Just in time for Christmas, Pew Research released a report that reveals a lot about the way our contemporary culture views Christmas. Not surprising, the spiritual focus is on the decline. The survey was done in early December of this year. Just over two thousand adults, ages eighteen and over, were polled. Among those surveyed, just over half (51%), viewed Christmas as a religious holiday. About one-third (32%) celebrate Christmas, but view it as a cultural celebration. Not surprising, fewer Americans are attending worship as part of their celebration of Christmas. 54% said they planned to attend a Christmas worship service, that compares with 69% who noted they had attended Christmas worship in the past. Even in Dallas, considered to be one of the most "Christian" cities in the country, I noticed a more generic, politically correct observance. "Happy Holidays" has replaced "Merry Christmas."
As I was out and about today, I was typically greeted with a "Happy Year." When I responded with a "Merry Christmas" it was often greeted by a somewhat puzzled look. I am determined to continue to observe the Twelve Days of Christmas, however. Our outside decorations will stay lit until Epiphany, January 6. Our tree won't come down until January 7.
We need to do more than just observe the Twelve Days of Christmas, however. It's not even enough to remind people that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season." Christmas is all about God bursting into this world in a miraculous way. It's about God bridging the void between Himself and humanity. It's about a Savior who not only brought peace, but grace and the forgiveness of sins. Ultimately it about a Savior that brings hope for eternal life. That is Good News that needs to be shared in words and deeds 365 days a year. If we expect the world to join us in the celebration of Jesus' birth, we need to live as His disciples. May the Spirit of Christmas dwell in your hearts and lives every day. When the world sees that; maybe they will be more inclined to join us as we celebrate his birthday.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
Christmas: The Real Father's Day
The following is one of the prayers that was included in my book, Real Men Pray, which was published in 1996. It is my prayer again this Christmas.
This is Your day, Father.
Easter belongs to Jesus and His victory over death,
but Christmas belongs to You.
I can't imagine the struggle You must have gone through.
You allowed Your Son to become a human being
and not only face the humiliation of human life,
but even death itself.
And Jesus did it for the sake of all people, many of whom couldn't care less.
Sometimes this fact restrains my Christmas celebration.
All the world appears joyful as,
"Peace on Earth" becomes the cliche' of the day.
Everyone become religious as they celebrate the birth of a Child
they personally do not know.
Father, others might struggle to understand my melancholy attitude.
But as a father, I reflect on your cost.
I pray that You would make me a disciple
worthy of the price You and Jesus paid.
As a sinner, I know I can never measure up.
And as a redeemed saint, I know I can never stop trying.
Father, thanks for Christmas and the new life
You have given me. Amen.
This is Your day, Father.
Easter belongs to Jesus and His victory over death,
but Christmas belongs to You.
I can't imagine the struggle You must have gone through.
You allowed Your Son to become a human being
and not only face the humiliation of human life,
but even death itself.
And Jesus did it for the sake of all people, many of whom couldn't care less.
Sometimes this fact restrains my Christmas celebration.
All the world appears joyful as,
"Peace on Earth" becomes the cliche' of the day.
Everyone become religious as they celebrate the birth of a Child
they personally do not know.
Father, others might struggle to understand my melancholy attitude.
But as a father, I reflect on your cost.
I pray that You would make me a disciple
worthy of the price You and Jesus paid.
As a sinner, I know I can never measure up.
And as a redeemed saint, I know I can never stop trying.
Father, thanks for Christmas and the new life
You have given me. Amen.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
A Lesson from the Life of Ethan Couch
There has been a huge outcry in the Dallas-Fort Worth community over the last forty-eight hours as a result of a judge's decision to give a young man probation rather than jail time. The young man is sixteen year old Ethan Couch who was involved in an accident that killed four innocent people. Ethan's blood alcohol level was four time the legal limit when he drove his pick-up, its bed filled with other drunken teens, into a disabled vehicle. Killed in the accident were the driver of the disabled vehicle, and three good Samaritans. One of those killed was youth pastor, Brian Jennings, who was on the way home from his own son's high school graduation. Ethan Couch's truck was traveling at 70 miles per hour in a 40 MPH zone. Officers who investigated the accident stated it was the most violent crash they had ever seen.
During the trial, Ethan's defense team based their case on the fact that he was the victim of a dysfunctional and abusive family. Witnesses testified that his parents were irresponsible. As a result Ethan was allowed to do whatever he wanted. Basically, he was out of control. The judge in the case, Jean Boyd, must have bought their case because Ethan is no longer allowed to see his parents. He is being sent to a recovery program in California. He will be under court supervision for an additional nine years once he returns to Texas. He is to have no contact with his mom and dad.
The families of the victims are understandably outraged. They feel that justice was not served. The Sheriff of Tarrant Count, where the accident took place, wanted Ethan Couch to serve as an example. With no tangible punishment, it seems to give other teens the license to live recklessly. It's unfortunate that the one person involved in this crime is not able to respond. That would be youth pastor, Brian Jennings. Brian had invested his life in working with teens, I am confident some of whom were troubled. If you work with kids long enough, they will break your heart. I have to wonder if Brian Jennings had been the judge in this case the results might not have been any different.
I don't know what happened behind closed doors. What exactly was said between the Judge Boyd and young Ethan? Somewhere there must have been some indication that Ethan needed a second chance; that sending him to prison would have served no purpose. At age sixteen he deserved a "do over," this time with responsible adults in his life. I know that is a hard pill to swallow, especially for those who are grieving the deaths of those who were victims to Ethan's recklessness. In reality, we all need second chances. And we have a God who offers that. I can only pray that somewhere in the process of rebuilding his life, Ethan can come to know that God, and Son, Jesus, who is a forgiving and second-change kind of Savior.
During the trial, Ethan's defense team based their case on the fact that he was the victim of a dysfunctional and abusive family. Witnesses testified that his parents were irresponsible. As a result Ethan was allowed to do whatever he wanted. Basically, he was out of control. The judge in the case, Jean Boyd, must have bought their case because Ethan is no longer allowed to see his parents. He is being sent to a recovery program in California. He will be under court supervision for an additional nine years once he returns to Texas. He is to have no contact with his mom and dad.
The families of the victims are understandably outraged. They feel that justice was not served. The Sheriff of Tarrant Count, where the accident took place, wanted Ethan Couch to serve as an example. With no tangible punishment, it seems to give other teens the license to live recklessly. It's unfortunate that the one person involved in this crime is not able to respond. That would be youth pastor, Brian Jennings. Brian had invested his life in working with teens, I am confident some of whom were troubled. If you work with kids long enough, they will break your heart. I have to wonder if Brian Jennings had been the judge in this case the results might not have been any different.
I don't know what happened behind closed doors. What exactly was said between the Judge Boyd and young Ethan? Somewhere there must have been some indication that Ethan needed a second chance; that sending him to prison would have served no purpose. At age sixteen he deserved a "do over," this time with responsible adults in his life. I know that is a hard pill to swallow, especially for those who are grieving the deaths of those who were victims to Ethan's recklessness. In reality, we all need second chances. And we have a God who offers that. I can only pray that somewhere in the process of rebuilding his life, Ethan can come to know that God, and Son, Jesus, who is a forgiving and second-change kind of Savior.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Reflections on the Legacy of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela died last week. While I am not much of a student when it comes to world news, there are certain individuals who because of their leadership and character have left an impression on me. Nelson Mandela is on that short list. I recall reading about the injustice of apartheid in the book Cry the Beloved Country. Nelson Mandela took the lead when it came to ending the oppression that served as the backdrop for that story. He was arrested and imprisoned because of his resistance to apartheid. After twenty-seven years in prison, through is will and determination, the battle was won. One image that is etched in my memory is the walk as he left prison. Throngs of his supporters lined the road to cheer him on, but he walked humbly. Two of my favorite quotes came from that chapter of Nelson Mandela's story. In responding to how he could forgive those who had imprisoned him he commented,
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to
my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still
be in prison.” Another time he noted, "Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it
will kill your enemies." It is no wonder that an entire country, including those who opposed him, learned to respect him and elected him their leader.
While I have never experienced injustice to the same degree as Nelson Mandela, there have been times when I have been a victim. I recall one time years ago when I was publicly attacked and falsely accused. While I didn't handle that incident with anything close to the dignity and humility of Nelson Mandela, I came away ready to forgive those who had slandered me. In time, one of those involved in the trying to have me removed from my position at the church became a friend. Unfortunately, two of the families involved left the church. I never had the opportunity to settle accounts with them. In my heart I have forgiven them and moved on. Yes: resentment over past injustices can become a deadly poison.
Hardly a month goes by without some news story featuring the family of a victim. Often the quotes reflect anger; "I hope he rots in prisons." "I can never forgive her for what she has done to our family." Nothing is gained when we do not forgive those who have wronged us. In his book, Forgive and Forget, Lewis Smedes encourages readers to even forgive those who have no regard for us.
Nelson Mandela should serve as a model for all of us, especially those of us who are trying to relate to teens and young adults. Like all of us, they tend to make mistakes. Sometimes, in the process, they offend and hurt us. We need to forgive and always keep the door open. Without forgiveness there will never be reconciliation. Without reconciliation we will have no opportunity to pass the torch of faith and values.
While I have never experienced injustice to the same degree as Nelson Mandela, there have been times when I have been a victim. I recall one time years ago when I was publicly attacked and falsely accused. While I didn't handle that incident with anything close to the dignity and humility of Nelson Mandela, I came away ready to forgive those who had slandered me. In time, one of those involved in the trying to have me removed from my position at the church became a friend. Unfortunately, two of the families involved left the church. I never had the opportunity to settle accounts with them. In my heart I have forgiven them and moved on. Yes: resentment over past injustices can become a deadly poison.
Hardly a month goes by without some news story featuring the family of a victim. Often the quotes reflect anger; "I hope he rots in prisons." "I can never forgive her for what she has done to our family." Nothing is gained when we do not forgive those who have wronged us. In his book, Forgive and Forget, Lewis Smedes encourages readers to even forgive those who have no regard for us.
Nelson Mandela should serve as a model for all of us, especially those of us who are trying to relate to teens and young adults. Like all of us, they tend to make mistakes. Sometimes, in the process, they offend and hurt us. We need to forgive and always keep the door open. Without forgiveness there will never be reconciliation. Without reconciliation we will have no opportunity to pass the torch of faith and values.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
The Holidays: A Family Faith Dilemma
Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday seasons. Like many families, we were gathered around the table for the celebration. Our family is probably not typical in that all our children are involved in full-time ministry. Their spouses are also active in their churches, using their gifts where appropriate. I am well aware of the fact that in many families, adult children not only are not involved in church, but have no desire to affiliate with a faith community. In some case adult children are even antagonistic toward organized religion.
When families are together it's easy to use the situation to get across the point that we are disappointed that our children have turned their back on their faith. In many cases our children grew up in the church, attending Sunday school and confirming their faith in their early teens. Perhaps they were involved in youth ministry and even went on mission trips or helped with vacation Bible school. Something happened somewhere along the line that caused them to add the church to the list of things that were not relevant to their lives. In such cases we might be moved to use the holiday gathering to deliver a message conveying our disappointment. Warning; here are some things we might not want to say:
"I sure wish you would go back to church."
"Are you ever going to get your children baptized?"
"We will be going to church Christmas Eve. You can meet us there... if you can remember the way."
The best way to approach the situation is to continue to be people of hope. Share your faith through your actions, not your words. And, unconditional love should rule the day. No matter what happens, your children are still your children. Love them for you they are, not who you would like them to be. Continue to pray for them, and ask the Holy Spirit to touch their lives.
When families are together it's easy to use the situation to get across the point that we are disappointed that our children have turned their back on their faith. In many cases our children grew up in the church, attending Sunday school and confirming their faith in their early teens. Perhaps they were involved in youth ministry and even went on mission trips or helped with vacation Bible school. Something happened somewhere along the line that caused them to add the church to the list of things that were not relevant to their lives. In such cases we might be moved to use the holiday gathering to deliver a message conveying our disappointment. Warning; here are some things we might not want to say:
"I sure wish you would go back to church."
"Are you ever going to get your children baptized?"
"We will be going to church Christmas Eve. You can meet us there... if you can remember the way."
The best way to approach the situation is to continue to be people of hope. Share your faith through your actions, not your words. And, unconditional love should rule the day. No matter what happens, your children are still your children. Love them for you they are, not who you would like them to be. Continue to pray for them, and ask the Holy Spirit to touch their lives.
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