Christmas Trouble

Matthew 2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men[fn] from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[fn]and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him..."

The revelation of Jesus always brings trouble before it can bring peace.  Herod and "all Jerusalem" were troubled by the coming of Jesus.  Jesus had been promised, prophesied and now delivered to them and rather than celebrating they were troubled. Saul of Tarsus had studied the Word of God all his life and when the fruition of all his studies, the Word in the flesh presented Himself to Saul he was in great trouble and distress.  On the day Pentecost, that promised day of empowering and the threshold of the Kingdom of God the Scripture says that the mood of those present was varied.  Some were "amazed, some perplexed and others were mocking."  When my wife Teresa, declared by three specialists to be barren became pregnant after she prayed a prayer of faith, I was greatly troubled.  Why? Because the appearance of the living God in my world was a frightening thing.  It demanded a response!

We are celebrating the birth of Jesus this month.  People of all denominations of the Christian faith are having parties and services to celebrate.  Songs of joy are being sung by many. But what if Jesus appears alive and active in the middle of those services and festivities? What if miracles were to occur?  What if conviction of sin were to be evident breaking hearts over personal sin and coldness toward the loving Christ? What if the joy turned to trouble?  That would be a good thing.  Trouble is faith of a sort.  The worst kind of unbelief is indifference.  Trouble says, "I am concerned about my condition." Trouble can lead to repentance and on to faith and joy.  It is my prayer for all of us that this Christmas would bring a troubling visitation of Jesus in the Power of the Holy Spirit.  May we respond in awe, repentance and a drawing near to Him.  May 2019 truly be a year of worship with the Church presenting our lives as our gifts to Him.