A Holy Week
Matthew 21:1-11
The week that begins on Palm Sunday, and ends on the following Saturday, is the most important week in the life of Jesus. For Christians it is also the most important week in human history. It is called Holy Week because it is different, set apart, and sacred.
The week begins with a Palm Sunday parade. Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. There are palm branches waving, coats lying on the road, and “Hosanna!” is shouted. History tells us that this was a traditional celebration of the entrance of a powerful leader, although most leaders probably rode a horse instead of a donkey. The crowd thought they were welcoming a messiah, but what kind of messiah was he? Would he exercise political power or servant power? The crowd was hoping for a political messiah who would set them free, but Jesus knew that this was the beginning of the end of his life here on earth. He knew that the shouts of “Hosanna!” would soon turn to shouts of “Crucify him!”. The end was near.
The week includes a Thursday supper, known as the Last Supper. It was a Passover meal, one that was first celebrated centuries earlier in the days of Moses. It was a traditional Jewish meal during which the people were reminded that God had saved their ancestors from slavery in Egypt, and had brought them to the Promised Land. After the meal, Jesus took the unleavened bread and a cup of wine and gave them, and the Passover meal, new meaning. While holding the bread he said, “This is my body given for you.” And then he took the cup and said, “This is my blood given for you.” This meal marked a new beginning for the followers of Jesus. After his death and resurrection they would receive the bread and cup and hear the words of Jesus, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Thursday of Holy Week also includes the scenes in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed. While the disciples sleep, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” While he was praying, and the disciples sleeping, the soldiers came and arrested him. Jesus didn’t resist, and during his trial he was quiet. The verdict was guilty; the sentence was death.
Friday is the day of crucifixion and death. According to the Gospels, it was a painful and agonizing death for Jesus. While hanging on the cross, Jesus offers forgiveness and hope. He prays for forgiveness for those who have caused his death. “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” He gives a hopeful promise to one who is crucified at the same time. “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus dies that afternoon and is buried before the sun sets.
The week ends on silent Saturday.
A new week begins on Easter Sunday. It is a new beginning for Jesus and his followers.
Holy Week reminds us that the Son of God humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-11) Those first Palm Sunday participants didn’t know that it was the beginning of the most important week in history. But we know, and we can say “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
A Test for Lent
A Test for Lent
Matthew 4:1-11
In the Christian calendar, the season of Lent includes the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. For reasons that I can’t recall, Sundays are not counted in the period of 40 days, so technically, there are 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. The season of Lent has traditionally been a time for Christians to examine their lives and to prepare to remember the days of Holy Week. That is the week that begins with the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, and ends at the place of his burial on Saturday. Of course, the next day is Easter Sunday, the day of Jesus’ resurrection.
As a guide to self-examination it can be helpful to look at the story of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. This story happens at the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. We are told that after Jesus is baptized, he is led by God’s Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted, or tested, by the devil for 40 days. The interesting part of the story is that it is God who leads Jesus into the testing. This was all part of God’s plan. Another note is the correlation between the 40 days of Jesus in the wilderness and the 40 days of Lent. Both are times for self-examination and testing.
The test questions that face Jesus in the wilderness have to do with his identity and his purpose in life. Jesus is challenged to answer questions about who he is, how he will use his power, and what his values are. These are good questions for us as well during the season of Lent.
The first question is one that tests both the identity of Jesus and his power. “If you are the Son of God… “ is a question of identity. It is a challenge for Jesus to prove who he is. “…then turn these stones into bread.” This is a question about how Jesus will use his gifts, abilities, and resources. Will he use them to benefit others, or primarily himself? Will he share who and what he is, or will he keep it all for himself? This is a question that each of us must answer daily. How will we use our abilities and resources?
Jesus answered the first test question by looking beyond his own immediate needs, to focus upon the greater mission that God had for him. The story says that this test came to Jesus after he had been fasting in the wilderness for 40 days. He was obviously hungry. What would it hurt if he turned a few stones into bread so that he could satisfy his hunger? But Jesus knew that this was about more than just being hungry. It was about seeing beyond his physical needs and wants, to focus upon his spiritual life. He passed this test question when he answered, “It takes more than bread to stay alive.”
The second question is one that asks, “Do you make wise decisions, while considering the consequences of those decisions? There is a test again of the identity of Jesus in the wilderness. “If you are the son of God, then throw yourself down, and the angels will catch you.” The temptation is to place himself in a dangerous situation, and count on God to rescue him. In other words, you can do whatever you feel like doing, because God will save you.
Jesus answered the second test question by calling upon the wisdom of the Scriptures. “You shall not put God to the test.” God expects everyone to use the wisdom that God has given them. It is foolish to take unnecessary risks, and count on God to save us. We can do our best to make wise decisions, knowing that God has given us the ability to make good choices, and he expects us to use that ability.
The third question is about values. What is really important to you? In the wilderness, the devil showed all the kingdoms of the world to Jesus and told him that the world could be his, if he would fall down and worship the devil. Who wouldn’t want to own the whole world?
Jesus answered the third test question by quoting Scripture. “You shall worship God and serve him only.” Jesus had passed the test. He had answered all of the questions correctly. He was now free to carry out the mission that God had for him to do. He had chosen to be faithful to God’s call.
This story reminds us that we too have the ability and power to make important choices. The good news is that God’s Spirit is always with us to give us wisdom and to help us to make the right decisions. God’s Spirit gives us strength to resist temptations and to pass the tests that we face every day.
Who are we? We are sons and daughters of God. We are called to use the gifts, resources, and abilities that God has given to each one of us. We are challenged to use the wisdom and strength that God gives us to make wise decisions. And we are called to worship God and to serve God alone. We can’t do this by ourselves, but when we follow the lead of God’s Spirit we can pass every test that comes our way.
Matthew 4:1-11
In the Christian calendar, the season of Lent includes the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. For reasons that I can’t recall, Sundays are not counted in the period of 40 days, so technically, there are 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. The season of Lent has traditionally been a time for Christians to examine their lives and to prepare to remember the days of Holy Week. That is the week that begins with the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, and ends at the place of his burial on Saturday. Of course, the next day is Easter Sunday, the day of Jesus’ resurrection.
As a guide to self-examination it can be helpful to look at the story of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. This story happens at the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. We are told that after Jesus is baptized, he is led by God’s Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted, or tested, by the devil for 40 days. The interesting part of the story is that it is God who leads Jesus into the testing. This was all part of God’s plan. Another note is the correlation between the 40 days of Jesus in the wilderness and the 40 days of Lent. Both are times for self-examination and testing.
The test questions that face Jesus in the wilderness have to do with his identity and his purpose in life. Jesus is challenged to answer questions about who he is, how he will use his power, and what his values are. These are good questions for us as well during the season of Lent.
The first question is one that tests both the identity of Jesus and his power. “If you are the Son of God… “ is a question of identity. It is a challenge for Jesus to prove who he is. “…then turn these stones into bread.” This is a question about how Jesus will use his gifts, abilities, and resources. Will he use them to benefit others, or primarily himself? Will he share who and what he is, or will he keep it all for himself? This is a question that each of us must answer daily. How will we use our abilities and resources?
Jesus answered the first test question by looking beyond his own immediate needs, to focus upon the greater mission that God had for him. The story says that this test came to Jesus after he had been fasting in the wilderness for 40 days. He was obviously hungry. What would it hurt if he turned a few stones into bread so that he could satisfy his hunger? But Jesus knew that this was about more than just being hungry. It was about seeing beyond his physical needs and wants, to focus upon his spiritual life. He passed this test question when he answered, “It takes more than bread to stay alive.”
The second question is one that asks, “Do you make wise decisions, while considering the consequences of those decisions? There is a test again of the identity of Jesus in the wilderness. “If you are the son of God, then throw yourself down, and the angels will catch you.” The temptation is to place himself in a dangerous situation, and count on God to rescue him. In other words, you can do whatever you feel like doing, because God will save you.
Jesus answered the second test question by calling upon the wisdom of the Scriptures. “You shall not put God to the test.” God expects everyone to use the wisdom that God has given them. It is foolish to take unnecessary risks, and count on God to save us. We can do our best to make wise decisions, knowing that God has given us the ability to make good choices, and he expects us to use that ability.
The third question is about values. What is really important to you? In the wilderness, the devil showed all the kingdoms of the world to Jesus and told him that the world could be his, if he would fall down and worship the devil. Who wouldn’t want to own the whole world?
Jesus answered the third test question by quoting Scripture. “You shall worship God and serve him only.” Jesus had passed the test. He had answered all of the questions correctly. He was now free to carry out the mission that God had for him to do. He had chosen to be faithful to God’s call.
This story reminds us that we too have the ability and power to make important choices. The good news is that God’s Spirit is always with us to give us wisdom and to help us to make the right decisions. God’s Spirit gives us strength to resist temptations and to pass the tests that we face every day.
Who are we? We are sons and daughters of God. We are called to use the gifts, resources, and abilities that God has given to each one of us. We are challenged to use the wisdom and strength that God gives us to make wise decisions. And we are called to worship God and to serve God alone. We can’t do this by ourselves, but when we follow the lead of God’s Spirit we can pass every test that comes our way.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday
Psalm 51:1-3, 10-12
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And put a new and right spirit within me. (v.10)
I started attending Ash Wednesday services several years ago, almost because I had to. Or, you could say that I got paid to go to Ash Wednesday services. Actually, the reason I started going to the services was because I was a pastor and the church where I was serving had a tradition of Ash Wednesday services, and I wanted to continue that tradition.
The printed services for Ash Wednesday suggest that the leader say one or more phrases when putting the ashes on people’s foreheads. The two that are suggested in the United Methodist Hymnal are, “ Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”, and, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”. I must confess that I was never comfortable with using the phrase about dust. It just seemed too dark and deadly to me. And so, I repeated the phrase about repentance and believing when I conducted Ash Wednesday services.
Usually Ash Wednesday is a time to focus directly on self-knowledge. In the Scripture lesson, King David makes a brutally honest confession. He does not make excuses. “I know my transgression, and my sin is ever before me.” A modern author writes about our tendency to avoid self-knowledge. “We are always perpetually smoothing and rearranging reality to conform to our wishes; we lie to others and ourselves constantly, unthinkingly. When occasionally we are forced to see things as they are, we are like naked people in a storm.” We tell ourselves that if we are not hurting anyone, then what we do is ok. If no one knows, or if everybody else is doing it, then what we do is nobody else’s business.
King David, the writer of Psalm 51 learned to see sin as God sees it, as an offense against the God who created us. Ash Wednesday calls us to look at our sin and the sin of the whole human race. If we take an honest look at ourselves we will see that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s expectations for us.
The good news is that when we are honest with ourselves, we are able to welcome and receive the mercy of God. We can remember that God is gracious and forgiving. David wrote this as he began the Psalm: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your lovingkindness…”. When we remember that God is a loving and forgiving God, we realize that we don’t need to defend ourselves, or lie to ourselves, or pretend to be sinless people. We can be honest with ourselves and with God. And when we confess our sins, God shows us mercy, and forgives us.
The honest truth is that we are all sinners. The good news is that in the name of Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Repent and believe in the Gospel.
Psalm 51:1-3, 10-12
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And put a new and right spirit within me. (v.10)
I started attending Ash Wednesday services several years ago, almost because I had to. Or, you could say that I got paid to go to Ash Wednesday services. Actually, the reason I started going to the services was because I was a pastor and the church where I was serving had a tradition of Ash Wednesday services, and I wanted to continue that tradition.
The printed services for Ash Wednesday suggest that the leader say one or more phrases when putting the ashes on people’s foreheads. The two that are suggested in the United Methodist Hymnal are, “ Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”, and, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”. I must confess that I was never comfortable with using the phrase about dust. It just seemed too dark and deadly to me. And so, I repeated the phrase about repentance and believing when I conducted Ash Wednesday services.
Usually Ash Wednesday is a time to focus directly on self-knowledge. In the Scripture lesson, King David makes a brutally honest confession. He does not make excuses. “I know my transgression, and my sin is ever before me.” A modern author writes about our tendency to avoid self-knowledge. “We are always perpetually smoothing and rearranging reality to conform to our wishes; we lie to others and ourselves constantly, unthinkingly. When occasionally we are forced to see things as they are, we are like naked people in a storm.” We tell ourselves that if we are not hurting anyone, then what we do is ok. If no one knows, or if everybody else is doing it, then what we do is nobody else’s business.
King David, the writer of Psalm 51 learned to see sin as God sees it, as an offense against the God who created us. Ash Wednesday calls us to look at our sin and the sin of the whole human race. If we take an honest look at ourselves we will see that we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s expectations for us.
The good news is that when we are honest with ourselves, we are able to welcome and receive the mercy of God. We can remember that God is gracious and forgiving. David wrote this as he began the Psalm: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your lovingkindness…”. When we remember that God is a loving and forgiving God, we realize that we don’t need to defend ourselves, or lie to ourselves, or pretend to be sinless people. We can be honest with ourselves and with God. And when we confess our sins, God shows us mercy, and forgives us.
The honest truth is that we are all sinners. The good news is that in the name of Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Repent and believe in the Gospel.
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Power of Water
The Power of Water
Matthew 3:13-17
I grew up in Weldon, a small town in northeastern North Carolina. When I lived there, the population was about 3,000 people. Like I said, it was, and still is, a small town. Its claim to fame is that it is “The Rockfish Capital of the World”. Located on the fall line, right next to the Roanoke River, once a year the Rockfish (aka Stripers), make their way up the river to spawn and lay their eggs among the rocks. At the same time, the river is crowded with boats and fishermen, trying to catch the Rockfish.
In the 15 years that I lived near the river, I never got in a boat on the river. No one in my immediate or extended family had a boat, or was interested in fishing. But I do remember hearing warnings from family, neighbors, and strangers about the dangers of the river. They warned about the swift currents and the hidden rocks in the water, and they talked about people who had been injured and a couple of people who had drowned in the river. I remember hearing that it was a dangerous place and that the water was powerful.
I also remember visiting the Jordan River in Israel years ago, when I was a young man. It was nothing like the river where I grew up. There were no dangerous rocks. There was no rushing water. As a matter of fact, when I saw it, it looked more like a stream than a river to me. It wasn’t very wide, didn’t look very deep, and there just wasn’t as much water there as I expected to see. Many of the folks in my tour group went down and put their hands in the water. A few of them scooped up some of the water into small jars and put lids on them. There was power in this water, not because it was a mighty rushing river, but because it is thought to be the place where Jesus was baptized by John. That is what made this water powerful.
I also remember that there have been many times when I have been at a church serving as the pastor, and I have taken a drinking glass to a sink in the building and filled it with water from the faucet. Then I have carried the water to the Sanctuary and poured it into a bowl to be used in a worship service for baptism. There were a few times that I used water that a church member had brought from the Jordan River in Israel, but most of the time, I used ordinary water from the faucet at the church. It was ordinary water, but when we prayed during the service as we prepared for a baptism, the water became powerful. God blessed the water, and used it as a sign of God’s love for those who were baptized.
When I think about baptism, I remember that I was baptized as an infant. I don’t literally remember the service, but I can remember through photos, a certificate of my baptism, and through eyewitness testimonies of family members. As I remember my baptism, I try to remember the meaning of baptism. Here is a list of some of the things that baptism means:
- Baptism is a sacrament, that is, something sacred. It is a sign of God’s grace. God declares God’s grace through the church when someone is baptized.
- Baptism means what water means. Water can be used to wash and make clean. It also gives life. Likewise, baptism is a sign that God cleanses us from sin and gives us new life.
- Baptism tells us who we are. When Jesus was baptized, a voice came from heaven and said:”This is my beloved Son.” Baptism reminds us that we are God’s children.
- Baptism is an ordination, a commissioning to be a servant of God. It tells us not only that we are God’s children, but that we should act like God’s children.
Even though I was baptized many years ago, and I don’t remember the service, I can still remember that I was baptized and be thankful for parents who presented me for baptism, for the people of God, the church, that baptized me, and for God, who has claimed me as a child, and calls me to do my very best.
I remember my baptism, and I am thankful.
Matthew 3:13-17
I grew up in Weldon, a small town in northeastern North Carolina. When I lived there, the population was about 3,000 people. Like I said, it was, and still is, a small town. Its claim to fame is that it is “The Rockfish Capital of the World”. Located on the fall line, right next to the Roanoke River, once a year the Rockfish (aka Stripers), make their way up the river to spawn and lay their eggs among the rocks. At the same time, the river is crowded with boats and fishermen, trying to catch the Rockfish.
In the 15 years that I lived near the river, I never got in a boat on the river. No one in my immediate or extended family had a boat, or was interested in fishing. But I do remember hearing warnings from family, neighbors, and strangers about the dangers of the river. They warned about the swift currents and the hidden rocks in the water, and they talked about people who had been injured and a couple of people who had drowned in the river. I remember hearing that it was a dangerous place and that the water was powerful.
I also remember visiting the Jordan River in Israel years ago, when I was a young man. It was nothing like the river where I grew up. There were no dangerous rocks. There was no rushing water. As a matter of fact, when I saw it, it looked more like a stream than a river to me. It wasn’t very wide, didn’t look very deep, and there just wasn’t as much water there as I expected to see. Many of the folks in my tour group went down and put their hands in the water. A few of them scooped up some of the water into small jars and put lids on them. There was power in this water, not because it was a mighty rushing river, but because it is thought to be the place where Jesus was baptized by John. That is what made this water powerful.
I also remember that there have been many times when I have been at a church serving as the pastor, and I have taken a drinking glass to a sink in the building and filled it with water from the faucet. Then I have carried the water to the Sanctuary and poured it into a bowl to be used in a worship service for baptism. There were a few times that I used water that a church member had brought from the Jordan River in Israel, but most of the time, I used ordinary water from the faucet at the church. It was ordinary water, but when we prayed during the service as we prepared for a baptism, the water became powerful. God blessed the water, and used it as a sign of God’s love for those who were baptized.
When I think about baptism, I remember that I was baptized as an infant. I don’t literally remember the service, but I can remember through photos, a certificate of my baptism, and through eyewitness testimonies of family members. As I remember my baptism, I try to remember the meaning of baptism. Here is a list of some of the things that baptism means:
- Baptism is a sacrament, that is, something sacred. It is a sign of God’s grace. God declares God’s grace through the church when someone is baptized.
- Baptism means what water means. Water can be used to wash and make clean. It also gives life. Likewise, baptism is a sign that God cleanses us from sin and gives us new life.
- Baptism tells us who we are. When Jesus was baptized, a voice came from heaven and said:”This is my beloved Son.” Baptism reminds us that we are God’s children.
- Baptism is an ordination, a commissioning to be a servant of God. It tells us not only that we are God’s children, but that we should act like God’s children.
Even though I was baptized many years ago, and I don’t remember the service, I can still remember that I was baptized and be thankful for parents who presented me for baptism, for the people of God, the church, that baptized me, and for God, who has claimed me as a child, and calls me to do my very best.
I remember my baptism, and I am thankful.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Are You Ready?
Are You Ready?
Matthew 24:36-44
December is usually a month to get ready for the Christmas holiday. That is often true even for people who are not Christians, because the holiday season is a very big part of our culture. Preparation can involve shopping for presents, hanging decorations, and making plans for getting together with family and friends. It is a busy time of the year that can include joy, excitement, stress, and exhaustion.
In churches, the season of preparation for the Christmas celebration is known as Advent. The word advent means coming. The season of Advent is a time to prepare to celebrate the first coming of Jesus Christ as a baby in a manger, and to anticipate the Second Coming of Christ. The themes for preparing for both of these events are very similar. The word from Jesus in the reading from Matthew’s Gospel calls for our attention. Jesus says to be on guard, to be ready, because we don’t know when the Second Coming will happen. But it can help us to prepare for it when we know that getting ready to celebrate the first coming of Christ can also be a way to prepare and be ready for him to come again.
One of the themes for Advent preparation is worship. It involves acknowledging and believing that ultimately God is and always will be in control. It means that we know that we are not the ones who are in control and that there is a power greater than we are that is at work in all of creation. One of the great pieces of music that we may hear during Advent is Handel’s Messiah. We may hear the words “King of kings, and Lord of lords, and he shall reign forever and ever.” These words from the Messiah remind us that when all is said and done, that God will rule and reign over all things. If we believe this, then it makes sense that we also believe that God is deserving and worthy of our worship.
Our worship during the Advent season can be expressed in many ways. One may be in listening to Christmas music. Now I’ll admit that I like all Christmas music, including songs about Rudolph, chestnuts roasting, and Santa Clause. But the songs that really give a spiritual emphasis in December are the songs and hymns about the birth of Christ. Those are the ones that lead me and help me to worship. Another way that we may be led to worship can be through hearing and seeing the Christmas story about the birth of Jesus. There may be a picture on a Christmas card, a live manger scene, or a Christmas play that leads us to worship. Or there may be a TV program, such as the one about Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang, that leads us to worship when we hear the Christmas story. Another way that we may worship during Advent and Christmas can be in attending church services, or watching a service on television. The services may be especially powerful on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Any or all of these can be ways to worship and be ready for the celebration of the first coming of Christ and to be ready for the Second Coming as well.
A second theme for Advent preparation is learning. Folk wisdom tells us that we never get too old to learn something new. And when I think about learning, it is not so much about getting new information, as it is about having new experiences and learning from them. Our circumstances are always changing and we are different people this year than we were last year. There are new chapters in our lives, and new ways to express our faith. Our lives are always changing, sometimes in subtle ways, and at others in dramatic ways. Our faith is also something that is dynamic, flexible and challenging. With change, we learn and grow and hopefully, our faith grows as well.
December can be a time for us to reflect on our current life situations, experiences, successes, and failures. We can use all of those as opportunities to learn and grow. Our lives and faith can be expressed in the way we celebrate the holidays, including decorations, gifts, cards, and use of time. It will help us to remember that there is always something that we can learn from our experiences and that there is always room for us to grow. As we get ready for another Christmas and even for the Second Coming, hopefully we are learning and growing in our faith.
A third theme for Advent preparation is peace. At the birth of Jesus, the angels announced “Peace on earth and good will toward men.” The peace that Jesus brings includes peace in all areas of life. That includes peace within ourselves, in our relationships, and throughout the world. Granted, we do not experience complete peace in any of those areas, but the promise and the gift of peace are still very real. We can experience a measure of the complete peace that God promises us and look forward to the time when we will enjoy the full peace that God can give to us and the world. In the meantime, we can do our best to receive God’s gift of peace in our lives, and do our best to make peace with everyone around us.
I heard a counselor say that the holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, are not the time to try to resolve conflicts when we get together with family members. It is best to simply do what we can to enjoy being together without attempting to address conflicts and pain. Even though the holidays are a time to celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, they can also be a time that is stressful and exhausting. On the other hand, it can also be a time to reach out to people who need our support. That includes those who need some encouragement, or just to know that somebody cares. It may also include concrete gifts for those in need, such as food and clothing. As we receive the gift of God’s peace and share it with others around us, it can help us to prepare to celebrate the first coming of Jesus Christ, and it can help us to be ready for His Second Coming.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior, may we do our best to be ready to celebrate. The sights and sounds of December can remind us to worship God. We can also continue to learn and grow in faith as we look forward to Christmas. And we can embrace the gift of God’s peace, and do our best to share it with others. If we do these things, we can be ready to celebrate Christmas. And it will also help us to be ready for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 24:36-44
December is usually a month to get ready for the Christmas holiday. That is often true even for people who are not Christians, because the holiday season is a very big part of our culture. Preparation can involve shopping for presents, hanging decorations, and making plans for getting together with family and friends. It is a busy time of the year that can include joy, excitement, stress, and exhaustion.
In churches, the season of preparation for the Christmas celebration is known as Advent. The word advent means coming. The season of Advent is a time to prepare to celebrate the first coming of Jesus Christ as a baby in a manger, and to anticipate the Second Coming of Christ. The themes for preparing for both of these events are very similar. The word from Jesus in the reading from Matthew’s Gospel calls for our attention. Jesus says to be on guard, to be ready, because we don’t know when the Second Coming will happen. But it can help us to prepare for it when we know that getting ready to celebrate the first coming of Christ can also be a way to prepare and be ready for him to come again.
One of the themes for Advent preparation is worship. It involves acknowledging and believing that ultimately God is and always will be in control. It means that we know that we are not the ones who are in control and that there is a power greater than we are that is at work in all of creation. One of the great pieces of music that we may hear during Advent is Handel’s Messiah. We may hear the words “King of kings, and Lord of lords, and he shall reign forever and ever.” These words from the Messiah remind us that when all is said and done, that God will rule and reign over all things. If we believe this, then it makes sense that we also believe that God is deserving and worthy of our worship.
Our worship during the Advent season can be expressed in many ways. One may be in listening to Christmas music. Now I’ll admit that I like all Christmas music, including songs about Rudolph, chestnuts roasting, and Santa Clause. But the songs that really give a spiritual emphasis in December are the songs and hymns about the birth of Christ. Those are the ones that lead me and help me to worship. Another way that we may be led to worship can be through hearing and seeing the Christmas story about the birth of Jesus. There may be a picture on a Christmas card, a live manger scene, or a Christmas play that leads us to worship. Or there may be a TV program, such as the one about Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang, that leads us to worship when we hear the Christmas story. Another way that we may worship during Advent and Christmas can be in attending church services, or watching a service on television. The services may be especially powerful on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Any or all of these can be ways to worship and be ready for the celebration of the first coming of Christ and to be ready for the Second Coming as well.
A second theme for Advent preparation is learning. Folk wisdom tells us that we never get too old to learn something new. And when I think about learning, it is not so much about getting new information, as it is about having new experiences and learning from them. Our circumstances are always changing and we are different people this year than we were last year. There are new chapters in our lives, and new ways to express our faith. Our lives are always changing, sometimes in subtle ways, and at others in dramatic ways. Our faith is also something that is dynamic, flexible and challenging. With change, we learn and grow and hopefully, our faith grows as well.
December can be a time for us to reflect on our current life situations, experiences, successes, and failures. We can use all of those as opportunities to learn and grow. Our lives and faith can be expressed in the way we celebrate the holidays, including decorations, gifts, cards, and use of time. It will help us to remember that there is always something that we can learn from our experiences and that there is always room for us to grow. As we get ready for another Christmas and even for the Second Coming, hopefully we are learning and growing in our faith.
A third theme for Advent preparation is peace. At the birth of Jesus, the angels announced “Peace on earth and good will toward men.” The peace that Jesus brings includes peace in all areas of life. That includes peace within ourselves, in our relationships, and throughout the world. Granted, we do not experience complete peace in any of those areas, but the promise and the gift of peace are still very real. We can experience a measure of the complete peace that God promises us and look forward to the time when we will enjoy the full peace that God can give to us and the world. In the meantime, we can do our best to receive God’s gift of peace in our lives, and do our best to make peace with everyone around us.
I heard a counselor say that the holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, are not the time to try to resolve conflicts when we get together with family members. It is best to simply do what we can to enjoy being together without attempting to address conflicts and pain. Even though the holidays are a time to celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, they can also be a time that is stressful and exhausting. On the other hand, it can also be a time to reach out to people who need our support. That includes those who need some encouragement, or just to know that somebody cares. It may also include concrete gifts for those in need, such as food and clothing. As we receive the gift of God’s peace and share it with others around us, it can help us to prepare to celebrate the first coming of Jesus Christ, and it can help us to be ready for His Second Coming.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior, may we do our best to be ready to celebrate. The sights and sounds of December can remind us to worship God. We can also continue to learn and grow in faith as we look forward to Christmas. And we can embrace the gift of God’s peace, and do our best to share it with others. If we do these things, we can be ready to celebrate Christmas. And it will also help us to be ready for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
How to Be Thankful
How to Be Thankful
Luke 17:11-19
It’s not Thanksgiving yet, but the story referenced here is about one man who said “Thank you.” According to the story, there were ten lepers who encountered Jesus. All of them were cleansed of leprosy while walking away, but only one of them returned to Jesus to thank him. One out of ten- that is not a very good percentage. The story may serve as a reminder to us that people (including us) may not be very good at saying “Thank you.” That may include saying thanks both to each other, and to God. Given the thanksgiving theme of the story, we might want to try and answer the question “What does it mean to live a thankful life?”
We might notice that a thankful person has a positive attitude. That probably includes a hopeful outlook. There are a couple of phrases that express this attitude. Every dark cloud has a silver lining is one phrase. Another is when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. There is also the word Pollyanna, which means that someone has endless optimism, and finds something positive in everything. Of course, a positive attitude can be taken too far, so that one can lose touch with reality. But generally speaking, we can all use a dose of a positive outlook. It will help us to see things in a more positive light, and be thankful for what we have, rather than complaining about what we don’t have.
We can also say that a thankful person is humble. That means a person has an accurate view of themselves. They don’t think more highly of themselves than they ought, and they don’t think less of themselves than they should. A humble person realizes that they do not live isolation, but they are connected to other people. That connection involves giving and receiving in relationships. A humble person also realizes that the world does not owe them a living. No one deserves most of the blessings that they enjoy. They are a gift that is unearned, undeserved, and a reason to give thanks.
We might also note that a thankful person is flexible. It involves being able to live with changes. The changes may involve schedules or routines. A flexible person is adaptable, goes with the flow, and rolls with the punches. Flexibility can also mean that one can be spontaneous, and free to enjoy life’s surprises. It can also mean that one take time to celebrate, which goes hand in hand with being thankful.
A thankful person also has inner strength and courage. That means that someone doesn’t just follow the crowd, or the latest trends or fads to be able to fit in, or to be liked. A thankful person can be able to think for themselves, and doesn’t do something just because everybody else does.
Finally, a thankful person takes time to be thankful, and to worship God. It means that one realizes that God has blessed everyone in very many ways. It means realizing that God has the power to heal, cleanse, and give a fresh start. At one time or another, each of us has felt trapped by our circumstances, a job, family situations, health concerns, and successes and failures. And eventually, in one way or another, we manage to find our way out of difficult and uncomfortable circumstances. For that we can be thankful and give thanks to God.
How can we be thankful? We can keep a positive attitude, be humble and flexible. We can cultivate our inner strengths, and take time to give thanks to God for all the blessings that we enjoy. The words that Jesus said to the one leper who returned and said “Thank you.”, may be the same words that God has for us: “Get up and go. Your faith has made you well.” If we are thankful, it can make us whole.
How to
Luke 17:11-19
It’s not Thanksgiving yet, but the story referenced here is about one man who said “Thank you.” According to the story, there were ten lepers who encountered Jesus. All of them were cleansed of leprosy while walking away, but only one of them returned to Jesus to thank him. One out of ten- that is not a very good percentage. The story may serve as a reminder to us that people (including us) may not be very good at saying “Thank you.” That may include saying thanks both to each other, and to God. Given the thanksgiving theme of the story, we might want to try and answer the question “What does it mean to live a thankful life?”
We might notice that a thankful person has a positive attitude. That probably includes a hopeful outlook. There are a couple of phrases that express this attitude. Every dark cloud has a silver lining is one phrase. Another is when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. There is also the word Pollyanna, which means that someone has endless optimism, and finds something positive in everything. Of course, a positive attitude can be taken too far, so that one can lose touch with reality. But generally speaking, we can all use a dose of a positive outlook. It will help us to see things in a more positive light, and be thankful for what we have, rather than complaining about what we don’t have.
We can also say that a thankful person is humble. That means a person has an accurate view of themselves. They don’t think more highly of themselves than they ought, and they don’t think less of themselves than they should. A humble person realizes that they do not live isolation, but they are connected to other people. That connection involves giving and receiving in relationships. A humble person also realizes that the world does not owe them a living. No one deserves most of the blessings that they enjoy. They are a gift that is unearned, undeserved, and a reason to give thanks.
We might also note that a thankful person is flexible. It involves being able to live with changes. The changes may involve schedules or routines. A flexible person is adaptable, goes with the flow, and rolls with the punches. Flexibility can also mean that one can be spontaneous, and free to enjoy life’s surprises. It can also mean that one take time to celebrate, which goes hand in hand with being thankful.
A thankful person also has inner strength and courage. That means that someone doesn’t just follow the crowd, or the latest trends or fads to be able to fit in, or to be liked. A thankful person can be able to think for themselves, and doesn’t do something just because everybody else does.
Finally, a thankful person takes time to be thankful, and to worship God. It means that one realizes that God has blessed everyone in very many ways. It means realizing that God has the power to heal, cleanse, and give a fresh start. At one time or another, each of us has felt trapped by our circumstances, a job, family situations, health concerns, and successes and failures. And eventually, in one way or another, we manage to find our way out of difficult and uncomfortable circumstances. For that we can be thankful and give thanks to God.
How can we be thankful? We can keep a positive attitude, be humble and flexible. We can cultivate our inner strengths, and take time to give thanks to God for all the blessings that we enjoy. The words that Jesus said to the one leper who returned and said “Thank you.”, may be the same words that God has for us: “Get up and go. Your faith has made you well.” If we are thankful, it can make us whole.
How to
Saturday, October 2, 2010
A Spiritual Genealogy
A Spiritual Genealogy
2 Timothy 1:1-7
The Scripture reading reminds me that none of us comes to faith on our own. There are people who have influenced us and made a difference in our lives. Those people include parents, grandparents, spouses, children, extended family members, friends, teachers, pastors, and the list can go on and on. When we participate in church worship services, or other church activities, it is usually because of the influence of someone else. We may go because we have been invited, and, some people (I have children in mind) go because they are made to go.
It can be a helpful exercise to ask ourselves who our spiritual ancestors are. We can explore our own spiritual heritage, or our own spiritual genealogy. This is one of the themes of Paul’s letter to Timothy. In the letter, Paul mentions several links in his own and in Timothy’s spiritual heritage.
Paul writes of his own spiritual heritage when he writes, “I worship God with a clear conscience as my ancestors did.” He acknowledges his connection with those who have come before him and uses their faith and worship as a guide for his own worship. He also writes of Timothy’s spiritual heritage when he writes, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice.” Paul reminds Timothy that he is not alone in his faith, but the faith was passed on to him through his grandmother and mother. Paul also writes of the spiritual connection between himself and Timothy. He writes, “To Timothy, my beloved, child…” Paul sees himself as Timothy’s spiritual father, even though they are not related by blood.
As we read about the spiritual genealogies of Paul and Timothy, we can take a moment and reflect upon those who are our spiritual forefathers. We may think about those who have influenced us the most in matters of faith and spirituality. If we can name them, then we can also give thanks to God for them. And as we remember and give thanks, we can also remember the example that others have given us when it comes to faith and spirituality. We can also draw strength and inspiration from their lives.
Our faith does not exist in isolation and it is not a do-it-yourself enterprise. Paul recognized this and he mentions several things that the spiritual life involves. Those things include prayer, as he writes to Timothy that Paul remembers Timothy constantly, day and night, in his prayers. It also includes encouragement as Paul encourages Timothy to rekindle the gift of God that he has received. And it also includes personal contact. Paul wrote at least two letters to Timothy, his “beloved child”.
In response to Paul’s second letter to Timothy, there are several things that we can do. We can give thanks to God for those people who have influenced and continue to influence our faith. We can also draw strength from the faithful examples that others give to us. And we can aim to live faithfully ourselves, so that others may be influenced by our faithful living. If we do that, there will be people who will give thanks for our lives and will draw strength and inspiration from the way that we live.
We should remember that none of us comes to faith by ourselves. It takes more than one person to build and maintain a spiritual life.
2 Timothy 1:1-7
The Scripture reading reminds me that none of us comes to faith on our own. There are people who have influenced us and made a difference in our lives. Those people include parents, grandparents, spouses, children, extended family members, friends, teachers, pastors, and the list can go on and on. When we participate in church worship services, or other church activities, it is usually because of the influence of someone else. We may go because we have been invited, and, some people (I have children in mind) go because they are made to go.
It can be a helpful exercise to ask ourselves who our spiritual ancestors are. We can explore our own spiritual heritage, or our own spiritual genealogy. This is one of the themes of Paul’s letter to Timothy. In the letter, Paul mentions several links in his own and in Timothy’s spiritual heritage.
Paul writes of his own spiritual heritage when he writes, “I worship God with a clear conscience as my ancestors did.” He acknowledges his connection with those who have come before him and uses their faith and worship as a guide for his own worship. He also writes of Timothy’s spiritual heritage when he writes, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice.” Paul reminds Timothy that he is not alone in his faith, but the faith was passed on to him through his grandmother and mother. Paul also writes of the spiritual connection between himself and Timothy. He writes, “To Timothy, my beloved, child…” Paul sees himself as Timothy’s spiritual father, even though they are not related by blood.
As we read about the spiritual genealogies of Paul and Timothy, we can take a moment and reflect upon those who are our spiritual forefathers. We may think about those who have influenced us the most in matters of faith and spirituality. If we can name them, then we can also give thanks to God for them. And as we remember and give thanks, we can also remember the example that others have given us when it comes to faith and spirituality. We can also draw strength and inspiration from their lives.
Our faith does not exist in isolation and it is not a do-it-yourself enterprise. Paul recognized this and he mentions several things that the spiritual life involves. Those things include prayer, as he writes to Timothy that Paul remembers Timothy constantly, day and night, in his prayers. It also includes encouragement as Paul encourages Timothy to rekindle the gift of God that he has received. And it also includes personal contact. Paul wrote at least two letters to Timothy, his “beloved child”.
In response to Paul’s second letter to Timothy, there are several things that we can do. We can give thanks to God for those people who have influenced and continue to influence our faith. We can also draw strength from the faithful examples that others give to us. And we can aim to live faithfully ourselves, so that others may be influenced by our faithful living. If we do that, there will be people who will give thanks for our lives and will draw strength and inspiration from the way that we live.
We should remember that none of us comes to faith by ourselves. It takes more than one person to build and maintain a spiritual life.
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