Friday, December 31, 2010

On the Seventh day of Christmas- My TRUE LOVE Gave to Me...


Today is December 31st- Happy "Seventh Day of Christmas"!

Today we think about the “Seven Swans A-swimming” which represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit:
1) prophecy,
2) ministry,
3) teaching,
4) exhortation,
5) giving,
6) leading, and
7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11).

Today we contemplate on these spiritual gifts and we focus on how God gives them to us to enhance our role in His Mission to the world. We know that through these unique spiritual giftings, God intends us to uniquely bless the World.

We ask these questions: How has God’ created me to do his work? What are the works that He has already created for me to do?

Prayer:

Father God, Thank You for being our True Love,
Thank You for giving us physical life,
Thank You for enhancing our physical lives with
beautiful things and beautiful ways...
Beautiful things that we can see Your glory in our exterior lives, and
Beautiful ways that we might manifest your Glory and beauty to others through our interior lives.
Thank You for allowing us to participate in your mission of restoration and redemption to the world.
Help us to find new, exciting, creative, and wholly unique ways in which to reflect Your glory and thus
bring others into the Joy that is your Kingdom!
~Amen~

Thursday, December 30, 2010

On the Sixth Day of Christmas, My TRUE LOVE Gave to Me...


Today is December 30th- Happy "Sixth Day of Christmas"!

Today we think about the “Six Geese A-laying” which represent the six days of creation that confess God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).

Today, we think of the Six Geese and the Six Days of Creation and we think of: PROCESS...

God's Act of Creation was not a one-time deal...it unfolded over a period of time... and it is sustained and nurtured by Him to this very day...additionally, we know that it will continue into some point in the the future, and eventually restored/replaced/redeemed (we don't quite know how) Revelation 21:1...

Such is our salvation...far from a one-time act, our salvation may have begun with a prayer, but it's effects unfold over time, and we must nourish it and encourage it's unfolding and continued growth. This is what: "...He that began a good work in us will carry it on to completion..." (Philippians 1:6 -New International Version, ©2010) is talking about.

We are a work in progress- begun, but not complete; and that work is being carried on by God. But we are not passive recipients of this work; we work with God in this process- as we clearly see in the following chapter of Philippians (2:12-13) where Paul instructs us to: "...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." (Philippians 2:12-13 -New International Version, ©2010)

Our salvation involves assent, then cooperation, and finally- perseverance, for as James writes: "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

"Not lacking anything..." I like that!

What this means, then, is that we cannot merely expect to recite the equivalent of an incantation with the expectation of an eternal reward. God's work in and through us is much too complex, mysterious, and beautiful to be reduced to such an understanding.

This is what it means to be "A New Creation" (II Corinthians 5:17) or Born Anew (John 3:3-7)…birth is the beginning of a lifelong process- not merely and end unto itself!

So today, as we think about the "Six Geese A-laying" which represent the Six Days of Creation, we contemplate how we are New Creations when we begin to follow Jesus, and that our walk with God is a process that requires active participation, cooperation, and perseverance over the course of a lifetime. Because of this we realize that when we accept God's gracious gift of salvation, we become not simply beneficiaries of God’s redemptive work in the world, but we are also called and expected to become ambassadors and co-creators with God…agents of continual restoration and redemption of God’s New Creation in the world.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for being Our TRUE LOVE!
Thank You for beginning a good work in us.
Thank You for carrying it on unto completion-
(often despite our efforts to the contrary).
Thank You for acting in our lives to fulfill Your Good Purpose for the world.
Help us to be active participants in the process.
Help us to persevere.
We ask this not so we can get something from you-
(supernatural self-improvement)
but so that we can have the honor of
participating with You in the redemption of the world.
~Amen~

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

On the Fifth Day of Christmas, My TRUE LOVE Gave to Me...




Today is December 29th- Happy "Fifth Day of Christmas"!


Today we think about the "5 Golden Rings" which symbolize the Five Books of the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy)- also known as "The Pentateuch."


These five books, also referred to as "The Law," recount the story of humankind's brokenness and God’s glorious response of grace to us.


Today we contemplate God’s grace and mercy, that He should allow us to participate in the unfolding of His story.


Prayer:


Lord, God...

Thank You for being our True Love

Thank You for relentlessly pursuing humankind through history with your gracious and unending love,

Thank You for taking on flesh like us to offer us the ultimate form of love...

the kind that lays down its own life,

Thank You for letting us be part of your Glorious and Gracious story,

Help us to become better and better at relentlessly pursuing relationship with others that we might participate with You fully in restoring, redeeming and reconciling the entire world back to Yourself.

Amen

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, My TRUE LOVE Gave to Me...

Today is December 28th,
Happy "Fourth Day of Christmas"!
Today we think about the "4 Calling Birds” which represent The Four Gospels:
1) Matthew,
2) Mark,
3) Luke, and
4) John...
...which proclaim the Gospel ("Good News") of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself through Jesus Christ.

We think especially about the words of Jesus found in the Gospel of Luke- in which Jesus quoted from the Old Testament book of Isaiah:

He came to Nazareth where he had been reared. As he always did on the Sabbath, he went to the meeting place. When he stood up to read, he was handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll, he found the place where it was written,
God's Spirit is on me;
he's chosen me to preach the Message of good news to
the poor,
Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and
recovery of sight to the blind,
To set the burdened and battered free,
to announce, "This is God's year to act!"
He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the place was on him, intent. Then he started in, "You've just heard Scripture make history.
It came true just now in this place."
Luke 4:18-21 (The Message)


Today, we contemplate ways in which we can be harbingers of the Good News that we love to live and long to tell.

Prayer:
Jesus, Thank You for being our TRUE LOVE~
Thank You for coming to us to proclaim the Good news, and for initiating God's Kingdom here on earth~
Thank You for giving sight to the blind,
Thank You for setting those of us in bondage free,
Thank You for giving wholeness to those of us who experience brokenness.
Help us to be your servants and to help you continue to bring, insight, wholeness, and freedom to the world!
Amen.

Monday, December 27, 2010

On the Third Day of Christmas, My TRUE LOVE Gave to Me...

Today is December 27th, Happy "Third Day of Christmas"!


Today we think about the "3 French Hens" which symbolize the The Three Theological Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Love (I Corinthians 13:13)


Today we will keep things very simple, as we


Contemplate the Object of our Faith...Jesus,


...the Source of our Hope....Jesus,


...and the Source of our Love...Jesus.


Prayer:

Lord Jesus, Thank You for being our True Love,

Thank you for enabling us to have faith in you,

Thank you for giving us us hope for

an abundant life in the here and now,

and an eternal life, later...

Thank you for loving us and giving us the privilege of

loving you and loving others.


Sunday, December 26, 2010

On the Second Day of Christmas...My TRUE LOVE Gave to Me...

Today is December 26th. Happy "Second Day of Christmas"!

Today we think about the "2 Turtle Doves" which symbolize The Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The dove is also a symbol of peace (shalom).


Together, the old and new testaments bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God and God's mission to the world. God's mission to the world is one of restoration, reconciliation, redemption and shalom.


In some countries (many which were once under the British flag), it is also called “Boxing Day”- a tradition that dates to the Middle Ages, or possibly even to the late Roman/early Christian era. In times of old, metal boxes were placed outside churches used to collect special offerings that were associated with to the Feast of Saint Stephen. St. Stephen's Day/The Feast of St. Stephen, is a Christian saint's day celebrated on 26 December in the Western Church and 27 December in the Eastern Church. It commemorates St Stephen, the first Christian martyr who was in charge of the first seven ‘deacons’ –or servants- in the Early Church who were assigned to caring for the ill, poor, widowed and orphaned. (You've sung about this day, if you've sung the Christmas Carol "Good King Wenceslas")


Today we contemplate the unity of the Old and New Testaments, as we see The Story of God’s Mission in and to the world, and we reflect on how we've seen God's redemptive work in the world played out…First, through Christ’s penultimate example, but we also reflect upon how God wants us to continue this mission...


We think about God’s justice and mercy in the world and ask ourselves: What have I done to further God’s redemptive work in the world? How have I been a servant to those around me who are less fortunate? How do I model and advance God's Kingdom of shalom?


Today, we look forward to a New Year in which we have yet another opportunity to be intentional in our acts of mercy and justice to others for the glory of God.


Prayer:

Lord God, Thank You for the gift of Your Word...

Thank You for letting us know in writing that

You have a purpose, a plan, and a mission

to redeem, restore, and reconcile,

Thank You for Allowing us to be recipients of this redemption, restoration, and reconciliation,

Thank You for Allowing us to be also be Agents of Your redemptive plan for the world...


Saturday, December 25, 2010

On the First Day of Christmas, My TRUE LOVE Gave To Me...


Today is December 25th- Happy "First Day of Christmas"!

Today we think about the "Partridge in a Pear Tree” which symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate today.


In the song, “The Twelve days of Christmas,” Christ is symbolically represented as a partridge.


Mother partridges are known to feign injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings. In Luke 13: 34, Jesus said: “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so…”


Today, we celebrate the birth of The One who was injured for our transgressions and who provides us shelter beneath His wings.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord Jesus for being our TRUE LOVE...

and for being Our Protector, Our Redeemer,

Our Shelter, Our Savior!

Thank you for putting on flesh, and coming to a lowly manger,

Thank you for taking up residence in my heart!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Origins of the Twelve Days of Christmas



by Dennis Bratcher

The Twelve Days of Christmas is probably the most misunderstood part of the church year among Christians who are not part of liturgical church traditions. Contrary to much popular belief, these are not the twelve days before Christmas, but in most of the Western Church are the twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany (January 6th; the 12 days count from December 25th until January 5th). In some traditions, the first day of Christmas begins on the evening of December 25th with the following day considered the First Day of Christmas (December 26th). In these traditions, the twelve days begin December 26 and include Epiphany on January 6.


The origin and counting of the Twelve Days is complicated, and is related to differences in calendars, church traditions, and ways to observe this holy day in various cultures (see Christmas). In the Western church, Epiphany is usually celebrated as the time the Wise Men or Magi arrived to present gifts to the young Jesus (Matt. 2:1-12). Traditionally there were three Magi, probably from the fact of three gifts, even though the biblical narrative never says how many Magi came. In some cultures, especially Hispanic and Latin American culture, January 6th is observed as Three Kings Day, or simply the Day of the Kings (Span: la Fiesta de Reyes, el Dia de los Tres Reyes, or el Dia de los Reyes Magos; Dutch: Driekoningendag). Even though December 25th is celebrated as Christmas in these cultures, January 6th is often the day for giving gifts. In some places it is traditional to give Christmas gifts for each of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Since Eastern Orthodox traditions use a different religious calendar, they celebrate Christmas on January 7th and observe Epiphany or Theophany on January 19th.


By the 16th century, some European and Scandinavian cultures had combined the Twelve Days of Christmas with (sometimes pagan) festivals celebrating the changing of the year. These were usually associated with driving away evil spirits for the start of the new year.


The Twelfth Night is January 5th, the last day of the Christmas Season before Epiphany (January 6th). In some church traditions, January 5th is considered the eleventh Day of Christmas, while the evening of January 5th is still counted as the Twelfth Night, the beginning of the Twelfth day of Christmas the following day. Twelfth Night often included feasting along with the removal of Christmas decorations. French and English celebrations of Twelfth Night included a King's Cake, remembering the visit of the Three Magi, and ale or wine (a King's Cake is part of the observance of Mardi Gras in French Catholic culture of the Southern USA). In some cultures, the King's Cake was part of the celebration of the day of Epiphany.


The popular song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is usually seen as simply a nonsense song for children with secular origins. However, some have suggested that it is a song of Christian instruction, perhaps dating to the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Christian Faith. They contend that it was a mnemonic device to teach the catechism to youngsters. The "true love" mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith. Each of the "days" represents some aspect of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn.


However, many have questioned the historical accuracy of this origin of the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. While some have trying to debunk this as an "urban myth" out of personal agendas, others have tried to deal with this account of the song's origin in the name of historical accuracy (see Snopes on The 12 Days of Christmas). There is little "hard" evidence available either way. Some church historians affirm this account as basically accurate, while others point out apparent historical and logical discrepancies.


However, we need to acknowledge that the "evidence" on both sides is mostly in logical deduction and probabilities. Lack of positive evidence does not automatically provide negative evidence. One internet site devoted to debunking hoaxes and legends says that, "there is no substantive evidence to demonstrate that the song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' was created or used as a secret means of preserving tenets of the Catholic faith, or that this claim is anything but a fanciful modern day speculation..." What is omitted is that there is no "substantive evidence" that will disprove it either.


It is certainly possible, in fact probable, that this view of the song is legendary or anecdotal. Without corroboration and in the absence of "substantive evidence," we probably should not take rigid positions on either side and turn the song into a crusade for personal opinions. That would do more to violate the spirit of Christmas than the song is worth. So, for the sake of historical accuracy, we need to acknowledge the likelihood that the song had secular origins.


However, on another level, this should not prevent us from using the song in celebration of Christmas. Many of the symbols of Christianity were not originally religious, including even the present date of Christmas, but were appropriated from contemporary culture by the Christian Faith as vehicles of worship and proclamation. Perhaps, when all is said and done, historical accuracy is not really the point. Perhaps more important is that Christians can celebrate their rich heritage, and God's grace, through one more avenue this Christmas. Now, when they hear what they once thought was only a secular "nonsense song," they will be reminded in one more way of the grace of God working in transforming ways in their lives and in our world. After all, is that not the meaning of Christmas anyway?


Sunday, December 19, 2010

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Today, We Light the Fourth Candle: The Love and Angels Candle (3rd purple)

We Celebrate the growing brightness…
&
We Celebrate that His coming is closer!

The angels were the first creatures
to proclaim the coming…
They came to Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zechariah, and to the shepherds…
To tell them that God was going to send a Savior to His people
so that we would know that He loves us!

Voice 1: The Fourth Candle of Advent is the
Candle of Love. Its light reminds us of the
love that God had for us.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world
that He gave His only Son…

Voice 2: Jesus shows us God’s love…
He is God’s love in human form.

Voice 3: Love is patient…
Love is kind and envies no one.
Love is never boastful
or conceited, rude or selfish.
Love is not quick to take offense,
it keeps no record of wrongs,
it does not gloat over other people’s troubles
but rejoices in the right, the good, and the true.
There is nothing that love cannot face;
there is no limit to its hope…
Love never fails!

Voice 4: We light this candle today to remind us of
how God’s perfect love is found in Jesus.

~Light the Three Purple Candles,
And the One Rose Candle~

Prayer:
Loving God,
We thank You for your love!
Thank you for Jesus.
Help us to receive the Gift of Your son.
Help us to be worthy of that love
by loving others in Your name.
Amen.

Hymn:
Love Came Down at Christmas

~Extinguish Candles~

Sunday, December 12, 2010



Today is the Third Sunday of Advent

We Light the Third Candle:The Rose Candle(pink)

Today is also known as “White Gift Sunday.”

The tradition dates back to 1904 in Ohio. It was the idea of the wife of a Methodist minister and her two daughters. The women created the day borrowing from a Chinese tradition in which the people gave their king gifts wrapped in plain white paper so that every gift would look the same. They initiated this on the third Sunday of advent and asked parishioners to bring gifts to the church for others in the community who were in need. As with the Chinese tradition, the white paper allows for the ability for each person to be able to give what they are able, anonymously, so that people who can only give a little will not be embarrassed.

The White Gift Sunday idea gives us another way to share in the spirit of Christ and to emulate the God of love at Christmas. God loved us and gave the gift of His Son to us to show that love. In turn, we give gifts of love to people in need, through the year and as Christmastime. Additionally, we remember the gifts given by the Three Kings to the King of Kings. Finally, the "sameness" of the gifts reminds us that Our God put on flesh so that He would appear as one of us...

Advent Liturgy~

Voice 1: The Third Candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. It reminds us of the joy that Mary felt when the angel, Gabriel told her that a special child would be born to her- a child who would save and deliver the world.

Voice 2: God wants us all to experience Joy! The angel who announced to the shepherds that Jesus had been born told them: “Fear Not! I bring you Good Tidings of Great Joy for all people. Unto you is born this day…A Savior …The Messiah!”

Voice 3: We light this candle to remember that Jesus brings gifts to us…
Sight for the blind…
Dancing for the crippled…
Freedom for captives…
Beauty for ashes…
Laughter for mourning…
Peace for despair…

Voice 4: We light this candle today to remind us that He brings Joy to all who trust in Him.

~Light the Two Purple Candles,and the One Rose Candle~

Prayer:
Loving God,
We thank You for the joy that you bring us.
Help us prepare for this gift.
Bless our Christmas preparations.
Fill us with your joy.
Help us to know how to bring Your joy to others.
Amen.

Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 61

Hymn:
Joy to the World!

~Extinguish Candles~

Liturgy for the Third Week of Advent

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent

We Light the Third Candle:The Rose Candle(pink)

Today is also known as “White Gift Sunday.”

White Gift Sunday dates back to 1904 in Ohio. It was the idea of the wife of a Methodist minister and her two daughters. Borrowing from a Chinese tradition
in which the people gave their king gifts wrapped in plain white paper so that every gift would look the same, the women created this day, the third Sunday of advent, as a day when parishioners could bring gifts to the church for others in the community who were in need. As with the Chinese tradition, the white paper allows for the ability for each person to be able to give what they are able, anonymously so that people who can only give a little will not be embarrassed.

The White Gift shares in the spirit of Christ and the God of love at Christmas. God loved us and gave the gift of His Son to us to show that love. In turn, we give gifts of love to people in need, throught the year and as Christmastime.

White Gift Sunday celebrates the stewardship of God’s love and giving at the time of year when we remember the coming of the King of Kings.

Advent Liturgy~

Voice 1: The Third Candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. It reminds us of the joy that Mary felt when the angel, Gabriel told her that a special child would be born to her- a child who would save and deliver the world.

Voice 2: God wants us all to experience Joy!The angel who announced to the shepherds that Jesus had been born told them: “Fear Not! I bring you Good Tidings of Great Joy for all people. Unto you is born this day…A Savior …The Messiah!”

Voice 3: We light this candle to remember that Jesus brings gifts to us…
Sight for the blind…
Dancing for the crippled…
Freedom for captives…
Beauty for ashes…
Laughter for mourning…
Peace for despair…

Voice 4: We light this candle today to remind us that He brings Joy to all who trust in Him.

~Light the Two Purple Candles,And the One Rose Candle~

Prayer:
Loving God,
We thank You for the joy that you bring us.
Help us prepare for this gift.
Bless our Christmas preparations.
Fill us with your joy.
Help us to know how to bring Your joy to others.
Amen.

Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 61

Hymn:
Joy to the World!

~Extinguish Candles~

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Power of Your Name





The Power of Your Name
Written by Lincoln Brewster and Mia Fields
Performed by Lincoln Brewster and Darlene Zschech

Surely children weren't made for the streets
And fathers were not made to leave
Surely this isn't how it should be
Let Your Kingdom come

Surely nations were not made for war
Or the broken meant to be ignored
Surely this just can't be what You saw
Let Your Kingdom come
Here in my heart

And I will live
To carry on compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
And I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see your world be changed
By the power of Your name
By the power of Your name

Surely life wasn't made to regret
And the lost were not made to forget
Surely faith without action is dead
Let Your Kingdom come
Lord break this heart

And I will live
To carry on compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
And I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see your world be changed
By the power of Your name

Your name
Is a shelter for the hurting
Jesus Your name
Is a refuge for the weak
Only Your name
Can redeem the undeserving
Jesus Your name
Holds everything I need

And I will live
To carry on compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
And I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see your world be changed
By the power of Your name

And I will live
To carry on compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
And I will give
With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see your world be changed
By the power of Your name

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Second Sunday of Advent~ An Easy-to-do-at-Home-Liturgy (Video and Text)



Today, We Light the Second Candle:
It is "The Peace of Bethlehem Candle," and it is also purple.

It Symbolizes Peace

Prayer:

Loving God,
We Desperately need the Peace that you have promised.
We know that such peace is only found in Jesus.
Thank you for giving us Jesus.
Thank you for the peace you give us through Him.
Help us to prepare our hearts to receive Him.
Bless our hearts, soften our hearts,
Humble our lowly hearts as we receive your peace.
Amen.

~Light the Two Purple Candles~

Voice 1: The Second Candle of Advent is the “Candle of Peace”. It is sometimes called the “Bethlehem Candle” to remind us of the place and the preparations that were made to receive and cradle the Christ-child.

Voice 2: The Angels proclaimed: “Peace on Earth!” and announced God’s that God’s intention is to bestow peace upon us through the gift of His Son. Peace is a gift, and we must actively receive it. God gives us the gift of peace when we turn to Him in faith.

Voice 3: The prophet Isaiah calls Christ the “Prince of Peace.” Through John the Baptist and the other prophets, God asks us to prepare our hearts for the Christ-child’s coming. We are like Bethlehem… We decide whether out hearts will be like the Inn- no room…or like the lowly manger- humbly willing to house the King of Kings.

Voice 4: Our hope is in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ. Our peace is found in Him. We light this candle to remind us of the peace He brings us.

Prayer:

Loving God, thank you for the peace you give us in Jesus.
Thank you for preparing our hearts to receive Him.
As this Season of Advent continues, and throughout the year,
Continue to Bless and soften our hearts,that we might continue to Receive,
and then to Re-transmit Your Peace.
Help us to be Your Peace to a World that so desperately needs it.
We ask in the name of the One Born in Bethlehem…
Amen.

Hymn: Silent Night

~Extinguish Candles~