OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS WORSHIP IN CHINA

The crowd gathered slowly at the IF [International Fellowship held in an ‘approved Chinese church’].  The worship began at 10:10 AM.  By the end of the service there were probably fifty present (good in light of the fact that many had gone home for Christmas).  Debbie and I were the only Americans in the service!  The make-up was probably 1/3 Africans, 1/3 Europeans, and 1/3 Chinese and other nationalities. 

A new friend of Debbie’s introduced a young, Chinese man, Charlie, to the congregation.  She had met him in a restaurant.  He asked if she was a Christian.  She said yes.  He told her he wanted to become a Christian!  We celebrated his new birth in Christ!  Pastor Francois anointed him and had several pray over him (in different languages).  It was a thrilling moment. 

Then Frank came forward to give his testimony.  I had met and spoken extensively with Frank months ago at the Quanping Church.  He is an exciting new believer who wants to come to America to study in a Bible College!  I’ve been praying for him daily since that first meeting.  He spoke of being fatherless – until he met God!  He told of harassment in his workplace because of his faith.  He is currently looking for a new job!  His mother was with him in the service as well.  Francois called all the fathers to the front of the sanctuary to hug Frank and pray over him!  It was amazing!  Powerful!  Typically, Chinese nationals are not allowed to attend IF services.  However, Francois and Mimmie (the IF leaders – from South Africa) made an exception this morning because of these two testimonies.

Next, a group of about eight black, South Africans came forward and beautifully sang several familiar carols in French.  Attending IF is such a blessing because of its international flavor!  Then a beautiful, Chinese woman came forward and sang a Chinese Christmas song for us! 

Then a leader in the IF named Wes, came forward to give the message.  He spoke of the silent 400 years between the Old Testament and the New Testament and explained that they were anything BUT silent!!!

NOTES FROM HIS MESSAGE:

    · 586 BC Jerusalem destroyed
    · The Captivity - the ministry of Ezekiel and Daniel
    · Jeremiah’s message: “This is NOT the end of your story!”
    · King Cyrus and King Darius have their hearts changed by God and are used to         advance His purposes!
    · The Return to Jerusalem!
    · Judaism changed:
        Synagogues became the center of religious life.
        The Old Testament was canonized.
        The rise of rabbi’s – Gamaliel.
        The rise of political parties: Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots.                     Pharisees accept all of the OT and believe in an afterlife. Sadducees                         accept only the first five books of the OT and don’t believe in an afterlife.
    · Wars:
        Babylon over Judah
        Persia over Babylon
        Greeks over Persia
        Romans over Greeks

Then a group of Africans came forward and sang a traditional Christmas song in Swahili.  Then a German woman played the piano to accompany her young, teenaged son playing the trumpet (we thought of our nephew, Sam). 

One of the things I love about worshipping with the Africans is the way they give a high-pitched yell when something makes them happy!  The rest of us applaud;  but these women give this joyful, high-pitched wail!  I LOVE IT!

Mimmie gave two PowerPoint presentations:

1.      The first was on the differences between a secular celebration of Christmas and a Christian celebration (she had used this with her students)!

2.      The second talked about the two gifts that God gave at Christmas:  His Son and Eternal Life (John 3:16).

We ended the morning singing a number of Christmas songs together.  The Africans helped us with our hand-clapping!  Several people bring tambourines and add to the joyful expression also.  Some of the people enjoy dancing as a part of their expression of worship!  Together, it is all beautiful and very joyful!

Following worship we just missed the 149 bus and ended up waiting a long time.  Mimmie went by and invited us to a church dinner at a nearby restaurant.  We had not registered for this meal, but she included us anyway!  It was an absolute joy!  I sat beside Frank’s mother.  We gathered in two banquet rooms around large round tables (about fifteen at the table).  Typical Chinese format:  round lazy Susan with many entrees.  The conversation was fascinating!  We were privileged to have a group of German women at our table.  One had been raised in East Berlin.  She spoke of the severe conditions of her childhood the constant fear that they lived under.  She told of trucks arriving with a load of bananas;  each person was given one banana.  She also told of going to a store and waiting in a long line to get a banana.  Then she would go to another store and wait again to get another banana.  And on and on till at the end of the day, she would have eight bananas to take home to her mother!

The other woman spoke of crossing into East Berlin to visit with family.  She talked of the constant fear that they would not be allowed to return to West Berlin!  She spoke of the intimidation of the East German soldiers and the constant fear until they would finally return home!  These are glimpses that we’ve never had before.  They dominated the conversation – and we were delighted to listen.  We felt that we had nothing to contribute to this conversation!  We listened in rapt attention! 

All of these people have been here for ten to fifteen years.  They are here because of their love for Jesus and their love for the Chinese people!  They are bold and courageous people of faith!  We are honored to spend time with them.

Debbie sat beside Francois and Mimmie.  He told of having a large family farm in South Africa.  Francois is a direct descendent of the French Huguenots.  About twelve years ago they felt God’s call to come to China.  They figured they would auction the farm and all their belongings and have significant wealth to subsidize their venture.  Unfortunately, at the auction things went for very low prices.  Then the government stepped in and claimed the family farm.  The government has never paid them a cent for the farm [This sounds like news reports from 2025].  They were immediately in financial crisis upon arriving in China.  They spoke of God’s amazing provision every step of the way.  They are passionate leaders who serve as the pastors of the International Fellowship.  They are Spirit-filled servants who love everyone that God puts in front of them!  They give sacrificially of everything they have to advance God’s Kingdom purposes!  They’re the kind of people that you just want to hang out with all the time!  We love them!  We feel privileged to have met them.  He asked me if I would speak at the IF and Quanping [another location] a few times this winter.  Of course I agreed to.

We are SO GRATEFUL that God gave us this three-year opportunity. Our lives have been so enriched by these experiences.

A PRE-CHRISTMAS DATE: Young Love compared to Seasoned Love

Deb and I are fresh back from doing some Christmas shopping and having a nice lunch together at Longhorn Steakhouse! We dressed up and made it into a special time.

But before I can tell you more, I must provide some background information.

Through the years, I’ve struggled with the purchasing of appropriate Christmas gifts for Debbie. There was a season when I bought her appliances and kitchen gizmos. I’ve been wise enough to almost always include some jewelry among her gifts. Some years they were dangled for weeks ahead on the Christmas tree, only to be discovered on Christmas Day after she opened a special, romantic card.

 

I also shopped for her buying her clothing for a few years. I walked through classy department stores and bought her sweaters or tops that I really liked. I remember one that I purchased at Penney’s in the Northern Lights Shopping Plaza in Baden many years ago! It was pure white, with a fair amount of embroidery, with short sleeves and a slight V-neck. I thought it was glamorous! I spent far more money on it than I should have. - - - - - I never saw it after Christmas Day! 😶

 

Somewhere along the way, I realized that I was severely missing the mark!

 

I’m a reasonably intelligent guy and thought to myself: Harold, think this through! There’s got to be a way for you to buy gifts for Deb that will thrill and please her.

 

That’s when I hatched my plan!

 

In early November [while stores are still well supplied with merchandise and sale prices are beginning to become available] I set a date with Deb during the daytime. I took her to the mall and just sauntered through with her. I made sure that we walked through Penney’s and Macy’s Department Stores as well as pausing at a few jewelry stores. Then, it was essential to walk through Yankee Candle and Bath-and Body! Because Victoria’s Secret was right next to Yankee Candle, I always paused to see if she showed any interest in shopping there [Hey! What can I say? I’m only human! 😏]

 

When she would stop and look at certain items, I made mental notes about where we were and which items she picked up. I was discreet and made no comments. I was only present as an observer!

 

Then, the very next day I retraced our steps and purchased many of the items that she had examined. Later, I – very poorly – wrapped these items and placed them under the tree. In most cases, Christmas was still six weeks away, so I don’t believe she ever put two-and-two together. I had solved the problem! From that point on, she was almost always delighted with the gifts that I presented to her. 🙂

 

For whatever reason, a few years ago she seemed reluctant to go shopping with me so early. As a result, I divulged my secret and told her what I had been doing. She thought it was really great and declared that she had not caught on to my plan.

So – today was the day! After her Physical Therapy session, we dressed nicely, hopped into the car and headed for Boardman. First, we walked through Kohl’s. Then, we migrated to T. J. Maxx. She used her card at Kohl’s to get an extra 30% off [I’ll pay that bill for her – of course]! By the time we’d walked through these two stores she was pretty tired and my leg had gone numb. Being a veteran of shopping with my wife, I took my chair-cane with me. I always get a lot of looks when I set it up and sit down to rest for a few moments! ☺

That’s when we headed for the Steakhouse! It was probably 2:30 PM. We were seated immediately and had a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable late lunch together. We gave thanks, enjoyed our appetizer, along with our salads, loaded-baked-potato and potato soup! We brought enough home to have for supper later this evening!  👍

We talked and enjoyed the beauty of this day as we drove to and from Boardman. After a fairly long period of several months affected by her hip pain, surgery and recovery  – it was a most enjoyable treat for us! 

I’ve already told her that I think we should do it again – next week! As for now, two bags of gifts are stashed in my study waiting for me – with my ‘all-thumbs approach’ to wrap them for her delight!   

If nothing else, I can testify to the fact that there is some truth to the old phrase: “Older and Wiser!”

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Maybe next week we’ll hit Victoria’s Secret?   -    [Hey! I’m old, but I’m not dead!  😁]

WHEN DOES CHRISTMAS END?

The twelve days of Christmas are no longer observed in American culture.  Now, Christmas ends abruptly on the morning of December 26^th.  Trees come down, decorations get packed away and Christmas music is replaced with whatever was playing before November. 

I’m observing – not complaining. 

But, in its original context, things were considerably different!

We only know time contexts in a very broad manner.  We know that Herod – in his paranoia about the birth of a new king of the Jews – sent soldiers to Bethlehem to destroy all of the male children under the age of two. However, it's not as quick as we might think [or as is usually portrayed in movies].  It is likely that Joseph and Mary lived in Bethlehem for a couple of years?  We get a hint in Matthew 2:11 where we are told that the wise men came to visit Mary and the ‘child’ [not the baby] in a ‘house’  [not a stable].  This seems to imply that Joseph had settled his family in Bethlehem for a short season [perhaps a couple of years].

It was after this visit that “God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod…”  [Matt. 2:12]  [All quotes from The New Century Version]

Sometime “After they [the wise men] left, an angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and said, ’Get up! Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt…” [Matt. 2:13]   God’s divine intervention was obviously intended to protect the holy family! 

Those who understand biblical history tell us that it is likely that Joseph would have taken his family to Alexandria – where there were already a substantial number of Jews living.  This was a growing area that would need skilled laborers like Joseph.  He is described in scripture as a ‘tekton’ – or craftsman. 

Again, those who have studied this era suggest that they would have made this long journey in one of two ways:

1.    Typical travel would be by foot or donkey.  The distance would have been approximately 300 miles.  At 10-15 miles per day, we can assume that this trip took the holy family about a month.  It is noteworthy that this plan would leave them vulnerable to be overtaken by Herod's soldiers.  

2.    Others suggest that the urgency of the angel’s instructions would have motivated Joseph to travel the shorter distance [40 miles] to Jaffa, where they could board a boat for Alexandria – a trip of 285 miles.  The recent gift of gold could have been used to enable this speedier departure. 

The Bible and extra-biblical sources give us very little about this intervening period; we are left to speculate.  Did Jesus grow up speaking Egyptian?  Was He bi-lingual?  How many years did they stay in Egypt?  Did He see the pyramids – the distance to Giza would have been over 100 miles? 

We know from Matthew 2:15, that Joseph stayed in Egypt until Herod died.  One would think that determining the length of the holy family’s stay in Egypt would be fairly easy.  However, there are several complicating factors.

For instance, the date of Christ’s birth is not even precisely known.  We do know from scripture that Jesus was born while Herod was king in Judea.  His reign is typically measured from 37 B.C. until his death in 4 B.C.  [It is essential to note that even the death date of Herod is greatly debated].

We also know that Quirinius was governor in Syria during the same time and that a census was ordered in 6 B.C.  There is general belief – based on these facts – that Jesus was likely born in either 6 or 5 B.C. 

From these facts, we can ascertain that the holy family likely stayed in Egypt for about two or three years.  Matthew 2:22 reports that Archelaus [Herod’s son] became king in Judea upon Herod’s death.  His reign was about ten years – from 4 B.C. until 6 A.D.  Consequently, Jesus would have been two or three years old when “…an angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream while he was in Egypt. The angel said, ‘Get up! Take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, because the people who were trying to kill the child are now dead.’” [Matt. 2:19-20]

A FINAL ADJUSTMENT

“So Joseph took the child and his mother and went to Israel.  But he heard that Archelaus was now king in Judea since his father Herod had died. So Joseph was afraid to go there. After being warned in a dream, he went to the area of Galilee, to a town called Nazareth, and lived there.” [Matt. 2:21-23]

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Joseph and Mary’s lives were anything but easy in these early years.  In fact, they were immigrants in a foreign land for several years.  They had left all of their belongings in Nazareth when they made the journey to Bethlehem – to be taxed.  Yet, God’s provision was evident through the generous gifts of the magi.  Also, Joseph was a man with skill and ability.  He was capable of protecting and providing for his new family! 

We can only wonder how they were received upon their return to Nazareth.  Jesus would likely have been about five years old upon their arrival there. Were they shunned by their families because of the lack of understanding about the birth of Jesus?  Were they ostracized by the community there?  Were they able to have some of their belongings restored upon this return? 

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With no intention of being critical, even our liturgical year moves us along in a fairly quick manor.  With Christmas behind us, we will be called on to observe Lent on March 5^th [Ash Wednesday].

I simply observe that we anticipate Christmas for at least a couple of months by decorating, buying gifts, baking cookies and watching romantic (or silly) movies.  On Christmas Eve, many still participate in a worship service to commemorate the special event of Christ’s birth.  However, as stated earlier, on December 26^th the celebration is pretty much over. 

Yet the fear of the unknown, the uncertainty, the inconvenience of repeated moves, the transition to a foreign culture, the absence of family, the loneliness and the deep inner questions about all that had happened – continued in the lives of this little family of three: Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus. 

Sovereign God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

Thank You for Your long-range planning and careful preparation for the coming of our Savior!

For a few moments, our eyes are open to the fragile environment that Jesus was born into.  We see the humility of His birth, the specifically chosen visitors who welcomed and honored Him. We are aware that this story is true and involved tremendous adventure and inconvenience.  We are moved – in this moment – to continue our celebration of the coming of our Savior!

And You did it all for us!

For me!

Thank You!

A PASTOR'S REFLECTION ON THE BIG THREE!

I think like a pastor - sorry!  After many years in the ministry, it's a liability!  

I love the holy days in our year!  I always planned more carefully for these celebrations.  For one reason, more people attend on Christmas and Easter!  [Mother's Day runs a close third!  😉]  

I heard an interview yesterday where a reporter spoke of her Episcopalian pastor who always joked that on Christmas Sunday he should begin his message with the words: "As I was saying...", in order to connect with all the people who had last attended on Easter Sunday!  I have to admit, I did find that story to be funny!  

But, bottom line, we rejoice on any Sunday when people come to worship!  This same pastor coached his people every year on the Sunday before these novalike Sundays.  He reminded his congregation before Easter and Christmas to be welcoming to these people who would fill the seats on the next Sunday.  He encouraged them to be friendly and accepting.  He ended by echoing how good it would be if some of these folks began attending more often!  [I think I would like this pastor!]

Now that I'm retired, I feel freer to express myself.  It always has bothered me how big a deal we make of Christmas.  Hey, don't get upset with me - hear me out, please.  

It is a great holiday and I have celebrated it creatively and enthusiastically through the years.  But...[you knew that was coming, didn't you?]

Celebrating the arrival of Christ - especially recalling the dramatic and utterly remarkable details of the narrative - certainly welcomes celebration and wonder!  We should replicate that night and its WONDER-FULL events and meaning!  My childlike mind lights up with the celebration of Christmas.

But let's keep things in perspective.  The primary reason for us to celebrate Christmas is because it set the stage for us to observe and commemorate what happened on Easter [Resurrection Sunday]!  This is the believer's true HOLY-DAY!  This is the day that transformed us:

• from darkness to light
• from despair to hope
• from eternal punishment to eternal life and joy
• from death to life!

It's a delicate balance that we should speak about with our families and children.  

WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS BECAUSE OF THE COMING OF CHRIST!

WE CELEBRATE RESURRECTION SUNDAY BECAUSE OF THE REDEEMING SACRIFICE OF CHRIST!

Both are high, holy days for the follower of Christ!  

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Actually - while I'm on the topic - I have always been disappointed in the frequent failure to celebrate Pentecost Sunday [which is traditionally observed fifty days after Easter.]  

As we recall the events of that day, we must recognize the dynamic meaning it has for us!   

This is delicate, but let's look closely:

If we generally recognize the Old Testament Period as dominated and led by God-the-Father...

And if we generally recognize most of the New Testament as being dominated by JESUS [God-the-Son]...

Then, isn't it reasonable that we should also recognize the period after Christ's ascension as dominated by the HOLY SPIRIT [God-the-Spirit]?

WE LIVE IN THE AGE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!  WE SHOULD CELEBRATE AND OBSERVE THIS!  WE ARE WRITING THE REST OF THE BOOK OF ACTS!

A few years ago, the Bethel Church added a dramatic celebration on this day to help us catch the glory and wonder of Pentecost.  Three men from the congregation entered the sanctuary speaking the 'GOOD NEWS' in their native languages: Chinese, Turkish and Italian!  It helped the congregation to appreciate the original circumstances of this day historically!  It added meaning, value and a little bit of humor to our Lord's Day!

I can't overemphasize the need for creativity in worship - especially in the 21st century!  We must recognize the values of TRADITION, while also translating it to a post-Christian population!  To refuse or fail to do so runs a significant risk of being irrelevant!  Irrelevance produces no fruit!  It is likely the reason we are closing so many churches in our American culture.  

The Church should be one of the most creative places in our culture!  We have the most important message!  We have a God-assigned responsibility!  We are compelled to engage those who have not recognized Jesus as Lord in a way that challenges them intellectually, reasonably, boldly, relevantly and creatively!  WE ARE THE CHURCH!  WE HAVE A MISSION!  WE HAVE THE EMPOWERMENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!    

A KINDER, GENTLER TIME!

We had carolers sing at our door a few nights ago.  They come every year to the homes here in Heron Woods Retirement Village.  They’re brought by David and Beverly Whalen who also live in our village.  We assume they’re a church group.  They always bring a nice plate of cookies!  😊

This is a rare practice in the twenty-first century.  Perhaps people don’t like to be intruded on; after all, a person’s house is his/her castle [moat and all]!  We just don’t intrude on people these days. 

But, when I was growing up, caroling was still a common practice.  We were accustomed to hearing Perry Como singing on our radios:

Here we come a-caroling
Among the leaves so green
Here we come a-wandering
So fair to be seen

[Chorus]
Love and joy come to you
And to you glad Christmas too
And God bless you and send you
A Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year

We are not daily beggars
That go from door to door
But we are friendly neighbors
Whom you have seen before
[Repeat Chorus]

We also heard Nat King Cole singing:

Caroling, caroling now we go
Christmas bells are ringing
Caroling, caroling through the snow
Christmas bells are ringing
Joyous voices sweet and clear
Sing the sad of heart to cheer
Ding, dong, ding, dong
Christmas bells are ringing

Is it any wonder that this practice was an integral part of spreading the joy of the birth of Christ?

Church groups would actually schedule visits to nursing homes and hospitals to share the joy of the season.  They would also crowd onto the porches of their shut-ins and sing several songs for their pleasure.  Sometimes we would be given cookies as a reward for our songs!  

At the New Brighton Free Methodist Church, we were blessed with a lot of folks who loved to sing.  We also had an extremely capable and sensitive song leader – Morrison Baker. He decided what we would sing and led us in our mission.  I suppose what made our group unique was not only the fact that we were a transgenerational group, but that we almost always had all four parts represented: soprano, alto, tenor and bass.  We would jam into cars [or occasionally the church bus] and caravan around our town making as many as ten or twelve stops.  We dressed appropriately and would sometimes run back to the cars to warm up. 

We were taught to be respectful in the hospitals where we would gather closely at the end of a hallway and sing several carols.  Back then, we were a welcome intrusion to the busy environment of caring for the sick.  By visiting in the early evening the staff seemed happy to welcome us! As we would walk down the hallway we were often greeted by family members who thanked us for coming!  We would go to nursing homes early enough that they would often have many gathered in a room to hear our songs.  Many would sing along with us with genuine expressions of sincerity and appreciation. 

We always went home feeling that we’d somehow made a difference by delivering a little joy of the season to those who might have felt lonely or left out!  I miss those days and the joy they brought!!  

NO ROOM IN THE INN

 [A recording of this post was also placed on my Facebook page as a Christmas Devotion!]

We’re all familiar with the story!  We know that Joseph and Mary had to travel to Bethlehem because of a census ordered by Caesar Augustus.  It was certainly an inconvenience for this couple – especially with Mary being very pregnant.

They’d already had a difficult time getting their relationship established.  After revealing his intentions to make Mary his wife, she revealed that she was already pregnant.  We can only imagine Joseph’s hurt and shock!  Bitter, angry and vengeful thoughts surely filled his mind.  However, God had chosen well on Mary’s behalf.  Joseph was indeed a good man and chose to end their relationship quietly.  If nothing else, it revealed that he really did love this girl and had no desire to hurt her further. 

Then, God decided to fill Joseph in on the details by sending him a message in a dream.  Dreaming became God’s preferred way of speaking to Joseph and it would happen quite a few times before this story is complete.  Now, Joseph is convinced by the word of God that this was all part of God’s plan.  He took Mary as his wife but had no relations with her until after Jesus was born! 

Once all this was finally sorted out, they still had to deal with the rejection of family, friends and neighbors who didn’t know all the details and considered them illegitimate. 

The decree from Caesar could almost be perceived as a respite from God – although a very challenging one.  Joseph had no choice.   He had to go to Bethlehem – the city of David – to register since he was of the house and lineage of David.  He chose to take Mary with him, perhaps thinking that they would have a better start by transplanting in Judea instead of Galilee.

Joseph – being a godly man – could surely see the hand of Yahweh in all that had transpired.  He was driven by his faith and willingly left any preparations he had been making in Nazareth to head for Judea with his very pregnant wife.  It was an arduous journey of nearly one hundred miles.  It is likely that Mary was able to ride a donkey at least some of the way.  If they were able to make ten miles per day, then it probably took the better part of two weeks to complete the journey.

After passing through Jerusalem, they were very close – about five and a half miles.  It would have been mostly downhill. Somewhere along this part of the trip, Mary indicated that her time to deliver was drawing close!  Joseph hurried to get her to Bethlehem! 

Bethlehem at that time was probably a village of around five hundred people who lived in modest stone houses on a slight geographical rise.  It is likely that it was primarily populated by farmers, shepherds, and artisans who made their living through agriculture and small-scale crafts.  It was likely surrounded by olive groves.

Being the birthplace of King David, it was a desirable place to visit and apparently had some inns where visitors could stay.

Imagine Joseph’s consternation when he couldn’t find an inn with space for him and Mary!  Hadn’t they suffered enough?  If this child was to be God’s Son, then where was God when they needed Him?  Why hadn’t God prepared better and planned ahead?  This was NOT an easy start for this confused yet obedient young couple! 

We can only imagine the urgency!  Mary’s water had likely broken and she was probably in hard labor.  They were exhausted from their long trek from Nazareth over rugged terrain and travelling with meager resources.  This was no way to start a family! 

Yet we are given no picture of Joseph or Mary shaking their fists at Heaven.  There is no hint of anger or frustration.  There is simply the compelling need to find a place – any place – where Mary could safely deliver her child. 

Joseph’s sense of urgency and the persuasive appeals he made upon their arrival in this little village had an impact.  After being turned away from the inns, he desperately appealed to a man for any place where Mary could be sheltered and deliver her child. 

Now we come to the crux of the story.  An unnamed man [or woman], heard the desperation in Joseph’s voice.  Perhaps they saw and heard Mary from a brief distance and could tell that she was in labor?  Without hesitation they offered the best they had – a stable or cave where they sheltered their animals.  Surely, Joseph gave them a quick bear-hug and then rustled Mary into the safety of their temporary home. 

Quickly, he gave order to the space and created a clean corner for Mary.  He unpacked their meager belongings and began to attend to her needs.  And in the moments to come – with sheep, cattle and perhaps other animals as witnesses – Joseph helped his wife as she delivered to the world THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL! 

As they eventually collapsed into one another’s arms with the baby – wrapped in swaddling cloths – laying across Mary’s breast, they surely experienced the deepest satisfaction and joy available to couples of any age! 

And so it was that the Son of God – who had left the courts of Heaven nine months earlier – made His appearance on earth under the light of a guiding star!   

I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

It's one of the stand-by Christmas songs that raises a feeling of nostalgia for many.  It's had special meaning for a lot of folks who have loved ones serving in the military or who are otherwise located in far flung places around the globe.  

The key word is - of course - HOME!  We all knew it all along; Dorothy was right!  There's no place like home!  Home is where the heart is!  Hopefully for most, it's a place of warm memories and vital relationships.

All of us feel sorrow for those who were raised in a manner that failed to nourish and protect the intimacies, safety and vital connections of a loving, caring family!  It's painful to recognize that this day holds no affection for many - it's just the longest day of the year to get through.  SAD!

The progression of life changes our perspective and our practices as we grow through its various stages.  

When we're young and still believe in Santa, its a time like no other!  We are VERY self-centered and can't wait for Christmas morning to see what he has delivered!

As we grow, we realize that family connections are a priority as we spend the day sharing gifts, special food, and lots of candy!  We may gain a deeper appreciation during these years for the way our parents have protected and guarded us through the years.  We realize that they invested deeply, lovingly and sacrificially to make this season special for us.

Eventually - for many - we enter the phase of making our own home!  We marry and eventually have children of our own!  Now the process begins again but our role has become the one of creating special memories in an environment of security and love!  We marvel at the joy we can create in our little ones and cherish these moments with photos and mental snapshots!

All too soon, a couple of decades slip by and the de-nesting phase is thrust upon us!  There may be a few elastic years where college-age children still return home.  They may also bring a friend or a romantic prospect along for certain elements of our Christmas traditions.  But eventually, they launch into their own adult lives and we find ourselves exchanging gifts quietly with a lot less fanfare in the solitude of our empty home.  Yes, it's sad, but phone calls, the arrival of surprise packages, and even invitations to "come for Christmas" add value to our celebration.

For those of us who sincerely love the Lord, the celebration of His Coming remains central!  We find new ways to express our gratitude to God for giving us such a wonderful and meaningful gift!  We may open our home to others.  We value the meaning gained from our church's programs and special events!

Many of us come to a place of genuinely celebrating the love we have for our spouse who has accompanied us through all these years of experiences and the making of memories!  We come to realize that the sharing of these memories is the glue that holds us together in the midst of so many changes.

In some cases - sadly - a spouse is left alone to face the Christmases that may be left.  They are often enfolded by family and given the opportunity to feel the love and acceptance that they initiated so long ago!  New friendships may also populate their lives adding value and creating new memories and experiences.  

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The Haire household has certainly experienced these transitions!  Having moved over fifteen times, we learned not to associate our memories so strongly to one house or town.  Debbie has been such an effective homemaker that our kids learned to think of wherever we lived as HOME!  Her touch and gift of making every place we lived into a warm, comfortable space allowed our kids to walk in, plop down and enjoy that wonderful feeling associated with being HOME!  

For quite a number of years we learned to flex our date for Christmas from early December to late January to suit Travis' military schedule.  It didn't bother us a bit!  While others were working and otherwise deployed, we were celebrating the depth of our love and the fun of being together!  

Our traditions have changed.  We've learned to enjoy the season of focusing on each other and acknowledging the joy that we've experienced in our fifty-one years of marriage!  In case you're wondering: love gets deeper with added years!  Debbie's beauty magnifies as she ages!  How I rejoice at the wisdom God gave me to seek her out and pursue her when I was just a sixteen-year-old boy!  😉

This year, we'll slip into Tracie and Jon's home for a few days right after Christmas!  We'll share good food and fun memories.  We'll play games and repeat stories.  We'll exchange gifts and love on one another.  It'll be fun and will launch us into the new year with a positive attitude!

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Wherever you are in this matrix of possibilities, make the best of it.  Don't sit at home and let this wonderful season pass you by!  Engage.  Stretch!  Take some risks!  Find a few to share your joy, food and memories with!  It's far too rich a season to simply sit out!  

SPIRITUAL TECTONIC PLATES!

While sitting in my Sunday School class this morning studying the first chapter of Luke, I had a train of thoughts that rattled my thinking.

The period of the Old Testament prophets ran from approximately 930 – 500 B.C. The Old Testament closes a little over four hundred years before Christ (about 425 BC) with the Jewish people being partially restored to their land, and living under the dominion of the Persian Empire.

Then came four hundred years of silence. During these years, Israel was under the dominion of Persia, Greece, and Rome.  Alexander the Great insisted on Greek as a common language.  Consequently, our New Testament was written in Greek!  The world largely enjoyed a period of peace as the Romans ruled a massive empire from 27 B.C. until 180 A.D. A worldwide system of roads and transportation built by the Romans allowed efficient travel for military, trade, and the populace – including eventually missionaries like Paul, Barnabas, Luke and others.

But spiritually, not much happened and no canonical writings emerged. 

But suddenly, as B.C. was about to be restarted as A.D. the spiritual tectonic plates seemed to begin to shift!

This change was demonstrated in a number of ways:

·         Some scholars – who were especially attuned to the movement of the heavenly bodies – noticed things happening in the eastern sky that indicated to them that a new king was about to be born in the east.  Curious, and driven by God, they embarked on a long and arduous journey from Persia to Bethlehem.

·         A small town priest named Zacharias was drafted to perform a priestly service.  While he was in the Temple doing so, an angel appeared to him to report that his prayer had been heard and his aged wife would become pregnant and bear him a very special son, and he was to name him John.   

·         Shortly after this, an angel appeared to a young woman from Nazareth, named Mary.  He announced that she would soon become pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit and she would eventually bear the Son of God. 

·         Mary immediately travelled to visit her family – Zacharias and Elizabeth - in the hill country of Galilee.  When she arrived, Elizabeth also broke out in a prophetic-like utterance.  She was divinely enabled to know that Mary was pregnant with the Messiah and honored her [Luke 1:42-45]! 

·         Although it is often undervalued, Mary uttered prophetic words that are still considered sacred many years later.  We know her statement as the Magnificat [Luke 1:46-56].

·         Shortly after, Elizabeth gave birth to John.  The Holy Spirit touched Zacharias and he burst forth in an ecstatic utterance with prophetic significance [Luke 1:67-79]!

·         Sometime following, Mary’s husband-to-be, Joseph, also received a visit from an angel who informed him that Mary’s pregnancy was of God and that he should go ahead and take her as his wife!  That angel reappeared to Joseph numerous times over the years to guide him and protect the young child!

·         About two years after Jesus’ birth, the Persian wise men arrived in Bethlehem and visited the young child and His parents.  They bestowed on the young family extravagant gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Then, they were warned in a dream to avoid returning to Herod to report what they had seen and where!

Not much would happen for the next couple of decades while John and Jesus grew up and matured.

However, John – who became known as a fiery wilderness preacher – began to proclaim the coming of the Messiah! His message: “I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” [Mark 1:8].

Then – finally – Mark 1:9,14 records that “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan…Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’”

To complete our train of thought, we must acknowledge that the three years of Jesus’ public ministry were marked by a massive wave of spiritual activity.  Some was directed through demons and spiritual oppression.  The rest was orchestrated through the political and religious structures of that day! 

THERE WAS NO MORE SILENCE!

A CHRISTMAS EVE TRADITION AT THE HAIRE HOUSE

I realized this morning that I didn't add a blog this Christmas season.  So, on the day after Christmas, I will reflect on a memory that centers around my mom!

Have you ever eaten hash?  Sure you have!  The problem is that almost every family has a recipe for hash that is different!  A search of the internet will produce scores of recipes.  I just came across Mexican hash, corned beef hash, roast beef hash, sweet potato hash, steak and egg hash, and many others.

The hash we ate in the Haire house was very simple and easy to make.  It probably has connections to the Scotch, Welsh and English roots of our Hairetage.  :-)

Mom simply filled a cooking pot with water and brought it to a boil adding bits of raw ground beef, sliced potatoes, onion and some sliced carrots.  Cook this covered until it boils and then simmer it for another hour.  Add salt and pepper to taste and serve with your favorite toast and butter.  It ALWAYS seems to need more salt!  

I know that it sounds strange to drop raw ground beef into boiling water!  Trust me, it will surprise you how good it will taste!

One Christmas Eve, when I was a teenager, I asked my mom when she was going to start her hash.  She gave me a funny look and asked me how I knew she was going to make hash.  I responded, "Mom, you always make hash on Christmas Eve!"  She looked surprised:  "I do?"  "Yes, you do!"   Without realizing it, she had created a tradition simply because it was one of the easiest and fastest meals she could make.  The busyness of Christmas Eve created a circumstance that caused her to always fall back on hash!

Debbie made it several days ago and I enjoyed it for three days.  Tracie thought it sounded good, so she made it too.  Her comment when I asked about it:  "Dad, I could drink all of that broth in one sitting!"  

Thanks, mom.  You've been gone forty years now, but I still think of you and still miss you!  Your fingerprints are all over my life and I'm SO GRATEFUL!  

THE EXCITEMENT OF GIVING

Some of us can remember the time in our lives when we first became aware that we were loved.

For Rob that magic moment came when he was 15 and he overheard a conversation between his mother and father.

"Mary," said his father, "I hate to call Rob in the mornings.  He's growing so fast and he needs sleep.  If you could see how soundly he's sleeping when I go in to wake him up.  I wish I could manage alone."

"Adam," replied his mother, "you know there's too much to do on the farm.  Anyway, it's time Rob took his turn."

"Yes," said his father slowly, "but I sure do hate to wake him."

As Rob listened, a strange, wonderful feeling came over him.  His father loved him!  He had never thought of it before.  Neither his father nor his mother talked much about loving their children.  Such things were taken for granted.

On the night before Christmas, that year when he was 15 - Pearl Buck relates an episode in a moving story entitled "Christmas Day in the Morning" - Rob lay in bed wishing he had a better present for his father than the dime-store tie he had bought.

Then the thought struck him.  He would get up early that morning - Christmas morning - while his father was still asleep and creep into the barn and get all the milking done.

Then when his father went in to start the milking, he would see that it was all done.

"What the..." he could hear his father exclaiming.

So that's what he would do.  At quarter to 3 he got up and crept down to the barn.  He finished the milking, then came into the house and crawled back into bed.  He lay still, laughing to himself.

In just a few minutes his father would know.  His dancing heart was ready to jump from his bady.

Soon, sure enough, the door to his room opened.

"Rob!"

"Yes, Dad?"

"Rob, you son-of-a-gun!"  His father was laughing - a sobbing sort of laugh.

"It's for Christmas, Dad!"

It was dark and they couldn't see each other's faces but Rob reached out and found his father and clutched him in a great hug.

"Son, thank you.  Nobody ever did a nicer thing."

This is a story in the true spirit of Christmas, for love was exchanged that Christmas morning between a father and his son and Christmas is a love story - a love story as old as the Judean hills which first echoed to its telling and as new as this Christmas Day.

[Copied from an old, yellowed, newspaper clipping in my Christmas file - by George R. Plagenz, 'Scripps-Howard Religion Writer]

WONDERFUL COUNSELOR

 Have you experienced the impact of a good counselor?

 1. Our Wonderful Counselor is CONSTANTLY AVAILABLE!

      Come, let’s talk this over, says the Lord; no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!    Isaiah 1:18 (LB)

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”           Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

 

 

2. Our Wonderful Counselor KNOWS YOU! 

Try to realize what this means—the Lord is God! He made us—we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.    Psalm 100:3 (LB)

 

“I am the Good Shepherd and know my own sheep, and they know me,…”   John 10:14  (LB)

 

“…the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”  Matthew 10:30  (LB)

 

“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.”     

                                          Matthew 10:26

 

3. Our Wonderful Counselor understands our COMPLEXITY!

 Healthy religion results when people satisfy their spiritual needs in open, growing, respecting ways that say a resounding “Yes!” to life! 

“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  John 10:10b (NIV)

 St. Augustine said:  “Oh! That Thou wouldst enter into my heart and inebriate it!”

  

4. Our Wonderful Counselor is totally TRUSTWORTHY!

God keeps confidences!

God always acts in your best interests – even when it doesn’t seem so! 

God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.  I Corinthians 1:9  (NIV)

 

Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.     I Thessalonians 5:24 (NAS)

 

God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.       Philippians 1:6 (LB)

 

 

5. Our Wonderful Counselor always gives us PERFECT GUIDANCE! 

The counsel of the Lord stands forever;  the plans of His heart from generation to generation.     Psalm 33:11 (NAS)

 

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—

    the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

    the Spirit of counsel and of power,

    the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD— Isaiah 11:2 (NIV)

 

I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;

    even at night my heart instructs me.      

                                 Psalm 16:7 (NIV)

 

Remember:

o   God knows everything

o   God sees past, present, and future

o   God is love 

 

6. Our Wonderful Counselor is a constant HELPER and ENCOURAGER! 

    “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you… The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”   Deuteronomy 31:6,8  (NIV)

 

• He helps me by giving me strength, courage, wisdom, etc.
• He provides for all my needs and gives me my daily bread.
• He gives me talents, gifts of the Spirit, and grows the fruit of the Spirit in my life.
• He has given me His love letters to read daily.
• He communicates with me through His Holy Spirit.
• He has placed me in His Body to grow and be nurtured!

 

 

7. Our Wonderful Counselor cares about you ETERNALLY! 

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.    I Peter 5:7 (NIV)

 

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.       Psalm 73:24 (NIV)

 

 

Do you want the help of this Wonderful Counselor?

 Do you want a divine Helper who:

o   is always available?

o   already knows you?

o   understands your complexity?

o   is totally trustworthy?

o   always gives perfect guidance?

o   is a constant Helper and Encourager?

o   cares about you – eternally?

All you have to do is pray this prayer: 

Dear God:

I am making a mess of my life!  I desperately need help!  I believe You can help me!  I humble myself and admit my weaknesses and failures.  I invite You to come into my life and be my Lord!  I choose You to be my Wonderful Counselor for all of life and eternity!