Hebrews 2:10-13

“For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters,” vs. 11

It wasn’t easy for early Christians to figure out the nature of Jesus. Early on they began thinking of him as the Christ or Messiah, but that added a whole new layer of questions. Was he human or was he divine, or maybe a mixture of the two? As might be expected there were centuries of debate among theologians and not a lot of agreement. The writer of Hebrews, while having a generally elevated notion of Jesus, comes down hard on the side of his humanity, and implies that he is one of us. But he never sees Jesus as being completely like us, particularly when it comes to sin. Even though Jesus is our brother he doesn’t need to be sanctified because God has already perfected him through his suffering. It’s an interesting argument, but not one that can be easily understood. It does however give an answer to the question, “Why did Jesus have to suffer?” Even if we don’t agree that his suffering was necessary for our salvation, it might be worthwhile to consider whether there might indeed be a redemptive quality to suffering. Or is suffering just suffering, something to be avoided at all costs? It would seem from human experience that suffering can be a blessing, and maybe even have benefits for our souls…yet the questions remain…and defy easy answers.

Thought for the Day: What did Jesus’ suffering have to do with me?

Psalm 148:7-14

“Young men and women alike, old and young together! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.” vss. 12-13

The psalmist is at his best in these verses extolling the glory of God. In his fertile imagination he sees all of creation, from great sea monsters to young men and women, joining together in praise of the Creator, who is alone to be exalted. There is immense value in seeing ourselves in the same category as lofty pines, elegant birches, creeping things, and flying birds. Such an outlook should spawn at least some degree of appreciation for the amazing interdependence of all things visible and invisible. It might even lead humans to pay more serious attention to our special role as stewards and caretakers. Too often we’ve acted as exploiters and ravagers of creation, spewing caustic fumes into the air and turned pristine wilderness into garbage dumps. Perhaps if we regarded ourselves with more humility we would work harder to preserve species instead of exterminating them. Sadly we seem to be moving in the wrong direction. More and more people are understanding environmental protection as a threat to wealth and profitability. There is little inclination to make the sacrifices connected with doing the right thing for the planet. Some say that unless we repent we will soon have succeeded in making the earth unfit for human habitation. It may be that there is still time for us to change…all creation awaits our decision!

Thought for the Day: What responsibilities do humans have for the rest of creation?

 Psalm 148:1-6

“Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.” vss.5-6

Humans have always struggled to find adequate ways to describe God, and in these latter days have even had trouble with the word “God.” Some have found other nouns that have been more satisfying, words like “the force,” or “the universe.” Others prefer terms like “mother nature” or “mother earth.” The difficulty with these references is the same now as it has always been…they’re just too limiting! The psalmist didn’t have the benefit of our scientific knowledge…he may not have even known that the earth was round or that it revolved around the sun. But he did know that God was greater than any part of the creation, that even the universe could not contain God. In his day folks were drawn to worship the sun, moon, and stars…he didn’t want anything to do with such notions. That which was created could not substitute for the creator! In these verses he invites all creation to offer praise to the name of the Lord. We do indeed live in a spectacular universe and it’s full of all sorts of mysterious wonders. And the more we learn through our space probes and endless exploration, the more we are bound to offer praise and thanksgiving to the One who was in the beginning, and through whom all things have come to be.

Thought for the Day: What substitutes have I found for the word “God”?

Isaiah 63:7-9

“I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, because of all that the Lord has done for us, and the great favor to the house of Israel that he has shown them according to his mercy, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.” vs. 7

For many these days at the end of the calendar year are used for looking back at the events of the previous 12 months. It’s a time for news outlets to look at outstanding achievements and determine best performances…and maybe even pick a “Person of Year.” We seem to relish these opportunities to look at the year in review even if not everything has gone as we desired. The prophets of Israel led their people in these kinds of exercises, though they most often used longer units of time. Obviously there was a lot for them to review…they had a long history as a people…and it’s interesting to see their intent. Instead of focusing on the ugly stuff;  the years of war, division, and captivity, they instead lifted up the favor of God, the gracious acts of mercy and the abundance of steadfast love. As we look back this week, there will undoubtedly be some pain in remembrance, but this is also an opportunity to reflect on the many acts of grace and love that have come from the hand of God. We are so blessed…and God’s goodness is never-ending.

Thought for the Day: Where have I experienced God’s love in 2016?

John 1:1-14

“But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.” vss. 12-13

The children of God have a powerful presence in our world. They are bearers of the light and are daily battling the forces of darkness, not with missiles and bombs, but with weapons of the spirit. They live in every city on the planet and change lives with sacrificial acts of love and kindness. These children of light come in every shape from every segment of society and are not defined by a particular creed or denominational affiliation. They speak many languages and worship in many different ways, but have one thing in common. They have all received Jesus and and believe in his name. They have become his followers, not so they can get a free pass into heaven when they die, but to shine the light of Christ in their daily work and play. We don’t read much about them in newspapers, and they’re seldom on the nightly news, but they’re doing amazing work. Through them hungry people are fed, the poor are lifted up, and the alienated are embraced. And this is the best news of all! They’re winning the battle! Christmas is a good day to thank and praise God for faithful followers of Jesus. Through them the Light that came into the world through Jesus continues to shine brightly…and will never be overcome!

Thought for the Day: How clearly do I show forth the light of Christ?

Luke 2:1-14

“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” vss. 10-11

All around the globe Christians of every stripe and persuasion will be gathering tonight to worship and sing songs of praise and joy. It really is remarkable, a singular event! There is no other night even remotely similar. And the centerpiece of every service will be this little story from the gospel of Luke! On the surface the story is not the least bit profound, and could easily be dismissed as a fanciful tale, a fabrication that defies reason. Yet we love the details…no room in the inn…a manger for a bed…shepherds in the field…visiting angels…and are touched by the reassuring words. “Do not be afraid,” the angel said, “I am bringing you good news of great joy.” Oh how we need to hear that message in our troubled times! Every day we hear that the world is a dangerous place, that terror and death are everywhere present, and that there is much to fear. Over and over those words pummel our brains, rob us of sleep, and cause us to seek false securities. On Christmas Eve we hear God’s answer to the turmoil of the times, “Do not be afraid…I am bringing good news,” and our trembling hearts are soothed. And at least on this holy night “all is calm, all is bright.”

Thought for the Day: What will I be looking for in tonight’s worship?

Titus 2:11-14

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly,”  vv. 11-12

Martin Luther once said of the book of Titus that “it was a model of Christian doctrine” and that it contained “all that is necessary for a Christian to know and to live.” This is high praise from a man who once called James an “epistle of straw.” Luther most likely loved Titus because of its emphasis on the grace of God, a grace that has brought salvation not to a chosen few, but to all. That message literally saved Luther’s life and became the centerpiece of his teaching. He thought it to be the most incredible message that anyone could possibly hear. “Grace alone” was his mantra and he believed with all his heart that this message could transform the world. And many did respond to his preaching with grateful thanksgiving…but not everyone! It angered him fiercely when he saw people listen to the gospel of grace and then go out and live as they pleased, without regard for righteousness or piety. Times have not changed, and that’s still how too many people respond to the good news of salvation for all. They’re just not interested in living lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly. It really is a pity…because grace does have transforming power, and when we turn our backs on it, we miss out on the joy and peace that God wants for us all.

Thought for the Day: When have I experienced the transforming power of grace?

Psalm 96:7-13

“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.” vss. 8-9

We’ve had a busy Advent, and we’re finally getting toward the end, just a couple more days to go. If we’ve used an Advent wreath with our home meditations, that first candle, the one we lit on November 28, is little more than a stub. These have been good weeks and we’ve not only had time to meditate and repent, we’ve also more than the usual number of opportunities for corporate worship. What a blessing it is to come together and glorify the name of the Lord! We’ve sung the hymns of praise and feasted at the Table. It’s that act of simple humility, bowing down before our awesome God, the Lord of the Universe, that really defines who we are as a community of faith. So many folks in our world don’t have that inclination…they worship other gods, material ones, and recognize no higher power than themselves. But the faithful follow the example of Jesus and all the saints of old, who never missed a chance to tremble before the Lord. They’ll be filling the churches in just a couple of days…even those who haven’t worshipped since Easter will be there. And they’ll be bringing an offering too, just like the ancient Israelites, giving generously in gratitude for all that God has done. And they will be blessed…God’s face will shine on them and they will have peace.

Thought for the Day: Why is the offering the central part of worship?

Psalm 96:1-6

“O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.” vss. 1-2

O how we love to sing! And evidently there’s no better time for singing than the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Everywhere we go…malls, schools, churches… we hear the familiar sounds of carols and hymns. Our favorite radio stations play the whole array of Christmas songs, from “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” to the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Every choir worth its salt arranges for at least one concert during these weeks, and most all of us have seen at least one in person. Singing is integral to the season, and no wonder! It’s the best way we have to praise God for the wonder and glory of this incredible creation, and in particular, for the gift of incarnate divine love that has been revealed to us in Christ Jesus. What a blessing it is to have at least one time a year when we can look beyond our daily insanities and give voice to our deepest hopes and irrepressible joys! Even secular folks are drawn to open their hearts and participate in the festivities. It’s a time to give expression to our softer, gentler selves and open our minds to the possibilities of peace and goodwill. As we sing the new and familiar tunes, tenderness comes, and the miracle of Christmas softens hardened hearts.

Thought for the Day: Which Christmas carols bring joy to my heart?

Isaiah 9:6-7

“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” vs. 6

In Isaiah’s time the coronation of a new king was the occasion for glad exultation and expansive expressions of great hope. The king’s new name would be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace and under his authority there would be everlasting peace. Of course actualities never did match the expectations and the people endured continual disappointment. But even after their nation was destroyed and the kings were no more, the faithful clung to Isaiah’s words with a spirit of hope and anticipation, until, in the fullness of time, another child was born, and his parents called him Jesus. Later on that child’s followers worshiped him as the Christ, the fulfillment of ancient promises, and gave him the old king’s name. This week, on Christmas Eve, we’ll gather with his disciples from around the world to reaffirm the old promises and expectations. Conditions in our world continue to disappoint the faithful…there is so much suffering and pain…but we refuse to let go of hope. In the presence of darkness and despair we turn our faces to the Light of the World, and trust that in him one day divine love will conquer and peace will prevail.
Thought for the Day: Why do I continue to hope in spite of disappointment?