Belonging

Luke 2:8-9 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 

Let’s start this morning with a fill in the blank pop quiz. Don’t worry, only you know the answer. Play along. What first comes to your mind when you consider:

I belong to ____________________________.

If the first thought that comes to your mind is “…you belong to the city, you belong to the night, living in a river of darkness beneath the neon light…” then your teen years likely belonged to the ’80s. For this exercise we need to get Glen Frey’s words out of our heads and dig a little deeper.

When you think of belonging what comes to mind? Wat did you answer? Was it a place where you feel love and accepted? Was it a person, maybe a spouse or partner that gives you that belonging feeling? Maybe it’s a group of people, family, or friends. Maybe it’s your career, or a cause. Maybe it’s being in alone nature. Maybe it’s being in the crowded city streets (oops, Glen Frey taking over again.) Regardless of who, or where, or what gives us a sense of belonging, we all have in us a great need, a born-in-us desire to belong. I think it’s safe to say that the more we experience that sense of belonging the greater are our chances of experiencing true contentment, and peace. It’s in this environment where we can ultimately thrive, where we can become the best version of ourselves.

The Christmas story recognizes both our need to belong, and that for many that need is not met. It’s no random occurrence that “lowly shepherds” become the first to hear news of this great, fresh hope. The shepherds may have belonged to their sheep and their fields, but that was about it. They were looked down upon, ostracized from the rest of polite society. They lived lonely lives, likely resigned to live out their days as outsiders. That’s where Jesus came in. It would also be a foreshadowing of who Jesus would walk with and for in the years to come. Lowly? Downtrodden? Despised? Forgotten? Don’t seem to belong anywhere or to anyone? “Walk with me”

The message of Jesus in very simple words was “you belong with me.” It’s a continuation of a message that fills the pages of the bible. It’s a message for everyone. No exceptions.

Praying friends – Give thanks for a sense of belonging.

Everyone – Get the sense someone is struggling without this sense of belonging? Reach out in some way..

A world at war; amidst it, a birth

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

December 7, 2021. 80 years ago today, Japanese warships bombed Pearl Harbor and officially brought the United States into World War II. In the months leading up to that fateful day the country had been at odds with itself, as divided as it had ever been. Many Americans believed the country needed to take up arms and defend democracy. Many others wanted no part in getting involved in another war across the Atlantic. The world at that time was a messy place, a fearful place as to what the future would hold.

It’s in that setting in 1941, on that same day, far away from the bombs, that two young parents celebrated the birth of their sixth child. He would go on to live just shy of 80 years, as his funeral is today on what would have been his birthday. The world in 1941 was at war, on the brink of destroying itself, but a young family found reason to rejoice. His life would be a good one. He’d raise a family of his own. He will be remembered today as being kind and affable.

December 25, 2021. It’s on this date in a few weeks that many of us will celebrate the birth of a child born more than 2000 years ago. A child born into a time of war, discontent, and fear.

As we make plans to gather, as we decorate, shop, and dream, the world is still kind of a mess. Wars of all sorts rage on. We seem more divided than united on most everything. Change is happening so fast it can be overwhelming. It’s a fearful time for what the future may hold. Yet, we celebrate. We do so because quite simply, we have hope. It’s not a hope that suddenly all the injustice and troubles of today are going to be righted. No, the same ancient words that tell us of Jesus are quite clear that this world will always have tribulations. It’s in the midst of trouble, in even the darkest, most discouraging of times, that we who celebrate the birth of Jesus, should hold fast to the hope He gives us, so as to have the peace available to us. It’s out of that vantage point of hope and peace, that we can live and love like Jesus. It’s out of living a life of love that we can shine a light in a dark world.

Praying friends – Give thanks today for all those who have served and currently serve. So many of our soldiers’ battles once back home rage on in their minds. Remember them.

Everyone – Thank someone you know who has served in the military.

Power Play

COVID isolation turned me into a documentary nerd. While some have been much more enjoyable and informative than others, they’ve all at least allowed me to say I’ve never watched a minute of Tiger King. Last night I was watching the story of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain. Since Medieval times Christians have journeyed to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia to visit the alleged final resting place of St. James, one of the twelve apostles.

The story behind the cathedral itself is one of power as much as it is faith. It was built during a time when Christian Spain was being overtaken by Islam armies from the south. Christian armies were retreating further and further north and ultimately Spain was all but lost. It was at this point in time that the bones of St. James were discovered. The cathedral was built overtop James’ final resting place and served as both a rallying point for the Christian armies, and an absolute show of power and might to potential invaders.

Fast forward to today and it is readily apparent mankind has not changed much at all. We are still at war with one another. We still look for ways to show our strength and power, both individually and as nations. Fortresses are still built, some external, and some internal. Armies of all kinds continue to be organized and energized. In short, power is as coveted today as it has been since the dawn of time.

We typically don’t see the Christmas story, the manger scene in particular, as a power play. A newborn child lying in a manger. He’s totally dependent upon his parents like every other child. The family eventually has to flee to Egypt to escape a murderous plot. Of all the ways God could have come to this earth, He chose to come the way we all do. Vulnerable. Humble. It’s almost as if God was trying to tell us something about His view on power versus ours. Later in his life Jesus would teach that he who wants to be great, should serve others. That many who are “last” in this world will in fact be “first” before God. That great examples of power include loving your enemy, praying for those who persecute you, and caring for all He has entrusted to you.

Make no mistake. The manger scene is one of power, world-changing, life-giving power.

Praying friends – Pray for those in positions of power to be wise stewards, truly looking for the best of those they serve.

Everyone – Consider your power to change someone’s day today. A kind word, a smile, an unselfish gesture can do more than you can possibly imagine.

Matthew 20:21 “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

Sunday Deep Dive

Most all of us will find in the days ahead something to cherish beyond decorations and presents. While some rejoice in their belief that God’s love came miraculously into the world, most everyone celebrates a time when love and generosity reign supreme.

There is, I suspect, a large population who really do not quite know what they believe. Many were raised in a church environment but don’t see a place for faith in their adult lives. Some look at all the mysteries of the universe that have now been solved and can’t see a creator’s hand. Others have a tremendous faith, but it’s rooted in beliefs outside of the Christian doctrine. Finally, there are those who carry a sense of belief but have come disillusioned with church and religion in general. It’s this last group I have in mind this morning, because I feel you.

One of the scriptures I shared this week was Matthew 11:28-30. If you haven’t ever studied the bible, you may not know there are many, many translations of the original texts. Which version is “best”, or “appropriate”, is one of many, many subjects on which Christians disagree. The Message, the translation I used for this verse, is a modern, conversational interpretation. There are those who really don’t care for it, but back in the day I often found it revelational. Consider the King James Version with the Message for these verses:

First the King James, Matthew 11:28-30

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Next, The Message 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

While both versions convey the meaning of Jesus’ words, the Message captures the cause of the weight of the burden people were feeling at the time. Remember, it was the religious leaders of the day Jesus most railed against. It was a system of rules and requirements, a system that largely benefited the religious elite, that discouraged, wore out, and burdened the people of Jesus’ time. Jesus’ words resonated with people of his day like none other. They gave hope to the downtrodden and the forgotten. They suggested another way, a better way. Those same words can still resonate, inspire, and direct us today if we don’t blow them off, if we will allow them in. Discovering the steps of Jesus is an invitation to watch and learn how to live freely and lightly.

Praying friends – Spend some time in God’s word today. Reflect on who you believe Jesus to be, and how that effects your daily life.

Everyone – I’m not trying to tell anyone what they should believe or change anyone’s faith system. Maybe just consider today that which gives you hope. Reflect on what brings goodness into this world, and how more of that is possible.

When plans don’t quite work out

My plans from yesterday fell through. The tickets I wanted sold out instantly. Obviously not a huge disappointment, and I can take comfort knowing there will be other concerts. Still, it stung a little.

Small disappointments are relatively easy to shake off. I wanted a milk shake, but the ice cream machine was broken. I planned on an afternoon hike, but rain set in. I was pulling for my team to win, but they came up short. I wanted a bonus for Christmas, but the boss gave me a jelly of the month club subscription. It’s much more difficult (at least for me) to rebound from life’s greater difficulties. Illness, job loss, and broken relationships are just a few of the many pain points we may experience as days go by. When we invest our time, talent, energy, our very hearts and souls into something that fails or turns out less than we expected, it can be devastating.

There’s a nativity scene sitting in front of my fireplace. As beautiful an image as it is now, I’m wondering just how big a disappointment it was for Mary and Joseph. They had traveled far, it wasn’t an easy journey, Mary was on the verge of giving childbirth, and oh by the way she’d been told the baby would be the savior of the world. No rooms, really? Surely you have our reservation. I’m a rewards member, does that help?

Given the circumstances, despite the disappointing news the young couple likely bounced back pretty quickly. We know earlier in the story; however, Joseph was presented crushing news that his bride-to-be was pregnant. He surely was distraught as evidenced by the fact he “planned to divorce her quietly” Matthew 1:19. It took an angel appearing in a dream to move him past the hurt.

This season brings an extraordinary mix of emotions and experiences. You can experience the joy of being with those you love, all the while missing those who aren’t with you. You can wish you could give more or do more, while simultaneously being reminded of how blessed you are with what you have. I think we would do well to focus on the love, hope, joy, and peace of the season. Let go of disappointment from plans that fell short. Grab onto what is good.

Praying friends – Give thanks to God for all that is good in your life.

All of us – Spend some time counting your blessings. Reflect on what is good in your world.

Matthew 1:20 But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

Plans

I am a huge fan of plans. I love to have my day mapped out knowing what I’m doing and where I’m doing it. If there is downtime, I really prefer for it to be intentional. I don’t do well with boredom, and admittedly I have never been called spontaneous. Part of my plan for today is to hopefully acquire tickets for a concert to be held in September of 2022. In that the concert is near Denver, Colorado, a bevy of plans will have to be made if those tickets are in fact scored. You could say my plan for today is to create the need for plans. Pure bliss I tell you, pure bliss.

It’s perhaps a little crazy to think about making plans months in advance. As I write I’m reminded my daughter has been making plans for her wedding date for a year and a half now. When we make plans, we do so expecting the world to essentially remain unchanged (or perhaps improved) from how it is when we make the plans. If we’ve learned anything the past two years, it should be that the world as we know it can change in an instant. Nothing is guaranteed. Not time, health, or wealth.

What put this topic on my mind was first a message from a proud grandma sharing a picture of her newborn granddaughter. I’m sure the child’s parents are already imagining the plans they have for her. They are surely cherishing holding that little bundle of joy, while also dreaming about the days ahead. Sharing in grandma’s joy was replaced a few hours later when I learned another friend was grieving the loss of a nephew. He passed from this world at the age of 34, truly the prime of life. He too assuredly had plans, hopes and dreams. Years and years ahead of him to see them come to fruition.

Mary and Joseph had plans. I’m confident those plans did not include being part of a story that would change the world. They had no way of knowing their plans were going to be replaced by God’s plans. We’ll consider their plans, and our Christmas plans tomorrow.

Praying friends, we prayed previously for all those grieving, but let’ spray specifically today for those who have lost loved ones this past year. The holidays can be especially hard.

Everyone, as you make Christmas plans, consider those folks mentioned above. Can you send a card, make a call, or share some cookies?

Matthew 11:28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (The Message)

P.S. – I apologize. Feels like every other word was “plans”. I just couldn’t come up with a good synonym. I plan to do better!!

One last Ghost of Christmas past

A few years ago, following a Christmas Eve church service, my family joined up with several others to visit a local nursing home. Christmas Eve for me always seemed to have a unique stillness, a more peaceful quiet than other days. The stillness and quiet in the nursing home had its’ own uniqueness, but it wasn’t that same special quality. We made rounds singing Christmas carols. Some people made their way to their doorways to listen. Some, who were bedridden, motioned us to come closer. At one point during a more upbeat song one guy (every group has this one guy) coerced a resident into dancing with him.

Looking back, I’m confident we brightened some lives and lifted some spirits. What’s more, in that moment it felt like we were right in step with what we should be doing. For people of faith, it was one of those moments when it felt like we were walking in step with the Spirit and will of God. It was just singing some songs, and the singing wasn’t even all that. It was a simple, largely off-key gesture. What made it so powerful was ultimately what we gave was ourselves, what was inside us. That night, in those moments, we were able to share love, hope, joy, and peace. We can only share what we have, and for a night we had an abundance of the good stuff.

The last two years has largely produced an abundance of not-so-good stuff around us and sometimes within us. The Christmas story is ultimately the most unselfish story ever told. Christian or not, you have to appreciate the selflessness of a God giving himself to the world, leaving paradise to come to us, only eventually to die as a way to save us all. It’s that unselfishness that led a few of us to spend a tiny bit of our time with some strangers in need. What would it take for you to move past all the bad stuff around us, and instead focus for a time on what is good, pure, and noble? We can only share what we have. Wouldn’t it be incredible to share the good stuff just a little more often?

Praying friends – pray that we all can be filled with what is good, and that it might spill out of us.

All of us – Just think about what you are filled with at the moment. Are you good with that?

James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Ghosts of Christmas Past – not so past

If you are a parent, you’ve likely experienced all the joy and all the work of a holiday season. I’ve struggled to define my favorite 21st century Christmas moment. It doesn’t seem like that should be the case. Being a dad is the greatest joy I’ve ever known. Being a dad at Christmas, getting the chance to try to make my kids’ day special, passing on traditions and creating new ones, stopping for a time to simply enjoy being with those l love most…

…wait a minute…I may be on to something…

I don’t remember stopping and enjoying nearly as much as I remember running and striving. They say as you get older time goes by more quickly. The month from Thanksgiving to New Years’ Day accelerates into warp speed. Most of my 2000s Christmases are a blur. They all seem to meld together into one hyper-intense stream of consciousness filled with flashes of school choral concerts, church plays, mall and toy store trips, last minute construction projects, social events, and trying to cover as much ground as Santa to see everyone we wanted to see. In a word the season was exhausting. Again, it was great, but I do wonder what we missed from trying not to miss out on anything or anyone.

I want to give advice to young parents, but it really applies to this parent of grown children as well. Think about the manger scene. Consider that on that night that changed the world forever, there was no parade. There was no extravagant party. No crowd of people. Just two young parents huddled around their newborn child in love and adoration.

The expectations for this season can be overwhelming. Some are overwhelmed with calendars filled full without a moment to breathe. Others are just wishing for one chance to share the joy of the season with someone else. Wherever you find yourself, I’m praying for you this morning. If you’re overwhelmed, it’s ok to slow down. More than ok. Appreciate this moment as much as you possibly can. If you’re feeling alone, you are not forgotten. Reach out to someone. You’ll be surprised how many people would open their doors to you.

Praying friends – Pray that everyone can experience the joy, hope, and love of this special season.

All of us – Slow down. Appreciate this moment. Consider a friend or relative who might be isolated for one reason or another. Reach out to them. Let them know they are not forgotten, especially at this time of year.

Luke 2:16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

The ghosts of Christmas past – Connections

Long before the NBA started featuring games on December 25 there was the annual Good Shepherd Gym basketball extravaganza. People came from far and wide to run off their Christmas lunch, playing a game they loved to play with people they loved. OK, full disclosure, the far and wide was more like EKU, UK, Ky Christian, and wherever else these old high school friends were off to college. We also never would have said we loved each other, guys just don’t do that. Many of us had grown up together, other friendships formed in later years, but we were glued together by what started out as weekly pickup games that eventually turned into Christmas Break reunions.

Once one of the group went off to college, we didn’t have much contact with him unless he came home. Unimaginable as it seems today, we couldn’t communicate during the semester though text, email, or instant message. We couldn’t follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or whatever else is out there in the social media world. You certainly didn’t call anyone long distance. That was expensive and we were broke college kids. Just to get this annual game organized was a logistical challenge in itself. Calls had to be made to get the gym and find out who could play. If someone’s phone was forever busy, someone who lived close to him would even go and knock on his door. Those who weren’t fortunate to be driving the ’79 Pinto or ’76 Gremlin would need to be picked up.

Once finally in the gym where we all wanted to be, we fell right back into wherever we left off last time. We were connected even though we couldn’t stay connected for months at a time. We’ve all heard it said and maybe you’ve said it yourself, we’ve never been more connected yet further apart than we are today. We weren’t made to go through this life on our own. We need real, authentic friendships so much more than we need 1,000 Facebook friends and likes on our posts. Someone around you may need a friend today. You may be that person. Don’t settle for a text or email. Reach out to someone who would be happy just to talk to you.

Praying friends – pray for those who are isolated, lonely, especially this time of year.

All of us – Be a friend to someone today in the real world.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

The Ghosts of Christmas Past – the Sunday before Christmas

Christmas memories.  I Spent some time this morning trying to think back on my fondest moments from past Christmas seasons both as a kid ad an adult.  Lots of special times to choose from.  There’s just something about decorating a Christmas tree, the excitement of wondering what is in the box all wrapped under it, seeing a normally dark neighborhood lit up with bright lights, the smells of sweet goodness coming from the kitchen, and celebrating a time when we are reminded to believe even when it seems impossible.

I’ve got lots of great childhood holiday memories.  From wearing out a JC Penney catalog dreaming about a Guns of Navarone play set, to getting that Atari 5300 I really didn’t think we could afford, to being the one person in the family you absolutely could not tell what someone else was getting.  (I got excited and blabbed, come on I was a kid)

What truly stands the test of time for me is the annual Bryan Christmas party the Sunday before Christmas.  The once-a-year chance to get to see all my cousins on my mom’s side in one place at the same time – combined with the excitement that Christmas is only days away – fueled by the fact that we had all just gotten a two-week reprieve from school.  It was also when we would get that first Christmas present, the chance to open a gift early.  What a day!

If I close my eyes I can still smell the fire burning in the fireplace at the Plant Board clubhouse.  I can hear the laughter as we run up and down the hill outside even though we probably weren’t supposed to.  I can see my grandparents proudly presiding over the chaos, my aunts and uncles, people who I knew loved me, even though I didn’t understand fully how much until I took on their roles.  I can’t leave out my older cousins with their boyfriends and girlfriends, I was in awe!!!

What I realize now that I couldn’t have then, is what made the reunion so special was realizing I was a part of something much bigger than I experienced day to day.  I belonged somehow to and with these people.  There was a shared connection that was celebrated, nurtured, and cherished.

If we do anything this Christmas season, after two years of focusing on all that divides us, could we take a break and look instead for all that connects us.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to put down not just the phone but the anger, frustration, and discord that fills it far too often. Could we give up this driving need so many of us seem to have to not just be right, but to prove that someone else is wrong.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to remember what it was like in more innocent times, when we loved freely and believed the impossible was possible?

My praying friends – Please pray this season can be a time of reconciliation within families, friendships, and wherever it is needed.

For everyone – Spend some time today remembering your own favorite childhood memories, maybe even share them with someone.

Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.