A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God..."- Isaiah 40:3
As we begin this Advent season it is safe to say that "preparation" is on all of our minds. We are searching for holiday decorations, presents or making our final travel plans. During this season, more than any other, many of us struggle to balance our practical responsibilities with our need to take time to prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of our newborn son, Jesus Christ.
This will be our daughter's first Christmas with her new family. What a joyous time in our home. As many of you know, Grace came to us this past March. You welcomed her into our Trinity family in April. Our son, William celebrates his "gotcha" date on December 15th. Four years ago, Tom and I left St. Louis in one of our typical ice storms, spent an unexpected night in Atlanta due to our delayed St. Louis flight and then were united with our son in Guatemala. The outpouring of support our family has received from our Trinity family always gives us reason to pause and appreciate the love of those around us.
Since I was a child I can remember my father reading the Upper Room daily devotional guide. My father provides our family with an annual subscription as one of our Christmas presents. Whenever I pick up the Upper Room, William runs to me and says, "let's read Jesus." Reading these short stories with my son brings a much deeper meaning to each of them as I search to answer questions that only a four year old asks of his dad.
As we prepare ourselves this holiday season, a time of family traditions for all of us, take a moment and reflect upon the gifts we have all received from our parents, our children and those around us. As we strive to support those around us, if we pause for just a moment, we soon realize that the support we give others has blessed us ten-fold.
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. - Matthew 24:44
In life, we are always preparing for something new and bigger. We live our guided lives by following a series of expectations and achievement markers: grade school, high school, college, job, marriage, having kids, etc. These things are in a predictable order, and follow a traditional pattern; but what about the unpredictable: the car accident, the cure for the flu, the terrorist attacks, and the arrival of God's spirit within your own life. When your tire pops on the side of the highway, you are grateful to God for getting that new spare the day before; when the kid at camp falls down and scrapes their knee, you thank God that you remembered to pack those band-aids in your backpack earlier that day. The uncontrollable events that make life sweet and bitter come at the most unexpected of times. The need for your faith is constant, like a shield that you carry with you to defend yourself against the emotional strains of everyday life. It is the band-aid in your backpack, it is the spare tire in your trunk, it is the knowledge that God is with you always and that you will need your faith to get you through the tough times that are unexpected. You must always keep and practice your faith, because then it will be there when you need it most. You cannot predict it, you cannot plan for it, and you must carry it with you always so you have it when the time comes.
He shall judge the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples, they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. - Isaiah 2:4
As we wait each Advent for the promised arrival of the Christ child, we also wait for this just state of affairs foretold by Isaiah to come to pass. As Jesus' birth gives us hope for victory over sin and death, so Isaiah's words give hope for justice, and an end to war. But, while we count down excitedly to Christmas Eve, we seem in no particular hurry for this time described by Isaiah to come; rather we simply seem content to leave it all up to God.
However, I find that God has given us the tools in the Bible to make Isaiah's future our present rather than something for which we must wait. From Moses' recording of God's simple commandment that we shall not kill, to so much of Jesus' teachings as recorded in the Gospels - be peacemakers, do unto others as you would have them do unto you - the tools are there for us to pick up and use.
Now, I am certainly no Biblical scholar. In fact, I was only baptized three years ago, and confess to not yet having read the complete Old Testament. I am sure that there are interpretations aplenty, conflicting passages to be resolved, and the myriad translation possibilities, etc. that those who are scholars could use to construct pro-war, pro-injustice God, Jesus and Bible, or at least find some loophole or excuse for "this" war or "that" injustice, but it would not ring true for me. The Christian messages that inspire me and burn inside me are peace and love and justice, and life everlasting in the presence of God. To say that humanity, including many who call themselves Christian, has not gotten the same message would be an understatement of criminal proportions.
Advent presents for me an opportunity to share the incredible story of Jesus from the beginning, and sharing the story gives me hope that others will listen and hear, and that Isaiah's vision would be realized. May the peace of Christ be with you.
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. - Isaiah 11:1-3a
This passage is traditionally read as the foretelling of the coming of the messiah. It also reminds us of the need that Christians have felt all through history to be connected to a bigger and more ancient story - that of the saints in Jesus' own family tree.
Every two years or so I travel to India and visit my mother for a few weeks. During these trips I always set aside one full day to visit the shrine of St. Thomas. It is an old shrine built on top of a small mountain barely 10 miles from the home where I grew up. St. Thomas is recognized in this part of India as the apostle who came to share the good news of the gospel during the first century. The shrine of St. Thomas is a particularly beloved pilgrimage destination for Christians in southern India. During the annual festival of the shrine thousands come to climb the mount and pray at the shrine dedicated to their forefather in faith.
There are no roads that one can take to reach the top of this mount. The faithful are expected to climb through some rough terrain to reach the shrine. On a clear day it takes about two to three hours of steep climbing to reach the top.
It is not an easy climb on muggy hot summer days when the rocks are slippery after the rains. But this is when I usually visit India. Yet my visits to this shrine have always been a time I deeply cherish. A time to reflect on my own faith journey. For each time I climb this mount I cannot but think of all my fathers and mothers in faith who came to this very place before me. I can imagine them climbing these rocks as young children coming here for the first time with their parents. And later on as adults taking their children for the climb as Alice and I did a few years ago with our three daughters. They would have come here through all the many twists and turns of their own faith journey. In times of peace and in times of war, in times of good harvest and in times of scarcity. In times of loss and pain and in times of joy and happiness. It is a place where I yearn to connect to a story bigger than my own.
He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. - Isaiah 40:11
Everyone who knows me knows that I collect sheep from all over the world. Russia, Guatemala, Czechoslovakia, China, England, Walgreen's, Bubble Gum machines, from everywhere. Friends, young and old, whoever they are, whatever they're doing, if they see a sheep - they think of me! This also includes every poem, song or scripture about sheep, and so this particular assignment had to be mine.
From the beginning of all memory for me, I have perceived myself and have been perceived as the "alpha ewe" - an assertive and active participant and guide in this life's journey. Most times, the direction appeared clear, God leading me, the mother sheep, along the sure path.
My path was stopped cold when Fred's final days were upon me. The assuredness and comfort gone, I didn't know how, or if I could find my way, much less lead or help others find theirs. I had helped others to die - but this was Fred, my Fred. We had been together a lifetime. I didn't have much memory of being without him. I cried. I prayed, "I cannot do this!"
Then, an epiphany, I didn't have to do it. God held me tight in this bosom and the flock took over! Everyone camped in, every space was taken, shifts for medicine, shopping, cooking, and telephoning. Frank Sinatra playing for Fred, children singing to him, tender caring for him, laughing and crying with him. Fred's dying was just plain Holy. God carried me through every moment, every breath.
Now I see clearly, what I could not see before. At any given time in my life, I am also a lamb, and if the mother sheep for a time, I am the humble alpha ewe. This advent season, I celebrate and praise God for the superb flock!
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. - Jeremiah 33:14
Are we listening? That was my first thought.
It seems to me that Jeremiah was talking to a people that weren't listening. At times he was even at risk of being put to death. After this prophecy was written, its promise was not fulfilled for a long time. But whose fault is that? The people weren't listening.
If our family wrote this story it would be wrapped around the game of baseball; we sleep, eat, and drink baseball-not the billion-dollar industry, just the game. The book might be something like Shoeless Joe by Ray Kinsella or the movie version, "Field of Dreams". A man hears a voice..."If you build it, he will come" and follows it at the risk of loosing his status and his farm. Through following the voice he gains far more than he could have dreamed. Having faith fulfills the promise "he will come".
We are reminded of the need to have faith in things greater than ourselves. We need to listen for God's messages or calls.
While writing this I came across a quote in a book I was reading by Henry Miller, The Air-Conditioned Nightmare. "Back of every creation, supporting it like an arch, is faith. Enthusiasm is nothing: It comes and goes. But if one believes, then miracles occur."
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. - James 5:7-8
When my brother and I were growing up, waiting patiently was quite a challenge, especially as we anticipated our family's traditions during Advent. Putting up the tree was a sure sign that Christmas wasn't far off, and our excitement made the waiting seem interminable. We just couldn't wait! But of course we did. We tried to be patient as we waited to do our part in decorating the Christmas tree. After securing the tree in its stand, our dad tested all the strings of colored lights. Then he carefully strung the lights over the branches, patiently arranging and rearranging the bulbs so that every bough was illuminated and the strands were all plugged in, their various cords carefully hidden. And finally he added the crowning glory - the star!
I loved the history of our star. Dad had bought it in 1945 at a corner drugstore, near his boyhood home above his father's store in North St. Louis. The price was scrawled on the back of the box: 35 cents. The once-shiny, sparkly tin star was hollow, with a space for Christmas light bulb to fit inside and twinkle through star-shaped holes pierced in the metal. Beautiful blue "jewels" adorned the five points and the center of the star.
Dad's placement of the star at the top of the tree marked the end of our waiting. No longer were my brother and I expected to be patient! The appointed time had arrived at last, and we eagerly chose ornaments to hang on the tree. Throughout my childhood, we had different kinds of Christmas trees placed in various spots in the house, with and without tinsel, strung with different types of lights, but the star was always in its place. As the metal weakened with use and the blue jewels loosened, Dad carefully repaired it and it continued to grace our tree.
My father's example taught me to be patient as I waited for my turn to add decorations to the tree. Year after year, during that difficult time of waiting, I came to appreciate the significance of the placement of the star, not only as the signal that Dad's work was done and we children could begin our decorating, but also as a tangible expression of his steadfast love for us and his unfailing patience with us. Now that Dad is gone, I treasure that beautiful, battered star even more, as a link to him and a reminder of the bright star that shone over Bethlehem, heralding the birth of Jesus, our Bright Morning Star, sent to be the Light of the World.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. - I Peter 2:9-10
If you're like me, when you see the phrase "the church", you probably think of a building. But what do you think of when you see "The Church"? The capitalized version usually refers not to the building, but to the people - the worldwide "nation" of believers, the "living stones" that Peter refers to in the verses before this passage.
On my drive to Trinity on Sunday mornings, I pass three other churches, and wonder what they're like inside. On occasion, someone will be going in or out the door, and I'll get a glimpse of "The Church", but all I really know about those congregations is "the church" that I see from the outside. I imagine that most people driving past our "church" likewise have no idea what our "Church" is like. As "God's people", let's remember that we don't just "go to church", we are Church. It would be great to bring more people to "church", but we can start by bringing more "Church" to people, people who live in "darkness" and are longing for a "marvelous light".
Here is the church. Here is the steeple. Let's open the door and go see all the people.
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - II Corinthians 9:7
A wise man once told me, "Money is not the only way to tithe to your God." In that moment, the burden of guilt of not dropping in a check or a bill lifted from my shoulders as I watched the offering plate pass before me each successive Sunday.
I did not choose a profession that compensates its workers with cash. As a teacher, even in a generous school district, money is tight. So, I tithe what I feel I am able. Some money goes in the offering plate. Some food goes in the food drives and food pantries. Some time is given helping distribute food to the needy. Some knowledge is given to parents in the hopes of helping them understand their child's developmental phase and unique abilities. Some time is given coordinating events that help children grow and stretch and fly. Some "gently used' clothing and toys are donated to local charities. Listening ears and a sympathetic heart are given to friends who are suffering infertility issues and loss of loved ones as we did. The greatest gift God has given me is the ability to help children learn, so I teach. I empower children to believe in themselves, to trust others, to understand and develop their talents so that they may live the fullest lives possible. These are the ways in which I give back to my God. I tithe the gifts, the skills, the love that God has blessed me with. For I know of no better way to honor and love my God than by returning what I have been given.
When the offering plate returns to the altar, I pray that God understands and is accepting of my offerings...and I pray that tomorrow I might give a little more.
"The gifts of God, for the people of God."
The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. - Isaiah 11:6
When I read this passage, I immediately thought of the abuse suffered by my fore parents and their treatment during slavery. No matter how they were treated, they still believed in a higher being and kept moving forward with prayer and songs. This journey has brought people to where we are today. This journey taught us how to work, love one another, and treat ourselves and others with the respect we desire to receive regardless of what obstacles we are faced with.
Happy Holidays and much love.
And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus." - Luke 1:28-31
As I follow the path of my personal faith journey, I often ask myself where and when I feel the presence of God in my life. My answer varies. Sometimes I find God in the serenity of nature such as watching the fall of the first winter snow during the Christmas season. But most often I feel the presence of God while in the presence of my children. When they say something that turns a frown into a smile, when they reach out to hold my hand, when I realize the love shared is unconditional, and as night falls and I tuck them into bed over "pillow talk" and they say, "tell us a story about when you were a kid." During the advent season I tell stories of my childhood Christmas memories and family traditions. I remember the tradition of gathering all the family on Christmas Eve to trim the tree together. My mother would play the piano as we all sang songs of the season. Then the evening would close with my father reading us "The Night Before Christmas." As an adolescent, I tell the story of searching for the gifts prior to Christmas, of my brother and me climbing to the highest closet to find the gifts Mom thought she had so carefully hidden. As a college student, I tell the stories of sharing the joy of the season with family and friends at our annual Christmas Eve party. None of these stories include the "true meaning" of Christmas, even though I know how important it was to my mother. She insisted we remember the "true story" and focused on giving rather than receiving. As I look back I realize while sharing the joy of the season with family and friends, the Lord was with us as he was with Mary. God was indeed present throughout my life.
When I became a parent myself, it became extremely important to me that my children know more than just the excitement and anticipation of what Santa may leave under the tree or in the stockings so carefully hung above the chimney, but know the "true meaning" of Christmas. We began to create our own family traditions. Each year we decide what we can do as a family for someone else during the season of giving. We always deliver an advent bag to one of our congregation's shut-ins. We bake Christmas cookies together, decorate the house, and create a major adventure in the hunt for the perfect tree. Most important, the family service at Trinity on Christmas Eve became our tradition. When I sit in the pew on Christmas Eve, as the true Christmas story unfolds, I feel compelled to put my arms around my children and to hold my husband's hand. This is the ultimate moment . . . I feel the presence of God in my life. Maybe I experience similar feelings to Mary's when the angel told her she would deliver the Baby Jesus into the world. I may be fearful of what tomorrow holds for me as she must have been. But I am reminded that I too am in favor with God, as long as the Lord is with me I must not be afraid. I say a silent prayer thanking God for my many blessings . . . my journey, my family, my friends, and especially the special gift of my children. Unnoticed, I look down at my children in the pew, I smile quietly to myself and I shed a small tear of joy and serenity, as I am reminded of the day I brought them into the world. God was definitely present in my life on those days as he was with Mary. We mothers must be kindred spirits with Mary. We too brought God's children into the world, our own special miracles, who if we lead them to the "true meaning" they too will feel the presence of God in their lives.
He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor, David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. - Luke 1:28-31
Perhaps every young mother-to-be day dreams that her first born son will grow up to be a great leader of men. He could be President, or inventor of the next electronic marvel, or discoverer of a wonder drug to cure cancer, or be the next Mark McGuire.
But sophisticated modern moms may be more practical. May they would just hope for him to get a good education, a reasonable job, a family that doesn't split up in a few years and a decent retirement. One could be cynical.
Now, consider a young, uneducated peasant girl about to be married who is visited by an Angel who says "although you are still a virgin you will be visited by the Holy Spirit and become pregnant and bear a son to be named Jesus. God will give him the throne of David and Jesus will reign over a king that will not end."
Today, the response might be, "yeah, Right?" But Mary of pure heart responded, "I am the Lord's servant and I am willing to do whatever he wants. May everything you said come true."
Wouldn't it be great if each of us could be so faithful and trusting that we could openly and honestly say, "I am the Lord's servant and I am willing to do whatever he wants?"
Lord, send me!
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. - Luke 1:41-44
The joys that Jesus brings to each of us whose hearts are open and ready to receive him is beyond any others we could ever experience. A spiritual presence to help us through life's journey, lifting us up at difficult times and always there to guide us.
Even in the womb, Elizabeth's child responds to Jesus' presence and perhaps to Elizabeth's own excitement. What true happiness Elizabeth must have felt to not only be with child herself when she was thought to be barren, but also to know that her cousin was to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ! Thos two women shared a special bond.
As Mary came to Elizabeth, so too did Jesus go to the people to spread God's word, not only through words, but also deeds. He gave himself in service to others as God wants us to.
During this season of Advent, may the joy that Jesus brings us through our Advent activities, preparation and service, let us rejoice in each other and thank God for the gift of his Son.
And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and My spirit rejoices in God my Savior, and he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call be blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name." - Luke 1:46-49
There may be no single event as miraculous as the birth of a baby. It matters little whether we are gazing upon our own infant, or the child of a family member, friend or passerby. If we take a few moments to look into their innocent faces, a world of possibility is opened.
How wise is God, that he sent his son, Jesus, as an infant? We can draw upon our own experiences to imagine the quiet joy that Mary and Joseph must have felt when Jesus was born. And which of us does not lower our voice in reverence when contemplating the face of a sleeping child? It does not surprise me that the Wise Men and Shepherds bowed down before this Holy Infant.
The birth of a baby is the perfect blending of past, present and future. We will draw on our own experiences as children, adolescents and adults to fulfill our roles in these new lives. The needs of infants and children are unique in their immediacy. They remind us that life is most fully lived in the present. The best time to telephone a loved one, hug a friend, share a smile or a tear, and eat some candy is right now. Finally, a baby reminds us that no matter how bleak the day, the future possibilities are limitless. Our children will go forward into the future, and we can send them safe in the knowledge that they are God's most perfect gift.
Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them." - Luke 1:67-68
Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, had been
unable to speak for years. On John's circumcision day his mother
Elizabeth chose his name. Family and friends objected, expecting him to be
named after his father. They brought the matter to Zechariah, who wrote
"His name is John." The Holy Spirit came to Zechariah and freed
his tongue and lips.
Zechariah gave thanks and praise to God and then spoke his prophecy, and went
on to say that John would be the prophet of the highest: forerunner of a
deliverer of victorious power, raised up from the house of David.
All that Zechariah said came to pass. John baptized many
people, urging them to prove their repentance by sharing their goods and
wealth, always doing their business fairly. John told them that one
mightier than he would come and baptize, not with water, but with fire and the
Holy Spirit. When John baptized Jesus, God spoke from the heavens
"you are my son, my beloved."
Dear Jesus, it is only through your salvation that we can survive and
grow in your harsh baptism of fire and Spirit. I recall our salvation
with joy and thanksgiving, and welcome your ever-present support, with which I
am able to play my small part in your ongoing work in this world.
Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. - Luke 2:4-6
Although these versus from Luke simply tell about a journey they are the very beginning of a sequence of events which will turn the whole world upside down.
Picture, if you would, a walking trip of some sixty (60) miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem over rough roads, your wife is pregnant, you have meager money earned from your carpentry, and no reservations - just a destination. However, you do have a safe passport which is God's promise in the form of a dream wherein an angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph saying "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for a child whom she has conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit and will be called Jesus" or in instances Emmanuel, meaning God is with us. Having this promise they knew that nothing else could be against them.
This is reminiscent of a Sunday school song of many years ago called "Standing on the Promises of God". The refrain went - Stand - ing, Stand - ing!; I'm standing on the promises of God my Savior - safe and secure from all harm - I'm standing on the promises of God ---. Like Joseph and Mary may we enjoy our Christmas event knowing that we too have God's promises.
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people: to you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. - Luke 2:9-11 -- Luke 2: 30-31
"Which do you want first - the good news or the bad news?" When there is information to be shared, whether test results, a price quote, or something more substantive, in our current culture it is the "in" thing to begin by asking, "Which do you want first - The good news or the bad news?"
I'm a good news first person. Remember Mary Poppins song? "Just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down in the most delightful way!" I'll take the bitter if I'm assured there is a sweet to follow.
The shepherds must have thought they had been dealt the ultimate in bad news. Imagine: You and your friends are alone on a remote hillside with no one around but a few hundred sheep. Suddenly without warning the night sky is ablaze with a blinding heavenly light. In the light a form appears with a message for you!! No wonder the shepherds were terrified. You would be too with no cell phone. No 911. No emergency dispatcher.
Then came the ultimate in good news. "I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people: to you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." Could the shepherds have foreseen that half a world away, 2000 years later, to a collection of persons worshiping at the corner of Kingsland and Washington Avenues in St. Louis in the United States of America, that same news would bring peace and joy and hope? Now that's Good News!!
Our country and our world has had a lot of bad news. It seems there is evil and hate and unspeakable violence everywhere. But God sent the gift of His Son. He will be with us. We are not alone. In this season we delight in the good news of that most precious gift - a babe in a manger. Every newborn baby is a precious gift. But this was more than a baby. This was a gift from God to show His love. It was the perfect gift.
...And they shall name him Emmanuel, which means God is with us. - Matthew 1:23b
The Old Testament account of the Jewish people records the many times and the many ways that God was with them. In times of deep trouble and in times of great rejoicing the God who created them was with them. However, the record also reveals that much of the time the people of Israel were not listening or staying connected to this God who was always there.
And as in the case of the children of Israel, so it is with us. We are to be listening and looking for the presence of this God who is available to direct our lives. It is often easier for us to sense God's presence in our lives during times of trouble or rejoicing, but we often feel more distant from God when we get preoccupied with everyday concerns, materialism, the stresses of work and family, and petty grievances. When we do not sense closeness to God the question is: "Who moved?" For God is always the one who is with us.
When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. - Matthew 2:9-10
Upon reading the above passage, the memories of my childhood Christmases came flooding back. All the excitement in the air, the family time, the decorations around town and of course the visit to Santa. In our town Santa would arrive by a horse-drawn wagon during the Christmas parade and proceed to his "house" where he would prop little ones up on his knee and let them tell him their entire lists. What a great guy Santa was and still is in my children's eyes. When you're little, Santa is Christmas, but as you grow older, you begin to appreciate the real Christmas story.
That story never became more evident to me than the year that our local youth group planned and participated in a live nativity scene on the Courthouse lawn. This multi-denominational youth group consisted of youth from the Methodist, Christian and Presbyterian Churches. We worked together for weeks to organize the actors, costumes, props and, of course, the animals.
On the first evening of the event, it was the coldest night of the year. All we could think about was how cold we were going to be. And we also began wondering why anyone would come out into the freezing weather to see a bunch of kids standing around. But people did come. They came by the hundreds from all over the area, not just our small town. But they didn't leave their warm houses to come see just a group of kids or their daughters, sons, nieces and nephews, standing in the cold. It was evident in their reactions and comments: they came to see Mary and Joseph, the Wisemen and Angels, and, of course, Baby Jesus. They came for the story - the real Christmas story.
Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. - Matthew 2:11b
This scripture was very tough at first to describe. The only way I could think to put my thoughts into it was to interpret the scripture. This was during the birth of Christ when the 3 kings brought gifts to give to the newborn king. Now to apply it to today's world. Because of the diversity of the worth of the gifts, it shows people that the price of an item doesn't count but that the act of giving is what really counts most of all.
Being an only child means that my parents give themselves and me gifts, so I have had many presents in my time. Some gifts were more memorable than others. One gift that I got when I was younger was a GI Joe space camp and it was so big that my parents hid it in our basement and didn't let me go down there until Christmas. A more recent one was when they gave me a game that I really wanted, I instantly wanted to go to my room and play it. While I did so, my parents moved, without my knowledge, a new computer and monitor and keyboard that I wanted into our back room. Then they pulled me out of my room and showed me my new computer that they had just set up.
The gift that I am most proud to have given is one that I gave to my little twin cousins, Brianna and Bradley. I gave my Nintendo 64 and close to 50 games that I had with the system. True, I was told that I would be given a PS2 for giving up my Nintendo but I was still happy to help them. I remember the smiles as my cousins saw all the games that were now theirs. They were so excited and I was happy that they liked my stuff.
So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! - Luke 11:9-13
I beg your pardon - excuse me, what did you say, dear Teacher? Did you say ask? Are we really allowed? I thought we learned to not ask: don't pester, don't beg, and don't whine for heaven's sake.
And Rabbi, do you really mean it - that our seeking will actually bring the sought after? Our knocking will bring an opening? Dare we utter to you who has made us that we still feel somehow unfinished? Incomplete? Can we say it, dissatisfied? You know Lord, this declaration that finding will follow seeking sounds like a promise, a pretty stable covenant between you and me, like you're offering a relationship.
Let me think Lord - yes it's true, I have called to you, usually in desperate pain or confusion: please Fix It God. I don't recall getting immediate specific remedies either.
And yet great gifts have come to me: the reality of children becoming themselves as your design for them overrides my own impatient blueprints, the joy of life's exuberance for itself in grandchildren, the moments of laughter and remembrance with an aged parent, the transcendent power of music, and the abiding strength of friendship. Was I seeking, asking, knocking - underneath the everyday - while you were always answering, providing, opening? Did you know my heart and remain the faithful one, even while my patience and energy ran out?
My dear friend, Jesus, yes - over and over again it is true in my life: you have prayed a better prayer for me than I have prayed for myself.
What Wondrous Love is this. Amen.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" - Luke 2: 13-14
Joel, a shepherd, called to his friends: "Look up at the sky. Don't the stars seem close tonight?"
"And extra white," Micah the youngest shepherd said, "like bits of newly washed cloth."
Old Zachariah, head tilted back, said, "Could I be seeing the shape of a spirit up there, or of an angel?
"I hate winter." Micah pulled his cloak tight. "But this black season brings out the brightest skies."
"The stars are almost speaking to us," Joel said.
"Do you really hear them? Zachariah pushed his head scarf back and turned his ear skyward.
"You're imagining. We've been out here too long. The sky is just the sky." Oren scowled. "Maybe a little extra starry over there towards Bethlehem. Nothing more."
"To me the brightness feels as if it's singing." Micah shivered.
"You're mixing it all up," Oren answered.
"No, I hear the song, the wind, the leaves - it's full of peace," Joel said.
"Why not follow that song we're hearing?" Micah asked.
"The song you hear?" Oren reached for a blanket in his pack. "I'd rather make camp."
Joe said, "Let's go - the three of us at least. Come, Oren, or don't."
Micah wrapped himself tightly and set out, followed by Joel and Zachariah. grumbling, Oren watched them leave. Suddenly he hollered, "Wait, wait for me. It's too loud and bright to stay here alone.
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. - Luke 2:15, 16
Searching and traveling - this is what this passage bring to mind for me. Part of the "specialness" of the days close to Christmas is the gathering of family and friends. For many years, while John was in graduate school, we were the "out-of-towners" making the annual trek home at Christmas to be with the extended family. Many times the trip was stressful, but the celebrating with family was worth it. That was the tradition and it meant that that was where we found our own personal "Mary and Joseph and child lying in the manger".
After we returned to St. Louis for a job and new home, we were no longer the travelers, except maybe for trips to Chesterfield or St. Charles! Other family members (including the college students) were the ones making the trip home to join the family gatherings. The anticipation of their arrival formulated the Christmas time and made the days have a special definition. The family tradition of the Christmas Eve service, Christmas breakfast, children's play, gift exchange and game playing filled the time and became the treasured tradition of the group.
And changing that tradition is always difficult. The shepherds decided to make a great trip to see something new and promising. I don't know if I would be that bold and adventurous. For us, this Christmas will have a new destination and meaning - John's nephew is getting married in Switzerland on December 30th and the extended family has been invited to attend. I had a hard time accepting the upset of the Christmas tradition, but have come to embrace the idea of celebrating in another place. I will be a traveler again to find "Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger" in a new place.
May everyone's journey, whether short or long, be fulfilling and joyful as we go looking...
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6
Christmas Eve is a tradition-filled time that holds a special place in my heart.
Most years we are traveling, headed toward family gatherings. After the hectic weeks spent preparing for the holidays, the 24th usually gives us time for relaxation, decorating Christmas cookies or working a jigsaw puzzle together. After dinner, we play games and drink hot chocolate or coffee to help us stay awake for the Christmas Eve service.
Candlelight and traditional hymns fill me with memories of Christmas Eves past. Wiggly nieces help our family fill a pew, and remind me of the loving tricks my grandmother employed to quiet us when my sisters and I were the wiggly ones. Several very special years we have emerged from Christmas Eve service at midnight to be greeted by a sprinkling of snowflakes heralding Christmas morn.
What a blessing God has bestowed on us through families - those who care for us and those for whom we care. Together with the generations we pray "Come, O come Emmanuel," God with us!