1st Sunday after Christmas
Readings:
Old Testament: Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15
Epistle: Colossians 3:12-17
Gospel Luke 2:22-40
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I had lunch with a friend the other day, and we were talking about watching the wonders of God's plan unfolding before our eyes. It is truly amazing to see God's will at work, and to be able to recognize those times when He is using you as an instrument of His love is an experience like no other. My friends, we are all capable of being these instruments so often, and probably even more often than we are. So we should always be ready for service. We should live as though at any moment the Holy Spirit, sent from God, will work in us to help another.
And so to be ready at any moment, we should live every moment in His love, and as shining examples and beacons of His light and love. The Epistle lesson this week from Colossians says, "As God's cheson people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as teh Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
It is the way we should live. Displaying all these qualities at all times, doing each one in the love that Christ gave us. And we should be these things not only to each other, as brothers and sisters in Christ, but also to everyone else you meet.
Do not begrudge each other. As I know this occurs, I implore you to give up the grudge and cling to love, and forgiveness, for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the will of God the Father. If you do not forgive, why, then, should God forgive you? But forgive, and you will be forgiven. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." If a body wars against itself, what good can it be accomplished? But remember Christ, your light, and the directions he gave us, so that we may move forward confidently, with love, until that day when He returns.
In this New Year I wish for you all to make it your resolution to strive to exemplify these virtues; to always be at the ready; to live in the Spirit. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom... with gratitude in your hearts to God." And to do all this, wrapped in love.
As you enter this new year, may the Lord God, creator of all things, bless you richly, keep you in His love, and grant you His peace.
27 December 2009
26 December 2009
Christmas
Christmas
Readings:
Old Testament: Isaiah 52:7-10
Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)
Gospel: John 1:1-14(15-18)
Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1st: Merry Christmas!
2nd: I debated this week on what to write, as I usually do. I wrote a few lines, and that didn't seem to work for me, so I approached it from a different angle, which also didn't work. And then a third, and the same. But a thought came to me as I was standing outside on a cold night, which I felt made the most sense in terms of what I'm trying to accomplish with these writings. So this will be a more freestyle post, writing as the thoughts move along.
I really do enjoy the gospel lesson for the week, but find that it lacks in the traditional Christmas story as told in other areas. When I think of Christmas I get a picture in my head of Linus from the Peanuts comic strip, standing on stage with the spotlight shining, reading the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2. But today I am going to write you concerning the light that is the life contained in Christ, the Word who was sent from the Father, who is with the Father, and through whom all things were made.
My thoughts run as this:
Many things can be said concerning the arrival of Christ on that spectacular starlit night; about the shepherds who received the angels words; about the angels singing their praises; or about the wisemen who followed the star to bring gifts to the King of the Jews.
"In him was life, and that life was the light of men." The light that is life is what came down to men when Christ arrived. His purpose was to illuminate the darkness, "The light shines in the darkness," The life contained within him- through whom all things were made- is the light of men. It is that thing that guides us from the other side, and testifies within each of us that there is more to this life, more to this world, than the time we spend between sunrises. There was a separation between heaven and earth when Christ came, when he left the curtain between those two worlds was torn- this being why he preached, "the Kingdom of Heaven is near." It is nearer than a day would display to those living in darkness. When Christ gathered up flesh and came to this world, he came to testify, and teach us, about the life beyond this life, about the world beyond this world, about the Father's Kingdom, and the life eternal. He was a light to the Gentiles, to us, and praise be to God for his mercy and compassion.
"But the darkness has not understood it. " Those living in darkness cannot see the light. Those of the world only perceive the world. It is all they know. It is that in which all their hopes and dreams are contained. It is one of our Christian duties to reveal this light to those living in darkness. But the world did not recognize the light from which they came, they did not receive him. But we, as believers in Christ, the only son of the Living God, the One and Only, we are granted the right to be His children. Not an earthly birth, not of blood, but "born of God."
I keep repeating, "He is the light" in my head. It is a phrase that I can not explain, other than to say, "He is the light.'But the darkness has not understood.'" So I suppose what I am trying to say this Christmas is that we should keep in our minds the light that Christ brought with him to illuminate the world, to illuminate the darkness. He was not put under a table, but out in the open, so that his light, his life, could illuminate the darkness.
May the Father of all things be gracious to you this Christmas, and may the Peace of the Lord, which surpasses all understanding, be with you.
Readings:
Old Testament: Isaiah 52:7-10
Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)
Gospel: John 1:1-14(15-18)
Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1st: Merry Christmas!
2nd: I debated this week on what to write, as I usually do. I wrote a few lines, and that didn't seem to work for me, so I approached it from a different angle, which also didn't work. And then a third, and the same. But a thought came to me as I was standing outside on a cold night, which I felt made the most sense in terms of what I'm trying to accomplish with these writings. So this will be a more freestyle post, writing as the thoughts move along.
I really do enjoy the gospel lesson for the week, but find that it lacks in the traditional Christmas story as told in other areas. When I think of Christmas I get a picture in my head of Linus from the Peanuts comic strip, standing on stage with the spotlight shining, reading the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2. But today I am going to write you concerning the light that is the life contained in Christ, the Word who was sent from the Father, who is with the Father, and through whom all things were made.
My thoughts run as this:
Many things can be said concerning the arrival of Christ on that spectacular starlit night; about the shepherds who received the angels words; about the angels singing their praises; or about the wisemen who followed the star to bring gifts to the King of the Jews.
"In him was life, and that life was the light of men." The light that is life is what came down to men when Christ arrived. His purpose was to illuminate the darkness, "The light shines in the darkness," The life contained within him- through whom all things were made- is the light of men. It is that thing that guides us from the other side, and testifies within each of us that there is more to this life, more to this world, than the time we spend between sunrises. There was a separation between heaven and earth when Christ came, when he left the curtain between those two worlds was torn- this being why he preached, "the Kingdom of Heaven is near." It is nearer than a day would display to those living in darkness. When Christ gathered up flesh and came to this world, he came to testify, and teach us, about the life beyond this life, about the world beyond this world, about the Father's Kingdom, and the life eternal. He was a light to the Gentiles, to us, and praise be to God for his mercy and compassion.
"But the darkness has not understood it. " Those living in darkness cannot see the light. Those of the world only perceive the world. It is all they know. It is that in which all their hopes and dreams are contained. It is one of our Christian duties to reveal this light to those living in darkness. But the world did not recognize the light from which they came, they did not receive him. But we, as believers in Christ, the only son of the Living God, the One and Only, we are granted the right to be His children. Not an earthly birth, not of blood, but "born of God."
I keep repeating, "He is the light" in my head. It is a phrase that I can not explain, other than to say, "He is the light.'But the darkness has not understood.'" So I suppose what I am trying to say this Christmas is that we should keep in our minds the light that Christ brought with him to illuminate the world, to illuminate the darkness. He was not put under a table, but out in the open, so that his light, his life, could illuminate the darkness.
May the Father of all things be gracious to you this Christmas, and may the Peace of the Lord, which surpasses all understanding, be with you.
21 December 2009
Money and Power (an Anomoly)
In this anomaly to the weekly writings, I cover a subject of my choosing. I often, as you know, experience random thoughts that can often turn over my mind for days. This was one those, and apart of a broader subject that I often debate with myself.
Money and Power. Power and Money. I guess it is a matter of understanding.
It is a well know phrse: money is power. But to those who are not rich in earthly wealth, this prase may seem innocuous or irrelevant to their condition, save they understand that it is those above them, rich in earthly wealth, who have the power and use it to rule over them.
Certainly, I believe, that men will acquiesce to those above them if only because they do not posess the means, or numbers, to rebel or refuse enacted laws or those nations' officials. And no man enjoys the rule of law, or the rule of another man, with which he disagrees. But, money is power, and power is money.
power comes from the latin posse, which means, "to be able." so to have money is to be able. The question is, and the point I wish to emphasize here is, "what abilities can be afforded?" And this is the true matter of understanding. For those with little money, looking nearly always at those who have more, their abilities seem trivial and are so greatly overshadowed that their perception of powerlessness becomes the reality in which they live. It leads us to look for more, to always want more, and leaves contentment and happiness on the wayside.
In these days, in this nation, simplicity has been overrun by ever-growing appetites. And perception leads us to believe that our ability becomes ever smaller. But even in the smallest amounts, money is power. Not power to rule over men, such power should not be sought. But it is the ability to clothe, and feed, and shelter. Through our daily jobs we acquire the ability to provide for our basic needs, and this should be power enough. Yet we are consumed with having more; wanting more: a car; newer, more expensive clothes; a stereo; a television; computer; cable; internet. And in the plethera of wants we lose sight of the power we have, of our ability to take control of our life and see the power we have, and find contentment. Whoever loves money never has money enough (Ecc 5:10)
So when you feel powerless, look at your situation without regard to the situation you aspire, and ask yourself how much, money or power, you truly need, and weigh that against how much you currently have. I would guess you will find yourself surprised. And if you dwell too long on the subject, then I suppose you will find yourself in my shoes, tracing my thoughts, reading scripture and wondering.
May God bless you in this time of year with the knowledge that you who believe are rightfully His children, and heirs to the life eternal.
Money and Power. Power and Money. I guess it is a matter of understanding.
It is a well know phrse: money is power. But to those who are not rich in earthly wealth, this prase may seem innocuous or irrelevant to their condition, save they understand that it is those above them, rich in earthly wealth, who have the power and use it to rule over them.
Certainly, I believe, that men will acquiesce to those above them if only because they do not posess the means, or numbers, to rebel or refuse enacted laws or those nations' officials. And no man enjoys the rule of law, or the rule of another man, with which he disagrees. But, money is power, and power is money.
power comes from the latin posse, which means, "to be able." so to have money is to be able. The question is, and the point I wish to emphasize here is, "what abilities can be afforded?" And this is the true matter of understanding. For those with little money, looking nearly always at those who have more, their abilities seem trivial and are so greatly overshadowed that their perception of powerlessness becomes the reality in which they live. It leads us to look for more, to always want more, and leaves contentment and happiness on the wayside.
In these days, in this nation, simplicity has been overrun by ever-growing appetites. And perception leads us to believe that our ability becomes ever smaller. But even in the smallest amounts, money is power. Not power to rule over men, such power should not be sought. But it is the ability to clothe, and feed, and shelter. Through our daily jobs we acquire the ability to provide for our basic needs, and this should be power enough. Yet we are consumed with having more; wanting more: a car; newer, more expensive clothes; a stereo; a television; computer; cable; internet. And in the plethera of wants we lose sight of the power we have, of our ability to take control of our life and see the power we have, and find contentment. Whoever loves money never has money enough (Ecc 5:10)
So when you feel powerless, look at your situation without regard to the situation you aspire, and ask yourself how much, money or power, you truly need, and weigh that against how much you currently have. I would guess you will find yourself surprised. And if you dwell too long on the subject, then I suppose you will find yourself in my shoes, tracing my thoughts, reading scripture and wondering.
May God bless you in this time of year with the knowledge that you who believe are rightfully His children, and heirs to the life eternal.
Christ, our peace.
I apologize for posting this after the 4th Sunday in Advent, but I have been battling computer problems, which now seem to be fixed. yay!
Readings:
Old Testament: Micah 5:2-5a
Epistle: Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45(46-56)
Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Welcome to the final Sunday in Advent. This is the last Sunday before Christmas, so I hope you all have prepared yourselves accordingly. I know that I am a last minute shopper- always looking for the perfect gifts. It seems I face a similar problem in these writingts. Always looking for the perfect words, the perfect complements in explanations, and in being able to relate the readings- a nice little bow. But then I look at the Old Testament reading and realize that its not the wrappin, or where a gift comes from; it isn't how much it costs, but it is the purpose and manner (intent) in which it is given.
Even though Bethlehem was small among the clans of Judah, it was here that our Heavenly Father said Christ should be born. A ruler whose origins were from of old, from ancient times. Christ wasn't a new or shiny gift. He wasn't wrapped in pretty packaging or topped with a bow. No, like those things that are blessed by God, they seem lowly and unassuming to the world. It is their purpose and intent that matter.
Christ came to shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord God. Christ came to do this for us! Christ was born, lived, and died so that we, his flock, could live securely. And he will be our peace. (I am fond of definitions) And he will be our freedom from distress. he will be our harmony. Christ will be our tranquility. Yes, Christ is certainly all of these things. Peace comes from the indo european base "pak," which means, "to fasten". and the latin pasisci which means, "to confirm an agreement". Christ is our glue. the binding agreement between us and the Father, the creator of all things. It is our belief in him, sealed in His blood, by which we are blessed, and can rest, free from distress, in harmony and tranquility,in the knowledge that our sins are forgiven and a greater life awaits us.
I read the Gospel lesson and the one thing that jumps out at, the idea that says, "hey, look here... i relate to the foundation" is the line, "Blessed are you who has believed that what the Lord has said will be accomplished." When you believe in Christ, the son of the living God, our Heavenly Father, who created all things, you believe in that very same Father, from whom all things eminate, who has given us forgiveness and sealed it with the blood of His only son. We are fastened to Christ through our belief. And Christ will be our peace.
And when you testify about Christ you prophecy about the future, for the testimony of Christ is prophecy. And he will come again. Blessed are you who believe that the things the Lord has said will be accomplished. He set aside sacrifices and offering to do the will of God, that we may be saved. For God was not pleased with sacrifices and burnt offerings for they could not make us perfect- those who draw near for worship. If they could have made us perfect, then they would not have stopped. But Christ was perfect for us. He is our strength. The confidence of our peace. Christ died once for all mankind. By the will of the Father have we been made holy through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, the son of the living God. Our shepherd, our peace.... the Lord is my shepherd.
By his blood we have been forgiven and by our belief have we been fastened to that forgiveness, and we can rest easy, in the knowledge the our future is secure. The Lord is our peace.
Readings:
Old Testament: Micah 5:2-5a
Epistle: Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45(46-56)
Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Welcome to the final Sunday in Advent. This is the last Sunday before Christmas, so I hope you all have prepared yourselves accordingly. I know that I am a last minute shopper- always looking for the perfect gifts. It seems I face a similar problem in these writingts. Always looking for the perfect words, the perfect complements in explanations, and in being able to relate the readings- a nice little bow. But then I look at the Old Testament reading and realize that its not the wrappin, or where a gift comes from; it isn't how much it costs, but it is the purpose and manner (intent) in which it is given.
Even though Bethlehem was small among the clans of Judah, it was here that our Heavenly Father said Christ should be born. A ruler whose origins were from of old, from ancient times. Christ wasn't a new or shiny gift. He wasn't wrapped in pretty packaging or topped with a bow. No, like those things that are blessed by God, they seem lowly and unassuming to the world. It is their purpose and intent that matter.
Christ came to shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord God. Christ came to do this for us! Christ was born, lived, and died so that we, his flock, could live securely. And he will be our peace. (I am fond of definitions) And he will be our freedom from distress. he will be our harmony. Christ will be our tranquility. Yes, Christ is certainly all of these things. Peace comes from the indo european base "pak," which means, "to fasten". and the latin pasisci which means, "to confirm an agreement". Christ is our glue. the binding agreement between us and the Father, the creator of all things. It is our belief in him, sealed in His blood, by which we are blessed, and can rest, free from distress, in harmony and tranquility,in the knowledge that our sins are forgiven and a greater life awaits us.
I read the Gospel lesson and the one thing that jumps out at, the idea that says, "hey, look here... i relate to the foundation" is the line, "Blessed are you who has believed that what the Lord has said will be accomplished." When you believe in Christ, the son of the living God, our Heavenly Father, who created all things, you believe in that very same Father, from whom all things eminate, who has given us forgiveness and sealed it with the blood of His only son. We are fastened to Christ through our belief. And Christ will be our peace.
And when you testify about Christ you prophecy about the future, for the testimony of Christ is prophecy. And he will come again. Blessed are you who believe that the things the Lord has said will be accomplished. He set aside sacrifices and offering to do the will of God, that we may be saved. For God was not pleased with sacrifices and burnt offerings for they could not make us perfect- those who draw near for worship. If they could have made us perfect, then they would not have stopped. But Christ was perfect for us. He is our strength. The confidence of our peace. Christ died once for all mankind. By the will of the Father have we been made holy through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, the son of the living God. Our shepherd, our peace.... the Lord is my shepherd.
By his blood we have been forgiven and by our belief have we been fastened to that forgiveness, and we can rest easy, in the knowledge the our future is secure. The Lord is our peace.
13 December 2009
I will say it again, Rejoice!
3rd Sunday in Advent
Readings:
Old Testament: Zephaniah 3:14-20
Epistle: Pillipians 4:4-7
Gospel: Luke 7:18-28
Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
To be glad (have joy) again: this is the root meaning of the origin of the word, "rejoice." And this is our message for today, and one to be taken throughout the new year. Remember Christ, his birth, his life, his sacrifice, and be glad again. Let loose of your sorrow, your sins are forgiven! Walk with your confidence in Christ, for in Him lies your joy.
Rejoice! For those of us who believe, we have been redeemed. We have intercession for our sins. And in our faith in Christ, we show faith in the Father of all things, who will take care of your needs. Truly, we are worth many sparrows. So with the joy, the gladness of our salvation in Christ we can let loose of our stress, we can worry less- in fact Christ says to not worry at all, and thus we are more calm, more glad, more mild. "Let your gentleness be evident to all."
"I will say it again, Rejoice!" and let your gentlenes be evident to all. Not just to other Christians who celebrate this blessed time of year, but also the person at the store checkout who says, "Happy Holidays," as opposed to, "Merry Christmas." Be gentle in your tone when you reply, "Merry Christmas." And do not be anxious (coming from the indo-european base angh, which means anger) about teh season, or what gifts to give, or that another town will no longer display a nativity scene on the courthouse lawn. For Christ came, and lived, and was crucified. Let Him be your foundation. Let him be the center of your Christmas celebration, and rejoice.
"I will say it again, Rejoice!" do not be anxious about anything. I'm not sure if you caught that. Do not be anxious about Anything. We know that it can be a stressful time of year, but remember Christ. Remember to hold Him at the center of the celebration and everything else will fall into line as it should be. "But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God." In everything. By taking every situation to the Lord, through faith in Christ can we truly come to not be anxious about anything. For Christ is our strength and our redemption. He is the intercession between us an the Father. By his body he paid for our sins, and anything we ask in his name will be granted to those who believe.
"I will say it again, Rejoice!" "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Rejoice that we have been blessed. It is a blessing that was promised in the days of old and fulfilled in the birth of Christ. That a savior was to be born. He would become our righteousness, and our redemption. And we should rejoice for all these things. And also that he will come again. Rejoice. I will say it again, Rejoice!
Readings:
Old Testament: Zephaniah 3:14-20
Epistle: Pillipians 4:4-7
Gospel: Luke 7:18-28
Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
To be glad (have joy) again: this is the root meaning of the origin of the word, "rejoice." And this is our message for today, and one to be taken throughout the new year. Remember Christ, his birth, his life, his sacrifice, and be glad again. Let loose of your sorrow, your sins are forgiven! Walk with your confidence in Christ, for in Him lies your joy.
Rejoice! For those of us who believe, we have been redeemed. We have intercession for our sins. And in our faith in Christ, we show faith in the Father of all things, who will take care of your needs. Truly, we are worth many sparrows. So with the joy, the gladness of our salvation in Christ we can let loose of our stress, we can worry less- in fact Christ says to not worry at all, and thus we are more calm, more glad, more mild. "Let your gentleness be evident to all."
"I will say it again, Rejoice!" and let your gentlenes be evident to all. Not just to other Christians who celebrate this blessed time of year, but also the person at the store checkout who says, "Happy Holidays," as opposed to, "Merry Christmas." Be gentle in your tone when you reply, "Merry Christmas." And do not be anxious (coming from the indo-european base angh, which means anger) about teh season, or what gifts to give, or that another town will no longer display a nativity scene on the courthouse lawn. For Christ came, and lived, and was crucified. Let Him be your foundation. Let him be the center of your Christmas celebration, and rejoice.
"I will say it again, Rejoice!" do not be anxious about anything. I'm not sure if you caught that. Do not be anxious about Anything. We know that it can be a stressful time of year, but remember Christ. Remember to hold Him at the center of the celebration and everything else will fall into line as it should be. "But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God." In everything. By taking every situation to the Lord, through faith in Christ can we truly come to not be anxious about anything. For Christ is our strength and our redemption. He is the intercession between us an the Father. By his body he paid for our sins, and anything we ask in his name will be granted to those who believe.
"I will say it again, Rejoice!" "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Rejoice that we have been blessed. It is a blessing that was promised in the days of old and fulfilled in the birth of Christ. That a savior was to be born. He would become our righteousness, and our redemption. And we should rejoice for all these things. And also that he will come again. Rejoice. I will say it again, Rejoice!
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