Reflections From Sunday Evening

Mixed feelings.
An attack upon a rabbi’s home during a Hanukkah celebration. Anti- Semitism and hate expressed.
A church shooting in White Settlement, Texas. One report said the shooter acted during communion.
This happens after we gathered and celebrated the birth of Jesus.
We celebrated light.
We mourn darkness.
We experience love.
We witness hate.
Mixed feelings.
I suppose we could ban guns. Also machetes. If we could eliminate weapons of choice from people intent on evil, we would stop - or at least, limit loss of life.
Maybe.
What do we do in this world and these times?
I will act peacefully. I pray to be filled with forgiveness and mercy. I pray you do the same!
I pray we influence someone else. And another. And another. And another.
I expect the Savior whose birth we celebrate, to prevail.
Light shines and darkness cannot put it out.
Love wins.
Grace comes.
Jesus is born.
Keep your faith.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

The good news is that yesterday (December 21) was the shortest day of the year. The sun came out later and went down earlier than any other day. It was the darkest day of the year. Winter is now.
The good news is we have turned the corner. Today the sun will shine a bit longer and brighter.
Since ancient times people have recognized the “Winter Solstice”. In a world of war, poverty, and death emerged signs of hope. The days gradually lengthen with the sun rising a little earlier and staying out a little longer. There is more light and warmth. The anticipation of spring builds. New seasons of planting and harvesting are coming.
These signs in nature speak to the Gospel. We turn a corner in a world of despair and find signs of hope.
Into our darkness a light has come. A child is born. Christ has moved in among us.
Christmas is our celebration of turning the winter corner and finding wondrous hope born into our hearts.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Our son, Bobby, completed his Masters program at Baker University and graduation was scheduled today. The weather forced the cancellation of the ceremony. Probably add it in this spring. Did not mind not driving in the snow. Feel bad for Bobby’s friend who flew in from California...
The work was finished but the ceremony was postponed.
A missed ceremony does not negate the work. But celebration is important. It is important in living our faith.
Faith is essential.
Many things are vital, if not essential.
Baptism?  Holy Communion?  Prayer? Scripture?  All vital to a living faith.
Paul put it like this. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” (Galatians 5:6)
Essential - faith.
Vital , meaningful, helpful, important - the other elements of our faith.
Some would agree with this. Some would disagree.
The celebrations and practices are signs that validate the faith.
A snow storm that keeps many from the celebration does not negate the finished work. But  it does cause us to hunger and thirst for more.
See you next week.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

The Wesleyan Choir presented the annual Christmas cantata today. “ Almost There”.
The story the music communicated was life giving. The musical talent in our choir is awesome. Person after person shared and what a blessing this was. Walter Bryant did a great job. (We sometimes take his amazing talent for granted.  Not this year. Thank you, Walter).
When I was growing up my home church held an annual Christmas vespers. That was the time each year our church was full. It was an important tradition.
My mom always played the piano. We lit a candle. A Christmas memory.
It is only in these last few years I have truly begun to grasp how very gifted people who share these musical talents really are. The message of the gospel comes through so clearly.
What a joy.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
Steve

Reflections From Sunday Evening

In the Church year today starts things off. The first Sunday of Advent points us to the coming of Christ. Advent is our season of preparation for Christ to appear.
The text in Titus 2:11 says, “For the grace of God has appeared offering salvation for all people.”
Then comes the reminder that we are “waiting for the blessed hope, the appearing of the great God and Savior Jesus Christ...”
So grace has appeared and grace will appear.
During this Advent season may each of us experience the continual appearing of God’s Grace in Jesus Christ.
It’s been a good day. I hope you’ve had a good day too.
steve