'Beyond Expectation'

shorts. We also have endless Christmas parties with colleagues, family, and friend groups. It all culminates with a candlelight service, singing Silent Night.

 However, sometimes the outward signs don’t match our inward state. The Grinch was convinced that all Christmas meant to Whoville was the sight, sounds, smells, and tastes of Christmas. He thought that by taking away those outer signs of Christmas that he would prevent it from coming. In fact, the Grinch himself wore a Santa cap and suit. He rode a sleigh with his ‘rein-dog’ Max. He went down chimneys with bags over his shoulder. Yet, he missed the heart of Christmas. In fact, his heart was two sizes too small. He missed what the Whos knew-- that Christmas is much more than the outward signs. It is an inward grace. It is a heart that welcomes Christ in.

 We read in Luke about John the Baptist who came to prepare the way. Two kinds of people went to see John when he was baptizing at the Jordan River. The first group included the Priests, synagogue leaders, and Jewish lawyers. They were looking for the Messiah with great expectation. They thought they knew what the Messiah was all about – supporting their agenda. They thought that the Messiah would validate their messages and support their efforts. They had a wonderful agenda and plan for the Messiah. He would kick Rome out and create national independence. He would destroy all their enemies. He would tell everyone that they were right and fill the Temple courts with new followers. John’s response must have been jarring:

“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Lk 3:7-9)

They were taken aback and, no doubt, indignant about Wild-John’s disrespectful message and accusations. 

Then there was another group who got the heart of Christ coming. They asked what they needed to do to get ready for the Messiah. Individually they asked, questions like, ‘Since I’m a tax collector, how do I act in a way that pleases the Messiah?’ ‘I am pretty well off. How can I use my resources in a way that would make the Messiah happy?’ ‘I’m a soldier and have seen a lot of bad things. What can I do to get ready?’ Each one was ready for a heart change that would transform their behavior. Here is what John said to them:

“ John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”  Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”  “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah.” (Lk 3:11-15)

These people welcomed the straightforward honest assessment that they needed to change their lives. They were ready to get on God’s agenda.

Don’t get stuck on the outward appearance of Christmas. Don’t try to get God on your agenda of doing the Christmas dance. Evaluate and change your life in light of Jesus’ coming. Allow God to transform your heart. Expect transformation, and you will find the true joy of Christ's coming.

“Prepare, ye, the way!”

Yours in Christ,

Jonathan