Home for Christmas

The seasonal songs are once again filling the air waves. Some of them cause us to reflect on the past and remind us of the importance of “home.” The song “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is one such song. Many will go “home” for Christmas, even if it is only in their dreams, for there is a yearning within the human heart to return to that place where we feel secure and loved. Nothing matches getting back with the people we love and who love us. Going home means being with people who love you despite your faults, who let you be who you are, who are always glad you’re there to share life with them. When one goes home there is usually good food, laughter, enjoyment of each other’s company, and sharing of joys as well as tears.

One of my favorite memories of this season is the family tradition of gathering at an aunt’s/uncle’s home for a family meal. While my family has diminished in size, I still, like many, want to go “home” to gather with family. Going “home” for the holidays is an essential part of celebrating Christmas, for “home” is where the heart is. It’s a place where loved ones gather, where our souls can connect with the souls of another. It’s a place where memories are formed, stories are told and new stories given birth. It’s a place where one can capture “Kodak moments” that last a lifetime. Home is where we can, and should, feel safe, cared for and even special. “Home is where the heart is.”

What if home no longer exists except in one’s memory or it is impossible to go to the place we call home? Many are separated by circumstances that prevent them from being with family and loved ones during the holidays. Can we make "home" out of where we are? Perhaps home is as much a state of well being and solace as it is a place.

If home is as much about attitude as it is about latitude, then we never need feel too far from home. That's good to know, especially during those times when we find our thoughts homeward bound. The challenge for many will be to make the place where you are a space and place of peace. Can you find comfort in your surroundings and warmth in fond memories or perhaps from the company of friends? If so, even if you're not at the place you live, or the place called home is no longer what it once was, you can be at home, even if it is only in your dreams.

Believe...

Macy's, a major department store with a log tradition of adding joy to Christmas, uses one stand-out word in their advertising this special season. The word is "Believe." For some, that one word answers life's most profound questions of faith, and captures the meaning and mystery of Christmas. It also may cause a person to reflect on the central message of faith that transforms lives. For others, the word simply raises more questions, beginning with one each of us must address in life's journey: What can I believe? The answer is not as simple as believing in Santa Claus, a character representing the spirit of giving. There are shortcomings to such beliefs as Santa is often entrusted with only hopes and expectations of receiving. While Santa may bring momentary happiness and delight to children, being Santa to others is more in line with the intended meaning of this season.

To make sense of the true meaning of Christmas, we must begin with God's story and what God has done on our behalf. That story has its roots in the Old Testament (deliverance) and culminates in the New Testament with "the greatest story ever told" (redemption).

So what do we need to believe to claim the true meaning and joy of Christmas?

~ Believe in the story. To do so helps interpret life as God intends it to be.

~Believe in the one who lived a more excellent way of self-giving sacrificial love. Jesus' teaching and lifestyle continue to challenge us to live love.

~Believe in God's promises. Emmanuel - a word of this season -- reminds us that "God is with us," providing what we need the most for the journey.

~ Believe in the true gifts of Christmas that are spiritual ones: Peace and love which produce hope and joy. Those who believe can share such gifts with others.

I believe that Christmas is not simply a day or a season, but anytime love is expressed. When we live love and share the spirit of giving, others will discover the “magic of Christmas.”
Believe!

Peace on earth...

“Peace on earth for all…” (Luke 2:14) That’s what Christmas offers! In a world with many conflicts, not only in personal lives, but in the corporate life of churches as well, it is helpful to realize that one of the messages of Christmas is peace, and the challenge presented by Jesus is that of being a peacemaker. When the spirit of Christmas dwells within, it addresses the discord and conflict that divides and offers a bridge to reconciliation made possible through love. One of Jesus’ greatest messages was this: “Blessed are the peacemakers…” To be a peacemaker is to become a gift to others.

Rev. Tim Farabaugh, a ministerial colleague, recently wrote a devotion that included this thought: “To bring peace and resolve conflicts, we must first seek God and ask God to guide us in finding a peaceful solution.” For some, peace will be the greatest gift they can receive this Christmas. Where and for whom do you need to be a peacemaker this holy season?

Legacy

I recently attended a memorial service for my son-in law’s father. I did not know him well, having only seen him on special occasions at family gatherings, but after hearing what others said about him, I learned that even though I never really got to know the true man, I became impressed by his legacy. While he had his problems and shortcomings (who doesn’t?), a time of remembrance sets aside those things and focuses on identifying and claiming the good and positive. It is these things that inform and form a legacy.

The dictionary defines legacy as “a gift -- anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor.” One’s legacy is usually not something tangible, nor written by the person, but is formed by the positive contributions made in life’s journey.

As we go about our daily tasks of living we seldom think about our legacy or what it will be. But the reality is that we are building our legacy by the way we live each day. “Legacy” answers the question, “How will I be remembered?”

The song, Legacy, by Nichole Nordeman was inspired when she was asked how she wanted to be remembered. It asks some important questions, and is food for thought as we consider the legacy we are forming. Here are the lyrics of this thought-provoking song:

"I want to leave a legacy. How will they remember me? Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering, A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically, And leave that kind of legacy."

"I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me; and I enjoy an accolade like the rest.You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery of all the who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best, at such 'n such...it wouldn't matter much."

"I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights; we all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl' But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides the temporary trappings of this world."

"I don't have to look too far or too long awhile, to make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy. It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon destroy."

"Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred; just want to hear instead, 'Well done' good and faithful one."

People will not always remember what you say, but they will remember how you treated them. Your legacy most likely will not be what you wrote or said, but how you lived. Perhaps the best legacy of all can be expressed in three simple words: S/he lived love!

A Season of Transition

For many of us, the coming of fall brings with it some transition, including “back to” times. Back to work, back to school, back to a more structured schedule, back to the many events that fill our lives. Fall represents a time of change. Signs of the new season will soon appear. The warmth of summer will give way to cooler temperatures; green leaves will change to beautiful colors; flowers will fade to lie dormant once again. How wonderfully amazing are the seasons of the year!

Life itself is characterized by seasons and experiences that bring transition. The biblical writer of Ecclesiastes described life’s seasons in this way: “To everything there is a season and time for every matter under heaven.” (3:1) Scriptures also remind us of God’s continual works of transformation in every season: “Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19)

Our experiences reveal that life is ever-changing! Our present reality is one of constant and unprecedented change. Many people are resistant to change, preferring things to remain the same. Some changes are good and some we may feel are not so good, but change is inevitable. Learning to cope with and accept life’s transitions is often challenging, and yet a God-given opportunity. God created us to be transformational beings, to grow, to reach our God-given potential. Transitioning through the seasons of life is not simply about aging, but about growth toward a deeper level of maturity as people of faith. We are “works in progress” through each season of transition.

Each season of life must be accepted for what it is, and for what it has to offer. Many of life’s changes can result in positive growth experiences for they allow us see new possibilities through eyes of faith. No matter what the season, the challenge is the same: to embrace God’s world of transition and continue to change and adapt along with it.

What will the fall season bring? What transitions will we face? Uncertainty? Surprises? New challenges and opportunities? No doubt all this and more. The one constant of every season and circumstance of life is the abiding presence of God the creator and sustainer. Faith is the thread that holds life together through the seasons of life and equips us to go through every transition that comes.

As the fall season begins, and signs of transition and change occur, let us acknowledge the transitions that will come in our lives and embrace the changes they bring. Let us live into every season fully, and perceive “the new thing” that God is continually providing for and within us.

And it came to pass…

And it came to pass that a certain people heard the story about Jesus Christ and embraced the message of good news. They were so impressed with his life and teachings that they formed a new movement called Christianity. They organized into religious groups and built places called churches, trying to do what Jesus had instructed. They gathered for worship and study, to sing and pray, and went about doing good things. Sometimes they would eat together and meet to talk about religious matters and what the church needed to do to get more members. Some even told others about Jesus and invited them to become a part of their fellowship, but only a few responded. Others became doubters and turned their backs on religion in general and the church in particular.

As time passed, those involved in the church became puzzled and discouraged because fewer and fewer were interested in joining them. So, many of the church groups declined in numbers and activity, and others shut down completely. Still the faithful held on with hope. They wanted to shout “Hosanna!” (save us), like on that first Palm Sunday, but they didn’t know where to go to be heard. They read books on evangelism and tried several suggestions, but nothing seemed to work. So their numbers continued to decline. The faithful ones continued to hang on and waited to see would happen next.

Then one day, one of the faithful shared a question from the life manual which they called the Bible: “Is there any word from the Lord?” Those in charge began to listen, and decided to search more diligently in the life manual for an answer to that question. They began to apply what they discovered. “And it came to pass…”

How will your church finish the sentence?

Many Roads

It’s a long drive to Lafayette, Indiana – more than 12 hours. When we make that trip to visit family, we usually stop overnight on the way there, but attempt to drive straight through to home on the return trip. (It seems longer when you drive the entire way in one day!) The trip this summer was planned to coincide with my mother-in-law’s 97^th birthday with a family gathering to celebrate. It was a joyous occasion.

The week passed quickly and as we departed for home, I reflected upon the long road ahead and wondered how far we might be able to go that day. Good traveling weather and less traffic than anticipated provided incentives to keep on going. We stopped frequently for breaks and gas, and the miles tumbled on, with a GPS reminder of estimated time of arrival if we kept going. What motivation!

When we passed the “Welcome to Virginia” sign, a new surge of energy came for this driver! We weren’t that far from home! So we kept going, envisioning how comforting it would be to be home safely and to sleep in our own bed. We got home before dark without delays. We were thankful once again for a safe journey and the joy of being with family for another brief time.

Through this journey called life, we have many roads to travel. Sometimes looking at the big picture of what we seek to accomplish becomes overwhelming. It helps to recognize though, that this journey is best accomplished by focusing on “one mile at a time.” It's important to take rest stops along the way in order to reflect on where you are and what you have already accomplished. It also helps to stay focused on your destination. God helps us through faith for whatever roads lie ahead – one day or mile at a time.

Tell Me the Stories..."

I was fortunate to have been raised in a Christian home, and attended Sunday school and church regularly. I even sang in the “Cherub” Choir! One of the songs I recall learning was “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus.” As I grew older and learned more about the stories in the Bible, the more fascinated I became about how God works in the lives of people and how their lives were transformed by faith in God.

Today when I lead workshops with church pastors, I will often ask, “With what biblical story, or character do you most identify?” The answers are as varied as is the uniqueness of each participant.

Karen Massey suggests that we read stories (told through biographies/autobiographies, and the Bible) not only for the information we can glean from them, but also what we can learn about ourselves. Many of the stories, she suggests, teach us about ourselves and are both an indictment and a challenge. The stories of Jesus certainly do that. They reveal a lifestyle of how to live in obedience to God’s will and challenge us to application in our lives. God works in wonderful ways through God’s stories when we apply the concepts to our life situation, then continue to tell the stories so that others might hear and come to know of God’s transforming power.

Genuine Love

The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the church at Rome, “Let love be genuine… ” (Romans 12:9) What do you think he meant by “genuine love?” We can begin to answer that question by looking at the meaning of love as defined by Jesus.

When Jesus spoke of love, the word he used was agape, one of the Greek words for love. This kind of love is best understood as self-giving actions toward another, not expecting anything in return. “Love” in the Christian’s vocabulary is about much more than how we feel toward someone. It is more properly understood as a verb, a word of action -- what we do in relationship to others. As Christians, to love someone means to express actions of compassion, caring, encouragement and support, especially in times of their greatest need.

New Testament scriptures are filled with stories of Jesus’ caring compassion, and concern toward others. He expressed the challenge to his first disciples and all who would be his disciples today in these words: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13: 34-35) Faithful discipleship involves responding to this “new commandment” and living and loving like Jesus did.

Holy Week Reflections

As we focus on “Holy Week” activities, many of us miss God’s unfolding drama during the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. We get caught up in the excitement and celebration of “Palm Sunday” and then move directly to Easter to celebrate his resurrection.

Palm Sunday marks Jesus triumphal entry into the holy city of Jerusalem. The spreading of palm branches and garments in his path symbolized the welcome of one who was thought to be the promised deliverer. The shouts of “Hosanna” were serious requests for deliverance motivated by high hopes of the people. But as the week progressed, feelings toward the one who came riding on the back of a meek animal changed to cries of “crucify him.” The people were disappointed. Jesus did not meet their desired expectations. His way was one of love and peace, and did not include the expected violent upheaval and overthrow of the controlling oppressive authority.

So here we are, as people of faith, over two thousand years later observing “Holy Week,”seeking to understand the meaning and implications of what transpired. We read of Jesus’ other activities after his entry into Jerusalem: his anger toward the moneychangers, time spent with friends, his reflection, solitude, and planning for the observance of the traditional religious celebration of Passover with his closest friends and followers, all of which culminated in two astounding events.

Today is “Holy Thursday,” and we recall the time when Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of servanthood and the transforming power of his Last Supper with his disciples. Water, basin, a towel, dirty feet, a loaf of bread, and a cup of wine became symbols and signs of God’s love in action. So tonight, we will respond to the invitation: “Do this in remembrance of me.”

“Good Friday” follows as we recall the time when Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of selfless sacrifice and death on a cross. No one part of the story makes complete sense apart from the other. It is all a part of God’s divine drama and message of salvation for humanity, summing up God’s actions of grace and love. And then comes Sunday. It is then that we discover and proclaim the rest of the story. The best is yet to come!

Lenten Journey with Jesus

Lent is the season when Christians are called to examine more closely the gospel story of Jesus’ journey from the wilderness to the cross, and then consider, “Where am I in my spiritual journey?” Jesus’ journey led him to self-examination during a mountain wilderness experience to self-sacrifice on a hill called Golgotha. While these two acts mark the extremes, it is what he did in between that establishes the patterns of faith living according to God’s purposes.

Christianity was born not merely by words, but actions. That's why the story of the development of the first century church is called The Acts of the Apostles. Prayer, expressions of compassion and kindness, concern for the poor and outcast, sharing the good news of God’s redemptive love — these were all acts of grace that characterized Jesus’ life and what he called his disciples to continue. His life of self-giving love and service touched and transformed people’s lives so that they chose to become transformed disciples. They became “imitators of Christ.”

The invitation that Jesus offered at the beginning of his ministry is still offered to all who would become faithful followers. ”Come, follow me.” Learning, living, and loving are the marks of faithful discipleship. Lent calls us to journey from our wilderness experiences to a life of sacrificial love. To do so, by the grace of God, restores and renews us for the challenges and opportunities of discipleship.

I Remember...

In honor of my birthday this week, I’m taking a “walk down memory lane.” Celebrating a birthday provides a time for reviewing and remembering the past. I invite you to join me and perhaps become motivated to do the same and recall those memories that form your story.

My earliest memories come from being an only child, loved and “spoiled” by my parents. I faced challenging health issues at the age of nine, and because of the wonders of medical science, experienced a successful bone transplant. I remember learning to live with the physical scars that resulted from that surgery. I learned early that life has its frustrations, limitations and calls for adjustments and acceptance.

As a youngster, my Saturday mornings included watching “heroes” on the big screen of a local theater (in black and white!) They were cowboys like Hoot Gibson, Tom Mix, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers. They were the “good guys” who always took care of the “bad guys.” They modeled decency and the pursuit of what was noble and right.

My life was formed by both positive and negative experiences, but there were always those who helped me through the bad times. I discovered that one never has to journey through life alone. Many persons influential in my life are too numerous to mention in this brief writing. Among them are members of my home church (Grace Methodist, Newport News), pastors and youth counselors who became mentors for my faith formation. My call to ordained ministry came as a result of the seeds others planted. Professors and Christian educators provided building blocks for the foundation upon which to form my faith. I remember especially several pastors who became role models of the kind of pastor I wanted to become. I recall many “adult guarantors” who will remain in my memory forever, for their lives became a part of mine. I remember special friends who have shared my journey, through the peaks and valleys, and especially those who offered affirming and encouraging words, and those who didn’t give up on me when I was tempted to give up on myself.

I’m remembering the joy of the birth of my two children and the adventure of parenting which lasts a lifetime. I remember a time when what was broken in my life was renewed by love. I remember the joyous day when my grandson was born, and the day he was recognized as a child of God by being baptized Jacob Franklin. I am grateful that I can still remember all these things and many more, for to a degree, we are what we remember. In my remembering, I have discovered that I have been blessed with many “precious memories.”

Bob Hope is remembered as a comedian, actor, radio and television personality, and doing USO shows for military troops around the world. His signature song was “Thanks for the Memories.” In reflecting on my memories, I rejoin his song and say “thanks for the memories.” I am grateful for all of them. And I’m especially grateful to God for all of my “precious memories” that represent His means of grace.

Rest for Weary Souls

Sometimes life is definitely difficult. We find ourselves facing challenges, standing at crossroads, making tough decisions, dealing with crises, and confronting numerous other issues that drain us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. As a result, we experience times of weariness. In such times we long for clear direction to regain strength for the journey. How do we find rest for a weary soul?

The prophet Jeremiah offers this advice: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16 NIV) I think Jeremiah was trying to tell us that in times of weariness we need to slow down, assess our situation, and use our spiritual resources to renew our strength.

Jeremiah also suggested that we need to ask for direction to gain clarity for what is expected from us as a people of faith. The prophet Micah also offered keen insight into what is required: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

Scriptures not only tell a story of people on a journey, they help us define our story and determine our journey. People of faith are a pilgrim people with a definite destination. When we gain clarity for where we are to go, guided by the road map provided by scriptures and take steps in faith, we can overcome the weariness that often accompanies the journey. Scriptures can speak to us and provide transforming words and direction for our lives if we seek in a spirit of prayer reflection and expectancy. We need to open the communication channel of prayer to “hear the inner voice” for guidance, then be ready to listen and respond.

As a parent, there were times when my children needed to be placed in “time out.” It was a time intended to stop their unacceptable behavior, consider their actions, make amends, and to determine a better way of behavior. Perhaps when we adults grow weary, we should take a self-imposed “time out,” providing a way of self-discipline reconnecting us with our core faith so we can determine a different pathway.

Regular spiritual connections not only help us determine a better pathway, but can provide clarity for direction, personal peace and contentment, and therefore rest for our weary souls.

A Conversation with God

Me: “Good morning Lord, Thanks for the gift of another day.

Lord: “You’re welcome. Use it wisely. Press on.”

Me: “But Lord, I’m not sure exactly what I am to do, or where I am to go.”

Lord: “Listen, and I will guide you. Press on.”

Me: “But Lord, I’m not sure I have the strength to go much farther.”

Lord: “I will give you strength. Press on.”

Me: “But Lord, I’m no longer as good at setting goals as I was in my youth.”

Lord: “My goals are your goals. Press on.”

Me: “But Lord, at times my faith is weak.”

Lord: “Lean on me and I will renew your faith. Press on.”

Me: “But Lord…”

Lord: “But is an eraser. Remember my promise. I am with you. Press on.”

Me: “Forgive me for my weaknesses and frail faith, Lord.”

Lord: “You are forgiven. Press on.”

Me: “Thanks for renewing my faith with assurance that with you I can press on.”

Lord: “You’re welcome. Now, press on!”

Inspiration for this “conversation” comes from reading Paul’s words in his letter to the Philippians:

Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. Only let us hold fast to what we have attained. ~ Philippians 3:10-16 (NRSV)

A New Season of Life

I have been reflecting on my life journey in recent days, in part because of the beginning of a new calendar year, which is always a time for reflection on the past and future. This “reflection” is also because it is my “birthday month” and at my age I must acknowledge the reality of where I am in my journey as a “senior citizen.”

A real challenge of aging is learning how to grow old gracefully. I am finding that life is fuller and complete each day. Simple things that once were taken for granted are now special treats. The rising and setting of the sun are magical moments of wonder. An occasional nap is rejuvenating. Spending time with loved ones and special friends are precious moments indeed. I view awakening at the dawn of a new day as a gift for which I am thankful. Each day brings new insights, inspiration, and opportunities.

I recently received an e-mail containing a powerful message about aging. (Author unknown.) I consider it a birthday gift, and share with you in the hope that it will be a source of inspiration and reflection for you whatever your age, no matter where you are in your journey.

And then it is winter…

You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years. It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went.

I know that I lived them all, and I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is: the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise.

How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?

I remember well... seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like...

But, here it is; my friends are retired and getting gray; they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me, but I see the great change in each of them as I am sure they also see in me. They are not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant, but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.

Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore: it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will, I might just fall asleep where I sit!

And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did. But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last, this I know, that when it's over, it’s over.

Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn't done; things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.

So, if you're not in your winter yet, let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long! Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!

You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life, so live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember; and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past.

Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one. Live well! Enjoy today! Be happy! Be thankful! Be faithful!

Gift Giving

The Christmas story isn’t complete until we observe the post-Christmas visit of the Magi bringing gifts to the baby Jesus. Gift giving was God’s idea and lies at the heart of the Christian faith. “God so loved the world that he gave…” (Jn. 3:16) Such acknowledgment causes us to ask, what gift can I offer and to whom as an expression of my faith to honor Christ? The hymn “What Gift Can We Bring” expresses it well.

What gift can we bring, what present, what token? What words can convey it, the joy of this day? When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, what song can we offer in honor and praise?

Give thanks for the past, for those who had vision, who planted and watered so dreams could come true. Give thanks for the now, for study, for worship, for mission that bids us turn prayer into deed.

Give thanks for tomorrow, full of surprises, for knowing whatever tomorrow may bring,
the Word is our promise always, forever, we rest in God's keeping and live in God's love.

This gift we now bring, this present, this token, these words can convey it, the joy of this day! When grateful we come, remembering, rejoicing, this song we now offer in honor and praise!

What gift will you offer and to whom as an expression of your faith to honor Christ this new year?