Jeremiah 31:7-9

“See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here.” vs. 9

Jeremiah dared to look into an unpromising future and conjure up a vision of hope. Israel had already been scattered and its cities destroyed. Thousands had been taken captive and carried away to distant lands. Others had fled south to the security of Jerusalem. But Jeremiah raised up praises to God for what would surely come–a remnant would return. In our time there has been a great reversal. Now it’s the Palestinians who have been scattered, and millions are living in exile, far from the land that their ancestors have occupied for centuries. Their prophets are the Christian pastors and bishops living in Ramallah, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem and like Jeremiah they dare to hope even as they live in the presence of destruction and oppression. As their congregations dwindle and people lose hope, those who remain see themselves as a symbol of hope in the midst of rubble. They trust that the Child of Bethlehem will one day usher in a reign of peace that will be for the people of all nations. As 2024 draws to a close their voices seem weak and their prospects slim, but they have not capitulated to the dominating powers. And they pray for the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s vision for their people and their land!

Thought for the Day: What hope is there for Christian Palestinians?

Luke 2:41-52

“Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival.” vss. 41-42

As he studied the various stories about Jesus’ childhood that were available as he began to write his gospel Luke decided to include this one about his trip to Jerusalem with his parents when he was 12 years old. As the only scriptural reference to Jesus’ life before his baptism, it reveals that these trips were an annual part of his family’s life. As such it’s a potent reminder that if parents want their children to grow up in the faith there’s nothing better than habitual, regular worship. When a child is baptized parents promise to worship with them, and some take that commitment seriously. Week after week as their children grow in grace there’s never a question about what is going to happen on Sunday morning. The kids never ask, “What are we doing today?” They already know. The habit is deeply ingrained. Granted, this isn’t always a good thing, if the children don’t see the faith modeled at home, they will know that their parents are hypocrites, and quickly leave when they have a chance. And if the religion they are exposed to is rigid, unloving, and exclusive they will ultimately see the lie of it all. But if love and mercy are at the heart of their Sunday experience, when they are old they will not depart from that faith, even if they stop going to church!

Thought for the Day: What’s it like to worship habitually?

Colossian 3:12-17

“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” vss. 12-14

These verses honestly need no commentary! They present for us in clear and unmistakable terms what life is like in God’s peaceable kingdom. Just imagine what would happen if all those who celebrated the birth of Jesus would take these words to heart. It actually brings tears to our eyes to consider the possibilities! And it would all be so simple. None of the practices listed here are beyond our capabilities. We’re not being asked to do the impossible or believe any strange doctrines. This is Christianity 101, but unless transformation starts with believers it’s not going to happen! This isn’t the time for pointing fingers–this is all about looking in the mirror! So take a look at the wardrobe of your soul! What clothing is hanging there in your closet? Compassion and kindness are there–the Holy Spirit has hung them with care. When was the last time you wore them out in public? And how about humility, patience, forgiveness, and love? Is there some special occasion you’re saving them for? When was the last time you even tried them on? It’s only when we decide to wear the clothing of the Spirit ourselves that we can expect to see any changes in others!

Thought for the Day: What clothing am I wearing?

Psalm 48

“We ponder your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.” vs. 9

For the Israelites the temple had more significance than the palace of the king. It was for them the dwelling place of the Lord on earth, and they came regularly with their offerings of praise and thanksgiving. Here sacrifices were offered by priests and Levites offered magnificent liturgies. Everything was done in order and with great decorum, but according to this psalmist it was also a place for pondering the steadfast love of God. We continue to need those spaces for contemplation. Oh we know that God cannot be confined to any particular building or temple, but there is within us a sense that buildings can be holy places. We even decorate our sanctuaries in ways that evoke a sense of holiness and mystery. There are statues, banners, and paintings that catch our eye and that bring to mind some aspect of our loving God. Sadly, there’s not always a lot of time given to pondering in worship, and some are even uncomfortable doing that kind of wondering. We’ve trained ourselves to be quick-moving in our worship, and some pastors like to “get ‘em in and get ‘em out” as fast as they can. Others call pondering, dawdling, and worry that they won’t get home in time for the early game kick-offs. In reality pondering is one of the richest spiritual practices, and is probably the best way for our minds to nibble away at the essence of the Divine Mystery.

Thought for the Day: Where and when do I do my pondering?

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26

“Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with the people.” vs. 26

Those familiar with the gospel of Luke will recognize these words from the first book of Samuel, as being very similar to the description of Jesus’ childhood and adolescence found in Luke. The births of both Samuel and Jesus are described in some detail, and both had remarkable ministries as adults, but it only took a few words to describe their formative years. Which is pretty much still the way it is for a lot of us! We’re born, and when the rejoicing is done, the growing begins. We get taller and smarter and learn whatever it is that our parents think we need to know. Those aren’t easy years! In fact for some they’re filled with trauma–adolescence is not easy, and it hasn’t gotten any easier. There are so many conflicting notions about who we ought to be and our contemporary infatuation with social media hasn’t helped at all. Samuel and Jesus grew in favor with God and with their communities–they had safe and secure childhoods, and they were blessed. When it came time for them to step out in ministry they were well-equipped and ready. And that’s exactly what we want for our children and grandchildren–and it does happen, even in these confusing and divisive times. For that we give thanks and praise to God.

Thought for the Day: What are the biggest challenges for children now?

John 1:1-14

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” vs. 14

The preamble to the gospel of John, (vss. 1-14), is one of the most significant sections of scripture for Christians. This isn’t a heart-warming story of a baby born in a manger and visited by shepherds, this is the description of the Universal Christ, the Creative Word of God, the One through whom all things have come into existence. This is the story of a Being beyond our imagination who, in order to be known by human minds, became flesh and lived among us as Jesus of Nazareth. And because John and other gospel writers have recorded the remembrances of those who walked with him and who saw his glory, we too have been given a glimpse of the eternal grace and truth that is the center of the Universe. And today we celebrate his birth! Last night, on the eve of his birth we sang the earthy praises fitting for a child in a manger. Today is a day for pondering the mystery of the Incarnate Word, and considering what it means that God is in us and that we are in God. Think of it, each of us contains a spark of the Divine Mystery that can never be taken from us! And one day, after our stint as flesh and blood in this world, our Maker will take us home!

Thought for the Day: Where’s the Divine Spark in me?

Luke 2:1-14

“In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” vss. 8-9

Luke manages to connect Jesus with David, the greatest king of Israel, in a story that is stunning in its simplicity. As in David’s time there were shepherds tending their sheep in the fields around the village of Bethlehem. David had been one of them before being anointed by Samuel. And now, about a thousand years later, an angelic messenger approaches shepherds by night, not to anoint one of them as king, but to announce the birth of the Good Shepherd. The visit isn’t noted by the Bethlehem Gazette, and it doesn’t seem to have made much of an impact in the region. But Luke’s story is the perfect example of how God has worked and continues to work in our world. Under the cover of darkness a baby is born in a stable to an unwed mother–the shepherds know about it, but no one pays any attention to such nondescript folks, even if they have an extraordinary story. The baby is born, and nothing much happens for 30 years–and then all heaven breaks out. What had been hidden was shouted from the mountaintop and the restoration of our broken world began to take shape. That’s why we’re celebrating tonight, and we’re not going to stop rejoicing until restoration is complete!

Thought for the Day: Why were shepherds chosen to hear the good news first?

Isaiah 9:2-7

“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

The coronation of a new king was, for the people of Jerusalem and Judah, like celebrating the birth of a child, a son sent from God to be their righteous ruler. As early Christians read Isaiah’s words in their scriptures, composed for just such an occasion, their minds were drawn to the person of Jesus, and they began to apply these words to him. Indeed, conditioned by many years of listening to Handel’s Messiah, that’s exactly what most of us have come to believe. And while Jesus, in his lifetime was never addressed in this way, by faith his followers have come to know him as the Christ, the incarnate word of God. And in that role the titles of Isaiah are eerily appropriate. It will be fitting for us to keep this in mind tomorrow night as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Yes, he was a vulnerable baby in a manger, but to the eyes of faith he is ever-so-much more than that. He really is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and billions of people around the world have come to know him as the Prince of Peace. There’s just one thing. He’s not like the kings of Judah and or any other petty earthly despot. His realm is a spiritual one, and his reign will have no end!

Thought for the Day: Why are the words of the Messiah so powerful?  

Luke 1:43-45 

“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” vs. 45

Elizabeth not only rejoices in Mary’s visit and the leaping of the child in her womb, she pronounces a blessing upon Mary. Because, not only had Mary heard the word of the Lord, she had believed it! Luke’s point has implications for us too. Almost all have heard the good news of the gospel in one way or another. For some it’s been a steady refrain from childhood, while others have gotten the word more recently. But it’s one thing to hear the news that we are loved and that salvation has come through Jesus, it’s quite another thing to believe it. Sadly there are many who have heard but who have not come to faith. God continues to love them–that’s God’s unconditional gift–but they never get the blessings that come with trusting that the good news is true. They will never feel the peace and the serenity that comes with knowing and trusting the promises connected to salvation. That’s something to think about as Christmas draws ever closer. This week people are scurrying to find worship services that meet their family’s Christmas Eve schedule. They’re going to be hearing the Story again–and perhaps they’ll take it to heart. The story is a simple one, and sometimes we stumble over the details, but at its core is the good news that God is in this world to stay. Believe it or not!

Thought for the Day: How is my faith a blessing?

Luke 1:39-42

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.’” vss. 41-42

We don’t know how often babies actually leap in their mothers’ wombs, but there’s no doubt that they do move, and those first movements, especially the ones that can be felt by others, are a welcome sign of a healthy baby. Luke tells us that Elizabeth felt that movement when the pregnant Mary showed up on her doorstep. It’s a touching little story and was meant to show that John reacted to the presence of the messiah from inside his mother’s womb. It was a kind of private indicator for the women that something was afoot in the world of the Spirit, and that a big change was on the way for our world. We too occasionally have those Spirit moments, mysterious occasions when inexplicable things happen to us and to those in our circle of friends and acquaintances. We really shouldn’t be surprised when joy overwhelms us. After all God is never apart from us and the Spirit of God is continually renovating our lives and bringing restoration. And that’s why the ordinary can become extraordinary, a flash of tanager scarlet in the air makes a gray day come alive. A child’s unbridled glee brings a smile to our lips and love leaps in our wombs, even if we don’t have them. Jesus is in the world–anything can happen!

Thought for the Day: When have I felt the touch of the Spirit?