Tsadaqah

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. -- Genesis 15:1-6

When last we met, Abram was enjoying one of the high points of his life. He started off as a wayfaring pilgrim leaving his home at the age of 75. He soon encountered a famine and was forced to flee to Egypt. There he felt compelled to deceive Pharaoh and place his wife, Sarai, in a compromising position to avoid his being slain. The Lord miraculously delivered Abram and his family as they were simultaneously expelled from Egypt and given great wealth. Soon afterwards, their riches divided Abram and his nephew, Lot, who was subsequently captured by an invading army. Against all odds, Abram and a few hundred of his servants rescued Lot and all the other captives from the raiding army. Upon returning home, Abram was met by the King and Priest Melchizedek, who blessed him and to whom Abram gave "tithes of all."

Ironically, it is on the heels of Abram's mountain-top experience that we find him lamenting. Although he was rich in goods, valiant at arms, respected by kings, and blessed by God, Abram recognized that his success was limited by his mortality. When God came to him "in a vision" Abram simply asked, "Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless?"

At first glance it appears that Abram is being a bit ungrateful, but closer inspection reveals that he does not want more for himself but rather to share what he has. Abram's perspective was maturing from a self-centered view to a long-term one encompassing future generations. He was not the only one recorded in the scriptures to undergo this transformation: both kings David and Solomon, though they enjoyed unmatched personal success in their day, eventually reached a point where they were most concerned about their children. In the New Testament several of the apostles seem to have experienced a similar concern for their spiritual descendants -- the church.

It seems likely that Abram's complaint was about his lack of biological offspring. And God answers Abram's prayer by promising him a biological heir even though it seemed an impossibility considering Abram's & Sarai's advanced age. But the Lord goes even further in His promise to Abram by adding that Abram's children will be as numerous as the stars. By the grace of God, Abram "believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness."

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. -- Jeremiah 23:5-6

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. -- Romans 3:21-26

Romans 10:4 declares, "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."

The Hebrew word translated "righteousness" in Genesis 15:6 is tsadaqah; and it is defined as justice, righteousness, and truthfulness. Although tsadaqah appears 150 times in the Old Testament in a variety of contexts, one of the recurring themes of the word is God's righteousness in a saving or justifying manner. Based on the language of Genesis 15:6 (i.e. "...he counted it to him for righteousness), such seems to be the use here. Although Abram is a sinner by birth, God counts him righteous because "he believed in the LORD."

What Abram did or did not understand about this promise is not all that pertinent for us today. What is pertinent for us today is what we understand, so let's review what God has revealed so far.

Genesis 3:15 says, "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."

The Savior will be descended from Eve and will destroy the Devil.

Genesis 3:21 states, "Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them."

Genesis 4:4 accounts, "And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering."

The Savior will need to sacrifice blood in order to redeem or buy back sinners.

Genesis 6:8 declares, "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD."

The Savior is a gift of God's grace.

Genesis 6:13-14a proclaims, "And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark...."

Although humanity is universally sinful and condemned, the Savior is the one way to life.

Genesis 12:2-3 records, "And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."

The Savior will come through Abram but will be a blessing to "all families of the earth."

Genesis 14:18 foretells, "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God."

The Savior will be a priest similar in nature to Melchizedek.

Genesis 15:6 chronicles, "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness."

The Savior will impute righteousness to those who believe in Him.

Melchizedek

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. -- Genesis 14:18-20

In the last post, we examined God's blessing of Abram recorded in the beginning of Genesis 12. Let's take a moment to highlight Abram's life as chronicled in the scriptures from chapter twelve to chapter fourteen of Genesis.

First, Abram by faith obeys God's call and leaves his home. Among others his wife, Sarai, and his nephew, Lot, accompany him. Because of a famine Abram journeys south to Egypt where he stays for a time. Apparently, Sarai was quite "the looker" because eventually Pharaoh expels Abram out of Egypt after Pharaoh, having been deceived by Abram about the nature of Abram's & Sarai's relationship, attempts and fails to take Sarai as his wife.

Next, Abram returns north but is now confronted with a new problem: his and his nephew's herdsmen are disputing over pasture-land, which is in too short supply for the combined total of their livestock. They decide on the obvious solution and go their separate ways with Lot choosing to live near Sodom.

Finally, a war involving Sodom erupts and Lot is taken as a prisoner of war. This news reaches Abram, who arms "his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen," and miraculously rescues Lot and the other prisoners from the invading army. Upon his return Abram is met by the king of Sodom and the enigmatic King of Salem. Fortunately, much of the mystery surrounding Melchizedek is explained in the New Testament.

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. -- Hebrews 7:1-4

Melchizedek's name is interpreted as the King of righteousness, and he is identified as the King of peace. Romans 5:21 declares, "That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord;" and the first verse of the chapter proclaims, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Of course, there are many other scriptures pointing to Christ as being our source of righteousness and peace; but Melchizedek provided more clues to his identity. He then "brought forth bread and wine." The significance of this act in light of the Lord's supper cannot be overlooked.

And he[Jesus Christ] took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. -- Luke 22:19-20

Also, Melchizedek is called "the priest of the most high God." One must remember that this appellation predates the Levitical priesthood, which would not begin for three more generations.

By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. -- Hebrews 7:22-28

Finally, one should consider Abram's response of giving Melchizedek "tithes of all." Giving an offering is an act of worship not to be entered into lightly. By this time Abram was a worshipper of Yahovah because chapters twelve and thirteen of Genesis record Abram building at least three altars to the Lord and calling upon the Lord at least four times. Clearly, Abram knew exactly who Melchizedek was. The question is, "Do you?"

Barakah

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. -- Genesis 12:1-3

The Hebrew word translated "blessing" in the above passage is barakah, and it is defined among other ways as a source of blessing, a gift or present, or a treaty of peace. As you have probably guessed, the words translated as "bless" and "blessed" are closely related to barakah. Although the above passage is recounting specific commands and promises made by Yahovah to Abram, it is also an important revelation about Eve's "seed," who was previously foretold about in Genesis 3:14-15. However, before we go into detail about that let's take a moment to try to better understand Abram's history up to this point.

Abram is removed from Noah by only 11 generations. Although that may seem like a long time, one should consider that 11 generations ago our ancestors were likely discussing or fighting for American independence. In contrast, the birth of Noah and the birth of Abram were separated by 892 years. Continuing with our analogy, 892 years ago our ancestors were likely discussing or fighting in the Crusades!

The reason for this dramatic difference is that people during the time period from Noah to Abram were still enjoying what we would consider to be supernaturally long lifespans. Although humans were no longer living eight or nine hundred years, they were still blessed with 200 to 400 years of vitality.

There were, no doubt, many changes between the time of Noah and Abram's day; but I would like to focus on the couple that are mentioned in scripture. Perhaps the most profound difference was the confounding or mixing up of humanity's one language into many. Certainly, this had some effect on transitioning a family-oriented culture to a nation-oriented one.

Another major change was people's initiating propagation at a much younger age than they previously did. For instance, Noah did not have his three sons until he was 500 years old; however, Abram was born when his father was only 70 years old. This would have had two effects on Abram's culture. First, the world's population would have been growing at a much increased rate. Second, one would have been contemporary with not only his parents and grandparents, but also with many of his forefathers. For example, Noah was still alive for much of Abram's life.

Now that we have a some idea of Abram's world, we can turn again to the Lord's revelation to him in Genesis 12. Certainly, God is revealing to Abram that He will make the nation of Israel from Abram. However, the promise goes much further than that because the Lord tells Abram, "...in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." The Lord uses the Apostle Paul to explain in Galatians 3:7-8, which states:

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

The beginning of Genesis 12 recounts God's prophesying to Abram two important truths about the coming Savior. First, He will come as a member of the nation of Israel. Second, He will come to bless "all families of the earth." Abram may also have concluded that the One to come will be the Source of blessing, the Gift, & the Peace-maker.

Abraham is commonly reported as the father of the faithful, and that is certainly a title that he earned by God's grace. However, Abraham's faith was blessed only because of the Object of his faith -- the Lord. So I would like to leave you not with the common question of "Do you believe?" but rather "In what or whom do you believe?" Lord willing, we will learn more of the blessed One in the next post soon.

Loving Our Kids on Purpose

Recently, I finished reading Danny Silk's book, Loving Our Kids on Purpose. The author is some sort of family or associate pastor, but he indicates that he wrote the book because of his experience as a foster-parent having to utilize non-corporal discipline exclusively. Despite the stated basis for the book, it appears the only specific examples he cites pertain to his natural children.

His main argument in the book is that parents should love their children without causing them to fear punishment or discipline such as spanking or the rod. His primary, and perhaps sole, scriptural support is I John 4:18 which states, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

On the surface, the above verse makes a fairly convincing case. After all, it seems pretty clear that fear and love are mutually exclusive at least in this passage. And although Mr. Silk does not exactly build his case with scripture, he does pull out of his bag of tricks a handy anecdote, which he repeats "ad nauseum", to really cinch the deal. It appears that at some point in time either he or one of his children noticed a picture of a large yellow construction-sized dump-truck crushing a red street-sized pick-up. Upon viewing this picture he seems to have had an epiphany of sorts and concluded that there are no yellow trucks in Heaven.

I know pastors love their illustrations, but this book is a perfect example of how widely misused they are even by the clergy. First of all, I will admit that illustrations do have their place in helping one to understand a difficult concept. However, illustrations are not scripture; nor do they carry the weight or force of scripture. Unfortunately, Mr. Silk relies on this illustration to be one of, if not the primary, source(s) of evidence for his premise. Although Mr. Silk draws some debatable conclusions from this illustration, it really doesn't amount to a hill of beans because he relies on the illustration, not scripture, as proof for his point.

So let's get back to what scriptural support Mr. Silk does use -- I John 4:18. On page 54 of his book Mr. Silk defines the passage by saying, "It means that all the fear leaves your life when love comes in. There is no fear of punishment in love!"

The Greek word translated as "fear" in this passage is phobos, and it means alarm or fright according to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Additionally, there are several other closely related words such as phobeo. However, just like many English words, context is important to defining the Greek phobos and its derivatives. Perhaps that is why I Corinthians 2:12-13 gives the following instruction:

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Now, while I concede that I John 4:18 certainly makes a profound theological point regarding the Christian's relationship to his Savior, I am not convinced that it is a universal truth applicable to the parent-child relationship. If, as Mr. Silk puts it, "...fear leaves your life when love comes in," then how does he explain the following "problem" texts to name just a few of the many examples available:

"And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word." -- Matthew 28:8

"And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day." -- Luke 5:26

"There is no fear of God before their eyes." -- Romans 3:18

"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." -- Romans 13:7

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God....For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter....And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. -- II Corinthians 7:1,11,15

"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." -- Ephesians 5:21

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." -- Philippians 2:12

"Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." -- I Timothy 5:20

"And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:" -- I Peter 1:17

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" -- I Peter 3:15

In a word, he doesn't. Frankly, I found this aspect of the book rather alarming coming from a man who identifies himself as a pastor. Perhaps I shouldn't be shocked, but this was a scripturally shallow, if not outright erroneous, book written to scripturally shallow readers. The real tragedy is that Mr. Silk's book is only one of many such "wishy-washy" publications readily received by many of today's Christians and "pseudo-Christians" alike.

So even though Mr. Silk fails to prove his case, his book does have some merits that may make it worth reading. For instance, he does bring home the point that parenting and bullying often resemble each other a little too closely for comfort in the American fundamentalist paradigm. Also, he poses some very good questions about what one's goals should be in parenting one's children. But perhaps the most redeeming feature of the book are the examples he cites with his children. The stories reveal what correction can look like sans spanking.

So perhaps unwittingly Mr. Silk has indeed inspired me with Loving Our Kids on Purpose. Although I am not ready to remove spanking from my parenting toolbox, I am compelled to try other tools first. Even more significantly, Mr. Silk has prompted me to reassess my parenting goals and to utilize discipline in accordance with these goals. Finally, he has encouraged me to use creativity in parenting instead of solely relying on a single method of correction.

Tebah

The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark....
-- Genesis 6:11-14a

The Hebrew word translated as "ark" is tebah, and it is used only in reference to the vessel that Noah built and the much smaller one built for baby Moses as recorded in Exodus chapter 2. What these two arks had in common is intriguing: for one thing, they both saved their passengers from certain death; and for another, the builders of both arks had to place their faith in God and His word to benefit from them.

Let's take a closer look at Noah and his ark. One thing you may want to note from the start is that up until the flood rain had never fallen on the Earth. Genesis 2:5-6 states, "And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground."

Now if God told you or me to build an ark because there was a flood coming, we would most likely not follow through because of our unbelief despite the fact that we are familiar with rain, floods, and other such things. Imagine, if you will, the level of faith Noah exercised in obeying God and building an ark for an event never yet witnessed to even the slightest degree. It would be roughly comparable to God giving us some monumental undertaking to prepare for global destruction from fire or stone raining down from the sky. I think we can agree that God's grace was still working in Noah's life.

Although it took about a century (One must remember that Noah and his contemporaries enjoyed a very generous lifespan.), Noah finished building the ark. One can scarcely imagine the mockery and scoffing he endured from others of his time while he was building the ark. However, once he was done the ark stood as a truly massive testament to God's love and grace. Although it's exact size and shape are open to some debate, the ark was a rather large project to say the least. It was probably about the same size as a W.W. II aircraft carrier. It may be the biggest structure ever built by an individual.

Well, you are probably familiar with the rest of Noah's history. He, his wife, his three sons and their wives were the only representatives of humanity to place their faith in God and enter the ark. Additionally, God arranged for mating pairs as well as extras of certain kinds of non-aquatic animals to board the ark. Finally, Noah had loaded the ark with food and other supplies at God's command. Once all were aboard the ark with Noah "...the LORD shut him in" (Genesis 7:16b). According to Genesis 7:11a the same day that Noah entered the ark "...were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened."

What followed was a disaster that was uniquely destructive in both its intensity and scope. To say that people were inundated in the Deluge is to engage in gross understatement. Not only did it rain for forty days, but vast reservoirs of water under the seabed broke open like fountains likely resulting in earthquakes and tidal waves around the world. The resulting destruction and salvation happened just as God had told Noah:

And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth. And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters. And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark. And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.
-- Genesis 7:17-24

Aside from recording the historical account of a singular event in the world's history, the story of Noah is meant to impress upon us an important truth for us today:

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Hebrews 11:6-7

The Lord Jesus Christ is our ark to save us from condemnation and destruction. However, we only enter into a relationship with Him by faith in Him alone for our salvation. Just as there was only one way to escape the flood in Noah's day, Jesus is the only way to escape our rightly deserved sentence of eternal death in hell because of our sin. In both instances God has been gracious and provided a way of salvation, but will you believe God and be saved?

Chen

Our sin is a horrible thing. You don't have to look far to see its prevalence and harmful effects. Sin abounds in news stories from around the world and just down the street. Daily, we practice sin in our homes, commit it at school or work, and even seek for it in our entertainment. Beyond any shadow of a doubt, we are absolutley entrenched in our sin. However, the incredible fact is that once upon a time it was even worse:

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
-- Genesis 6:5-7

Seriously, can you fathom in your deepest imagination living in a world where every single thought of every person in the whole world is exclusively evil? Whether we can comprehend it or not, that is exactly what the world was like a mere nine generations after Adam. It is hardly surprising that such a state of affairs "grieved [God] at his heart" and moved Him to utterly destroy His creation with a flood. What is surprising is Genesis 6:8 which states, "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD."

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
-- Romans 5:20-21

In order to begin to appreciate the heights of God's grace, one must recognize the depraved depths of sin. If you care to read Genesis chapter 6, then you will notice that no where is Noah excluded from the shared wickedness and condemnation of the rest of humanity. In other words the thoughts of his heart were continually evil, too. It was only after he "found grace in the eyes of the LORD" that he was described as "a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God" -- Genesis 6:9b. Noah got out of his horrible pit of sin because God in His grace reached down and brought him out. It was through God's grace that Noah was reckoned as "just" and "perfect" as well as his being reunited with God.

Sadly, nearly every religion in the world is at odds with this simple but important account. Religion wants to teach you to be just and perfect in order to earn God's grace. There are two major problems with this line of thinking. First, grace is not something one earns. Second, even if one could "earn" grace, humans are utterly unable to do so because of our nature having been corrupted by sin. Unfortunately, you cannot climb out of your horrible pit of sin; but God would bring you out of it as we shall see in the next post because God's grace had only just begun in Noah's life.

'TWas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danc'd in their heads,
And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap--
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter,
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below;
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his courses they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and call'd them by name:
"Now! Dasher, now! Dancer, now! Prancer, and Vixen,
"On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Dunder and Blixem;
"To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
"Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys--and St. Nicholas too:
And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound:
He was dress'd all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnish'd with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys was flung on his back,
And he look'd like a peddler just opening his pack:
His eyes--how they twinkled! his dimples how merry,
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face, and a little round belly
That shook when he laugh'd, like a bowl full of jelly:
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laugh'd when I saw him in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And fill'd all the stockings; then turn'd with a jirk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
He sprung to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle:
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight--
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

-- ACCOUNT OF A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS (from The Troy Sentinel, December 23, 1823, p. 3; repro. Troy, NY: Troy Public Library, 1998)

Exactly 186 years ago today the above poem was first published anonymously. It is completely fictional, of course; but its popularity boomed, and it quickly spread across the nation. It was one of the most influential shapers of contemporary Christmas celebrations in the United States along with Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol first published on December 19, 1843 and other fictional works of the era.

On the surface the poem bears so many similarities with today's Christmas celebration that we often overlook the significant changes. For instance, in the poem St. Nicholas traveled along the ground between houses, but today we visualize Santa traveling more or less entirely by flight perhaps because of the advent of aircraft in the twentieth century. Other differences include the miniature stature of St. Nick, his rein-deer, and his sleigh in the poem. Today we tend to view Santa and his company as full-sized, which makes explaining his journey through chimneys much more difficult than it once was. Although in the poem St. Nick is described as dressed in fur, his clothes are soiled with ashes and soot and are nowhere referred to as being red as is commonly held today. Also, in the poem he is described as smoking a pipe; whereas today Santa is usually represented tobacco-free and often with glasses.

Despite the changes to Christmas celebrations since ACCOUNT OF A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS was published, it is still recognizable as Christmas by today's standards. Historically speaking, Christmas has gone through much more dramatic overhauls than the relatively minor differences noted above. For many years it resembled Mardis Gras more than anything else, which is why it was in jeopardy of being completely discarded in early America. Frankly, if Dickens, Irving, and other authors of their day had not remade Christmas as a family holiday, then it is likely that we would not celebrate it at all today.

So although I would like to express my gratitude to those who rescued Christmas from the trash-heap of history, I also would like to point out that all these fairy tales have nothing to do with the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is at its roots a religious holiday -- hence Christ's Mass. It was begun, no doubt with some errors, to remember the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. What are we coming to when we deny the true account of Jesus Christ and yet propagate the lie to our own children that a fairy-tale figure is true? And even worse we feel good about it and find it a reason to celebrate. Perhaps we really are trapped in a horrible pit. God help us. May you enjoy a Merry Christmas with the true joy of the season: the fulfillment of God's prophesy made in Genesis 3:15 to save humanity from our sin through His incarnation.