(TZ Again, a little reminder for even those who know the reason for the season)

As Christmas approaches, there will be the stories told of how Jesus Christ was born. Many will be dramatized, but the one thing everyone ought to do is go back to the source. Matthew and Luke report from two different angles.

Even more, everyone should read the Bible on a daily basis, and there are things for a computer or calendars or even radio programs that make it easy. There are audio versions, and they are maybe my favorite as I can play them on my phone or in the car, though I often need the pause button.

There is a purpose to reading the Bible and you should read it with that purpose in mind. It is for the Holy Spirit to continue and complete the work of restoring the image of God that was damaged by the fall, like a museum curator expert in restoration patching a faded and shredded masterpiece. They aren’t just to change your mind though that is a start, they are to change everything.

I think too many Christians are looking for the intellect in Paul’s arguments, the wonder at apocalyptic imagery, or the action-adventure of the wars of ancient Israel. Those are good for balance, but I would suggest concentrating where the most meat is: the Gospels.

It is the word of the word himself, the only one spoken of the Father before all ages. The spoken words are often in red but his deeds often speak more loudly many important messages. Most people can get past the 10 Commandments without finding any major faults. Try reading The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7, Luke’s parallel). Few can get through a few paragraphs. The Gospel of John shows Jesus’ divinity from his closest friend – there are stories there not in the other Gospels. Each has something to say to everyone.

Mark Twain once noted it wasn’t the hard passages of the Bible that gave him the most trouble, it was the verses whose meaning was absolutely plain. So I wouldn’t worry about a translation unless you are trying to go deep into Scripture. The Holy Spirit can speak to you through the text, even though Jesus spoke Aramaic, it was transcribed as ancient Greek, then to English. It is better to find the discount table at a Bible store and have something you can easily read in every room than it is to try to find the best translation or get stacks of commentaries and things like Vine’s expository dictionary, or learn Greek and Hebrew. The Word is alive. Sharper than any two edged sword – even translations by dullards. At least if you want it to transform you instead of debating what it might really mean.

Meditating on Scripture will fill your mind and will with the right things. Jesus answered everyone and everything. Consider when asked what must I do? (I’m paraphrasing here:) “Love God with all your heart, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself”. The man replied “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus could have given a dry, technical explanation. Instead he gives the story of “The Good Samaritan”. Note that Samaritans were something like pagans or heretics to Jews. Jesus then asks “who was his neighbor” to make sure his questioner gets the point. You can think about just this story for days or weeks. But then the hard part comes – what Mark Twain was getting at: “Jesus, you mean they are my neighbor and I’m their neighbor?” Daily you will find something that needs God’s grace – you only need the 1% cooperation.

That is why Scripture is both easy and hard, powerful, yet incapable of overcoming a small obstacle when I’m the one holding it in place. But I feel the pull of the Spirit, the fire in the words. At least when the words are not read to add to the noise and cacophony of daily life but to find that particular echo of the single Eternal Word spoken in the Eternal Silence of the Trinity. Properly read, Scripture begets silence and peace after the words settle in and the echoes fade from where they strike your heart.

As we celebrate the Birth of Christ and the events leading up to it, it is a good time to start anew the study of the Gospels – from their beginnings. And work through toward Good Friday and Easter.