The Christmas Star

Family Radio’s Christmas theme this year is “The Christmas Star: Guiding Us Back to the True Meaning of Christmas.” Matthew 2 tells the tale of this special star. 

One night, a star appeared in the east. The wise men who saw it followed the star to Jerusalem, where they enquired of Herod where they might find the King of the Jews. After consulting the chief priests and scribes, Herod pointed them to Bethlehem. The star went before them until it stood straight above Jesus. The wise men fell to their knees before Him and worshipped, presenting Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

Even though the wise men arrived in Bethlehem after Christ had already been born, the star led them to the true meaning of Christmas: the advent of God incarnate. Jesus came as a baby to be the hope of salvation for the world. Just like the guiding light of the Christmas star, Jesus shines as a light in a dark and hopeless world guiding us to everlasting life with God the Father. 

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

God spent thousands of years preparing the world for the coming of His Son. This “journey to the manger” began in the Garden of Eden when God promised that “Eve’s seed” would bruise the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites never ceased hoping and praying for the Messiah. Then, in God’s perfect timing, Jesus was born. 

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

After Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary brought Him to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice according to the law. An older man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem and was filled with the Holy Spirit, who had revealed to him that he wouldn’t die until he had seen the Messiah. The Holy Spirit led Simeon into the temple. When Joseph and Mary entered, Simeon held Jesus in his arms and blessed God, “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word: For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32).

 

As we navigate the busyness of the Christmas season, let’s let the light of the Christmas star guide us back to the reason we celebrate: “...Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). 

Jessie Chamberlain

Family Radio Staff

Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is already here again. It’s hard to believe how fast time flies. It’s such a special time, yet sometimes the significance of giving thanks gets lost on us. We can rattle off a string of things that we’re – genuinely – thankful for, like family, friends, a home, a job, clothes to wear, food to eat, the list goes on and on. All these are beautiful blessings from the Lord and make our lives enjoyable. Comfortable. Easy.

But are we giving thanks for the things that make life difficult?

I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

God doesn’t just say give thanks for the good things – He said in everything give thanks. Our lists might look a little different in that case.

Thank You for the person who rear-ended my car last week. I had the opportunity to show them Your love and forgiveness.

Thank you for my stolen identity. Now I can empathize with others rather than judging them for their “irresponsible choices.” 

Thank You for my financial crisis. My trust in You is growing, and I get to model that for my children. 

Thank You for the cancer. I shared the Gospel with my nurse, and now Your Holy Spirit is living and active in her life. 

God doesn’t let anything go to waste. He uses it all. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

God wants us to see the silver lining. He wants us to be a light in the world so that when others see us, all they see is a reflection of Him. We live in a fallen world. Nothing is perfect, nor ever will be until Christ returns. If we roll with the punches for God’s greater good, we will be a beacon of truth and hope to a dark and needy world.

Thanksgiving is all about our perspective. Are we going to choose to see the world through Bible-tinted lenses, or will we allow our fallen human nature rule over us? Knowing that we are loved by the Lord and that He sent His Son to provide salvation for all His children, let us give thanks in all things!

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Boundless Energy

Puppies are fun. They’re playful, energetic, mischievous, cuddly, and adorable. When a puppy lives with an older dog, the puppy adds new life and enthusiasm to the older dog’s behavior, almost as if the older dog remembers how enjoyable it is to be young. That is, until the puppy’s antics get too annoying and the older dog curbs his boundless energy with a little nip to teach him a lesson in good manners and to remind him to respect his elder.

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said, “…Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Children inherently trust their parents to provide for them and protect them, an unparalleled level of faith. When parents are able to shield their children from the challenges of the world, they naturally live carefree and anxious about nothing (Philippians 4:6).

One day while Jesus was teaching, children were brought over so He could pray for them. The disciples tried to shoo the kids away, but Jesus stopped them. “…Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Christ had different priorities than His disciples anticipated. He demonstrated the value in showing children love and the importance of pouring into them.

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, God through Paul said, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity…neglect not the gift that is in thee…Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (I Timothy 4:12, 14, 16).

Timothy was a young man whom Paul had taken under his wing to mentor and disciple. Despite his age, Timothy taught at the church in Ephesus. Paul knew that God had equipped Timothy with a gifting to lead others – even those older than he – in the faith, and encouraged him to do so and to set an example for those around him.

Boundless energy, buoyant optimism, eager exuberance, heartfelt compassion, scope for imagination – such youthful attributes sound so cheerful, so hopeful, so desirable. With age can come complacency and pessimism. Life is hard, and experience is a tough teacher.

If “Children should be seen and not heard,” then “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But the Bible teaches that neither of these are true. No matter what your age, there is always someone younger. Find them. Disciple them. Feed their passion; don’t extinguish it. Take the opportunity to show them Christ’s love. Not to mention, learn from them.

On the other hand, the younger generation can open themselves to learn from those who have more life experience. Job 12:12 says, “With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.” Make the most of the chance to learn from someone else’s background instead of learning for yourself the hard way.

Like a puppy with an older dog, let the boundless energy and eager exuberance of a youth enhance your own enthusiasm as you continue to follow Christ.

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Holding Fast

Tomorrow is Election Day. As if we could have forgotten with all the commercials, debates, and articles that currently permeate all media. Many Americans fear the results, thinking, what will happen to our country if so-and-so isn’t (or is!) elected? How will my life be effected? Can any good come from the outcome?

But God is in control. No matter who runs the country, He rules the universe. In the end, He wins. And we who believe in Him will win too (Romans 8:16-17).

This election will change who leads this country. What doesn’t change is that we are to continue to live our daily lives according to the Bible. God calls us to “…hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23). But what does “holding fast” look like in regards to election results?

Love one another – John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Give thanks – I Thessalonians 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Pray continually – Ephesians 6:18 “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”
Have a good attitude – Philippians 2:14 “Do all things without murmurings and disputings”
Treat others well – Luke 6:31 “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
Trust God – Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Spread the Gospelv– I Corinthians 9:22 “…I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”
Build up others – I Thessalonians 5:11 “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”

If you feel like a lone voice (or vote) amongst the masses, hold fast and remember to “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

The Reformation

The hammer swung, hitting the nail with a mighty ring. It was October 31, 1517. Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses now adorned the door of All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, Germany. This document, written in Latin, served as an invitation for an academic disputation, a common occurrence amongst scholars. In it, Luther addressed his concerns over the selling of “indulgences,” through which people believed they could pay money for their sins to be forgiven. He believed only God could recognize true penitence.

Luther’s assertions caused an uproar. Certain theologians felt their authority was being attacked. To clarify that he wasn’t denouncing anyone, Luther wrote, also in Latin, Explanations of the Disputation Concerning the Value of Indulgences, presenting a clearer view of his personal stance on indulgences, sacraments, faith, and justification.

As the situation snowballed, Luther grew increasingly fearful for his safety. The Grand Commissioner of Indulgences called for Luther to be burned for heresy. In an attempt to placate his opponents, Luther wrote, Sermon on Indulgences and Grace, which purposefully avoided challenging anyone’s authority. This time, he wrote in German, the language of his country. It was reprinted twenty times.

Sixty-two years had passed since Gutenberg invented the printing press. His first publication was the Latin Bible. However, with the exception of academics and theologians, Latin had been a dead language for nearly seven hundred years. Laymen spoke only the language of their country, yet church services and the Bible were both in Latin. When Luther published Sermon on Indulgences and Grace in German, an irreversible wave set in motion.

The Reformation had been sparked.

Luther, Tyndale, Zwingli, Calvin, and others played a huge role in translating the Bible into the languages of the people. Thanks to this, the growing popularity of the printing press, and a rapidly-increasing literacy rate, people were now gaining access to God’s Word in their own vernacular. Christianity exploded across Europe.

Romans 10:14, 17 says, “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? …So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

God calls each of us to “go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” (Matthew 28:19). What can you do to follow the example these men set and put the Bible into the hands of those who don’t yet believe? Post your ideas in the comments below.

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Measuring Up

Do you remember the days when you would back up to a wall or door frame, and your parents would pull out the yard stick to measure you? I stretched my neck, hoping to be as tall as possible. Sometimes I even left my shoes on in hopes that Mom wouldn’t catch me. I couldn’t wait to grow up.

As I grew in both height and years, I turned into a perfectionist. Everything worth doing was worth doing the right way. The pillows on my bed had to be just so, my homework was completed with precise attention to detail, and I practiced piano with a fervor that reflected the old adage, “Practice makes perfect.”

But I couldn’t be perfect all the time (shocking, I know). Social faux pas were the worst humiliation. GPA’s less than a 4.0 resulted in tears (math was always the source of my scholastic struggles). And sins? They brought on the worst kind of shame.
I grew tired of trying to measure up to my own standards.

We all have expectations of ourselves, and at times, we fall short of those expectations. I expected myself to be perfect, but I had to learn that perfection isn’t synonymous with or even complementary to being human. Perfection belongs to God and God alone.

II Corinthians 12:9 says, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Perfection isn’t God’s expectation for us. Instead, God wants us to rely on Him and His power so He can fill in our gaps when we don’t measure up. His grace allows us to be human and gives us further reason to glorify Him.

On the other hand, God’s grace doesn’t allow us to kick back and sin at leisure or give little thought to what we do. “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid” (Romans 6:15). God still desires lives lived in holy reverence before Him.

God’s standard for living invites personal relationship with Him. We can’t bridge the gap of sin, so Christ did it for us. Instead of struggling through life on our own, we can rely on His strength at all times. We have unlimited access to His limitless grace.

Are you standing tall against your own yard stick? Or is Jesus your substitute yard stick, allowing you to grow unencumbered by unrealistic expectations? Rest in God’s grace, “and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

I'm Not Ashamed

Rachel Scott lived unashamed of the Gospel. Like anyone, she had her struggles. High school presented a whole realm of potential temptations and bad decisions. Ultimately, Rachel recognized her life’s purpose. As she shared the Gospel with those around her, she faced ridicule – a teenager’s worst nightmare. But that didn’t stop her; she wanted God to use her to reach those who didn’t yet know Him.

In her diary, Rachel wrote, “I lost all my friends at school, now that I’ve begun to ‘walk my talk,’ they make fun of me…But you know what? I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus. I am not going to justify my faith to them, and I am not going to hide the light that God has put into me. If I have to sacrifice everything I will.”

On April 20, 1999, Rachel did just that. Two disillusioned fellow students, Eric and Dylan, came to school armed with intent to kill. As they approached Rachel, they asked her, “Do you still believe in your God?”

“You know I do.”

“Then go be with Him,” Eric responded with gunfire.

Rachel was the first of thirteen to fall that day in Columbine, Colorado. Her response of “You know I do” perfectly illustrated her passionate commitment to living out her faith. These two strange, dark, ostracized boys already knew about her faith in God. She had been so outspoken about the Gospel that she knew they knew about her faith.

…Can we say the same thing about the intimidating people in our lives? Do they know what we believe and why?

…Are we so zealous for Christ that we are truly willing to “count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:8)?

Philippians 1:20 says, “according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” Rachel Scott, a girl of a mere seventeen years, lived to tell the lost about eternal life in Christ in the hope that God would use her to impact many. When the time came, she also died for Christ. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” Romans 1:16

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff