It's that time again! As this day comes to an end and tomorrow begins, we mark the beginning of a new year. Time to take the old calendar off the wall and hang a fresh new one. Time for fresh clean pages in the planner. Time for a fresh start.
I don't know about you, but it seems to me that 2014 just flew by! Maybe it's a sign of getting older, but I can sometimes hardly believe how quickly time passes. Yet here we are again at the end of another year, and it's that time again - time for New Year's Resolutions. You know what I mean. It's time to make those ridiculous promises that we make at this time every year. Things like "I will lose 50 pounds by Friday" or "I will never allow anything chocolate to pass my lips ever again", or some other equally unattainable promise that will be broken before next Tuesday.
Well, here's a news flash for you. I don't do New Year's Resolutions! I gave up on that a while ago. Maybe it's a mark of maturity (??!!!!), but I finally came to the conclusion that setting myself up for failure by making promises to myself that I knew I couldn't or wouldn't keep wasn't helping me - or anybody around me, for that matter! And besides, resolutions always seem so vague. I need to do better. I need to lose some weight. I need to spend less money. I need to read my Bible more. With all that vagueness, how can we ever know whether or not we have actually accomplished anything?
And that's why I stopped making New Year's resolutions. Instead, it has been my practice in recent years to set some goals for the new year, to determine a way to be accountable about those goals, and to have benchmarks that I can check periodically to mark my progress. That works much better for me than those pesky soon-to-be-forgotten resolutions.
As an example, it has been my practice for quite a while now to read the Bible through each year. (Please understand, I'm not making commentary or judgment on you if you don't do this; I'm just telling you what I do, although it is definitely a practice I recommend.) As each year winds to a close, I evaluate how I did on the plan I used for the year, decide if I want to continue the same reading plan or use a different one, determine which translation I will use for the coming year, how I will be accountable, and - perhaps most importantly - evaluate what I learned, what I gained, from the practice in the past year.
Since I liked the plan I used for 2014 (a plan called "Eat This Book" from www.youversion.com, which included a daily reading from the Psalms along with reading straight through the Bible), I have decided to follow that plan again in 2015. The one change I have decided on is to read in the coming year from a different translation. I read from the ESV in 2014, so 2015 will find me back in the NASB. In addition, as I'm reading, I'm focusing on two words this year: worship and wait. As I read, I'll be looking for those words and what the Word has to teach me about them. And I have a fresh new notebook ready so I can write down what I learn. Writing it down helps me remember.
As we head into the new year, I have set my Bible reading goals, and have also decided on a Bible study plan (which is different from Bible-reading). Since living where I live makes joining a weekly Bible study group in person something of a challenge, particularly in winter, I'm joining with an on-line group. Several years ago I set a goal to begin at the beginning and study, book by book, until I reach the end. Although I have gotten sidetracked from this plan on several occasions, it remains a goal, and so I'm very excited and determined as I begin inductively studying Genesis as we begin the new year. Yes, I have inductively studied Genesis before. Several times, in fact. But since it is my goal to start at the beginning and go straight through to the end, I'm beginning again at the beginning! If you're interested in learning more, visit www.logosjourney.com.
I have set goals in other areas of my life as well. Healthy eating. A plan for more exercise. Decluttering the house. New writing projects.
And as this year winds down and a new one begins in just a few hours, I'm drawn once again to the book of Philippians as I formulate my goals and plans for the new year. Drawn back to this verse that sums it all up:
".....my earnest expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." (Philippians 1:20 NASB)
Beyond all the goals and resolutions and plans and dreams, this is the one that matters most. That Christ be exalted. That is my earnest expectation and hope. To honor Him in all I do. In all I say. In all I am.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Because Sometimes Things Don't Go According to Plan
The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men,
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!
(Robert Burns, from "To A Mouse")
Robert Burns was right. The best laid schemes (plans) of mice and men do gang aft agley (go oft awry). Life doesn't always follow the script we have written in our minds.
And such was the case with Christmas 2014 here on this mountaintop.
The lists had been made. Plans thought about and dreamed about for months were about to come to fruition. Family was coming. There was just a bit of cooking and baking and cleaning left to do. It was Christmas week.
And then, without warning, on Monday night before Christmas, the stomach bug arrived. And it visited not just one of us. No, we both were afflicted. From both directions, if you get my meaning. Monday night was dreadful.
Tuesday morning arrived and we both looked a little green. Not Christmas green. More like Grinch green. And so the phone call was made and the Greensboro Feasters delayed their arrival for a day so we could recover.
No cooking or baking or cleaning on Tuesday. It was recovery day. It was sleep all day and hope this stomach bug goes away day.
Then came Wednesday. The morning to get up and get going. To catch up on the cooking and baking and cleaning, and to await the arrival of the Greensboro Feasters, and then later in the day, the Florida Feasters. It was Christmas Eve! An exciting day!
But, once again, things did not go according to plan. I had my first coffee and my quiet time, as normal. As I was getting up out of my chair, I bent over to pick up my tote bag so I could move it to the bedroom. Big mistake. In that moment of bending, I pulled a muscle in my lower back. And that was the end of all the carefully made plans.
Since that moment, I have spent my time in this chair or the bed, or shuffling back and forth between. As I write, several days later, I'm much better. Although getting up and down out of the chair or the bed remains difficult and painful, I'm making progress. Very slow progress, but progress nonetheless.
These last six days have been, to say the very least, frustrating. There might or might not have been a meltdown. Or two or three. There might or might not have been tears.
There might or might not have been a pity party. Or two. Or perhaps more. And even yesterday, there might or might not have been some screaming on my part, to vent my frustration, which might or might not have happened while Al went out to run some errands.
Yes, we still had Christmas. Yes, we opened gifts. Yes, we still had Christmas dinner, which the DILs did a wonderful job of putting together. Yes, the grandsons enjoyed playing together. And yes, I spent the majority of my time sitting rather uncomfortably in a chair, alternating heat and ice, and wishing, wishing, wishing, that I hadn't bent over to pick up that tote bag!
It was great joy to have all my family under one roof. To hear the grandsons playing together. To listen to the conversations going on around me. Would I have loved to be more of a participant and less a spectator? Would I have loved to be up and about, snapping photos and documenting all the fun of the weekend with my new camera lens? Certainly I would have! But sometimes things don't go according to plan. This Christmas weekend was certainly one of those times.
Does it matter that I didn't personally cook the Christmas dinner? Or that I didn't set the table? Or that we used the paper plates instead of the Christmas china? Or that we didn't do every single thing exactly the way I had originally planned it? Probably not. At least, not to anyone other than me! Was it frustrating for me that all my carefully thought out plans didn't happen exactly as I had envisioned them? Certainly it was.
I wish I could tell you that I handled this entire situation with joy and grace. But that would be a lie. I wish I could tell you that I just counted it all joy and smiled my way through every moment of Christmas weekend. But I didn't. I was not always gracious. I was not always kind. I was not always grateful. Truth be told, I was often cranky. And moody. And short-tempered. And crotchety. And.......how many other adjectives can I come up with to describe my not always pleasant self?
I wish I could tell you that I handled this entire situation with joy and grace. But that would be a lie. I wish I could tell you that I just counted it all joy and smiled my way through every moment of Christmas weekend. But I didn't. I was not always gracious. I was not always kind. I was not always grateful. Truth be told, I was often cranky. And moody. And short-tempered. And crotchety. And.......how many other adjectives can I come up with to describe my not always pleasant self?
Is there a lesson for me in all this frustration? Probably. In fact, probably more than one lesson. And as I continue to sit in this chair, I'm looking for the lessons I need to be learning from this experience. The good news of it all is that this morning, while not fully recovered, I am much better. And the good news is that, as the pain decreases and my mobility and attitude are improving, I can look at the whole situation and begin to understand the lessons to be learned.
As I ponder this experience, the Holy Spirit whispers a reminder to me to give thanks in all things. I'm thankful the Scriptures don't tell us to feel thankful, because, quite frankly, what I'm feeling about this injury is anything but thankful! But the Word of God tells me to give thanks. And so, as an act of my will, I'm giving thanks. It isn't easy, but that's what I'm doing. And at the same time, I'm confessing those emotions that are anything but thankful. That's lesson number one from this experience.
"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thessalonians 5: 18 NASB)
Lesson number two comes from Job. You remember Job, that suffering fellow in the Old Testament. No, he didn't pull a muscle in his back. But he did have some problems. Quite a long list of them. So many that his wife advised him to curse God and die! And how did Job respond?
"Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10 NASB)
Lesson number 3 is the reminder, yet again, that I am not in control. The reminder that everything doesn't need to be done my way. And the reminder that, when other people do things differently than I might have done them, it's ok.
As I ponder this experience, the Holy Spirit whispers a reminder to me to give thanks in all things. I'm thankful the Scriptures don't tell us to feel thankful, because, quite frankly, what I'm feeling about this injury is anything but thankful! But the Word of God tells me to give thanks. And so, as an act of my will, I'm giving thanks. It isn't easy, but that's what I'm doing. And at the same time, I'm confessing those emotions that are anything but thankful. That's lesson number one from this experience.
"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thessalonians 5: 18 NASB)
Lesson number two comes from Job. You remember Job, that suffering fellow in the Old Testament. No, he didn't pull a muscle in his back. But he did have some problems. Quite a long list of them. So many that his wife advised him to curse God and die! And how did Job respond?
"Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10 NASB)
Lesson number 3 is the reminder, yet again, that I am not in control. The reminder that everything doesn't need to be done my way. And the reminder that, when other people do things differently than I might have done them, it's ok.
Finally, this experience is a reminder to me that everything happens for a reason. And that the ultimate reason, in this experience as in all experiences, is that God is at work, for my good and for His glory.
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28 NASB)
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28 NASB)
Painful. Frustrating. Helpless. Those are just a few of the words I would use to describe these last days of 2014. Certainly not according to my plan. But through the pain and through the meltdowns and through the frustration, as I have cried out to the Lord, He has heard and answered. And, whatever your challenges may be, I am confident He will do the same for you.
Because even when things don't go according to our plan, God is still God. And He is still in control!
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 NASB)
Because even when things don't go according to our plan, God is still God. And He is still in control!
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 NASB)
"This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid." (Psalm 56:9b-11 NASB)
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
O Come, Let Us Adore Him
If you ever watched the television show "The A-Team", then you're familiar with that phrase I love it when a plan comes together.
And that's what we're celebrating! A plan that came together. God's plan for the salvation of mankind. As we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate the fulfillment of that plan. A plan prophesied hundreds of years before coming to fruition with the birth of a tiny baby one night in Bethlehem.
We celebrate that birth in December. Did it actually happen in December? Probably not. But I don't think that matters. What matters is that Jesus was born. That He lived a sinless life, that He died to pay the penalty for your sins and mine, and that He was resurrected on the third day. That He ascended back to the Father where He now waits, seated at the right hand of the throne of God, until that time when He returns to earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6 KJV)
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God....made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:5,7 KJV)
"But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5 KJV)
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger." (Luke 2:7 KJV)
"And the angel said unto [the shepherds], Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11 KJV)
And that's why we are celebrating. That's what Christmas is all about.
As you are enjoying family and cookies and eggnog and gifts, don't lose sight of that.
Never forget what Christmas is really all about!
O Come, us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mIh3JMqxuo&list=PLkW_qeRTF9XX2tJ4webh4rG9i_Vf6peF7&index=11
And that's what we're celebrating! A plan that came together. God's plan for the salvation of mankind. As we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate the fulfillment of that plan. A plan prophesied hundreds of years before coming to fruition with the birth of a tiny baby one night in Bethlehem.
We celebrate that birth in December. Did it actually happen in December? Probably not. But I don't think that matters. What matters is that Jesus was born. That He lived a sinless life, that He died to pay the penalty for your sins and mine, and that He was resurrected on the third day. That He ascended back to the Father where He now waits, seated at the right hand of the throne of God, until that time when He returns to earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6 KJV)
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God....made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:5,7 KJV)
"But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5 KJV)
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger." (Luke 2:7 KJV)
"And the angel said unto [the shepherds], Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11 KJV)
And that's why we are celebrating. That's what Christmas is all about.
As you are enjoying family and cookies and eggnog and gifts, don't lose sight of that.
Never forget what Christmas is really all about!
O Come, us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mIh3JMqxuo&list=PLkW_qeRTF9XX2tJ4webh4rG9i_Vf6peF7&index=11
Monday, December 22, 2014
Excitement!
Today's the day! This is the day the first grandchild (and his parents, too, of course!) arrives! And tomorrow the other grandchild and parents will be making their way here.
To say that I am excited would be a massive understatement. This Nana does not get to spend nearly enough time with her grandsons. And that makes every occasion, every single moment we have together, cause for great celebrating. I am one very excited Nana!
I wonder if those Christmas shepherds must have experienced some of the same kind of excitement. Once they got past the fright of seeing the sky being filled with the angelic host, they heard the news that a Savior was born in Bethlehem. They left their shepherd's field and hastened in to Bethlehem to see this baby.
"And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." (Luke 2: 16 KJV)
How exciting! To be the first visitors to see this newborn babe!
And what did they do with their excitement? They told everybody who would listen!
"And when they had seen it, they make known abroad the saying which was told them concerning the child." (Luke 2:17 KJV)
I can hardly contain my excitement as I wait for my grandsons to get here. Apparently, the shepherds could hardly contain their excitement at seeing the Christ Child.
There's a lesson for us there. This Christmas season, what are we most excited about?
And who are we telling?
To say that I am excited would be a massive understatement. This Nana does not get to spend nearly enough time with her grandsons. And that makes every occasion, every single moment we have together, cause for great celebrating. I am one very excited Nana!
I wonder if those Christmas shepherds must have experienced some of the same kind of excitement. Once they got past the fright of seeing the sky being filled with the angelic host, they heard the news that a Savior was born in Bethlehem. They left their shepherd's field and hastened in to Bethlehem to see this baby.
"And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." (Luke 2: 16 KJV)
How exciting! To be the first visitors to see this newborn babe!
And what did they do with their excitement? They told everybody who would listen!
"And when they had seen it, they make known abroad the saying which was told them concerning the child." (Luke 2:17 KJV)
I can hardly contain my excitement as I wait for my grandsons to get here. Apparently, the shepherds could hardly contain their excitement at seeing the Christ Child.
There's a lesson for us there. This Christmas season, what are we most excited about?
And who are we telling?
Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born!
(text: John W. Week, Jr.; Music: Traditional Spiritual)
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcQjmS-JpmE
Remembering Christmases Past
Christmas is such a nostalgic time, isn't it?
Every year as the season rolls around, I find myself traveling down memory lane, remembering Christmases past and the people that shared them.
It starts as I get decorations and ornaments out of their storage spaces. Remembering where I bought this ornament or who gave me that one. Remembering my mother as I get out the snowmen she made or as I hang the door decoration she quilted. Remembering travels and the ornaments purchased on those trips. Remembering.
Throughout the season, more memories flood my thinking. This year I'm feeling particularly nostalgic about my trips to Israel. In three of the past four Christmas seasons, some part of my holiday - either just before Christmas or shortly after Christmas Day - has been spent in the Holy Land. Last year, in fact, we spent New Year's Eve in Bethlehem!
Every year as the season rolls around, I find myself traveling down memory lane, remembering Christmases past and the people that shared them.
It starts as I get decorations and ornaments out of their storage spaces. Remembering where I bought this ornament or who gave me that one. Remembering my mother as I get out the snowmen she made or as I hang the door decoration she quilted. Remembering travels and the ornaments purchased on those trips. Remembering.
Throughout the season, more memories flood my thinking. This year I'm feeling particularly nostalgic about my trips to Israel. In three of the past four Christmas seasons, some part of my holiday - either just before Christmas or shortly after Christmas Day - has been spent in the Holy Land. Last year, in fact, we spent New Year's Eve in Bethlehem!
As I have hung ornaments we purchased in Israel, as I have placed the olive wood nativity set we purchased in Bethlehem carefully in its place, and as my eyes are drawn to other things we purchased while we were there, my heart and mind have traveled back again and again. Such a flood of memories!
This morning I read Matthew's account of Mary and Joseph traveling with Baby Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod. And as I read I could vividly recall our first trip to the Holy Land, which included several days in Egypt. We visited one of the places where it is believed that Mary and Joseph and Jesus lived while they were there.
As my Advent readings have taken me through the Scriptures, through the prophecies and through the gospel accounts, my memories have taken me to Bethlehem, to the place of Christ's birth.
And to a field outside Bethlehem
where shepherds first heard the news, announced by the angels,
of the birth of the Savior.
During those visits to Israel, we walked where Jesus walked.
We went to Nazareth and to Galilee.
And to Jerusalem.
There we followed His footsteps
from Gethsemane to Calvary.
And we stood on the Mount of Olives,
the place where one day He will return to earth.
Christmas makes me nostalgic. It has me looking back. But it also causes me to look forward, to that Christmas yet future when Christ will return to earth. No longer a Baby in a manger, but King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
"On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east." (Zechariah 14:4 ESV)
Thinking about Israel makes me nostalgic. Christmas music has that effect as well. There are some songs that evoke strong memories of Christmases past. Of the people and places that I associate with them. Of the times I sang them or heard them sung.
O Holy Night is one of those kinds of songs. I love how it covers all the parts of the Christmas story. The night of Christ's birth. The angels singing. The star. The wise men. The manger. And the reason for His coming. He knows our need. To our weakness He is no stranger. In all our trials born to be our Friend. He taught us to love one another. His law is love and His gospel is peace. In His name all oppression shall cease.
Particularly in this Christmas season, this season of violence and discord and tension and murder and terrorism and persecution, we need that message more than ever.
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace, there will be no end." (Isaiah 9:6-7a ESV)
Hear David Phelps sing O Holy Night here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElJ0fiD0lkc
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Anticipation!
Christmas is a season of excitement. Of expectancy. Of anticipation.
I'm sure Mary and Joseph must have experienced this sense of anticipation even as they were traveling to Bethlehem. All new parents experience a sense of anticipation as they await the birth of their child. Surely Mary and Joseph were no exception. The events surrounding this child's birth were a long way from what would be considered normal or usual, even in that day; even so, as new parents Mary and Joseph were certainly looking forward to, anticipating, the birth.
There's a sense of anticipation around this household. In just a few days, this normally very quiet house will be filled with giggles and laughter and all the sounds of family. How I'm looking forward to this time with our sons and their families! Looking forward to hugs and giggles and tickles. To good conversations. To sharing the experience that is Christmas. What joy it will be to be together!
Even as Mary and Joseph anticipated the birth of Jesus, and even as I am anticipating having family together this year as we celebrate that birth, there is another sense of anticipation that marks the Christmas season.
One definition of the word anticipation is expectation or hope. In that sense, we anticipate a Christmas yet future. A time when Christ will once again come to earth. No longer a little baby, but coming as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
That's the theme of one of the most popular of all Christmas carols, Joy to the World. That carol is a celebration of Christ's first coming, but also an anticipation of His second coming, that time when He rules the world with truth and grace.
What joy that will be!
Joy to the world! The Lord has come! And joy to the world! The Lord is coming!
"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! For He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the people with equity." (Psalm 98: 4, 8b-9 ESV)
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13 KJV)
Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oOwa0CWVVQ
I'm sure Mary and Joseph must have experienced this sense of anticipation even as they were traveling to Bethlehem. All new parents experience a sense of anticipation as they await the birth of their child. Surely Mary and Joseph were no exception. The events surrounding this child's birth were a long way from what would be considered normal or usual, even in that day; even so, as new parents Mary and Joseph were certainly looking forward to, anticipating, the birth.
There's a sense of anticipation around this household. In just a few days, this normally very quiet house will be filled with giggles and laughter and all the sounds of family. How I'm looking forward to this time with our sons and their families! Looking forward to hugs and giggles and tickles. To good conversations. To sharing the experience that is Christmas. What joy it will be to be together!
Even as Mary and Joseph anticipated the birth of Jesus, and even as I am anticipating having family together this year as we celebrate that birth, there is another sense of anticipation that marks the Christmas season.
One definition of the word anticipation is expectation or hope. In that sense, we anticipate a Christmas yet future. A time when Christ will once again come to earth. No longer a little baby, but coming as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
That's the theme of one of the most popular of all Christmas carols, Joy to the World. That carol is a celebration of Christ's first coming, but also an anticipation of His second coming, that time when He rules the world with truth and grace.
What joy that will be!
Joy to the world! The Lord has come! And joy to the world! The Lord is coming!
"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! For He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the people with equity." (Psalm 98: 4, 8b-9 ESV)
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13 KJV)
Joy to the world! The Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room,
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
Joy to the world! the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods,
Rocks, hills and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods,
Rocks, hills and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground.
He comes to make
His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
Nor thorns infest the ground.
He comes to make
His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders and wonders of His love.
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders and wonders of His love.
(Joy to the World: words-Isaac Watts;
music-George F. Handel, arr. Lowell Mason)
Friday, December 19, 2014
God Rest Ye Merry.....Remember
God rest ye merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day.
So begins the well-known carol God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. And no, I didn't put the comma in the wrong place. This is not a carol about merry gentlemen who need not be dismayed! This carol, in its archaic language from many years ago, is calling gentlemen (and gentlewomen as well!) to remember the birth of Christ.
Because this is an older carol, and because words and phrases don't always mean the same thing today that they did originally, there's some disagreement about exactly what the phrase God rest ye merry actually means. Taking everything I've read about that phrase and putting it all together, it seems that the best way we can understand the phrase is to consider it to be roughly equivalent to our saying God bless you!
Because this is an older carol, and because words and phrases don't always mean the same thing today that they did originally, there's some disagreement about exactly what the phrase God rest ye merry actually means. Taking everything I've read about that phrase and putting it all together, it seems that the best way we can understand the phrase is to consider it to be roughly equivalent to our saying God bless you!
I've written about this before, in previous Christmas seasons. Perhaps it has become a tradition for me to wax eloquent about this carol. Actually, truth be told, I don't think I have ever waxed eloquent about anything! In any event, here are a few thoughts about this carol.
A little research (translation: reading internet articles) reveals that the composer of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is unknown, and that there is record of it being sung within the Christian Church since the 15th century. The hymn was first put into print for the general public when William B. Sandy included a version of it in his publication Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (1833), and it was subsequently added to various hymnals and carol books. In 1843 Charles Dickens included the song in his famous novel A Christmas Carol. That's reason enough for me to like it, since I'm a Dickens fan from way back!
But rather than dwelling on the carol's history, it's the second line of the carol that I am focusing on today. Let nothing you dismay. Nothing.
Have you noticed how many people in our world today are dismayed? There's sadness and dismay and stress all around. And with good reason. There's busyness. And illness. And terrorism. And persecution. All sorts of valid reasons for dismay.
Have you also noticed how many times in the biblical account of Christ's birth the phrase "fear not" appears? Depending on your translation, fear not may read as don't be afraid. In other words, let nothing you dismay. Nothing.
Many years ago I directed a children's choir musical titled Three Wise Men and a Baby. With a title like that you won't be surprised to learn that this was a somewhat humorous retelling of the Christmas story.
One of my favorite scenes in this story involves the angel's announcement to the shepherds, which in this musical went something like this:
Angel (in a very deep voice from off stage): Fear not.
Shepherds: (screaming with fright)
Angel: Fear not.
Shepherds: (more frightful screaming)
Angel: I said 'Fear not.' What part of 'Fear not' are you not understanding?
I sometimes wonder if God might not like to ask us that question. What part of 'fear not' are you not understanding?
Without delving into all the other parts of Scripture where we are told not to be afraid,
A little research (translation: reading internet articles) reveals that the composer of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is unknown, and that there is record of it being sung within the Christian Church since the 15th century. The hymn was first put into print for the general public when William B. Sandy included a version of it in his publication Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern (1833), and it was subsequently added to various hymnals and carol books. In 1843 Charles Dickens included the song in his famous novel A Christmas Carol. That's reason enough for me to like it, since I'm a Dickens fan from way back!
But rather than dwelling on the carol's history, it's the second line of the carol that I am focusing on today. Let nothing you dismay. Nothing.
Have you noticed how many people in our world today are dismayed? There's sadness and dismay and stress all around. And with good reason. There's busyness. And illness. And terrorism. And persecution. All sorts of valid reasons for dismay.
Have you also noticed how many times in the biblical account of Christ's birth the phrase "fear not" appears? Depending on your translation, fear not may read as don't be afraid. In other words, let nothing you dismay. Nothing.
Many years ago I directed a children's choir musical titled Three Wise Men and a Baby. With a title like that you won't be surprised to learn that this was a somewhat humorous retelling of the Christmas story.
One of my favorite scenes in this story involves the angel's announcement to the shepherds, which in this musical went something like this:
Angel (in a very deep voice from off stage): Fear not.
Shepherds: (screaming with fright)
Angel: Fear not.
Shepherds: (more frightful screaming)
Angel: I said 'Fear not.' What part of 'Fear not' are you not understanding?
I sometimes wonder if God might not like to ask us that question. What part of 'fear not' are you not understanding?
Without delving into all the other parts of Scripture where we are told not to be afraid,
let's just consider these examples from the Christmas story:
"Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'" (Matthew 1:20 ESV)
"But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.'" (Luke 1:13 ESV)
"And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.'" (Luke 1:30 ESV)
"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" (Luke 2:10 ESV)
Did these people have reason to fear? Sure they did. When was the last time an angel appeared and started talking to you? Don't you think you would be afraid? Think about the shepherds, out in the Judean hills in the darkness of night. Then suddenly the sky is bright with a host of angels, and as if that weren't frightening enough, one of the angels starts talking! I know that would frighten me a bit!
All of these people had a reason to be dismayed. And perhaps you do too. But the advice to each of them, and to each of us as well, is don't be afraid. Do not fear. Fear not.
However you say it, the message is the same. That's the message we get from this carol. Let nothing you dismay. Remember.
Remember that Christ has come. Remember why He came. Remember that God has a plan and a purpose for all things. Remember that God has it all under control. Remember.
From God our heavenly Father
A blessed angel came;
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tiding of the same;
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name.
"Fear not, then," said the angel,
"Let nothing you affright;
This day is born a Savior
Of a pure virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in him
From Satan's power and might."
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
this holy tide of Christmas
Doth bring redeeming grace.
"Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'" (Matthew 1:20 ESV)
"But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.'" (Luke 1:13 ESV)
"And the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.'" (Luke 1:30 ESV)
"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" (Luke 2:10 ESV)
Did these people have reason to fear? Sure they did. When was the last time an angel appeared and started talking to you? Don't you think you would be afraid? Think about the shepherds, out in the Judean hills in the darkness of night. Then suddenly the sky is bright with a host of angels, and as if that weren't frightening enough, one of the angels starts talking! I know that would frighten me a bit!
All of these people had a reason to be dismayed. And perhaps you do too. But the advice to each of them, and to each of us as well, is don't be afraid. Do not fear. Fear not.
However you say it, the message is the same. That's the message we get from this carol. Let nothing you dismay. Remember.
Remember that Christ has come. Remember why He came. Remember that God has a plan and a purpose for all things. Remember that God has it all under control. Remember.
God rest ye merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
From God our heavenly Father
A blessed angel came;
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tiding of the same;
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name.
"Fear not, then," said the angel,
"Let nothing you affright;
This day is born a Savior
Of a pure virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in him
From Satan's power and might."
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
this holy tide of Christmas
Doth bring redeeming grace.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy!
Listen to God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obc_Rro7zg8
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Hustle, Bustle, Hustle, Bustle, Got So Much To Do
The title is a line I remember from a children's choir Christmas musical many, many years ago......Hustle, bustle, hustle, bustle, got so much to do! Hustle, bustle, hustle, bustle, will I ever get through? And on it goes.
Many are singing a version of that song during this season. There's the shopping to finish. And gifts to wrap. And what about all that baking to be done? And in between all that, there are all the regular tasks of life to deal with.
It's those regular tasks that have me hustling about this week. My shopping is finished, except for those last minute, just-before-the-family-gets-here, things like milk and eggs and bread, and the fresh vegetables we'll need for Christmas dinner. The gifts are wrapped and under the tree. The decorations are in their places. There's still some baking to do, but I've planned out a schedule so I don't over-tire myself in the process of getting it all done. At least that's the plan! It remains to be seen if my plan will actually work, since, as I've often quoted before, the best laid plans of mice and men go oft awry.
My hustle-bustle this week has less to do with Christmas and more to do with life. An appointment for a bone density test yesterday, one of the facts of life for slightly-past-middle-aged women. Today brings my regular trip over the river and through the woods to see my rheumatologist. And I have yet another appointment on Friday, that one for a little "personal maintenance". Busy, busy, busy. And in between, I've squeezed in things like baking and household chores, which makes me tired just thinking about it all!
It's hard to think about peace on earth and silent night and all the rest in the middle of the busyness that is life during this season. With things like baking and gift wrapping and all the rest piled on to the regular stresses of life.
But....in the middle of all this busyness and hustling and bustling, in the middle of all the chaos that life can be here in the 21st century.....isn't this the time we most need to step back, find a quiet place for at least a few minutes, take a deep breath, and remember.
Remember that night in Bethlehem two thousand years ago. Reflect on the events of that first noel. Rejoice that, even in the busyness of life, and even in the turmoil of our world, the One born on that night came to bring peace.
When we let that truth wash over us, then we can be at peace even in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)
This Scripture set to music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN5BaOGTmGs
Many are singing a version of that song during this season. There's the shopping to finish. And gifts to wrap. And what about all that baking to be done? And in between all that, there are all the regular tasks of life to deal with.
It's those regular tasks that have me hustling about this week. My shopping is finished, except for those last minute, just-before-the-family-gets-here, things like milk and eggs and bread, and the fresh vegetables we'll need for Christmas dinner. The gifts are wrapped and under the tree. The decorations are in their places. There's still some baking to do, but I've planned out a schedule so I don't over-tire myself in the process of getting it all done. At least that's the plan! It remains to be seen if my plan will actually work, since, as I've often quoted before, the best laid plans of mice and men go oft awry.
My hustle-bustle this week has less to do with Christmas and more to do with life. An appointment for a bone density test yesterday, one of the facts of life for slightly-past-middle-aged women. Today brings my regular trip over the river and through the woods to see my rheumatologist. And I have yet another appointment on Friday, that one for a little "personal maintenance". Busy, busy, busy. And in between, I've squeezed in things like baking and household chores, which makes me tired just thinking about it all!
It's hard to think about peace on earth and silent night and all the rest in the middle of the busyness that is life during this season. With things like baking and gift wrapping and all the rest piled on to the regular stresses of life.
But....in the middle of all this busyness and hustling and bustling, in the middle of all the chaos that life can be here in the 21st century.....isn't this the time we most need to step back, find a quiet place for at least a few minutes, take a deep breath, and remember.
Remember that night in Bethlehem two thousand years ago. Reflect on the events of that first noel. Rejoice that, even in the busyness of life, and even in the turmoil of our world, the One born on that night came to bring peace.
When we let that truth wash over us, then we can be at peace even in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)
This Scripture set to music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TN5BaOGTmGs
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
A Christmas Miracle
Everything about the Christmas story is miraculous, wouldn't you agree?
That an angel would visit a young girl in her hometown of Nazareth with news that, even though she was a virgin, she was about to bear a son who would be the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High." (Luke 1:31-32a ESV)
That this young woman's betrothed would go along with this plan.
"And the angel said to him, 'Joseph, Son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.' When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him." (Matthew 1:20, 24 ESV)
That the emperor would call for a census that would require Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem, just at the time the baby was due to be born, thus fulfilling prophecies given hundreds of years earlier.
"In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David." (Luke 2:1, 3-4 ESV)
"But you, O Bethlehem Ephratha, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from old, from ancient days." (Micah 5:2 ESV)
That Mary and Joseph would arrive in Bethlehem just in time for the baby to be born. That the sky would be filled with angels announcing the Baby's birth. That they would first announce it to shepherds, who were the lowliest of the low in that society.
And on and on we could go. Everything about that first Christmas was miraculous.
Our pastor, Dr. Don Wilton, has taught us that a miracle is something only God could do. Certainly, as we read the story of that first Christmas, we find that to be true.
If you've been reading this blog for very long, then you are aware that we are trying to sell our house. And right now we are in need of another Christmas miracle. We have potential buyers who are very interested in purchasing our house. The hiccup in that deal is that they also want to buy additional property surrounding ours. That means that these potential buyers and the owner of the surrounding property must come to an agreement before these buyers will make an offer on our property. And right now, the prospects for that are looking very bleak.
Might I ask you to join us in praying for another Christmas miracle? Specifically, that these potential buyers and the property owner would reach an agreement so that an offer could be made to us for our property? And further, that it would be a good offer, one we can accept. And finally, that we would be at peace throughout this process. That's the miracle we're looking for this Christmas.
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer!
"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10 ESV)
Listen to Celtic Woman sing The First Noel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bts7ndhPw4
That an angel would visit a young girl in her hometown of Nazareth with news that, even though she was a virgin, she was about to bear a son who would be the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High." (Luke 1:31-32a ESV)
That this young woman's betrothed would go along with this plan.
"And the angel said to him, 'Joseph, Son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you will call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.' When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him." (Matthew 1:20, 24 ESV)
That the emperor would call for a census that would require Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem, just at the time the baby was due to be born, thus fulfilling prophecies given hundreds of years earlier.
"In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David." (Luke 2:1, 3-4 ESV)
"But you, O Bethlehem Ephratha, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from old, from ancient days." (Micah 5:2 ESV)
That Mary and Joseph would arrive in Bethlehem just in time for the baby to be born. That the sky would be filled with angels announcing the Baby's birth. That they would first announce it to shepherds, who were the lowliest of the low in that society.
And on and on we could go. Everything about that first Christmas was miraculous.
Our pastor, Dr. Don Wilton, has taught us that a miracle is something only God could do. Certainly, as we read the story of that first Christmas, we find that to be true.
If you've been reading this blog for very long, then you are aware that we are trying to sell our house. And right now we are in need of another Christmas miracle. We have potential buyers who are very interested in purchasing our house. The hiccup in that deal is that they also want to buy additional property surrounding ours. That means that these potential buyers and the owner of the surrounding property must come to an agreement before these buyers will make an offer on our property. And right now, the prospects for that are looking very bleak.
Might I ask you to join us in praying for another Christmas miracle? Specifically, that these potential buyers and the property owner would reach an agreement so that an offer could be made to us for our property? And further, that it would be a good offer, one we can accept. And finally, that we would be at peace throughout this process. That's the miracle we're looking for this Christmas.
Thank you for partnering with us in prayer!
"Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10 ESV)
Listen to Celtic Woman sing The First Noel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bts7ndhPw4
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
A Disaster in the Kitchen
I'm not sure exactly what went wrong. I used the same recipe I have used for years. The never-fail recipe. Except this time it was an epic fail! How can a simple thing like oatmeal cookies go so wrong?
Once upon a time I thought of myself as a good baker. I've always enjoyed baking, and for the most part, had good results for my efforts. I'm not sure what went wrong this time. Did I leave something out? Did I measure an ingredient incorrectly? I don't know. What I do know is that those cookies were destined for the garbage can! At least they were until Al declared that he liked them, and they became his private stash. I still think they are a disaster! And once again I find myself quoting that great Scottish poet Robert Burns.....the best laid plans of mice and men go oft awry.
Certainly my plan for several dozen delicious white chocolate and cranberry oatmeal cookies went awry. I won't even post a picture.....they are that bad! Ugliest cookies ever. An absolute disaster!
Thankfully, when God has a plan, it works. He had a plan to save the world. A plan that included a virgin named Mary and a man named Joseph. A plan that included sending the Son of God to be born as a baby in a manger in a little town called Bethlehem.
It seems like a strange plan. But, unlike my plan for oatmeal cookies, that plan works!
"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." (Galatians 4:6-7 ESV)
Listen to "A Strange Way to Save the World" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBCVIJBB7o4
Once upon a time I thought of myself as a good baker. I've always enjoyed baking, and for the most part, had good results for my efforts. I'm not sure what went wrong this time. Did I leave something out? Did I measure an ingredient incorrectly? I don't know. What I do know is that those cookies were destined for the garbage can! At least they were until Al declared that he liked them, and they became his private stash. I still think they are a disaster! And once again I find myself quoting that great Scottish poet Robert Burns.....the best laid plans of mice and men go oft awry.
Certainly my plan for several dozen delicious white chocolate and cranberry oatmeal cookies went awry. I won't even post a picture.....they are that bad! Ugliest cookies ever. An absolute disaster!
Thankfully, when God has a plan, it works. He had a plan to save the world. A plan that included a virgin named Mary and a man named Joseph. A plan that included sending the Son of God to be born as a baby in a manger in a little town called Bethlehem.
It seems like a strange plan. But, unlike my plan for oatmeal cookies, that plan works!
"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." (Galatians 4:6-7 ESV)
Listen to "A Strange Way to Save the World" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBCVIJBB7o4
Monday, December 15, 2014
Life-Changing
Today is an anniversary. On this date, 5 years ago, I had surgery to fuse my left ankle.
All because, 4 years before that, I took one wrong step, fell, dislocated my foot, and shattered my ankle. The ankle was repaired with multiple surgeries and lots of hardware. And after all those surgeries, and all those hours of physical therapy, it worked fine. Until it didn't.
Somewhere along the way, the hardware was no longer doing its job and the ankle joint collapsed, which made walking very painful, and sometimes nearly impossible.
Consultations with orthopedists led to the decision to fuse the ankle, and a surgery date was set. December 15, 2009. Five years ago.
And so it was that five years ago on this very morning, I was in University Hospital in Charlotte, having an ankle fusion surgery. Then came months of recovery. Another cast. Then another boot. More hopping around on one foot, since the left foot was non-weight-bearing for several months while the bones fused together.
The surgery was successful. The bones fused. The scars healed. And I can walk. But the consequences from that surgery were life-changing. Yes, I can walk, and I walk almost normally. I approach stairs differently than I did pre-fusion. I can't wear the same kinds of shoes I once wore. No more really cute shoes for me! Definitely nothing with a heel, since my ankle no longer bends. And because it doesn't bend, my foot takes all the stress that an ankle normally absorbs, which means I now have foot "issues" to deal with.
Foot issues. Different shoes. Walking a little differently. One leg every so slightly shorter than the other.
All because, on a beautiful spring afternoon nearly ten years ago, I took one wrong step.
Wrong steps have consequences. Often, as in my case, life-changing consequences.
Thankfully, at the time of the original break, I had a wonderful orthopedic surgeon who did a masterful job of putting me back together. And thankfully, when I needed another orthopedic surgeon, I had another great one. God certainly provided for me what I needed when I needed it.
Wrong steps are not only physical. Often we take wrong-steps in other ways. Emotionally. Mentally. Spiritually.
We think wrong thoughts. We make bad choices. Often those can be life-changing.
We refer to those wrong steps in the spiritual arena as sin. And just as God provided help for my physical wrong steps, He also provides a solution to our spiritual wrong steps.
He sent us Jesus. Born as a baby in a manger. But the baby grew up. He became a man, and fulfilled His purpose for coming by dying a cruel death on a cross to pay the penalty for our sin. The good news is that He didn't stay dead! He rose from the grave on the third day and has now ascended back to the Father where He waits until one day He will return again!
And that is the life-changing message of Christmas!
"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive adoption as sons." (Galatians 4:4-5 NASB)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zj4vM3PM3w
All because, 4 years before that, I took one wrong step, fell, dislocated my foot, and shattered my ankle. The ankle was repaired with multiple surgeries and lots of hardware. And after all those surgeries, and all those hours of physical therapy, it worked fine. Until it didn't.
Somewhere along the way, the hardware was no longer doing its job and the ankle joint collapsed, which made walking very painful, and sometimes nearly impossible.
Consultations with orthopedists led to the decision to fuse the ankle, and a surgery date was set. December 15, 2009. Five years ago.
And so it was that five years ago on this very morning, I was in University Hospital in Charlotte, having an ankle fusion surgery. Then came months of recovery. Another cast. Then another boot. More hopping around on one foot, since the left foot was non-weight-bearing for several months while the bones fused together.
The surgery was successful. The bones fused. The scars healed. And I can walk. But the consequences from that surgery were life-changing. Yes, I can walk, and I walk almost normally. I approach stairs differently than I did pre-fusion. I can't wear the same kinds of shoes I once wore. No more really cute shoes for me! Definitely nothing with a heel, since my ankle no longer bends. And because it doesn't bend, my foot takes all the stress that an ankle normally absorbs, which means I now have foot "issues" to deal with.
Foot issues. Different shoes. Walking a little differently. One leg every so slightly shorter than the other.
All because, on a beautiful spring afternoon nearly ten years ago, I took one wrong step.
Wrong steps have consequences. Often, as in my case, life-changing consequences.
Thankfully, at the time of the original break, I had a wonderful orthopedic surgeon who did a masterful job of putting me back together. And thankfully, when I needed another orthopedic surgeon, I had another great one. God certainly provided for me what I needed when I needed it.
Wrong steps are not only physical. Often we take wrong-steps in other ways. Emotionally. Mentally. Spiritually.
We think wrong thoughts. We make bad choices. Often those can be life-changing.
We refer to those wrong steps in the spiritual arena as sin. And just as God provided help for my physical wrong steps, He also provides a solution to our spiritual wrong steps.
He sent us Jesus. Born as a baby in a manger. But the baby grew up. He became a man, and fulfilled His purpose for coming by dying a cruel death on a cross to pay the penalty for our sin. The good news is that He didn't stay dead! He rose from the grave on the third day and has now ascended back to the Father where He waits until one day He will return again!
And that is the life-changing message of Christmas!
"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive adoption as sons." (Galatians 4:4-5 NASB)
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all around,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond'ring love.
O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God, the King, and peace to men on earth.
How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is giv'n.
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heav'n.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.
(O Little Town of Bethlehem, stanzas 2 and 3. Words: Phillips Brooks; Music: Lewis H. Redner)
Hear David Phelps and friends sing this carol here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zj4vM3PM3w
Saturday, December 13, 2014
A Trip to the Grocery Store
With list in hand, off I went yesterday morning to the grocery store. With holiday baking and family coming for the holidays and trying to get a head start on what I'll need for Christmas dinner, it was a much longer list than usual.
In any event, off I went to the store.
As I was driving toward town, I glanced in my rear view mirror and noticed the girl in the car behind me. She was holding her phone in one hand and gesturing enthusiastically with the other hand as she talked. That made me wonder which hand she was using to actually steer the car.
I made it safely to the store and parked my car in my usual spot. (That's a story for another day.) I used my gift card to purchase a latte, since I noticed that there was someone working who actually knows how to make coffee! (That isn't always the case. Also a story for another day.)
Then, with my coffee cup in hand (well, in my cart's cup holder!), I began to make my rounds through the store. I made it through produce and baked goods without incident. Then I started down the bread, cookies, and potato chips aisle. All I really needed on that aisle was some potato chips. A bigger challenge than one might expect. The potato chip man was stocking the shelves. In the middle of a Friday morning! Really? Is there no other time shelves can be stocked?
The potato chip man had the aisle almost completely blocked with his boxes of chips. There was one little pathway between the boxes to get down the aisle, but the potato chip man was standing in that space, putting chips on the shelves. And singing. At the top of his lungs. And he wasn't singing a Christmas song. At least that would have been seasonally appropriate. No, he apparently thought he was Willie Nelson.
There was the potato chip man, singing Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys. At the top of his lungs. Completely oblivious to anyone around him. Even a slightly-past-middle-aged woman just trying to get down the aisle in the grocery store.
The rest of my shopping experience was quite uneventful. However, when I got home I learned that there had been an attempted kidnapping in the parking lot of that very store the day before. Glad I didn't know that while I was there. Although it isn't very likely that a slightly-past-middle-aged woman would be at the top of a kidnapper's wish list!
In any event, I'm thankful to have made it safely there and back home again. And thankful for the smile that potato chip man brought to my face. I hope some of the other people in that store passed down that aisle. Maybe he could have brought a smile to their faces. Some of them could have used one!
What does all this have to do with Christmas? Nothing, really. But it gave me a good giggle as I made my way through the rest of the store.
And it's a reminder that there are a lot of people out there who need a smile. Or some encouragement. Who need a little Christmas.
It's also a reminder that we who have good tidings of great joy should be about the business of spreading those good tidings. Of spreading some Christmas cheer.
Because the Christmas message is not one to be held on to, but to be shared.
With family and friends. And neighbors. And strangers in the grocery store. And with the world.
"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" (Luke 2:10-11 ESV)
Listen to Glad Tidings of Great Joy here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsTuctAP7zY
In any event, off I went to the store.
As I was driving toward town, I glanced in my rear view mirror and noticed the girl in the car behind me. She was holding her phone in one hand and gesturing enthusiastically with the other hand as she talked. That made me wonder which hand she was using to actually steer the car.
I made it safely to the store and parked my car in my usual spot. (That's a story for another day.) I used my gift card to purchase a latte, since I noticed that there was someone working who actually knows how to make coffee! (That isn't always the case. Also a story for another day.)
Then, with my coffee cup in hand (well, in my cart's cup holder!), I began to make my rounds through the store. I made it through produce and baked goods without incident. Then I started down the bread, cookies, and potato chips aisle. All I really needed on that aisle was some potato chips. A bigger challenge than one might expect. The potato chip man was stocking the shelves. In the middle of a Friday morning! Really? Is there no other time shelves can be stocked?
The potato chip man had the aisle almost completely blocked with his boxes of chips. There was one little pathway between the boxes to get down the aisle, but the potato chip man was standing in that space, putting chips on the shelves. And singing. At the top of his lungs. And he wasn't singing a Christmas song. At least that would have been seasonally appropriate. No, he apparently thought he was Willie Nelson.
There was the potato chip man, singing Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys. At the top of his lungs. Completely oblivious to anyone around him. Even a slightly-past-middle-aged woman just trying to get down the aisle in the grocery store.
The rest of my shopping experience was quite uneventful. However, when I got home I learned that there had been an attempted kidnapping in the parking lot of that very store the day before. Glad I didn't know that while I was there. Although it isn't very likely that a slightly-past-middle-aged woman would be at the top of a kidnapper's wish list!
In any event, I'm thankful to have made it safely there and back home again. And thankful for the smile that potato chip man brought to my face. I hope some of the other people in that store passed down that aisle. Maybe he could have brought a smile to their faces. Some of them could have used one!
What does all this have to do with Christmas? Nothing, really. But it gave me a good giggle as I made my way through the rest of the store.
And it's a reminder that there are a lot of people out there who need a smile. Or some encouragement. Who need a little Christmas.
It's also a reminder that we who have good tidings of great joy should be about the business of spreading those good tidings. Of spreading some Christmas cheer.
Because the Christmas message is not one to be held on to, but to be shared.
With family and friends. And neighbors. And strangers in the grocery store. And with the world.
"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" (Luke 2:10-11 ESV)
Listen to Glad Tidings of Great Joy here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsTuctAP7zY
Friday, December 12, 2014
Favorite Christmas Musical Memories
I long ago lost count of how many Christmas musicals I have been a part of. As a child and as an adult. As accompanist or choir member or director. Everything from Handel's Messiah to a children's musical called Three Wise Men and a Baby! In choir robes, and in costumes. In formal attire, and in Christmas sweaters. I have had quite a variety of experiences!
Music is an important part of my Christmas celebrations. It's an important part of my life.
All those Christmas musicals take up a lot of space in my memory bank. Some because of the music itself. Perhaps it was particularly challenging to play or to sing or to direct. Or perhaps it was particularly beautiful music.
And some Christmas musicals are memorable because of where we lived at the time. Because of the season of life we were in. Because of who we were singing with. Those musicals evoke special memories of special people.
But it's the lyrics that I find myself drawn to over and over again. It's the lyrics that are my favorite memories. It's the lyrics that lead me to remember what Christmas is all about. It's the lyrics that lead me to worship.
Some of those lyrics are especially memorable.
Like this line from A Christmas Invitation, which I directed about 15 years ago....."The road to Bethlehem is a journey of the heart. The road to Bethlehem beckons 'Come, just as you are.' Leave your doubts and fears behind, for in following then you will find that's where faith begins, the road to Bethlehem."
Or there's this line from How Do You Welcome a King?......."And that's how we welcome the King; with ev'ry gift that we give and ev'ry song that we sing. And a heart full of praise is the present we bring. Yes, that's how we welcome the King."
For nearly forty years, this lyric from Heaven Rejoices has lived in my head: "What gift can we bring to the richest of Kings, who walks on the gold streets of glory? Our lives we will give, every day that we live, and we'll be like wise men, adoring."
And for even longer, this has been - and continues to be - one of my most favorite songs from one of my most favorite Christmas musicals of all time, King of Love.
Music is an important part of my Christmas celebrations. It's an important part of my life.
All those Christmas musicals take up a lot of space in my memory bank. Some because of the music itself. Perhaps it was particularly challenging to play or to sing or to direct. Or perhaps it was particularly beautiful music.
And some Christmas musicals are memorable because of where we lived at the time. Because of the season of life we were in. Because of who we were singing with. Those musicals evoke special memories of special people.
But it's the lyrics that I find myself drawn to over and over again. It's the lyrics that are my favorite memories. It's the lyrics that lead me to remember what Christmas is all about. It's the lyrics that lead me to worship.
Some of those lyrics are especially memorable.
Like this line from A Christmas Invitation, which I directed about 15 years ago....."The road to Bethlehem is a journey of the heart. The road to Bethlehem beckons 'Come, just as you are.' Leave your doubts and fears behind, for in following then you will find that's where faith begins, the road to Bethlehem."
Or there's this line from How Do You Welcome a King?......."And that's how we welcome the King; with ev'ry gift that we give and ev'ry song that we sing. And a heart full of praise is the present we bring. Yes, that's how we welcome the King."
For nearly forty years, this lyric from Heaven Rejoices has lived in my head: "What gift can we bring to the richest of Kings, who walks on the gold streets of glory? Our lives we will give, every day that we live, and we'll be like wise men, adoring."
And for even longer, this has been - and continues to be - one of my most favorite songs from one of my most favorite Christmas musicals of all time, King of Love.
Wonderful Name
Mary was the first to hear it, name that came from heaven above;
Name that raises souls from darkness, this the only name worth singing of.
Wonderful name, Jesus! Wonderful name, Jesus!
Name angels sang the night all heaven rang; wonderful name, Jesus!
Heaven touched His name with glory, precious name of Jesus, our King;
In God’s Word is told the story, of this wondrous name the angels sing!
Mary was the first to hear it, name that came from heaven above;
Name that raises souls from darkness, this the only name worth singing of.
Wonderful name, Jesus! Wonderful name, Jesus!
Name angels sang the night all heaven rang; wonderful name, Jesus!
Heaven touched His name with glory, precious name of Jesus, our King;
In God’s Word is told the story, of this wondrous name the angels sing!
Wonderful name, Jesus! Wonderful name, Jesus!
Name angels sang the night all heaven rang; wonderful name, Jesus!
(-Roger Strader)
You can listen here: (It isn't sung in English - I think this is Korean - but you can enjoy the music. I love that this message transcends language!)
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Are You Ready for Christmas?
Are you ready for Christmas? How many times have you heard that question already this Christmas season?
What does that question mean to you?
Sometimes it means "have you finished your Christmas shopping?" Or maybe it means "are all your decorations up?" Or "have you finished the cookie baking?" Or it might means something else.
Some years ago I heard a sermon on this topic. In fact, the pastor had titled his message "Are You Ready for Christmas?" But what he was talking about had nothing to do with decorations or shopping or cookie baking!
His point, and one I think we would all do well to remember, is that being "ready" for Christmas has very little to do with shopping or cookies or trees or decorations. It has everything to do with Jesus. And with a right relationship with Him. Being ready for Christmas is about focus......about remembering why we are doing this in the first place.....about celebrating Jesus!
I'm not anti-Christmas decorations or anti-Christmas presents or anti-Christmas cookies (especially not anti-cookies!!). But I am saddened by how easily our focus shifts away from the real reason for the celebration.
We spend a lot of time during the Christmas season thinking about those who are special to us and about what gift we can give to let them know just how much we love them.
Should we not also do the same for Jesus? It's His birthday we're celebrating!! What gift will you give Him this year?
Listen to a 10-year old sing this song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1cWUc_eaM0
What does that question mean to you?
Sometimes it means "have you finished your Christmas shopping?" Or maybe it means "are all your decorations up?" Or "have you finished the cookie baking?" Or it might means something else.
Some years ago I heard a sermon on this topic. In fact, the pastor had titled his message "Are You Ready for Christmas?" But what he was talking about had nothing to do with decorations or shopping or cookie baking!
His point, and one I think we would all do well to remember, is that being "ready" for Christmas has very little to do with shopping or cookies or trees or decorations. It has everything to do with Jesus. And with a right relationship with Him. Being ready for Christmas is about focus......about remembering why we are doing this in the first place.....about celebrating Jesus!
I'm not anti-Christmas decorations or anti-Christmas presents or anti-Christmas cookies (especially not anti-cookies!!). But I am saddened by how easily our focus shifts away from the real reason for the celebration.
We spend a lot of time during the Christmas season thinking about those who are special to us and about what gift we can give to let them know just how much we love them.
Should we not also do the same for Jesus? It's His birthday we're celebrating!! What gift will you give Him this year?
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give Him my heart.
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give Him my heart.
-Christina Rossetti
Listen to a 10-year old sing this song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1cWUc_eaM0
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
No Gift Wrap Needed
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. The tree has been up for a couple of weeks now. The decorations are all in place. We had a little snow overnight. And we finally have some gifts under the tree!
One of yesterday's tasks on my to-do list was wrapping the presents. Or at least to begin the process of gift-wrapping.
I got started on that task after lunch, and now there are presents under our tree. And there are presents still to be wrapped. And there's a list of those last minute little things I still need to pick up. And there's quite a mess at Gift Wrapping Central aka the guest bedroom!
Not all gifts go neatly into a box or a gift bag. Some have an awkward shape. Some are over-sized. Sometimes gift wrapping can be a challenge!
In just a couple of weeks, I'll be receiving one of the gifts I'm looking forward to the most. The kind of gift that doesn't fit neatly under the tree. In just a couple of weeks, I'll have my family here. Sons, daughters-in-love, and grandsons. What a gift that will be! No gift wrap or fancy bows needed. Just having them here, and hearing the sounds of love and laughter, the sounds of family, that's a wonderful gift, one I will treasure!
There's another gift - the Best Gift - that can't be contained in a box or a bag. One that can't be limited to a space under a tree. A gift not wrapped in pretty paper and tied with a fancy bow, but a gift wrapped in Heaven's love.
One of yesterday's tasks on my to-do list was wrapping the presents. Or at least to begin the process of gift-wrapping.
I got started on that task after lunch, and now there are presents under our tree. And there are presents still to be wrapped. And there's a list of those last minute little things I still need to pick up. And there's quite a mess at Gift Wrapping Central aka the guest bedroom!
Not all gifts go neatly into a box or a gift bag. Some have an awkward shape. Some are over-sized. Sometimes gift wrapping can be a challenge!
In just a couple of weeks, I'll be receiving one of the gifts I'm looking forward to the most. The kind of gift that doesn't fit neatly under the tree. In just a couple of weeks, I'll have my family here. Sons, daughters-in-love, and grandsons. What a gift that will be! No gift wrap or fancy bows needed. Just having them here, and hearing the sounds of love and laughter, the sounds of family, that's a wonderful gift, one I will treasure!
There's another gift - the Best Gift - that can't be contained in a box or a bag. One that can't be limited to a space under a tree. A gift not wrapped in pretty paper and tied with a fancy bow, but a gift wrapped in Heaven's love.
This gift was the greatest gift that the world had ever known;
God`s love in the form of a little child from Heaven`s throne.
Such joy, such hope sent to earth from above -
This gift, God`s greatest gift, wrapped in Heaven`s love.
God`s love in the form of a little child from Heaven`s throne.
Such joy, such hope sent to earth from above -
This gift, God`s greatest gift, wrapped in Heaven`s love.
That gift - that Best Gift - is Jesus!
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:1, 14 ESV)
"We are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:24 ESV)
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God." (1 John 3:1 ESV)
That's a gift worth celebrating! And no gift wrap is needed!
Listen to Point of Grace sing This Gift here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXNvdWVLe2A
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
A New Battery. And Some Perspective.
The weekend's battery drama is now resolved. The problem was, in fact, a bad battery. The car has been checked over and given a clean bill of health. And because the problem was with the battery, and because the battery was still under warranty, all that cost us was a little aggravation. Well, make that a lot of aggravation. But zero dollars. And that's good news!
I'm very thankful that the problem was resolved so easily. And that, in the grand scheme of things, it was such a minor problem. Even as that problem was being dealt with, I have friends who are dealing with much different kinds of problems. One friend beginning dialysis. One scheduled for an outpatient surgery on Wednesday. Another scheduled for outpatient surgery on Friday. And another waiting for a diagnosis on some spots on her lungs. All of that reminds me that my little battery problem wasn't really such a big deal. All those issues my friends are dealing with puts my battery issue into perspective.
Perspective. That's what's missing at this time of year. As we over-spend. And over-bake. And over-eat. And over-schedule. And over-decorate. And over-stress. We're just over the top.
It's really easy to get carried away with buying gifts and baking cookies and making candy and going to parties and hosting dinners and decorating every nook and cranny of our homes. On and on and on we go. And I'm right there baking and decorating and all the rest.
But when I slow down. When I sit and ponder. When I think about what Christmas is really all about. Then I wonder. What does all this really have to do with that night so long ago in that little town of Bethlehem?
Bethlehem these days is a lot different than it was when Jesus was born.
As you walk the streets of modern-day Bethlehem, it's sometimes hard to imagine the sleepy, quiet village we sing about in many of our carols. It can be a bit difficult to put it all into perspective.
Yet, in spite of the hustle and bustle and noise, and the fumes from cars and buses in the streets, and the street vendors, and all the other facets of life in Bethlehem today, it was there that our Savior was born. There in the little town of Bethlehem. While people slept, and shepherds watched their flocks in the fields nearby, and angels hovered overhead, Christ was born.
We celebrate that event with carols and candles. With trees and gifts. With parties and family gatherings. And all of that is wonderful! But this season, may we keep a right perspective on our celebrations. And may we perhaps get away from our hustle-bustle-got-so-much-to-do, over-the-top way of doing things, and may we find a quiet place to reflect on why we are doing all this in the first place.
This Christmas season, may we find room in our celebrating to spend time with this One who was born of Mary, who came that we might have life everlasting.
I'm very thankful that the problem was resolved so easily. And that, in the grand scheme of things, it was such a minor problem. Even as that problem was being dealt with, I have friends who are dealing with much different kinds of problems. One friend beginning dialysis. One scheduled for an outpatient surgery on Wednesday. Another scheduled for outpatient surgery on Friday. And another waiting for a diagnosis on some spots on her lungs. All of that reminds me that my little battery problem wasn't really such a big deal. All those issues my friends are dealing with puts my battery issue into perspective.
Perspective. That's what's missing at this time of year. As we over-spend. And over-bake. And over-eat. And over-schedule. And over-decorate. And over-stress. We're just over the top.
It's really easy to get carried away with buying gifts and baking cookies and making candy and going to parties and hosting dinners and decorating every nook and cranny of our homes. On and on and on we go. And I'm right there baking and decorating and all the rest.
But when I slow down. When I sit and ponder. When I think about what Christmas is really all about. Then I wonder. What does all this really have to do with that night so long ago in that little town of Bethlehem?
Bethlehem these days is a lot different than it was when Jesus was born.
As you walk the streets of modern-day Bethlehem, it's sometimes hard to imagine the sleepy, quiet village we sing about in many of our carols. It can be a bit difficult to put it all into perspective.
Yet, in spite of the hustle and bustle and noise, and the fumes from cars and buses in the streets, and the street vendors, and all the other facets of life in Bethlehem today, it was there that our Savior was born. There in the little town of Bethlehem. While people slept, and shepherds watched their flocks in the fields nearby, and angels hovered overhead, Christ was born.
We celebrate that event with carols and candles. With trees and gifts. With parties and family gatherings. And all of that is wonderful! But this season, may we keep a right perspective on our celebrations. And may we perhaps get away from our hustle-bustle-got-so-much-to-do, over-the-top way of doing things, and may we find a quiet place to reflect on why we are doing all this in the first place.
This Christmas season, may we find room in our celebrating to spend time with this One who was born of Mary, who came that we might have life everlasting.
"O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend on us, we pray.
Cast out our sin and enter in; Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell.
O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord, Emmanuel.
("O Little Town of Bethlehem", verse 4; words: Phillips Brooks; Music: Lewis H. Redner)
"Bethlehem, out of you will come for Me One who will be ruler over Israel."
(Micah 5:2 NIV)
(Micah 5:2 NIV)
Listen to this carol here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj2fwME46GM
Monday, December 8, 2014
'Tis the Season
'Tis the season to be jolly. So goes a line from a well-known Christmas carol. Although, if you look around the mall and the shops, and if you're caught in traffic, you may notice that the jolly seems to be missing from a lot of people's Christmas!
But that's a story for another day.
We had a busy weekend. Our Life Group Christmas party. Lunch with friends. A visit with a favorite aunt and uncle. A trip to the cemetery to put flowers on my parents' graves. 'Tis the season for busy.
In the middle of all that, my car had a dead battery. We discovered that on Friday, put the battery charger on overnight, and Saturday morning still had a dead battery. So, on our way to Spartanburg for the party, we stopped by the Volvo dealership to drop off the dead battery and pick up a new one. Al has driven the car down to Asheville this morning to have the electrical system checked, since this is not the first time we've had to deal with this issue. And, as if that weren't enough, on our way home last night, when we were still about thirty minutes from home, the low tire pressure light came on in Al's car. We were praying all the way home that the tire wouldn't go flat, since it was already dark. And dark out here where we live is darker than dark in the city, with street lights and all the other city light. Dark out here is really dark. Not a good place to have to change a tire. Thankfully we made it home with all tires still inflated!
'Tis the season for stress.
Yesterday we had a wonderful service of worship. Our pastor has been preaching across South Korea for the last couple of weeks, and so yesterday we were blessed to hear a powerful message from our Minister to Students, Seth Buckley. You can hear his message at www.fbs.org/media, and I'm sure you'll be blessed as well! In addition to that powerful message, we were blessed by wonderful music. From the choir. From soloists. And in congregational singing. 'Tis the season for Christmas carols.
We sang one of my favorite carols yesterday. I have mentioned before that it is impossible for me to choose one favorite carol. But one of my most favorites is Hark! the Herald Angels Sing. I have loved that carol for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child this was a favorite carol. Although back then I didn't get all the words exactly right. I have been told that, as a very young child, I sang with great enthusiasm, "with the jelly host proclaim........"
Now, in my defense, as a 3-year old I probably didn't understand much about the angelic host. And small children don't always correctly pronounce all the "big" words. As an example, a few years ago one of my grandsons shared a Bible verse (Psalm 19:1 KJV) this way: "The heavens declare the glory of God and the furniture sheweth His handiwork."
Somewhere along the way, I got the words right! And in all the years since, when asked to name my favorite carol, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing has always made the list. The tune comes to us from Mendelssohn, so of course I would love that, since Mendelssohn is one of my favorite composers. But it is Charles Wesley's text that really captures my attention.
Wesley begins by describing the song of the angels to the shepherds in that field outside Bethlehem, and he invites us to join in that song. Then he goes on to touch all the bases of the Christmas story: the virgin birth, Christ's deity, the new birth, the transforming power of Christ to save. This carol focuses our attention not only on what happened in Bethlehem on that night so long ago, but on why it happened.
And that's an important thing for us to remember this Christmas season. Remember why. Remember the reason for the season. 'Tis the season to remember.
But that's a story for another day.
We had a busy weekend. Our Life Group Christmas party. Lunch with friends. A visit with a favorite aunt and uncle. A trip to the cemetery to put flowers on my parents' graves. 'Tis the season for busy.
In the middle of all that, my car had a dead battery. We discovered that on Friday, put the battery charger on overnight, and Saturday morning still had a dead battery. So, on our way to Spartanburg for the party, we stopped by the Volvo dealership to drop off the dead battery and pick up a new one. Al has driven the car down to Asheville this morning to have the electrical system checked, since this is not the first time we've had to deal with this issue. And, as if that weren't enough, on our way home last night, when we were still about thirty minutes from home, the low tire pressure light came on in Al's car. We were praying all the way home that the tire wouldn't go flat, since it was already dark. And dark out here where we live is darker than dark in the city, with street lights and all the other city light. Dark out here is really dark. Not a good place to have to change a tire. Thankfully we made it home with all tires still inflated!
'Tis the season for stress.
Yesterday we had a wonderful service of worship. Our pastor has been preaching across South Korea for the last couple of weeks, and so yesterday we were blessed to hear a powerful message from our Minister to Students, Seth Buckley. You can hear his message at www.fbs.org/media, and I'm sure you'll be blessed as well! In addition to that powerful message, we were blessed by wonderful music. From the choir. From soloists. And in congregational singing. 'Tis the season for Christmas carols.
We sang one of my favorite carols yesterday. I have mentioned before that it is impossible for me to choose one favorite carol. But one of my most favorites is Hark! the Herald Angels Sing. I have loved that carol for as long as I can remember. Even as a small child this was a favorite carol. Although back then I didn't get all the words exactly right. I have been told that, as a very young child, I sang with great enthusiasm, "with the jelly host proclaim........"
Now, in my defense, as a 3-year old I probably didn't understand much about the angelic host. And small children don't always correctly pronounce all the "big" words. As an example, a few years ago one of my grandsons shared a Bible verse (Psalm 19:1 KJV) this way: "The heavens declare the glory of God and the furniture sheweth His handiwork."
Somewhere along the way, I got the words right! And in all the years since, when asked to name my favorite carol, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing has always made the list. The tune comes to us from Mendelssohn, so of course I would love that, since Mendelssohn is one of my favorite composers. But it is Charles Wesley's text that really captures my attention.
Wesley begins by describing the song of the angels to the shepherds in that field outside Bethlehem, and he invites us to join in that song. Then he goes on to touch all the bases of the Christmas story: the virgin birth, Christ's deity, the new birth, the transforming power of Christ to save. This carol focuses our attention not only on what happened in Bethlehem on that night so long ago, but on why it happened.
And that's an important thing for us to remember this Christmas season. Remember why. Remember the reason for the season. 'Tis the season to remember.
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King.
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies,
With angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Hark! the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King.
"God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation."
(2 Corinthians 5:19 NASB)
Friday, December 5, 2014
Expectantly
'Tis the season for waiting.
For waiting in long lines in the mall and in the post office and in the grocery store. For waiting for the gifts you ordered on-line to be delivered, and for hoping they make it here in time for Christmas. For waiting until the Christmas break begins and there will be no school for a couple of weeks. For waiting for the family to arrive to celebrate together. And here in this household, it's still the season for waiting for a buyer for our house.
Interestingly, every day this week I have been confronted with verses from Scripture about waiting! It began with the sermon I heard on television last Sunday. Dr. Charles Stanley was preaching about waiting on the Lord. That theme has continued every day in my personal Bible reading. It was not intentional on my part. I was not looking for Scriptures about waiting. But in the course of my regular Bible reading plan, every day there were verses about waiting! And this morning as Al and I were having our devotions together after breakfast, there it was again!
"You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long." (Psalm 25:5 ESV)
It's the season of waiting in another sense as well. It's the season of Advent, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
I didn't grow up in a church that marked the Advent season. It wasn't part of my church's tradition to light the candles in the Advent wreath or to have special advent readings. As I've grown older, and as we've moved around the country quite a bit, I've come to embrace that tradition. But whether or not you have a wreath with candles to be lit, Advent - the time of expectant waiting - can be an important part of your Christmas celebrations.
Advent is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Coming, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Coming. This makes Advent far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. Advent is about looking back at Christ's birth, but also looking forward to His return.
In between, Advent is about an awareness of His presence in the world today. And, on a more personal level, it's about an awareness of His presence in our own lives. About listening for that "still, small voice". About hearing Him speak through the Scriptures. About paying attention. About focusing on Jesus.
A popular Advent hymn is Charles Wesley's Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, which looks forward to Jesus' Second Coming. It begins, "Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free." Wesley was looking forward to the time when Jesus would come again to set us free from fear and sin.
What are you looking forward to this Christmas season? In this Advent season, this season of anticipation and waiting, what are you expecting? What is your focus?
In this holiday season, it's really easy for us to get stressed. There's so much to do. Cookie baking, decorating, gifts to buy and wrap, parties to attend. It can be exhausting! And in my own personal situation, when I add into that mix the waiting for word about selling the house - are these "lookers" going to be "buyers", or are we still waiting - the stress level can rise exponentially. If I let it.
It really is a matter of focus. Of learning to wait. Of waiting expectantly. Of keeping eyes fixed on Jesus, as the writer of Hebrews tells us in Chapter 12.
It's a matter of focusing on the long-expected Jesus. The One whose birth was foretold by prophets hundreds of years before it actually happened. The One whose return is also foretold. The One for whom we are eagerly, expectantly, waiting. The Hope of the world.
He's coming again. And until then, we wait. Expectantly.
"Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13 ESV)
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free.
From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver, Born a Child and yet a King.
Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit, Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all-sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
(Words: Charles Wesley; Tune: HYFRYDOL, Rowland H. Prichard)
You can listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dmO8UPlWoo
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Not That Far
"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger." (Luke 2:4-7 ESV)
Inside the Church of the Nativity, the oldest church in Christendom (built about 326 AD), this silver star marks the traditional birthplace of Jesus. It is inscribed, in Latin, "Here of the Virgin Mary, Christ was born."
That may or may not be the exact spot where Christ was born. But Christ was born. In Bethlehem. Just as it had been foretold by the prophets long before.
That may or may not be the exact spot where Christ was born. But Christ was born. In Bethlehem. Just as it had been foretold by the prophets long before.
Bethlehem seems very far away to most of us. If you've traveled there, as I have, you realize that it is quite a long distance to travel. Our journey to Bethlehem does not involve travel by donkey, as it did for Mary and Joseph. But even with modern jet planes, it's a long trip, flying into Tel Aviv, and then traveling by car or bus on to Bethlehem.
It's a long trip. Or is it?
Several years ago, the singing group Point of Grace recorded a song titled We're Not That Far From Bethlehem. One of my favorite lines in that song says When our hearts still cherish Him, we're not that far from Bethlehem.
As I have been thinking about that song, and about that particular line, I've been remembering the times I traveled to Bethlehem. The times I knelt at this place of Jesus' birth. The times I worshipped there. The times we sang the songs of the Savior's birth. The times I sat in awe and wonder, reflecting on what happened in Bethlehem so long ago.
It's a long trip. Or is it?
Several years ago, the singing group Point of Grace recorded a song titled We're Not That Far From Bethlehem. One of my favorite lines in that song says When our hearts still cherish Him, we're not that far from Bethlehem.
As I have been thinking about that song, and about that particular line, I've been remembering the times I traveled to Bethlehem. The times I knelt at this place of Jesus' birth. The times I worshipped there. The times we sang the songs of the Savior's birth. The times I sat in awe and wonder, reflecting on what happened in Bethlehem so long ago.
There are times when that seems very long ago. And times when Bethlehem seems very far away.
But it isn't. Not really.
That song, We're Not That Far From Bethlehem, offers us a profound truth. When we cherish the Savior in our hearts, when we remember His birth, when we remember why He was born when and where He was......when we remember. And when we cherish.
Then we're never very far from Bethlehem.
Underneath the stars
Just a simple man and wife.
Somewhere in the dark
His words cut the silent night.
Take my hand, for the child
That you carry is God's own.
And though it seems the road is long,
We're not that far from Bethlehem,
Where all our hope and joy began.
For in our arms, we'll cherish Him.
We're not that far, from Bethlehem.
Let us celebrate
As the Christmases go by;
Learn to live our days
With our hearts near to the child.
Ever drawn, ever close
To the only love that lasts,
And though 2000 years have passed
We're not that far from Bethlehem
Where all our hope and joy began.
For when our hearts still cherish Him
We're not that far,
We're not that far from Bethlehem
Where all our hope and joy began.
For when our hearts still cherish Him,
We're not that far
We're not that far from Bethlehem.
(Songwriters: Lowell Talmadge Alexander Jr., Gayla Hester Borders, Jeff A. Borders)
You can listen to We're Not That Far From Bethlehem here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfI2x2krjGA
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