I might have called this a “Christmas gift” or “Christmas offering>, but I like the message as it is. I’m repeating this recommendation from 2012. It ties in well with the Advent Book study we have been enjoying at West Allis First United Methodist Church: Pastor Mike Slaughter’s Christmas is not Your Birthday.
Jim Wallis has written this month on Christmas giving:
Religion is far too judgmental. Surveys show that many people think that, especially a new generation of young people who — more than ever before — are checking the “none of the above” religious affiliation box.
—-
A recent Harris International and World Vision poll showed that Americans plan to spend more this Christmas season on consumer gifts than they did last year, but give less to charities and ministries that help the poor. Many say they are less likely to give a charitable gift as a holiday present — a drop from 51 percent to 45 percent.
So we will have more Christmas presents this year, but less help for the poor. While retailers, economists, and politicians may rejoice at the news about higher consumer spending this year, the lower levels of support for the ones Jesus called “the least of these” should legitimately bring some moral judgments from the faith community.
Indeed, the Matthew 25 scripture that this text is taken from is one of the few and most judgmental passages in all the New Testament. About some things, Jesus was judgmental. The Gospel clearly says that how we treat the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the prisoner, is how we treat Jesus. That’s is pretty judgmental, especially when you go on to read what will happen to those who ignore Jesus in this way.
So let’s counter the results of the survey with a Christmas Tithe. Gather your family together around this, send the idea to your friends and fellow believers, take the idea to church, write letters to the editor in your local paper. Let’s all decide this Christmas to tithe a percentage of all that we give in Christmas presents directly to the poor; who were given the greatest gift at the first Christmas with a child born in a stable who promised to bring them “good news.”
His full essay can be found at the link above. Christmas Tithe
A D V E N T 2 0 1 4: D E V O T I O N S T O O U R G O D I N T H E M A N G E R
Week 4 Human
Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Human Too
So human, so child,
Can it be?
And now I remember that Jesus takes shape in we humans;
it is not our form,
but a repetition of form.
May I become human as God became human.
May I change and be transformed,
as a child of Him.
May I be scandalized and upset by
this image of the God-man;
may I see the sanctity and seriousness.
May my faith be renewed as a child.
I see this image of hope now.
Light and growth in some mirror,
I see things anew.
We have a strong city, Salvation City, built and fortified with salvation.
Throw wide the gates so good and true people can enter.
People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole,
steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit.
Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing.
Those who lived high and mighty he knocked off their high horse.
He used the city built on the hill as fill for the marshes.
All the exploited and outcast peoples build their lives on the reclaimed land. (The Message)
One: Sometimes we are so depressed we think we may need
psychiatric intervention.
All: Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They
will soar on wings like eagles.
One: But sometimes we see only black and blue thoughts. The deeper
we get into the holiday season, the sadder we get.
All: Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They
will soar on wings like eagles.
One: Even when we are called to live a life of joy, sometimes we see
circumstances that are dark and gloomy.
All: Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They
will soar on wings like eagles.
One: Sometimes we feel so alone.
All: Rejoice always!
One: Sometimes we feel our health failing and our bodies growing old,
and we feel we have nothing anymore!
All: Rejoice always!
One: Sometimes we are so deep in grief, grief is all we see. We are so
tired of pretending to be joyful! We feel like we have to pretend
to be Christmas-y!
All: Rejoice always!
One: Sometimes we know we will get over this hump, but we need the
prayers of many others. We need the gentle hugs and the
attentive ears of our brothers and sisters.
All: Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They
will soar on wings like eagles.
Lord, teach us to remember to pray for others. May we be so
bound up in love with those for whom we pray that we may
feel their needs as acutely as our own and intercede for them
with sensitivity, with understanding and with imagination.
We ask this in Christ’s name. Amen. (byJohn Calvin)
Scripture Lessons:
Psalm 103: A David Psalm
O my soul, bless GOD. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless GOD, don’t forget a single blessing!
He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.
God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud. Men and women don’t live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, but a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. God’s love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, making everything right for them and their children as they follow his covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said.
God has set his throne in heaven; he rules over us all. He’s the King! So bless God, you angels, ready and able to fly at his bidding, quick to hear and do what he says. Bless God, all you armies of angels, alert to respond to whatever he wills. Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are— everything and everyone made by God. And you, O my soul, bless God! (The Message)
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
(The Message)
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(The Message)
1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (The Message)
Matthew 10:29-31
What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. (New Living Translation)
Response:
One: This is the illuminating Word of God.
All: For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from
my youth.
Lighting the Advent Candles
One: We light the candle of Hope as we await the coming of
Jesus, who is our source of hope. (first candle is lit)
All: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of hope, in our times of
emptiness and Darkness.
One: We light the candle of Peace, knowing that Jesus is the
Prince of Peace. (second candle is lit)
All: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of peace in our times of
uncertainty and fear.
One: We light the candle of Joy, knowing that our comfort and help come from God. (third candle is lit)
All: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of joy in our times of
sadness and Grief.
One: We light the candle of Love, knowing that God is love
revealed to us in Jesus Christ. (fourth candle is lit)
All: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of love in our times of
loneliness.
One: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God.
All: The Word became flesh and lived among us, full of
grace and truth.
One: In him was life, and that life was the light of all. We know that
Jesus is our hope, our peace, our joy and the source of love.
Lighting our own Candles
We light our own candles as we sing
Hymn: “Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel” Hymnal No. 211
The Christmas Story: Luke 2: 1-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Birth of Jesus
2 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 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: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,[a] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,[b] praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”[c]
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Benediction:
One: Jesus Christ is the light of the world, the light no darkness can
overwhelm. Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening, and the day is
almost over. Let your light scatter the darkness and shine on your
people. Renew our Hope. Alleluia!
All: and Amen.
A D V E N T 2 0 1 4: D E V O T I O N S T O O U R G O D I N T H E M A N G E R
Week 4 Human
Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Human Healing
So human, so frail,
Can it be? He lifts us up and raises us, human response and divine guide.
We are low and our spirits ail, and He is our resurrection.
We are in dread and aware of pains not real, and yet real, and
He raises us whole.
He is our healer, our redeemer,
our Savior.
We light the candle of Hope as we await the coming of
Jesus, who is our source of hope.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of hope, in our times of
emptiness and Darkness.
We light the candle of Peace, knowing that Jesus is the
Prince of Peace.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of peace in our times of
uncertainty and fear.
We light the candle of Joy, knowing that our comfort and help come from God.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of joy in our times of
sadness and Grief.
We light the candle of Love, knowing that God is love
revealed to us in Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of love in our times of
loneliness.
In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God.
The Word became flesh and lived among us, full of
grace and truth.
In him was life, and that life was the light of all. We know that
Jesus is our hope, our peace, our joy and the source of love.
In manger born,
He moves about with us,
yesterday and today.
He invites the Spirit to be in us,
and we are filled,
redeemed in Holy words.
He is the light in the darkness of our night.
He is the Word, filling our spirits.
He heals us and leads us to eternity.
We yearn to see Him each day.
(c) Tom Bolton, 20 December 2014, Bay View Wisconsin
Unfair actions happen all around me.
Unknown to many, your Word is fair, because
You are righteous, as you teach us.
Untested at once, we seize hold of
your word, because it is fair and reliable.
Unused to such truth, I burn up with fervor,
Unable to forget these words.
Ugly, ugly; ugliness is all around,
but your word, Holy One, is tested, and
I love it. I love to be with you, God-of-grace.
I am unimportant,
Unimportant, and yet you gave me words to hold as my own.
Unimportant as I am, your
Word is reliable to me.
Unrepentant too often, I find trouble in terror,
but the word of Just-God gives me joy.
Unfailing, the written words are always there for me,
and I am open: Help me to
Understand the words, so that I will live.
V. Voice of My New Life
Voiced with all my heart, I want so much to hear you.
I’ll keep obeying you always anyway. Can I?
Voice–plaintive, plennary voice! Hearing my voice, you give me
Victory, new life.
Viewed before dawn, life looked so low, but I
vaulted from my bed to cry and call for you.
Viewing my hope, I am firm in your words:
Joyful in the word. Blessed!
Joy in your word! Teach me.
Vast is your mercy, God-of-grace. Hear my voice.
Voice of my new life, teach me these Scriptures.
Vying with me for all things, over all things,
volumes are heaped on me: volumes separate them–evil–from you.
Vexed, I try to understand, to make your reliable words mine.
You are close to me, near by me, Holy One.
Volumes ago, and eons ago, I learned from your words:
Teach me again to cry out like that.
(c) Tom Bolton, Milwaukee, February 2012
Nearing the final stanza of my devotional poem about Psalm 119.
I believe, I believe, I believe,
and I am giddy in joy,
warm and excitable this day.
Today my longing is deepened, my
search for home more lively.
Hope thrives in the wilderness,
my dreams made new each day,
God waiting for me in the stillness,
the stillness awakening me.
My smallest concern is in this wilderness,
Jesus my comforter.
I am a partner in hope,
redeemed.
Let peace begin with me,
shared through me.
I have surrendered my cluttered thoughts,
awake in joy–
Joy in redemption.
God heals the world,
and I walk gently in the way of Christ’s peace,
this way,
Shalom bringer,
walking home with joy.
My spirit rejoices!
I joyfully walk home.
A D V E N T 2 0 1 4: D E V O T I O N S T O O U R G O D I N T H E M A N G E R
Week 3 Redeemed
Redeemed, Help my Faith
I believe, I believe, I believe,
I believe, and yet:
Help my unbelief today.
How can it be?
Redeemed and healed, I am often filled with joy,
And yet,
Where does this unbelief come from? Where was it hidden?
Was it hidden at all?
When this faith becomes doubtful of itself,
it stands in temptation again,
as it was in the beginning, in the edge of the garden.
Fragile in our faith, we are sorely tested
each day.
It was
God’s love—his grace—in Jesus that saves us.
It is our faith that takes us there to gaze on Jesus,
To grab hold of His grace, His forgiveness, His empowerment;
Lord, I ride my faith to return to your power.
My faith is in a great, great God.
Yet my faith can be so small;
Help me Lord. Redeem me anew.
Hopeful 