What is Advent?~ A Video Tutorial

Adventitious Thoughts~ What is Advent?

You don't have to limit your understanding of Advent to a chocolate calendar, and you don't have to be 'put off' by traditions and practices that you didn't grow up learning. Whether you’re a novice or an ‘old hand’ at Celebrating Advent-Advent is for anyone who is interested in cultivating an awareness of the importance of developing a Spirituality of Waiting...Our relationship with God is hallmarked by phases of waiting- we waited for Jesus to come to Bethlehem...We wait for Him to come to us personally each day...And We wait for Him to return again to the Earth in Glory!

What is Advent?

It is the tradition of observing the four weeks preceding Christmas which was started by Christians in the Middle Ages.

The word “advent’ means…“Coming”…“Arrival”…

The Focus of the advent season is the Coming of the Christ-child…The Fulfillment of God’s promise….

The Spirit of Advent is that of …Expectation…Anticipation…Preparation…Longing…And Hope…

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas which is nearest to November 30th

Advent ends on December 24th.

An Advent Wreath is usually a circular wreath that is made with evergreens and has five candles~ four around the wreath and one in the center. The circle of the wreath reminds of us God himself…His eternality…His unending mercy…He is the Alpha and the Omega…the beginning and the end…In Him is life everlasting…

The green of the wreath speaks of the hope we have in everlasting life… of renewal…of newness…His mercies are new every morning!

The candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His Son.The four outer candles and the four weeks of advent represent the period of waiting between the prophets Malachi and the birth of Jesus.There are five candles…each lit on successive Sundays.There are three purple or blue candles which symbolize hope, royalty and penance.One pink or rose colored candle represents Joy…
The large white candle which is in the center is the Jesus candle- it represents Hope fulfilled…The light of the candles reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into our darkness.We are reminded that we have been called out of darkness into His Marvelous Light…

Prayer Before Advent: Father, today as we begin our time of preparation for the celebration of the birthday of Your Son, we ask that you prepare our hearts to receive Him. May the darkness…fear…shame…hopelessness…and sin that block us from truly knowing and worshipping You recede and the shadows fade away as His light shines in our lives…Amen.


The focus of the advent season is the Coming of the Christ-child…The fulfillment of God’s promise….

But…there is a double focus…

Past & Future…Christ has come…Though He is present in the world today through his Holy Spirit…Yet we wait for him to Come Again…

Even so, Lord Jesus~ Come!

I Wanna Be a “Romans 16” Woman!

‘Google’ it- I dare ya! Make sure you do accurately: “Romans 16 Woman”. Ya won’t find much: I found only two “hits” and one of them had a broken link- so that makes it an ‘even’ ONE!

Now, do the same for “Proverbs 31 Woman” and “Titus 2 Woman”. Whoa- now there you go- your getting lots of stuff now, aren’t ya? In fact, when I looked, Proverbs 31 yielded 43,800 results and Titus 2… yielded an astounding 1,200,000. Wow!

But Romans 16, poor Romans 16, despite the fact that it lists no less than 10 (including: Phoebe, Priscilla, Achaia, Mary, Junia, Stachys, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Julia) specific women who were commended by the Apostle Paul, only gets 2 hits.

Why is this?

More than likely, the reason for this is the same reason that I spent my entire life in Sunday school, five years (from eighth to twelfth grades) in Christian school, two years in Christian college and never even heard the names of other great women of the Bible such as: Deborah, Huldah, and Junia- until I went to seminary: It’s just not discussed in traditional Christian circles.

It should be, and here’s why: Doing so provides us with an accurate view of what true “traditional” gender roles looked like in the early church.

To ignore the passage (twenty seven verses, mind you) in Romans 16 and to only focus on at a couple of other New Testament verses in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 (the famous ‘women should be silent in the church’ passage); five verses in 1 Timothy 2:11-15 (the infamous ‘woman are not allowed to teach or have authority over a man’ quote); two verses in Titus 2:3-4 (advice for older and younger women regarding behavior), distorts our understanding of First Century Mediterranean and Early Church culture, and gives us a false foundation upon which we build up ideals about modern-day familial, cultural, and ecclesiastical roles, responsibilities, and relationships.


But where can you go to get reliable, trustworthy information? I think the first step in any journey must begin with prayerful planning and so I would suggest that you pray the prayer that God always answers: “Thy will be done,” as you ask God to reveal His will for your life and His will for your understanding. Offer Him your utter willingness to have your mind renewed and your thoughts transformed by him; relinquish to Him your pre-programmed paradigms and come to Him with an utter willingness to have His thoughts become yours.

Next, slowly and prayerfully-with an attitude that decreases you and increases Him- re-read the above passages, and ask the Holy Spirit to intervene within your understanding. Ask for the Living Word of God to read you and to speak His truth deeply within your heart. It will be hard (nearly impossible) to return to these scripture passages stripped of your pre-conceived notions, but remember; with God, all things are possible.

Now, either go online and read about Deborah, Junia and Huldah, or order several of the books that I talk about below.

John MacArthur’s book, Twelve Extraordinary Women: How God Shaped Women of the Bible, and What He Wants to Do with You, doesn’t list any of these women whose name’s I’ve listed above; a fact I’m not too surprised about, but I would have at least expected Deborah to be mentioned. She’s inarguably a major player: an Old Testament Judge and a prophet (a distinction given to only one other Biblical figure- Elijah), yet still gets minimal “press”. Elizabeth George, in her book entitled: "The Remarkable Women of the Bible and Their Message for Your Life Today" - does a little better, listing seven total woman (a bit of a different list) and includes Miriam and Deborah (two women who scripture clearly indicates where leaders in their own right); but mentions no one from Romans 16. In fact, a cursory online survey of the non-scholarly popular Christian publishing house-type books on “women of the Bible,” George’s is the only one who lists Deborah; and none of them mentions or lists any of the women from Romans 16, the most controversial of whom is a woman named “Junia.”

Who was Junia?
Described by Paul as an apostle “of note” (v. 7), Junia has sparked controversy among church scholars for centuries. Depending upon whose Kool-aid® you’ve been nipping at, you will either believe wholeheartedly that she was a woman and that the name got changed to a masculine version of the name somewhere along the line in a bit of a canonical ‘cover-up’(see here); or you will believe that there are a bunch of 'liberal' egalitarians who want to use this one verse to subvert the ecclesiastical order that the church has taken millennia to establish (see here). The arguments on both sides are scholarly and seemingly well made. Suffice it to say, the jury is out.

Junia’s debated role in the early church aside, the women of Romans 16 are important and can’t continue to be discounted. There are simply too many women mentioned-right alongside of men,with “job descriptions” that are the same- for them to be considered as having had merely “complementarian” roles (rather than egalitarian)and for their clearly stated statuses in the church to be ignored. Yet, ignored they are…

Here’s why we need to look at this scripture passage and see the people mentioned within it with new eyes:

First, they are listed because Paul was commending those in Rome to whom he was writing, and felt it important to list the “major players” in the Roman church, and why they were important. This in itself has value, as we can be sure that Paul knew his letter would be read aloud to a group. Hebrews 11, which lists a slew of famous and extraordinary Bible personalities and their great deeds of faith, may be the “Christian Hall of Fame;” but Romans 16 is the “Christian Academy Awards” because the commendations were being made to live recipients!

Consider the impact such a display/gesture must have made. Can you imagine those in the room listening to hear if their name was mentioned? Everyone would be intently sitting there, ears perked up to hear not only if their name was included in the list, but also to discern what things were being said about those who did make the list. “What does it take to get mentioned on such a list?” and “Will I be mentioned in such a list at a later date?” were surely the questions of the day. I know I’d be thinking that if I had been sitting there the first time that letter was read. Actually, I do it now. I hear the list and my mind races as I wonder if I'd have made the cut...

Secondly, the women noted were mentioned alongside of, and sometimes before the men.

Thirdly, the women mentioned were commended for a variety of roles in which they played within the church, all of which men also participated.

I stated earlier that when I read Romans 16, I think about where I fit into that list. I do. My heart races in my throat and I think to myself: “Will I be mentioned in such a list at a later date?” How does one get on the “A List”? Of course, to do so, one would need to do the things and have the attitudes for which these wonderful people were commended.

For example:
~serving (diakonon)- vs. 1-2 “Phoebe, a servant (diakonon- ‘deacon’; see Acts 6;1-7 for the role of a deacon in the early Christian Church) a great help to many people…”;
~ leading as a patron/benefactor (prostates) (vs 1-2)
~ fellow-laborers (sunergos) (vs. 3-4) Priscilla and Aquilla who risked their lives for another (Paul);
~ laborers(kopionti)- (v. 6) Mary who has worked hard;
~ kinsmen and fellow-prisoners Andronicius and Junias (vs 7)
~ Apostle (apostolos) (v.7).

Patron, disciple, servant, apostle, kinsman, brethren, fellow laborer, fellow prisoner to name a few. Tested and approved by Christ, Loved in the Lord, willing to die for a fellow believer in Christ. It is clear from this list that women in the early church participated fully in the life of their communities of faith.

Recently, Mark Driscoll again has come under fire for articulating a particularly sexist viewpoint and advocating subservient role of women in the church (the “Titus 2 Woman”). I agree we should be “Titus 2 women,” just as I affirm the benefit of being a “Proverbs 31” woman---but in the context of Romans 16. Because we must always remember that the ACTIONS of a person are not what is most important; what is most important is “faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 6:5). In other words, if I do all the things listed in Proverbs 31, yet do so without love and not within a spirit of love and obedience to the Missio Dei…I am nothing. (see I Cor. 13)

I want to be remembered as someone who lived passionately for Jesus and who lived to further God’s mission of reconciliation and redemption in the world; a person whom you knew would die for you, would do anything or you, was compassionate, gave all that I had and worked hard and with passion and creativity; as someone who was merciful and irenic in nature; loyal and encouraging, whose household reflected the same balance of reckless abandon and organization that I honored in my life…I have said it before and will stand by it to my dying day- I want my headstone to read: “Servant of Jesus: Everything she touched, She made beautiful.”

I believe this is a sound and doctrinally correct desire. When I say everything, I mean everything; my faith life and home life are not and never will be two separate entities. That said, my behavior must be reflective of , but not limited to the Titus 2 definition of a Godly woman.

In verses 17 through 19 of Romans 16, Paul writes:

“17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.”

In other words, he is instructing these early members of the church at Rome to be careful about things that divide them (in the 21st century church- we divide ourselves by gender frequently), and telling them who it is that believers should not associate with. It isn’t who you might think. Paul is actually telling believers to stay away from other believers (not non-believers) “who are not serving the Lord.” In other words, people who bring attention to differences rather than wholeheartedly serve the Lord, are not even to be associated with. This is a serious indictment and gives us a clear understanding that any form of prejudice (race, gender or otherwise) is to be considered despicable and unacceptable and those who practice such sin are to not be associated with. Similarly, in I Corinthians 5:9-11, Paul also clearly states that he is not advocating that believers disassociate themselves from un-believers (in fact, he says, that would be impossible!). The worst type of association, according to Paul, is one which depletes, divides, or diminishes the gospel, either because of divisiveness (Romans 16) or because of disingenuous Christianity (I Corinthians 5).

It’s high time that we (i.e. those of us who are neither Jew nor Greek, nor male nor female…those of us who are “in Christ”) start spending more of our efforts assessing whether or not we (individually) can be included in "The Christian Academy Awards," rather than judging others to determine who can or who cannot be on that list; and wwe should instead, take Paul’s advise in verses 17-19.

That’s why I want to be a Romans 16 Believer…

I want to be the kind of person who is more interested in bringing about God's Kingdom than dividing it up...

September 11, 2010: IN MEMORIAM

Matthew Flocco

Today is the 9th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The media is saturated with pundits that are giving their opinions about the events that occurred that fateful day. I am going to make my points briefly...What happened on 9-11-01 is not about pundits, or politics, or perceptions. It is about PEOPLE. It is about the people that died and their family and friends who will never, ever have them again...In memory of those people, I have attached a list of the names with included biographical information.

Additionally, I'd like to mention one person who died that day who is more special to me because of a connection I have to him. His name is Matthew Flocco. Matt was the only Delwarean to die on 9-11. He was stationed that day at the Pentagon, a huge honor for such a young man, but he had potential and those who knew him knew he was going places. He died that day at the age of 21, robbed of the opportunity to reach that potential. Matthew was the only child of my parents' next door neighbors. We did not know him when he died, but after the government settled his estate, his parents (his only beneficiaries) bought the house next door to my parents. My parents have grown to know this wonderful couple, Sheila and Michael Flocco, and have felt privileged to walk this part of their journey with them.

Here is a series of videos done by a reporter from the Washington Post and aired on ABC about Micheal, a sheetmetal worker who went down and helped rebuild the pentagon.

Here is his hero page. Please take your time to write a comment. I'm sure it would be especially appreciated by his grieving parents.

How to Not Be an Ant: Listening Lesson- Part 1

Okay, so as you know, I've been attempting to put into practice these "Listening as a Spiritual Practice" exercises- and the other day, I find myself at the Dollar store...

I had my cart loaded with items and was leaving the store when I realized that the cart had one of those poles on it that prevents you from taking it out of the store. I was stopped dead in my tracks at the door. I quickly began grabbing as many bags as I could carry to my car and as I looked behind me was horrified to see that I was inadvertently blocking someone else's exit from the store. I made a point to look directly into her eyes and smile as I apologized for my blocking her progress.

I think that the fact that I addressed her personally and intentionally, rather than just robotically saying a quick "Oops, I'm sorry" as I looked at the floor, made a huge difference in her response.

She said, "Where's your car?" and then began picking up the remainder of my shopping bags.

When we got to the car, I thanked her profusely and asked her her name; then, addressing her by name, I again thanked her profusely telling her that I wished I could repay her kindness.

"Just keep me in your prayers," she said as she turned to walk to her car.

"Cheryl, anything in specific you want me to pray for?" I called out to her as she was walking away.

She stopped dead in her tracks, turned back around and began walking back across the parking lot to me.

And so, in the parking lot outside of the Dollar Tree, this perfect stranger shared her concern for the salvation of her sons with me... And right there in the bright sunlight of a beautiful August morning on Main street in Newark, DE- I gave her a promise from scripture (Isaiah 54:13- all your children will be raised in peace) and we agreed in prayer, thanking God for his promise to raise her children according to that scripture.

We then gave each other a "high five," and got into our cars and drove away- both of us forever changed...

Wow. I'm sold. What a difference this makes!

I will continue to update you on my further progress...

Peace!

The Spirituality of Listening

I've been listening to a lot of voices who seem to be talking about the same subject: Listening.

Recently, I watched this excerpt from the movie Waking Life on YouTube:

"Zombie Auto-pilot"...Wow, what a frightening thought! If we're on auto-pilot, then there is no intentionality in our day-to-day life- and certianly no life in our life. Living that way, I'm sure is not living the abundant life to which Christ has call us.

It's got me wondering how often I am actually present in a conversation, waiting for the next words to be spoken...because, very often, the opposite is taking place- I am waiting for that person to finish speaking, so that I can convey my oh-so-important point.

That's not listening. That's not participating in conversation. It does violence to the other. It devalues their personhood. It lacks sensitivity and, most importantly, it is not Christlike.

I don't do it all the time- but I do it enough. So, I decided that I need to stop doing it altogether.

In conjunction with this, I am revisiting Henri Nouwen's A Spirituality of Waiting, and am realizing that to concept of listening and waiting are intricately connected. Nouwen describes a waiting that is active, not passive. He describes a waiting that leaves open space for the growth and nurture of "something." Finally, he discusses the importance of recognising the importance of and need for not only an active waiting, but a waiting period in which one is acted upon.

As I go about my day performing the mundane tasks that are required for continued existence, I am beginning to re-train myself to be present in the moment, present to the moment, and alive and waiting actively with expectation (pregnant hope, if your will) for something wonderful to burst forth. In doing so, every interaction with another becomes an opportunity to experience a divine appointment, and to be acted upon by God through the lives of others.

And so, I am on a journey to stop living like an ant...

In order to do this, I am going to actively strengthen my ability to practice the Spirituality of Waiting and the Spirituality of Listening.

Here are some tips I'm going to try in doing this that I got from reading a blog entitled Blog One Another:

Exercises to Develop the Spirituality of Listening:

•Observe yourself during conversations. When the other person is talking, are you listening, or are you thinking about what you will say next?
•Break out of "ant auto-pilot". The next time you are buying something and the cashier says, "How are you today," can you turn the programmed ritual into a conversation? Ask for their opinion about something, even something random. When they say, "Thank you and have a good day," don't reply, "Thanks, you too," as you look at your receipt. Instead, look them in the eyes, thank them by name, and give them a blessing.
•The next time you have a disagreement, ask yourself, "What if they are right?" Even with something you think is flat-out wrong, say a quick prayer: "Master, show me the grain of truth in what they are saying."
•When somebody agrees with you, remind yourself that they see the world through their own experiences, for their own purposes. Does that deflate your pride somewhat?
•Practice listening to strangers, acquaintances, colleagues, friends, and family. Try it at home, at work, at school, on the street. Where is it easier or harder? With whom is it easier or harder?
•Invite yourself to someones home for a meal. Invite others to your home. Listen, and let these moments change you.

I'll keep you posted on my progress...

Jesus Revolution

by Tracy B. Dickerson

I pledge allegiance to the Flagellated One;
The One who in the Garden prayed for Unity.
Who Made the Stars and formed the Sun,
and in great Love Bore the Stripes for Me.
I pledge allegiance to The One
Who on a Gentle Donkey Rode;
I Pledge Allegiance to My Lord,
The One Who says,

“Put down your sword,
and use it now to plow the sod,
then give the harvest back to God.”
No Other Earns My Loyalty,
Save for The One Who Cried...
then Died for me.

copyright, 2010 Tracy B. Dickerson