Beginning a New Year

“Happy New Year!” With that traditional greeting we begin the year 2011. Many will enter the new year with anxiety and despair, carrying with them remembrances of unpleasant past experiences. No doubt a new year will bring new challenges and opportunities. Even people of faith are sometimes tempted to dwell on the past and not embrace the present with hope for a more positive future.

Scriptures offer important insights regarding how we are to live as Christians. This passage from Ephesians offers guidance as we begin a new year: So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to -- the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. (Good News translation)

These words from Thessalonians also offer guidance for faith living in 2011: Do not quench the spirit nor ignore the words of the prophets, but test the value of faith. Hold fast to what is good and combat evil in all forms… Faith living is the result of faithful actions, no matter what life brings.

A new year will include both positive and negative experiences. That much we can count on! There will be times of uncertainty, adversity and despair. As persons of faith, however, we can move toward each tomorrow with an assurance that we do not face any new day alone. Isaac Watts captured the promise of faith in an age-old hymn. May his words be our prayer as we journey through this New Year: Our God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come; be thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.

May you experience God’s blessings for the journey through 2011.

Christmas Love

While many people say they believe in God, some feel God is absent from their lives. Sometimes life’s circumstances and difficulties isolate us and strain our faith. Some even ask, “Where is God?” Others blame God for life’s conditions. However, Christmas reminds us that God is always present. The gift of Christmas that lasts a lifetime is Emmanuel—God with us, providing comfort and strength for the journey.

At Christmas our attention is focused on a baby in a manger. We celebrate the birth of the promised One. We recognize God’s redemptive act of incarnation. But we also need to recognize the ”rebirth” that the message offers to each of us. When the baby Jesus grow into manhood, he said to Nicodemus, “You must be born again.” To “be born again” means to realign our will and purposes with those of God’s desires for all humanity – to live life based on the principles lived out in Jesus’ life and teachings. To be born again is a faith experience that causes us to claim Christ-like love as the foundation of faith and the goal of our striving.

The story is told of a group of church school children who provided a Christmas program for their parents. The program included readings and singing, and concluded with a powerful reminder. Thirteen children were given poster board each with a single letter. At the end of the program, each child held up their letter so that together they could reveal the message: CHRISTMAS LOVE. However, as they displayed the message, one child mistakenly had his M letter upside down so that the message read CHRIST WAS LOVE. Rather than seeing a mistake, the parents were given the true meaning of Christmas. Christ was and still is love at work in the lives of believers.

Although Christmas Day has come and gone, God’s love message for the world through Christ continues to provide hope and assurance. If Christmas is love, it is not simply a day or season, but anytime love is expressed. Christmas is cause for celebration every day!

The Whole Christmas Story

Where does one begin to tell the Christmas story? It has so many parts that contribute to the whole. Most begin with the baby Jesus in a manger, and over look the preparation for the good news event that occurred in Bethlehem. There are in fact multiple messages to the whole story of Christmas. That is why during Advent we hear the stories of the Old Testament prophets foretelling God’s promise of a coming Messiah. Then the New Testament gospels tell us of how that promise was fulfilled.

In Matthew’s gospel we read of the Angel’s visit to Mary, and then Joseph offering news of what is to take place. From Luke’s gospel we learn about the difficult journey of Joseph and Mary riding on a donkey, traveling to Bethlehem for the census. Upon their arrival, weary and in need of a place to stay, there was no room available anywhere. But through the kindness of an inn keeper, they were given shelter in a stable. Thus this humble dwelling became the place of the birth of the one whose life would transform the world forever.

Another part of the story describes a hillside where shepherds were watching their flocks. But a quiet night was transformed by a spectacular announcement by another of God’s messengers. Jesus’ birth was first proclaimed by a “heavenly host” along with an invitation to “go and see.” So the shepherds responded as privileged guests to witness the miracle of that first Christmas.

The story includes a star, but not just any star. No doubt the heavens revealed many stars on that clear night. One star brightly lighted the sky, and became the compass that led the Magi to the promised Messiah. Those wise men of old visited the child, bearing gifts for a king.

Usually the entire Christmas story comes to life through dramatic portrayals of each of these important events. No matter whether we read it for ourselves from the gospels of Mathew and Luke, hear it read and preached, sing about it through carols, or witness it through drama enactment, the whole story warms and nourishes our hearts and lifts our spirits. What makes this story so special is knowing that this is God’s story for all humankind, for all time.

And this is the rest of the story. We must not overlook two central proclamations from John’s gospel: “The Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth. And we have witnessed his glory...” (John. 1:14) He also described the heart of Christmas love this way: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall never die, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

It is little wonder that Christmas people sing “joy to the world, the Lord is come!” As we hear and accept His story, we discover the whole story of Christmas. God is with us! May the whole story of Christmas remind us of how God continues to offer us Emmanuel for each and every day.

Celebrating Christmas

What would life be like without Christmas? Perhaps just another day... nothing special to get excited about... nothing to look forward to... no hope. Unfortunately, that's how those who do not know the true meaning of Christmas may feel.

The heart of Christmas is love – God’s gift of love given and shared for everyone for all time. The Christ of Christmas taught us that love is a verb; it’s not what we say, but what we do through acts of compassion and kindness toward others, especially those in need. Christmas challenges us to proclaim joy to the world, and to demonstrate peace on earth, goodwill to all by letting the light of Christ shine through us.

Christmas offers a rich variety of songs that speak to the heart. Many tell the wondrous story of the Christ event. Others cause us to ponder the wonder of the season and do soul searching for deeper meaning. “So This Is Christmas” is one such song that speaks to me. It is powerfully sung by Celine Dion. Copy and paste the link and listen for its message. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51bO1CVPWRA&feature=related

How we celebrate Christmas defines who we are as a people of faith. If we want to celebrate Christmas in its fullest, we must continue to ask, “How can the message of Christmas find expression in my life, and what can I do to help others claim the spirit of Christmas?"

I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

“What Can I Give Him?”

The Advent/Christmas season encompasses many things, but above all, it should include gratitude. Through the gift of the Christ child, we are recipients of the gift given to address our deepest human needs. The message is a simple but profound one: “God so loved the world that he gave…” (John 3:16) As we observe this season we cannot overlook this central thread that ties the Christmas story together. To do so calls us to respond in gratitude. Gratitude empowers us to make Christmas extraordinary. Henri Nouwen wrote: “Gratitude flows from the recognition that all that is, is a divine gift born out of love and freely given to us that we may offer thanks and share it with others.”

In 1872, Christina Rossetti wrote the words that later were set to music and became a hymn of the season, “In the Bleak Midwinter.” In the poem, she tells the Christmas story in a unique way and asks this question: “What can I give Him, poor as I am?” Her response to that question, an act of gratitude in response to the Christ event: “If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.” (Link to listen to the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRobryliBLQ )

May you be blessed with the true gift of Christmas, and also find ways to respond in gratitude to God’s greatest gift of all.

Unrealistic Expectations

Many people have been led to have unrealistic expectations from this season. Our lives are often driven by expectations of a personal and materialistic nature. When our expectations are based on materialistic gifts, they usually lead to disappointment. But as we grow older, we discover that it isn’t the material things that bring joy and happiness. Expectations for Christians have spiritual dimensions as revealed by the hope and promises as revealed in scriptures. The foundation upon which this season rests is based on intangible spiritual gifts - inner peace, calmness, hope, and an awareness of the presence of Emmanuel.

Jesus was born at a time of high expectations based on human conditions. It was a time of hope that the Messiah, a deliverer promised by the prophets would come. The birth of Jesus was only the beginning of the story of prophetic fulfillment. As he grew into manhood, his words and actions indicated that he was indeed the promised Messiah. Yet the nature of the Messiah he became wasn’t what the people wanted. They desired a political ruler who would use power to overtake the forces in place. So of course they were disappointed and surprised when Jesus demonstrated self-giving love and compassion, and gave his primary attention to the needs of the poor, the outcast, and neglected in society. The religious authorities eventually condemned him, and his temporary popularity among the people turned to rejection.

Christmas doesn’t make sense without knowing the rest of the story that leads to a cross and an empty tomb. Who would have ever expected God’s story to end that way? Faith, however, teaches us to expect the unexpected that is reflective of God’s desires for us as revealed by Jesus Christ.

During this season of Advent let us ask this question, “What are the realistic expectations that will help focus on the true meaning and message of Christmas?” As we address this question in the context of the Christmas story, we can be moved to a deeper level of faith that addresses our spiritual quest. Then we will discover that what Christmas has to offer will fulfill all the expectations that give meaning to our lives.

Observing Advent

As a part of the Christian year, the Church established Advent and set four weeks as a time of preparation. Many activities will fill our calendars over the next month. Worship services will take on a special focus. Advent candles will be lighted each of the four Sundays prior to Christmas. Songs of hope and expectancy will be sung. The words of the Old Testament prophets will be resurrected once again to proclaim an age old promise of a savior. The reason for the season was expressed by the prophet Isaiah: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

While the season of Advent is to be a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of the Savior, somehow our lives become more intertwined in the expectations that often overshadow the reason for the season which proclaims joy to the world. Richmond Times-Dispatch columnist, Ray McAllister, recently wrote these words relating to the season before us: “The Christmas selling season is going full blast. We're talking one full month of an all-out advertising blitz demanding, over and over, that we buy something, anything, and keep buying. Yeah, I'm pretty sure this is what Jesus had in mind.”

We need to be intentional about what we do during this holy time if the occasion is to have special meaning for our lives. We also need to slow down and experience the quiet times of reflection that allows us to encounter the holy mystery of God’s love.

Christinna Rossetti expressed the heart beat of Christmas when she wrote these words:

“Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas, Star and angels gave the sign.”

As we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth, may we stay focused on matters that really matter which point to what God has done on our behalf

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving day has come and gone, but of course thanksgiving is more than a day, it is a way of life. How, when, to whom and for what do you say thank you?

The late Dr. Fulton Oursler told the story an old woman named Anna who took care of him when he was a child. She was a former American slave who, after emancipation, was hired by the family for many years.

Anna expressed her thanks in a unique way. Oursler recalled Anna sitting at the kitchen table, her hands folded and her eyes gazing upward as she prayed, "Much obliged, Lord, for my vittles." He asked her what vittles were and she replied that they were what we have to eat and drink. Oursler told Anna that she would get food and drink whether or not she gave thanks, but Anna replied, "Yes, we'll get our vittles, but it makes 'em taste better when we're thankful."

Anna told him that an old preacher taught her as a little girl, to always look for things to be grateful for. So, as soon as she awoke each morning, she asked herself, "What is the first thing I can be grateful for today?" Sometimes the smell of morning coffee perking in the kitchen found its way to her room. On those mornings, the aroma prompted her to say, "Much obliged, Lord, for the coffee. And, much obliged too, for the smell of it!"

Years later after Fulton Oursler had grown up and left home, he received a message that Anna was dying. He returned home and found her in bed with her hands folded over her white sheets, just as he had seen them folded in prayer over her white apron at the kitchen table so many times before. Now he wondered what Anna could possibly give thanks for as she lay on her death bed. As if reading his mind, she opened her eyes and gazed at the loving faces around her. Then, shutting her eyes again, she said quietly, "Much obliged, Lord, for such fine friends."

Oursler was deeply influenced by Anna's uncanny ability to always find some reason to be "much obliged." This wise woman taught him a secret that many people have never learned: she taught him how to be happy. Gratitude for the gift of life and life’s blessings, no matter what form they may take, always brings happiness.

How, when, to whom and for what will you say “thank you” today?

The Challenge of Meaningful Worship

One of the many challenges facing churches today is that of providing meaningful worship -- worship that is authentic and reaches persons of multi-generations in effective ways. What a challenge! Is that possible when a church offers only one style of worship service? That’s a question many churches must address in order to have a more meaningful worship ministry.

Many churches are experimenting with new worship models by offering alterative times beyond Sunday which often include locations outside the traditional sanctuary setting. The struggles I have encountered are between those who cling to worship as they have always known it (usually referred to as “traditional”) and those who want something more fresh and appealing to their media senses (usually referred to as “contemporary.”) Thus the emergence of Praise Worship, Contemporary Worship, Emergent Worship, promoted by names i.e. “Connect,” “The Side Door,” “The Point,” etc. Such services seek to address the needs of those who look for more from worship than provided in a traditional style, and are usually more engaging for a new generation.

More and more books and articles are addressing the challenge to make worship meaningful in a variety of ministry settings. If you are in charge of worship planning or desire your worship experience to become more than it is, you will find this statement by N. Graham Standish of interest. He says he continually seeks to “tweak our worship in a way that will touch people and open them to what I think is paramount in a worship service: encountering and experiencing God in a way that transforms us, even if just a little bit.”

In his book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, Bishop Robert Schnase suggests that “people are searching for worship that is authentic, alive, creative, and comprehensible, where they experience the life-changing presence of God in the presence of others.” He uses the phrase “passionate worship” to describe one of the practices that produces a fruitful congregation. Passionate worship, he suggests, “connects people to God and each other.”

Designing and providing meaningful worship relies upon a clear understanding of the purpose of worship and is based on a sound theology that forms and shapes what the worshiper does to relate more meaningfully to God. The goal of a transforming encounter with God lies at the heart of authentic worship. It happens when we rely upon and are open to experiencing the power and presence of the Spirit. It is relationship-focused and enhances the relationship between God and the worshipers. It involves experiencing the reality expressed in the hymn: “There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place, and I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord.”

Perhaps the most important question worship planners must address is this: Do the music, prayers, liturgy, and message not only praise God, but also connect worshipers (on a deeper level) with God? When worship planners experience the awe of what worship was intended to be, do, and can become, and rely upon inspiration from the Spirit’s guidance, rather than doing what has always been done, meaningful worship is more likely to happen.

What will be required for your church to provide more meaningful worship?

Saying Goodbye

As an itinerate pastor there were times I had to say goodbye to members whom I had grown to love. It was never easy, but somehow, by God’s grace, transition occurred, and I and my former parishioners survived! The Apostle Paul, the first itinerate pastor, said goodbye many times as he moved from place to place founding new churches. His path – God’s path for him – always moved him forward to greater challenges and responsibilities. Life’s experiences do include learning to say goodbye. Nothing is permanent. Change is constant. The future always beckons us forward. We must say goodbye to some of life’s relationships to say hello to new ones.

In the Acts of the Apostles (20:17-28;36-38) we are privileged to read Paul’s farewell address and his friends’ reactions. Paul reminded them of his ministry among them and the gospel he had proclaimed. Most importantly, he reminded them of why he must say goodbye: he had to go to Jerusalem because he was “compelled by the Spirit,” even though there was great uncertainty about what would happen there. But he was driven by the Spirit to complete the task God had given him. What is God calling you to do that will require you to say goodbye to certain things?

In December, 2000, I began to struggle with where I was in ministry and what I was doing as a district superintendent. The struggle was prompted by one of my pastors, who raised a profound question, “What more do you want to accomplish before you retire?” That question resulted in a spiritual quest to seek God’s direction for my future. It led me to take early retirement in June, 2001 and take a step in faith. I was compelled to respond to the Spirit moving me to “get out of the boat” and risk doing a new thing. Responses to my decision were varied and difficult for some to understand. My personal reactions included grief and anxiety about facing the unknown future. However, I learned a great lesson through my spiritual journey of transitioning: “While we may not know what the future holds, we know Who holds the future.” In time, I came to experience joy and greater fulfillment in a new chapter of ministry, confident that I had made the right decision. God continually leads and opens doors of opportunity. I continue to cling to this claim: “If it is of God, God will provide.” How does your faith equip you for tomorrow?

As Paul departed, he gave this commission: “Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” (vs.28) How can you claim this commission?

There were tears when the people thought of life without Paul. We identify with those feelings when relationships dear to us come to a close. Saying goodbye to persons we hold dear is never easy. But Paul wanted his friends to think about the future and the responsibilities it held. If we claim the blessings of the relationships and stay focused on the possibilities of what lies ahead, God truly will guide our path to a more promising future.

Good Friday and Beyond

It may sound strange to some to call today Good Friday. It only becomes so when one understand the message from the cross and the rest of the story. Death did not have the final word on that Friday long ago when they nailed Jesus to the cross. And through faith, it still doesn't.

The Apostle Paul expressed it this way: "When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where O death, is your sting?’ ... But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

That's the good news, and that's why Christians can sing the Hallelujah Chorus on Sunday! What a way for the greatest story ever told to end! Those who believe in Easter are called people of the resurrection. Easter raises this question for believers: how are we to live so that others can see the resurrection faith at work through us?

Easter blessings!

Palm/Passion Sunday

Next Sunday, March 28, we will observe Palm/Passion Sunday, the day that commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and begins what we call Holy Week, the time of remembering the last days of Jesus’ earthly life. His three-year journey was nearing the end. He had been preparing to make this important move. Entering the city of Jerusalem during the Feast of the Passover brought attention to his mission as the Messiah. The crowd who greeted him expected a Messiah who would free them from Roman occupation. But he came as a suffering servant, not as the expected king. As the week progressed, the cries of “Hosanna” heard on that Sunday would change to “Crucify him!”

The days of Jesus’ last week included confrontation, agonizing prayer, betrayal by one of his own, his arrest, trial, and finally the horrible crucifixion. But the traditional religious observance of Passover, Jesus’ last meal with his disciples in the “upper room” and his final words to them are what we remember as most significant. That night, Jesus transformed the traditional Seder meal into a sacrament that became more than a memorial meal; it became a symbolic reminder of the sacrifice that he was willing to make. Bread and cup became symbols of his body and blood, broken and shed, and of the depth of God’s love. Love was at the center of all that Jesus did and taught. During that last gathering with his disciples he shared insights that would continue to guide those who believe in him and seek to be his followers: “Love one another as I have loved you. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (See John 13-14.) These words still challenge those who seek to be his followers today.

As we prepare to celebrate Easter and the transforming power of God’s love, may we ponder the meaning of both Jesus’ words and actions, so that we may commit to living the kind of love he so clearly demonstrated on the cross and beyond.

“Googling God”

One of the distinct advantages of living in this technological age is that whenever you have a question or desire more information about anything, answers are just a click away! All you have to do is “Google it” (or use a search engine of your choice.) If you were to Google “God,” for example, the response would yield an astounding 549 million results. As strange and impersonal as it may seem many people are looking for a deeper understanding of God through this means. However, while most information garnered from the internet may be reliable and informative, I have discovered that you can’t believe everything you find there. Meaningful faith in God just isn’t formed through gathering information, but through a personal relationship that results in transformation.

The greatest challenge facing the first century apostles was to proclaim the good news of what God had done through Jesus Christ. They had a story to tell that was not only history, but it was their story –- a personal story of how their lives had been transformed by Jesus Christ.

Through every century, persons have sought a deeper understanding of God’s existence. Some have even demanded, “Show me proof.” The greatest proof is not found through sources such as the internet or any other sophisticated pursuit of theology, but through personal experience and contact with those whose lives have been transformed by God’s grace and love revealed through Jesus Christ. The proof rests in the Christ-like actions of believers who seek to continue what Jesus did and taught through daily acts of love.

The Lenten Journey: Practices and Destination

I grew up in a faith community where there was much talk about “giving up” something for Lent. Giving up something is supposed to remind us of the sacrifice of Christ. Sometimes this discipline can be rich with meaning. Lenten disciplines can even prompt a healthier lifestyle. Some folks even give up personal indulgences such as chocolate and/or other favorite treats.

As a part of my Lenten observance in the past I too, have “given up” things by denying myself desserts and soft drinks. This year however, rather than “giving up” something, I decided to “take up” something. As a part of this year’s Lenten journey I have chosen to practice with more intentionality the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible study. I have also “taken up” the development of a Lenten course that I will be leading later this month. The preparation for this presentation, A Journey Called Lent has provided me with incentive to study and reflect on the spiritual practices of Lent, revisit Jesus’ journey, and consider the meaning of theological concepts unique to the Lenten season. Repentance, forgiveness, redemption and atonement are high on the list.

Focusing on Lenten practices engages us in pondering the meaning and mystery of faith and provides us with the opportunity to embrace the message of what lies at the heart of Christianity. John’s gospel expressed the good news this way: “God so loved the world that he gave his only son… (John 3:16)

The season of Lent is a journey toward Easter. So where does the journey lead us? Ultimately it leads to the cross of Calvary. Whatever else the season of Lent may include, it is a time to deal with the reality of the crucifixion and to discern its meaning for our lives. Then we can complete the journey in faith and claim the joy of Easter.

A Journey Called Lent

The season of Lent is unfolding, slowly moving us through the dreariness of a long cold winter toward signs of spring and new life. Lent is perhaps one of the least understood periods of the Christian calendar. While Lent is one of the major seasons of the liturgical calendar with a measured timeframe and faith focus, it also can be viewed as a journey, that is, a movement from one place to another. The journey begins with Ash Wednesday, when we are invited to begin a spiritual journey of self-examination which calls us to indentify our human faults and seek repentance. The journey continues as we examine Jesus’ life, teachings, and practice of spiritual disciplines. To learn more about Jesus and his walk of faith inspires us to become better than we are though God’s grace and love revealed in Jesus Christ. Herein lays the challenge for all who seek to be better disciples. It is not an easy or simple journey, for as we move though Lent we remember the story, his story, and the outcome of Good Friday.

Jesus taught us that life includes cross-bearing. If we are to engage in the journey faithfully, we must accept the disciplines, teachings and practices as the preferred way of life, even though at times we may experience pain, suffering and sorrow. However, our journey is not without hope. Jesus’ promise is one of companionship for the journey: “I will be with you always…” When we claim that promise, we are enabled to take the steps that lead to the cross and prepare to claim the joy of Easter.

Ash Wednesday

The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. The liturgy for an Ash Wednesday service includes an invitation for Christ’s followers “to observe a holy Lent, by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving; and by reading and meditating on the Word of God.” The use of ashes in the form of a cross is the means of marking disciples for the journey and serves as a reminder of the continual call to repentance and reconciliation. This day marks the beginning of a forty-day spiritual journey toward Easter. Lent is a season for spiritual reflection and discernment in light of Jesus’ life, teachings and death. To fully participate in these experiences in a conscientious way leads one to more ably accept grace and a deeper commitment to faithful discipleship.

Identify the key words that characterize actions of this season. Then ask yourself, How many of these experiences will I undertake? May you respond to the invitation “to observe a holy Lent” so that you may be fully prepared to celebrate God’s greatest miracle and promise this Easter.