David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”

Decrees, Governments, and Christmas Travels

Luke 2:1-5

1In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

Sometimes our sense of security is ill-founded. One of these locks is actually unlocked; none of the others are of any use in keeping the gates closed.

The story of the first Christmas offers us reminders of vitally important truths. Governments may call for census and taxes. We may travel to places near or far. Our times are pregnant with possibilities and challenges at every turn. We must keep in mind – all the while – that God is over all these things and using them for His purposes.

On the first Christmas God was using Caesar’s census taking as a means to get Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem so that the child of Mary and God would be born there: just as the prophet Micah had prophesied. Governors, regions, towns, and travel were all very much in God’s plan to bring the Savior of the world into the world. You wouldn’t know it by any outward appearance. But One stands behind every outward appearance working His will in all things.

Caesar has decreed. Joseph is traveling. Mary is with child. The baby is not yet born, but God is at work. How many times do we lose faith in the face of history and life itself because we do not see God’s hand in the events of our day? How many times do we factor God out of the warp and woof of life just before He acts?

Mary will have her child. Shepherds will learn of the Good News. Angels will split the sky with their songs. God and man will be reconciled. We look back on all these things having been accomplished. Today is a day to look forward, also to God’s continuing work in our world. The same God who came into our world in the midst of decrees, governments, and travels, will come again. Our eternal salvation has been secured by the Son of God. In the mean time God will continue His work in our world. We do well to remember that even as we prepare to celebrate His birth tonight and tomorrow.

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