The book of Esther narrates events in Jewish history that happened during their Babylonian exile. This was a difficult, challenging time for the Jewish people who had been unceremoniously carted off to a foreign land by an invading army more powerful than they.  Ps 137 captures the sorrow felt by people (‘By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion… How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?’)

Marginalised and relatively unimportant in comparison to the ‘might’ of Babylon, we might expect the Jewish story to end here. But God’s promises to His people can never be discounted and the book of Esther – while never mentioning God’s name directly – demonstrates to us that He is at work in the lives of His people at all times, even when others have definite plans to remove them history permanently.

Esther and her cousin Mordecai are, like Joseph, in the right place at the right time to thwart the plans of evil. That is no coincidence, but an example of God’s providence and a reminder to us all that our actions can have a significance and importance far greater than we could predict. Their courage, wisdom and faithfulness to God are models for us to follow.

Right now, it is easy to believe that God’s people are insignificant, unimportant, even irrelevant. It’s easy to believe that evil will triumph. But history teaches us that this has always been how it looks. Eugene Peterson, in the introduction to Esther in the Message version of the Bible, says, ‘No matter how many of them you kill, you can’t get rid of the communities of God-honouring, God-serving, God-worshipping people scattered all over the earth. This is still the definitive word.’

So, if you feel in despair over the state of the church and what is currently happening in the world, remember Esther. God hasn’t finished with us yet.

‘Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…’

‘Dashing through the snow on a one-horse open sleigh…’

‘Rocking around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop…’

Christmas songs often focus on things we enjoy doing at this time of year. That could be drinking mulled wine or eggnog (both of which I personally hate!)… tucking into chocolates or mince pies or pigs in blankets… going to parties or other outdoor events… playing in the snow. What we enjoy will be personal to each one of us, and it’s not always easy in family life if tastes differ! (One person’s brisk walk in the cold could be another person’s nightmare, for example.) But there’s no doubt that enjoyment adds to a sense of pleasure and can forge bonds of togetherness and unity which enhance our Christmas experiences.

Enjoyment in the simple things of life undoubtedly adds to our overall joy, but God reminds us that He is the source of joy. Ps 16:11 says, ‘You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.’ If we want to know joy that lasts through sorrow and suffering, we will only find that in God. The fact is that He has eternal pleasures for us now – and ones that don’t have any adverse side effects!

Dave spoke last night from Matt 2:1-12, the narrative which tells us of the wise men’s search for Jesus. As with so many aspects of the Christmas story, God does not work in ways we could predict. The birth of the long-awaited Messiah was not announced to the whole world but only to a few shepherds and to these foreign wise men. This event was the greatest thing that had ever happened to the nation of Israel in its entire history, but Israel was at the time ignorant of what had taken place. As always, this reminds us that God chooses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. (1 Cor 1:27)

The wise men asked Herod about the whereabouts of the king of the Jews, but Herod had had no idea of the amazing events happening just in Bethlehem. In the same way, Jesus has come to earth, and despite all the celebrations at this time of year, many do not know or choose to ignore that this time is a celebration of that fact! Those of us who do know have a responsibility to let others know, for whilst we may not know everything about Jesus, we do know that He is the only answer for our world’s needs. The wise men also came, not simply because they had seen his star, but because they wanted to worship Him. Their curiosity and desire to see Jesus became their consuming focus.

These men saw the young child and worshipped Him and gave Him gifts. This has to be the order for all of us: we need to see and worship before we can give. Their gifts (gold, frankincense and myrrh) were costly, as was Mary’s, the alabaster box of costly perfume representing all her wordly possessions. Love and worship, generosity and gratitude should always be our response to the love of Jesus.

The message that the angels brought at Christmas-time was one of great joy and good news: to the shepherds, they said, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’ (Luke 2:10) The news of a Saviour, born to take away our sins and restore us to relationship with Almighty God, is good news indeed. In fact, the news is so good that a whole host of angels appeared, crying out, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.’ (Luke 2:14) If ever there was a reason needed to party, Christmas provides the reason!

So take pleasure in the festivities, the parties, the celebrations and know that every time someone turns to God, there is a party in heaven! Jesus said, ‘there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.’ (Luke 15:7) It’s time to celebrate!

Garry looked at the plaintive carol ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’ (which you can listen to here) this morning. A very old carol whose English translation was by John Mason Neale in 1851, this is a typical Advent carol with its haunting minor key tune which perfectly matches the sense of mourning and lament for our sin. It is a carol which references the Old Testament frequently and thus is highly Christological.

The use of the name ‘Emmanuel’ refers back to Isaiah 7:10-14 and is one of the names by which Jesus is known (see Matt 1:22-23). The prophecy in Isaiah (like so many) has a double fulfilment, in the immediate present (a sign to Ahaz that God would deliver him from his attacker) and in the future. The idea of people neeing to be ransomed is also a theme developed in the New Testament (see Matt 20:28, 1 Tim 2:5-6, Heb 9:15). The nation Israel had many occasions to mourn (especially when in exile), and the idea of people ‘in lonely exile’ is relevant also to us, for all God’s people do not belong on earth ultimately (see Heb 11:13-16, 1 Pet 2:11-12). Our time here is brief; we have a heavenly home and should focus on that. The first verse concludes with the living hope and the call for celebration which is a part of each verse:

‘Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.’

Verse 2 looks at the old way of living through the law and reminds us that Jesus will come again ‘in cloud and majesty and awe’ (see also Rev 1:5-7). In verse 3, talks of ‘Thou Rod of Jesse’ (a reference to Is 11:1) and reminds us of the purpose of Jesus’s coming (‘free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny/ from depths of hell Thy people save and give them victory o’er the grave.’) Heb 2:14-15 reminds us that the purpose of Jesus’s coming was to break the power of him who holds the power of death and free those who have been held in slavery by their fear of death. Death should hold no fear for us, for, as John reminds us, perfect love has the power to drive out all fear. (1 John 4:16-18) Fear is a terrible weapon used against people, but Jesus can liberate us from all fear, and as the New Testament makes clear, His resurrection shows He has dealt decisively with death. (Rom 6:4-5, 1 Cor 15:20-22, 1 Thess 4:13-18)

Other titles for Jesus are referenced in the remaining veses, including ‘Dayspring‘ (the old word for ‘dawn’ or ‘morning’, reminding us that Jesus is light), the ‘Key of David’ (one who has authority, see Rev 3:7, Luke 1:32). The carol helps us to see Jesus in many different lights and with its continued prayer ‘O come, Emmanuel‘, we are reminded of the closing prayer of John in Rev 22:20: ‘Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.’ Every Advent we look not only back at the birth of Jesus but we look forward to His return.

Advent is a time for enjoying the celebrations. Most of us have things we like to do at this time of year, whether that is exploring a Christmas market, visiting favourite places, making cakes or cookies, decorating a tree or some other tradition that has become part of your way of anticipating Christmas. This afternoon there will be a community Christmas event at Goldthorpe Railway Embankment (2.00-3.30 p.m.) when we’ll be singing carols, decorating baubles and enjoying hot drinks; such events provide great enjoyment and sense of community spirit, which is often said to be one of the chief reasons people enjoy Christmas. “People seem friendlier and happier at this time of year,” I’m often told.

Enjoying doing things is good for us. It increases our sense of wellbeing and gives us a sense of shared experience with others. Do come along this afternoon to enjoy this Christmas celebration.