READY FOR A NEW YEAR

How do you get ready for a new year?  There are Christmas decorations to put away; Thank you notes to write; Menus and shopping to be made; Some will watch a lot of football or go hunting.  

But to live a purposeful, hopeful, meaningful life there is a deeper task.  Resolve to be better by God's grace!

1) Put Him first- Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these (other) things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).  This means when the choice comes- make the choice to please God.  One obvious way to do this is in the way we attend worship. 
2) Abide In Him- Seek not just to know about God- but to dwell/abide/stay in Him.  John 15:7 says, "If you abide in me and my Word abides in you- ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you."  Again, these were Jesus words recorded by John who heard them.  How do you abide in Him?
A) Pray- Part of abiding is "Ask whatever you wish."  Think about what you would like for God to do with you this year.  Not just physically, but deep inside- with your relationships.
B) The Word- "and my Word abides in you" is part of abiding in Him.  Knowing the content and the general meaning of scripture is important in order to abide in Him.
C) Bear fruit- he next verse  (John 15:8) says "This is to my Father's glory that you bear much fruit showing yourselves to be my disciples." We bear fruit by having the fruit of the Spirit manifest in our lives (love, joy, peace ,patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control).  But we also bear fruit as a fruit tree does by multiplying the faith we have in others. 
D) Love- John 15:9- says, "As the father has loved me so I have loved you- now remain/abide/stay in my love.  Abiding in God's love is the same as abiding in Him.  He then says, "Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this- to lay down his life for his friends."  So Jesus sacrificed for us.  I am reminded of the Texas church shooting where Tony Wallace stood up to the shooter (who had received food from the church on other occasions) and took the shot of the shooter giving time for others to take cover and for the volunteer security to stop things.  Tony sacrificed himself, said witnesses, so that others could go free. 
At the beginning of the New Year we can easily get into self-improvement, but the best self-improvement may involve self-sacrifice for others.  Love shows itself in such things. 

I am reminded of the great verse (Luke 2:52) that says, "Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, in favor with God and others."  This outlines how we might seek to grow- mentally, physically (exercise/diet), spiritually, and socially.  

Get ready to have a great vision for 2020.  Let God be your vision.  Fix your eyes on Him, remain in Him, so that your joy may be complete!

Prayer: Lord, help me to seek you, find you, and remain in you in the coming year.  

The Innkeeper's Helper

Merry Christmas!  The devotion today was the 11:00 soliloquy sermon.

THE INNKEEPER’S HELPER Luke 2:1-8, 15-20  Preached at Lake Murray Presbyterian’s 11:00 service.
This is a soliloquy or narrative sermon in which the preacher is a character in the Christmas story. 

The Inn was crowded that night long ago.  The streets were crowded too.  A census was to be taken by Roman law so that we could pay them taxes.  Everyone was to go back to their ancestral home.  Many claimed David as King and David was born here in Bethlehem.  We swelled from about 3,000 people to about 50,000 overnight.  There was no room for anyone. 
   I was the Innkeeper’s helper.  In fancier hotels I would be called a concierge.  But here I was just a helper.   I carried bags.  I fed the livestock and placed them for the night.  I brought the water in for people- for there was only one well in the center of town.  I gave directions. My job was to do whatever would help the Innkeeper and whatever would help our guests to be comfortable. 
    Most people came early to the inn.  We had the rich people, and the nobles.  We ran a respectable inn there were no harlots or gamblers allowed.  The inn filled up early.  On the second day a man and his woman came to the inn late.  They had the normal price for a room, but by then everything had gone up.  There were really no rooms left.  No one could make early reservations so it was first come first served.  But besides that the woman was pregnant.  But they were not quite married.  We did not let couples who were not married sleep in our inn together anyway.  But that really didn’t matter- there was no real room. 
    The innkeeper told me to show them where the stable was while he manned the desk.  I got an oil lamp and showed them.  It wasn’t great- but it was better than sleeping out on the street.  Besides, it looked like she was going to have a baby any minute.   They seemed honest- I didn’t have to worry about their stealing anything.  They just wanted a private place where they could sleep.  They had come the 60 mile journey from Nazareth in the hill country. 
    I marveled at their patience.  They had traveled far on a hard road, and she looked so tired and exhausted.  Yet she was kind and thanked me for showing them the stable, and making room for them beside the food trough.  The man had more patience than I could think for someone claiming that they were from the king’s line.  He was not demanding, only asking and was considerate of me- a poor innkeeper’s helper.  He asked me my name and seemed to take time to be concerned for me- just a helper.
     The stable was a cave in the hill.  It was ideal for animals- with a constant temperature.  I brought them a few oil lamps because it was dark.  After they got settled down, I got them water from the town’s well in the center of town.  It was dark when I went- after the meal was served in the inn, but they were very grateful for fresh water.  I brought them a little bread left over from the meal that night.  Much later I would hear that this man claimed to be living water and the bread of life.  Hard to imagine bringing water and bread to a baby who would later claim to be living water and bread.
      That night, there was a ruckus.  Some shepherds came to the inn looking for a baby in a manger.  They said and angel told them that the real king on David’s throne was born that night.  I told them where the couple was that were about to have a baby.  I was more than excited to lead them back to it.  The baby had come.  There was a stillness over the cave and the animals.  The father and mother looked very tired but appreciative of our coming. 
      The shepherds went everywhere telling all the people what they had seen and heard.  I couldn’t keep the news to myself either.  The innkeeper got a little mad at me, but in the end thought it was good for business as long as the Romans didn’t find out.  To this day, I am still telling the story- a baby was born that night.  The inn, Bethlehem, the world has not been the same since.  I have not been the same.  I am telling you the news just as I told it then, for I hope you too will not be the same.  Each of us is an Innkeeper to decide if there is room for Jesus in our hearts and lives.  

Christmas Eve

We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true.  And we are in him whom who is true- even in his Son Jesus Christ,  He is the true God and eternal life.  (1 John 5:20)

It is Christmas Eve- a time of great anticipation and the final countdown.  Maybe the relatives are coming.  Maybe the food has to cook.  Maybe it is time to get ready for church.  In some ways, Christmas Eve, for me, is more exciting than Christmas itself.  The great anticipation is even more exciting than the coming.  So waiting for the sun to come up- and when it first comes may seem more thrilling than when it is shining at noon day. 
The good news is that we don't have to do some liturgical pretense that Jesus has not come until Christmas Day 2019.  He has come and comes to us every day.  We are celebrating the greatest birthday for God became man.  He left his comfortable home for us- in utter humility.  While we wait, He has already come. 
Once I was waiting to meet someone at the airport I had never met.  He was a theologian of the first measure and was famous in Europe.  I was sent there by my professor to meet him and I held up a sign with his name.  I waited and waited, but his flight had arrived early (this was before cell phones and google abilities to check on flights), and he had already made his way to the seminary.   I was waiting on someone who had already come and was quite frustrated and impatient for nothing.  God has come and we can have peace. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have come to light up my darkness 

What to Say About St. Nick?

Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.  (1 Corinthians 1:11)

Thoughts: Many have wondered what they should tell their children about ST. Nick.  We may try to ignore this- but it is so steeped in our culture that children will ask us about Santa Clause.
There is no ultimate answer.  I do not buy that it is a lie to tell children about Santa Clause any more than it is a lie to tell children a fictional story.  It can become a problem if we give St. Nick divine properties to the point where Jesus is ignored and Santa Clause is the great wish giver- who see us when we're sleeping and makes sure we're good for goodness sake!  But going around putting out other's joy is not a nice thing either.  I can remember people telling me there was no such thing- even when I suspected it (I think I was about seven when I heard my parents go up in the attic 12/24- which they never did).
   But there is another alternative.  I think parents need to let their kids down easily from the culture's version of Santa Clause with the historical accounts of Nicholas of Myra who became St. Nicholas who became Sinter Klauss or Santa Clause.  Here is a good summary link to his life.   Nicholas of Myra (now in Turkey) was a generous and devout man.  The earliest accounts of him have his parents die early and he gave his money away to the poor.  One very early story says he saved three girls who were about to lose their home and be put on the street or be forced to be prostitutes keep their home by putting coins in their shoes at night.  It is said that Nicea (325) not only determined the date of Easter but also discussed the date of Christmas which was officially adopted 354.   Nicholas is recorded as having been at this council (makes since as he was alive during this time and lived not far away from Nicea).  If so, St. Nick would have discussed or voted on the date to celebrate Christmas. 
The stories of flying reindeer, beaming down a chimney, going around the world in a few hours are extended imagination.  All the North Pole elves and toy making legends might need to be debunked too.  But the root of the St. Nicholas story is apparently very real and worth telling to children who are getting just old enough to not believe the fake additions and embellishments. 

There is a children's book: "The Real Saint Nicholas" which can help.  There also is a book by William Bennett on "The True Saint Nicholas and why He Matters to Christmas." 

PRAYER: Lord, give me wisdom, transparency, honesty, but also awareness of a sense of mystery around your coming.  Give wisdom to parents to speak good and right words to children. 

Accountable to the King of kings

11Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war...16And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

6For unto us a child is born,

unto us a son is given,

and the government will be upon His shoulders.

And He will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7Of the increase of His government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on the throne of David

and over his kingdom,

to establish and sustain it

with justice and righteousness

from that time and forevermore. (Isaiah 9)

THOUGHTS: Last night the House of Representatives, in a partisan/divided vote, impeached the president.  I remember hearing some before the 2018 elections say that if Democrats controlled the House they would find a way to impeach the president but I didn't believe them.  I was optimistic that our country could find a way to not be so divided, but I was wrong. 
I listened to much of the debate on the House floor.  It does seem to me that President Trump messes up- or in preacher terms "he sins."  I do not know if he broke the law, that is up for others to decide.  One common thing I heard was "No one is above the law."  I heard it from many about Trump and I heard it from the Republicans about the Democrats.  This is certainly a truth that is found in scripture.  As many patriots said during the American Revolution, "There is no King but Jesus."  We are all accountable for not just spinning the truth, but there is a Truth to which we are accountable. 
Today, we should all be in prayer for our nation.  We should pray for God's mercy, guidance, and help.  We should pray that the divisions would be healed.  Jeremiah told his people, "Pray for the land in which you live.  For if it prospers you will prosper."  This is echoed in 1 Timothy 2:1 says, "I urge first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quite lives in all godliness and holiness."  

In South Sudan, there has been a perpetual civil war since the 1950s.  People are quick to point out the sins of others and have little grace to enable unity.  The war has meant famine, schools destroyed, needless deaths and brutality of all kinds.  Divisiveness should be avoided at all costs.  "Little children let us love one another for love comes from God."  (1 John 4:7).  

PRAYER: Lord, help us to have peace with each other, with those we disagree with, and with you.  

 (BBC picture)

Infertility and a Baby Born

Christmas is about a baby being born.  There is much talk about the benefits of having a baby especially at Christmas.  This can be especially hard on those who cannot- for whatever reason- have a baby.



There are three means of comfort for those unable to have children.
1) God is able to perform a miracle and open up a closed womb.  So Mary's cousin, Elizabeth, had a child in her old age (her husband didn't want to believe it- it was so impossible).  Mary herself was a virgin who had a child.  But other examples- Sarah had Isaac in her old age.  Rebekah, Hannah all had children in desperate answer to their prayers.  God still can do the impossible.
2) God gives us strength to accept where we are in life.  Patience while we wait but also He is the only one who can help us to be content.  This is not the easy road.  Those who walk in this way will have to call on God again and again and again.  Yet often those who do not have children have done much good.  I think of Anna who welcomed Jesus in the Temple.  Historically, many who have not had children have been great leaders in faith- Teresa of Avila, Mother Teresa and others.  God is able to help us cope. 
3) God calls us to adopt or foster children.  There is such a terrible need for loving Christian parents to adopt or foster children- not for money but out of a desire to raise a child for Christ.  Thornwell Home and Epworth Children's Home, Bair,  Bethany Christian Services have programs to help.  Joseph fostered/adopted Jesus Christ and is the best example of this.  God is able to help us adapt. 

7He raises the poor from the dust

and lifts the needy from the dump

8to seat them with nobles,

with the princes of His people.

9He settles the barren woman in her home,

as a joyful mother to her children.

Hallelujah!  (Psalm 113:7-9)

God does not always raise the poor from the dust, nor does He always bring children to "the barren woman in her home."  Babies are indeed miracles and gifts from God.  If everyone had babies seamlessly it would not be perceived as a gift, a blessing, a miracle.  God's call upon each of our lives is different.  Some are called to be single.  Others married.  Others married with children.  Others see their grandchildren or great-grandchildren.  Some have disabled children.  Some have miscarriage after miscarriage.  Sadness is mixed with joy on this side of heaven.  Life- whatever God gives us- is a gift in and of itself.  Not all are blessed in the same way- which adds variety and even beauty.  Some are weighed down with the cares of this world- even husbands and children- and it is hard to serve Christ.  God's call to us varies.  But all who believe can still rejoice in the birth of one baby- Jesus.  

PRAYER: Lord, we remember today those who do not have children.  We ask that you would grant them the peace of the Prince of Peace.  Grant them grace to still be able to serve and put their hope in you.  

A Personal God in an Impersonal World

The Word became flesh and lived for awhile among us.  (John 1)

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with us.  But we have one who was made like us in every way.  (Heb. 4:15)

“A Personal God in an Impersonal World”  John 1:1-5; Hebrews 4:15

     The world is a bit less personal today with the illusion that it is becoming more personal.  For example- the new iphones will open with a picture of your face- sounds really personal doesn’t it?  But basically it reduces the contours of your face to a numeric code- so that a computer could read it.  Reducing your face to a number is a bit impersonal.
     If you watch TV on cable or Direct TV or satellite or the internet- what you watch is recorded.  You will get advertising, mailings, even emails based on what you apparently liked.  The illusion is that you may think that this is personal, but it is just a way for them to get more money out of you. 
     The ability of computers to analyze us and supposedly “help” us and even outwit us is amazing.  So in May of 1997 the reigning world chess champion, Kasparov, was beaten by IBM’s Big Blue computer.  So The world’s most complicated game “The Go Game” was designed by the Chinese with more variables than atoms.  In 2017 the world champion was built by a Google designed computer.  This has the attention of man governments for it means that machines can teach themselves- and teach rapidly. 
     If you were to go to prison they would give you a number.  You would lose your name in order to be a number.  These mega computers can track billions of people with trillions of bits of data and reduce you to a number.   But let me tell you this- you are more than your social security number or your drivers license number or your passport number or your credit card numbers.  Maybe to some bank or the government you are just a number, but to God you are much, much more.  God made you individually, and knows you.  He has a plan for your life.   If Google can take a picture of your house and show what kind of car you have in the drive way, so God who is much greater than a computer can know you, and more than that love you. 
      The world will tell you that reality is just atoms- just money and stuff.  If that is true, then we are all just atoms and robots are just as valuable as humans. 
      Jesus came to show us that there is another way than just what we can see.  So a baby can change the world.  So a backwoods small town and a poor stable can change the world.  So twelve fishermen can change the world.   Jesus’ birth teaches us once more that it is more important to walk by faith than by sight. 
     In an impersonal world that values lust over love,  God comes to show us what love really is.  He does not just send an angel though He did that.  He came Himself- personally to give a personal love. 
God became vulnerable- sacrificing comfort to show that there is much more to life than things. 
     Robots can tell you “I am sorry.”  But they do not mean it.  They cannot feel it.  God, however, does feel.  He who made our emotions describes Himself in scripture as “Love.”  God is love.  He showed us this- in coming down for us to sympathize with us in our sorrows and weaknesses.  Our passage says that we do not have a great high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.  But God came down to be like us.  He is The Word made flesh.  He is God with skin on. 
      Next year is an election year.  Already I have been getting robo calls.  It is amazing that I have gotten calls from the president, a senator, and a governor, and several candidates on both sides.  I would love to say that they all know my name- but I am very much aware they don’t know who I am.  I am just a number to them.  But I know I am not just a number to God.  God came personally to tell me this.  When I look at the life of Jesus I see a person who stopped to help to heal to strengthen and inspire.  He shows us what God is like.  He called people by name when he had never been introduced to them- like Nathanael- who was so amazed that He called him by name and told him what he had been doing ahead of time that he became a disciple.  Or like Zaccheaus who was far from God in his heart- but Jesus called him by name when  Zaccheaus was up in a fig tree.  Zaccheaus was so inspired he corrected his wrongs, gave to the poor and invited Jesus in.  Today we celebrated the baptism of Caroline and Harper.  In baptism we remember Jesus knows us personally, by name.  You who are baptized know Him by name too.  We do not just know about God- impersonally- but we know Him and love Him.  Jesus loves you- know this.  You are not a number to be manipulated – but a person to be loved.  He came as a baby to show you this.