Sunday’s Blessing – 2023/12/31

Today, may you know the One Who knows you best

Today, may you love without limits

Today, may you believe without doubts

Today, may you give from abundance 

Today, may you share without reserve

Today, may you worship without hesitation 

Today, may you know the truth untainted 

Today, may you live with purpose 

Today, may you not wait for tomorrow 

A New Year’s Blessing for 2024

May the coming year be filled with wonder.

Wonder at the faithfulness of God.

Wonder at the opportunities which present themselves.

Wonder of dreams dreamed.

Wonder of victories won.

May the coming year be filled with peace.

Peace from the Prince of Peace.

Peace when disappointments come.

Peace when dreams are not realized.

Peace when loss is the outcome.

May the coming year be filled with grace.

Grace from God which is new every morning.

Grace to make good choices.

Grace to be content.

Grace to live thankful.

May the coming year be filled with love.

Love from the One Who loves you most.

Love given to those in your world.

Love received from family and friends.

Love for life lived to the full.

May the coming year be filled with hope.

Hope in the promises of God.

Hope for a better future.

Hope for desires fulfilled.

Hope, even when you can’t see it.

May the coming year be filled with faith.

Faith in the unlimited God.

Faith to believe beyond what you see.

Faith to carry you through the next step.

Faith to believe you can.

The New Year Phenomenon

Why is January 1 such a mystical day, at least to the Western world? We celebrate as though we had somehow won a major contest or some long-awaited event finally arrived. Please understand, I’m not being critical of this behavior. I celebrate as well. My question is, why do we greet January 1 with such fervor?

For some, finally putting an end to a year which has included some tragedy or major issues which negatively affect our life somehow brings closure by changing the year portion of the date. It gives a mental separation from the occurrence. So, we celebrate the passing of a bad year. In like fashion, we greet the new year with hope of a better outcome. It’s like being given a blank notebook where we can write the story we want, where the ending is the desired outcome: wealth, relationship, career, health, etc.

The reality is any day can be the day of change or reconciliation. It just somehow seems easier when the calendar gives us a physical reminder that things are changing. Whenever I think of this it reminds me of the story when the descendants of Jacob left Egypt. You know the story. God sent Moses to deliver the People of God from slavery. After they made it back to Mt. Sinai:

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. – Exodus 12:1-2

God has the ability to reset the calendar for anyone, any time. For years, Israel had lived in bondage to Egypt, a journey which started with such promise. They came to Egypt at the request of Joseph due to the famine which threatened to kill them all. They were welcomed as friends due to the favor Joseph gained with the emperor. It was a joyous time, reuniting Jacob’s family (now called Israel). Their fortune changed when a new generation of leadership took over. They felt threatened by Israel and forced them into slavery.

This is the same thing that happens to us. We make choices which takes us into a new land. This newfound life can be wonderful, sometimes for years, or even decades. Then change occurs. Sometimes suddenly. Sometimes unexpectedly. Sometimes tragically. You may find yourself in a prison of sorts. Not anything you intended. Not anything you chose. Nothing is familiar anymore. There is seemingly no way out.

Regardless of where you find yourself today, regardless of how you got to here, regardless of how long you have been here, there is hope of a better outcome. Through trust in an unlimited God, we can experience deliverance to a place that we may not even be able to imagine. We most certainly may not know the path, or means, or timing. However, God can change your calendar any time He wants. Maybe January 1, 2024 will be the day of new beginnings for you. Or possibly, even December 27, 2023. Or March 23, 2024. Or any other day you are ready to embrace the plans God has for you.

All I can tell you is to be ready. Keep your eyes on the source of your deliverance, which is the Father. When He comes, be willing, just as we saw with Mary, and say, “Yes!” 

Is This All There Is To Christmas Morn?

A few years ago I wrote a Christmas song. Below are the lyrics. I don't have a decent recording of it, so just imagine it being sung by Michael Buble to an amazing tune.

Is This All There Is to Christmas Morn?

Verse 1

Preparations made, All the gifts sit underneath the tree.

Minds filled with wonder, Each package full of hope and mystery.

Verse 2

Did they remember, After oh so many lists and hints were given.

That one special gift That would make life truly worth the living.

Chorus 1

Year after year when the paper and bows

Lay shredded on the floor.

So many gifts were opened,

But not the one I’m longing for.

Everything I needed, just not what I wanted,

Yet still I hoped for something more.

Is this all there is to Christmas morn?

Verse 3

Still a young virgin, All her life ahead was yet to be.

Her mind filled with wonder, Each day full of hope and mystery.

Verse 4

The angel appeared, He spoke words that were very hard to hear.

But in simple faith, Mary asked the Father to come near.

Repeat Chorus 1

Bridge

While picking up the wrap and bows

That were strewn across the floor.

I found the family Bible

And opened it once more.

Luke’s story brought me back to Bethlehem.

A baby born in a manger filled with hay.

The greatest gift in all the world

Came to me on that blessed day.

This is all there is to Christmas morn!

Chorus 2

Now year after year when the paper and bows

Lay shredded on the floor.

All the gifts were opened

How could we long for more?

I remember the Baby, lying in the manger

Now there’s no need for something more.

This is all there is to Christmas morn!

© 2013 Kurios Music. Words and music by Dudley Harris.

Christmas Blessing

Christmas Blessing

Celebrate the Christ Mass this holiday season

It’s not a birthday celebration, but a celebration of One birthed

It’s not the day we mark, but the event which changed everything

Even during the Christ Mass, the Eucharist is still the primary focus

Without the birth of Christ, the Eucharist would be meaningless

But without the Eucharist, the birth would be of none effect

With both we are changed – the birth and the Eucharist (celebration of the sacrifice of Messiah)

So, sing the songs of the season, the most prophesied event in scripture

Give gifts to remind yourself that the ultimate gift was given

Rejoice, because you have reason to be joyful

Embrace those you love, because we only have them for a moment

Make memories to last a lifetime

Remember the blessings you have experienced

And never forget the Eucharist, the reason for the birth

The songs have said this very thing

A sacrificial lamb, born in a manger

Born that man no more may die

Born to give you a chance at second-birth

Born in the shadow of a cross

Born to die so we could live

Messiah, Emmanuel, Christ, Jesus, Son of God, Propitiation for our sin

The Dichotomy of Christmas

I’ve probably thought more about Christmas this year than any prior. As I’ve already commented, I have come to a place where the “happy holidays” and “merry Christmas” can both be embraced without any effort at all. When you look at life through a single lens, it’s easy to come to the black and white view many have about most every aspect of life.

I grew up in church. I have been a student of scripture for the past 50 years or so. When you read verses in the Bible like this one you can develop a very closed view of our world:

If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. – Luke 14:26

These are words spoken by Jesus (i.e. Red letters). I’ve heard this passage “explained” in many ways and have even “explained” it a few times myself. Then you read another verse like this one:

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:30-31

How can you love your neighbor and hate your own family? Is that what we are to understand from these two very different quotes of Jesus? I don’t think so, but many use these kinds of verses to belittle the Christian faith; a faith based on the Bible.

But others in the Christian community make the same egregious error by trying to “spiritualize” everything. There is nothing “spiritual” about a decorated tree. Many American denominations put up a Chrismon Tree each year to celebrate Christmas and to spiritualize the most common Christmas tradition.

Others scream with veins popping in anger, “Keep Christ in Christmas!!” I have come to believe it stems from verses like those cited above, where at first glance you assume Christians cannot participate in any secular activity. Those with this mindset quickly remind any naysayers of this: 

Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you. – 2 Corinthians 6:17

Yet, Jesus had dinner with “sinners”, talked to women in public (woman at the well), and also claimed to be the Son of God. He didn’t seem to have a problem participating in carnal activities yet did so without sin. This is why the Pharisees had him killed.

So, bringing this back to Christmas, how does a Christian celebrate during this season. We could do like the Jehovah’s Witness tradition calls for, and just pretend there is nothing different than any other day. We could be Scrooge and grumble about the whole thing. We could try to correct everyone’s theology to conform to ours by forcing every aspect of the season to be spiritual. Or we could do as what I believe Jesus would have done, and be salt and light as we go about celebrating this festive time of year. Sing the carols, light the tree, be joyous in giving gifts to others, and be gracious in receiving gifts given to us. 

I believe this would go much further in reaching out to others and showing them the “Reason” we have hope and joy. The “Reason” we can laugh and sing in a world that is seemingly darkening by the day. There has never been a greater need for “The Light” as there is today. How will they ever know the Blessed Hope we have in Christ if we do not show them? How will they ever see The Light if we keep it hidden behind our wall of judgement and condemnation?

How about giving it a try? The current approach is clearly not working.

God's Names at Christmastime - Jesus

The following is from my book, The Names of God.

Matthew 1:21 (ESV) She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

I couldn’t believe it. As I was working through the “R”s on the Names of God list, it suddenly occurred to me that the name Jesus was omitted. How could that be?

Then a few thoughts came to me. First of all, it is the most familiar name for God that we know. Every thing from lullabies to epic movies has the name of Jesus in them.

Secondly, it is also a name that many avoid because the mere mention of the name evokes a response. For Believers it triggers gratitude. For non-believers it brings conviction. For others it brings anger because of the hardness of their heart.

C. S. Lewis summed up men’s response to Jesus. He said, “He is either Lord, liar, or lunatic.” Jesus is either the Son of God as He claimed, a liar for making such a claim, or a lunatic that has no idea what he is saying. “But,” as Lewis continued, “You cannot call Him just a good man.”

You can speak of “God” to most people and they will politely oblige your conversation, but when you mention Jesus their heart is almost certainly revealed in their response.

We just completed the Christmas season where you see and hear more of the name of Jesus than at any other time (at least in the Western culture). It is after all, the time we celebrate His birth. But Jesus is so much more than a baby in a manger. Even the name Mary was told to give Him at His birth implied there was much more to this child than any before Him.

Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, God had been working a plan of redemption; a way to bring man back into a right relationship with his Creator. The one that would “crush the head of the serpent” became a baby in a manger; helpless, vulnerable, the embodiment of God’s love. His name, however, caused satan and his kingdom to fear. The Second Adam had been born. The Second Joshua had come to deliver God’s people (this time all of them) from the grasp of sin and darkness that kept them in bondage.

Jesus. His name is from the Hebrew word interpreted as “Joshua,” and means, “Jehovah-saved.” The first Joshua completed the journey of Israel out of bondage from Egypt to Canaan. The Second Joshua, Jesus, paid the penalty for sin and gave mankind a way to escape the second death.

Call out to Him now. Receive the forgiveness provided through the death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and seating of Jesus. Identify yourself with Him in baptism. Receive the Gift He sent to abide in us until He returns: the Holy Spirit. Your life will never be the same.

It Must Be Christmastime

My Christmas Bucket List included writing a new Christmas song. I did that, and posted it earlier. I also wrote another which I forgot to post. Here is it.

Sleigh bells, joyous noels

It must be Christmastime

Beautiful trees, shopping sprees

It must be Christmastime

Candy treats, favorite sweets

It must be Christmastime

Mistletoe, candles aglow

It must be Christmastime

It’s so easy to see why these special days

Change our hearts in so many ways

Gathering with family and friends

Falling in love or making amends

Over the hill or in your prime

It must be Christmastime

Wonderful scents of pine and mints

It must be Christmastime

You here with me, just glad to be

With you at Christmastime

It’s so easy to see why these special days

Change our hearts in so many ways

Gathering with family and friends

Falling in love or making amends

Over the hill or in your prime

So glad it’s Christmastime

Christmas Is a Secular Holiday

Christmas is a secular holiday, and that’s ok. I still love it. I remember as a child seeing the use of Xmas, an abbreviated form of the word Christmas. It was seen as the work of satan, and was met with cries of “keep Christ in Christmas!” Little did they know the X was the Greek letter, chi, which was often used to represent Christ. 

Xmas = Christmas

The Catholic church, who created the liturgical calendar, placed the remembrance of Advent during the month of December, a known period of celebration of the sun (the star in the center of our solar system) being reborn, since the daylight decreases each day until the winter solstice, then begins to increase each day after. This practice dates back to a time before the birth of Jesus. Giving Christians an alternative seemed like a practical thing to do. However, this secular celebration did not look anything like our Western celebration of Christmas.

Christmas as we know it today is a relatively new thing. Many of the “traditions” of Christmas were only started within the past 200 years or so. Christmas was declared a national holiday in the United States in 1870. Before that, it was just another day for most. In contrast, the birth of Christ (Advent) has been celebrated for the past 2000+ years.

Before you decide that I have forsaken my faith (some of you may have already decided that), please hear the point of all of this. For me, I have arrived at a place where I can embrace both without any feelings of guilt or condemnation. I celebrate Advent (or Christmas if you prefer) to remember the miraculous process of God (the Word) becoming flesh living among us in order to “show” us the Father. Jesus personified the Godhead and provided a way for us to get back to our origin; to once again know the Creator as a Friend, One we can “walk in the garden in the cool of the day” with, just like Adam and Eve did.

I can celebrate Advent with spiritual fervor while wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, watching a Hallmark movie, drinking eggnog, sitting by a decorated tree. I don’t see them as mutually exclusive. All the trappings of the “holiday” (which literally means “holy day”) do not diminish my faith as a Christian, nor does it dilute my love and worship for the God who provided salvation at Advent.

I fully understand there are some who only celebrate the holiday and not the holy day, but deriding them or ridiculing them will not change that. The way for them to know the wonder of Advent is not do dismiss the tinsel and lights, but to introduce them to the One who brings wonder to life every day, not just at Christmas.

So, chill out when your neighbor’s decorative lights keep you up at night. Don’t fret over the money others spend on gifts for their family and friends. Don’t chastise others for saying “happy holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. Keep the peace and joy which Christ brings to your heart and share it with others you meet along the way. It might wind up as a win-win for both you and them.

Sunday’s Blessing – 12/17/2023

May songs of the season, both old and new, fill your heart with joy

May the sights and sounds of Advent and Christmastime fill your mind with wonder

May the story of heaven coming to earth give hope for both today and tomorrow

May the reality of God becoming flesh motivate you to good works

May the presence of the King give you peace

God's Names at Christmastime - Wonderful

I recently finished writing a book called "The Wonder of the Wilderness". It's not published yet, but hopefully will be after the first of the year. Sometimes we overlook some of the simple ways in which God is presented to us in scripture. The word "wonderful" is very familiar to us. So when it is also ascribed to God, we tend to be unimpressed. After all, the doughnut we had this morning was wonderful. The picture our toddler drew at school is wonderful. The wedding last weekend was wonderful.

So what, that God is also wonderful ... until you look at the true meaning of the word: full of wonder. A doughnut is not full of wonder (even though they are really good!). The wedding was beautiful, and emotionally moving, but not really full of wonder. Perhaps, because of the innocence and creativity alive in a toddler, their drawing may actually be filled with wonder.

But God IS wonderful (full of wonder). His very essence exudes wonder. When you seriously consider God, His nature, His character, His presence, everything about Him is wonder-filled. It's no "wonder" (slight pun intended) that when it came time to send His Son, Jesus, to earth to redeem mankind, that "wonderful" would be one of the adjectives used to describe His birth.

A teenage virgin girl (Mary) willing to give up her dream of life with Joseph as just a husband and wife to become the mother of God's Son. An old priest and barren wife (Zacharias and Elizabeth) surprised with WONDERFUL news of a son (John) that would usher in the presence of Messiah.

The old prophet, Simeon, that recognized Jesus as Messiah when Joseph and Mary brought Him to the temple on the eighth day. The woman widowed at a young age, Anna, who spent the remainder of her life in the temple praying, when she saw the Messiah and was able to bless the Child.

Wise men who travelled for years, following the WONDERS in the sky that led them to the Newborn King.

It is no surprise that Christmastime is filled with wonder, because the first Christmas truly was. Let WONDER fill your heart and home this year. Make room for Jesus, but also for others, to celebrate this most blessed time together.

Another View of Advent

I’m probably the last person on earth to get this revelation. This morning while listening to the song, “Follow That Star” by Paul Baloche, I saw an image that made the whole point of Advent vividly clear to me.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in a manger, borne by a virgin, whose Father was God. There was a sign given, a star in the east, which drew people to Him. The angels announced His birth to shepherds and others (Anna, Simeon, Elizabeth, Zachariah, Joseph, and of course, Mary) which captured the attention of the magi (could have been many; only three gifts were mentioned). All of this I’ve heard from my childhood.

However, this morning as I was listening to the song several verses began to scroll in my mind. The first was Revelation 22:16:

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.

Then I recalled John 3:3:

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Here’s the image which came to mind in all of this. Jesus, who was born under the sign of a star, became The Bright Morning Star which now draws us to our birthplace (born of the Spirit). We now follow Him, the Star, to encounter our Savior who is Christ the King! The Spirit is now actively working to bring us to the stable, the manger, where we experience being born again. This is the story of Advent. It’s not that Jesus came, but that in coming, He made a way for us to come back to the Father.

Sunday’s Blessing – 12/10/2023

Be comforted today by the Prince of Peace

Be consoled today by the Wonderful Counselor

Be encouraged today by Emmanuel, God with us

Be empowered today by Almighty God

Be captivated today by the Wonder of Advent

Be assured today by the Everlasting Father

Be joyful today because the Babe of Bethlehem is now the King of the Kingdom

God's Names at Christmastime – Son of God

Daniel 3:25 (NKJV) "Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."

It is interesting that the first mention of the Son of God comes from a king that had no regard for God. Yet, he recognized the extra man in fire as one that looked like the Son of God.

The next reference in scripture of someone using the name Son of God is when satan came to Jesus in the wilderness to tempt Him. Three times satan said, “If you are the Son of God …?” Each time Jesus responded with a verse found in the Old Testament.

Luke 4:2-13 (ESV) for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’”

And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”

And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

As a child, Jesus knew He was the Son of God when He was only twelve years old.

Luke 2:48-50 (ESV) And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.

In Luke’s account of Jesus’ life he gives the linage of Jesus. It ends with another reference to the other Son of God, Adam.

Luke 3:23-38 (ESV) Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, … the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

Jesus was the second Adam. He came to undo what Adam brought to the human race through his sin in the Garden of Eden. Jesus became the One whose heel would be bruised in the crushing of the serpent’s head. Jesus succeeded in His mission. He was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, lived a sinless life as a man filled with the Spirit of God. He died as the perfect Lamb whose blood washed away our sin. He was raised from the dead, defeating hell and the grave for us. He ascended to heaven and was seated at the right hand of God, “far above all rule, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named”, so that we once again reign in life. Jesus then sent the Holy Spirit to abide in us forever.

That, my friend, is the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus, which provides us with a way back to our Creator. Thank you, Jesus, the Son of God, for paying the price for us!

Sunday's Blessing – 12/03/2023

May the wonder of Advent bring out the child-like wonder in you

May you know the magic of dreaming as you consider the miraculous birth

May you gain new hope in knowing that Messiah still lives

May your days ahead be greater than any behind because you have a future in Him

May you see the goodness of God in each gift, given or received

May you engage in inclusion instead of exclusion, because He came for all mankind

May you experience the love of Christ like embracing a newborn

May your joy overflow as the “thrill of hope” rises to new heights

May you be all you were created to be, which is a lot

God's Names at Christmastime - Everlasting Father

The following is from my book, The Names of God.

Isaiah 63:16 (ESV) For you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us; you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name.

One of the greatest privileges I have in life is to be called a father. It is one of the highest callings for a man. The most prevalent image that God models for us is that of Father.

Consequently, one of the greatest areas of spiritual warfare waged by the enemy is against fatherhood. The media belittles the role of men in general, but especially fathers. Statistics show that the majority of divorces occur when the oldest child of a couple reaches the age of puberty. Just when a child is looking for identity and destiny, their foundation, their parents, are suddenly divided, causing them to become shipwrecked.

One of the most important roles fathers have in the life of their children is in the area of blessing. Again, because of ignorance or apathy, the blessing a father gives to a child has been practically eliminated from the Western culture. Instead of receiving a blessing from the very one they are seeking approval, they instead receive abuse or neglect at worst, or being ignored. This is not the way Father modeled for us.

Look at scripture. You will find specific times of blessing that God desires a person to receive in their lifetime. Father later implemented them in the Law of Moses to be sure that every Hebrew received a blessing. First of all, after birth a child was brought before the priest to be blessed. The parents, and possibly others, would speak blessings over the child and commit it into the hands of Father.

Then at puberty each child would have a ceremony. For the male child it was a bar mitzvah; for the female, a bat mitzvah. These Hebrew phrases mean Son (bar) of the Covenant and Daughter (bat) of the Covenant. These ceremonies would be as big as a wedding. Much time and effort went into planning the event. All of the family and friends would gather. Gifts were given. The highlight of the night would be when the child was placed in a chair, then raised up high by other family members. They would march the child around the room like a king or queen being carried about. The whole time the father of the child walked before them proclaiming loudly, “This is my beloved son/daughter in whom I am well pleased!”

How could any child come away from that experience without feeling special? Other things would change after the bar/bat mitzvah. Their clothing would change. They were no longer considered children, but instead treated as a man or woman.

The next time of blessing would come when the child married. They would again come before the priest for a blessing and the wedding pronouncement. Parents would speak blessings over the new couple, pledging to assist them in any way needed. It would launch them into a union that was sealed by Father Himself.

Our Father intended for the elderly to be blessed; to be cared for and to be shown honor. This is also an area that the Western culture has practically eliminated from its view of society.

To know that our Father wants us to be blessed exposes the deep love for which He loves us. He does not want to simply muddle through life and pay homage to the “great god in the sky.” He wants us to know His heart and to follow His ways. His ways are intended for our greatest good. Without that understanding it is very difficult to give ourselves to Him fully.

Meditate on some of the Names of God that have been considered up to this point. Let us get to know our Father to the point that we can trust Him fully and follow Him completely. Then we will know life.

Mystery or Majesty?

Several years ago I wrote a Christmas musical called "Mystery or Majesty?". I didn't write the music, but I wrote the narration and chose songs to convey the Christmas Story as I've come to enjoy it.

All of my life I heard about those found at the typical nativity scene, represented by the creche. There are Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Then you add shepherds, wise men, and some random animals which vary; usually sheep, camels, cows, and the like. All of the sermons, carols, and other Christmas songs focus on these elements. While "that night" was a wonderful sight, there were so many other things to experience which get very little time from the average pulpit. For me, discovering these things changed my whole perspective on Christmas.

The first glimpse into these "other" things came while I was a freshman at Samford University. Ralph Carmichael had written a new Christmas cantata called "Specially for Shepherds". Mr. Carmichael was friends with the resident composer and leader of the Hear & Now Singers at Samford. His name was Bob Burroughs. Bob was asked to put together an ensemble/choir to present the world premier of Specially for Shepherds. He invited all who wanted to participate to come be a part of this exciting event. I decided to join the choir.

In this presentation, Mr. Carmichael took a drastically different view of the events surrounding Advent. He dared to present the angst surely felt by Joseph when he received word that his fiancee, Mary, was pregnant; and they have never had sex. The discordant music, along with the dramatic expression choreographed by Mr. Burroughs had a profound impact on me and the listening audience. It humanized the story for me which up until that time had only been a fairytale. Here's the first verse of Joseph's response:

I can’t believe it, this terrible news

I won’t believe it, I simply refuse

It troubles my spirit and brings me unrest

It crushed the breath right out of my chest.

The entire musical is on You Tube. It's from 1977 so the music is typical of the era, but the lyrics are nothing close to typical. They are still so relevant to me.

A few years later, Michael Card produced an album which had a song about Simeon. The catchphrase of the song goes, "Now that I've held Him in my arms my life can come to an end." Until this song, I don't remember ever hearing about Simeon in relation to Advent. In case you do not know the story, Simeon was outside the temple the day Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to be circumcised. He was a man who loved God, and had received a promise that he would not die until he sees Messiah. That day, he saw Jesus! He approached them and asked to hold the Christ-child. As he did, he began to "sing" his song: 

Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32 ESV)

Once inside the temple, they encountered a woman; a widow serving in the temple for many years. Her name was Anna. She, too, like Simeon had been waiting on the arrival of Messiah. When she saw them, Anna knew this was Messiah. "And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem." (Luke 2:38 ESV) All who were waiting. There were MANY living expectantly, waiting on the arrival of Messiah.

Back to the visit where Gabriel appears to Mary, whom most portray as an almost angelic creature, sitting as though she knew the angel was coming that day, that hour. I don't believe this to be the case. Based on tradition of the day, Mary was likely a young lady who just went through puberty. Some speculate she was anywhere from thirteen to eighteen. Most young women were busy with household chores; preparing meals, tending to flocks or gardens, sewing, washing clothes, etc. The way I usually picture this encounter is with Mary down by the river, beating clothes on rocks to get them clean. Possibly beads of sweat were running down her face. Her hair was somewhat disheveled. The angel was an interruption to her. Based on the record we have in scripture, Mary was more concerned about the "how" than the "what". I'm sure Mary knew of Messiah, and tradition teaches us that some young women would actually be hoping they would be chosen to be the mother to the Christ-child. Mary eventually "receives" the word spoken by the angel and declares, "Be it unto me according to your word."

The first thing she does is go to see her relative, Elizabeth, who was also pregnant by miraculous means. Elizabeth was past child-bearing years. When Mary greets her, the child inside "leaped" at the sound of Mary's voice, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Here's the irony of this encounter. Elizabeth's husband, Zechariah, was a priest. He was sworn to keep the Law of God. Every word of it. The penalty for a woman becoming pregnant outside of marriage was death by stoning. If Zachariah learned of Mary's condition, he would be duty-bound to bring her before the spiritual leaders and have her stoned.

Prior to all of this, Zachariah had his own angelic encounter. He learned that he would be given a son through his elderly wife. This child would be named John (later to be known as John the Baptist). Zachariah had a difficult time receiving this word, unlike Mary. The angel struck Zachariah mute until the child would be born. John became the forerunner of the Messiah. He would "prepare the way" for Jesus to be introduced to the world as the Son of God.

When you intertwine these things with the rest of the traditional elements of Advent, you begin to see all God put in place to welcome His Son, Jesus, into a world in need of a savior. It was truly the most wonderful time of the year! I doubt December 25 was the actual day Jesus was born. This day was established much later by the Catholic Church as part of the complete liturgy used to worship God and train believers in the things of God. That doesn't cause a single problem for me. It doesn't matter to me. What matters is that Jesus did come! It was miraculous! It is still the greatest mystery! It is still majestic!

This Christmastime I hope you take time to reflect, not only on the creche, but on all the aspects surrounding this blessed event now known as Advent.

Sunday’s Blessing – 11/26/2023

As we approach the beginning of Advent

It is very appropriate that we begin with Thanksgiving

Acknowledging that we do not have everything

Without the help of others, especially God

Thanksgiving forces us outside of ourselves

To admit shortcomings, our need for grace

And noticing where help is provided

Prompting new appreciation of others

It is hard to receive a gift when we have no need

How can we welcome a Savior when we are not lost

Why do we need a Messiah if we are already complete

How can we embrace the precious Lamb without empty arms

Recognize the areas where there is lack

It’s not a sign of weakness

It’s a confession that we have needs

And encourages us to ask for things

This gives way to open doors

Access to our hearts which have been barricaded

We unlatch the fortified access to our soul

And feel the warmth of love, the love of God

It all starts with Thanksgiving

The Journey - Week 17

 I haven't posted in The Journey in a while. I've settled into a routine that is workable. My trips to the gym have been disrupted by foot surgery which kept me out of pocket for the past five weeks. I hope to resume exercising next week.

Most of the people I met at the campground have left. Some new ones have arrived. Lots of folks coming and going. I'm constantly amazed at how many nomadic people there are in the U.S. I had no idea until now. It will be interesting to see how the holidays affect the activity here.

I haven't decorated anything yet, but I hope to change that in the coming weeks. We will see.

Cullman has a huge Christmas celebration planned. As a matter of fact, it begins tonight and goes through December 23. It's touted as the largest in the U.S. I can't refute it, but I don't know if it's one of those "World's Greatest Cup of Coffee" claims or not. I'll check it out at some point.

Looking forward to singing with the Crossroads Baptist choir for Christmas. We start rehearsals this coming week. I discovered a neat Christmas playlist on Spotify. I've enjoyed listening and getting into the spirit of the season.

I'll try to update more frequently. Things have been pretty busy lately. Until next time ...

God's Names at Christmastime - Mighty God

The following is from my book, The Names of God.

Luke 1:49 (ESV) for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

This is an amazing verse. He who is Mighty, holy is His name. There are many people in our world that could be considered mighty. However, when you consider the circumstances in which this statement is made you realize there can only be one conclusion.

Mary, a teenage girl in Israel, a virgin, was just asked to become the mother of God’s Son, Jesus. Can you imagine what must have been going through this young lady’s mind? Based on what we know about her background, Mary most likely understood The Law. She had heard that a Messiah was coming to redeem Israel – through a virgin. She also understood the penalty for pregnancy outside of marriage – death by stoning.

When the angel appeared Mary was surprised by the words spoken to her, yet she was willing to be obedient to God’s will for her life. “Let it be according to your word.” This one moment was both a pinnacle of excitement beyond her wildest dreams – to be the mother of God’s Son – and the deepest pit of dread – dying as an unwed mother.

She had to ask some questions: What would Joseph think? What would her parents think? What would the priest do to her? In the end her answer was, “Yes!” Once the decision was made and sealed by her confession to the angel, Mary began to see the gravity of her agreement. She just said yes to God. That is when she began her “song” as theologians call it - The Magnificat.

The verse cited above is part of Mary’s Song. He who is Mighty has done great things FOR ME. Unlike others that were encountered by God that could not find it within them to say, “Yes,” because of what it would cost them, Mary said, “Great things were done for me!” Mary realized that Mighty God had just entered her through the Holy Spirit. As far as we know from scripture, Mary became the first person filled with the Holy Spirit.

It resulted in her conceiving Jesus in her womb; God now becoming flesh. Jack Hayford, in his book “The Mary Miracle” describes this event as the “fountainhead of all miracles.” Because Mary recognized God as Mighty, and allowed Him to perform His plan through her, she became blessed among women.

Each of us has a choice today. Do we say, “Yes,” to God and His plan by allowing Mighty to do great things FOR US, or do we rebuff the One who loves us most?

Thanksgiving 2023

The morning light presses through the fog

Like a cutter making its way through the North Sea

Each trying to keep the other from accomplishing its mission

The fog, a low-hanging cloud of mist, brings confusion

The light attempting to bring clarity

Above the cloud the sun rules, shining brightly

Below the fog, we amble about aimlessly

Searching for a way out, but not finding it

Running into things unexpected

Yet still hoping for a better outcome

As it always has for thousands of years

The sun eventually wins by melting the fog

Allowing the clarity of its rays to reach us

Once again illuminating our path for our journey

We continue our travels without gratitude

Unaware of the battle which rages every day

We amble about somehow thinking we are in control

That through our own effort, the fog lifted

Our perspective is jaded by lack of truth

By pride of what we deem to be knowledge

Today of all days we must find a way

To direct our focus on the reality

That the sun is the one actually in control

It created the cloud of fog in which we struggled

And then blew it away with its beams

Without its warmth we would freeze

Without its light we would be blind

Without its rays our health would struggle

Without its pull, our earth would be adrift

It tends to our world, and us, without ever demanding anything

Today, be grateful for all you have

Be grateful for how long you survived this chaos

Be grateful for the people in your life

Be grateful for those who have preceded us

Be grateful …

Sunday's Blessing - 11/19/2023

May today be filled with wonder

Of things both great and small

The sun, moon, and stars

The butterfly, the bird’s call

May you never miss a chance

To thank God in your day

He made it all, both small and big

Everything along your way

From spectacular to mundane

It all matters to Him

Especially you, the image of God

Not created on a whim

Live from this blessed place

Of knowing your Creator

Each breath, each step, each passing thought

Always surrounded by splendor

The challenge is to be aware

To notice what is all around

Things of wonder fill your world

Many without a sound

It’s up to you to look and see

Do not miss a single one

Make the most of each new day

Before your time is done

Since we know not the time or day

No need to worry much

Just live your life with great intent

Your world so needs your touch