THE NATIVITY

THE NATIVITY movie is my favorite of all time!  Like many of you, we just finished watching it again to give our celebration of Christmas its proper focus.

The movie takes some liberties with the script, but for the most part is faithful to the text.  It is an inspiring rendition of the story that is so familiar and core to Christians!

Through many views of this film, I have come to love the development of Mary and Joseph's relationship.

For those who are familiar, you will remember that Mary is taken quite by surprise when her father calls her in to announce that she is now betrothed to Joseph.  She openly wonders why her family would marry her to a man that she doesn't know or love.

However, their relationship begins to change after the angel visits Joseph.  He assures her that he will stay with her and be a father to her son.  This is the friendship phase of their relationship.  A seed of trust has been established.  As they leave the village of Nazareth, he places her on the donkey and jokes with her as they begin their journey.  Later, he provides fish for their meal.  Then, he shares their meager food with the donkey to keep it strong for the arduous trip ahead.

As their biblical story is portrayed, we observe five touches and a look that chronicle the gradual development of an intimate, loving relationship.  Let's observe them as they occur in the movie:

TOUCH 1

Joseph and Mary are passing through an area that is filled with many vendors. Joseph leads her and the donkey as they walk past a prophet speaking of a coming King.  Then they have a brief encounter with a woman who gives Mary a pastry and predicts that she carries the child in a manner that hints it will be a boy.  At that moment, for the first time, Mary reaches out and deliberately takes Joseph's hand.  To me, it seems to symbolize a willful and deliberate submission to a man she is learning to trust!

TOUCH 2

Joseph is leading Mary - on the donkey - across a fast-moving stream.  The donkey is spooked by a snake and throws her into the water.  Joseph grabs the snake and throws it far away;  then he rescues Mary from sweeping downstream with a strong grip of her hand and a secure carrying her to safety. A big part of a husband's role is to protect his wife and family!  She can feel secure when she is with Joseph.  He is strong and is committed to protecting her!

TOUCH 3

Shortly after the water scene, they are resting beside the stream.  Joseph is so weary that he falls asleep on the rocks.  Mary slowly and carefully removes his sandals and uses a cloth to bathe and minister to the terrible condition of his feet.  She has been riding the donkey much of the journey, but Joseph has been walking!  This act of compassion portrays a sacrificial developing love for this man who has clearly expressed his love for her and his devotion to her and her child!

A LOOK

As they move through the crowded streets of Jerusalem, they are closely surrounded by vendors again.  A man positions himself to pick their sack of money from the saddlebag.  Joseph grabs his hand firmly and with a penetrating look, informs him:  "What comes with us, stays with us!" 

Suddenly, realizing that Joseph had been vigilant while she was distracted, she looks at him with deep admiration!  According to Willard F. Harley Jr.'s research (HIS NEEDS, HER NEEDS), admiration is one of a man's highest needs in a marriage relationship!

TOUCH 4

As they arrive in Bethlehem, Joseph seeks desperately for a place for them to settle.  The baby is pushing and Mary is crying out to God for help.  They are pointed to a cave filled with sheep.  Quickly, Joseph arranges a bed for Mary.  Then, positioned to deliver the baby, he gently touches Mary's face, saying, "I'm sorry." as he disrobes her to deliver the baby.  He has provided everything they need and now holds the baby Jesus up with tears and joyful laughter.  Their relationship has now become intimate - as it should.  She has revealed her self to him as she will not do for any other man! And he has proven himself to be a reliable provider and protector!

TOUCH 5

As a final expression of genuine love, Mary reaches out and touches Joseph's face, after which he kisses her hands!  They have attained a fulness of trust and companionship now.  They have shared things that no one else could fully understand.  They have shared their deepest fears and also their dreams.  Joseph has clearly revealed that he has a close walk with God that allows him to hear God's voice and then obey!  They are fully ready now to embark on their marriage with the full understanding that God has smiled on their relationship and will bless their comings and goings!

Perhaps if you watch the movie again, you will also see the development of this intimacy.

It is a lovely and powerful expression of what God desires for every marriage.  It can't be rushed.  These touches can't be commanded.  Time itself does not bring this kind of relationship.  It is the result of a growing, maturing, sharing and sacrificial connection.  Each reaches out to the other in genuine caring.  Sacrifices are made.  History is shared.  Dreams for the future are discussed.  Looking at things and situations from a common view brings us together.

And above it all is God's guiding and blessing hand!

CHRISTMAS CHANGES

I just watched a video of an 'elf on the shelf' moving from one spot to another.  It was cute.  I sent it to Tracibeth to share with her kids.  She quickly wrote back that with Coltin and Rylie being 9 and 11, she no longer does that with them.  Christmas changes.

I empathize with you who are younger as you shop, cook, wrap, hide, decorate, plan and prepare for a wonderful Christmas in your home.  Been there - done that!

For four decades I led churches through the Advent and Christmas seasons.  Early on, I decided not to add to the pressure too significantly.  I always tried to put all our emphasis on one event and give families time to be together and enjoy one another.  That also freed me up to put extra time into visiting shut-ins, the sick and the lonely.  And to work extra on preparing Advent messages that would challenge and bless!

As I look back, I see the transitions of our lives:

• the agony of trying to get to sleep as a young boy. 
• the thrill of seeing a pile of packages on Christmas morning!
• the excitement of our first Christmas as newlyweds.
• the fun of coming home as a couple to add value to each of our family's Christmas.
• the joy and fun of the years when we centered our Christmas around our kids.
• several years where the date of Christmas floated from November to January to accommodate Travis' military schedule.
• the years when Travis and Troy (and occasionally Troy's friends) joined us as young adults for a Christmas celebration of gifts and food!
• the de-nesting experience of being alone on Christmas Day and reframing our celebration around each other.
• Christmas in China for three years with our teammates and a few selected students.
• recent Christmases where we've been able to pop in a few days after Christmas to share the joy with our precious grandchildren!  

Christmas changes!

This year, we had our family home in early December to celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's together!  It was WONDERFUL!!!!

In retirement, however, I'm removed from the responsibility of leading the church through the season. Debbie will be with her Mom for 24-hours on Christmas Eve - I'll be alone all day.  We'll have a quiet celebration together on Christmas morn (when she gets home).  In the afternoon, we'll join her siblings at the Whippo farm (just three miles away).  And we'll probably end the day watching THE NATIVITY movie together.  Christmas changes.

I just read a notification from a friend of ours who lives (with her husband) in India.  It revealed a picture of her with her new-born son!  Precious!

As a Christian, Ida realizes the added joy of her son being born at this time of year!  We rejoice with her!  

Our experience of Christmas changes as our lives progress through various stages.  However, the message and meaning of Christmas NEVER CHANGES!!!

God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should live eternally!  

There it is!  

God's Son, nursed at the breast of a young girl from Nazareth around 2,000 years ago!  

The Redeemer of the world made His entrance and was welcomed by animals, shepherds and strangers from a far-off land!  

Our Savior, who left the splendor of Heaven to come into the squalor of this world so that we can eventually enter into the glory of His eternal world!

"Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee!"

To my family and friends all around the world:  Have a blessed Christmas - whatever stage of life you may be in!  :-)

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT?

I'm currently reading a novel by Angela Hunt.  In it the protagonist is a famous author whose young-adult son is dealing with alcoholism.  The following dialogue captured my attention:
                                                                                                                                          

"Carl and I attend the worship service, but it’s hard to think about the holiness of God when our souls are stirring with anger, confusion, and fear.  We don’t know if the young man sleeping at our house is a victim, a criminal, a drug addict, or some combination of all three.

Even more difficult is greeting our church friends after the service, all of whom shake our hands or hug our necks after asking, “How are you?” and receiving, “Fine, and you?” in reply.

I’m wearing an artificial grin like the wax lips we bought at the dime store when I was a kid.  I smile and hug, shake hands and smile, and all the while I want to spit off that fake expression and scream that I’m going crazy, hasn’t anyone noticed?

I know it’s my fault.  My tendency toward introversion, combined with my celebrity, has caused me to hold even our church friends at arm’s length.  I’m not used to confiding in people;  I’m not sure I want to.  But that doesn’t stop me from feeling like a wounded warrior beneath a veneer only one smile thick.  If one person would take the time to look into my eyes and ask about the pain flickering there, I’d share everything.

But no one does."      [from THE NOVELIST, by Angela Hunt, pp.129-130]

                                                                                                                                            

Wouldn't it be great if someone did look into the eyes and respond to the pain?

When I read this passage to Debbie, she immediately said, "I've had lots of Sundays like that!"  To be brutally honest, so have I.

Galatians 6:2 says:  "Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Quite a few year ago, I attended a conference and won a book:  CHURCHES THAT HEAL, by Doug Murren.  I took it home and devoured it;  then typed out the significant quotes.  Here are some samples:

“Churches should heal because people need healing!”  p.2

“God’s mandate (is) that His church be a place of safety for the scared, healing for the hurting, reshaping for the hurtful, and acceptance for the unloved.”  p.xiii

“A church that heals understands that its mission is to see broken, hurting people become whole followers of Christ – new creations journeying into the full discovery of their identity in Him.”  p.91

“Environment matters…a strong ‘high-touch’ environment – that is, one that offers very human benefits like friendship, encouragement, and a sense of community – enhances the immune system.”  P.40

In Mark 6:1-6, Jesus visited His hometown, Nazareth, and determined that it was not an environment conducive to healing!  Wow!  Imagine that!  How many churches today would receive a similar judgment?

Having established the topic, I'd like to comment on two facets of this issue:

ONE - WE WHO BELONG

We who belong most likely know the ropes.  Even though the format of worship may be fairly well-established, we know that people care.  We can ask for help from an individual, from the pastor, from a Sunday School class, or even publicly.  It takes great courage to do so - but it can be done.

If you're part of a growing, healthy church, this is why your leaders are always working to initiate or sustain small groups.  They know that the best caring will take place in that more suitable and comfortable environment.  We care best for each other in intimate settings where confidentiality can be limited and special attention can be lavished!

Many congregations have specially gifted individuals who move among the crowd seeming to look for those who are hiding, hurting, hesitant or rejected.  Thank God for these ones who have the eyes, ears and compassion of Jesus!  Their ministry before and after services is often more meaningful and effective than what takes place during the services!

Card-senders, callers and email-senders fit modestly into this category as well.  They seem to make mental notes during worship times and then do follow-up contacts through the week to encourage, comfort and acknowledge people more personally.  This ministry - though less direct - also frequently communicates an accepting and healing component!

There's a ministry of arriving early and staying late for those who might like to have a greater impact.  Something as simple as a change in your Sunday schedule could grow a new, fruitful branch in your life!

When I was on staff at the Cornerstone Church, there were certain individuals who told me privately that they came to our church because they received hugs.  One woman told me, "I'm a single mom and this is the only place where I am touched by others!"  The simple act of caring through an 'appropriate' hug kept her coming!

TWO - THOSE WHO DON'T BELONG OR COME

As a pastor, I was always concerned about new attenders and their comfort level.  So many things we do in church are foreign to secular people.  They're afraid to enter our houses of worship.  One man confessed to me that he first drove through our parking lot on a couple of Sundays.  Next he parked, but stayed in his car for a couple of Sundays.  Finally, he came in and his life was radically transformed!  PTL!!  

Non-churched people are intimidated by our worship centers.  They have preconceived ideas about what we do;  these are often based on what they've learned from television or the movies.

Yet, many churches do little to anything to smooth this transition for guests.

But we can be fairly certain that they have ventured into our space because they have a need or crisis exploding in their families or life!

I challenged leaders to be fully prepared and to lead with excellence.  If guests arrive and we start late or do things poorly, what will they think [this is magnified if we use countdowns]?  If they're not greeted, how will they feel?  Little things matter.  They're unlikely to know the music we sing.  So frequently, Power Point slides are not switched appropriately to allow the congregation to have the words when they need them,  The 'regular' people may know the words, but guests will be frustrated!  If we serve Communion, they will be perplexed.  They will naturally have questions about the things we do during worship;  how will they get answers?

Again, at Cornerstone, new attenders were often overcome with tears during worship - especially during the prayer time.  When they spoke to leaders about this, we got to explain that what they were experiencing was the presence of God!

Churches that want to make a difference in people's lives will be discussing these things at a leadership level and training ALL of their people to be alert to these concerns!

Wouldn't it be great if church could universally be a place where needs and hurts were recognized, addressed and reconciled?

DEEPLY STIRRED

Being a retired person gave me the privilege of sitting and watching President George H. W. Bush's funeral from beginning to end.  The impact of doing so was immense and I'll be sorting out that impact for at least a few days!  But let me try to capture some of it for the benefit of others who may not have had the same privilege.

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!
I felt a unique sense of pride in being an American as a result of watching the funeral.  A lot of it came from the pomp and circumstance that embodied the event from beginning to end.

• the precision of the military
• the majesty of the U.S. Capital
• the respect for the Bush family
• the unity of opposing parties in honoring a great president
• the massive response of the general public
• seeing our five living presidents (and their wives) seated together
• seeing six living vice presidents sitting together
• seeing Senator Bob Dole helped to his feet in the capital to offer a salute to his friend

Hearing the universal praise for a former president was encouraging.  As these days have unfolded, I have sensed a return of patriotism in my spirit.  It never left completely, but it has waned as a result of bitter feuds, unkind exchanges and partisan manipulations.  

In my fourth year of life, my father taught me respect for our nation by instructing me to take my hat off when I saw the U.S. flag passing by.  He always modeled patriotism with excellence for me.  One of the few days of the year that we would spend completely together was Memorial Day.  We would begin by going to three cemeteries to decorate family graves.  Then, we would attend the New Brighton Memorial Day parade and the service following at the city park on Third Avenue.  Then, and only then, we would return home for a picnic.  

It feels good to experience that noble pride that comes from living in one of the greatest nations to ever exist on the face of this earth!

THE POWER OF WORDS

I'm a preacher, so I value words.  For over forty years I spent my week praying and mulling over the things I would say in my message on Sunday.  It was an honor to have that privilege and I always took it seriously.  I believed then, and believe now, that words can and do impact us.  

The four who paid verbal tribute to President Bush today were:

• Jon Meacham, the presidential historian
• Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
• Former Senator Alan Simpson, [R-Wyo]
• Former President George W. Bush

Their words were carefully chosen and crafted in a manner that allowed them to communicate with grace, skill, power and effectiveness.  Each created moments for humor and laughter in remembering a great leader.  Tears were evoked repeatedly.  We were reminded that President Bush was an imperfect man, whose story nearly ended when he crashed into the ocean on September 2, 1944.  

They sprinkled their comments with quotes worth remembering:

• George W. Bush said of his father:  "He was born with just two settings: full throttle, then sleep".  He also said, "He could tease and needle but never out of malice.”
• Senator Simpson said, “He was a man of such great humility. Those who travel the high road of humility in Washington, D.C. are not bothered by heavy traffic."
• Mr. Meacham quipped, “President Bush once remarked, 'Fluency in English is something that I’m often not accused of.’ Then, Meacham added: “His tongue may have run amok at times, but his heart was steadfast.”
• Mr. Mulroney stated:  "...when world leaders dealt with Bush, they knew that they were dealing with a gentleman, a genuine leader, one that was distinguished, resolute and brave.”

The Rev. Dr. Russell Levenson, rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, delivered the homily, drawing tears from some in the crowd.

He said, “My hunch is heaven just got a bit kinder and gentler. … Welcome to your eternal home, where ceiling and visibility are unlimited, and life goes on forever.”

As I listened to and responded to these words, I felt something happening inside.  There was a strengthening taking place.  A resolve was growing to be a better man, a better father, a better husband, and a better member of my community.  I found myself reflecting on Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..."  

THE RICHNESS OF OUR FAITH

Being a man of faith and a leader in the church, I was deeply moved by the expressions of faith I witnessed at the funeral.

• the majesty of the Washington National Cathedral
• the wonderful music of symphony and choir
• the prayers of the priests and responses of the people
• the power of the hymns
• hearing Michael W. Smith sing:  "...a lifetime's not too long to live as friends."
• the frequent references to reunions in Heaven
• hearing the Word of God read publicly
• hearing the congregation read the Apostle's Creed

I observed a Houston pastor who has been thrust into the limelight because of one of his parishoners give a challenging and inspiring message!  He referred to the 'Rose Window' in the Cathedral and reflected on President Bush's admiration for it.  

He reminded us that the window's beauty is only fully realized when the sun shines through it and lights its colors gloriously.  He reminded us that the gloom of the crucifixion was only removed with the dawn of the resurrection!  Finally, he challenged us to let the light of Christ shine through our lives!  Once again, the power of words!

Again, I felt something moving within.  Life is short.  Eternity is long!  We are leaving footsteps in the sand.  People matter!  My life has purpose!  Heaven is real!  

Two days ago, I wrote a letter to Troy and Tracie.  In it, I wrote:

I look back over my life and wish I’d spent even more time with you 

and taught you even more.    

Careers can be so distracting!  

I just told your Mom one of my favorite memories.  

We were all walking down Main Street in East Liverpool.  

You two were quite young.  

I had you each by the hand as we walked together.  I treasure that memory!  

Make the memories while you can!  If you haven't been storing up treasure in Heaven - it's time to start!  God bless you!