I know New Year's eve is today and the focus is and should be on Drinking and driving...we all know what can happen when you get behind the wheel impaired...it's not worth it. Get a designated driver, call a cab, catch a bus, call a friend, parent or family member...get a hotel room! Don't drink and drive!
In the same light, AT&T recently launched a campaign about texting and driving...it's a little long, but worth your time...share it with your friends, your family but most importantly, take it's message to heart! It's just NOT worth it...
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Another unique performance...
I posted something similar last year...but that time it was in a controlled environment...a church...
Behold the "Hallelujah Chorus" from the 5th graders of Kuinerrarmint Elitnaurviat School and many of the townsfolk from Quinhagak, Alaska...Somehow I can imagine God smiling at their efforts!
Behold the "Hallelujah Chorus" from the 5th graders of Kuinerrarmint Elitnaurviat School and many of the townsfolk from Quinhagak, Alaska...Somehow I can imagine God smiling at their efforts!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
An unusual story...
about a Hollywood heavyweight...
A story that makes you feel good about one of the most superficial industries in the world. That's the sad part...with the "power" that Hollywood has to shape and mold young people these days, it's a shame that this is an "unusual" story.
A story that makes you feel good about one of the most superficial industries in the world. That's the sad part...with the "power" that Hollywood has to shape and mold young people these days, it's a shame that this is an "unusual" story.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The Time is Short
Dear Friends,
You who are letting miserable misunderstandings run on from year to year, meaning to clear them up some day...You who are passing man sullenly upon the street, not speaking out of some silly spite, and yet knowing that it would fill you with remorse if you heard that one of these men were dead tomorrow morning; you who are...letting your friend's heart ache for a word of appreciation or sympathy, which you mean to give him some day---if you could know...that "the time is short", how it would break the spell! How you would go instantly and do the thing which you might never have another chance to do.
Phillip Brooks
You who are letting miserable misunderstandings run on from year to year, meaning to clear them up some day...You who are passing man sullenly upon the street, not speaking out of some silly spite, and yet knowing that it would fill you with remorse if you heard that one of these men were dead tomorrow morning; you who are...letting your friend's heart ache for a word of appreciation or sympathy, which you mean to give him some day---if you could know...that "the time is short", how it would break the spell! How you would go instantly and do the thing which you might never have another chance to do.
Phillip Brooks
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas!
FIFTH CANDLE – (white) “CHRIST CANDLE” – The white candle reminds us that Jesus is the spotless lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! His birth was for his death, his death was for our birth! “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!‘” (John 1:29)
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.’ In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ ‘How can a man be born when he is old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.‘” (John 3:1-8)
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
A thought...
There is a new movement afoot...Redefining Christmas....perhaps it is something you've been hearing in your heart but didn't know how to go about it...maybe it's just an idea at this point...
As in many of the "Flash Mobs" that spring up this time of year (people breaking out into the Hallelujah Chorus in random public places)...check this video...
It's up to you to decide...
As in many of the "Flash Mobs" that spring up this time of year (people breaking out into the Hallelujah Chorus in random public places)...check this video...
It's up to you to decide...
Most interesting video...
I am not a Catholic and have struggled with their view of Mary for many years. Not that I would deny her the place she should have...I just have not understood the why's and wherefore's...although this video does not answer all questions, it does offer much food for thought for those of us who have not had the same teaching...It is a little long, but worth the while of those who question...
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Pick me, Pick me...
Sorry everyone, this is a shameless attempt to win a new printer from The Pioneer Woman...try visiting her for a few giggles...she really has a great blog!
Joseph
The most famous view of Joseph, the earthly father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is in the manger scene. We see a man...strong, supportive, humble...but he is also silent (he is not quoted in Scripture). Although he does not utter a word for us to hear, we can get a beautiful picture of a righteous man from his actions.
God sent an angel to visit the mother of His Son and they spoke face to face. The same angel spoke to Joseph, but in a dream. God chose Mary and with much less fanfare, Joseph too.
How would you describe him? He was betrothed but then finds that his fiancee has “betrayed” him (or so he thought). Even though the law would have allowed him to divorce her (and even have her stoned) with no questions asked, he planned to put her away quietly...so as to not add to her shame. After the angel's visit, he carried through with the marriage even though he still faced public humiliation. Given all this, he was still more than willing to stay in the background. In those days the man was the absolute ruler of the household and the family. And although I am sure Mary was a dutiful and submissive wife, Joseph understood she was the more important of the two...she was the Vessel. He loved his wife and his God to the point of foregoing one of his rights as a husband until after the Child was born and Mary healed. He knew there was a greater purpose to be served here.
He must have felt fear and anxiety...at first for the perceived betrayal by Mary and then later at the thought of raising the Son of God! Not only was he to be responsible for the most important child ever to be born, he faced the daily issues all poor men of that time faced. Caring for and supporting a family, providing for their needs, paying taxes. There were also much graver responsibilities in their lives...like protecting his defenseless (in mortal terms) child from a ruthless tyrant and becoming refugees in a strange land.
The last time Joseph is mentioned is when Jesus is 12 and at the Temple. Through it all we see a righteous man, a loving man, a strong, supportive man...the portrait of a man who puts his absolute and complete trust in God. It's no wonder he too was chosen.
God sent an angel to visit the mother of His Son and they spoke face to face. The same angel spoke to Joseph, but in a dream. God chose Mary and with much less fanfare, Joseph too.
How would you describe him? He was betrothed but then finds that his fiancee has “betrayed” him (or so he thought). Even though the law would have allowed him to divorce her (and even have her stoned) with no questions asked, he planned to put her away quietly...so as to not add to her shame. After the angel's visit, he carried through with the marriage even though he still faced public humiliation. Given all this, he was still more than willing to stay in the background. In those days the man was the absolute ruler of the household and the family. And although I am sure Mary was a dutiful and submissive wife, Joseph understood she was the more important of the two...she was the Vessel. He loved his wife and his God to the point of foregoing one of his rights as a husband until after the Child was born and Mary healed. He knew there was a greater purpose to be served here.
He must have felt fear and anxiety...at first for the perceived betrayal by Mary and then later at the thought of raising the Son of God! Not only was he to be responsible for the most important child ever to be born, he faced the daily issues all poor men of that time faced. Caring for and supporting a family, providing for their needs, paying taxes. There were also much graver responsibilities in their lives...like protecting his defenseless (in mortal terms) child from a ruthless tyrant and becoming refugees in a strange land.
The last time Joseph is mentioned is when Jesus is 12 and at the Temple. Through it all we see a righteous man, a loving man, a strong, supportive man...the portrait of a man who puts his absolute and complete trust in God. It's no wonder he too was chosen.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Snow Flakes
Many of us are "enjoying" winter weather much earlier than usual...snow in the mid-South in early December? Who ever heard of such! They say no two are the same...Behold the beauty of a snowflake by checking here
Digital Nativity
The way the story is delivered may change, but the story itself remains the same...
Monday, December 20, 2010
Christmas Cards
How do you choose your Christmas cards? Do you stand in the card aisle and take time to see which one "fits" you? Do you grab the first box you see? Do you pick a card and then have your names printed inside? Do you take time to sign each one and perhaps put in a note as well? Do you make your own cards?
Seems the Pope picks his own cards and decides what they will say...
I'm sure I'm not on the Pope's mailing list but that's okay, he's not on mine either.
Seems the Pope picks his own cards and decides what they will say...
I'm sure I'm not on the Pope's mailing list but that's okay, he's not on mine either.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
I'm fascinated...
What can I say? I am fascinated with the way they make the lights flash in time with the music. Some would say it doesn't take much to entertain me...but then again, this cannot be easy. Dancing Christmas lights along with one of my most favorite songs ever...it's bound to be a hit!
Advent Week 4
FOURTH CANDLE – (purple) THE ANGEL CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF LOVE – The angels announced the good news of a Savior. God sent his only Son to earth to save us, because he loves us! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)
Saturday, December 18, 2010
A Martha Christmas?
Luke 10:38-42
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
So which are you at Christmas? Mary or Martha? Do you rush hither and tither making preparations for everyone else to enjoy the day or do you prepare yourself for the day?
Are you up cooking, cleaning, decorating and wrapping or do you sit "at the feet" of Jesus? It doesn't have to be silent...if everyone else in the house is going about their business, this doesn't have to interfere with you. Jesus can speak to you in the midst of noise. If He is truly the Shepherd of your life, you will hear His voice.
During this time when we're all surrounded by presents, it is a good thing to give money to charities or to your church. But is that the best gift you can give the Christ Child? What do you think Jesus Himself desires from you? Sure He wants us to see others less fortunate and help ease their burdens but He wants your time. Being available to open your heart to Him is to have a Mary Christmas.
How much of your celebration is secular? There is an over abundance of Christmas songs and we're meant to enjoy them...but are they all about "Let it snow, Let it snow" or "Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer" or "Up on the house top"? Do you also incorporate "Hark the Herald angels" or "What Child is this" or "In the Bleak Midwinter"? We all decorate with trees and snowmen and Christmas stockings but do you also include a star? An Advent wreath? Angels?
Jesus is the reason for the season...let's keep Him in the midst of the celebration.
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
So which are you at Christmas? Mary or Martha? Do you rush hither and tither making preparations for everyone else to enjoy the day or do you prepare yourself for the day?
Are you up cooking, cleaning, decorating and wrapping or do you sit "at the feet" of Jesus? It doesn't have to be silent...if everyone else in the house is going about their business, this doesn't have to interfere with you. Jesus can speak to you in the midst of noise. If He is truly the Shepherd of your life, you will hear His voice.
During this time when we're all surrounded by presents, it is a good thing to give money to charities or to your church. But is that the best gift you can give the Christ Child? What do you think Jesus Himself desires from you? Sure He wants us to see others less fortunate and help ease their burdens but He wants your time. Being available to open your heart to Him is to have a Mary Christmas.
How much of your celebration is secular? There is an over abundance of Christmas songs and we're meant to enjoy them...but are they all about "Let it snow, Let it snow" or "Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer" or "Up on the house top"? Do you also incorporate "Hark the Herald angels" or "What Child is this" or "In the Bleak Midwinter"? We all decorate with trees and snowmen and Christmas stockings but do you also include a star? An Advent wreath? Angels?
Jesus is the reason for the season...let's keep Him in the midst of the celebration.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Merrily!
To add a little joy to your day! The composer is unknown but the carol is reputed to be French from the 16th century...
Ding dong merrily on high,
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
E'en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And "Io, io, io!"
By priest and people sungen.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Ding dong merrily on high,
In heav'n the bells are ringing:
Ding dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
E'en so here below, below,
Let steeple bells be swungen,
And "Io, io, io!"
By priest and people sungen.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Pray you, dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers;
May you beautifully rime
Your evetime song, ye singers.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Logos (the Word of God)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(John 1:1 NIV) In Greek, "word" is "Logos" which also means wisdom or reason.
"The Word was with God, and the Word was God..."
In Genesis, God created the universe...by speaking the Word. As He created each part, He said "Let there be...". The important part is that He "said" it...He spoke it all into being. The Word of God is Omnipotent (All powerful).
If there was any doubt who or what the "Word of God" was, the birth of the Christ child removed it. When the Apostle John states, "14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14 NIV), he is identifying Jesus as an incarnation of the divine Logos that formed the universe.
From N.T. Wright: When Pilate hears the word, says John, he is afraid, since the word in question is Jesus' reported claim to be the Son of God (John 19:8). Unless we recognize this strange, dark strand running through the Gospel, we will domesticate John's masterpiece (just as we're always in danger of domesticating Christmas) and think it's only about comfort and joy. In truth, it's also about incomprehension, rejection, darkness, denial, stopped ears, and judgment. Christmas is not about the living God coming to tell us everything's all right. John's Gospel isn't about Jesus speaking the truth and everyone saying "Of course! Why didn't we realize it before?" It is about God shining his clear, bright torch into the darkness of our world, our lives, our hearts, our imaginations—and the darkness not comprehending it. It's about God, God as a little child, speaking words of truth, and nobody knowing what he's talking about.
Giving in to the world...
We humans are such frail and fragile creatures. Physically it is amazing what the body can withstand but mentally we break easily.
Even though the Bible is filled with promises from God, we choose always to look on the dark side...to take events at face value without looking for God's hand. I'm sure it distresses Him for us to question and doubt. It is easy for us to look back at the Israelites thousands of years ago and say, "had I been there, I would have believed!" Angels appearing, prophets speaking, seas parting, walls tumbling, even the "still, small voice of God" and yet they turned away time and again. Why should we think we are any different?
In times of peace and tranquility, we are happy Christians...all is going our way! But let there be one pothole on the road and we question, doubt, even rail against God. "Why is He letting this happen to me?" Do we ever stop to think that perhaps things are happening because of choices we ourselves have made? Are we down because we "let" the world get the better of us rather than choosing to be joyful?
God expects a steadfast hope from us. After all, He has told us He will be with us always...to the end of the age. I say this as one who fails to live up to the expectations, who is quick to fall into depression. It's my prayer that I can turn to the one from Whom all Blessings flow and choose to live my life as one He loves.
Brave your storm with firm endeavor,
let your vain repinings go!
Hopeful hearts will find forever
roses underneath the snow.
George Cooper
Even though the Bible is filled with promises from God, we choose always to look on the dark side...to take events at face value without looking for God's hand. I'm sure it distresses Him for us to question and doubt. It is easy for us to look back at the Israelites thousands of years ago and say, "had I been there, I would have believed!" Angels appearing, prophets speaking, seas parting, walls tumbling, even the "still, small voice of God" and yet they turned away time and again. Why should we think we are any different?
In times of peace and tranquility, we are happy Christians...all is going our way! But let there be one pothole on the road and we question, doubt, even rail against God. "Why is He letting this happen to me?" Do we ever stop to think that perhaps things are happening because of choices we ourselves have made? Are we down because we "let" the world get the better of us rather than choosing to be joyful?
God expects a steadfast hope from us. After all, He has told us He will be with us always...to the end of the age. I say this as one who fails to live up to the expectations, who is quick to fall into depression. It's my prayer that I can turn to the one from Whom all Blessings flow and choose to live my life as one He loves.
Brave your storm with firm endeavor,
let your vain repinings go!
Hopeful hearts will find forever
roses underneath the snow.
George Cooper
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
O Come O Come Emmanuel
The haunting notes of a Hammered Dulcimer are a beautiful way to present this 15th century processional. Most of the text is taken from the prophecies in Isaiah...
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Live Nativity...
The children and youth will be performing next Sunday night...our play includes pigs, donkey, chicken, horse, mouse, cow, a lamb and (3) camels...fortunately for us, they will all be young people in masks. Now while they may miss a word or speak out of turn, there's not much chance of physical damage. Unlike poor Lula Bell's performance at First Baptist Church.
You can read the story here!
While my little make believe animals may get a little unruly during rehearsals...this probably won't happen to us!
You can read the story here!
While my little make believe animals may get a little unruly during rehearsals...this probably won't happen to us!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Advent Week 3
THIRD CANDLE – (pink) THE SHEPHERD CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF JOY – The angels sang a message of JOY! “…and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:7-15)
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Immaculate Conception
By J. Peter Nixon
I’ve always sort of struggled with the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Reading descriptions of its development is sort of like reading a very complicated legal brief. Lots of talk about the “imputed merits of Christ,” the theology of Duns Scotus, and all that. Most of the time, I enjoy that sort of thing. But not today.
Today I’m thinking about mothers. One of the reasons that Mary is so important is that, in some sense, she is the guarantor of the humanity of Jesus. Jesus had a mother, just like all of us. Much of what Jesus became as a human being, he became because of his mother.
If you met me and got to know me for a while, and then met my mother, you would immediately see some of the traits that she passed down to me. I suspect that those who got to know Jesus, and then met Mary, had the same experience. Maybe it was her smile, maybe certain turns of phrase. Maybe Jesus inherited his fiery passion, his fearlessness from her. She must have been a formidable woman!
One of the ongoing temptations in Christianity has been to deny, sometimes without even meaning to, the humanity of Christ. A lot of us are still carrying around a mental image of a fleshy “costume” animated by an all-knowing, all-seeing deity. The idea that Jesus could have been shaped in some fundamental way by his human environment sometimes seems threatening. But that is precisely why the Incarnation is so stunning.
It doesn’t seem completely unreasonable to me that if God was going to become incarnate in human flesh, that he would do a little advance planning. And perhaps one of the things He might be most concerned about is the woman who would bear Him, who would shape Him and guide him to adulthood, a poor peasant girl from the Judean countryside. How would she ever have the strength to bear the burden that would be laid upon her?
The answer? He gave it to her.
Oh, I’m sure this is very poor theology and someone far more learned than I could poke numerous holes in it. But in some sense, I think this is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception is all about: a son’s love for His mother.
I, like the author have struggled at times with the Immaculate Conception. In order to get a better grip, I have tried to study the teachings of other denominations...most particularly the Catholic Church. While I still cannot get my head fully around the notion...I can and do accept on faith that it happened...and it happened because God wanted it so.
Over the years I have marvelled that Mary took on this blessing and fulfilled her end beautifully. What awesome responsibility! The last couple of paragraphs have opened a window for me...and given me yet another reason to believe and hope...
I’ve always sort of struggled with the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Reading descriptions of its development is sort of like reading a very complicated legal brief. Lots of talk about the “imputed merits of Christ,” the theology of Duns Scotus, and all that. Most of the time, I enjoy that sort of thing. But not today.
Today I’m thinking about mothers. One of the reasons that Mary is so important is that, in some sense, she is the guarantor of the humanity of Jesus. Jesus had a mother, just like all of us. Much of what Jesus became as a human being, he became because of his mother.
If you met me and got to know me for a while, and then met my mother, you would immediately see some of the traits that she passed down to me. I suspect that those who got to know Jesus, and then met Mary, had the same experience. Maybe it was her smile, maybe certain turns of phrase. Maybe Jesus inherited his fiery passion, his fearlessness from her. She must have been a formidable woman!
One of the ongoing temptations in Christianity has been to deny, sometimes without even meaning to, the humanity of Christ. A lot of us are still carrying around a mental image of a fleshy “costume” animated by an all-knowing, all-seeing deity. The idea that Jesus could have been shaped in some fundamental way by his human environment sometimes seems threatening. But that is precisely why the Incarnation is so stunning.
It doesn’t seem completely unreasonable to me that if God was going to become incarnate in human flesh, that he would do a little advance planning. And perhaps one of the things He might be most concerned about is the woman who would bear Him, who would shape Him and guide him to adulthood, a poor peasant girl from the Judean countryside. How would she ever have the strength to bear the burden that would be laid upon her?
The answer? He gave it to her.
Oh, I’m sure this is very poor theology and someone far more learned than I could poke numerous holes in it. But in some sense, I think this is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception is all about: a son’s love for His mother.
I, like the author have struggled at times with the Immaculate Conception. In order to get a better grip, I have tried to study the teachings of other denominations...most particularly the Catholic Church. While I still cannot get my head fully around the notion...I can and do accept on faith that it happened...and it happened because God wanted it so.
Over the years I have marvelled that Mary took on this blessing and fulfilled her end beautifully. What awesome responsibility! The last couple of paragraphs have opened a window for me...and given me yet another reason to believe and hope...
Friday, December 10, 2010
No Sweeter Thing...
Life holds no sweeter thing than this:
To teach a little child the tale most loved on earth;
And watch the wonder deepen in his eyes;
The while you tell him of the Christ Child's birth;
The while you tell of shepherds and a song,
Of gentle drowsy beasts and fragrant hay;
On which that starlit night in Bethlehem,
God's tiny Son and His young mother lay...
Adelaide Love
To teach a little child the tale most loved on earth;
And watch the wonder deepen in his eyes;
The while you tell him of the Christ Child's birth;
The while you tell of shepherds and a song,
Of gentle drowsy beasts and fragrant hay;
On which that starlit night in Bethlehem,
God's tiny Son and His young mother lay...
Adelaide Love
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Honeysuckle
Well it's official! The "color" for next year (according to experts) is Honeysuckle! Just in case you're not sure what color that would be (personally I would have thought yellow)...here it is..
Experts say that "In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going, perfect to ward off the blues!"
Now while I've always thought that the best way to beat stress and the blues was prayer...and since God created all the colors I bet he wouldn't mind if we wore (or looked at) a little honeysuckle while we're praying!
Experts say that "In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going, perfect to ward off the blues!"
Now while I've always thought that the best way to beat stress and the blues was prayer...and since God created all the colors I bet he wouldn't mind if we wore (or looked at) a little honeysuckle while we're praying!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Found this image at United Methodist Young People's Ministry page...thought about writing a long piece on it but realized it could be summed up in a couple of paragraphs...not because it doesn't have a deep meaning, but because the meaning is a little different for each of us. The only common requirement is courage.
It takes courage to serve others...to put your heart on the line. It takes courage to love Jesus because He WILL call you and use you and you will NEVER be the same. It takes courage to be different...especially for young people...to not be stamped by the cookie cutter so many others are stamped with...
If I could pray but one prayer for our young people, it would be that they follow Jesus by doing these three things.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Advent Preparations
Don't know about you but this was something I needed to hear...It should be second nature for us to spend time preparing ourselves for the Coming of the King...and yet, we do get all wrapped up in the secular issues. How differently would I approach midnight on Christmas Eve if I had taken the time to open my heart and mind? How much more fulfilling would the experience be? What would I feel? In years past I have felt relief that all the gifts were bought and all the preparations completed and only really thought about the birth at the Christmas Eve service. How much more peace and joy would I have if I took some time each day to contemplate what is happening, what this event really means to my life and the lives of others...Guess I should make it a point...as if my life depended on it.
Monday, December 6, 2010
What a wonderfully fascinating poem...and timely too. Since The Anchoress has permission to reprint and I do not...take a moment to go visit Eve by Madeleine L'Engle.
I promise it is worth your time...
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Advent Week 2
SECOND CANDLE – (purple) THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF PREPARATION – God kept his promise of a Savior who would be born in Bethlehem. Preparation means to “get ready”. Help us to be ready to welcome YOU, O GOD! “As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: ‘A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.‘ (Luke 3:4-6)
There's a Voice in the Wilderness Crying
There’s a voice in the wilderness crying,
A call from the ways untrod:
Prepare in the desert a highway,
A highway for our God!
The valleys shall be exalted,
The lofty hills brought low;
Make straight all the crooked places,
Where the Lord our God may go!
O Zion, that bringest good tidings,
Get thee up to the heights and sing!
Proclaim to a desolate people
The coming of their King.
Like the flowers of the field they perish,
The works of men decay,
The power and pomp of nations
Shall pass like a dream away.
But the word of our God endureth,
The arm of the Lord is strong;
He stands in the midst of nations,
And He will right the wrong.
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd,
And fold the lambs to His breast;
In pastures of peace He’ll lead them,
And give to the weary rest.
There’s a voice in the wilderness crying,
A call from the ways untrod:
Prepare in the desert a highway,
A highway for our God!
The valleys shall be exalted,
The lofty hills brought low;
Make straight all the crooked places,
Where the Lord our God may go!
Friday, December 3, 2010
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah
In C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia, the Christ character is portrayed as a lion. I was recently asked why he would choose a lion. Obviously some of us have forgotten that one of the “Names” of Jesus is “The Lion of the tribe of Judah”.
The Lion of Judah is an ancient symbol that represents the tribe of Judah throughout the Old Testament. It dates back to the tribe's partiarch, Jacob, who referred to his son Judah as 'Gur Aryeh' or 'the young lion' (Genesis 49:9). In Christianity, the Lion of Judah epithet is used to refer to Jesus Christ. Revelation 5:5 says, “Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed!””
The Bible reveals Jesus' bloodline dating back to Jacob, of the House of David. Judah was Jacob's fourth son and the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. Normally the fourth son would not inherit but because of the sins of the three older sons, the inheritance and the birthright fell into Judah's lap. On his deathbed, Jacob prophesied about the coming of Jesus, the Lion of Judah (Genesis 49:8-12). Christians around the world believe that while the ancient tribe of Levi prepared priests, that of Judah prepared Kings.
In St. Peters Square, Vatican City, there is an obelisk that was moved there in the 16th century which says in Latin:
Behold the Cross of the Lord!
Flee, you parties of the adversary;
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah has conquered!
The Lion of Judah is an ancient symbol that represents the tribe of Judah throughout the Old Testament. It dates back to the tribe's partiarch, Jacob, who referred to his son Judah as 'Gur Aryeh' or 'the young lion' (Genesis 49:9). In Christianity, the Lion of Judah epithet is used to refer to Jesus Christ. Revelation 5:5 says, “Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed!””
The Bible reveals Jesus' bloodline dating back to Jacob, of the House of David. Judah was Jacob's fourth son and the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. Normally the fourth son would not inherit but because of the sins of the three older sons, the inheritance and the birthright fell into Judah's lap. On his deathbed, Jacob prophesied about the coming of Jesus, the Lion of Judah (Genesis 49:8-12). Christians around the world believe that while the ancient tribe of Levi prepared priests, that of Judah prepared Kings.
In St. Peters Square, Vatican City, there is an obelisk that was moved there in the 16th century which says in Latin:
Behold the Cross of the Lord!
Flee, you parties of the adversary;
The Lion of the Tribe of Judah has conquered!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Labels
I don't believe in coincidence. I believe all things happen for a purpose. Now that you know that, you should also know that I'm not surprised by my lunchtime reading today...
Yesterday I posted this..."Names are important to us. Not only are they the way we know one another, they are the way we describe one another. Over the course of this Advent season...I will explore some of the Names of Jesus...they are many and varied. Above all, He is the Alpha and Omega...but that one will come later."
In an effort to decide which of the "Names of Jesus" I would choose, I printed a list off the Internet...there were 103.
Today as I was reading Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron I came across the following "Labels are misleading. They objectify people. They are a form of relational laziness. We think that if we can nail a person's label, we've got them all figured out and we don't need to spend time getting to know who they really are. People are always a lot more complicated than their labels."
Funny that yesterday I described the Names of Jesus as "many and varied"...and that they are. We cannot put Jesus in a box. We cannot ever hope to "figure Him out". I will still be writing on the same theme this month but in doing so, I will keep in mind the quote and see to it that I never become lazy in my attempt to have a relationship with Jesus.
Yesterday I posted this..."Names are important to us. Not only are they the way we know one another, they are the way we describe one another. Over the course of this Advent season...I will explore some of the Names of Jesus...they are many and varied. Above all, He is the Alpha and Omega...but that one will come later."
In an effort to decide which of the "Names of Jesus" I would choose, I printed a list off the Internet...there were 103.
Today as I was reading Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron I came across the following "Labels are misleading. They objectify people. They are a form of relational laziness. We think that if we can nail a person's label, we've got them all figured out and we don't need to spend time getting to know who they really are. People are always a lot more complicated than their labels."
Funny that yesterday I described the Names of Jesus as "many and varied"...and that they are. We cannot put Jesus in a box. We cannot ever hope to "figure Him out". I will still be writing on the same theme this month but in doing so, I will keep in mind the quote and see to it that I never become lazy in my attempt to have a relationship with Jesus.
Hanukkah
From the Hebrew word for "dedication" or "consecration", Hanukkah marks the re- dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem (Second Temple) after its desecration by the forces of the King of Syria Antiochus IV Epiphanes and commemorates the "miracle of the container of oil". According to the Talmud, at the re-dedication following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.
The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night.
On all eight days of Hanukkah two special blessings are said before the kindled menorah. On the first day of Hanukkah, a third is added to recognize the beginning of the Hanukkah season.
First Blessing
Baruch ata Adonai elohanu melech ha olam, asher kiddishanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel Hanukkah. (Blessed are you our God, Ruler of the world, who makes us holy through your mitzvoth, and commands us to kindle the Hanukkah lights.)
Second Blessing:
Baruch ata Adonai elohanu melech ha olam, she asa nisim l'avoteinu, bayamim ha-hem, bazman ha zeh. (Blessed are you our God, Ruler of the world, who worked miracles for our ancestors in days long ago at this season).
Third Blessing:
Baruch ata Adonai, elohanu melech ha olam, sheheheyanu, v'kiyimanu, v'higiyanu, lazman ha zeh. (Blessed are you our God, Ruler of the world, who has given us life, sustained us, and has brought us to this season.)
To our Jewish Brethern, Happy Hanukkah!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Names
Names are important to us. Not only are they the way we know one another, they are the way we describe one another. Over the course of this Advent season...I will explore some of the Names of Jesus...they are many and varied. Above all, He is the Alpha and Omega...but that one will come later.
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