Caesar vs. The Baby

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree"

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you…"

Caesar didn't care how his decree impacted people, the Baby would grow to care for every soul.

Caesar took without concern, the Baby would give without regret.

Caesar's decree turned to dust, the Baby's words still live.

Caesar's authority would be taken from him, the Baby's would never fade.

Caesar invested in a kingdom that has fallen, the Baby built one that is still growing.

Caesar gets a verse in Luke, the Baby got the pages of eternity past and future.

Caesar's power is represented by what he could take, the Baby's power is seen in what he gives.

Caesar was limited to the "Roman world," the Baby helped glue the universe together.

Caesar unknowingly participated in prophecy, the Baby willing fulfilled prophecy.

Caesar pointed to himself, the Baby pointed to his Father.

Caesar's name was Gaius Octavius, the Baby's was Emmanuel.

Caesar was the grandnephew of Julius Caesar, the Baby was the Son of God.

Caesar reigned in Rome 43 years, the Baby will reign forever.

Caesar was laid to rest and stayed there the Baby only visited a tomb.

Caesar will never return, the Baby….

Merry Christmas,

Pastor Dave

 

Morning Prayer

David:
"Jesus, I woke this morning thinking about you, your church, and your birthday.

You are the ruler of my life and all that is. You have the authority to right all my wrongs, bless me with all that I desire, and teach me all that I need to know.

Your church is the place that we gather, worship, and meet with you. It's the spot in my life where I connect with those who are like-minded and can celebrate your blessings.

And your birthday is the time of year that giving is the norm."

Jesus:
"David, when you woke this morning I asked you to think about me, my church, and my birthday. But you were unable to.

You view me as a dispenser of what you think you need and want and forget that I came to seek and save the lost and to serve them through you. You're not really thinking of me when you're focused on what I can do for you.

You still see my church as a building and Christian Club that I go to hang out in with my fans. My church is people who follow me into the dark places of the world and show the broken what I look like.

And "my birthday" is reduced by you when you just think about what people you love want and finding it at the lowest price possible."

David:
"Help me think of you, your church, and your birthday in a way that honors you."

Repeating that last line,
Dave

Birth Story

Jesus and I sat this morning talking about our births. He asked me to tell him about my birth story. I asked, "why? My story is no where near as cool as the one you have."

He said, "I love hearing birth stories."

I grinned and said, "All right, but it's all second hand information, I don't really remember much about it."

I told him about Hannibal, Missouri, and my dad stopping traffic in front of the hospital to announce to strangers, "It's a boy!" We laughed about the copy of the bill from the hospital given to my parents for $184.45 for my birth.

"But, Jesus," I said, "This season is about your birth. It's about shepherds and angels, magi and mangers, a virgin and a construction worker… your birth story is amazing!"

I was surprised we were talking about my story while sitting in my newly decorated living room with lights, a tree, color, manger scenes, and stockings. The room screams his story!

Before I could start with my questions he asked one first, "Is your life limited to a hospital bill and an excited father?"

"No," I answered. "I don't think so."

"David don't lose my life in the story of my birth. Don't worship my birthday, worship me.  Don't idolize history, invite me into yours right now. Always remember my birth story is directly related to your birth stories."

He sat forward and smiled as he leaned toward me. The excitement was obvious on his face, "Now, tell me about the other one."

His excitement was met by my confusion, "The other one what?"

"David, I had a birth story so that you could have two. Tell me about the other birth story."

We spent the rest of our time talking about my new life because of his life, my spiritual birth because of his physical one. It was a great morning.

As we sat back to catch our breath from storytelling I said, "Hey Jesus... happy birthday."

He grinned and said, "to you too David, you too."

Talking with Jesus,

Pastor Dave