Happy St. Nicholas Day!
December 6 is the feast day of Nicholas,
Bishop of Myra. At a time when the Church was just finding acceptance
in the world, Nicholas defined what it means to be a Christian and a
servant of others.
He lived at the turn of the 3rd and 4th
centuries. He was alive and serving during the years of Constantine's
conversion. Myra, where he served as Bishop, is now known by the name
"Demre," Which is in modern-day Turkey. He would have been witness to
the establishment of Constantinople as the center of Christian life.
Nicholas
is acclaimed as a Saint because of his generosity. The legends include
his slipping out of the manse at night in order to give money to those
in need. His attempts to be hidden by darkness was compromised when the
recipients would see his red Bishop's cape fade into the darkness of
night.
In a world in which Church seems to collect money,
Nicholas is a reminder that Christ came to give. He instructs all of us
on what it means to follow the way of Jesus.
The modern day
facsimiles of St. Nicholas still give gifts. But their gifts are seldom
anonymous, and rarely are they presented to those in need.
Occasionally, you will see one standing by a red kettle, ringing a
bell. But they attract far less attention than those who leave new
automobiles in driveways or diamond pennants hanging on the tree.
On
this St. Nicholas Day, remember the servant of Christ who (long before
there was a celebration of Christmas every December 25) understood and
acted on Jesus' instructions to those who have plenty. He is a favorite
of Children. And all God's children need to learn from him what it
means to share.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Devotion - Wednesday, December 5
The words from the book of Isaiah inform so much of our Christmas
story. This Sunday's Gospel Lesson consists of verses from Isaiah,
spoken in reference to John the Baptist. Isaiah will return to
prominence when we hear the words, "Therefore the Lord himself will give
you a sign. Look, the young woman* is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel"
The words of Isaiah are front and center during this time of great anticipation and expectation.
How wonderful it would be if the Isaiah verses appointed for today were embraced with equal zeal.
Today's verses are Isaiah 2:1-4. Read them. Read them several times. Meditate on them. And keep them in your heart as you catch glimpses of TV News. In a world that is torn apart by war; in a world where we turn to war as a way to solve differences; in a world where we believe that violence (and here I would include violence sanctioned by a nation or country) can somehow stop violence - in such a world the words of Isaiah 2 need to be repeated, shouted, and applied to our lives.
When the house of the Lord is lifted up as the highest of the mountains, then our spears will become plowshares and our swords pruning hooks.
Here are those verses from Isaiah:
The words of Isaiah are front and center during this time of great anticipation and expectation.
How wonderful it would be if the Isaiah verses appointed for today were embraced with equal zeal.
Today's verses are Isaiah 2:1-4. Read them. Read them several times. Meditate on them. And keep them in your heart as you catch glimpses of TV News. In a world that is torn apart by war; in a world where we turn to war as a way to solve differences; in a world where we believe that violence (and here I would include violence sanctioned by a nation or country) can somehow stop violence - in such a world the words of Isaiah 2 need to be repeated, shouted, and applied to our lives.
When the house of the Lord is lifted up as the highest of the mountains, then our spears will become plowshares and our swords pruning hooks.
Here are those verses from Isaiah:
In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
Many peoples shall come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
Many peoples shall come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Devotion - Tuesday, December 4
On Sunday mornings, we make use of the "Sundays and Seasons" worship
aids. This includes the prayer petitions, for The Prayer of the
Church. This past week, there was a petition for "nations of the world
experiencing distress." There was the encouragement to name such
countries. In preparing the assisting minister at the 11:00 service for
this petition, he replied, "I am going to need more sheets of paper, if
you want me to list them all."
It may be that electronic media and the ability to travel quickly to any region of the world means that we are more aware that we once were. Or, it could be that there are more and more societies and civilizations in upheaval. There is distress among the nations.
The prophet Isaiah spoke of distress among the countries. He wrote of the causes of these hardships; he also wrote of how God might guide the people through them.
Isaiah writes: "Zion shall be redeemed by justice, and those in her who repent, by righteousness." Justice - righteousness. These are attributes which never cease to reveal God's hope and promise.
Those parts of the world where uprisings and conflicts are found might be quietened with a good dose of justice. Yes, it is true, justice can sometimes be politicized. But we know what is fair; there is a reluctance to move there when it costs me something. Here is where righteousness compliments justice - if I am righteous in my own life, then justice becomes personal and I begin to consider what is the right and proper thing for me to do.
The Advent we seek is more than a personal gift; it is an event for the whole of creation. The heavens announce the birth of Messiah. Our preparations and our celebrations need to include such a cosmic understanding of what it means to welcome the Christ child - not merely into our hearts, but into our world.
It may be that electronic media and the ability to travel quickly to any region of the world means that we are more aware that we once were. Or, it could be that there are more and more societies and civilizations in upheaval. There is distress among the nations.
The prophet Isaiah spoke of distress among the countries. He wrote of the causes of these hardships; he also wrote of how God might guide the people through them.
Isaiah writes: "Zion shall be redeemed by justice, and those in her who repent, by righteousness." Justice - righteousness. These are attributes which never cease to reveal God's hope and promise.
Those parts of the world where uprisings and conflicts are found might be quietened with a good dose of justice. Yes, it is true, justice can sometimes be politicized. But we know what is fair; there is a reluctance to move there when it costs me something. Here is where righteousness compliments justice - if I am righteous in my own life, then justice becomes personal and I begin to consider what is the right and proper thing for me to do.
The Advent we seek is more than a personal gift; it is an event for the whole of creation. The heavens announce the birth of Messiah. Our preparations and our celebrations need to include such a cosmic understanding of what it means to welcome the Christ child - not merely into our hearts, but into our world.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Devotion - Monday, December 3
The calendars collide this time of the year. In my readings this
morning, I was directed to passages appropriate for the beginning of the
season of Advent. These next four weeks are to be given over to
preparing our hearts, our lives, and our world for the arrival of God's
Anointed One. Yesterday was the First Sunday of Advent; there are three
more to follow.
It is so very important that we prepare.
I was a bit stronger in my presentation at the 8:30 services yesterday. By 11:00 I had enough encounters with God's children, presenting themselves and seeking God's outpouring of grace, that I softened my tone. Even Jonah discovered that God's tough words are conceived far from those to whom we intend to speak them. When he get up close and among them, Jonah's convictions were confirmed, that God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and Jonah's harsh message melted away.
Realizing yesterday the needs among God's children for a word of Grace, I had lost the harsh edge by the time we got to the 11:00 service.
Earlier, when it was just me and my thoughts, I had introduced the season of Advent by saying, "Unless there is a need in your life for the arrival of Messiah, why should Messiah come?" This morning, I am once again alone with my thoughts, and so I return to the harsh and sometimes critical question of "Are you making any room for the Babe?"
God is gracious and merciful. And (following a Christmas theme) he will love you even if you have been naughty. It isn't that God punishes the naughty, it is their own actions which block the inflow of God's presence and thus leave them with a life less than God would offer.
Don't come up short. Don't receive a sample and think "This is enough." Prepare your heart and your life for the arrival of God's Anointed One. Move deeply into the season of Advent.
Yes, Christmas is coming. I know, you are entering exam period. There are conflicting calendars and events compete for our attention. But don't allow Advent to be the one that takes it on the chin. Look carefully and discern where Christ needs to become a part of your life, then welcome Christ in.
It is so very important that we prepare.
I was a bit stronger in my presentation at the 8:30 services yesterday. By 11:00 I had enough encounters with God's children, presenting themselves and seeking God's outpouring of grace, that I softened my tone. Even Jonah discovered that God's tough words are conceived far from those to whom we intend to speak them. When he get up close and among them, Jonah's convictions were confirmed, that God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and Jonah's harsh message melted away.
Realizing yesterday the needs among God's children for a word of Grace, I had lost the harsh edge by the time we got to the 11:00 service.
Earlier, when it was just me and my thoughts, I had introduced the season of Advent by saying, "Unless there is a need in your life for the arrival of Messiah, why should Messiah come?" This morning, I am once again alone with my thoughts, and so I return to the harsh and sometimes critical question of "Are you making any room for the Babe?"
God is gracious and merciful. And (following a Christmas theme) he will love you even if you have been naughty. It isn't that God punishes the naughty, it is their own actions which block the inflow of God's presence and thus leave them with a life less than God would offer.
Don't come up short. Don't receive a sample and think "This is enough." Prepare your heart and your life for the arrival of God's Anointed One. Move deeply into the season of Advent.
Yes, Christmas is coming. I know, you are entering exam period. There are conflicting calendars and events compete for our attention. But don't allow Advent to be the one that takes it on the chin. Look carefully and discern where Christ needs to become a part of your life, then welcome Christ in.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Devotion - Thursday, November 29
I continue to read from Zechariah. Today it was Chapter 13, verses 1-9.
These speak of the shepherds being struck down, and the resulting scattering of the sheep. You may recall that this imagery is used in reference to what happened to Jesus' followers, when he was arrested. "Two thirds" of the sheep will "be cut off and perish." Two thirds!
The other third will be put into the fire. God will "refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested."
Some within the Church see the need for such a process in today's Church. They speak of turning our attention away from gathering the masses and to focus on refining those who are of pure heart. Their proclamations of the Gospel say it matters not how large we are; what matters is how faithful we are.
Two weeks ago I spoke to you of the Gospel reading in which Jesus' disciples were warned not to be "led astray." I was asked, "How do I know if I am being following a false teaching or teacher?" In those conversations, I acknowledged my fear that the Word I speak might lead astray, rather than leading into all righteousness. These verses from Zechariah expose one of the areas where there is great debate about what has passed through the refiner's fire, and what is of our own desire.
There is a teacher, followed by many, by the name of Yoder. He was at Union Seminary, reaching the height of his prominence about 30 years ago. He had many admirers, one of them taught at our Lutheran Seminary in Columbia. Another like-minded professor was one of my teachers. To him I owe my understanding of the Trinity and Christology. Brilliant man and wonderful teacher. While it is not Yoder who influenced him, Pope Benedict (while still the Bishop of Passau, Germany) wrote of a similar need for the Church to be devoted to purity of teaching, rather than to be focused on gathering as many as possible under its wings.
I do not share their zeal for doctrinal purity. I am much more inclined to seek including others, and even to allow my own statements of faith to be adjusted so as to allow the continually forming community to speak to and for all of its members.
While wanting to avoid (completely avoid) labeling one as "right" and the other as "wrong," there are choices to be made.
I have a captive audience - you read these humble offerings. In them, you are surely collecting some of the revelation given to me. I am convinced it is a revelation from God. But form time to time I need to acknowledge there are other voices, and I need to make sure you realize I am self-reflective enough to wonder, "Would these words make it through the refiner's fire?"
It is the question we each must ask yourselves - of what we read, of what we think, of what we say, and of how we live our lives. Zechariah lifts up the image - we are the one who applies it to our lives.
These speak of the shepherds being struck down, and the resulting scattering of the sheep. You may recall that this imagery is used in reference to what happened to Jesus' followers, when he was arrested. "Two thirds" of the sheep will "be cut off and perish." Two thirds!
The other third will be put into the fire. God will "refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested."
Some within the Church see the need for such a process in today's Church. They speak of turning our attention away from gathering the masses and to focus on refining those who are of pure heart. Their proclamations of the Gospel say it matters not how large we are; what matters is how faithful we are.
Two weeks ago I spoke to you of the Gospel reading in which Jesus' disciples were warned not to be "led astray." I was asked, "How do I know if I am being following a false teaching or teacher?" In those conversations, I acknowledged my fear that the Word I speak might lead astray, rather than leading into all righteousness. These verses from Zechariah expose one of the areas where there is great debate about what has passed through the refiner's fire, and what is of our own desire.
There is a teacher, followed by many, by the name of Yoder. He was at Union Seminary, reaching the height of his prominence about 30 years ago. He had many admirers, one of them taught at our Lutheran Seminary in Columbia. Another like-minded professor was one of my teachers. To him I owe my understanding of the Trinity and Christology. Brilliant man and wonderful teacher. While it is not Yoder who influenced him, Pope Benedict (while still the Bishop of Passau, Germany) wrote of a similar need for the Church to be devoted to purity of teaching, rather than to be focused on gathering as many as possible under its wings.
I do not share their zeal for doctrinal purity. I am much more inclined to seek including others, and even to allow my own statements of faith to be adjusted so as to allow the continually forming community to speak to and for all of its members.
While wanting to avoid (completely avoid) labeling one as "right" and the other as "wrong," there are choices to be made.
I have a captive audience - you read these humble offerings. In them, you are surely collecting some of the revelation given to me. I am convinced it is a revelation from God. But form time to time I need to acknowledge there are other voices, and I need to make sure you realize I am self-reflective enough to wonder, "Would these words make it through the refiner's fire?"
It is the question we each must ask yourselves - of what we read, of what we think, of what we say, and of how we live our lives. Zechariah lifts up the image - we are the one who applies it to our lives.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Devotion - Wednesday, November 28
I cannot say enough about the benefits of following a proscribed
lectionary. When we pick and choose what verses we will read, we tend to
look for answers in the Bible, rather than allowing God to inform us of
the essential questions.
This week, my lectionary is directing me to verses from Zechariah. This is a book I would seldom refer to, if left on my own. If you open your bibles and start to read this short book, you may say, "With good reason!" There are images and references in there which could confuse us and make us wonder about the geography of the ancient world. He names cities and countries which have long gone away or been renamed.
But the message of Zechariah's contribution to Holy Scripture comes through.
In the 11th chapter, he recounts an experience of serving as shepherd. He serves not just any flock, but over "the flock doomed to slaughter." He sets about the task of admonishing the other shepherds, with the aim of providing "Favor" and "Unity." But there is a rebellion and Zechariah is opposed. Finally, he leaves the sheep, doomed to slaughter, to their end.
What is it with these sheep? Why do they reject the oversight and care of the shepherd attempting to be helpful? Why is there a rejection of the one who comes in order to make things right?
Good questions. Pertinent questions. Eternal questions.
We never seem to fully grasp the opportunity which is set before us. We have been shown a King who uses his position to serve and provide; we choose instead the kings which enslave and drain us of life.
There is something alluring about that which glitters and sparkles and offers us the chance at self-aggrandizement. But life is found, life occurs when we devote ourselves to those things which unite us and make us one with each other, with creation, and with the God who created us.
During this week of Christ the King, we reflect on the daily decision of which king we will follow.
This week, my lectionary is directing me to verses from Zechariah. This is a book I would seldom refer to, if left on my own. If you open your bibles and start to read this short book, you may say, "With good reason!" There are images and references in there which could confuse us and make us wonder about the geography of the ancient world. He names cities and countries which have long gone away or been renamed.
But the message of Zechariah's contribution to Holy Scripture comes through.
In the 11th chapter, he recounts an experience of serving as shepherd. He serves not just any flock, but over "the flock doomed to slaughter." He sets about the task of admonishing the other shepherds, with the aim of providing "Favor" and "Unity." But there is a rebellion and Zechariah is opposed. Finally, he leaves the sheep, doomed to slaughter, to their end.
What is it with these sheep? Why do they reject the oversight and care of the shepherd attempting to be helpful? Why is there a rejection of the one who comes in order to make things right?
Good questions. Pertinent questions. Eternal questions.
We never seem to fully grasp the opportunity which is set before us. We have been shown a King who uses his position to serve and provide; we choose instead the kings which enslave and drain us of life.
There is something alluring about that which glitters and sparkles and offers us the chance at self-aggrandizement. But life is found, life occurs when we devote ourselves to those things which unite us and make us one with each other, with creation, and with the God who created us.
During this week of Christ the King, we reflect on the daily decision of which king we will follow.
Devotion - Tuesday, November 27
In our Gospel lesson this past Sunday, when asked whether he was a king,
Jesus spoke of his kingdom as one that "was not of this world." He
said that if his kingdom were of this world, his followers would come
and fight for him.
Too often we make assumptions about such Jesus comments. We may be inclined to think, "In the place where Jesus is King, the followers do fight for him." I am of the mindset which believes that Jesus is saying, "My subjects belong to a kingdom in which no one is threatened or harmed or murdered. In my kingdom, the subjects lay down their lives for others. Even for their enemies."
Jesus sets before us a choice between Kings, and between kingdoms.
The Kingdom of God is like so many things, yet it is unlike anything we have ever experienced. It is different, so entirely different. And we need to be careful not to think of it as more of the best of what the kingdoms of the world so desperately seek.
One of the challenges of this Christ the King week is to be able to discern the kingdom(s) which currently hold sway in our lives. to what degree are we able to even discern the cultural assumptions which abound around us? Whole books have been written about this. Two which I recommend are Carter's "Culture of Disbelief" and Hall's "Stewardship of Life in a Kingdom of Death."
We "sell our soul to the devil" in so many ways and are not even aware of it. The transaction seldom involves the 30 pieces of silver, but it does rob us of all that is precious and dear and life-giving.
When Jesus says, "Be in the world but not of the world" he is encouraging us be aware of the ways in which we are lured away from the loving, giving, caring, forgiving way which he reveals in his life and in his words.
Too often we make assumptions about such Jesus comments. We may be inclined to think, "In the place where Jesus is King, the followers do fight for him." I am of the mindset which believes that Jesus is saying, "My subjects belong to a kingdom in which no one is threatened or harmed or murdered. In my kingdom, the subjects lay down their lives for others. Even for their enemies."
Jesus sets before us a choice between Kings, and between kingdoms.
The Kingdom of God is like so many things, yet it is unlike anything we have ever experienced. It is different, so entirely different. And we need to be careful not to think of it as more of the best of what the kingdoms of the world so desperately seek.
One of the challenges of this Christ the King week is to be able to discern the kingdom(s) which currently hold sway in our lives. to what degree are we able to even discern the cultural assumptions which abound around us? Whole books have been written about this. Two which I recommend are Carter's "Culture of Disbelief" and Hall's "Stewardship of Life in a Kingdom of Death."
We "sell our soul to the devil" in so many ways and are not even aware of it. The transaction seldom involves the 30 pieces of silver, but it does rob us of all that is precious and dear and life-giving.
When Jesus says, "Be in the world but not of the world" he is encouraging us be aware of the ways in which we are lured away from the loving, giving, caring, forgiving way which he reveals in his life and in his words.
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