Keeping Christ in Christmas

I have never bought insurance from Al Boenker but Babe’s Chicken is one of our favorite restaurants.  What do these two DFW businesses have in common?  They both have invested money to use media to wish folks at Merry Christmas.  Al Boenker’s usual 1-800-Thanks Al pitch line on television has been replaced by “Jesus is the reason for the season.  In the case of Babe’s Chicken, their billboards around the DFW community proclaim the same message.  No generic “Happy Holidays.”  Al Boenker Insurance and Babe’s Chicken house want the focus to be on the Christ Child.

The Vinyard family, who own Babe’s, and Al Boenker provide me with a glimmer of hope.  It is easy to feel like Christmas is becoming more secular every year, with less and less emphasis on the “Christ” in Christmas.  Unfortunately Christians, and even the church itself, can contribute to the movement.  I recently attend the “Christmas” spectacular at one of the area’s biggest mega-churches.  There were probably 5,000 plus in attendance the performance, which was one of over a dozen the church puts on.  This year, in addition to the soaring angels and live camels, there was flying sleigh and Rudolph.  While the second half of the program told the real Christmas story, the opening section featured a tour of North Pole complete with dancing snowmen and Santa.  I am not opposed to Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman, but I think the church needs to be careful to keep the secular out of Christmas, keeping the focus on the Babe in the manger.

The above comments come in light of a new report from Pew Research that confirms what I already knew; fewer Americans celebrate Christmas as religious holiday.  According to their research, 55% of U.S. adults say they celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday, including 46% who see it as more of a religious holiday than a cultural holiday.  That is down from 59% in 2013, including 51% who saw Christmas as more religious than cultural. 

The responsibility for keeping Christ in Christmas falls on our shoulders. It starts with the traditions we keep as a family and the stories we tell our children and grandchildren.  While courts debates whether it is appropriate for a manger scene to be exhibited in a public place, the Christ Child should be under our Christmas tree and displayed in our yards.  The message of hope and peace that the Christ Child brings must be ingrained in our conversation and all our activities during this sacred time.  Jesus must be the reason we celebrate the season.

The End of the Homogeneous Church

My first assignment out of college was to be director of youth ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  Cape Girardeau is located just south of Perry County where the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod traces its roots.  To say that Lutheran tradition ran deep in that area would be an understatement.  It was only months prior to our arrival that Trinity had discontinued having at least one service every Sunday in German.  Rumor has that one older member had questioned the wisdom of the decision by asking in German, “How will God understand us if we are not speaking German?” Like most mainline denominations the LCMS has ethnic roots in addition to the theological ones. 

The reality in today’s world is homogeneous worship communities like the ones we probably grew up with are out of step with our diverse culture.  To expect the people who walk in the door to be like us and share our ethnic and denominational heritage is not realistic.  Thom Rainer, President of Lifeway Resources, recently noted, “Gen Z will not have a majority racial or ethnic group. Those born from 2001 to today are growing up in a generation that has no majority group. For the first time in American history, whites will be a minority. That is the real world. Our churches need to reflect that real world.”

The reality is the traditional church where everyone shares a similar ethnic, as well as religious background, will soon be a thing of the past.  Homogeneous worship communities are out of step in our diverse and changing world.  As a result it can be a challenging time for those of us who grew up enjoying the fellowship and traditions of those who are like us.  What is the long-term future of your church is membership and worship attendance continues to decline?

Jesus” great commission to “Make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20) calls us to share the Good News of Jesus with people of all cultures and ethnicity.  In the past that required us to travel to other continents.  In today's the world they have come to us.  We are surrounded by individuals who represent different cultures and ethnic groups.  We are called to be Jesus to those people, and to welcome them into our worship communities.

Christmas is Coming and so are the Millennials

Christmas is coming and so are the Millennials.  There is something about celebrating Christmas with family and friends.  Part of that tradition is being in church on Christmas Eve.  The singing of Silent Night by candlelight still touches my heart strings.  Millennials also cherish singing the traditional Christmas carols.  As pastors and worship leaders are putting together the final arrangements for Christmas Eve services there are some things to keep in mind. 

When it comes to Millennials and Christmas Eve, it is not as much about a long-term relationship as it is reminding them of their spiritual roots.  Most Millennials have established their own lives, often away from home.  Some might even have made choices that they know not only run counter to mom and dad’s expectations, but contradict what they were taught in Sunday school.  As a result they probably are not looking for a long-term relationship with a church.  What they are looking for is unconditional love and acceptance.

Millennials also want to hear the Christmas Gospel from Luke 2.  No matter how many times the story is told, it never grows old.  Keep the service short, preferably forty-five minutes are less.  Allow plenty of time for people to hang around and visit after the service.  If you have multiple services, allow as much time between services as you do for the services themselves.  Christmas Eve should also be an “all hands on deck” event for a church staff.  It is especially important for education and youth ministry people to be visible and ready to welcome back college students and young adults.

It is also important for parents and grandparents alike is to not use holiday gatherings as an opportunity to preach or express displeasure over decisions that have been made in the past.  When Jesus gathered as a meal with people He prayed, broke bread and celebrated the fellowship.  Jesus also was well aware of the baggage each person brought to the table.  In that situation, He just loved them and appreciated their presence.  That needs to be our attitude as we welcome back young and old alike for the holidays.  It also needs to be our mindset as we gather with family and friends as well.  

In This World You Will Have Trouble...

Like the rest of the world, I was deeply grieved when I heard of the tragic church shootings in Sutherland Springs, Texas.  Unfortunately, I cannot say that I was shocked.  Mass shootings are happening way too frequently, and regrettably church communities often the target.  I was heartened to hear the strong words of hope, and even grace, spoken by the survivors and the entire community of Sutherland Springs.  I recalled the response of the Amish Community in Pennsylvania when a gunman entered a school and mercilessly murders young girls.  They too reacted with grace and forgiveness, even reaching out to the family of the shooter. 

As always, I turned to the scripture in an attempt to keep things in perspective. A couple of things immediately came to mind.

Satan will be active on this side of eternity.  The earth is his playground.  Revelation 12:7-9 provides the account.  Jesus' early followers were well aware of this.  Peter even warns, “Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:9)

The devil will often attack those who are most faithful.  The story of Job is the ultimate example.   Yet, the midst of unimaginable tragedy Job could proclaim, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and I too in my flesh will see him.”  (Job 19:25-27)  Like Job, we too should “long to see Him.”

Jesus told his followers, and that includes us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  We are to live each day as conquerors  because we have the ultimate "Conquer" as our leader. 

We must be living, breathing examples of hope and grace in a very troubled world.  We cannot allow ourselves to live in fear.   While we must be prepared for such attacks, we cannot allow fear to control our lives.  Rather, we must live each day joyfully and confidently.  The world, especially the young folks around us, is watching.

Taking Anxiety Among Students Seriously

Anxiety and depression is a growing issue among high school and college students. I recently read the results of an annual survey of students.   The study by the American College Health Association found a significant increase in the number of undergraduate students reporting “overwhelming anxiety” within the last year.  The numbers grew from 50% in 2011 to 62% in 2016.  As a point of comparison, in 1985 only 18% percent indicated they had experienced “overwhelming anxiety.”  It is not just college students who are experiencing the pressure.  Depression and anxiety is common among high school and middle students as well.

Anxiety has always been a risk as young people develop.  It happens as they experience academic and social issues, but there are certain factors that have caused the increase.

The pressure to be successful in the classroom: An increasing number of high school students are taking advance placement (AP) classes that require more intense study.  It is important to remember that AP courses are not for everyone.  Most colleges are looking well rounded students, rather than those who will only be successful in the classroom.

Social media: In the past conflicts and personal issues were usually kept private with only a small circle of friends and family aware of what was happening.  With social media those matters might be out there for the whole world to view.

Over-scheduling: Many students are juggling a demanding academic load with extra-curricular activities like music, drama and sports.  Ten to twelve hour school days are not uncommon among active students.  That lives little time for relaxing and personal time. 

Lack of Sleep: Experts note that a typical teen should get nine hours of sleep each night.  A typical teen often functions on between seven hours and eight hours sleep on school nights.  Less sleep not only hinders performance but affects their mood.

Parents and other who relate to teens and young adults need to be pro-active in helping students deal with the pressure.  Some ways to do that are:

Being aware of mood and behavioral changes and addressing them. 

Be available to listen on their schedule.  When a teen or young adult wants to talk it is important to seize that moment, even if it does not fit our schedule.

Emphasize confession and absolution: Most teens are aware of their shortcomings and brokenness.  We need to help them focus on their Baptism and the daily renewal that is available to those who view themselves as God’s child.

Help them understand the importance of mediation: Provide them with the resource to rest in God’s presence during the few quiet moments that they have during the day.

Perhaps the most effective way to address the issue is to model healthy living ourselves.  Mediation, Bible study and prayer should be a part of our daily schedule.  We also need to take time for recreation.  We also need to be individuals who are quick to forgive and practice grace. 

Is Following Your Passion Always Good Career Advice?

“Follow your passion.”  How often have we heard that advice directed to a young person who is about to graduate from high school?  The premise is that if your find something you are excited about, then studying becomes easier.  While on the surface that might seem logical, it is not always practical.  The fields of veterinary medicine or marine biology are good examples.  Students who have pets and enjoy being around animals might see a career working with them in their future.  The reality is getting into veterinary school is difficult and there is not a huge demand for marine biologists. 

During my years as a high school counselor I sent some of my classroom time teaching a class called Careers.  The class was required for juniors during their first semester.  The curriculum took students through the process of exploring career fields, identifying potential college majors, and exploring possible college options.  In addition we looked at what life in college was going to be like and even how to plan for the future financially. 

In looking at career options I always told my students, “If you find any career that reaches the needs of older adults you will almost always have a job.”  While that might include the medical field, it also included jobs in the leisure and hospitality industries.  Obviously, there are a growing number of baby boomers who are retiring.  Many of them have discretionary income to spend on travel and leisure activities.   As we age our health also requires more attention.  That not only means a need for more doctors and nurses, but for physical therapist and nutritionist. 

I recently read an article on the advice that adults are giving today’s high school students.  Not surprisingly, many folks are encouraging teens to pursue careers in science and technology, but health care also made the list.  While young adults who are just starting their careers were the ones who most often said, “Pursue your passion,” it was those who had the experience who gave the best advice. 

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When it comes to the teens in your life, make sure they hear your story but also make sure you are guiding them into a career where the will not only be successful, happy, but marketable.

Grand Parenting 104

We have four grandsons and each one is unique.  The youngest is Daniel Paul Seale.  He is our daughter and son-in-law’s first born.  It had been a few years since we had a baby around, but I quickly remembered my role as grandpa.  We are blessed to have all our grandkids relatively close by and twice blessed to have Daniel with us one day a week.  I am the one who sings silly songs and takes him on long walks.  At almost fifteen month, he also wants to be my helper when I am working in the yard.  He learned quickly where the hose is kept and knows how to turn the faucet on.  When he gets outside the first thing he does is pick up the watering can and head for the hose. 

Daniel is different from our other grandsons, however.  He is definitely going to be a digital native.  Put him in the family room and the first thing he does is look for the TV remote.  We thought he could satisfy him by giving him an old remote, minus the batteries.  He excitedly took it and went over to the TV and started pushing buttons.  When nothing happened the device was quickly dis-guarded.  The boy knows the difference.  It is the same thing with my iPhone.  I gave him my old phone, but when it didn’t light up when he pushed the button he had no use for it.  I do not recall our older grandsons even knowing what a remote or mobile device was when they were his age.

Such is the world today. Today’s kids are born into a world where technology is a way of life.  Our oldest grandson, Andrew, is fourteen and has his own cell phone.  His brothers have their own iPads.  When they come to stay overnight they bring the devices along and stay in touch with mom and dad and their siblings via facetime.  Yes, they do play games on those mobile devices but Peter and Amy have established limits and they live by those even when their parents are out of sight.

There are some parallels with Daniel, however.  He will sit and look at books with you, and when he is tired he wants to be cuddled.  Meals and snack time are always entertaining and yes he does need to have his diaper changed regularly.  There is another big similarity.  Daniel longs for security.   When he is scared he cries and wants to be held.  That’s okay, because it is a scary world that he and I live in.  These days I want to curl up in the arms of my Heavenly Father.  When I first heard of the mass shooting in Las Vegas my response was to long for Jesus presence in my life and in the lives of those directly affected. 

The most important role that I have as grandfather is to make sure Daniel is not just aware of the security and hope we possess in Jesus but to see it acted out in a real way.  In addition to the biblical stories, he needs to hear my faith story.  God has brought me through the tough time, just like he will deliver him from those times as well.