or leave it” attitude with church, chances are their kids will too. But if your family is in church, year after year, you’ll find your kids surprising you. They’ll learn a lot and will ask questions. You’ll have meaningful and challenging faith conversations on tons of topics.
If there are Christians you really admire, I encourage you to ask them what their growing up years were like; I think most will say they went to church regularly with their family. The Wise men of long ago probably didn’t have that experience, but when they got older, richer, and more powerful they became seekers, and then believers. What made that possible was something or someone showing them the way. The best time to start any journey, though, is as young as possible.
During most of my growing up years, no one took me to church and sat beside me. I walked or got a ride and was in my small Methodist church almost every Sunday of the year. I started out as a seeker and ended up a follower. I asked Jesus into my heart in those early years. He put a wonderful peace in my heart. I began to talk to Jesus, to pray. I shared my questions and worries, my secrets and sadness with God. He’s received me just as I am - each time. I’ve confessed my sins, and asked God and others for forgiveness. When I’ve felt burdened, I’ve poured out my troubles and left them (mostly) with God. And when great happiness is mine, I turn to God in praise. I rise each day knowing God is with me, and lie down to sleep, assured of it once more. I myself cannot live like this; it is Christ in me. He fills me with joy and replenishes my hope. I’m not afraid of the future, for God is with me. He is both my shield and my portion. He protects and provides for me. It is well with my soul.
If you feel much the same, praise and thank God. He wants to continue to use you and me as messengers of His amazing love in this New Year. Word needs to get out that God’s “special delivery” to us was his Son. He’s the Gift and reason for the season of Christmas. Some may receive Him with joy - others may say, “Nope, wrong address, not interested!” Either way, let’s keep telling the simple story of God’s great love for all people this year, and every year. Amen.