Twelve Days of Christmas Daily Devotions

I am sharing an excellent resource for devotions during the 12 days of Christmas! (start on December 25)

 https://buildfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/BFL.A-Daily-Guide-to-12-Days-of-Christmas-Joy.2020.LowRes.pdf?mc_cid=f69d69f2c8&mc_eid=3e1a3f266c

I will be spending some time "sharpening the saw" and practicing some needed self-care time.

Travel Mantras

Even if many of us have elected to travel less and only to relatively safe places, we still know and remember the comical phrases heard on long trips. Say a few with me, "How much farther?" "Where are we?" "I'm hungry!" Don't forget the one that I was famous for when I was young, "I have to use the potty!" Of course, we also have to include, "Are we there yet?" At this last full day of Advent, it is a very good question. Although Advent isn't usually viewed as a "journey" like Lent often is, I actually think that Advent lends itself better to that imagery. If we picture ourselves like shepherds walking towards a discovery of good news, this could bring a rich spiritual insight. What if we are wondering how we will recognize the little Christ among the people? How will we share and spread the news of Christ's arrival? We can also think about what our walk towards Christ looks like--are we focused on finding him, or other ways to "pass the time?" Paul gives us a good travel mantra, "Let us live honorably as in the day."

Romans 13:11-14

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Christ Jesus, I am seeking you. I am searching for you. Help me to find you in others. Help me to show others that you are coming and here in this world. Let my walk with you show that I follow you. Let me live honorably to your glory. Shine your light in your people! Be with all that I name today... In the Name of the One who is and who was and who is to come. Amen.

Small Struggle

 I had a small struggle the other day to find Christmas music that was actually Christmas music. The harder I looked in a streaming provider, the more I found playlists of "inspirational" or similar labels that included secular songs about nothing that included love of God or neighbor. Christmas music is about Christ. Sure we can generalize a bit to the things that Christ does and celebration of Creation. Fun and goofy songs are fine, I do like my fair share of dancing to upbeat tunes. The significant of who we celebrate, though, has to be an important part of anything that would be called Christmas. While I am on this little rant, it is the church who gets to name the simple criteria of what is and what isn't "Christmas." So, there.

Hymns and songs teach meaning and pieces of the Christmas story. So, what is really
important is for us to be sure that the authentic carols aren't lost in all the noise. Carols the sing a new song about Christ have the intended benefit of pointing newcomers towards the manger. There all find hope and joy that is authentic. The true joy of Christ lasts long after Epiphany.

Psalm 96 

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.

For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.

Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts.

Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.

Say among the nations, “The Lord is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.”

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

before the Lord; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.

O God, we sing to you and give you glory. We praise you for your coming among us. We thank you for all the ways that you bring us joy. Guide us to sing and share your love and peace with the world! Lord, we lift to you all those that need you to sing over them a song of healing and help... In your great Name, we pray. Amen.

Right Sound, Wrong Car

 I was having a conversation on a sidewalk and a car in similar condition to the one pictured here zoomed by with robust roar. We both turned to look. "Right sound, wrong car," he said. It was funny because I think we were both expecting an exotic sports car. Sometimes we place our expectations in the wrong direction.

Today's reading is a good corrective to those who might be a bit obsessed with angels. Not that angels are a bad thing, it is just that they aren't God. There is a reason why not many of them are named in the Bible. They are messengers and servants of God, they aren't the real deal.

Getting ready for Christmas has to mean staying focused on what actually matters. The spotlight of our heart, eyes, ears, and all should be on God and God's fleshy presence. It might look like the wrong car to the wicked, but we know Jesus is the right sound and right car--worthy of our admiration and praise!

 

Hebrews 1:5-14

For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire.” But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” And, “In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end.” But to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

God, turn our hearts and minds back to you when we wander or get distracted. Guide us to see all that you are for our lives. Loving God we give you all the praise, honor and glory! We thank you for this day and all that you so freely give to us out of your kingly wisdom. We pray for those who are in need of your grace and healing this day... In your great name, we pray. Amen.

Cardboard, really?

 I heard a bunch of years ago that those who handle cardboard on a daily basis wear down their fingerprints. Apparently, some criminals even choose such jobs in order to create "blank" fingerprints. The reality is that your ridges grow back. Here is an article in the Scientific American with other citations, if you really want to go down that rabbit hole on a snowy day. 

The phrase "exact imprint" made me think of the uniqueness of fingerprints, but extended into the entire being of God. This is how I think of this verse. It is a different angle on understanding the Trinity. We can't repeat or easily remove who we are, our identities, or our fingerprints, but God has done that while remaining one and true, unconfused and clear.

As I look at the beauty of creation today, I am deeply grateful the God is the master of uniqueness, identity, and singular in capability.

Hebrews 1:1-4

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Loving God, you have made me and everything that exists. We give you thanks for Creation, for family, for friends, for many blessings...

We give you thanks for your watchful care over us and all who are in need, sick or suffering in any way...

Lord, we lift your name up high, as high as we can go, knowing our songs are not loud or joyful enough. We pray that our praise is pleasing in your hearing, this day and always. In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.

Cookbook

 Mark 9:9-13

As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead could mean. Then they asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said to them, “Elijah is indeed coming first to restore all things. How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt? But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written about him.”

Reflection

Elijah's role is fulfilled in John the Baptist--he dressed like him and spoke of what people should do immediately at the time of revelation. John has also, at this point in the Gospel,  been beheaded. I hear the anger and frustration in Jesus's clipped responses. He also knows a similar fatal journey is ahead for himself.

This is also one of many passages that we seem to be scratching at the surface of meaning. Sometimes it is frustrating for me, one who has studied the Bible all my life, to be left with so little to interpret and explain to you. That, however, is also an important point. The Bible is not a recipe book of this equals this, or if you do this then this will happen. The interaction between God and God's people is dynamic and mysterious, full of mysteries and wonder. Yes, we do know many things and the conviction of faith is far more powerful than we realize. Jesus does also relieve us from waiting for one thing--the appearance of Elijah. Now we know we live in an end time. I think part of the reason the full ending is delayed is God waiting for our fuller participation.

We praise you O God for the words of the prophets, which were not in vain. We thank you for the great gift of Holy Scripture, which enlightens our days. We pray to you for the fullness of Christ Jesus among us, which brings a new day of all things good. We trust in your unfailing promises and place our cares and concerns into your wisdom and guidance, healing and providence... In the name of the blessed and Holy Trinity, One God, now and forever. Amen.

How much can I lift?

How much can I lift? How much can any person lift? According to the International Weightlifting Federation, the heaviest recorded total lifted was 473kg (1042.79 pounds) by Lasha Talakhadze. I think my total is just a little less than that. There are, of course, many unofficial reports of higher amounts (by others, not me!). Who can know which ones were "whale tales" and which ones were miracles? For me, the inspiring stories involve groups of people finding tremendous strength together and lifting cars or stones off trapped or injured people.

Kate Nye (Photo: Steven Galvan/IWF)

Our Psalm for today points to the forever abiding of those who trust in God. It is important to note that this extends the unshakeable promise for God's people to anyone who trusts in God. When you are unsure about yourself or others, look to the mountains and ask if they can be weightlifted? In a similar way, nothing can separate God from those who trust in God!

Psalm 125

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time on and forevermore.

For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest on the land allotted to the righteous, so that the righteous might not stretch out their hands to do wrong.

Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts.

But those who turn aside to their own crooked ways the Lord will lead away with evildoers. Peace be upon Israel!

Almighty and powerful God, we need your surrounding presence each and every day. We give you praise and thanks for all your loving and providing ways. Let our trust in you grow more and more this day. Build up our resolve to your justice and peace. In you unshakeable name, we pray. Amen.

Making ready to repel

 Devotions for December 14, 2020

In this closing section of Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, his encouragement is an alternate reality of spiritual fighting in a physical world. The image is a metaphor of pieces that form together as a discipline, a warning, and a perspective. The totality amounts to a visual depiction of the Way over and against all the foes and forces that work in opposition.

We don’t typically see soldiers standing around in armor. We are not occupied by an empire. We have seen police and the National Guard in riot gear on our screens this year. We have watched scenes of rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons. We get the idea of what repelling a force or a people looks like.

What is harder for us to handle is the reality of temptation, forces of darkness, etc. That crosses over from a world of physicality and science to a spirituality that requires belief, faith, discovery and discernment. We don’t see this world as full of demons, run by the head tempter. I believe that is due to continual defeats. It is also due to a greater understanding of our physical world and what lies underneath various problems. Yet, even as superstitions die and wisdom rises, we must continue to use reason, science and faith for the work of good and the spreading of peace and love.

I do not believe in the singularity of the personified Opposer. I have chosen the other, winning side. I am fully aware of how strange this sounds. I also heard the strange sound of an evil voice many years ago and I moved the physical world to turn it off. I shook my head and turned away from it. This is a story for another day.

Ephesians 6:10-17

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 

God of power and might, teach us to know and hear your voice. Empower us to choose life and to work more and more each day for the fulfillment of your reign. For you are the One and only true God. Be with all those struggling this day,… Lift up your children and build them up in your endless hope. Reward those who have fought the good fight. We are giving you thanks for the great cloud of witnesses who encourage us on day after day in your path. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

Bags of Grass

 I woke up this morning and my mouth and sinuses were pretty dry and stiff. This is not unusual for me during the heating season or otherwise. Dry and wet, weeping and joy shouting, sowing and harvesting--this Psalm is full of opposites and contrasts. It is probably hard for us to fully grasp what it is like to live in a part of the world where there are "watercourses" which the New Revised Standard Version translation uses to try to provide a word for a wadi that the rest of the world will understand. Dry streambed doesn't roll off the tongue. We all, however, can relate to drought times and rainy times.

I remember one extremely rainy spring when I was a teenager mowing lawns for money. It had rained for weeks straight, continuously. The grass had gotten so high and thick it took multiple attempts, passes, and mowings to get it down. I remember a day after the weather broke, a classmate and I were comparing bag counts of cut grass. It was most definitely an abundance. Certainly a poor use of the surplus to throw the grass in the trash, but that was what we foolishly did. ("Hey younger Andrew! Why didn't you compost!?")

I can also think about painful times of loss, death and stress. I distinctly remember scrounging around in my car for quarters to buy a little bit of gas to be able to hopefully make it home. I am sure that we can all think of dry times that are sad beyond tears. We would prefer to think of the veteran coming home safe, the new baby, the new job, the extra money...

God is with us in all times. This is the most powerful truth of Christmas. Even if this Christmas seems dry and unusual, it will highlight that Jesus was born into poorly timed and poor family. The stable isn't there to remind us of the cuteness of the animals, it is in the background to remind us of God's presence when things might seem like they are at their worst. The life and love of God persists without fail.

Psalm 126

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb.

May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.

Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.

Dear Jesus,

We thank you for your abiding with us. We praise you for being with us through all times. Guide us this day to use our resources and energy more wisely, for your use and your goodness. Show us the details of generosity and place around us the softness of your comfort. Be with all those who are in a dry season right now. May our words, attention, and prayers be a source of encouragement. In your precious Name, we pray. Amen.

Something to Listen to

I know that it wasn't one of my first moments of what I can now call a "thin place," but it was certainly an early time. It was the early 1980's. Our family was steeped in church life--all of it. I remember being a bit struck by the language and tone of a new canticle from the Lutheran Book of Worship, the LBW or "green book." (The lyrics and a YouTube video of it in worship are below.) In a world where so many things clamored for attention, we were singing "...Listen! You Nations of the World..." This is the beauty of meaningful worship, to feel a part of the announcing of God's Good News to the world, and to be a part of something that is actually worth listening to. We were singing words that were entirely true. Together, we were sharing a moment of proclaiming a good set of words to the world. It is an outward focused song about the salvation history of God and our part in it. It is a beautiful thing when the heart and mind encounter something that it wants to hear and knows that it can share, wholly good and full of promises that go far beyond anything else you have heard.

Habakkuk 2:1-5

I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint. Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.

Moreover, wealth is treacherous; the arrogant do not endure. They open their throats wide as Sheol; like Death they never have enough. They gather all nations for themselves, and collect all peoples as their own.

We praise you O God!

Your life is abundant around us. Even as seasons change, your goodness does not. Teach us to be patient and watchful, yet vigilant and seeking your justice. Make us bold in our faithful action. Empower our kindness and loving sacrifices that we may spread your vision throughout the world. Shower all in need with your tender-loving care as we life them before you,... We thank you for always listening and always giving us something to say. In the Name of the Christ, Jesus, who is coming into this world and who is already at work among us in the Spirit. Amen.

For more, sing along!

Listen! You Nations

Refrain

        Listen! you nations of the world:

        listen to the Word of the Lord.

        Announce it from coast to coast;

        declare it to distant islands.

 

1      The Lord who scattered Israel

        will gather his people again;

        and he will keep watch over them

        as a shepherd watches his flock.  Refrain

 

2      With shouts of joy they will come,

        their faces radiantly happy,

        for the Lord is so gen’rous to them;

        he showers his people with gifts.  Refrain

 

3      Young women will dance for joy,

        and men young and old will make merry.

        Like a garden refreshed by the rain,

        they will never be in want again.

        Break into shouts of great joy:

        Jacob is free again!

        Teach nations to sing the song:

        “The Lord has saved his people!”

 

Text: John W. Arthur, b. 1922

Text © 1972 Contemporary Worship 5: Services of the Word, admin. Augsburg Fortress

OneLicense A-734674

The Usual Blend

"What are you smoking?"

"The Altar. Obviously."

"It smells really good. The Big One is impressed."

"I think its just the usual frankincense blend."

"No, I mean impressed with you."

"Why? I am just doing my duty, carefully and respectfully. It is a great honor for me and my house."

I might imagine the conversation starting this way, but it started with a holy fear. Angels always bring an immediate fear with humans. That makes sense. When was the last time you saw a real live angel standing within a safe distance from yourself (and not even wearing a mask!)? It is hard to imagine a being appearing out of nowhere. I get a little startled when a regular human shows up while I am concentrating on work or worship. How did you get in here? The Biblical record doesn't describe wings for the non-Seraphim angels. Who are you?  So many questions are on my mind, but they distract me from the center focus--God is doing a new thing. We might think about the smell of the incense, the bump of the pregnant ones or the cuteness of the itty bitty babies, but a sense of awestruck faith right after holy fear is where we should aim to be. The angel says to not be afraid. Fear isn't the opposite of faith, it is an obstacle to faithful action. 

Luke 1:5-17

In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

God of Blessed Messengers,

In a time when we get distracted by all the smells and bells, turn our hearts back to you and your amazing work among us. Guide us to see in faith beyond our fears into your glorious tomorrow. Be with all our anxieties and worries this day for ourselves and those that we love,...We thank you for your help with all those who are working your Way of healing and wholeness. We praise you for your encircling peace and building justice. In the great Name of the blessed and Holy Trinity, we pray. Amen.

Ancestry at the Table.

"Well, I'm Irish so,..."

"No. You aren't," said my mother. The table responded with laughter.

"I thought you said I was, from pop-pop's side."

"Well, in that sense you are but it is so small by the time it gets to you. I suppose I am more Irish than you, but I don't identify it. We are more German than anything else. If you have anything else still in your blood it would be Scottish."

The conversation shifted to a giggle filled talk of ancestry and the mixes that are in us all. Place and people does mean something, but it is not about purity but meaning. It is interesting to think about the meaning of Zion and Mount. Zion is the land of God's people, the place or homeland where God dwells. Mount Zion points to the literal place of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, and also the whole people of Israel. So, when you connect all these things and smoosh them together, we associated Mount Zion with the gathering of God's people in worship and the places where we give glory and praise to God. There (or is it here?) God of the Exodus shifts the massive markers for deliverance into comforting filters for protection and presence.

Most importantly, all belong in God's family. All children are created in God's image and welcomed ancestry at the Table of God!

by Alex Levin

Isaiah 4:2-6

On that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and glory of the survivors of Israel. Whoever is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem, once the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning. Then the Lord will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over its places of assembly a cloud by day and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night. Indeed over all the glory there will be a canopy. It will serve as a pavilion, a shade by day from the heat, and a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain.

Sheltering God,

We praise you for your watchfulness and goodness. While we wait for you, we thank you for your protection over us and those that we love. In you, we know we have nothing to fear. With you, we will never be lost or separated from your love. We are grateful for your help and healing with those that we place into your care,... We lift your name on high. We ascend towards your joy by your life-giving movement. Praise to you Spirit forever! Amen.

Mixed memory of words

     Two people I love, who will remain unnamed here, aren't particularly precise about quoting daily sayings as a commentary on things that happen. As a result, the point gets across and sometimes it can sound pretty funny. Some of them might be examples of mixed metaphors and others just have a word substitution. As I write this, I am trying to think of some examples, but it is hard because my mind wants to choose the original saying. So, my examples might not be exact quotes, but you will get the gist.

     "Well, when people see that, they will know my life has gone down a tube." or "I suppose I should throw the devil over my shoulder."

     Some people have a saying for just about every situation. "Just like the city without all the tall buildings" is one of my favorites for a small excitement. For me, today's Psalm is one of those songs that has many pieces of lyrics that you can sing back to God at various moments in your daily life. What makes today's Psalm particularly Adventy is the last verse, which is very appropriate in this time of our lives as well.

Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.

One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.

For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.

Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!

“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek.

Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!

If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up.

Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence.

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Loving God,

You put a song in my heart

Never will we be apart

Bless this day with your guide

Keep trouble from my side

Throw hope in my face

And peace my mind's space

Grant to all needy healing

Promote well and good feeling

Amen.

Bouncy Knees

Acts 11:19-26

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among them were some men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, on coming to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”

When I read this passage, I thought about bouncy knees. I thought of Pastor
Nathan Pile, now Executive Director of Camp Sequanota. We were at a conference for Project Connect, gathered around talking about our plans for engaging young adults. I guess I found it a little funny when I noticed that his knees were bouncing like mine. Bouncy knees happen when the front part of your feet rest on the ground and your knees go up and down in a dancy kind of way. Maybe it was too much coffee. I didn't ask him. We were in the middle of important discussions about our upcoming plans to engage youth and young adults. He is a fun-loving guy with a lot of energy for the church. The church is thankful for him and all who are a little bouncy with the Holy Spirit! Barnabus was certainly a great disciple who spread bouncy knees or however the energy of the Spirit became manifest in Antioch.

Faithful followers understand that there is much to do, yet remaining joyful and intent on the purpose of giving glory and praise to God!

Prayerfully consider a generous gift to your Lutheran Outdoor Ministry in your area [Camp Mount Luther, Lutheran Camping of Central PA, Mar-Lu-Ridge]. Each of them has had a profound impact upon me and countless others! The most unifying effect of all of them is a keen sense of joy in the Lord from a place of time away and set apart. They are full of bouncy knees and need our support through this time when they have encountered major funding drops or shifts!

God of all joy, we give you highest praise for all of your goodness which makes itself overflow in your followers. You are fullness of all that is worthy. We give you thanks for your immeasurable generosity. Guide us to give and share to overflowing! Be with all, we pray, who feel empty or lacking in anyway this day. Help them to see through the fog to your lightness and energy. In the Name of our coming Deliverer Jesus, we pray. Amen.

What Kind of Kind?

      The English language is full of interesting overlapping pronunciations and meanings, which when mixed with senseless spellings can make understanding a challenge. Take the word "kind" for example. we see in the text the connection between two main meanings, which in this passage are positive. We also, though, know how kind can be used in a negative. "They are of a different kind." "That kind of people belongs somewhere else." The Old English meaning of "kind" derives from natural/nature and the grouping of people that are kin. "Good natured" can be reflected in knowing how to be well-mannered and properly cultured. Followers of Jesus would do well to avoid such false distinctions and pay attention to the way "kind" is used in this text.

     Kindness of disciples are marked by generosity, goodness, and love in the face of great persecution. Identifying another's "kind" means paying attention to the extent that they repeat or imitate the practices and teachings of Jesus. We are a people of one kind. Our kindness is one kind. We are all rescued by the same Savior. (Who gives us the two kinds of his body and blood to nourish our bodies and spirits!)

1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake.

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath that is coming.

Lord Jesus, be with us until you come and teach us to be more and more like you in every way. Amen.

You Can't Be Serious

     What do you say when someone says something that sounds utterly ridiculous or unlikely? Well, that is what was commonly thought of Micah's prediction that the "Bread-town" of "Fruitful" district would actually come from the literal place of those names. Prophets were known for so much figurative language to try to get their point across, that unfortunately, when they tried to give a literal prediction which sounded figurative it came across as entirely nebulous and figurative. It isn't too hard to see how two names for delightful and good production could be heard as though the Messiah will come from a good place. "Well my little clan lives in a good and fruitful place, so the Messiah might come from here." Guesses on top of guesses stray from God's whisper until most people say, "Oh, no, not Bethlehem, that isn't actually possible."

     This passage makes me wonder about where I am and where we are. Imagine what God has planned for you, me, and us. We have probably guessed wrong. We might think that such amazing and powerful things are not likely here. Again and again, God says to us, "Think again!"

Micah 5:1-5a

Now you are walled around with a wall; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the ruler of Israel upon the cheek. But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace. If the Assyrians come into our land and tread upon our soil, we will raise against them seven shepherds and eight installed as rulers.

God of all places,

I thank you for this little place in which we live, breathe and give praise to you! I pray your blessings upon my clan and your people, your land and my care of it. As I ready my hearth and home for your coming, I pray your blessing on my adornments and efforts. May all that I sing and share as I decorate and prepare here where I live give glory to you and your infinite goodness. Be with those who are lost or without a home this day. Watch over and protect those whose home is a place of disruption or violence. Lead me in whatever manner I am fit to help and serve those who are in need of shelter, home, or a secure stay. I lift up to you my other concerns this day... In the name of Christ Jesus of little
Bethlehem. Amen.

On Hold

I did something rather stupid a couple weeks ago. It was time for Emilee to get a new mobile phone, so

we ordered it and it came. No problem there. Part of the deal was the trade-in of her old phone that was no longer working too well. She asked if I could help handle the trade-in. We waited a few days to make sure the new one was working properly, and without any issues, I sent the old one back. Well, the packaging for the trade-in came the next day. I had sent the old phone to the wrong place in the wrong packaging. So, I contacted customer support and the representative nicely said that I would have to contact the trade-in center. Before he hung up, he said, "Call in the morning." I thought, "Well, that was really a helpful tip." After several different days of busy signals and no connections, I finally got through. The wait time was reported with each piece of elevator music. The time started with 47 minutes. I was doing other things until it got to 11 minutes. Then I heard the next announcement, "...26 minutes..." We had been waiting to run a few errands, but at that point I told Kerry, let's just go with the speaker phone still on. While on the drive, the wait dropped to about 11 minutes, but then shortly after that the call ended. I called back and started the whole process over. Eventually, a very short conversation with a representative set up the search for the phone to make its way back to its correct next home. After I hung up, I remarked to Kerry that it had possibly been the longest time I had spent on hold for a while.

Yet, I knew as I was walking away from my own remark that I was no where close to any records. Many people are doing a lot of waiting these days. Waiting in line and waiting online for a great deal. Waiting to hear from a loved one or friend. Wondering and waiting for test results are all too common right now.

I would argue that being on hold is better than just general waiting. It is really helpful to get regular updates of wait-time, even if they change and get longer! Advent is certainly like being on hold. The readings for today all point to endings and judgements for the end of wait-times. The great civilization of Babylon is now closed to history. It provided great hardship for God's people, but would also be given the holy task of deliverance and return for them. Yes, God's people learn and discern while we are on hold.

Revelation 18:1-10

After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority; and the earth was made bright with his splendor. He called out with a mighty voice, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! It has become a dwelling-place of demons, a haunt of every foul spirit, a haunt of every foul bird, a haunt of every foul and hateful beast. For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxury.” Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you do not take part in her sins, and so that you do not share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Render to her as she herself has rendered, and repay her double for her deeds; mix a double draught for her in the cup she mixed. As she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, so give her a like measure of torment and grief. Since in her heart she says, ‘I rule as a queen; I am no widow, and I will never see grief,’ therefore her plagues will come in a single day— pestilence and mourning and famine— and she will be burned with fire; for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”

And the kings of the earth, who committed fornication and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning; they will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas, alas, the great city, Babylon, the mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.”

God, you ask us to wait and to be patient. We often find this hard. Help us with markers and indicators. Illumine our way, even if it remains barred. Watch over all those that we name before you,... Give comfort to those who are grieving and hope to those dealing with exhaustion or unemployment. Let us be a way that others know God is waiting with us and for us. Amen.

Other Readings for Today:

Micah 4:6-13 

Psalm 79 

Finishing the Part

 Devotions for November 25, 2020

 

Prayer

Gracious Holy Trinity, we come before you in admiration and adoration. You are more wonderful than we can say. All that you are is just and loving. So, we lift our petitions before you,… All praise and honor and glory to you O God. Amen.

John 5:19-40

Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life. “Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

“If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But I have a testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf. You have never heard his voice or seen his form, and you do not have his word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom he has sent. “You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that testify on my behalf. Yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

 

Reflection

There is a lot more clarification between the Father and Son of the Trinity. I wish that there were more written about the Holy Spirit, I don’t understand her quite as much. I know others might have issues with the Godhead and how the Incarnation works in detail, and I know that such information about their communication and relationship are important. I get that when many people walk into a situation, they want to figure out who is actually “calling the shots.” Yes, it is significant to have a clear picture of how God is working in such an unexpected and new way. I don’t mean to minimize that. What I am thinking of is the length of the sections of the creeds, for example. Line after line for the humanity and divinity clarifications around/in/with the Son of Humanity roll on for our understanding. Then, the Holy Spirit gets the print of what amounts to a summary. Often times in ministerial work, I feel like we are still learning the breadth and depth of the Spirit’s interaction. So much of it all is mystery and yet right in our face. Gentle and wispy like a breeze, blowing wherever it wants to and also smacking us on the back of the head and poking us in the side. Why is it so hard to believe in something that is in our form (Jesus), and yet easy to believe in something that we can only point to what it has moved (the Paraclete).

This pandemic has brought a new and different Spirit awareness for me. It used to be easy to tell when a message was reaching all the people, heads would nod, maybe a “mmm huh!” here and perhaps even an “Amen!” there. Now, however, I have to listen to the Spirit tell me. The digital reality is genuine and I do certainly miss the full in-person experience. But, and maybe this is a really big but, I think a new day is coming when we will be able to fill out the unfinished third part of the creeds. We will come to a greater understanding of the workings of the Holy Spirit. Her power and wisdom are continuously being revealed! The all over presence of the Risen Christ comes about through the Spirit. Pay attention! Write it down! Perhaps by Pentecost we can share additional lines for the Third Part of the creeds.

 

Proudly "Christian"

 Devotions for November 24, 2020

 

Prayer

King Jesus, you are a different kind of king. There is no one in all of history that leads like you. You use your love and your power. We submit ourselves to your Way and for the sake of your Gospel. May your glory reign over us fully. Extend your care beyond all those we lift before you and use us to make that happen. In your great name, we pray. Amen.

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David—that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

 

Reflection

Sometimes I wonder how people figure that they can proudly tout the label “Christian” when they don’t show any amount of self-denial. Not that I have it all perfected, but the contrast is alarming. The word “Christ” means “anointed (one)” and is the Greek version of the Hebrew word “Messiah.” It is a title, not a last name. Jesus earned it in a way that was terrifyingly opposite to expected predictions. Ironically, “Expected One” is another interpretation. What was expected was not that the Messiah’s followers would struggle and strive through chains, beatings and death. The Cross changed our perspective and understanding of God entirely. Since he suffered and died in order to absorb sin and death, his followers are supposed to be meek and absorbing. He taught that if we want to follow him, we pick up our cross and do it. We take on suffering in order to overcome it. We are called into participating in the difficult work for justice. This is how you can tell the difference between authentic Christianity and the nationalistic or similar distortions. Love and care for others over self is another tell-tale sign of those who like to be in prayer with Jesus of Nazareth.

 

Main Mover

 Devotions for November 23, 2020

 

Prayer

O God, King of the Universe. You reign over all. We praise your goodness and wisdom which teaches us understanding and hope. We ask for your kind ruling over our lives. We beg for your mercy where we have failed your commands for love and humility. Resting in your promises, we sing of your glory. Hear now, we pray, the petitions of our heart… We are grateful for your ever-present listening and careful decision making. In your omnipotent Name, we pray. Amen.

 

Esther 8:3-17

Then Esther spoke again to the king; she fell at his feet, weeping and pleading with him to avert the evil design of Haman the Agagite and the plot that he had devised against the Jews. The king held out the golden scepter to Esther, and Esther rose and stood before the king. She said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have won his favor, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I have his approval, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote giving orders to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. For how can I bear to see the calamity that is coming on my people? Or how can I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?” Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther and to the Jew Mordecai, “See, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he plotted to lay hands on the Jews. You may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king’s ring; for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king’s ring cannot be revoked.” The king’s secretaries were summoned at that time, in the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day; and an edict was written, according to all that Mordecai commanded, to the Jews and to the satraps and the governors and the officials of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, one hundred twenty-seven provinces, to every province in its own script and to every people in its own language, and also to the Jews in their script and their language. He wrote letters in the name of King Ahasuerus, sealed them with the king’s ring, and sent them by mounted couriers riding on fast steeds bred from the royal herd. By these letters the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to assemble and defend their lives, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, with their children and women, and to plunder their goods on a single day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. A copy of the writ was to be issued as a decree in every province and published to all peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to take revenge on their enemies. So the couriers, mounted on their swift royal steeds, hurried out, urged by the king’s command. The decree was issued in the citadel of Susa.

 

Then Mordecai went out from the presence of the king, wearing royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a mantle of fine linen and purple, while the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. For the Jews there was light and gladness, joy and honor. In every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict came, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a festival and a holiday. Furthermore, many of the peoples of the country professed to be Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.

 

Reflection

In the final days of the Church Year “A,” we hear another king story. If you are not familiar with the entire Esther story, it is a good one! There have been many adaptations from VeggieTales to full movies. The real mover is, of course, Esther. She risks her life for her people. The second great mover is King Ahasuerus, he listens and considers corruption as something to be rooted out. What a refreshing leadership example. To make such a change of course requires good listening, integrity and a measure of wisdom. Such stories should inspire all those who desire to become a public servant of the highest order.

A more down to earth interpretation could also get you thinking about where your loyalties lie. Do I listen carefully to those that might seem opposite or different from me? Do I hold on to associations that might be inherently biased in an unfavorable or unethical direction? Certainly, a part of this text is the persecution of a race. We must firmly stand against any and all forms of Anti-Semitism, racism, or sexism. This includes the entirely rejected words of the late, grumpy and unclear thinking of the late Martin Luther writings. Yes, that also means we have to repent from the inappropriate jokes and the acts of favoritism to our own “kind.” The word is in quotes because the way of God’s creation favors diversity and none of us are one kind of anything.