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Thursday, January 16, 2014
Monday, January 13, 2014
What Day Is It?
"This is the day The Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24)
This year Garfield the Cat from the comics turns 263 years old. OK not really, but ti feels like the comic strip has been around a long time doesn't it? It's not too far fetched to imagine Benjamin Franklin whispering to Patrick Henry at the Continental Congress, "Did you read Garfield this morning? At the end he shouts, Give Me Lasagna, or Give me death." Henry says. "Hey that's not bad. I night need to change a few things, but I like it."
Why has Garfield remain so popular for so long? People enjoy the humor. There is a familiarity now. We know what we are going to get with the big orange cat. And he displays both an intense love for food, and a an equally intense dislike of Mondays.
How do you feel about Mondays? It may be one of the most divisive of days. Everyone loves Friday. Saturdays and Sundays are pretty beloved. Wednesday gets to be Hump day. But then there is Monday. No one ever says TGIM to you when you get to work on Monday. At least not within arm's length. You have no camels wandering through the building shouting, "Guess What Day it is, Monday!!"
Monday doesn't even get any happy songs. Saturday gets Chicago singing "Saturday In the Park". Friday gets a disco infused, "Thank God It's Friday", Lionel Ritchie sang about "It's Easy, easy like Sunday Morning (full disclosure Lionel Ritchie has never been a pastor or tired to get three children under the age of 10 ready for Sunday School). What does Monday get? The Bangles have a "Manic Monday" and of course Fats Domino gave us "Blue Monday".
I was stuck by all of this as I scrolled down my Facebook post this Monday morning. There were several, perhaps even more than usual, posts about it being Monday. "I hater Mondays" "quick poll what's the worst thing about Monday?" "Typical Monday ughh". But every now and then a positive Monday post would pop up. "Looking forward to today" "I like Mondays it gives em a new week, a chance to start over." I began to wonder what makes the difference between those that hate Monday and those that seem to be able to deal with it, if not love it?
It would be easy to narrow it down to circumstances. If everything is going well you probably have a great Monday. Or if you don't have to work on that Monday. I hardly ever see anyone complain about Monday when ti's a holiday. But if you're like everyone else and your circumstances are tough, you are going to have a difficult Monday.
But I hate to have my attitude, or my demeanor dictated by my circumstances. That's really arbitrary. I can't control my circumstances. Am I then left to twist in the wind not just Monday, but every day? can my joy and happiness find no better platform than what might be happening on any particular day? Besides our demeanor is often a self fulfilling prophecy isn't it? If I go into any circumstance, or any day, looking for something to go wrong to prove how bad a Monday is, I'll eventually find it.
Is there nothing better on which we can relay? Take a moment, scroll back tot eh top of the page and reread the Scripture. Dr. JC McPheeters, was known to wake up every morning and shout this verse at the top of His lungs. His booming voice would echo throughout the house, "This is the Day The Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." It didn't matter where he was or who he stayed with, this is how his day started. Unfortunately for those he stayed with, his day would start around 4:00 Am followed by rigorous house shaking exercise.
Aside from maybe not being the best house guest for those who aren't morning people, Dr. McPheeters was known to be someone who radiated joy and optimism, even on a Monday. How did he do this? I believe Dr. McPheeters had unlocked the truth of this verse.
This is the Day The Lord has made. Meditate on that for a moment. This verse reminds us that God is in control. Oh our particular day may be full of trials and worries, but we need not be over taken by them. Despite what our day may say to the contrary , The Lord made this day, and He is in control of it. There is no need to fear a Monday that God in which God is in control.
God made this day, therefore He has a plan for it. When any day, not just Monday, seems to be spiraling out of control, I often find great comfort knowing that God has created this day. he has a plan for my life, a plan in which he will reveal Himself and sue this day for His glory. It's caused me to rethink my prayer life. I tend to pray less, "God give me what I want today" and more "God just allow yourself to be revealed through my life today"
God will be seen in any day he makes. Just as an artist's nature and character is sen though his/her works, so will God's nature and character be seen in any day he has created. And since God is a good God, and the first chapter of Genesis tells us what ever he makes is good, somewhere in this day I will experience a blessing. God's going to do something good today, somewhere and I'll be a part of it. So when we understand that this day is a day the Lord has specifically made how can our response be anything but rejoicing and gladness?
I'm not suggesting you get up at 4:0o AM shouting this verse at the top of your lungs. I am suggesting that remembering the truth of this verse, that This day, no matter what it might hold, is a day the Lord has created will give you cause to rejoice and be glad. Even on a Monday.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
This year Garfield the Cat from the comics turns 263 years old. OK not really, but ti feels like the comic strip has been around a long time doesn't it? It's not too far fetched to imagine Benjamin Franklin whispering to Patrick Henry at the Continental Congress, "Did you read Garfield this morning? At the end he shouts, Give Me Lasagna, or Give me death." Henry says. "Hey that's not bad. I night need to change a few things, but I like it."
Why has Garfield remain so popular for so long? People enjoy the humor. There is a familiarity now. We know what we are going to get with the big orange cat. And he displays both an intense love for food, and a an equally intense dislike of Mondays.
How do you feel about Mondays? It may be one of the most divisive of days. Everyone loves Friday. Saturdays and Sundays are pretty beloved. Wednesday gets to be Hump day. But then there is Monday. No one ever says TGIM to you when you get to work on Monday. At least not within arm's length. You have no camels wandering through the building shouting, "Guess What Day it is, Monday!!"
Monday doesn't even get any happy songs. Saturday gets Chicago singing "Saturday In the Park". Friday gets a disco infused, "Thank God It's Friday", Lionel Ritchie sang about "It's Easy, easy like Sunday Morning (full disclosure Lionel Ritchie has never been a pastor or tired to get three children under the age of 10 ready for Sunday School). What does Monday get? The Bangles have a "Manic Monday" and of course Fats Domino gave us "Blue Monday".
I was stuck by all of this as I scrolled down my Facebook post this Monday morning. There were several, perhaps even more than usual, posts about it being Monday. "I hater Mondays" "quick poll what's the worst thing about Monday?" "Typical Monday ughh". But every now and then a positive Monday post would pop up. "Looking forward to today" "I like Mondays it gives em a new week, a chance to start over." I began to wonder what makes the difference between those that hate Monday and those that seem to be able to deal with it, if not love it?
It would be easy to narrow it down to circumstances. If everything is going well you probably have a great Monday. Or if you don't have to work on that Monday. I hardly ever see anyone complain about Monday when ti's a holiday. But if you're like everyone else and your circumstances are tough, you are going to have a difficult Monday.
But I hate to have my attitude, or my demeanor dictated by my circumstances. That's really arbitrary. I can't control my circumstances. Am I then left to twist in the wind not just Monday, but every day? can my joy and happiness find no better platform than what might be happening on any particular day? Besides our demeanor is often a self fulfilling prophecy isn't it? If I go into any circumstance, or any day, looking for something to go wrong to prove how bad a Monday is, I'll eventually find it.
Is there nothing better on which we can relay? Take a moment, scroll back tot eh top of the page and reread the Scripture. Dr. JC McPheeters, was known to wake up every morning and shout this verse at the top of His lungs. His booming voice would echo throughout the house, "This is the Day The Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." It didn't matter where he was or who he stayed with, this is how his day started. Unfortunately for those he stayed with, his day would start around 4:00 Am followed by rigorous house shaking exercise.
Aside from maybe not being the best house guest for those who aren't morning people, Dr. McPheeters was known to be someone who radiated joy and optimism, even on a Monday. How did he do this? I believe Dr. McPheeters had unlocked the truth of this verse.
This is the Day The Lord has made. Meditate on that for a moment. This verse reminds us that God is in control. Oh our particular day may be full of trials and worries, but we need not be over taken by them. Despite what our day may say to the contrary , The Lord made this day, and He is in control of it. There is no need to fear a Monday that God in which God is in control.
God made this day, therefore He has a plan for it. When any day, not just Monday, seems to be spiraling out of control, I often find great comfort knowing that God has created this day. he has a plan for my life, a plan in which he will reveal Himself and sue this day for His glory. It's caused me to rethink my prayer life. I tend to pray less, "God give me what I want today" and more "God just allow yourself to be revealed through my life today"
God will be seen in any day he makes. Just as an artist's nature and character is sen though his/her works, so will God's nature and character be seen in any day he has created. And since God is a good God, and the first chapter of Genesis tells us what ever he makes is good, somewhere in this day I will experience a blessing. God's going to do something good today, somewhere and I'll be a part of it. So when we understand that this day is a day the Lord has specifically made how can our response be anything but rejoicing and gladness?
I'm not suggesting you get up at 4:0o AM shouting this verse at the top of your lungs. I am suggesting that remembering the truth of this verse, that This day, no matter what it might hold, is a day the Lord has created will give you cause to rejoice and be glad. Even on a Monday.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
Monday, January 6, 2014
The Rhythm Of Life
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
This morning reminded me why I am not a fan of winter. Last night I took the dog outside and it was a rainy 40 degrees outside, which is not bad for central Ohio in January. When I got up this morning it was 3 degrees outside. yes 3. And it's going to get colder as the day goes on. You know it's not going to be a good day when it starts out at 3 and it's going to g o downhill from there. I understand a little bit of cold and snow. After all it's Ohio, not Hawaii. I don't think it's unreasonable to assume the weather isn't going to revival Hoth in temperature as the wind chill reaches -30. Yes you read that right, -30
I'm going to keep much of my complaints to myself. All we have is bitter cold. Just an hour North of us they have bitter cold and at least 10 inches of snow that fell yesterday. You can see why I'm not a fan. I know that many others disagree with me. They love the cold snowy weather and can't wait to break out their North Face jackets and curling stones the first time they see a snowflake. God bless you. Enjoy it. Just don't expect me to make the toboggan run with you.
I like the rest of the seasons. I love Spring (baseball begins) and fall (Football begins). I like the long hot days of summer and the slight change in speed since the kids are out of school. But winter just doesn't do it for me.
But I understand the need for it. winter is a part of the rhythm of life in nature. It allows nature to rest and be dormant. If the land and plants, many trees get the chance to rest they won't be as productive in the spring and summer. It will effect the harvest in the Fall. Winter also effects us the same way. I don't know if we would enjoy the ifs warm day, or the first flowers that bloom with out having to go through long grey days of winter. In fact as we look at each season we can see how necessary they are, birth production harvest and rest. Each with its own beauty and importance (yes, I'll admit , begrudgingly, even winter).
Having a rhythm to life is not just for nature is it? We too are called to have just such a rhythm to life. A time for ideas and hopes to generate a time to be productive and to harvest. And a time to rest. God teaches us this in genesis with the modelling of a Sabbath. He then reminds us of it's importance in the ten commandments and in Ecclesiastes. there is a time for every thing. A time to work and a time to stop, worship regain perspective. Without we lose sight of the importance ,or lack of importance of the other seasons of life. Just as we would wear the earth out if we went right from Harvest to Spring, so we can wear out our souls when we don't understand the need for Sabbath.
But it's more than that isn't it? The rhythm of Life God establishes for us is more than a week to week thing. I've found that there is also a rhythm to experiencing the presence of God in my life. There are times when I feel His presence in an incredible way. And it's wonderful. It fills my heart. It causes me to be more like Him.It affirms my faith. It gives me joy, unspeakable joy. Have you had those moments in your life? I certainly hope so. It may have been during a retreat or during worship. It may have been a song on the radio. Or something in nature. Sometimes you can't put your finger on it. God's presence just visits you and blesses you. these are great moments of renewal and revival.
But I've also experienced the other season as well. The winter of the heart, or what St. John of the Cross called "The Dark Night Of the Soul." There are times when I just can't feel God's presence. Those moments when I simply can't find God.
I feel like this song by "Barlow Girl" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8QubLxJI54 (cut and paste into your browser we'll wait for you)
I wait for God but I can't find Him. It feels as if he has withdrawn the sense of His presence. Now certainly at times this is my fault. I haven't kept to the rhythm of the Sabbath. I've allowed sin to remove my heart from the holy of holys and I simply cannot experience the reality of Christ.
But there are also time when as far as I can tell I'm doing everything "right". Private and corporate worship, accountability group, reading my Bible, spending time in prayer. And I still don't feel anything. My soul is in it's winter and it's grown dormant.
So what do you do when it's winter in your heart? Given there is no sin to confess no sabbath rhythm to reestablish what do you do? As I look back at this passage in Ecclesiastes, it tells me to simply not sweat it. There is a season for all things A season to be on the mountain with God and a season in the valley. And they are both OK. The times of winter and being in the valley have lesson for us as well. It's in those times my faith grows the most. Anyone can have faith on the mountain. The valley causes us to grow. The time of winter allows me to really concentrate on-God and grow deeper because I'm not caught up in the emotion of the moment. And it is in those times as I seek Him and it's quiet that I discover His presence isn't always dependent on how much I "feel it". And like the first warm day after a long grey winter when God's presence floods my soul again it is sweeter and more appreciated than ever before.
So if that's where you are today, don't panic. This season will pass just as the icy bitter winds will pass. The season of warmth and joy will return. Take the time to make sure you aren't out of rhythm and there is no sin barring you from God. Just keep on keeping on. Continue to pray because He hears you even if you can't always hear Him. Walk with Him even when you can't sense His presence for He never leaves us. Continue to worship, read your Bibles and grow. You'll look back some day and see these are incredible times of growth. And hold on. His warmth and the joy of Spring will come as it always does. Spring and resurrection, new Birth always follow the winter, even the winter of the heart.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
This morning reminded me why I am not a fan of winter. Last night I took the dog outside and it was a rainy 40 degrees outside, which is not bad for central Ohio in January. When I got up this morning it was 3 degrees outside. yes 3. And it's going to get colder as the day goes on. You know it's not going to be a good day when it starts out at 3 and it's going to g o downhill from there. I understand a little bit of cold and snow. After all it's Ohio, not Hawaii. I don't think it's unreasonable to assume the weather isn't going to revival Hoth in temperature as the wind chill reaches -30. Yes you read that right, -30
I'm going to keep much of my complaints to myself. All we have is bitter cold. Just an hour North of us they have bitter cold and at least 10 inches of snow that fell yesterday. You can see why I'm not a fan. I know that many others disagree with me. They love the cold snowy weather and can't wait to break out their North Face jackets and curling stones the first time they see a snowflake. God bless you. Enjoy it. Just don't expect me to make the toboggan run with you.
I like the rest of the seasons. I love Spring (baseball begins) and fall (Football begins). I like the long hot days of summer and the slight change in speed since the kids are out of school. But winter just doesn't do it for me.
But I understand the need for it. winter is a part of the rhythm of life in nature. It allows nature to rest and be dormant. If the land and plants, many trees get the chance to rest they won't be as productive in the spring and summer. It will effect the harvest in the Fall. Winter also effects us the same way. I don't know if we would enjoy the ifs warm day, or the first flowers that bloom with out having to go through long grey days of winter. In fact as we look at each season we can see how necessary they are, birth production harvest and rest. Each with its own beauty and importance (yes, I'll admit , begrudgingly, even winter).
Having a rhythm to life is not just for nature is it? We too are called to have just such a rhythm to life. A time for ideas and hopes to generate a time to be productive and to harvest. And a time to rest. God teaches us this in genesis with the modelling of a Sabbath. He then reminds us of it's importance in the ten commandments and in Ecclesiastes. there is a time for every thing. A time to work and a time to stop, worship regain perspective. Without we lose sight of the importance ,or lack of importance of the other seasons of life. Just as we would wear the earth out if we went right from Harvest to Spring, so we can wear out our souls when we don't understand the need for Sabbath.
But it's more than that isn't it? The rhythm of Life God establishes for us is more than a week to week thing. I've found that there is also a rhythm to experiencing the presence of God in my life. There are times when I feel His presence in an incredible way. And it's wonderful. It fills my heart. It causes me to be more like Him.It affirms my faith. It gives me joy, unspeakable joy. Have you had those moments in your life? I certainly hope so. It may have been during a retreat or during worship. It may have been a song on the radio. Or something in nature. Sometimes you can't put your finger on it. God's presence just visits you and blesses you. these are great moments of renewal and revival.
But I've also experienced the other season as well. The winter of the heart, or what St. John of the Cross called "The Dark Night Of the Soul." There are times when I just can't feel God's presence. Those moments when I simply can't find God.
I feel like this song by "Barlow Girl" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8QubLxJI54 (cut and paste into your browser we'll wait for you)
I wait for God but I can't find Him. It feels as if he has withdrawn the sense of His presence. Now certainly at times this is my fault. I haven't kept to the rhythm of the Sabbath. I've allowed sin to remove my heart from the holy of holys and I simply cannot experience the reality of Christ.
But there are also time when as far as I can tell I'm doing everything "right". Private and corporate worship, accountability group, reading my Bible, spending time in prayer. And I still don't feel anything. My soul is in it's winter and it's grown dormant.
So what do you do when it's winter in your heart? Given there is no sin to confess no sabbath rhythm to reestablish what do you do? As I look back at this passage in Ecclesiastes, it tells me to simply not sweat it. There is a season for all things A season to be on the mountain with God and a season in the valley. And they are both OK. The times of winter and being in the valley have lesson for us as well. It's in those times my faith grows the most. Anyone can have faith on the mountain. The valley causes us to grow. The time of winter allows me to really concentrate on-God and grow deeper because I'm not caught up in the emotion of the moment. And it is in those times as I seek Him and it's quiet that I discover His presence isn't always dependent on how much I "feel it". And like the first warm day after a long grey winter when God's presence floods my soul again it is sweeter and more appreciated than ever before.
So if that's where you are today, don't panic. This season will pass just as the icy bitter winds will pass. The season of warmth and joy will return. Take the time to make sure you aren't out of rhythm and there is no sin barring you from God. Just keep on keeping on. Continue to pray because He hears you even if you can't always hear Him. Walk with Him even when you can't sense His presence for He never leaves us. Continue to worship, read your Bibles and grow. You'll look back some day and see these are incredible times of growth. And hold on. His warmth and the joy of Spring will come as it always does. Spring and resurrection, new Birth always follow the winter, even the winter of the heart.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
Monday, December 30, 2013
Jesus Is The Reason For What Season?
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
It's natural for us to become a bit reflective when we reach this time of year. One year begins to wind down as the new year beckons us with all sorts of possibility. We look back at the good and the bad. Joy and regret.
I guess that's why I am feeling a bit reflective as I look back over our Christmas season this year. I hope that Christmas brought you much joy and space as you celebrated the birth of Christ. The joy of worship, family and friends, laughter and food reminded me of how blessed we all are.
But I was also struck at just how polarizing Christmas is. Oh not the day itself but the word Christmas. Every year it seems we gather into battle over wishing someone, or not, a Merry Christmas. Those who are not of the Christian faith take expectation that they are wished a Meryl Christmas. Schools now have winter celebrations instead of Christmas parties.
And of course we in the church are just as bad. Heaven help the person who makes the mistake of wishing the faithful "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas. And never, ever, ever use Xmas instead of Christmas. We don't care how many cards you have to write or that you were running out of room. You don't take Christ out of Christmas. Why you might as well just sign the cards with 666!
This debate has been going on for years. I had a conversation with a dear saint twenty years ago and she was lamenting that she as having a hard time finding Christmas cards at the local store. she found plenty of "holiday" cards but not Christmas. And she wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
As I reflect on it, it occurs to me that we, at least in the church are missing the point. I'd have to say I don't car what you say to me. Wish me a Merry Christmas. I'm a Christian and that's what I celebrate. Wish me Happy Holidays. Holiday comes from Holy Days. I'm OK if you hope I have happy Holy Days. And you can write Xmas all you want on any card you send me. the X originally stood for the Greek Letter CHI, used for the first two letters of the word Christ. I guess I just don't care what you say.
Now please understand I'm all for keeping Christ in Christmas. And I firmly believe "Jesus Is The Reason For The Season" I even have a mug that says so. But shouldn't keeping Christ in Christmas mean more than what we write on a card? We keep Christ in Christmas by keeping Christ in our selves.
What takes Christ out of Christmas is when we have an un-Christlike attitude. When we are caught up in the greed and avarice of the world, when we react with hate or bigotry, when we become self centered. When we allow our sinful natures to take over and indulge in every whim and impulse. That's what takes Christ out of Christmas. If we want to keep Christ in Christmas, maybe we should be more intentional about being more like Christ.
The way to keep Christ in Christmas is to make Jesus the reason for every season. We need to show the world the transformational power of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Let's shows the world the reason we celebrate Christmas is because Jesus has entered our lives and saved us, changed us. Let's be as loving and caring of others mid summer as we are on Christmas Eve. Let's endeavor to make Peace on Earth not what we put on a card, but how we live with our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Maybe the rest of the world would sing Joy To The world if we were a little more joyful to be around.
As we stand on the cusp of the new year, my prayer is that I will allow others to see Christ in me just as easily in the spring as hopefully they do at Christmas. That I will be just as concerned with keeping Jesus in front of others in the summer as I am during Advent. That I will live my life in a way that causes others to marvel at God's love in the fall as much as on Christmas day. Here's hoping that every day of your new year will be happy, Holy days.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
It's natural for us to become a bit reflective when we reach this time of year. One year begins to wind down as the new year beckons us with all sorts of possibility. We look back at the good and the bad. Joy and regret.
I guess that's why I am feeling a bit reflective as I look back over our Christmas season this year. I hope that Christmas brought you much joy and space as you celebrated the birth of Christ. The joy of worship, family and friends, laughter and food reminded me of how blessed we all are.
But I was also struck at just how polarizing Christmas is. Oh not the day itself but the word Christmas. Every year it seems we gather into battle over wishing someone, or not, a Merry Christmas. Those who are not of the Christian faith take expectation that they are wished a Meryl Christmas. Schools now have winter celebrations instead of Christmas parties.
And of course we in the church are just as bad. Heaven help the person who makes the mistake of wishing the faithful "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas. And never, ever, ever use Xmas instead of Christmas. We don't care how many cards you have to write or that you were running out of room. You don't take Christ out of Christmas. Why you might as well just sign the cards with 666!
This debate has been going on for years. I had a conversation with a dear saint twenty years ago and she was lamenting that she as having a hard time finding Christmas cards at the local store. she found plenty of "holiday" cards but not Christmas. And she wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
As I reflect on it, it occurs to me that we, at least in the church are missing the point. I'd have to say I don't car what you say to me. Wish me a Merry Christmas. I'm a Christian and that's what I celebrate. Wish me Happy Holidays. Holiday comes from Holy Days. I'm OK if you hope I have happy Holy Days. And you can write Xmas all you want on any card you send me. the X originally stood for the Greek Letter CHI, used for the first two letters of the word Christ. I guess I just don't care what you say.
Now please understand I'm all for keeping Christ in Christmas. And I firmly believe "Jesus Is The Reason For The Season" I even have a mug that says so. But shouldn't keeping Christ in Christmas mean more than what we write on a card? We keep Christ in Christmas by keeping Christ in our selves.
What takes Christ out of Christmas is when we have an un-Christlike attitude. When we are caught up in the greed and avarice of the world, when we react with hate or bigotry, when we become self centered. When we allow our sinful natures to take over and indulge in every whim and impulse. That's what takes Christ out of Christmas. If we want to keep Christ in Christmas, maybe we should be more intentional about being more like Christ.
The way to keep Christ in Christmas is to make Jesus the reason for every season. We need to show the world the transformational power of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Let's shows the world the reason we celebrate Christmas is because Jesus has entered our lives and saved us, changed us. Let's be as loving and caring of others mid summer as we are on Christmas Eve. Let's endeavor to make Peace on Earth not what we put on a card, but how we live with our families, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Maybe the rest of the world would sing Joy To The world if we were a little more joyful to be around.
As we stand on the cusp of the new year, my prayer is that I will allow others to see Christ in me just as easily in the spring as hopefully they do at Christmas. That I will be just as concerned with keeping Jesus in front of others in the summer as I am during Advent. That I will live my life in a way that causes others to marvel at God's love in the fall as much as on Christmas day. Here's hoping that every day of your new year will be happy, Holy days.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones
Monday, December 23, 2013
A Little Christmas
" Therefore
the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive
and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14
I spent the morning having a tire checked for a leak with a local mechanic. It wasn't going to take long so I sat down in the lobby to wait. My intent was to get any work done while waiting. However it became obvious this wasn't going to happen, given the cell phone conversations going on around me. I am not, by nature, an eavesdropper, but they made it difficult not to be drawn into their conversations.
One lady, in particular, spent the entire time I was there talking to people about her flooded basement. It seems her sump pump chose this past weekend to go out. A heavy snow fall, followeed by unseasonably warm weather that melted all of the snow in a few hours, plus a long torrential down pour has caused a lot of flooding.
Apparently this woman owned a home with a beautiful finished basement. Or at least she did. Now that it was flooded the beauty was lost. While I did my best not to listen to the details, it became obvious just how much this had changed her plans. You try getting an insurance agent in to look at things two days before Christmas. She called family telling them she couldn't hold Christmas at her house, she called others trying to make arrangements for people to stay elsewhere. She called companies to come and clean up her basement.
Having lived in areas that received frequent flooding before, was sympathetic to eh plight. Floods are difficult to deal with the water goes everywhere. I damages flooring and walls, carpets it destroys memories as heirlooms and photographs are damaged. If the oncoming water doesn't do enough damage, the left over moisture in the walls will cause rot, mold and mildew. When a flood comes everything is affected by it.
It's not that water is a bad thing. It's a very good thing. We need it to subversive. We like enough to drink water our lawns keeps our food growing. We like water, at least in small doses. We just don't want too much of it.
I thought about that as I returned to my office and heard this Christmas song playing "For We Need A Little Christmas, Right this very Minute" Do you know it? It's a catchy tune. Nice little song. Not terribly religious or Christian. But certainly harmless. It's also hard to get out of your head. For to those of you who will be humming the tune for the rest of the day, I apologize.
But as I hummed the song in my office, it occurred to me just how right it is. That's what we all want. A little Christmas. Because a little Christmas is a good thing. We like a little break. We want enough Christmas so we can get a few days off work. We want just enough so we can have an excuse to get together with family and friends. Have a nice party. Just enough Christmas to get and give some presents. Its a nice excuse to light up the home and feel a little festive. We even like a little Jesus. Cute baby, wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger. Peace on Earth because well, babies are peaceful (Unless of course you have babies in your house. Babies bring a lot of things into one's life incl ding joy. Peace is rarely one of them).
We want a little bit of Christmas, but t not to much. I dont' want so much Christmas it might cause me to really think about what it means to have God born in flesh. I don't want so much Jesus and Christmas that I'm reminded the whole incarnation was part of the process to destroy my sins on the Cross. I don't' want so much Christmas that the ramifications of a real personal God actually changes the way I think and live. Changes my framework of how I understand the world. Change... well... me.
In short I want a little bit of Christmas, I just don't want a flood of Jesus affecting everything in my life. Of course the problem is this. God doesn't want to give you just a little bit of Himself. he doesn't want you to have just a little bit of Jesus. He wants to flood your life with Him. There is a reason why Jesus is called Immanuel, God with us. Not a little bit of God near us for a few days, or just 24 hours. But God Al that God is with us. Jesus came to flood our souls with His love, with His presence.
What might happen his year if instead of just having a "little Christmas" you actually allowed Jesus to flood your life? If you allowed Him to flood your lifer with His love so that love we carried with you all year? Peace on Earth would become more than just a nice sentiment on a Christmas card. It could become a reality for you. And who doesn't need more peace? God will to others? Who wouldn''t want to be able to look at others and love them and not be soured on life? Joy to The World" It becomes less a song and more the foundation which you operate in the world.
The more I think about it, what we need is not a little Christmas. We need a flood of Christmas a deluge of the Christ child in our lives. This year may your life be flooded with the presence of the one we call Immanuel.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
Monday, December 16, 2013
Is Jesus Ruining Christmas?
"but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles" 1 Corinthians 1:23
ESPN recently got themselves into hot water, again, for refusing to show a commercial from a Catholic Hospital that mentioned Jesus. You can imagine the shock of the ESPN sensors when they heard the name of Jesus mentioned at Christmas time. They refused to show the commercial because they felt the mention of Jesus "might be problematic."
While ESPN has since reversed that decision and are airing the commercial, it did flame the fires of the Christmas vs. Holiday feud. Evey year I heart people who are angry that the word Christmas issued, or not. They are upset their kids get a winter break or have holiday parties. And I've seen umpteen pleads from folk on my Facebook page to 'Keep Christ In Christmas"
While I'm all for "keeping Christ in Christmas" I can't help but wonder if ESPN isn't on to something. When it comes to Christmas Jesus is problematic. In fact there are times when I wonder if Jesus isn't in some ways ruining Christmas.
Without Jesus, I am free to go on a Credit card melting spending spree with little regard for the homeless man who sits outside of Walmart asking for money so he can eat. In fact without Jesus I can even be a bit put off by his behavior. Without Jesus I dont' have to worry about the consequences of unbridled avarice. Oh I might feel a bit nauseous when the credit card bill comes in January, but I don't' worry about what it might do to my soul. And I certainly don't think about any affluence infection I might pass on to my children.
Without Jesus I can wish for Peace on Earth, Odd Will to All People,without ever really experiencing it to happen. And I never wonder at the hypocrisy of singing "God Rest Ye Merry gentlemen" while shaking my fist at the person who cut me off and took the last parking space at the mall. Peace is a wonderful idea, but as long as Jesus doesn't interfere I don't have to ask what ti has to do with me.
Without Jesus Christmas becomes a time of Good will and warm fuzzy thoughts that surround a man woman and child who couldn't find room in the Comfort Inn Bethlehem. Its a nice story of how a family births a baby amidst soulful looking animals and some shepherds. You even get an angel or two flying over. And really doesn't it all work out in the end? You can make a case that once is all said and done Mary and Joseph make out OK. They end up with some Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh after all. All expensive gifts.
I don't have to think how Jesus asks me if in the midst of a busy Christmas season if I've made room for Him in my heart. I'm busy (I'm a pastor and it's Advent after all) I don't have the time, or the desire for a guilt trip. without Jesus I don't' have to worry about it. And I certainly don't have to think how those Expensive gifts were also a foreboding of the death and burial of Jesus.
No give me those warm and fuzzy feelings that only last a week or two. I don't want to think about how how the Christmas story isn't necessarily supposed to make me feel god, but to be the beginning of a transforming relationship where I becoming more like Christ, a transformation by the way that is not always pleasant to experience.
No the more I think about it. Maybe Jesus is problematic when it comes to thinking about Christmas. Because the incarnation changes everything. That homeless person becomes my brother for whom, if Jesus is right, I will be questioned about his care when Jesus returns. That whole sheep and goats thing, where my eternity hinges on how I love others, is a bummer.
When Jesus enters the picture I see that peace is possible, but that it will begin with me. I have to turn the other cheek. In fact Jesus' entire Sermon on the Mount tells me that being nice (we won't even get into who defines that!) for two weeks before a Holiday doesn't cut it. He demands I live a different life and makes it possible.
With Jesus, I don't' even get the warm and fuzzies. He reminds me that the love, compassion true joy of Christmas can be mine. But hey are only mine because of His sacrifice, death and resurrection. And if I am ever to experience that joy he expects me to be transformed, to sacrifice, die and be born again just like Him. After all He tells us to pick up our cross. He didn't mean carry a burden or the Christian Life is heavy. When you carry a cross there is only one logical conclusion. Death. The joy, peace, hope of Christmas aren't well wishes, they are a reality for us who live in Christ. But that transformation will only come as we die to ourselves and live toward Jesus.
So I'm not going to judge ESPN too harshly this year. They are right. Jesus is problematic. He is a problem. A wonderful ,powerful incarnational, incomparable problem! and I, for one, am glad.
Continue a Joyous Advent. The Problematic King of Kings is coming.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
ESPN recently got themselves into hot water, again, for refusing to show a commercial from a Catholic Hospital that mentioned Jesus. You can imagine the shock of the ESPN sensors when they heard the name of Jesus mentioned at Christmas time. They refused to show the commercial because they felt the mention of Jesus "might be problematic."
While ESPN has since reversed that decision and are airing the commercial, it did flame the fires of the Christmas vs. Holiday feud. Evey year I heart people who are angry that the word Christmas issued, or not. They are upset their kids get a winter break or have holiday parties. And I've seen umpteen pleads from folk on my Facebook page to 'Keep Christ In Christmas"
While I'm all for "keeping Christ in Christmas" I can't help but wonder if ESPN isn't on to something. When it comes to Christmas Jesus is problematic. In fact there are times when I wonder if Jesus isn't in some ways ruining Christmas.
Without Jesus, I am free to go on a Credit card melting spending spree with little regard for the homeless man who sits outside of Walmart asking for money so he can eat. In fact without Jesus I can even be a bit put off by his behavior. Without Jesus I dont' have to worry about the consequences of unbridled avarice. Oh I might feel a bit nauseous when the credit card bill comes in January, but I don't' worry about what it might do to my soul. And I certainly don't think about any affluence infection I might pass on to my children.
Without Jesus I can wish for Peace on Earth, Odd Will to All People,without ever really experiencing it to happen. And I never wonder at the hypocrisy of singing "God Rest Ye Merry gentlemen" while shaking my fist at the person who cut me off and took the last parking space at the mall. Peace is a wonderful idea, but as long as Jesus doesn't interfere I don't have to ask what ti has to do with me.
Without Jesus Christmas becomes a time of Good will and warm fuzzy thoughts that surround a man woman and child who couldn't find room in the Comfort Inn Bethlehem. Its a nice story of how a family births a baby amidst soulful looking animals and some shepherds. You even get an angel or two flying over. And really doesn't it all work out in the end? You can make a case that once is all said and done Mary and Joseph make out OK. They end up with some Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh after all. All expensive gifts.
I don't have to think how Jesus asks me if in the midst of a busy Christmas season if I've made room for Him in my heart. I'm busy (I'm a pastor and it's Advent after all) I don't have the time, or the desire for a guilt trip. without Jesus I don't' have to worry about it. And I certainly don't have to think how those Expensive gifts were also a foreboding of the death and burial of Jesus.
No give me those warm and fuzzy feelings that only last a week or two. I don't want to think about how how the Christmas story isn't necessarily supposed to make me feel god, but to be the beginning of a transforming relationship where I becoming more like Christ, a transformation by the way that is not always pleasant to experience.
No the more I think about it. Maybe Jesus is problematic when it comes to thinking about Christmas. Because the incarnation changes everything. That homeless person becomes my brother for whom, if Jesus is right, I will be questioned about his care when Jesus returns. That whole sheep and goats thing, where my eternity hinges on how I love others, is a bummer.
When Jesus enters the picture I see that peace is possible, but that it will begin with me. I have to turn the other cheek. In fact Jesus' entire Sermon on the Mount tells me that being nice (we won't even get into who defines that!) for two weeks before a Holiday doesn't cut it. He demands I live a different life and makes it possible.
With Jesus, I don't' even get the warm and fuzzies. He reminds me that the love, compassion true joy of Christmas can be mine. But hey are only mine because of His sacrifice, death and resurrection. And if I am ever to experience that joy he expects me to be transformed, to sacrifice, die and be born again just like Him. After all He tells us to pick up our cross. He didn't mean carry a burden or the Christian Life is heavy. When you carry a cross there is only one logical conclusion. Death. The joy, peace, hope of Christmas aren't well wishes, they are a reality for us who live in Christ. But that transformation will only come as we die to ourselves and live toward Jesus.
So I'm not going to judge ESPN too harshly this year. They are right. Jesus is problematic. He is a problem. A wonderful ,powerful incarnational, incomparable problem! and I, for one, am glad.
Continue a Joyous Advent. The Problematic King of Kings is coming.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
Monday, December 9, 2013
World Changer
"This will be a sign for you; you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth lying in a manger" (Luke2:12)
The headline on Twitter read: " UFC Champion Ronda Rousey named as a person who will change the world" For those not in the know, UFC stands for the Ultimate Fighting Challenge". It is the premier organization that oversees Mixed Martial Art competitions. For those further not in the know Mixed Martial Arts consists of striking and grappling techniques. One can win by being ahead on pints or a knockout just like boxing, or if ones opponent submits and taps out (either tapping their opponent or the ground several times).
And Ronda Rousey is at the top of the heap. She is the first women's champion. She is undefeated in her fights. Her mother was a champion competitor in Judo. Rousey herself is not only a national champion in Judo but also won a bronze medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics. She was one of, if not the first, US Woman to medal in the sport.
When you are first in a sport, and can maintain a high level of success fame and fortune come your way. That's just how it is. Ms. Rousey enjoys lucrative endorsement deals, appeared as a coach in a popular television show and will be in a movie this coming summer.
And I certainly wish her all the best. She is an entertaining fighter. I like to watch her fight. But world changer? I suppose you can make a case that she has opened a path way for other women in her sport. But world changer? I wondered how someone who fights for a living and bread and butter move is to bend other people's arms into unnatural positions can change the world. It makes me wonder if we have either lifted the power of athletes and athletics to a too high position or if we have lowered the bar of what it would take to truly change the world. Probably a little bit of both.
We have a tendency to believe those who are famous have some sort of mysterious power to actually effect and change the world around us. Many years ago it was fairly common to see movie stars address congress because they had played a certain role in a movie. If a move dealt with an issue congress was debating you could rest assured that the star would be there to testify. Of course it's absurd, but hardly anyone batted an eye Why? They are famous therefore they can change the world. And we certainly do this with athletes as well.
I also think we have lowered the bar as to what it means to change the world. Almost any technology that comes out is touted as something that will revolutionize and change the world (Segway anyone?). I don't question that much technology has changed the way we do certain things in the world. But has it really changed the world? We haven't even begun to look at if those changes are good or bad.
The problem of course is that while people and things can change a part of the world, people fall out of popularity and some day pass away. every technological advance becomes old and useless at some point. And yet we still seem to have a hope that the world can change. We have a dream that eh world can be different. Where will we find someone who truly changes the world?
We find Him, oddly enough in a manger over 200 years ago. There in that dirty stall the Incarnation was witnessed. God laid aside His heavenly glory and was born into the world. Jesus of Nazareth. The Messiah, the Christ, The Son of God. The Lamb who would take away the sin of the world. He would receive no lucrative endorsement deal and would be abandoned by his friends a few short hours before His crucifixion. His death destroyed the power of sin His resurrection that first Easter morning destroyed the power of death. Anyone with a relationship with Jesus can live a life free from the power of sin and the fear and power of death. That's world changing.
But consider how small it began. Oh momentous to us as Christians. But the birth of Jesus went unnoticed by those who lived in Rome. Why most of the good people of Bethlehem missed it as well. While we get caught up in what happens on Good Friday, I doubt many beyond Jerusalem and Judea took notice when Jesus was crucified. The Romans crucified a lot of people.
Its a good reminder that When God sets out to change the world, its not always noticeable by the powers that be. Its not usually done by those in power or by the celebrities of the day. And yet God sues them to change the world every day as he continues His work of redeeming our world. Who are the world changers today? Not the star athlete, but the volunteer who gave up four hours on a Saturday night to ring bells for the Salvation Army. Its eh child who buys an extra toy to give to a toy drive. Its the parent who read a Bible Story to their children last night. It's that dear saint who has taught Sunday School for the past thirty years and never had a class of more than five kids. It's the wife who prays for her husband's salvation. Its the husband praying for his wife as she leaves for deployment over seas to serve her country.
Every day you and I have the opportunity to change the world. Everyday we are given a chance to share the incarnation of Jesus with someone. Please don't pass them by because you think either the gesture is too small, or you are too small in the grand scheme of things. If Christmas teaches us Scythian it teaches us that God often changes the world through the smallest moments.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
The headline on Twitter read: " UFC Champion Ronda Rousey named as a person who will change the world" For those not in the know, UFC stands for the Ultimate Fighting Challenge". It is the premier organization that oversees Mixed Martial Art competitions. For those further not in the know Mixed Martial Arts consists of striking and grappling techniques. One can win by being ahead on pints or a knockout just like boxing, or if ones opponent submits and taps out (either tapping their opponent or the ground several times).
And Ronda Rousey is at the top of the heap. She is the first women's champion. She is undefeated in her fights. Her mother was a champion competitor in Judo. Rousey herself is not only a national champion in Judo but also won a bronze medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics. She was one of, if not the first, US Woman to medal in the sport.
When you are first in a sport, and can maintain a high level of success fame and fortune come your way. That's just how it is. Ms. Rousey enjoys lucrative endorsement deals, appeared as a coach in a popular television show and will be in a movie this coming summer.
And I certainly wish her all the best. She is an entertaining fighter. I like to watch her fight. But world changer? I suppose you can make a case that she has opened a path way for other women in her sport. But world changer? I wondered how someone who fights for a living and bread and butter move is to bend other people's arms into unnatural positions can change the world. It makes me wonder if we have either lifted the power of athletes and athletics to a too high position or if we have lowered the bar of what it would take to truly change the world. Probably a little bit of both.
We have a tendency to believe those who are famous have some sort of mysterious power to actually effect and change the world around us. Many years ago it was fairly common to see movie stars address congress because they had played a certain role in a movie. If a move dealt with an issue congress was debating you could rest assured that the star would be there to testify. Of course it's absurd, but hardly anyone batted an eye Why? They are famous therefore they can change the world. And we certainly do this with athletes as well.
I also think we have lowered the bar as to what it means to change the world. Almost any technology that comes out is touted as something that will revolutionize and change the world (Segway anyone?). I don't question that much technology has changed the way we do certain things in the world. But has it really changed the world? We haven't even begun to look at if those changes are good or bad.
The problem of course is that while people and things can change a part of the world, people fall out of popularity and some day pass away. every technological advance becomes old and useless at some point. And yet we still seem to have a hope that the world can change. We have a dream that eh world can be different. Where will we find someone who truly changes the world?
We find Him, oddly enough in a manger over 200 years ago. There in that dirty stall the Incarnation was witnessed. God laid aside His heavenly glory and was born into the world. Jesus of Nazareth. The Messiah, the Christ, The Son of God. The Lamb who would take away the sin of the world. He would receive no lucrative endorsement deal and would be abandoned by his friends a few short hours before His crucifixion. His death destroyed the power of sin His resurrection that first Easter morning destroyed the power of death. Anyone with a relationship with Jesus can live a life free from the power of sin and the fear and power of death. That's world changing.
But consider how small it began. Oh momentous to us as Christians. But the birth of Jesus went unnoticed by those who lived in Rome. Why most of the good people of Bethlehem missed it as well. While we get caught up in what happens on Good Friday, I doubt many beyond Jerusalem and Judea took notice when Jesus was crucified. The Romans crucified a lot of people.
Its a good reminder that When God sets out to change the world, its not always noticeable by the powers that be. Its not usually done by those in power or by the celebrities of the day. And yet God sues them to change the world every day as he continues His work of redeeming our world. Who are the world changers today? Not the star athlete, but the volunteer who gave up four hours on a Saturday night to ring bells for the Salvation Army. Its eh child who buys an extra toy to give to a toy drive. Its the parent who read a Bible Story to their children last night. It's that dear saint who has taught Sunday School for the past thirty years and never had a class of more than five kids. It's the wife who prays for her husband's salvation. Its the husband praying for his wife as she leaves for deployment over seas to serve her country.
Every day you and I have the opportunity to change the world. Everyday we are given a chance to share the incarnation of Jesus with someone. Please don't pass them by because you think either the gesture is too small, or you are too small in the grand scheme of things. If Christmas teaches us Scythian it teaches us that God often changes the world through the smallest moments.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
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