Happy New Year - by Kim Bos

It was 2015, and my husband and I were supposed to be flying home New Year’s Eve day. But our morning started with a 4 am text message from the airline telling us that our flights had been cancelled due to fog. At 6 we sprung into action, rescheduling, rerouting, and doing everything in our power to still make it to the party with our sweet community of friends by midnight. Despite our best efforts, we rang in the New Year cold and hungry on the floor of the Los Angeles airport.

I have a special affinity for New Years Eve. There’s something beautifully hopeful about a night where we all think that things could be different, that people could change, where we admit that our lives are always in the process of being redeemed. But I also really love late night hours. There is a holiness that comes with being awake when the whole world seems asleep, peaceful, and still. And so I found myself sitting on the floor, at 3:30 in the morning, in the LAX airport, with my beautiful husband snoring away beside me. I was reading my Bible and thinking about the coming year, and what I would do different, and how I had come up spiritually short in the previous year, and this year I’d be more righteous, more spiritual, more in love with God- when a older woman came by sweeping.

She called over to me, softly, “Hey honey, what are you doing?”

I quickly whispered back, “Oh, nothing, just thinking about the universe.”

With out missing a beat, she responded, “The universe is thinking about you too.”

Then she tossed a bag of trail mix to me and went back to cleaning. It was exactly what I needed to hear in that moment. Not an in-depth conversation about souls, obligations, guilt, heaven, hell, worship or prayer. Just a quick reassurance, possibly even an accidental one, that the God I think about and long for, thinks about and longs for me too, that we are not alone in this world.       

She probably didn’t give much thought to her comment, or the small gift of snacks on a long night, and there’s no way she knew how much it meant to me, but I treasured that odd conversation. Every time I think of that night, I try to remember to be kind to strangers and present in every moment. We never know when the small acts or quick conversations we have,  will be Holy Spirit inspired or will matter most. We never know when we will be called to be messengers of God, so we must always be ready to respond generously to the world as we meet it.


“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” - Hebrews 13:2

"I Can Tell You What Christmas is All About Charlie Brown" - by Greg Arnold

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

- Luke 2:9-11 (KJV)

Raise your hand if you require a tally sheet to count the number of times you’ve watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” during the Christmas season. Some of us have never missed a year. The Arnold compound has it recorded just in case we miss the airing.

Added to the television line-up of Christmas specials in 1965, Charlie Brown delivered a simple message of unity, tolerance, and hope through Christ. When the special was released, it is estimated that only 9% of the Christmas specials in the 1960’s had any reference to religion (Wikipedia). This religiously arid landscape caused the producers to question the creator of Charlie Brown, Charles Schultz, insistence to share the good news of Christ on television. It was risky. Schultz told them, “If we don't do it, who will?” The producers nervously agreed to proceed.

Like our current culture’s harried holiday pace, often neglecting Christ’s role through the rush of Christmas, Charlie Brown finds himself in the same pace. He becomes frustrated with living out the wrong version of Christmas. The story turns when Charlie Brown desperately screams out, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!”

Linus then calmly, confidently answers, “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” He then drags his blanket to center stage, the spotlight hits him, and he begins to quote directly from Luke 2 in the King James version.

While the viewers sit still and listen to Linus, Charles Schultz takes his own moment in the spotlight to to subtly and intentionally preach a sermon to every eye.  It’s a sermon delivered in what isn’t said, but what is seen. With one small gesture in the course of Linus’ reciting of the Annunciation of Christ, Mr. Schultz drew Linus to drop his security blanket just as Linus recites the angel’s words “fear not” in verse 10.  Linus concludes his soliloquy, picks up his security blanket, and quietly exits from the spotlight.

I am encouraged by the the message of hope which Linus recites from Luke 2.  More so, I am emboldened by the bold sermon on the security of Christ Mr. Schultz preached through one simple, intentional gesture by Linus’ dropping of the blanket.

Maybe this is why I cling so tightly to Linus’ little “blanket drop”. Even though Linus knows about the good news of Christ, he demonstrates his security in God by swapping his blanket for something greater, life in Christ. Yes, he does return to the temporary blanket when the spotlight is off… but isn’t that what we tend to do in times of darkness?

This Christmas, may we each pray for the courage and boldness to shine the spotlight of hope and unity in Christ with our family, our friends, and our community.  And may we also pray to remain secure in what Christ has done for us when we leave the spotlight and enter those dark and stormy nights.

Stressed Much at Christmas? - by Robin Boswell

           

Be honest. Who else fantasizes about Skipping Christmas just like in the John Grisham book and the movie Christmas with the Kranks?  How wonderful it sounds to avoid all of the things that make the holidays a great big busy stressor- frantic shopping for meaningful-yet-affordable gifts, endless gift-wrapping, pressured decorating to somehow make it look magical, attending parties for every classroom/group/organization, forcing family photoshoots for the perfect holiday card, trying to cook when you stink at it, and if that isn’t enough- taking the whole show on the road to Grandma’s.

Just as I suspected, I am not alone in my stressful state. In a 2015 study, 62% of people said their stress levels were “very or somewhat elevated” during the holidays. It turns out that most of us are experiencing distress at a time when we think we should be full of joy. 

This realization has led me to question myself. Is there any time during the Christmas season that I feel at peace? The answer comes quickly and reveals itself to me. I feel perfect peace and overwhelming joy when I am at CHURCH! Joy to the World, The Lord Is Come, Silent Night, Holy Night, The Little Lord Jesus Asleep On the Hay, Fall On Your Knees - these are the words and melodies that fill the air and our hearts with the true meaning of Christmas! I don’t care how many times we hear it; we never tire of the Bible story about the birth of the Christ who has come to save the world.

That takes care of me and my stress, but aren’t we called to share the Good News? It occurs to me that the very best gift that we could offer is a slice of that Peace and Joy. We don’t even have to shop, cook or decorate to give this extraordinary gift. We can invite friends, co-workers, or whole families to join us at church and to hear about this Savior who we follow. It is a simple as that, and yet it can have an eternal impact.  

The odds are on our side, too. A majority (57%) of people who do not normally attend church at Christmastime say that they are likely to attend if invited by someone they know. So let’s go for it! Invite a bunch of people! Offer to pick them up if you can, or offer to meet them when they arrive. Then introduce them to some other people at church. Tell them to bring more friends. The Peace and Joy that we all desperately need is found in Jesus Christ!

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people.’’ Luke 2:10 (Common English Bible)

Prayer: Help me to share your Good News with others and to invite them to worship alongside of me. Make me bold.               

Through the Eyes of a Child - by Kevan Jenner Brown

            

During Advent, when my children were small, their dad and I would take them to view a live outdoor re-enactment of the nativity.  One year, more than 25 years ago now, while we were attending this event, my daughter, age four, quietly and intently watched the poignant scene unfold before us, with living, breathing humans playing all the key roles—including a real infant as the newborn Jesus.  As soon as the performance was over, she begged us to take her to the “manger,” shouting, “I want to see the Baby Jesus!  I want to TOUCH the Baby Jesus!”  

My heart was so moved by her insistent plea that not an Advent season has passed since that I do not still hear her voice crying out that same message in my heart, soul, and mind.  That night, at that moment, she wasn’t concerned about any of the commercial trappings of Christmas, like Santa Claus or toys or flashy decorations.  Instead, she was focused only on the Baby Jesus.  

During this special season, with its often stressful, distracting demands on our time and finances, shouldn’t we remember to seek the Baby Jesus first, to reach out and touch Him in humility and love, knowing why He came here to Earth, to be our Savior?   

PRAYER:  Dearest Heavenly Father, thank you for the first—and best—Christmas gift of all.  Help us to remember your precious son Jesus, not only during Advent but always.  In His name we pray.  Amen.

The Holy Way - by Rev. Tom East

Read: Isaiah 35:1-10

“And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray” (Isa. 35:8)

Can you believe Christmas is almost here? Last weekend Pat and I went to the mall. While there I heard some young people walking around cheerfully chanting, “SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP! SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP!” I don't know what got into me, I guess it was the preacher in me. But all I could think of what about those who don't have the funds to shop....what about those who have lost a loved one and can't seem to get motivated to shop...what about those who have gone through a terrible divorce...what about the lonely residents in care home or those who are home bound?

“SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP!” Isn't something those who are in a wilderness want to hear. Some don't even want to get out of the house much less go to a mall and hear “SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP!” What they want to hear is, WHAT IS THE WAY OUT...how do I get out of this mess?

When one is in a wilderness time we can even feel abandoned by God.

For all those who are lonely, frustrated, anxious, and bewildered by the wildernesses in their lives, they don't want to hear “SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP!” But what they and us need to hear is:

GOD CHANGES THE WILDERNESS IN OUR LIVES BY REVEALING

HIS PRESENCE TO US ….AND BY CHANGING THE WAY WE SEE

THE WILDERNESS.

It is a pool of water in the desert; it is the blossom on the desert cactus; it is the way, the truth, and the life. It's what really makes it a Merry Christmas...NOT SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP.

For in Christ, we travel God's Holy Way through any wilderness journey! Christ has come! Christ is coming! Christ will come again!

Prayer: Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which his presence will bestow, for he is Lord for ever and ever. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Mother Like Mary - by Heather Church

1 John 4:4  You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 

The world was taking her. Daughter was slipping through my fingers and I couldn’t hold on to her. She was funny and fearless. She flipped and she fiddled. But she lost herself and let it all go. Her fierce flame wasn’t burning like it used to. Daughter was removed and introverted. Her faith was questioned and broken.   I prayed. I stood bold. I cried in the night and loved hard in the day. Keep guiding her. Be her beacon. Be the wall she swims to and when she swims away still be the strong wall for when she decides to swim back. It will hurt and a mother’s heart will break. Look forward to the day she hugs you and mends your heart. I will overcome. We will overcome.  

Daughter began walking her new path that was revealed to her. She found art. She found music. She found a reason to go against the world and be her own beautiful true self. We shared devotionals. We shared prayers. We shared disappointments, anger, let downs, and tears.   Now, here we stand mother and daughter. Sharing a new love. Sharing a mended heart and hugs. Sharing a stronger faith and our true colors shining. The world did not win this time. A mother’s love for daughter won.   

Mother like Mary. Mary is a beautiful role model for mothers. Mary was humble, faithful, strong, and gave great love. What a gift from God to be a faithful, sacrificing mother. To give your best every day for your child. Mary has a lot to teach mothers as we reflect on her unshakable faith. Just like a braided cord, we weave three strands: 1 our child’s faith, our faith, and God’s love. The braided cord will not easily break.

Lost But Found - By Rev. Dr. Rick Brooks

Jesus told stories about what was once lost being found. Just check out the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15, and his stories of a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son/brother. In every case, whenever what was lost is found, it is cause for great celebration and rejoicing. This is the way of God’s kingdom, Jesus says. This is the way of God’s heart toward his wayward children.

When you think about it, most of the stories of the season that we love so much, A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life . . . and even The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, pick up on this theme of something lost or missing that is found. More often than not the thing “gone missing” is something in the heart that prevents the person (or Grinch) from seeing the miracle of life right before his eyes.

All of these stories seem to tell us: It isn’t necessary to lose something of value before we begin to value, appreciate, and even treasure it. And beginning to value the gift of  “ordinary life” right before us is the pathway to “being found” – that place where celebration and rejoicing are waiting to begin.

Prayer:

Lord, open my eyes this day that I may see your fingerprints in everything and everyone around me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.