Places of Christmas

©2009 Teri Lynne Underwood, www.terilynneu.com


The Places of Christmas

A Journey for the Heart

Several years ago I was teaching a women’s Bible study group in my church and I wrote a series for De-cember titled The Places of Christmas. As I was sorting through a massive paper pile earlier this year, I found my notes from those lessons. Immediately, I felt a tug from the Lord that I should expand these thoughts and write a seven-day devotion series for my blog. I pray these thoughts and ponderings will touch your soul … and will remind you of the great love God has for you. This seven-day journey will help you prepare your heart for the great truth of Christmas … “A savior, who is Christ the Lord” was born in a dirty stable behind an inn and placed in an animal’s feeding trough in a small Judean town. The first recipients of this glorious news were shepherds who left their flocks and found this Baby, Emmanuel—God with us—and shared all they heard with others. In that spirit of sharing, I want to give you these devotions … feel free to share with others who might be blessed by them.

Teri Lynne


Day 1 Judea, the Place of Commercialism Day 2 Bethlehem, the Place of Oblivion Day 3 The Inn, the Place of Busy-ness Day 4 The Field, the Place of Celebration Day 5 The Stable, the Place of Wonder Day 6 The Manger, the Place of Intimacy Day 7 The Streets, the Place of Sharing


Judea: The Place of Commercialism The census that started it all ... the need to know how many people there were in the Ro-man Empire in order to collect taxes. The desire to control, to rule. And it was about power ... and money. Not much has changed. The commercialization of Christmas has been written about and discussed and preached about ad nauseum ... and I truly doubt that anyone reading this devotion has any issue with the notion that as a culture we have lost sight of the meaning of Christmas. I'm not going to list how much money is spent on Christmas gifts or how dangerous Santa is to the faith of our children ... because I honestly don't think God is all that con-cerned with Santa or spending. God spoke to His people through Isaiah and said, "What are all your sacrifices to Me? asks the Lord. I've had enough of burnt offerings and rams and the fat of

well-fed cattle; I have no desire for the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats. When you come to appear before

Me, who requires this from you - this trampling of My courts? ... When you lift up your hands in prayer, I will

refuse to even look at you; even if you offer countless prayers, I will not listen.

Your hands are covered with blood. " ~ Isaiah 1:10-12, 15 (HCSB)


Commercialism is defined as a commercial attitude in noncommercial affairs; inappropriate or excessive emphasis on profit, success or immediate results. So commercialism isn't just about money ... did you see that middle one ... success? Ouch. Don't we all find ourselves meas-uring the "success" of our Christmas celebrations? Of the way we spent our holidays? And sometimes, aren't we guilty of placing excessive emphasis on that success ... suc-cess by a standard other than this one ...

"But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your behavior, because it is written YOU

SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." ~ 1 Peter 1:15-15, NASB

In light of this, my belief is that commercialism is not just measured in overspending time or money. Commercialism is the opposite of holiness. And buying or not buying gifts doesn't make us "set apart." Simply participating in advent celebrations doesn't make us holy. God's call to us is this:

"Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do

what is good. Seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow's cause."

~ Isaiah 1:16-17 (HCSB)

I believe it's easy for us to point at commercialism in "them" ... the ones who buy ex-travagant gifts that are unnecessary (by our definition), the ones who participate in inap-propriate rituals and traditions (by our standards) ... oh we can always point "them" out ...


But if commercialism is the opposite of holiness, if it's defined at all by those verses in

Isaiah, then we become guilty when we get ourselves dirty by judging others, when

we do evil by condemning that which is not ours to condemn, when we fail to do good to those in need. My prayer for my heart is that I'll remember commercialism isn't about what I buy or

what traditions I keep ... commercialism is anything that distracts me from the holiness of Christ. And not just at Christmas, but all through the year ... the ongoing call on my life is to be holy, to be set apart for Christ. This post was so hard to write ... trying to articulate what the Lord has shown me ... that it's okay to buy nice gifts or have

Santa ... and it's okay not to ... none of that is the issue ... it's just HIM ... am I loving

Him and honoring Him? Does my life bear the sweet aroma of obedience?

How do you find yourself guilty of commercialism? Of neglecting holiness through the holidays and

through the year?


Bethlehem: The Place of Oblivion A few years ago, the G-8 Summit came to Sea Island, Georgia. We live just 16 miles from Sea Island and were therefore privy to much of the preparation for this meeting of promi-nent world leaders. From road repairs to city beautification projects, our entire county was trans-formed for the arrival of these Heads of State and the ensuing barrage of press and publicity that came with them. I imagine the little town of Bethlehem was also frantic in it's preparation for those who would be coming home for the census . And in the midst of all their hard work and readiness, they were blinded to the miraculous promise that would be fulfilled in their very midst. "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, {Too} little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth

for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity." ~ Micah 5:2

The prophecy was clear ... and the residents of Bethlehem were probably quite proud of that piece of Scripture that said the Messiah would come from their town. And yet, they were so distracted by the preparations for the census that they lost sight of the promise of God.

Instead of living in eager expectation, they were caught up in distracted


Far too often, though, we are oblivious to the truth of the appearance of Christ ... just like Bethlehem. We choose oblivion over expectation ... and oh the blessings we miss. We sing the familiar carols and yet remain untouched by the holiness of that "Silent

Night."

We read the Christmas story in Luke and yet lose the reality of John's account - "God moved into the neighborhood." (John 1:14, MSG)

We search for meaningful tokens to express our love for others and yet fail to extend kindness to those around us.

We feast on the bounty of foods as we celebrate this joyous season and yet neglect the very Bread of Life that sustains us.

Oblivion, just like commercialism, isn't about what we do or don't do.

We can be oblivious in the midst of the majesty of "The Messiah" and the sweetness of family Advent celebrations ... for if our hearts are not focused on the Christ, born in a manger and crucified on a cross, then all the family time and "spiritual" trappings are meaningless.


For we are called to live in eager expectation of the appearance of Christ ... His revela-tion of to John has the most beautiful benediction,

"He who testified to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"

~ Revelation 22:20

Oblivion sneaks in ... don't let it catch you unaware. Choose instead to be in eager expectation of God's revelation of Himself to you ... in ways big and small.

Have you ever found yourself oblivious to the sweetness of the gift of

Christ? Do the activities of Christmas, even ones designed to point

you to Christ, ever become a distraction from Him? How do you live

in expectation of Christ's sweet promise of His return?

Maybe you are not sure exactly what all this "presence of God stuff" is all about. I'd love to share

with you the joy and peace I have found in the promise of salvation through Christ. Email me,

please, and let me help you find this great love that God has for you! ~ Teri Lynne

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Places%20of%20Christmas


The Inn: The Place of Busy-ness I imagine the innkeeper that dark night in Bethlehem knew a little something about busy-ness and exhaustion. People in town from miles away - tired and hungry - looking for a place to stay. There were probably some grouchy ones, some that complained, and un-doubtedly a child or two who did not respond well to the change of routine. The innkeeper was, I'm sure, wishing the days of the census were over ...

that the hustle and bustle would give way to the calm of normal life.

I can relate to that, can you?

Choir practices. Ornament exchanges. Caroling. Children's events. Advent celebrations. Nursing home visits. Cookie baking. Candy making. Christmas cards. Menus. Gift lists.

Decorations. Schedules. Traditions.

Exhaustion.


Do you spend your holiday in the place of busy-ness? I have to confess that far too often I do. Psalm 46:10 has been the cry of my heart this holiday season.

"Be still and know that I am God."

I find myself snatching moments of quiet even in the midst of the holiday frenzy.

Early morning time in the Word. A few minutes of quiet in the car line.

Reading before bed while the tree lights twinkle in my room. Stolen moments ... grabbed where I can find them ... taken from the chaos around me. It's a choice I'm making ... Sometimes an inconvenient choice… sometimes a difficult choice … but it’s what I know is the best choice.

A fierce determination not to let the busy-ness overtake me.


Sometimes the busy-ness becomes a badge of honor ... "I must be significant for I have all these important things I do."

Sometimes the busy-ness becomes an escape ... "

I don't want to think of what I've lost or what is missing so I fill the time with activities."

Sometimes the busy-ness is simply habit ... "I always do these things."

It's hard to stop the merry-go-round ... sometimes it just won't stop. Sometimes we must just jump off. Life will keep spinning around us ... but we can be still.

We can choose stillness ... and when we choose stillness even when the busy contin-

ues something amazing happens...

We notice ... We notice beauty. We notice peace. We notice people.


In the midst of the busy night, an innkeeper was still in the midst of the busy and noticed a young woman great with child and her betrothed.

And what a difference that noticing made ...

What about you? Are you busy this holiday season?

How will you make room for stillness in your schedule?

What effort will you make to notice those around you?


The Field: The Place of Celebration "And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."

~ Luke 2:5, NLT

I bet I've heard at least 38 sermons on the shepherds. Seems like every year they get their obligatory "15 minutes" because they represent the lowest of society ... they give us the picture that Christ came for all ... that the gift was for everyone, regardless of station. And I believe all of that. I really do. And I'm thankful for all of that. I really am.

But, in true Paul Harvey fashion, I wonder if we've missed the rest of the story with these guys.

In verse 16 we find "they went with haste" to find the baby in the manger.

With haste ... They were excited! They didn't wait to see if they could find another group of shepherds who would watch their flock. They didn't even stop to think about their flock. They "went with haste" ... and they found Mary, Joseph and the baby.


THE baby.

But what if they hadn't gone. What if they had talked about it and decided they needed to stay put and take care of the sheep? What if they had met in committee and discussed how they could go? In smaller groups,

maybe, so that everyone had a turn but not all at once? What if they had been frustrated about the bright light and loud noise that had disturbed the

slumbering sheep? What if they had complained about the interruption to what they had planned? What if they had stayed put ... afraid that people would not believe what they had seen?

What if? But they didn't do any of that. They "went with haste.” They responded immediately to this great revelation.


They chose to celebrate!

How often are we guilty of complaining when we should be

celebrating?


The Stable: The Place of Wonder

"But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." ~ Luke 2:19, ESV

Counting tiny toes and fingers.

Watching a big yawn escape from a tiny mouth. Listening to coos and goos and giggles.

Holding a sleeping newborn.

Is there anything that brings more wonder to our hearts than a newborn baby?

The very idea that those ten tiny fingers were on the very hands that separated the land from the water ... That those ten little toes stepped down from heaven's grandeur to walk this dusty, earthly sod ... That the sleepy yawn came from the mouth that breathed life into mankind ... That those beautiful newborn sounds were but a glimpse of the words that would bring salvation ... That the baby sleeping in His mother's arms will reign forever as the Alpha and Omega ...


Christmas is a time for wonder ... for pondering. I find myself reflecting on the year that is quickly coming to an end. I long to make more memories with my daughter and my husband. I desire just a few more opportunities to serve and minister. I want more times of laughter and joy. And I want to learn from the difficult and sorrowful times I've faced in the past year. This year, I'm asking God for a little more wonder in my life. To help me see through fresh eyes ... to notice the beauty of a child gazing into the lights on the tree, to encourage the ones who feel forgotten and unimportant. Part of my personal Advent preparation this year has been to read a chapter of Luke’s Gospel every day ... and in chapter 10 we find that familiar story of Martha and another Mary. This Mary also knew how to treasure things in her heart ... she chose "the better part" ... she chose time in the presence of Christ. Is there any more wonder here on earth than this simple truth ...

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, longs for a relationship with us ... a personal, intimate relationship ... and He was willing to give up the glory of Heaven

to come and show us how to live.


As we draw closer to Christmas Day, my prayer is this ...

that I will live in wonder.

In what ways have you experienced the wonder of

God's love for you?


The Manger: The Place of Intimacy Intimacy.

A close, familiar, and usually affectionate or loving personal relationship with another person or group.

Close ... familiar ... personal … Isn't that what the manger is all about? "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but

have eternal life." ~ John 3:16, NLT

A God who looked down from heaven and determined the distance between the Creator and the created was too far ... and the only way to bridge that gap was His Son.

Perhaps my favorite description of Christ was given to the church at Philippi by the Apostle Paul ...

"Though He was God, He did not demand and cling to His rights as God. He made Himself nothing, He took

the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form." ~ Philippians 2:6, NLT


"Though HE WAS GOD ... (He) appeared in human form." He bridged the gap between the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man ...

God AND man ... in one. Perfect, sinless. Born to die. The wooden manger was the start of a journey that would lead to a wooden cross. Last year, my husband Scott was teaching from Luke 2 and in his research found some-thing I had never heard before ... those "swaddling clothes," the "strips of cloth" ... they were very similar to the strips used to bury the dead.

A newborn baby wrapped in grave clothes. Isn't that what the manger really is? “And in human form, He humbled Himself EVEN FURTHER by dying a criminal's death on a cross.” ~ Philip-

pians 2:8, NLT, emphasis added


Why? Because God longed for intimacy with us ... He who breathed the very life into Adam was willing to give His very best for a relationship with us. When you look at the manger this year, remember this ... He didn't HAVE to do it ... He could have said, "No." But He chose obedience to the Father ... He chose love for us.

And so the lesson of the manger is intimacy ... a deep knowledge of the Father's

love for us. Of His longing for relationship with us. God loves us. Each one of us. I urge you to long for intimacy with Him ... to choose obedience to Him ... to choose love

for Him and for others. Today, my prayer for myself and all of us is that we leave behind the superficial trappings of religion and move into relationship with Him.

How do you pursue intimacy with God?


The Streets: The Place of Celebration

We've arrived at the end of our journey ... and what a tender trail we have trod. Our trip began in Judea where we learned that commercialism isn't just about money, it's any-thing that distracts us from Jesus. As we entered Bethlehem, we were faced with the truth that instead of living in eager expectation, we are often caught up in distracted oblivion. Next we stopped at The Inn ... and we were reminded of the need for stillness even in the midst of great busy-ness. We joined the shepherds in The Field for a great celebration of the birth of the Savior! We traveled with that excited crew to The Stable where we paused in wonder of this great miracle brought to us. We drew close to The Manger ... and encountered the precious intimacy of relationship with God.


It's been a sweet journey, hasn't it? Today, I offer you the challenge of the shepherds.

“The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told

them, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had said.” ~ Luke 2:20, NLT

There are two things I notice from this verse and, because it's just how God works, these two truths match up with some other very familiar passages of Scripture.

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and

the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am

with you always, even to the end of the age." ~ Matthew 28:19 - 20, NLT

"But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me every-

where – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." ~ Acts 1:8, NLT

As I look at the shepherds, I see two important truths about encounters with God … two facts which we must recognize and understand.

1. Encountering Christ changes our perspective but not always our place. 2. Encountering Christ leads to praise.


Encountering Christ changes our perspective but not always our place.

The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks. They were not called to be apostles or to leave the task at hand as Peter, James, Andrew and John were. Sometimes the most

difficult part of the Christian life is living it out in the place you are right now.

Too often we get caught up in the "if onlies."

If only I had more time I could ...

If only I had different gifts I would ...

If only I had more financial resources I could ...

If only ...

We discussed that the shepherds "went with haste" ... they didn't complain or discuss or try to figure it all out, they obeyed. So, too, we are called to obey: to "Go and tell ..."

Surely, like me, you have heard it explained that "Go" means "as you go" ... it's about liv-ing out our relationship in the situations and circumstances we are in ... sharing the blessed truth of Christ with the people in our lives.

It's hard to "as you go" sometimes. Very hard.


Encountering Christ leads to praise. The shepherds could not contain themselves. They were excited about what they had heard. They were "glorifying and praising God" all the way back to the fields. And, I imagine, they continued to share what they had ex-perienced long after the bright star over Bethlehem had disappeared.

Likewise, Christ's admonition to us is to tell His story to everyone. In all places, in all

ways, at all times. What a big task we face!!

And yet, we have the promise that we are not alone. I absolutely love the ending

of the Great Commission: "And be sure of this, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." We are promised the very presence of Christ with us ... in all places, in all ways, at all times. Suddenly the task seems less daunting.

Finally, we have a power from beyond ourselves. In Acts, Christ says, "You will

receive power" and at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came, filling all believers with the very power of God in us as we seek to do His will.


My question for all of us this holiday season is this ...

Have you encountered Christ?

It's so easy to be distracted and busy and oblivious ... if we don't focus on Him, not Ad-vent activities or Santa lists, but time spent in His very presence ... time of wondering, of intimacy ... then we have missed the true meaning.

I believe it's impossible to share Christ the way He intended if we never actually encounter Him.

Today, take the time to encounter the Savior ... and then "Go and tell" wherever you are ... with the promise of His presence and the power He gives ...

Sharing Him ...

that's the meaning of Christmas.


Thank you for taking this journey with me. Again, I want to say, if you don't really understand what this idea of a relationship with Christ is,

please email me. Nothing would bring me greater joy than to share with you the best Gift I ever received.

Merry Christmas!!

Teri Lynne Underwood

P.S. I’d love to hear your thoughts about these devotions … feel free to email me! And if you haven’t visited my website, I’d love to encourage

you to live a life where the sacred and secular collide.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men. ~ Colossians 3:23

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Places of Christmas

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