By: Craig Schill
The problem is that we romanticize the birth of Jesus, meaning we tidy it up; we view it through overly positive eyes. The nativity becomes beautiful, pastoral, and lovely, it fits nicely on our coffee table.
But when we romanticize Christmas, we lose the meaning of Christmas. We begin to think that within the story itself, in the details, we find a joyful set of characters.
To understand biblical joy, we must remember that nothing about the Christmas story, in and of itself, was joyful. Jesus was born into scandal to an unwed mother, into an oppressed nation to a poor family, in an unwelcoming town, on the back of another tax increase. Joy comes down to us from heaven in the most joyless of circumstances. And this is the point.
Jesus brought joy to the world, because there was no joy in the world.
The Christmas story is a series of tragedies and trials, and it is into that mess that God’s love and grace brings joy in the person of Jesus Christ. If you are hurting this Advent season remember Jesus can also bring joy into your life. That is what he did so many years ago, and this is what He continues to do today.
Nativity Tears
Groom is panicked - pregnant bride
Gossip spreads through wagging tongues
Worried hands wring out divorce
shame crumbles plans to dust
Joseph’s tears fall
On sagging shoulders taxes weigh
Callused hands and empty purse
Rome smiles and picks its teeth
Forcing all to ancestral homes
Israel’s tears fall
Donkey hoofs shake swollen belly
Young woman, brave, sets her face
No comfort, mother, or homemade bed
Joseph knocks on one more door
Mary’s tears fall
Darkness spreads to narrow streets
The baby ignores his parent’s fears
Another slam, contractions start
Into a barn she screams in pain
Crying, Jesus is born
Disturbed about Messiah king
Herod vomits a nightmare plan
Baby’s blood soak up the dust
Throne secured for one more day
Heaven’s tears fall
“Get up and flee!” the Angel warns
Confusion, fear, and panic sing
Egypt protects its refugees
No family to watch the baby grow
Grandparents tear’s fall.
Joy to the World, the Lord has come
Let earth receive her king.
Refugees, survivors, and unwed mothers
Oppressed by others your time has come
Shed tears of joy -
The Savior has come to you
About the Author: Craig Schill pastors The Grove Community Church in Rowlett, Texas. Craig and Pastor Dave went to DTS together and their families have maintained a close friendship over the years. Craig and his wife Tammy have four grown children. You can find more of his writing at ComeOChurch.com
MBC's Bible Engagement Plan
MBC’s Bible Engagement Plan: Isaiah – From Ruin to Redemption
As a church community, our desire is to move from hearing God’s Word to living it out daily. This Bible Engagement Plan is designed to help us walk through Isaiah together in a weekly rhythm that deepens our understanding while also cultivating habits of daily reading and reflection.
- LISTEN TO THE SUNDAY SERMON
Each week begins with the Pastor’s Sunday sermon on a passage from Isaiah and includes
- Pastor’s Outline: A guide to follow along and take notes. We also suggest picking up the Isaiah scripture journal from the Welcome Center.
- Discussion Questions: Provided to encourage reflection and conversation in small groups, families, or personal study. If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one this Fall: Click here to explore one of MBC’s small groups
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE WEEKLY PLAN
Monday through Saturday, follow the suggested reading plan outlined in the Saturday eNews Bulletin. As you read and reflect on your passage each day, ask these two guiding questions and jot down your thoughts in your Isaiah journal.
- What does this passage reveal about God—His character, His purposes, or His promises?
- How should I respond in light of what I’ve read—through trust, obedience, repentance, or worship?
- MEMORIZE THE WEEKLY KEY VERSE
Every week, one key verse from the sermon will be highlighted for memory. You are invited to use the free Bible Memory app and join the “Millington Baptist Church” Bible memorization group: Click here to join
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE PASTOR’S DEVOTIONAL BLOG
Each Wednesday, one of our pastors will share a devotional expanding on the sermon theme helping to connect Isaiah’s message to everyday life.
Why This Rhythm Matters
- Immersion: This plan helps you engage learning in multiple ways—hearing, reading, memorizing, and reflecting—so you gain a richer understanding of Isaiah’s message.
- Transformation in Community: Discussion questions and shared readings create space for us to learn together and nurture application of the biblical principles into our daily lives.
Questions or comments?
Contact Amy Huber, Director of Discipleship and Connections: ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org
Previous Entries
Pastor Bob Erbig and Pastor Dave Hentschel
