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.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
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 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?
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
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?
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?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, April 2, 2010
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!
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!
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