Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
(Matthew 2:1, 2)
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt.
(Matthew 2:13, 14)
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah.
(Luke 1:39)
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.
(Luke 2:15, 16)
And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”).
(Luke 2:22, 23)
One of the people that God has used the most in my life is a man named John Flavel. He’s also a seventeenth century English pastor. I have “fellowshipped” with this man through his books, grown in knowledge and wisdom because of them, and increased in worship and devotion unto God. After “knowing” this man through reading the vast majority of his published works, it didn’t surprise me at all to read about the dedication the people of his church had to him.
In seventeenth century England, the Church did not always enjoy harmony. Depending on who held the throne (and what their agenda was), trial and tribulation could be commonplace for those believing in the authority of God through his Word. John Flavel found himself at odds with the national church because of some of their shoddy practices, and he was subsequently “banned” from his own church! What was he to do?
Apparently, the way the law was written, he couldn’t come within a mile or so of the church, so he notified his congregation that he would be preaching one mile and one foot into the forest. And his congregation came!
The faithful proclamation of God’s Word, the forwarding of God’s kingdom, and the salvation of souls would be carried on by God’s people, no matter the sacrifice.
We see this in the Christmas story, too. The wise men (magi) traveled an immense distance to behold King Jesus. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus traveled to Egypt that Jesus might not die before saving his people—that prophecy might be fulfilled. Mary went (quickly!) to the country. The Shepherds left their livelihood (the sheep), that they might behold the Great Shepherd. In order to obey God, Mary and Joseph traveled the distance to Jerusalem—even with their poor finances.
This Christmas, I am thankful for y’all, Centennial family. I know that y’all will “go the distance.” I know that y’all know God has a plan. I know that no sacrifice is too great when God, his Word, and his Kingdom growth are in play. It’s this very sentiment, this faithfulness and commitment, this strong desire to see God glorified, that is at the heart of the Christmas story. God sent his son, Jesus, and in so doing reveals who he has been from the very beginning—loving, gracious, merciful, just, powerful, and all the rest.
Rejoice with me, Centennial family. It’s Christmastime! Blessings to each of you,
Jeremiah