Advent

Longing. The church calls this time before Christmas the Advent season. Advent means coming. We know God is coming, inteh child of mary and Joseph born on Christmas. We'd also like God ot come and fix things. That's the longing part. God, I wish my life were better, my relationships sounder, my circumstances different. There is so much that is dark and hurtful in the world, and I wish you'd fix it. We really need the peace and joy of Christmas and we need it to last all year. At St. Mark's we have a candle stand where people can say a prayer and light a candle. The candle table faces a window. At night we offer our prayers, light a candle, and when we look up--guess what we see? Our faces! It seems God is answering our prayers by reminding us that it starts with me. If I'd like a happier life, well, do something about it. If I'd like a more peaceful world, well, start by creating understanding with the people closest. God says, "Sure I can make the world better, but I need someone to be my hands and feet. How about you?" May God grant you the wisdom to work with the Lord in making your life, and this world, better.

Imagination

Imagination is critical to finding new and better ways to live. Imagination helps us picture a newer, brighter future. The Bible in the book of Revelation invites us to imagine eternal life with God and Jesus, the Lamb of God. Chapter 7 decribes worship around the throne of Christ.

Knowing what's ahead, we are free to work hard here and now to carry out God's loving mission on earth. Putting the two together--worship in heaven and good works now--is a challenge, but Bono from the band U2 does a marvelous job in this clip. I wouldn't look forward to angels strumming harps, but I could really get into U2, the lights, and the joy in this link. And then listen to his comments at the end, which cut to the very heart of the Christian life:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OJk8SJ_FNQ&feature=email

Don’t get me started on Halloween…

I’m sorry but I think we’ve gone overboard on “fall festivals’ and banning costumes from school. I know some Christians object because it seems we are worshiping the dark side or because the festival has pagan roots. Here’s my perspective:

If memory serves, the word Halloween is from the phrase “All Hallowed’s Even”, meaning the night before All Hallowed’s Day (or today, All Saints Day, November 1). Because of Jesus’ victory over sin and death, the forces of evil and death are sent flying. In its place is the celebration of the Saints, of those who have died in the Lord, whose heavenly rest is celebrated on All Saint’s Day. Far from being a celebration of the dark side, it is another example of the power of God in Jesus.

And as far as its roots in pagan festivals, the same can be said of Christmas. Christians took over the Roman festival honoring the sun God Sol, who had demonstrated his power by reversing the loss of light with the winter’s solstice. Believers used it to honor the Son of God, Jesus, who came to earth as the light of the world.

It could be that some people are celebrating the dark side, but for most of us it’s innocent fun, and the chance to try out a new personality. I kinda liked being the Big Bad Wolf…

So, then, enjoy your Halloween romp, but also be at church on Sunday…
I’m giving you permission to enjoy Halloween, but to complete the weekend celebration, be at worship to thank God for the Saints November 1! I think it’s a package deal.

Name your Goliath

As you know, Goliath was the giant Philistine warrior who faced off with young David in 1 Samuel 17. When David witnessed the Goliath show he was shocked that no one would stand up to him. He saw this not as a military issue but a theological one. Goliath was dissing Israel’s God, and no one would stand up to him. So David did just that. He rejected the armor of the king (the traditional, human answers to this problem) in favor of a new, faith-driven, innovative solution. He took his shepherd’s staff, his sling and 5 smooth stones, went to battle, and killed the giant with the first shot. He didn’t even need the other 4 stones! David had confidence in his slingshot, but mostly David had confidence in his God. He just knew that God would help him, and that his God was bigger than any Goliath or army.

Who’s your Goliath, challenging and mocking you today? Who taunts you and overwhelms you with their threatening size and strength? Who’s got you shaking in your boots? Running in fear? Filling you with doubt, self-loathing and regret? Is it an addiction? The economy? Family issues? Money problems? Crime? Health concerns? Doubts? Anger and depression?

Whatever your Goliath looks like, remember David. Remember where your help comes from (Psalm 121). Believe that God has already given you something to draw upon to defeat your Goliath. Then act on it. In faith and confidence!

What are the Goliaths confronting us today? What new weapons do you think we have to fight them? Add your comments below.

The blur of a wedding day

I recently got to see a wedding from the other end of the aisle—as a proud Dad walking his oldest daughter down it. I now know why people take so many photos at weddings—the day becomes a blur of wonderful activity. Without the pictures I could wonder if I was really there, and if a wedding took place. I have a new appreciation for those guys bringing daughters down the aisle!

This week's question: Dads, Moms, what was your experience at your children’s weddings? Did some of it seem surreal at the time? Add your comments below.

The Shack

After being asked that question several times, I did read the best selling book “The Shack” by Wm. Paul Young. We discussed it at the Women’s Word Bible study yesterday. It’s the story of a father’s conversation with God after a great tragedy (I’m not going to tell you more in case you are waiting to read it). The book has created quite a stir, especially among people who are—or used to be—in the church. It addresses what theologians call theodicy (“the defense of God’s goodness and omnipotence in view of the existence of evil”—Webster’s).

Have you read The Shack? What did you think of it?

dropping out?

Why do you think so many young people are dropping out of church?