Next Step - December 27

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Hi Everybody

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? I never really have, they really are not my personality (or maybe I just don't want to break them). In any event, the end of the year is a very natural time to take stock of where you are and to make any changes that need to be made in your life. I think as Christians, it is important to do that periodically -- to take stock of where we are and then make changes. This is the essence of the word "repentance," it is a course correction, and each of us needs to make course corrections to turn ourselves more and more into the life of Christ, in order to finish this life well, in order to finish my life more in love with Jesus than I am today, accelerating to and through the finish line.

There are a lot of things that we can be intentional about which will help us to finish well. Here are 5:

1. Recognize God’s Presence Throughout Each Day: How does God interact with the things of everyday life? Do you see Him and His goodness reflected in the things around you?

2. Seek Mentors Whom You Can Learn From As Well As People You Can Mentor: Who do you know who is finishing well? Who do you know who has a trait you wish you had? Ask them to coffee, ask them to mentor you in this area (and look for others whom you can mentor).

3. Make It A Priority To Be In A Community Of Love And Accountability: Are there other people in your life who know you inside and out, struggles and all? Do you meet with them regularly and ask them to hold you accountable? If you do not, who might be able to fill that role in your life?

4. Recognize That Your Time On Earth Is But A Breath Compared To All Eternity: None of us knows how long we have. Take a moment each day and recognize the reality that you do not know if you will be around tomorrow. How does this change how you react to others? How does this change your priorities in life, faith, family, etc.

5. Incorporate Spiritual Disciplines Such As Regular Times Of Reading The Bible And Prayer Into The Rhythm Of Your Life: God wants us to read the Bible, to pray, to fast, to do any other spiritual disciplines that help us to develop greater intimacy with Him. We do these things not because we need to in order to be approved by God, but in order to meet Him. What spiritual practices have been helpful for you to connect with God? What might you add?

As we approach the end of 2009, take stock of your life. If your life ended now, how would you have finished? Flash forward a year. Same question. I'll ask you again in 365 days. Will your answer be different?

Peace, hope and love

Doug

Next Step - December 20

Hi Everybody,

We are just finishing week three of Advent. It has been a season of waiting and spiritual preparation for the coming celebration of the birth of Jesus. Although the Christmas story is one we hear every year, it is a story that must never lose meaning or significance. Each Sunday this Advent season, we have been using the Advent Wreath and an Eastern Nativity Icon to tell the Nativity Story. There are 5 candles in the Advent Wreath; one candle will be lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas. Each candle will allow us to enter the Nativity Story from a different person’s perspective and experience. The final Candle, representing Jesus, will be lit this Thursday night at 8:00 -- Christmas Eve.

We have created a guide that tracks directly with Sunday morning’s devotions for you to use or adapt. I hope you have been following along.

The first week we entered Mary’s story, then Joseph’s story, and next we entered the story of the Shepherds. This week we entered into the story of the Wise Men.

Week Four. The Wise Men. A Sense of Urgency and Danger.

In the picture above, you see the wise men on horseback on the left-hand side of the picture, galloping uphill, their faces turned up looking for the star, which has led them here. The uphill angle of the horses tell us about the long, hard journey made by the wise men, and how important the event was to them. The wise men bring not only strange and exotic gifts, but also the world of politics and power into the Christmas story.

From the book of Matthew, Chapter 2
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’” Matthew 2:1-2

King Herod was a violent and cunning ruler, paranoid about his hold on power. He is alarmed by his unexpected visitors, alarmed by the mention of another king who could threaten his power. He encourages the Magi to continue their search, and to report back to him their findings, so that he too could worship the Christ.

The speed of the wise men’s horses tells us of the urgency and danger living in their part of the story, for they were aware of Herod’s true intent. Maybe they alone in the story had realized something of what was truly happening and that they would be risking their lives to disobey the commands of the most powerful ruler of that time. The wise men show how the story of the birth of Jesus was rooted in the real world of political corruption and intrigue, of a ruthless ruler who was prepared to kill anyone who stood in his way.

We learn later that when the Wise Men do not return to Herod, he orders the murder of every single newborn baby boy in Bethlehem so that he can be free of any challenge to his throne and his power, regardless of how young that challenger might be. It was this real world of oppression, death and danger, which Jesus had come to save.

This week we enter the story of the wise men, who made their long, exhausting journey to Bethlehem, and stirred fear and suspicion in the powerful leader, and risked their own lives to not only see Jesus, but protect His life as well.

Question: There are still many people around the world who suffer and die because of the corruption of powerful people and governments. How are you willing to take on powerful governments, systems and forces to worship Jesus and to bring his message of hope and peace to those suffering?

Next Step - December 13

We are just finishing week three of Advent. It has been a season of waiting and spiritual preparation for the coming celebration of the birth of Jesus. Although the Christmas story is one we hear every year, it is a story that must never lose meaning or significance. Each Sunday this Advent season, we have been using the Advent Wreath and an Eastern Nativity Icon to tell the Nativity Story. There are 5 candles in the Advent Wreath; one candle will be lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas. Each candle will allow us to enter the Nativity Story from a different person’s perspective and experience. The final Candle, representing Jesus, will be lit on Christmas Eve.

We have created a guide that tracks directly with Sunday morning’s devotions for you to use or adapt. I hope you had a chance to pick one up. If not, you can pick up a copy of the devotional on Sunday. This week's devotional is below. It is designed for you to set up your nativity, but leave all the people out of the scene. Each week as you discuss a different person’s story and experience, add them to the scene. Try to put yourself into the story, to really engage with what they might have been feeling, thinking and experiencing. Take time to share insights on the devotional question and then spend a moment in prayer, silence or reflection. If you choose, you could also light an Advent Candle each week instead of doing the Nativity Set or in addition to it.

The first week we entered Mary’s story. Last week we entered Joseph’s story. This week we enter the story of the Shepherds.

Week Three, Candle Three. Shepherds and Angels. God touches the least likely.

In the picture above, a couple of shepherds are on the right-hand side, and one of them is playing a flute. Below them, their sheep drink in a river. One of the shepherds looks up and is blessed by an angel looking down on him. The middle group of angels is kneeling or bowing in worship before Jesus, and the angels to the left are an angelic choir, singing his praises.

From Luke, Chapter 2
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ Luke 2:8-14

While Matthew’s Gospel focuses on the wise men, those with wealth and power, Luke’s spotlight falls on these working men, the poor and marginalized, who hear from heaven itself the news about the birth of Jesus. God does not show favor as the world does, but rather reaches down to those the world oppresses. He brings a voice to the voiceless, a home to the homeless, and love to the unloved. Luke’s Gospel is a message for people living on the margins of society. Jesus himself said,

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind…” Luke 4:18

We enter the story of the shepherds, for their story reminds us of God’s love for those who are forgotten and left behind in our world.

Blessed are you
O Christmas Christ,
that your cradle was so low
that shepherds,
poorest and simplest of people,
could yet kneel beside it,
and look level-eyed into the face of God.

May the Shepherds remind us that we come to the throne, not because we deserve it, but because we are called. May their story spur us on towards love and good deeds to those in the margin of our society today. Jesus truly is news of great joy that is for all the people!

Question: At the time the Bible was written, being a Shepherd was one of the worst jobs possible. Everybody looked down on Shepherds; nobody wanted them around because of their smell and low standing. Yet God had the angels appear to them so that they could go and see Jesus. Why do you think God told the Shepherds about Jesus when He could have told anybody?

Next Step - December 6

We are currently celebrating the season of Advent. It is a season of waiting and spiritual preparation for the coming celebration of the birth of Jesus. Although the Christmas story is one we hear every year, it is a story that must never lose meaning or significance. Each Sunday this Advent season, we are using the Advent Wreath and an Eastern Nativity Icon to tell the Nativity Story. There are 5 candles in the Advent Wreath; one candle will be lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas. Each candle will allow us to enter the Nativity Story from a different person’s perspective and experience. The final Candle, representing Jesus, will be lit on Christmas Eve.

We have created a guide that tracks directly with Sunday morning’s devotions for you to use or adapt. I hope you had a chance to pick one up. If not, you can pick up a copy of the devotional on Sunday. This week's devotional is below. It is designed for you to set up your nativity, but leave all the people out of the scene. Each week as you discuss a different person’s story and experience, add them to the scene. Try to put yourself into the story, to really engage with what they might have been feeling, thinking and experiencing. Take time to share insights on the devotional question and then spend a moment in prayer, silence or reflection. If you choose, you could also light an Advent Candle each week instead of doing the Nativity Set or in addition to it.

Candle Two - Joseph. Feelings of Doubts and Fear.

Last week we entered Mary’s Story. This week we entered Joseph’s Story.

In the picture above, we see Joseph with his back to Mary, listening to the doubts and fears, which fill his head. He is an isolated figure, right at the bottom of the picture, and he looks thoroughly fed up with the whole situation. He’s the person least likely to put up a Christmas tree, send out Christmas cards and start getting into the festive spirit.

Joseph reminds us that there’s a very human dilemma in the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus: how could Mary be pregnant? This was not the way his marriage was supposed to start.

The original story from the book of Matthew tells us…

Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” Matthew 1:18-21, 24

It seems that Joseph may not have believed Mary’s explanation of how it happened: that an angel had showed up and told her she would have a baby even though she was a virgin. And can you really blame him?

It was only after his dream – after an appearance by an angel -- that he accepted Mary as his wife. We’re not told, however, if he had any change of heart about it all, and from the reading, it sounds as though perhaps he just did what as he was told.

And yet… despite his doubts, Joseph is given a big halo and has an important place in the whole picture. He remained faithful to God amidst his questions.

We light the candle and enter the story of Joseph. We relate to his doubts, questions and feelings of isolation. Yet his halo reminds us that God is with us.

May we use our doubts to become honest with God and with ourselves.

Question: Joseph was probably brokenhearted and confused when he first heard that Mary was pregnant. After God told him that her baby would be Jesus, he understood better, but was still confused and doubtful. How do you think God feels when we have doubts; when we keep them to ourselves and when we tell him about them? Share areas where you have great faith in God, and areas where you struggle.

Next Steps - Nov 30

We are currently celebrating the season of Advent. It is a season of waiting and spiritual preparation for the coming celebration of the birth of Jesus. Although the Christmas story is one we hear every year, it is a story that must never lose meaning or significance. Each Sunday this Advent season, we are using the Advent Wreath and an Eastern Nativity Icon to tell the Nativity Story. There are 5 candles in the Advent Wreath; one candle will be lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas. Each candle will allow us to enter the Nativity Story from a different person’s perspective and experience. The final Candle, representing Jesus, will be lit on Christmas Eve.

We have created a guide that tracks directly with Sunday morning’s devotions for you to use or adapt. Pick up a copy of the devotional on Sunday. I also will send out the week's devotional as the week's Next Step. This devotion is designed for you to set up your nativity, but leave all the people out of the scene. Each week as you discuss a different person’s story and experience, add them to the scene. Try to put yourself into the story, to really engage with what they might have been feeling, thinking and experiencing. Take time to share insights on the devotional question and then spend a moment in prayer, silence or reflection. If you choose, you could also light an Advent Candle each week instead of doing the Nativity Set or in addition to it.

Week 1 – Mary. Cold, Exhausted and Reflecting

We find Mary right at the center of the Christmas story, which is why she’s at the center of this picture. Mary is lying down on the ground, with Jesus in His makeshift cot by her side. She pulls her cloak around her for warmth, maybe trying to get some sleep after the exhaustion of a long journey and hours of labor. Perhaps she’s reflecting on the events which led up to this night.

From Luke 1:

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

Cold and exhausted, she reflects on that first encounter with the angel. God had found favor with her, yet now she lies in a stable, far away from home, scarred by the wounds of ridicule from being pregnant and unmarried, while her new husband sits in the distance. It was Mary’s “yes” which set the whole story in motion. It was her amazing belief that God could do what He promised that made it possible. But this was not what she had envisioned, that she would give birth to the Son of the Most High in a stable, a son who now lays in a feeding trough for cattle.

As we light the candle we enter Mary’s story. We reflect on the times when we’ve said “YES” to God and have had a strong trust in His ability to do the impossible. We also reflect on the times when maybe we haven’t had as strong of a faith and yearned to feel His presence.

May we find favor with God and respond with a Yes. May the words of Mary be our very own: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.”

Question: God invited Mary to do something very special -- to be the mother of Jesus. He sent His invitation to Mary through the angel Gabriel. God invites every person on earth to do things, very special things. But, He does not usually use angels to invite us. What are some of the ways that God invites you to do the special things He has for you to do? What are some of the things that God has called you to do in the past? What is He calling you toward now in your life?

Peace, Hope and Love
Doug