Note: Dr. Lowery first published this unusual meditation on the Christmas story three years ago. It is still as relevant now as it was then–probably because the story itself speaks to us as it did to its original audience some 1,900 years ago. Look for new content on the site beginning the second week of January 2010. Have a blessed Christmas–Michael.
The Christmas story occupies approximately thirty-one verses in Matthew whereas Luke’s devotes seventy-four verses. Because of these verses people have constructed pageants and plays and have composed carols and cards. Poets and preachers along with artists and authors, ancient and modern, continue to stir our hearts.
Many of us have heard the stories of Matthew and Luke so often that perhaps we have become numb to their beauty. On the one hand, perhaps the story needs to be rescued from either the contempt of so-called biblical experts who deny the reliability of Scripture. And on the other hand, perhaps the story needs to be rescued from the sentimentality of people who either follow Jesus or barely know of him.
Year after year, decade after decade, and century after century, the same cast members have been assembled each December: sleepy shepherds and wandering sheep; a wandering star and exotic (three!) wise men; blaring trumpets and singing angels; an expectant mother and waiting husband. This year children of all ages will march across the stage and act out their parts. The same cast members are found in our carols and are beautifully portrayed on cards.
But one little word unites these images and individuals. It is often over-looked and omitted from the newer translations. And yet it appears six times each in Matthew’s and Luke’s renditions: Behold! It serves as either a word of comfort or challenge, exhorting us to lift up our eyes and see the world from a different perspective or encouraging us in hard times.
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Volume 1 of Dr. Lowery’s commentary on Revelation, Revelation’s Rhapsody, is now available in paperback format. You can still purchase copies of the hardcover at “collector’s prices” on Amazon. As of today, one new hardcover is available for $193.54. Plus $3.99 shipping. Or you can order the paperback directly from College Press or by calling Mr. Books, the LCU campus bookstore, at 217-732-3168 ext. 2224. The paperback is significantly less expensive than $193.54 and it makes a great Christmas gift.
I had my fourth meeting with the oncologist on Thursday, December 10. After talking it over with Marilyn, she thought we needed to update you on my health issues. We have appreciated your concern, and we hope that the information I share below is appropriate and will guide you as you pray for us.
Dr. Bretscher informed me that there are four stages in the spreading of carcinoid tumors. Because the tumors are now in my liver, I am at stage four, the final one. Evidently by the expression on my face, she could tell I was a bit surprised! She encouraged me to keep in perspective that the cancer is very slow growing and that it is unique with regard to how fast it spreads in an individual. Since there is no way to say how rapid the tumors will spread, this means stage four can last for a considerable period of time, and in fact, it usually does. She would not, however, provide a calendar of any kind because of the nature of the disease and because of its unique impact on each individual. She reminded me that it took nearly three years for the cancer to move from the mesentery to the liver, and therefore it may take a considerable period of time before it spreads to other organs.
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A faithful reader has recently let us know about some problems with a few links on the site, notably on the Writings page and some of the audio files. These links led to content on the LCU servers which were updated and/or moved off-campus this fall. I’ll take time the next few weeks to get those fixed. In the meantime, remember to wear your hard hat, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.