During a Christian Believer Bible study a question posed was “Why do you believe?” Maybe a better way to phrase the question would have been “Why are you a Christian?” The one answer participants were not allowed to give was “The Bible says so.” Can you describe the foundation of our faith? Is your foundation based on compassion and grace or because the Bible says so?
I met Ryan years ago while working for Southern Wines. I was a field sales supervisor and he worked for a supplier whose product line was represented by Southern Wines. I had met Ryan before but had never worked with him. On occasions suppliers or winery representatives would come into the market hoping to obtain extra business. Ryan was scheduled to ride with me. Any time two people spend long periods in close quarters with each other general conversations turn more personal. Before I knew it we were talking about the “blue” laws in the state of South Carolina versus the west coast. Ryan’s next comment stunned me. There was, at that time, for him to buy a bottle of wine on a Sunday. He disagreed with the Judeo-Christian foundation for the laws in this country. Now I was insulted. The more Ryan carried on the more I got upset. At one point I thought about stopping my car, letting him out on the side of the road in the middle of the country, and calling someone at my office to come pick him up. I’m glad I didn’t do that for two reasons. First, what would that have said about my claims of being a Christian. It might reinforce the notion by some Christianity is judgmental and uncaring. Second, Ryan is Jewish, his Sabbath is on Saturday. Sunday is just another day to him.
In an article from Christianity Today magazine Drew Dyck addresses the issues surrounding the exodus, especially among the 20-30 year olds, from the church. After reading the article one fact comes to the front, no one really knows because the issues vary widely. Drew, however, makes a good point. Rather than focus on the cause of the issues how do we as Christians respond to objections to the church by others. He generalized two basic responses with one being Christians go on the offensive. It is true, we do that as Christians. Think of how I almost responded to Ryan. Had there been a “come-to-Jesus-meeting” between us, had he not accepted my point of view, then I was ready to put him on the side of the road. The second basic response by Christians is brain freeze. They can’t offer any intellectual dialogue with a doubter. About all they can say is “The Bible says so!”
Let me say now that we as Christians need to show compassion and grace in the same way Jesus offered compassion and grace to us. The Christian faith is a matter of the heart but God has also given us the ability to reason. Since we are capable of carrying intelligent conversations lets make use of it. How would you respond to a doubter? As we enter into the New Year we can reexamine how we as a church and as individuals who profess a belief in Christ are presenting the message. Maybe we can start by listening intently to others. It is possible they are seeking answers. If we let our selves be offended we will never be able to present Jesus in a positive light. Take advantage of Bible studies, Sunday school classes, or study on your own. The more we study the better equipped we are. If we don’t know the answer, then say so, don’t utter “Because the Bible says so”. Admit we don’t know it then research the subject matter. Doubters and non-Christians may gain a deeper respect for Christians. By the way, Ryan and I had a great day, sold a lot of wine, and we became good friends.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Y'all!!!!
The Grace and Peace of our risen Lord Jesus be with you. What an eventful six months it has been. In all honesty, I’m not really sure where to begin. From my initial white knuckle drive down Hwy. 278 on July 3rd to what shall be a memorable week starting with our Christmas Eve service through Epiphany Sunday, every moment has been special. So much I have seen in the ministry of Church of the Palms complimented by the passion of its members. Your love is amazing. Let me express it this way:
Thank you, Church of the Palms for your love and grace. I am so excited about what 2011 holds for our ministries. See y’all soon!
Touched by Love
By
David Norrell
My future is haunted by my past
Many times I have strayed from your path using my own light
When that light dimmed, fear overcame me
Yet, your presence I did not seek
Your unmerited grace I have not earned
Happiness is deceiving
Outward appearance masked the pain deep in my soul
I lived as though your existence was a myth
Love, once a companion, abandoned me
Even you’re your love seemed distant
Walls were erected, moats flooded
Barriers built by human hands
Failed to protect my heart which had grown cold
I pushed but you pushed back
Your love was draped like a shawl around my neck
My heart is made warm by your touch
From my childhood till now made known through others in my life
Never has your perfect love left me
I don’t understand though
Why do you still claim me?
Oh God, found in you is every desire I want
Continue to perfect me in your tenderness
Please give me strength and stamina and words
Include the heart of a servant
So all will know what it means to be touched by unconditional love.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Express Check Out
I love walking into Wal-Mart! The odds of being entertained by other people increase exponentially. Check out time is always fun especially express lanes whether they are self-check or 20 items or less. Through observation some of the conclusions that can be made are:
1) People can’t count. 20 items means 20 or less. Close only counts for horseshoes and hand grenades.
2) People do not know what they are doing. There have been many times I thought of offering help to get them out of the way.
3) When paying by check people wait until the end of the transaction to make check out. Please folks, get with the time and use a debit card. IT’S FASTER.
4) When the transaction is completed and change handed back by the cashier, people seem paralyzed by some traumatic force. Move out of the way so others can get through.
5) When purchasing products people seen to choose the ones with out scan bars or prices. Please people, pay attention so check out time is more efficient.
I observed a woman the other day standing in the 20 items or less line getting frustrated with the cashier. The cashier was waiting on a price check to complete a transaction. Within minutes frustration was verbally expressed by the woman waiting to be checked out. Obviously she was in a hurry. Not much of a Spirit of Charity was it. Of course I thought to myself “Lady, if you are in a hurry maybe you should have chosen a different line”. My Spirit of Charity during this advent season was no better than hers. It’s all about “me”.
After thinking about this incident a thought occurred to me. Yes, I realize thinking is a dangerous pastime for me. But what if Heaven has express lines to check out sins? Surely this would expedite the righteous person’s entry into God’s kingdom, correct? I wonder how many people would actually use the line that says “20 sins or less”. Oh, I’m sure some will try, including me. Can’t you imagine how the events would play out? “Mr. Norrell there seems to be a problem. Your buggy is full. This is the express checkout. Go to another register.” With my luck not only will the line I need to stand in take forever but nothing will be priced or have a scan bar. Standing in line will be like the Snickers commercial, “Not going anywhere anytime soon?” It’s all about “me”.
Isn’t Advent about preparing for the hope to be experienced at Christmas? God came to live with His creation, God is living with His creation, and God will come again restoring His creation in the perfect order which it was created. By expediting our check out speed it seems we are more concerned with our individual status while ignoring the needs of others. When did faith become all about “me”? During this time of the year let us remember the love we have received from God. Love is expressed in different forms such as that we have with our friends, family, spouse, or romantic interests. All is grounded in the perfect love of God (agape). Not only is this an unconditional love that can describe how God loves us where we are but it is the love we should also have for each other. The greatest gift we will receive at Christmas? I believe it to be the life-giving love which comes down from Heaven. Let us take this abundant gift and share it with everyone we come into contact with. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13 “Love is patient, love is kind…” describing how we should express love to others. We desire affirmation in our relationships. Share God’s affirming love with others should be our desire since we have accepted God’s gift of redemption. Then maybe, the check out lines won’t be stressful but filled with grace. Now it’s all about “us”.
1) People can’t count. 20 items means 20 or less. Close only counts for horseshoes and hand grenades.
2) People do not know what they are doing. There have been many times I thought of offering help to get them out of the way.
3) When paying by check people wait until the end of the transaction to make check out. Please folks, get with the time and use a debit card. IT’S FASTER.
4) When the transaction is completed and change handed back by the cashier, people seem paralyzed by some traumatic force. Move out of the way so others can get through.
5) When purchasing products people seen to choose the ones with out scan bars or prices. Please people, pay attention so check out time is more efficient.
I observed a woman the other day standing in the 20 items or less line getting frustrated with the cashier. The cashier was waiting on a price check to complete a transaction. Within minutes frustration was verbally expressed by the woman waiting to be checked out. Obviously she was in a hurry. Not much of a Spirit of Charity was it. Of course I thought to myself “Lady, if you are in a hurry maybe you should have chosen a different line”. My Spirit of Charity during this advent season was no better than hers. It’s all about “me”.
After thinking about this incident a thought occurred to me. Yes, I realize thinking is a dangerous pastime for me. But what if Heaven has express lines to check out sins? Surely this would expedite the righteous person’s entry into God’s kingdom, correct? I wonder how many people would actually use the line that says “20 sins or less”. Oh, I’m sure some will try, including me. Can’t you imagine how the events would play out? “Mr. Norrell there seems to be a problem. Your buggy is full. This is the express checkout. Go to another register.” With my luck not only will the line I need to stand in take forever but nothing will be priced or have a scan bar. Standing in line will be like the Snickers commercial, “Not going anywhere anytime soon?” It’s all about “me”.
Isn’t Advent about preparing for the hope to be experienced at Christmas? God came to live with His creation, God is living with His creation, and God will come again restoring His creation in the perfect order which it was created. By expediting our check out speed it seems we are more concerned with our individual status while ignoring the needs of others. When did faith become all about “me”? During this time of the year let us remember the love we have received from God. Love is expressed in different forms such as that we have with our friends, family, spouse, or romantic interests. All is grounded in the perfect love of God (agape). Not only is this an unconditional love that can describe how God loves us where we are but it is the love we should also have for each other. The greatest gift we will receive at Christmas? I believe it to be the life-giving love which comes down from Heaven. Let us take this abundant gift and share it with everyone we come into contact with. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13 “Love is patient, love is kind…” describing how we should express love to others. We desire affirmation in our relationships. Share God’s affirming love with others should be our desire since we have accepted God’s gift of redemption. Then maybe, the check out lines won’t be stressful but filled with grace. Now it’s all about “us”.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Dare to Love
C.S. Lewis once said, “To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”
During the summer of 2008 I began preparing the written work for ordination as required by the Book of Discipline. The feedback from my writings told me I had made several mistakes. I still had the oral interviews waiting for me in November 2008 where I knew grace would abound and the love of the Conference Board of Ordained ministry would be shown [Laughing]. Prior to the oral interviews the head of clergy services asked me to bring a copy of a transcript showing I had completed Black Studies as required for ordination. I knew I had time so it was tabled for a short period. Notification of a Wednesday afternoon interview for the week prior to Thanksgiving arrived at my house. I remembered my transcript so I drove to Due West the week of the interview in order that I get an official copy from Erskine Seminary. The registrar was sick therefore she was not in the office on Monday or Tuesday. This meant I needed to obtain my transcript on the morning of the interview. Getting up extra early I made the trek to Due West. Timing was essential so that I would arrive on time to meet the Board of Ordained Ministry. My route to the interview would be from Due West where I would drive to Greenwood, pick up Highway 72 to Clinton then jump on I-26 heading south to a Newberry exit, following Highway 34 towards Winnsboro where I would reach my destination located at White Oak. In a perfect world it was a good plan. We do not live in a perfect world.
The events of the day went as follows. Walking into the Registrar’s office I was told she was eating breakfast. I informed the person why I was there and they told me she would be back in 10 minutes. No problem I thought. My schedule can handle this. An hour passed before I found anyone who knew where the registrar was. The person I needed walked in apologizing saying she had forgotten. Real problem as I was now way behind. This would be cutting things close but it was still doable for me to arrive at White Oak early. All was going according to plan after that until I was stopped for speeding as I entered Clinton. I did my best to inform the state trooper I was on a mission for God but he wasn’t interested. Now I was in a real time crunch. Knowing I had to risk another ticket I pressed down on the accelerator. Finally, with 15 minutes to spare I arrived at the interview location. My mind was racing and the heart beating fast; I never had a chance to gain any composure before my first interview. After I was seated in the first interview room with people staring at me the first question posed to me addressed how was I dealing with my learning disability (dyslexia). “What?!!!!! What disability?” The interviewer said “It is mentioned in your file”. “Stick a fork in me because I am done” I mumbled to myself. I never gained my composure for the rest of the day. In the next interview I could not formulate a coherent thought. The interviewer asked me if I had a learning disability. I thought about asking if anyone wanted to come home with me and kick my dog too. I was continued for another year since I did not pass the BOM. My world had crumbled. I had failed.
The drive home was long and joyless. I passed by the cemetery in Chester where my grandparents are buried. I didn’t go in. Pulling over looking in trying to make sense of everything I thought “Why did y’all have to die when I really need y’all now”? Questions and thoughts crowded my mind. I did not want to see anyone from family to colleagues. I did not want to deal with friends. C.S. Lewis describes a way to protect the heart from all pain. The problem with pushing away love is joy ceases to exist. I did just that. However, God was at work in a way I could not see in the moment. No, God did not cause the problem. He probably thought I had gotten a little big for my britches. God then said “Okay you handle it as best as you see fit”. God was sitting at rock bottom to catch me. I knew I had to tell PPRC of my failure. The members of Liberty Hill UMC embraced me tightly. I learned how to open my heart to love. I loved them deeply but kept them at arms length. My friends, well, I also had put just enough distance between them and me. They kept on loving. Why I will never know. I met with mentors assigned by the BOM who showed me grace. When Annual Conference 2009 came I will admit I did not want to go. Something inside of me kept me there as opposed to checking in then driving home. I saw my interviewers who showed me the grace and love of God. My pain, hurt, and self-control faded as I opened myself up to God’s perfect love. I made it through the next year and now I find myself at the Church of the Palms. Joy abounds in the love shown to me by others and by you, CotP, as well.
How do you define joy? Where have you seen God at work lately? We will all experience times in our lives which push us down. Maybe walls come up to protect the heart from the pain of love. We withdraw into a joyless void. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us “…the joy of the Lord is our strength”. Drawing upon that joy allows us to open our hearts to love. Daring to love means we open ourselves up to potential hurt but also the greatest joy of all, God’s unconditional love. We live in a community which hurts. Jobs at times are scarce. People are rejected. Many reasons exist as why folks hurt. How can we take the message of joy this advent season to others so they may see the unconditional love of God in Jesus Christ?
Joy is not a surface-level happy – it is deeply seated in one’s character. Joy may not always manifest itself in smiles and laughter, but rather in grace and assurance. Joy might be described as knowing something better exists, and holding onto that which is better.
During the summer of 2008 I began preparing the written work for ordination as required by the Book of Discipline. The feedback from my writings told me I had made several mistakes. I still had the oral interviews waiting for me in November 2008 where I knew grace would abound and the love of the Conference Board of Ordained ministry would be shown [Laughing]. Prior to the oral interviews the head of clergy services asked me to bring a copy of a transcript showing I had completed Black Studies as required for ordination. I knew I had time so it was tabled for a short period. Notification of a Wednesday afternoon interview for the week prior to Thanksgiving arrived at my house. I remembered my transcript so I drove to Due West the week of the interview in order that I get an official copy from Erskine Seminary. The registrar was sick therefore she was not in the office on Monday or Tuesday. This meant I needed to obtain my transcript on the morning of the interview. Getting up extra early I made the trek to Due West. Timing was essential so that I would arrive on time to meet the Board of Ordained Ministry. My route to the interview would be from Due West where I would drive to Greenwood, pick up Highway 72 to Clinton then jump on I-26 heading south to a Newberry exit, following Highway 34 towards Winnsboro where I would reach my destination located at White Oak. In a perfect world it was a good plan. We do not live in a perfect world.
The events of the day went as follows. Walking into the Registrar’s office I was told she was eating breakfast. I informed the person why I was there and they told me she would be back in 10 minutes. No problem I thought. My schedule can handle this. An hour passed before I found anyone who knew where the registrar was. The person I needed walked in apologizing saying she had forgotten. Real problem as I was now way behind. This would be cutting things close but it was still doable for me to arrive at White Oak early. All was going according to plan after that until I was stopped for speeding as I entered Clinton. I did my best to inform the state trooper I was on a mission for God but he wasn’t interested. Now I was in a real time crunch. Knowing I had to risk another ticket I pressed down on the accelerator. Finally, with 15 minutes to spare I arrived at the interview location. My mind was racing and the heart beating fast; I never had a chance to gain any composure before my first interview. After I was seated in the first interview room with people staring at me the first question posed to me addressed how was I dealing with my learning disability (dyslexia). “What?!!!!! What disability?” The interviewer said “It is mentioned in your file”. “Stick a fork in me because I am done” I mumbled to myself. I never gained my composure for the rest of the day. In the next interview I could not formulate a coherent thought. The interviewer asked me if I had a learning disability. I thought about asking if anyone wanted to come home with me and kick my dog too. I was continued for another year since I did not pass the BOM. My world had crumbled. I had failed.
The drive home was long and joyless. I passed by the cemetery in Chester where my grandparents are buried. I didn’t go in. Pulling over looking in trying to make sense of everything I thought “Why did y’all have to die when I really need y’all now”? Questions and thoughts crowded my mind. I did not want to see anyone from family to colleagues. I did not want to deal with friends. C.S. Lewis describes a way to protect the heart from all pain. The problem with pushing away love is joy ceases to exist. I did just that. However, God was at work in a way I could not see in the moment. No, God did not cause the problem. He probably thought I had gotten a little big for my britches. God then said “Okay you handle it as best as you see fit”. God was sitting at rock bottom to catch me. I knew I had to tell PPRC of my failure. The members of Liberty Hill UMC embraced me tightly. I learned how to open my heart to love. I loved them deeply but kept them at arms length. My friends, well, I also had put just enough distance between them and me. They kept on loving. Why I will never know. I met with mentors assigned by the BOM who showed me grace. When Annual Conference 2009 came I will admit I did not want to go. Something inside of me kept me there as opposed to checking in then driving home. I saw my interviewers who showed me the grace and love of God. My pain, hurt, and self-control faded as I opened myself up to God’s perfect love. I made it through the next year and now I find myself at the Church of the Palms. Joy abounds in the love shown to me by others and by you, CotP, as well.
How do you define joy? Where have you seen God at work lately? We will all experience times in our lives which push us down. Maybe walls come up to protect the heart from the pain of love. We withdraw into a joyless void. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us “…the joy of the Lord is our strength”. Drawing upon that joy allows us to open our hearts to love. Daring to love means we open ourselves up to potential hurt but also the greatest joy of all, God’s unconditional love. We live in a community which hurts. Jobs at times are scarce. People are rejected. Many reasons exist as why folks hurt. How can we take the message of joy this advent season to others so they may see the unconditional love of God in Jesus Christ?
Joy is not a surface-level happy – it is deeply seated in one’s character. Joy may not always manifest itself in smiles and laughter, but rather in grace and assurance. Joy might be described as knowing something better exists, and holding onto that which is better.
Monday, December 6, 2010
"We wish you a ..."
Which is your choice, Merry Christmas or Merry Xmas or Happy Holidays? Every year this debate surfaces the closer we get to Christmas. Listening to His Radio, WLFJ, in my pick-up one day this issue was the source of a listener generated poll. Putting Christ back into Christmas dominated listener views as one might expect. His Radio was even handing out stickers to put on clothing which said “Wish me a Merry Christmas”. This discussion went on for a week as listeners constantly called the station. The station soon aired a holiday greeting that said “From our family to yours, wishing you a happy holiday”. I about wrecked my pick-up because I was laughing so hard.
Which greeting is your choice? The “X” in Xmas is the Greek letter “Chi” which is the first letter in the Greek word for Christ. It is the holiday season, so “Happy Holidays” recognizes this season as a festive time of year. It seems either greeting will suffice. Oh yeah, I do prefer “Merry Christmas”. Preference depends upon one’s comfort level. During Christmas our thoughts often turn towards parties or entertaining friends. Families gather together in the warmth of homes filled with love. The Christmas Story in the Gospel of Luke 2 may be read at home or heard in a church service pointing toward God’s promises. Isn’t this season to be about hope? How does a holiday debate promote peace?
Regardless of the greeting, this time of the year promotes peace. The meaning of “Peace on earth and goodwill towards men” is forgotten in the debate. Not long ago we, Church of the Palms, served as a host church for Family Promise. I, for one, am grateful for the many churches which participate in this program. I served as one of the over night chaperones in case someone needed anything. Breakfast was prepared the next morning for the families before work and or school. I walked around a corner and was greeted by the joy of a smiling face of a child. For this young girl, someone cared enough to make sure her needs were met and that she was loved wherever she happened to be. Isn’t this the hope we look for during Christmas? No mater the preference of greeting, if we live out the words of hope there will be “Peace on earth and goodwill towards all humankind”.
Which greeting is your choice? The “X” in Xmas is the Greek letter “Chi” which is the first letter in the Greek word for Christ. It is the holiday season, so “Happy Holidays” recognizes this season as a festive time of year. It seems either greeting will suffice. Oh yeah, I do prefer “Merry Christmas”. Preference depends upon one’s comfort level. During Christmas our thoughts often turn towards parties or entertaining friends. Families gather together in the warmth of homes filled with love. The Christmas Story in the Gospel of Luke 2 may be read at home or heard in a church service pointing toward God’s promises. Isn’t this season to be about hope? How does a holiday debate promote peace?
Regardless of the greeting, this time of the year promotes peace. The meaning of “Peace on earth and goodwill towards men” is forgotten in the debate. Not long ago we, Church of the Palms, served as a host church for Family Promise. I, for one, am grateful for the many churches which participate in this program. I served as one of the over night chaperones in case someone needed anything. Breakfast was prepared the next morning for the families before work and or school. I walked around a corner and was greeted by the joy of a smiling face of a child. For this young girl, someone cared enough to make sure her needs were met and that she was loved wherever she happened to be. Isn’t this the hope we look for during Christmas? No mater the preference of greeting, if we live out the words of hope there will be “Peace on earth and goodwill towards all humankind”.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Peace on Earth
In 1970 a Canadian group, The Original Caste, released the song “One Tin Soldier”. This song was in part a protest to the Vietnam War. If any one remembers the movie Billy Jack then they will also recognize the song as it was in the movie. I am going to date myself a little as I recall vague [strong emphasis on “vague”] memories of the Sonny and Cher Show. Cher did a remake of this song with a cartoon, for their Christmas special, that helped make a strong point. Leading into “One Tin Soldier”, Cher started by singing “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg84L84uop8
Soon we will be reading the story of Christmas found in the Gospel of Luke. One point made in Scripture is “peace on earth and goodwill to all men”. In prophecy Jesus is referred to as the “Prince of Peace”. Peace is a big part of what Advent is all about. The popular Christmas hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem” makes mention of a peaceful city in blissful slumber awaiting the birth of the Messiah. It was anything but peaceful. Romans wanted taxes while the Zealots wanted the Romans out of the region. Peace would be defined by those who were able to conquer the other. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, especially the week prior to his crucifixion, civil unrest dominated the air. Almost everyone knew what would bring about the greatest peace for them and they were willing to kill for it. All in the name of God judgment was meted out.
Today there is great confusion as to the function of the church. Christians are often not quite sure what it is and what it is supposed to do. As far as the New Testament is concerned, a church is a worshipping community. Put in other words, the church is a fellowship of believers, those like them, meeting with Jesus and recognizing his presence in their midst. We do everything to improve our personal relationship with Jesus Christ but what about with others? Are we like those in the video or those who wanted to crucify Jesus by assessing others in the name of God? Are we as the body of Christ reaching out to a community, a friend, co-worker, family member, or even an enemy to bring the message of peace?
In the church stress and tension can undermine the way of peace. Shouldn’t peace be one of the words to describe those who constitute the body of Christ? The world we live in today is far from peaceful. Choices are before us on our journey in life. We may find temporary means in which to discover peace but find the feeling is only temporary. During this advent season ask yourself: What can you do to promote peace? Wherever you go, invite people to worship with you. Connecting your actions with following Jesus may stir curiosity in people who want what you have. Your con¬gregation will find ways to manifest for the community the real hope of Christmas that through Christ, people will find peace and hope. If we make Christ the focus of our lives we have the opportunity to experience an inner peace. In doing so the message we carry to others is influenced by the one in who our hope is placed. To find peace, people need to feel heard and to know they are not alone in their suffering. Combine the conversation with God’s grace, maybe sharing Scripture. Let the hope and peace of Christ assure you that no matter the situation, peace can prevail. (Rethink Church Resources) I leave you with this prayer:
Soon we will be reading the story of Christmas found in the Gospel of Luke. One point made in Scripture is “peace on earth and goodwill to all men”. In prophecy Jesus is referred to as the “Prince of Peace”. Peace is a big part of what Advent is all about. The popular Christmas hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem” makes mention of a peaceful city in blissful slumber awaiting the birth of the Messiah. It was anything but peaceful. Romans wanted taxes while the Zealots wanted the Romans out of the region. Peace would be defined by those who were able to conquer the other. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, especially the week prior to his crucifixion, civil unrest dominated the air. Almost everyone knew what would bring about the greatest peace for them and they were willing to kill for it. All in the name of God judgment was meted out.
Today there is great confusion as to the function of the church. Christians are often not quite sure what it is and what it is supposed to do. As far as the New Testament is concerned, a church is a worshipping community. Put in other words, the church is a fellowship of believers, those like them, meeting with Jesus and recognizing his presence in their midst. We do everything to improve our personal relationship with Jesus Christ but what about with others? Are we like those in the video or those who wanted to crucify Jesus by assessing others in the name of God? Are we as the body of Christ reaching out to a community, a friend, co-worker, family member, or even an enemy to bring the message of peace?
In the church stress and tension can undermine the way of peace. Shouldn’t peace be one of the words to describe those who constitute the body of Christ? The world we live in today is far from peaceful. Choices are before us on our journey in life. We may find temporary means in which to discover peace but find the feeling is only temporary. During this advent season ask yourself: What can you do to promote peace? Wherever you go, invite people to worship with you. Connecting your actions with following Jesus may stir curiosity in people who want what you have. Your con¬gregation will find ways to manifest for the community the real hope of Christmas that through Christ, people will find peace and hope. If we make Christ the focus of our lives we have the opportunity to experience an inner peace. In doing so the message we carry to others is influenced by the one in who our hope is placed. To find peace, people need to feel heard and to know they are not alone in their suffering. Combine the conversation with God’s grace, maybe sharing Scripture. Let the hope and peace of Christ assure you that no matter the situation, peace can prevail. (Rethink Church Resources) I leave you with this prayer:
The Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
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