This was preached on the First Sunday of Advent during the worship we had two baptisms. The babies were one family’s 4th and the other family’s 3rd child. I was asked to share this with you. (Since this was written as a sermon I do not always check grammar, punctuation & spelling as close as I should - please forgive - me it's Advent)
We can only imagine how these baptism families prepared for these births. We know there is a lot of waiting & preparation for a first child. Everything is new. There is planning for the theme of the nursery, the excitement opening gifts at a shower, setting up the swing, pack & play, changing table and bassinet, washing and placing each new onesy and sleeper in the drawer.
But preparing for a third or fourth child is different. You already went through it. You have most of what you need. You are still waiting and there is still preparation to be done. But it is not quite like the first. You pretty much know what is going to happen. You’ve been through those midnight feeding; fevers, teething; and crying for no apparent reason.
There is that waiting and you do need some preparation. Even if everything is not new. Things need to be unpacked and set up. Plans need to be made for taking care of the children during the birth. There is that anticipation of what the baby will be like, his personality, her hair color, will the birth be late or early?
Anticipation, Preparation &Waiting for a birth.
Anticipation, preparing & waiting is also how we can describe the Advent Season. It is the beginning of the new church year. A time for reflection about the year past and anticipation and wonder about the year ahead. It is four weeks of waiting and preparing for the birth of Jesus. There is excitement and newness - While at the same time it is something we have gone through before
But each year Advent is something new and different. Each year Advent calls us deeper. Each year Advent asks us to contemplate more fully how the birth of Christ changes our lives.
Even though these families have had a new baby come into their family before - it is only when that child comes home from the hospital, spends everyday with the family, and becomes part of their routine that the child fully enters their lives. Then everyone realizes how their lives have changed.
It is the same with Advent, we never know how our lives will be changed until we experience it. And each year that experience is a little different.
It must be difficult to prepare for the birth of the third or fourth child with everything else going on in a busy family. Working outside the home. House work cleaning, cooking & washing all need to be done. Children need to looked after and cared for. There isn’t a lot of time left in the day to prepare for a new birth. And the birth is one that needs to be prepared for - because that baby will be born with preparations or not. So you need to make time to prepare. It takes some planning.
During the season of Advent we too have difficulty finding time to preparing for the birth. There are so many distractions. It is too easy to get caught up in the holiday season, rushing from one place to the next. Running from one store to the next / one party to the next. We end up trying to be everything to everyone - the best baker making hundreds of cookies, the best decorator spending days putting up lights and decorations inside and out, the best shopper finding the best present at the best price for each person you know, the best family writing the perfect Christmas card letter telling of everything your family did.
Advent in our society has turned from a time of preparing your inner-self for the birth of Christ to a time of preparing everything outward and physical. The words preparing and waiting end up being defined as watching for the right price and waiting in line to at the store to buy it.
Preparation, Anticipation Waiting
Just as these families prepared for the birth of their children. Advent is a time to prepare for the Christmas season. We need to make sure we are ready to celebrate the birth of the Christ again.
Just as there is never merely another birth - there is never merely another Advent. Advent is always new, always different and we are never quite sure what to expect.
Let us wait and prepare for the birth of the Christ Child.
Anticipate the unexpected!
Let your life be changed!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Are You Living Your Birth-Right?
Preached July 10th at the Grove Service
As we continue with our series on the family of Abraham in Genesis. Today we hear about Jacob & Esau. Last week Abraham sent his servant to find a bride for Isaac. If you remember Isaac is about 30 or 40 and Abraham decided it was about time for Isaac to get married so.. Abraham sends his servant back to his homeland and there is Rebekah by the well. The servant brings Rebekah back to Isaac and that is where we ended last week - Rebekah and Isaac go into his tent - they are in today’s language - married.
Well now it is about 20 years later and they have no children. So Isaac prayers for a child. And Rebekah becomes pregnant.
Rebekah also prays during her pregnancy - because it is not an easy one and she has lots of pain. God also answers her prayers but I an sure not in the way she wanted - he tells her she is having twins and the older will serve the younger; the two will never get along. By the end of today’s text the twins are grown.
Esau has been out hunting and is hungry. He wants some food, he is not starving - maybe very hungry, after all he probably did a lot of walking but it is the hungry we all have when we come back from a hard day’s work.
But starving or not .. Esau wants food now and he doesn’t care about the cost. I want it and I want it now!
This seems very much like the reasoning of a small child. I need it now! If you had children or ever worked with children you know when a child is acting like this you can get them to do things. Will you pick up your toys, finish your homework, clean your room if I give it to you - The answer usually is - Yes. Why will they agree? Because I need it now!
So Esau ... who needs this food right now ... is willing to give up his birthright to get some fast food instead of waiting while he makes it himself.
Of course we say how could he do that - how could he be so self centered on the immediate? What is the matter with him?
But in reality how many times do we “need’ something immediately? Let’s face it we have become a society where everything is immediate satisfaction. Very often we are just like Esau.
Esau was hungry and he wanted his food now! So he was willing to give up his birthright to get some fast food - instead of waiting to make his own.
As children of God we have a birthright. But how many times do we give up that birthright because we want something right now - we can’t wait - we won’t settle for less - we even convince ourselves we cannot do without it! We too are willing to give up our the birthright that God gave us.
Yesterday at the wedding I read from 1st Genesis. God made man and woman and gave them dominion over the earth. We are in charge of the earth and the animals and the plants. But how do we care for it? By supporting companies that pollute it; that spill oil into rivers and oceans, that spout gases into the air. Jesus calls for us to care for the sick the poor the oppressed - we don’t do too good a job at that either. Paul calls the churches to care for the widows and orphans well ......
We have a birthright and just as Esau we give it away. Just like Esau we selfishly give it away because we want something right now. We want companies to produce goods as cheaply as possible so we don’t have to spend money. We want the Drs. to be on call just for us - even if it means others have to wait or may not get treatment. We want that extra money in our pockets - who wants to share with those who have nothing to give back to us. We give our birthrights away everyday so we can have instant gratification.
But.........at the end of the day, when it comes time to be close to God, when we want our prayers answered, when we feel out of touch; confused and at a loss and in need of God. We want our birthright back.
Just as Esau - We can’t have it both ways - we live out the birthright God gave us or we sell it for the latest gadget, an extra dollar, a bowl of stew.
Imagine what the world would could look like if we lived the birthright God gave us? If everyone would share what they have, love each other, live the way God intended us to live. We could change the world!!! If you decide to to truly live your birthright - what would you need to do? What changes would you have to make in your life?
Now before that gets overwhelming - and you decide not to anything -
What choices could we make today - right here- right now that could bring a change in the world?
No we can’t change the entire world but we can change our own piece of it. We can make significant changes in our own lives that can change the lives of others.
If we live the birthright God gave us - live our lives following God’s call, the world will be a better place for all! It all begins with us!
As we continue with our series on the family of Abraham in Genesis. Today we hear about Jacob & Esau. Last week Abraham sent his servant to find a bride for Isaac. If you remember Isaac is about 30 or 40 and Abraham decided it was about time for Isaac to get married so.. Abraham sends his servant back to his homeland and there is Rebekah by the well. The servant brings Rebekah back to Isaac and that is where we ended last week - Rebekah and Isaac go into his tent - they are in today’s language - married.
Well now it is about 20 years later and they have no children. So Isaac prayers for a child. And Rebekah becomes pregnant.
Rebekah also prays during her pregnancy - because it is not an easy one and she has lots of pain. God also answers her prayers but I an sure not in the way she wanted - he tells her she is having twins and the older will serve the younger; the two will never get along. By the end of today’s text the twins are grown.
Esau has been out hunting and is hungry. He wants some food, he is not starving - maybe very hungry, after all he probably did a lot of walking but it is the hungry we all have when we come back from a hard day’s work.
But starving or not .. Esau wants food now and he doesn’t care about the cost. I want it and I want it now!
This seems very much like the reasoning of a small child. I need it now! If you had children or ever worked with children you know when a child is acting like this you can get them to do things. Will you pick up your toys, finish your homework, clean your room if I give it to you - The answer usually is - Yes. Why will they agree? Because I need it now!
So Esau ... who needs this food right now ... is willing to give up his birthright to get some fast food instead of waiting while he makes it himself.
Of course we say how could he do that - how could he be so self centered on the immediate? What is the matter with him?
But in reality how many times do we “need’ something immediately? Let’s face it we have become a society where everything is immediate satisfaction. Very often we are just like Esau.
Esau was hungry and he wanted his food now! So he was willing to give up his birthright to get some fast food - instead of waiting to make his own.
As children of God we have a birthright. But how many times do we give up that birthright because we want something right now - we can’t wait - we won’t settle for less - we even convince ourselves we cannot do without it! We too are willing to give up our the birthright that God gave us.
Yesterday at the wedding I read from 1st Genesis. God made man and woman and gave them dominion over the earth. We are in charge of the earth and the animals and the plants. But how do we care for it? By supporting companies that pollute it; that spill oil into rivers and oceans, that spout gases into the air. Jesus calls for us to care for the sick the poor the oppressed - we don’t do too good a job at that either. Paul calls the churches to care for the widows and orphans well ......
We have a birthright and just as Esau we give it away. Just like Esau we selfishly give it away because we want something right now. We want companies to produce goods as cheaply as possible so we don’t have to spend money. We want the Drs. to be on call just for us - even if it means others have to wait or may not get treatment. We want that extra money in our pockets - who wants to share with those who have nothing to give back to us. We give our birthrights away everyday so we can have instant gratification.
But.........at the end of the day, when it comes time to be close to God, when we want our prayers answered, when we feel out of touch; confused and at a loss and in need of God. We want our birthright back.
Just as Esau - We can’t have it both ways - we live out the birthright God gave us or we sell it for the latest gadget, an extra dollar, a bowl of stew.
Imagine what the world would could look like if we lived the birthright God gave us? If everyone would share what they have, love each other, live the way God intended us to live. We could change the world!!! If you decide to to truly live your birthright - what would you need to do? What changes would you have to make in your life?
Now before that gets overwhelming - and you decide not to anything -
What choices could we make today - right here- right now that could bring a change in the world?
No we can’t change the entire world but we can change our own piece of it. We can make significant changes in our own lives that can change the lives of others.
If we live the birthright God gave us - live our lives following God’s call, the world will be a better place for all! It all begins with us!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
I Will Not Leave You Orphans
Preached May 26
For the past few weeks I have been feeling somewhat like an orphan. As many of you know my mother passed away last month and my father has been gone for over 8 years. So I no longer have parents and that kind of makes me an orphan. Now I know at my age I really don’t need a parent to take care of me. In fact I am a parent myself and have a wonderful supportive family. But, every once in while I get that orphan feeling. Like when I was looking at the 150 Anniversary book thinking how my mother will enjoy reading it. Or wondering if she will want to attend the mother daughter banquet. Then I remember and I get that little feeling that I have been left alone. Those of you who have lost your parents know what I mean.
I realize you can have this same feeling when anyone who is a part of your life dies. Because there is an emptiness. A loss. A void that cannot be completely filled. I think Jesus knew that when he would die, his disciples would have that feeling. They would be lost, empty, alone. They would have a void in their lives. After those years following Jesus, listening to what he told them to do, the disciples would feel lost and alone without Jesus to continue to lead them. And this emptiness would not only be in day to day lives but their faith in God would be shaken.
In today’s text Jesus tells his disciples what to do when they no longer have his physical presence. He tells them not to worry, because they will not be alone. He explains to them that he will send an advocate to be with them. An advocate, someone or in this case something to be a presence among and within them. Jesus will send an advocate to help and support them. Encourage and empower them. Jesus tells the disciples the advocate he will send is the Spirit of Truth - what we call the Holy Spirit - Jesus says this Spirit will be with them and in them The Spirit will be a part of them.
My parents were my last personal connection to the past, to my heritage. Right now I am spending time (lots of time) going through pictures, dishes, nick knacks, many many items that I know were “in the family” for years. As I was growing up my great-grandmother, grandmother and my mother told me stories about people in our family. These stories were my connection to relatives of the past, how they were related to me, they came from, what they contributed to make us who we are as a family. Some of the paintings on our walls were painted by my great-grandmother. Some of the dishes have names written them, some which are so far back in history am not sure how old they are. I think one may be my great-grandmother’s grandmother. There are a few items from Sharadin’s Department Store, the store my great-grandfather started, and some books my great-grandmother used when she taught in the one room school house. I even found the cake top from my parent’s wedding cake. Yes there are a lot of things. But when it comes down to it they are just things. Items of the past, a few may have an emotional tie, a sentimental attachment but most are just old things.
The true connection to my family is inside. It is the memories, the stories. The knowing that a little piece of my great-grandmother’s creativity is in me. That my grandmothers love of sewing somehow found a place in my heart. And that my parents love of reading was passed on to me. It is also the values the thought process, the out look on life that is inside of me. How all the stories told to me throughout the years became a part of me and helped form who I am. They are in me, a part me. The things have nothing to do with that.
Jesus left his followers with so many stories so many memories that helped form their lives, so much information to teach others. And when he left them Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with them so they would not be alone. The Holy Spirit continued to be with them and to be in them - a part of them. The Holy Spirit carried them through all those uncertain times giving them strength to continue teaching the words of Jesus. This is the same Holy Spirit that is a part of us today. The Spirit is part of who we were and who we are. The Spirit pushes us on and helps us remember where we came from and how we should live. The Spirit reminds us we are followers of Jesus.
We have too stories of our faith and it is hearing and remembering these stories that the foundation of how we live our lives is formed. And we always have the Holy Spirit within us. For 2000 years this Spirit has stirred us on, empowered us, and strengthened us. Helped us turn those stories of our past, of who we were, into stories of who we should and can be.
No I am not an orphan I have many memories and stories of my family. But I also have the stories of Jesus. And the Holy Spirit is within me always, comforting, encouraging and empowering me to use all of those stories to be who I am.
I just as you are never alone! Thanks be to God.
For the past few weeks I have been feeling somewhat like an orphan. As many of you know my mother passed away last month and my father has been gone for over 8 years. So I no longer have parents and that kind of makes me an orphan. Now I know at my age I really don’t need a parent to take care of me. In fact I am a parent myself and have a wonderful supportive family. But, every once in while I get that orphan feeling. Like when I was looking at the 150 Anniversary book thinking how my mother will enjoy reading it. Or wondering if she will want to attend the mother daughter banquet. Then I remember and I get that little feeling that I have been left alone. Those of you who have lost your parents know what I mean.
I realize you can have this same feeling when anyone who is a part of your life dies. Because there is an emptiness. A loss. A void that cannot be completely filled. I think Jesus knew that when he would die, his disciples would have that feeling. They would be lost, empty, alone. They would have a void in their lives. After those years following Jesus, listening to what he told them to do, the disciples would feel lost and alone without Jesus to continue to lead them. And this emptiness would not only be in day to day lives but their faith in God would be shaken.
In today’s text Jesus tells his disciples what to do when they no longer have his physical presence. He tells them not to worry, because they will not be alone. He explains to them that he will send an advocate to be with them. An advocate, someone or in this case something to be a presence among and within them. Jesus will send an advocate to help and support them. Encourage and empower them. Jesus tells the disciples the advocate he will send is the Spirit of Truth - what we call the Holy Spirit - Jesus says this Spirit will be with them and in them The Spirit will be a part of them.
My parents were my last personal connection to the past, to my heritage. Right now I am spending time (lots of time) going through pictures, dishes, nick knacks, many many items that I know were “in the family” for years. As I was growing up my great-grandmother, grandmother and my mother told me stories about people in our family. These stories were my connection to relatives of the past, how they were related to me, they came from, what they contributed to make us who we are as a family. Some of the paintings on our walls were painted by my great-grandmother. Some of the dishes have names written them, some which are so far back in history am not sure how old they are. I think one may be my great-grandmother’s grandmother. There are a few items from Sharadin’s Department Store, the store my great-grandfather started, and some books my great-grandmother used when she taught in the one room school house. I even found the cake top from my parent’s wedding cake. Yes there are a lot of things. But when it comes down to it they are just things. Items of the past, a few may have an emotional tie, a sentimental attachment but most are just old things.
The true connection to my family is inside. It is the memories, the stories. The knowing that a little piece of my great-grandmother’s creativity is in me. That my grandmothers love of sewing somehow found a place in my heart. And that my parents love of reading was passed on to me. It is also the values the thought process, the out look on life that is inside of me. How all the stories told to me throughout the years became a part of me and helped form who I am. They are in me, a part me. The things have nothing to do with that.
Jesus left his followers with so many stories so many memories that helped form their lives, so much information to teach others. And when he left them Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with them so they would not be alone. The Holy Spirit continued to be with them and to be in them - a part of them. The Holy Spirit carried them through all those uncertain times giving them strength to continue teaching the words of Jesus. This is the same Holy Spirit that is a part of us today. The Spirit is part of who we were and who we are. The Spirit pushes us on and helps us remember where we came from and how we should live. The Spirit reminds us we are followers of Jesus.
We have too stories of our faith and it is hearing and remembering these stories that the foundation of how we live our lives is formed. And we always have the Holy Spirit within us. For 2000 years this Spirit has stirred us on, empowered us, and strengthened us. Helped us turn those stories of our past, of who we were, into stories of who we should and can be.
No I am not an orphan I have many memories and stories of my family. But I also have the stories of Jesus. And the Holy Spirit is within me always, comforting, encouraging and empowering me to use all of those stories to be who I am.
I just as you are never alone! Thanks be to God.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
?? First Blog ??
Here is my blog page. I am not sure how often or how much I will be able to write or who may be interested in reading anything I have to say. However, I have been reading that pastors should be writing blogs. So here I am writing - I don't know what. Stay tuned, I will give some thoughts, publish some sermons and hopefully some ideas to ponder. My goal in writing is not to tell people what or how to think about any given topic, but to leave enough space for people to develop their own opinions. I always welcome discussion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)