Entertaining Angels

We are a divided nation in these days.  The issue is immigration; specifically who should we refuse to allow into our country.  It seems that every presidential candidate has an opinion.  Some have even suggested that we need to build a wall to keep out those seeking to come in.  It is not just politicians who have weighed in.  Not a day goes by without someone expressing their opinion on Facebook.  I must admit being more than a little troubled by the stance of many.  It should especially not be the case with many of those seeking safety at this time.  Many of the Syrian refugees are Christians who are fleeing persecution. 

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sister.

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers,

for by so doing some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Hebrews 13:1-2

I get a sense that much of the current reaction is based on fear.  People are afraid that we might allow in individual, specifically a terrorist, who seek to do us harm.  I can understand why those who are outside the faith might feel threatened, but as Christians we have no reason to fear.  We have a Savior who has overcome the ultimate terrorist, Satan.  Jesus not only preached but modeled hospitality.  He did not shy away from those he knew had the intent to harm him.  He even welcomed Judas, who ultimately betrayed him, to the Passover table.  “Love your neighbor, as yourself,” he instructed his followers (Matthew 22:39). 

In some ways we could learn something here from the Millennials among us.  Today’s young adults have grown up in a culturally diverse world.  There is a pretty good chance they have attended school with students from other cultures, and even different religious traditions.  In some cases those individuals might even be friends or coworkers.  Their experience has moved them beyond tolerance to a spirit where they now embrace those who are different.  For that reason I sense that they are confused and troubled by the stance that many within the church have expressed.  How can those who claim to be people of faith express disdain and fear toward those who are different?   How can we turn our backs to those who seek refuge in our country? 

I am left to ask the same questions.

People of Faith, not Fear

"The wise man built his house upon a rock."  It is a simple children's song that I recall singing many times back when I would lead Sunday School and Vacation Bible School worship.  We sang it again last Sunday.  Our pastor taught it to a new generation of little ones during his children's message.  He also had us gather in a circle for prayer at the beginning of the worship service.  We prayed for the people of Paris and those who grieve after the tragic terrorist attack.  Both the prayer time and the simple song seemed appropriate for this time when our world could be rocked again.

Note I used the word "could" when I reflected on the current terrorist threat.  Seems to me we have been down this road before; Oklahoma City, 9/11 and various mass shootings. Like everyone else, I can recall where I was, and what I was doing when the news broke. In each case I had a choice when it came to how I responded.  Each Christian faces the same option.  Do we respond with faith and hope, or fear?

In a time when it seems like one tragedy follows another, I still find comfort and hope in knowing God is in charge and the victory has already been won.  Even this "not so wise" man has built his home on the rock of Jesus Christ.  That needs to be our message and testimony in these days.  Our prayers need to be for the survivors and those touched by the tragedies, but there should no need for panic or mass hysteria.  Remember Jesus words, "In this world you will have trouble.  Fear not I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)  I truly believe the strongest testimony we can give as Christians is found in the way we respond to tragedy.

We need to live in the hope of the Risen Savior in these days.  It is especially vital that children and teens hear words of grace and hope in these days.  If we respond with anger, or fear we are in effect denying our faith.  That is not the message Jesus would want us to share.  When the First Century disciples faced terror, they responded even louder with the Good News of the Risen Savior.

Why the Big Deal Over a Red Cup?

One of the latest flap on social media seems to be the decision by Starbucks to offer a simple “Red” cup during the holiday season this year.  Past holiday cups from Starbucks had featured snowflakes and evergreen trees.  Some have taken offense because they feel that the coffee giant is downplaying Christmas by offering a cup with no decoration.  Some have even gone so far as accusing Starbucks of “taking Christ out of Christmas.”  I must admit being a little puzzled over that allegation.  Frankly, I struggle to see a connection between “Babe in a Manger” and snowflakes.  Why the sudden offense?  Mainstream America has been downplaying the Christian theme at Christmas for years.  When was the last time you saw a nativity scene in a public park or municipal building?

To be honest, I can understand and even accept the cultural shift away from the "true meaning of Christmas".  When it comes to grasping the reason behind the shift, I need to acknowledge that our country is less religious than in the past.  I also need to recognize that we have become more diverse.  A certain percentage of the population comes from religious traditions that do not recognize the birth of My Savior.  I would not think of celebrating the birth of Mohammed, so why would I expect them to share the joy over Jesus birth? 

Instead of focusing on a “red cup” I believe we need to shift the emphasis to ourselves and our personal celebrations.  How do you plan to prepare for Christmas this year?  We are coming up on the season of Advent.  The intent of Advent is that it be a season of repentance.  It is a time when we contemplate on why the Savior had to come in the first place.  We are sinners in need of a Savior.   That Savior came in the form of a Baby born in a manger.  That should be a reason for joyful celebration, not finger-pointing and blame.  

One of the faults that Millennials have with the church is that we tend to be known more for what we are against, than what we are for.  From a biblical perspective that is “focusing on the speck in our neighbors eye, instead of the plank in our own” (Matthew 7:3).  My prayer is that we might be more joyful during this Advent-Christmas Season.  Our joy should not be confined to worship services and even family celebrations. If we attempt to live the “Spirit of Christmas,” perhaps the world will begin to see and understand the significance of Jesus birth.  Instead of focusing on “red cups,” we need to make “Christ the Center” of our Christmas.  

For All the Saints

I am writing this blog on All Saints Day, 2015.  In many ways All Saints Day is one of my favorite days on the year.  I view it as a very personal sacred observance.  Festivals like Christmas and Pentecost that I long to celebrate corporately, but All Saints Day is a quiet day of personal reflection.  I consider those who have gone before me.  Through their words and actions they have left spiritual footprints that I continue to follow today.   As I think about it, one of those spiritual giants created my appreciation All Saints Day and the entire liturgical calendar.   William Huener was pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Downers Grove, Illinois.  Bill was my teammate for the seven years.  Bill had a passion for the liturgical calendar and perhaps my zeal for the festivals like All Saints Day can be traced back to him. 

Some of those saints in my life impacted me professionally.  Into that group I would place my departed friends Larry Brandt and Jack Giles.  Mark Diefenthaler is another individual who left an impact on my.  Mark was a college classmate and later a good friend in the ministry.  Mark’s professional ministry was cut short by a tragic accident that left him a shadow of his former self.  In spite of his limited abilities, Mark continued to try to find ways to share the faith. 

Other saints are departed family members.  My aunt, Phyllis Ulbrich, in particular comes to mind.  Aunt Phyllis was my godmother.  Since she never married, it was almost like having a second mom only I never had to worry about her disciplining me.  Rather, she would like me know in a gentle way how she was disappointed in me.  She was also the one who sent me care packages when I was in college.  My maternal grandparents, Ed and Helen Ulbrich, both left an impact on me.  Grandpa was always a listening ear and grandma the ultimate example of dedication and compassion.  In many ways I have two departed fathers; my dad, and my father-in-law, Gilbert Brown.  My dad tried to be friends with everyone.  He was also a great model of unconditional love.  Gilbert Brown was someone who supported and encouraged me.  He took an interest in my ministry, but was also quick to offer insights and gentle advice. 

Not all the Saints in my past were my elders or peers.  One who comes to mind is Margy Heyse.  I only knew Margy for a short time, nine months to be exact.  Margy was a young lady with a dynamic faith, a glowing smile and boundless energy.  Her parents were members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dundee, Illinois.  Margy had graduated from Valparaiso University but was unable to find a job in her chosen field.  As a result she had been the part-time youth director at Bethlehem until I arrived to fill the position full-time.  She continued to work beside me as a volunteer, until one day she walked into my office to tell me she wanted to go into full-time youth ministry.  That led to a position as a youth staffer for the North Wisconsin District.  Her term was short.  She was the victim on a drunk-driving accident in November of 1980.  Margy was had a contagious faith and one of her favorite expressions was, “We are Easter people and hallelujah should always be our song.”  If she sensed you were having a down day, she would try to turn things around through that expression.

 

My list could go on and on, and I am sure you probably have a similar list.  I would hope that you would reflect on those individuals and the heritage of faith they have left behind.  Those recollections should not be limited to one day a year.  I would also encourage you to consider what imprints you are leaving behind.  That is what passing the torch of faith is about.