Christmastime is Here!

Christmastime is here! After months, and weeks, and days of waiting, Christmas has arrived. The lights have been strung across every tree limb and archway, the tree is trimmed with even more glittering ornaments than last year, and the halls are decked with holly and mistletoe. Everything is ready for the day we’ve all been waiting for. The smell of baking cookies fills the house and Burl Ives is playing on the radio. The excitement and anticipation is like an electric current in the air.

You’ve done all your shopping, braved the crowded lines and testy clerks to find the best sales. You’ve gotten gifts for all your friends, your aunts and uncles, parents and grandparents, cousins, nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters, your mailman, your children’s teachers, the bus driver, your coworkers, your boss, and don’t forget those jingle gifts for all the Christmas parties. You somehow managed to find those toys your children saw on TV, and, of course, you bought something special for your lovely spouse. You’ve spent hours wrapping and re-wrapping each one. Now your children are sprawled underneath the tree, peeking at nametags to see which is theirs.

Tomorrow you’ll be traveling to visit your family. Oh the memories Christmas always brings! The traditions of Christmas always seem to make the best memories. The wonderful meal, with turkey and stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and of course the pies. All the laughter and stories to tell… Decorating the Christmas tree together, baking cookies with the children, sled-riding and skating, caroling for the neighbors, waking up at the crack of dawn to open gifts. Christmastime is always a time to spend with family and friends, the ones you love the most.

It’s also a time to give. You’ve thoughtfully written Christmas cards for those you love, letting them know how much they mean to you. A “Merry Christmas” has been wished to all your friends, acquaintances, and even strangers passing by on the street. You’ve dropped extra change in the Salvation Army pots, offered a coat to someone without a home, given a toy to Toys for Tots, and donated canned food for the local food drive. The joy of Christmas is meant to be shared- in a note, a cheerful greeting, a gift, a blanket, or much needed food.

The manger scene in your living room catches your eye. Thousands of years ago, Mary and Joseph had been busy with preparations too. Only their preparations were different. They, and generations before them, had long been waiting for the coming of the Messiah. Now they were making preparations for a baby, a baby who would one day be their salvation.

The Wise Men, too, had brought gifts. Only their gifts were not trinkets or toys advertised on TV. Their gifts were for a king, a king they had long been waiting for. This king would one day rule the world with peace and justice and would bring a new kingdom.

The memory of that day was always burned in the shepherd’s hearts. They had gathered that day to visit a baby, but that day would change their lives. No, they did not share a meal together, decorate a tree, or even sing carols. They came to worship their Lord, a Prince whom they had been waiting for to bring them joy and comfort.

The angels sang joyfully on this day as well, but not to announce a new season or spread cheerful greetings. They didn’t ring their bells asking for money to give to the poor. They came to announce a moment the world had been waiting for –the coming of their God. A God who gave up his throne in heaven and became a humble baby, to bring the world back into his warm embrace.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

What have you been waiting for this season? What does this child bring to you this year? Perhaps a friend in a time of loneliness, a comfort in a time of grief, an answer amidst doubt and questions, a strength to lean on, a light in the darkness, or maybe a joy to share.

Immanuel

This year the Advent services at my church are centered around the theme "What does Christmas mean to you?". Last Sunday was about the commercialization of Christmas and this Sunday was about spending time with family and friends. This year Christmas has seemed a bit different for me. It used to be more about making a "wish list" and decorating the house and getting together with family. It still is this year, I love decorating for Christmas (even though my apartment has yet to be decked) and all the beloved family traditions. But Christmas has been more this year. Christmas has been about caring more for others and giving them the joy of Christmas. I've often been given the opportunity to help others this year, even if in a small way. Even more so, this Christmas has been about waiting. I've often been reminded of Scripture fortelling the birth of Christ and the need to wait. So too must I wait for God to be present in areas of my life where I may have questions, or areas that seem rather dark right now. Sometimes being patient for Christ to be present can be as hard as a little child waiting to open the gifts under the tree. But the gift God promises is so much more glorious. Christ is coming soon!

What has Christmas meant for you this year?

NOOMA

My small group from church has been watching a series of DVDs by Rob Bell called NOOMA. In each little vignette Rob talks about a metaphor for God and spirituality meant to start a group discussion. The one we watched tonight was called "Rhythm". In it he compared God's creation to music, and how we each have a part in the song. We're always playing the music because we're part of God's creation. The question is- are we in tune with the music? God's not some big guy standing behind a curtain, pulling some levers, deciding to heal this person or help that one. God is the composer of a wonderful symphony and he's directing every little detail. Only he's given us the choice to either follow his direction, or to play what we want... even if it's off key and not in rhythm.

Rob's explanation in the video was much better. I definitely recommend checking them out at www.nooma.com. It'll make ya think.

How Many Kings

I heard this song on the radio this morning and thought I'd share it.

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe, after all we've projected
A child in a manger?
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl -
Just a child
Is this who we've waited for? 'cause...

How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior
All that we have, whether costly or meek
Because we believe
Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he will suffer
Now, do you believe?
Is this who we've waited for?

How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?
Only one did that for me.

All for me, all for you
All for me, all for you

-"How Many Kings" by Downhere, Bethlehem Skyline

Ruth

Ruth watched her mother-in-law preparing their breakfast. Her knuckles were swollen with arthritis. Her steps seemed a little slower each day. As she kneaded their bread for the day she let a small sigh escape. Ruth knew Naomi was growing tired of this life. She spoke often of her beloved husband and two sons. How will they be remembered? How will their names be carried on?

Ruth remembered the day when she had agreed leave Moab with Naomi. She had been married to her son only a short time. But in that time Naomi, her husband and two sons had become her family. Naomi had taught Ruth everything she knew. She told her about her history, her people, her faith. They had endured famine and poverty together. And they had grieved for their husbands together. After her sons had passed away, it seemed Naomi's only choice was to return to her homeland in Judah. Ruth was faced with the decision to leave her people and everything she had known, or to leave everything she had come to know. She remembered clearly the question in Naomi's eyes as she asked Ruth to choose. And she remembered the whisper in her heart, telling her the way she must go. "Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."

Now Ruth was faced with another decision. Will she face the unkown to care for her family? In order for Naomi's family to continue Ruth would have to marry again. A perfect stranger to her, but one of Naomi's people who would carry on the name of Elimelech. Could she do this? Could she risk the humiliation and disapointment of being rejected? Could she risk her life?

Little did she know that her sacrifice for her aging mother-in-law would one day bring the birth of a child who would sacrifice his life for the world.

Will you also offer your sacrifice? Will you also follow the call?

Lost in the desert

Almost two years ago I decided I wanted to try to read through the Bible in a year. I've made it to Judges. :) So I might be a little behind.... But it has been an interesting journey reading the story of Israel. What a powerful history! And to think that Abraham and Jacob and Joseph and Moses and Joshua were all normal people just like you and me who followed God's calling. They weren't without their faults and mistakes, but they always remained faithful. Imagine what God has planned for our lives! Did you ever think you would be where you are now? I've often had to wonder what God had in mind for the Israelites though. Amongst all the stories of war and battles and times when Israel was doing everything but following God, it can be difficult to see how God was present.

This reminds me of a story I heard a few years ago about a little boy named Timmy. He was only about 6 years old and was taking piano lessons. His mother wanted to give him a little inspiration, so she decided to take him to New York City to see the great pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski in concert. While Timmy and his mother were waiting for the concert to begin his mother chatted with the people sitting next to them. Now, of course this was a formal event and Timmy had to wear a suit and tie. As he waited patiently his collar began to itch. And his new shoes felt a little tight. Timmy began to squirm. He swung his feet. He tapped on the seat. Then he noticed that his mom hadn't noticed his impatience. So he scooted farther off his seat and tapped the seat in front of him. His mom still had not noticed. Timmy stood up and paced between the seats, still unnoticed by his mother. Timmy even squeezed past the other concert-goers in his row and made his way out into the isle, then began running and skipping through the auditorium. Of course everyone else noticed his misbehavior, except for his mother. Until the whispering became more demanding. "Who is that boy?!" "Where's his mother?!" "Where's security?!" Timmy's mother frantically searched for her son, only to see him running down the isle towards the stage. In all the commotion Timmy had gotten scared and couldn't find his seat again. He saw a security guard coming towards him and ran for the first familiar thing he saw- the piano. He hopped up on the bench and began pounding out Chop Sticks as loud and as fast as he knew how. The whispering had become very insistent shouting now and security guards were trying to make their way through the isles to corral Timmy back to his mother. Just as one of the guards made it to the stage, Paderewski stepped out. He motioned the guard off stage and walked out to the piano. The audience went completely quiet, you could have heard a pin drop. Except for Timmy's Chop Sticks. Paderewski knelt down behind Timmy and slowly put his arms around him, whispering "You're doing great. Keep playing". As Timmy continued playing, Paderewski began creating a concerto based on the tune of Chop Sticks. And all the while he whispered to Timmy "You're doing great. Keep playing".

Life gets hard sometimes. We don't always know what we're doing or where we're going. Or even where we are now. Sometimes all we can do is run frantically to the piano and pound out the only song we know as loud and as fast as we can. But God is always there, kneeling behind us, wrapping his arms around us. Whispering in our ear "You're doing great. Keep playing". While he creates a masterpiece with our lives.

Keep playing. You're doing great. :)

You know you're from Garrett County when....

A few minutes ago I went downstairs to get something off the printer, only to find my old piano teacher talking to our office manager. A little surprising. It's been years since I took piano lessons and I've only seen her once or twice, maybe, in passing. (probably at Walmart....) I really liked her and whenever I see her now she always recognizes me and says hi. Today she tells me she thinks she delivers my mail. I'm thinking she must remember where my parents live and delivers their mail. Then she says "You live up on Pysell Rd. right?". It's kinda weird knowing that my old piano teacher delivers my mail and knows where I live.... That's Garrett County for ya. It's interesting how our lives are kinda woven together with the people we meet and interact with. Even though I didn't know Cathy well or very long, she still made an impact on me. Makes me wonder what kind of impact I'm making on the people I meet....

New Beginnings

It seems I've once again convinced myself that I should have a blog. The last attempt obviously was not a huge success (hence the whopping 3 posts), so I have no idea how often this one will be updated or how long it will continue. Or if anyone will even read it. But this blog will be different. No, this blog will not be about all the itsy bitsy details of my life that you don't want to know about anyway. It will be, well probably just my own ramblings.....

I often find myself pondering things that I've read or heard recently, things that are important to me, or just random thoughts that seem to find their way into my consciousness at the strangest of times. This blog is my scribble pad to put those thoughts on paper... er screen, in the hope that you might gain something from my ponderings as well.

For example, I've been thinking lately about what kind of life Christ calls us to live. This is not a new subject for me, but definitely one that should be revisited. Of course there's always the Golden Rule- "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength" and "Love your neighbor as yourself", which is all well and good, but we all know that sermon already. I believe that, as children and disciples of Christ, we are called to live in joy, with joy, and to celebrate the things that give us joy. We are called to live in the joy of our salvation. Jesus gave up his place in heaven, a place without sin, to become completely human. He CHOSE the nails. He allowed his child to put nails in his hands and thorns in his head as he became completely separated from God and suffered the heart-breaking consequenses of sin. And he won! He defeated Satan! And he did it for us, for you! He suffered so we could be given the joy of living in relationship with him for eternity. (read He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado for more)

What more reason do we need to live joyfully? We live anxiously, impatiently, greedily, but how often do we live joyfully? Do we live with the same passion as Jesus? Do we really go about our lives eminating the joy Christ has given us, or do we get caught up in the rat race of all the little details of our lives? For example, my work. I love my kids. I love doing what I do. But do I really do my job joyfully and passionately? Do I really work to change these kids lives and show them the joy Christ can bring them? Or am I just trying to get through each day, getting a kid to sign my service ticket so I can say he's in rehabilitation, filling out all the paperwork to make my bosses happy, and grumbling about everything that's wrong with my job while I'm waiting until the clock says I can go home? I'd have to admit that it's usually the later.

I also believe that God created each of us with unique gifts and talents, dreams, and passions. And he gave us each of these because he meant for us to use them, to become a part of his masterpiece. We all have things that give us joy, things that we're passionate about, big and small. For me it's the sound of rainstorms, memories and family traditions, friendships, cooking, photography, writing (another reason for this blog), listening to people's stories and making them smile... the list goes on and on. But how often do I really take the time to appreciate those things and do things that give me joy? How often can I say that I did something today that I'm passionate about? Or that I worked to fulfill a dream? How different would the world be if we all lived joyfully? Challenge yourselves to live one week, or even one day, joyfully and see what happens. :-)

See, I told you I would ramble. :-) Maybe I should call this my pulpit instead.....