I commmented on the topic of peace this Christmas in my last entry. I had a reminder on Christmas Eve. I attended four services that night, a reality when both your wife and daughter are church musicians. It was in the 6:00 PM service at our home church that I observed someone who was seeking Christmas peace. The church was packed. I was standing in the sound booth at the rear, observing how to operate the video system - my responsibility the following morning. I noticed a middle age couple enter well after the first hymn. They found two of the few remaining seats in the last row. I did not recognize them and they gave all the signs of being visitors. The demeanor and appearance led me to believe they were successful professional people. They were good looking and well dressed. I thought nothing of it. Lots of guests on Christmas Eve.
It was during the message that I first heard the wimpering. I looked down to see the man with his head in his hands. The wife reached over and rubbed the back of his neck, comforting him. Ben Sheck, who was preaching that evening, used a video clip from A Charlie Brown Christmas. He talked of how we are all like the Christmas tree that Charlie Brown claimed as his own. We've been rejected by everyone else but God claims us, ugly as we are. Ben also asked us to focus on Linus, as he recited the Christmas Story. As Linus spoke the words of the angel, "Fear not I bring you tidings of great joy," he dropped his security blanket. Ben spoke of how we need to let go of the earthly things that we cling to and trust only in The Christ Child. That is where true peace is found.
As Ben talked, the sobbing continued. Before me was someone who was experiencing brokeness this Christmas. No amount of comfort from his wife could stem the tears. I wanted to go and hug the man, let him know I heard his cry.
The couple stayed for the prayers but they snuck out during the lighting on the candles in preparation for Silent Night. I only hope the Holy Spirit touched the man; That somewhere in the message he found the peace he was seeking.
All you, beneath your heavy load, by care and guilt bent low,
Who toil along a dreary way with painful steps and slow;
Look up, for golden is the hour, come swiftly on the wing,
The Prince was born to bring you peace; Of Him the angels sing.
The image of that one individual has stayed with me this holiday. I have counted my blessing as we celebrated Christ's Birth as a family. There was a lot of joy in our home, but I am blessed. Not everyone had peace this Christmas.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
A Christmas Gift for Your Teen: A Legacy of Peace
"Peace of earth, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14b)
I've had reason to reflect on those words and their implication in recent days.
I thought of it on Tuesday as I was out Christmas shopping. I was driving the speed limit on I-635 (The beltway around Dallas). I was in the outside lane, and as I approached an entrance ramp I noticed a slow moving car preparing to merge. Traffic was heavy, so switching lanes was not an option. I slowed slightly, allowing them to settle into the spot in front of me. Settle in they did, literally. I expected them to speed up, but they went slower. I could see the frustration in the driver behind me, as he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. I was seething as well. My joyful Christmas spirit disappeared, as I was stuck behind a poky driver for the next three miles till I reached my exit.
"There is no peace on earth, he said."
Yesterday morning it happened again when I stopped at the local Kroger. I avoid the scan-it-yourself lanes. I like talking to people. This time I got my wish. I had plenty of time for conversation with the couple behind me. The woman in front of us was engaged in a heated debate with the cashier, manager and anyone else who would listen. As the second past, I grew more frustrated. This drama was disrupting my schedule.
"There is no peace on earth, he said."
So this morning I decided to slow down, not just to pause and contemplate the meaning of the Christmas season, but the implications of having a Savior. Jesus came to bring me peace, not peace from the inconveniences of life, but eternal peace. I know my eternal future is secure. I have a Savior who has given me eternal life as a Christmas gift. That is the Good News of Christmas.
I truly believe that is what we need to focus on, not just on Christmas Day but on each day following as well. The peace of Christmas should permeate every aspect of our lives, enabling us to live peaceably with all people, in all situations.
I don't think we've taken Jesus' words, "Blessed are the peacemakers," to heart. Perhaps that is why we are so despised by the world, and labeled as hypocrites by so many under the age of thirty.
Be a peacemaker this Christmas. In fact, be a peacemaker in the days and weeks and months after Christmas. That is the gift we need to give our children this Christmas. That is the legacy we need to pass on to them, and to their children and to the generations to come.
Your eternal future is secure... Be at peace.
I've had reason to reflect on those words and their implication in recent days.
I thought of it on Tuesday as I was out Christmas shopping. I was driving the speed limit on I-635 (The beltway around Dallas). I was in the outside lane, and as I approached an entrance ramp I noticed a slow moving car preparing to merge. Traffic was heavy, so switching lanes was not an option. I slowed slightly, allowing them to settle into the spot in front of me. Settle in they did, literally. I expected them to speed up, but they went slower. I could see the frustration in the driver behind me, as he tightened his grip on the steering wheel. I was seething as well. My joyful Christmas spirit disappeared, as I was stuck behind a poky driver for the next three miles till I reached my exit.
"There is no peace on earth, he said."
Yesterday morning it happened again when I stopped at the local Kroger. I avoid the scan-it-yourself lanes. I like talking to people. This time I got my wish. I had plenty of time for conversation with the couple behind me. The woman in front of us was engaged in a heated debate with the cashier, manager and anyone else who would listen. As the second past, I grew more frustrated. This drama was disrupting my schedule.
"There is no peace on earth, he said."
So this morning I decided to slow down, not just to pause and contemplate the meaning of the Christmas season, but the implications of having a Savior. Jesus came to bring me peace, not peace from the inconveniences of life, but eternal peace. I know my eternal future is secure. I have a Savior who has given me eternal life as a Christmas gift. That is the Good News of Christmas.
I truly believe that is what we need to focus on, not just on Christmas Day but on each day following as well. The peace of Christmas should permeate every aspect of our lives, enabling us to live peaceably with all people, in all situations.
I don't think we've taken Jesus' words, "Blessed are the peacemakers," to heart. Perhaps that is why we are so despised by the world, and labeled as hypocrites by so many under the age of thirty.
Be a peacemaker this Christmas. In fact, be a peacemaker in the days and weeks and months after Christmas. That is the gift we need to give our children this Christmas. That is the legacy we need to pass on to them, and to their children and to the generations to come.
Your eternal future is secure... Be at peace.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Holiday Humor
Last year during the holiday season, Dallas had the honor of hosting the National Chess Masters annual tournament. One of the major downtown hotels served as the headquarters and all the matches were held in the main ballroom. The competition was intense with champions being crowned for various levels of play. The organizers had promised to conclude their competition on the evening of December 23 enabling the hotel staff sufficient time to clean the facilities and still be able to be at home to celebrate Christmas Eve. When the manager of the hotel past through the lobby on the next morning he found the winners still discussing the events of the night before. He thought nothing of it until about 11:00 AM when the housekeeping staff complained that none of the chess masters had checked out of their rooms. The manager warned them that they needed to conclude their discussion and check-out, lest they be charged for an extra night. They barely noticed and went on comparing moves, obviously taking great pride in their skills. When he still found them in the lobby at 1:00 PM he called the police who came and arrested them. With what were they charged?
During the holidays in Dallas it is illegal for Chess nuts to be boasting in an open foyer.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year
During the holidays in Dallas it is illegal for Chess nuts to be boasting in an open foyer.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year
Thursday, December 15, 2011
America Needs to be Tebowed
Denver Bronco quarterback, Tim Tebow, has gotten a lot of press lately. A professed Christian, Tebow has led The Broncos to a series come from behind victories. When the Denver Defense is on the field as the seconds wind down, the cameras like to focus on Tim Tebow on the sidelines in prayer. We should not be surprised. Going back to his college days, Tim Tebow was always quick to publicly confess his faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Likewise, we should not be surprised that Tim Tebow is being criticised and even mocked for his blatant Christian witness.
When I think about Tim Tebow I can't help but recall the question: If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? In the case of Tim Tebow, the jury seems to have already rendered their verdict. "Yes." I am not so sure the decision would be as clear for myself, and many others who like me who confess to be followers of Christ.
When I listen to his teammates reflect on what Tim Tebow means to them I hear words like: confidence, leadership and commitment. Even if the cameras didn't focus on his sideline prayer routine, Tim Tebow's actions would serve as testimony to the role Jesus plays in his life.
What better time of year for all of us to model Tim Tebow, and the example of Jesus as well? Through our actions we need to reflect the love and the hope that we have found in Jesus, the Infant King. While the world is expressing words of holiday greeting, "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, etc." we need to be living out the spirit of the Christ Child. We need to be people of peace, joy and hope.
When I think about Tim Tebow I can't help but recall the question: If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? In the case of Tim Tebow, the jury seems to have already rendered their verdict. "Yes." I am not so sure the decision would be as clear for myself, and many others who like me who confess to be followers of Christ.
When I listen to his teammates reflect on what Tim Tebow means to them I hear words like: confidence, leadership and commitment. Even if the cameras didn't focus on his sideline prayer routine, Tim Tebow's actions would serve as testimony to the role Jesus plays in his life.
What better time of year for all of us to model Tim Tebow, and the example of Jesus as well? Through our actions we need to reflect the love and the hope that we have found in Jesus, the Infant King. While the world is expressing words of holiday greeting, "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, etc." we need to be living out the spirit of the Christ Child. We need to be people of peace, joy and hope.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Holiday Reality Check
Growing up, Christmas was always a joyous time. Lot's of memories. What's not to enjoy about the holiday season and the celebration of the birth of Our Savior. I learned to appreciate the Celebration of Christmas even more once I left home. The anticipation of celebrating Jesus' coming and being back home with family made the time even more special. During my first few years in ministry I came to realize there was some added stress: arranging Christmas caroling for the youth group, planning the youth-led Christmas Eve service and extra parties to plan and attend.
When I moved on to my second church, it was my teammate, Pastor Bill Huener, who brought to my attention another dose of holiday reality. There is an increased need for counseling and ministries of reconciliation. Why would such a joyous season create such angst in the lives of people who were celebrating the birth of their Savior-King? Consider the following:
Christmas present might not match up to the memories of Christmas past. We all have expectations in terms of what Christmas is to be like. When reality doesn't match our expectations we feel let down and cheated.
Memories We might also have episodes of grief as we remember those who are not present. It becomes magnified if they have died. It' natural to miss them more during the holidays.
Reality: We don't all get along. Nothing can dampen the holiday spirit like having to be with a relative that don't like. Tensions rise as we have to spend time with people who the rest of the year annoy and frustrate us.
So how do we prevent a Christmas Blow-up? I think it begins by focusing on the real reason for the season. We are commemorating the birth of our Savior. That Savior delivers both grace and hope. What a better time to apply that grace? After all, isn't one name for the Christ Child, The Prince of Peace. That peace has to begin with me. As for those Christmas Blues: Remember that the Christ Child brings the ultimate gift of hope. The greatest celebration of Christmas is yet to come. That will happend when we are all together in heaven. Finally, Putting aside our feelings and expectations might be the greatest gift that we give to our children this Christmas.
When I moved on to my second church, it was my teammate, Pastor Bill Huener, who brought to my attention another dose of holiday reality. There is an increased need for counseling and ministries of reconciliation. Why would such a joyous season create such angst in the lives of people who were celebrating the birth of their Savior-King? Consider the following:
Christmas present might not match up to the memories of Christmas past. We all have expectations in terms of what Christmas is to be like. When reality doesn't match our expectations we feel let down and cheated.
Memories We might also have episodes of grief as we remember those who are not present. It becomes magnified if they have died. It' natural to miss them more during the holidays.
Reality: We don't all get along. Nothing can dampen the holiday spirit like having to be with a relative that don't like. Tensions rise as we have to spend time with people who the rest of the year annoy and frustrate us.
So how do we prevent a Christmas Blow-up? I think it begins by focusing on the real reason for the season. We are commemorating the birth of our Savior. That Savior delivers both grace and hope. What a better time to apply that grace? After all, isn't one name for the Christ Child, The Prince of Peace. That peace has to begin with me. As for those Christmas Blues: Remember that the Christ Child brings the ultimate gift of hope. The greatest celebration of Christmas is yet to come. That will happend when we are all together in heaven. Finally, Putting aside our feelings and expectations might be the greatest gift that we give to our children this Christmas.
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