THE END????

 

 Recently, I've been asked by a variety of folks if these are the end times. I'm not real big on an end times faith focus and a belief of fret and fear. My experience with it has been....well, way too much heavy judgement as folks do their own sort  and export type of thing --- to quote Anne Lamott, "You can safely assume you've created God in your image when it turns out that God hates the same people you do."   This over-focus on the looming apocalypse creates a lot of immobilized, clenched disciples and that's not good for any movement .

A true story to further highlight my point. Let's file this experience in the "Major Misguided Ministry Ideas" folder. I was in seventh grade, my friend invited me to her Baptist church's Vacation Bible School (VBS).  The Jr. High class for that VBS was not familiar to me and my more relaxed church programs.  These budding adolescents were intense and I was intimidated. Case in point, when the daily snack was shared the teacher would select a kid to offer grace. The majority of the class offered prayers that went something like, "O, Sovereign of the Universe, you made the cow lower than man and to be in service to man. In your wisdom you also provided a harvest of wheat and sugar cane.  We are grateful for the cow's milk that strengthens us and for the wheat made into flour and mixed with sugar to provide a glimpse of life's sweetness and joy. For these gifts, we offer our thanks."  The one day I was asked to offer grace, I said, "Thank you for the cookies and milk."  You get the point.

Throughout the week the focus was on the end times and stories of the rapture. This was not often studied in my Methodist upbringing and I was uncomfortable and also quite freaked out. The rapture story that stuck in my mind was where two are out working in the field and one is taken and one is left behind. Good for the one gone to heaven, bad for the one left behind to endure the tribulations. 

Toward the close of the week these studies culminated in the teacher taking the class to the sanctuary, up to the altar and announcing that for the sake of our souls each one of us was now going to kneel and accept Jesus and, in a sense, get our afterlife passport stamped and sealed.  I may not have been able to pray for five minutes, using four syllable words and quoting scripture, yet, I knew this didn't sound right.  Wasn't this a personal decision made by an individual when one is ready to make that choice?  

Like every other kid in the class, I knelt, yet, that was all I did.  I was completely unsettled, scared and troubled.  That afternoon when I got home, I planned on talking with Mom. Now if there was anyone whom I knew would make it to heaven it was my mother  Regarding that story of the two women in the field, I was assured that Mom would be chosen and have her ticket punched for glory.  

I walked in the kitchen, Mom's domain, and she wasn't there.  I went downstairs to the laundry room, maybe she was doing the wash...not there either.  I ran upstairs, maybe she was cleaning the bedrooms, nope, not there. I asked my brother if he knew where was Mom and he answered that he hadn't seen her and didn't know where she was. I checked the garage, the back porch, the side yard....not in any of those places.  I thought it had happened...the rapture....Mom was taken and I and my brothers and sister and father were left behind, we didn't make the cut, bring on the fire.  I was terrified.

Fear-laden footsteps outside and a glance up to the field and I saw my Mom!  She was out in the garden and had stopped by to chat with the neighbor.  As she walked through the field to our house  I ran up to meet her. I was both thrilled and relieved. We were all still in the game!  

Surprised by my greeting and how close I stayed to her for the rest of the day (I figured if she went up in the rapture maybe I could grab on and get swept up as well....hey, in my mind it became every kid for one's self......) she asked me if everything was OK and I said that I just didn't like VBS and that I would be glad when it ended. "Why is that?" she asked. I replied that I didn't like a church that tried to make everyone afraid and that didn't sound right to me. 

Ours is not to scare, dare, bully or berate others into the faith. Ours is to love, journey and connect and extend grace and mercy.  That is how I understand my job and calling. I trust God to do the rest and to sort it all out and all in.  

So, are these the end times?  Who knows.  Jesus said that of that day and hour we do not know. He also said not to worry and to be about the work of God which is "to do what is just, to love tenderly and to walk humbly." Let our focus be there.

Sermon for the last Sunday of a long year

 LUKE 2. 22-40

DID YOU NOTICE?

This sermon is on the last Sunday of the year 2020; a year when the refrain of many is to just get it over (the year, not the sermon…or so I think that’s the case) a collective look toward a new year and putting this all behind us. 

When asked what one word best describes 2020 a frequent reply is LOSS or LOST.  

•  ·      Loss of life --- over 377,000 Americans, nearly 2 million worldwide
• ·        Loss of livelihood ---- record numbers of unemployment, businesses closing, foreclosures looming
• ·      Loss of normalcy --- we don’t go to stores, resteraunts, bars, movies, gyms, in-person worship, school
• ·      Loss of community
• ·      Loss of trust in one another and our institutions

 …..sigh…with so much loss how do we get found? How to find ourselves? How do we restore our connection to one another?

 What does this story in the Gospel of Luke have to do with helping to get us found?

 In these verses, it is clear that Luke, the gospel writer, wants to emphasize that Jesus was a faithful, obedient Jew.  His parents are in the temple to perform the purification ritual and to offer a sacrifice for the birth of their first born. As noted in the Law found in the Old Testament book, Leviticus, chapter 12 the required sacrifice was a lamb yet the law had a “poverty clause” that stated for those who could not afford a lamb, the sacrifice of two turtledoves was sufficient and was what Mary and Joseph offered. As writer, Fred Craddock puts it, “the parents were such who managed to get by on the religious equivalent of food stamps;” somehow that fact is even more poignant in this time of blocks-long lines for food bank pick-ups and the widening chasm between wealthy and poor.

 Luke emphasizes that this child will bring a broad, inclusive message for the Gentiles and the entire world….pssssst, that’s where you and I come in so we ought to be paying attention to what is taught and lived and try and follow actively.

 A pattern in Luke’s gospel is to include both men and women in his stories and illustrations. In the well-known parables of the lost sheep and prodigal there is the woman with the lost coin; the parable of the Good Samaritan followed by the story of Mary and Martha; the persistent widow who persistently bangs on the judge's door and the humble publican and here the introduction of Simeon and Anna, both older, faithful and long waiting and soon to have their faith confirmed by the appearance of the infant Jesus, the one for whom they’d been looking.  

 After a season of waiting, we are provided portraits of two people who had waited decades for the promise to be fulfilled. Do we need more of a contrast?  The young couple, their infant son and ancient Simeon and Anna; wrinkled hands and hunched shoulders, feeble legs and thinning hair gathering up the baby and prophesying the one Mary delivered will, in many ways, deliver.  

 In many ways the year 2020 has been a long slog of worry and waiting of tiredness and tension.  Our very nature as social beings has been compromised and isolation is the new reality. We are fearful and in our fear we become angry.

What answers do Simeon and Anna offer to we who live in a state of lost-ness?

I hope to seek, to build, to have the “prayerful expectancy” of Simeon.

I want and I need the constancy and commitment of Anna who kept showing up and keeping watch. 

  During these times there are a lot of movies being watch and re-watched; we are breaking out the films that inspire or comfort us with a laugh or a lesson or both.  The other day the film SIMON BIRCH checked both those boxes for me. After the death of his mother the character Joe says, “I’ve got faith. I just want proof to back it up.”  

I seek to develop and to strengthen the kind of faith that can embrace the mystery; a faith that is able to live in times of such uncertainty and unsettlement. I want to live a faith that believes in what I’ve not yet seen nor experienced because of what I already have seen and experienced in a God of love and Presence, of grace and joy, of inclusion and justice, of resurrection.

As we wind down the year 2020 and ready for a new year, a new beginning, I plan on so doing and suggest that we each engage in the practice of noticing.  To slow down and like those early reader books of “Dick and Jane” to look and to listen.  To pay attention and notice what is going on within one’s self, what is happening within the lives of those closest to us, within our community, our nation, our world.  

Notice. Notice and sit with and reflect on what you see, hear, feel. 

 As the old song by “Seals and Crofts” refrains “We may never pass this way again…” and as 2020 will soon fade into history many are probably echoing an Amen….whatever is ahead of us may we notice, may we experience, may we trust, may we be faithful.

 

 

 

ADVENT ALPHABET Conclusion

 W = WASSAILING

I for one always wondered exactly what this word meant --- is it a water sport? a beauty treatment?

It has two meanings --- the most common is caroling. I feel safe to express that the majority of us at one time or another have gathered with a group of folks and strolled the neighborhood singing in front of people's homes. It's generally a good time and for a good cause.

 I am not one blessed with the gift of song; as I often say my job is to sing harmony, which by definition is any note one's neighbor isn't singing and trust me there are not many persons who even come close to my tonal expressions.   Apparently, in merry Ol' England when folks went wassailing they at times went to the orchards and sung to the apple trees hoping to influence a sweet crop for grand beverages. Which leads to the second meaning, a reference to a hot mulled cider beverage.  

There you have it, the next time you're invited to go caroling make a stop at the local apple orchard and sing to the trees....it may help to have some mulled cider prior to this event.

X = XERUS        

Betcha' were't expecting that, were you????  As I'm sure you know a xerus is a ground squirrel and I'm confident there were a couple of 'em at the manger in Bethlehem.  In fact legend has it the xerus at the manger are why we have the tradition of cracking and eating nuts during the Christmas season...

Y =    Yule log. 

How many of you at least once during this holiday season (and you may yet utter it) when faced with a plate of cookies or a pie or an adult beverage or a cheese and butter laden holiday feast, said, "Ahhh, what they heck, it's Christmas......"  

Food and treats are central to our celebrations.  I'm one who likes to say that I have friends in food places and part of belonging to a local community is to visit, support and get to know the local eateries and establishments. Trust me, these are good places to know.  

I'm a fan of good, local bakeries that have been around for at least a couple decades. On the North Side of Pittsburgh and one of my all-time favorites is THE PRIORY, so named because a Benedictine monastery once was housed there.  The tag line at THE PRIORY bakery is "Thou Shalt." How can one not love and frequent a place like that!!!! 

Along with beignets on Fat Tuesday (if they know you they'll make them fresh and hot just for you), amazing pies, damn fine doughnuts and a wide cookie selection, they also make Yule logs for Christmas.  Of course, there is the icing and the cake and it's all rolled together...yet, the darn thing is quite aesthetically pleasing....right down to the icing-made mushrooms the dessert is a work of art.   

Z = ZOOM

These holiday seasons have been rough for many.  We are not able to wander aimlessly in a book store or a toy store looking for some great gifts, we don't have the holiday parties and we are not with our families in all those old familiar ways that we'll never again take for granted. Yet, the wonders of technology through ZOOM have made it possible to meet and see each other, do studies and even game nights.  To ponder that this is possible and we've managed to grow somewhat at ease with it is amazing.  

We will journey through this and we will again be together in all those familiar ways...it can't come soon enough.....

ADVENT ALPHABET....WINDING DOWN.....

 S =    STOCKINGS

I've noticed that a lot of the Advent and Christmas season involves feet and items associated with feet.  On St. Nicholas Day (December 6) many countries celebrate by having children leave out their empty shoes to be filled with candy and goods from St. Nick. NOTE TO CHILDREN be sure to wear the biggest pair of shoes you own on December 6 ---- I'm talking snow boots or hiking boots...the bigger and heavier the better...you never know when someone may choose to recognize this event. 

Here in the US we hang stockings by the fire with care.  The stockings have one's name on it or there may be a different theme for each family member such as Pirates, Flowers, Camouflage, hunting rifles, cookies, checkered pattern....you get the idea.....  

The rules in my family was we were allowed to "open" our stockings on Christmas morning, first thing, before any adult's morning cup of coffee or the family sitting down to breakfast breads or sticky buns. 

As were most things that special day, the stocking haul was stuffed full of delights and always included a large, ripe orange stuffed into the toe of the stocking to give it shape and  at least the hope of some health benefits.

T =  TIME

The song refrains "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and I would agree that sentiment, for the most part, is accurate. We know this to be so that when you are a kid the day can't come soon enough. No matter how many miniature chocolates are placed behind the little windows on the Advent Calendar or the plethora of places one can hide that elusive "Elf on the Shelf" time just crawls in lead up to the big day. When you're older the time blazes by and stress ensues as the list of what still needs bought, baked or blessed grows. 

The day itself concludes and there is always the sense of....now what? Perhaps this year with isolation celebrations we may be in the mindset of "just get through it," yet, resist that understandable viewpoint and take the time to be and to notice and to reflect on Christmases past and, yes, on everything familiar that is missing this year and more so how to make the most of the moment.  Who knows there may be some new traditions that are begun.

U =    UNIVERSAL

When I lived and worked in Washington, DC, my hair stylist was a Moroccan gentleman. (How chic does that sentence sound??!!??) A few days before Thanksgiving I want for a haircut and was making chit-chat and I asked, "So, what do you usually do to celebrate Thanksgiving? What are some of the customs from your culture?"  He paused, looked, put down his scissors and said, "I'm Moroccan, we don't celebrate Thanksgiving. That's a total American thing." 

OK, so I was a total...ummm, how to put this.....a total....I was....a moron. Not only did he give me a great haircut, he also handled my idiocy with grace. 

Christmas is a universal holiday celebrated around the globe. It's why one can shop Heifer International https://www.heifer.org and buy a Tibetan family a water buffalo or a family in Bangladesh a hive of bees. 

V = VISIT

This year visiting will happen virtually, in happy, waving drive-bys or on porches outside. Such are the times in which we journey.  

When I was a kid visiting relatives and friends and them visiting us was a ritual with an established routine. Like a Game Show Girl, one showed the gifts one received; conversation was continuous, the requisite cookie tray was presented, a pot of coffee was put on and the evening was quite enjoyable. 

In keeping with the spirit of the season, visits to the homebound were nearly mandatory as was the accompanying poinsettia. 

One of the fondest holiday visit memories I have was while pastor of a congregation in Erie, a member suggested and we agreed to participate in the "ANGEL TREE" program which provides gifts for kids who have a parent (s) who are incarcerated.  We were provided with names and requests and put on our Best Elf Selves!   

One request was from a seven-year old boy who wanted a bike. A parishioner worked at the local K-MART and managed to get the manager to donate a new bike and a helmet.  Showing up at that kid's house and presenting the new bike and helmet was a rush!  Mom cried. Seven year old boy in his Scooby-Doo printed pj's  raced onto the porch, jumped on the bike and took off down the city street.  This was Erie in late December...it was snowy and cold.  Mom grabbed the helmet and ran down the street after her son.  Like a runner in a relay, she managed to catch up to him as he kept pedaling and to place the helmet on his head.  She stood there smiling and watched her son ride his new bike up and down the street.  Gift received by all present. 

ADVENT MESSAGE 3

LUKE 1. 26-56

 MARY

              "The Annunciation" by Henry Ossawa Tanner

As a United Methodist, Mary was never very prominent on my protestant radar, she always seemed to my immature in faith self to be much more a Catholic focal point. 

Yet, one grows in the faith and matures in thought and reflection and I began to reflect more on Mary.  I put away my "childish" notions of Mary being meek and mild, eternally virginal (therefore wed to the most patient man on the planet) and ideal ---- perhaps these perspectives explain why it was always the "perceived ideal beauty" of the blond hair and blue-eyed girl who always was selected to portray Mary in the annual Christmas pageant. 

Mary plays her most center-stage role during the Advent season. Without her, there is no Christmas drama. She teaches us all how to be what German mystic, Meister Eckhart, called us to as bearers of Christ for a waiting world.

Any discussion of Mary begins with the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary and set's up, announces the plan.  The painting at the top of this post can be viewed in clearer, fuller details by going to: https://artondemand.philamuseum.org/detail/461460/tanner-the-annunciation-1898

When you zoom in on the painting look at Mary's face and her posture. To me she is conversing with Gabriel and also according to scripture she dialogues with the angel, asks questions, seeks answers.  Hers is not an immediate, submissive "yes." 

This painting was central to an pre-Advent retreat in which I participated.  As we discussed our reactions to the painting, one participant said, "To me, Mary has pondered what the angel has said, deliberated and finally her face to me says, 'Ahhhh screw it, let's do this.'"  

I resonated with that viewpoint.  I prefer the Mary featured in the poem by Denise Levertov also called "Annunciation" where the poet pens these words regarding Mary:

This was the moment no one speaks of,

when she could still refuse.

A breath unbreathed,

                                Spirit,

                                          suspended,

                                                            waiting.

She did not cry, ‘I cannot. I am not worthy,’

Nor, ‘I have not the strength.’

She did not submit with gritted teeth,

                                                       raging, coerced.

Bravest of all humans,

                                  consent illumined her.

Mary had a choice.  She could have said no. 

And if she had, then what?  

Spoiler alert --- we know the story, she considers and she agrees. 

The story moves forward in Luke's gospel and continues what's been prominent in the opening chapters of the book as a kind of  broadway musical format --- seemingly everyone sings.  Mary's number is The Magnificat.  This hymn is a remix from Hannah in the Old Testament and there is no way around it the song is a revolutionary tune sung by a rebel and meant to stir and upend the way of things in such a way the impoverished become rich, the empty become full and the overlooked become seen and heard.  

Personally, this is a song I can dance to, preach to, seek through the grace of God to make real.

When I reflect on Mary the adjectives I use to describe her are curious, independent, courageous, questioning, faithful, believed in angels and was open to speak and listen to them, a strong woman.

Do these adjectives apply to us, todays bearers of the Christ?

As Mary had a choice, so do we.  The Christmas season is familiar with its fluffy sheep and scraggly shepherds, its cooing doves and lowing cattle.  The story of a young couple finding shelter in a manger where a baby is born we know and it is comforting.  

I believe the story as it comforts also is meant to call us and challenge us to make the song of Mary evidenced in our communities.  Hers is a song of justice. Do we hear it? Do we listen? Do we live it?  

The entire Christmas story starts with a dialogue between an angel and a young woman in whom God has found favor.  Then as now God delights in each of us, that does not change. 

Have the angels stopped being sent?

Have the angels become silent?

The angels are among us often in guises we don't easily recognize.  

That nudge, that refrain, that note you just can't stop singing.....pay attention and choose wisely.

ADVENT ALPHABET a rush of letters...get ready!

 M =  MOM

I think about my mom every day, yet, even more during this season of hearth and home, warm kitchens, dinners and discussions around the large oak dining room table, worship services where we await the light together.                                                    

My mum decorated the house tastefully and beautifully covering seemingly every surface with a tree, poinsettia, bauble or ornament. Of course the featured display was the manger scene that she had for decades and placed on the mantle of the fire place, she added extra angels and green garland and made sure the light attached to the back of the manger was new and bright. She made cookies featuring the C&E kind (so special and rich and time consuming we only ever had them at Christmas (C) and Easter (E). Her wrapping of packages were worthy of a department store effort and she would ready the feast for Christmas days ahead and on dawn of the holiday wake at 5:30 in the morning to get the ham and/or turkey in the oven and begin the preparation for the side dishes and requisite fruit cup. 

My mother taught Sunday school for over 67 years (!!!) and made certain to be at every worship experience sitting as we did in the second or third pew on the left hand side of the sanctuary. Methodists are not movers we are planters.Older and more learned, I enjoyed discussions on readings and articles and was always impressed with how current she stayed and how open-minded to learn new insights.

'Tis the season for lights and gifts ---we were brightened and blessed to have received a grand one.

N = NIGHT

It's no surprise that our Advent season culminates near the Winter Solstice, which is the longest night of the year. I've always found something mysterious and appealing about the night during the season of winter. I enjoy strolling hours after sunset and the colder the better.  There is a magic to walking  in the nighttime hours when it's "see-your-breath cold" and if lucky snowfall.  

The night is needed to make the luminaries guide the way, the house lights sparkle and the candlelight break through in hope.              

O =  OLD

Though our society does everything from hair-dye to botox to keep us wading, splashing and being dipped in the elusive fountain of youth, the Christmas season is one that welcomes and celebrates the old. We are drawn to stories of Christmases past of what it was like when our grandparents were young or how the celebration occurred during the war years. We gently put the old ornaments on the tree and top it off with the star that's been in the Christmas box for decades. A season built on hope and waiting, preparation and patience is well evidenced in the wise ones of our society. Blessed be.

P = PRESENCE

We will remember this year, this season, this holiday for our lifetimes. 

It's to the point when watching a movie and the characters are at a bar or together at home or at a sporting event, I pause and sigh remembering those times.  Yes, I took them for granted. Now, I long for those times and dream about family gatherings, parties, out with friends at a bar or restaurant, game nights and Pirates games....well, to be honest, Pirates games were always safely socially distanced.

Through this time, we've learned the power of presence and the joy of being with; such a wonderful gift that God became enfleshed to experience it as well.

Q = QUILT

I was pastor to a church that had a quilting ministry.  Being one who lacks the dexterity and whose only known knots are of the "granny" variety, I was gobsmacked to watch this gathering of women work their skills on wooden frames and select the exact pattern and fabric. After watching them spend months on the quilts it was even more heartening to listen to their plans about giving them away and whom in the community could use a new quilt: the widow whose husband of 52 years passed on; the single mom; the newly married woman whose partner has been serving overseas.  

A quilt is ideal for the Advent and Christmas season because it is patiently stitched together of pieces of fabric, each with a story knitted inside and the purpose is to warm us and offer a soft snuggle on cold winter nights.

R = REINDEER                            

As mentioned earlier in this blog, I come from a family of. hunters that goes back generations. Many, many family photos feature posing with a newly "gotten" deer...turkey...pheasant.....we hunt. We celebrate the animals that were bagged.

A couple of Christmases past, my oldest nephew taught is toddler daughter to refer to Santa's famed reindeer as bucks. Lovely.  It was special when Sadie would see the famous photos of Santa and his reindeer and she'd point and proclaim, "Buck! Buck! Buck!"  

ADVENT: MESSAGE 2

ISAIAH 61.1-4, 8-11

HELP NEEDED

Of the many make-one-reflect monuments in Washington, DC my favorite is FDR's. It is sweeping in size and scope and meaning. To visit it is to walk through it. The monument conveys the moments and accomplishments of his long presidency. There is the Great Depression and included in this section are persons in a bread line. 

Several times when I've visited this monument I've seen persons, tourists, stand in the bread line either in the front, back or in with the figures. In our social media saturated world a photo is taken and posted amidst giggles and "that's a cool post!" commentary.

Every time I witnessed this it angered me. Then I pondered that maybe, unbeknownst to them, they are providing a visible teaching moment for Isaiah's prophecy, the ministry of Jesus, and the call of the church....hashtagDisciple....they are quite literally standing beside and in solidarity with the poor.

Isaiah writes of the long anticipated One who shall "bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, bring comfort to those who mourn and the One await is One who loves justice."

When's he getting here?

Being comfortably ensconced in the "Maa'm Stage of life," I have frequent opportunity to dialogue with the younger set (alas, that group grows larger every day....). I am often asked, "What's been the biggest surprise you've experienced with the church?"  I don't even pause in my answer.  For me, the biggest surprise that I've encountered with the church is that we don't really seem to like poor people. 

Oh sure we'll give old clothes to the rummage sale, bring in can goods for the food drives, write a check for Missions or purchase a toy for a poor kid at Christmas, yet, to really be with and identify with persons in poverty??!!? Nope. Haven't seen it.  We really don't want "them" in our pews or sitting on our steps smoking cigarettes or passed out drunk in our shrubbery. 

Yet, if I read the prophet closely and if I study the Gospels and if I listen to and learn of the teaching of Jesus, then it is those in poverty whom we should warmly welcome and know them by their names and listen to their stories and involve them in the life of the church. We should be friends and hang out together.

My friends could care less what people think of them.  My friends say they got their check and are running to the bakery, what can they get me? My friends are fiercely loyal to their buddies. My friends are creative and resourceful. Example: Someone gave them free tickets to the Pirates game and the seats were in the "All You Can Eat" section....they brought coolers and Tupperware containers. My friends are resilient and smack down after smack down they keep bouncing back. 

My friends convict me with their experiences and I need to be more in kinship with them. We should invite them to be part of our church community and have them serve on committees and open ourselves to be educated by their experience and changed by our kinship with them.

It may make us uncomfortable. It may upset some members. So what.  It's what we are called to do. It's do-able when we commit to do it together.

HELP NEEDED.  Have you seen the one prophesied by Isaiah? It's OK, those shoplifting food, sleeping on a friend's couch and huddled over heating vents haven't either. 

Where should we be looking for him?

ADVENT ALPHABET Continues

J =    JESUS

Kind of a given that the J would be for Jesus. I've heard it, read it, sent it and yes, wore my very own "Jesus Is the Reason for the Season" button. 

It was decades ago and I was new to the faith, going to local Christian bookstores, listening to Christian recording artists and wearing this button every day during the Advent season. I confess I pinned it on with a certain arrogance and self-righteous conceit. For me it was a very judgmental accessory.

I love Jesus. I've got a lot of work to do to be a so much better disciples....I fail often (blessed be the gift of grace).  I never have been a judgmental, whose in and whose out, earn or burn type. 

I choose to focus on the love and the teaching and the justice and the inclusion of Jesus. From where he was born and who came to visit to who he welcomed and chose as dining companions, my love of Jesus centers on his radical hospitality and his delight in us...all of us, right now, this moment.

One can't put that sentiment on a button....this one has to be evidenced in a life.

K =    KRINGLE

Along with cookies, shopping. children's pageants and decorating, a relatively newer addition to the observation of the season are the Holiday Christmas specials. Many of these first aired when I was a little kid so I've kind of grown up with them. 

Those earlier specials with the clunky animation and so-so graphics are timeless favorites!  

Each season, I have to shake my advent tail feathers to "I'm Mr. Snow Mizer and I'm Mr. Heat Mizer."

Even Christmas specials have an origin story offering ---- "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."  With the red-headed Kris Kringle and the Winter Warlock and Burgermeister, Meister Burger we learn why we hang stockings and the lights on the Christmas trees and why every kid needs a toy for Christmas.  

What is your and your families origin story for celebrating the holiday? What are the tales behind the ornaments and the star on top of the tree? 

L =    LISTS

Before the internet and social media, there was the jumbo SEARS Christmas Catalog. This thing was a door stopper. When it arrived, one longed for their turn to leaf through the pages and fold back the corners marking where a desired item could be found.  Mom knew what to do next. The majority of her Christmas shopping when I was little, was to order from the catalog.  As we grew up, we wrote down our lists of wants and must-haves and those were affixed to the refrigerator for easy access by those in the house with disposable income.

ADVENT ALPHABET Continued

 G =    GUITAR

Perhaps it was listening to my sister's 45's of the "Carpenters;"  it could have been the Coca-Cola commercial wanting to teach the world to sing, or maybe I watched the Sound of Music and Julie Andrews melodizing the Von Trappp children.....whatever it was I wanted a guitar for Christmas. 

NOTE: Not I, nor any member of my family, is exactly blessed with the gift of song, the talent of music. Case in point, one Advent season the choir director/student pastor decided to have the congregation sing the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's MESSIAH. The selling point to get persons to participate was, "Listen, Sally is in it and she can't sing at all......."  Thank you.

I was drawn to the community experience of song and sing-along.....yeah, yeah....having some sort of musical acumen might be wise.....yet, the cool factor of a guitar......that sealed it.

I did receive the guitar. 

 I practiced.  Like a trumpet player, I blew.  Music career ended before it had a chance to strum that first chord... and the world exhaled a sigh of great relief.

H =    HOPE

The word gets a lot of usage, perhaps now more than ever.  Like the other big "wow word," love, this one gets used in all kind of ways both minuscule and mighty.  Have conversation with some folks asking them:

1. What do you hope for yourself?
2. What do you hope for your community?
3. What do you hope for your nation?
4. What do you hope for the world?
5. What do you hope for those whom are your enemies?

Let me know if any answers wow you....

I =    INNKEEPER

In the Christmas narrative the innkeeper gets a bum rap. He is most always portrayed as being crotchety and surly and snarling.  If he is ever part of a nativity play the direction would be to cross your arms and keep them that way, curl your lip and grumble.  

I think it's time to take another look at the innkeeper.  

There would've been a lot of travelers in little Bethlehem, each coming to be counted and none to happy about it.  They want a place to rest and water their animals and a bed in which to sleep before returning home.  The innkeeper has to feel a bit overwhelmed with the rush of persons; it's first arrive, first rented.  His wife has to be harried and hurried bolting from room to room.  Just when they get a moment's peace, a young couple, the woman very pregnant, both exhausted, both scared, arrive asking for a room.  

The need is evident; so too are the booked rooms. 

He could've simply said no, they are filled up and leave it. Yet, I envision the innkeeper as a man of empathy and compassion. He ponders the situation and offers them the stable out back. "It's got cover, feel free to use the straw to sleep upon, and there should be some blankets you can use for warmth."

He extends hospitality. He does a positive something to find a solution that benefits someone on the margins, a stranger.  

We can learn a lot from the innkeeper.

ADVENT MESSAGE 1

 Mark 1. 1-8

PART OF THE ROAD CREW                                          

                                                           

Denise had one job to do ---- at the community event we hosted, she was responsible for making certain everyone attended signed in and those who showed up without a reservation provided their name, email and phone number.  Denise took this task very, very seriously.  If you tried to skirt by the sign-in table without checking in, her approach was either to yell, “Excuse me!  You must sign in!  Excuse me!  Sign-in please.”  Or, she ran after the sign-in-avoider and politely, yet, firmly escorted the person back to the table to check in. Trust me, after witnessing Denise’s fierceness and commitment to getting her job completed successfully, people fell in line and signed-in without hassle or hurdle.

 

I find persons like knowing what job they are to do and the specifics of the task. I’m one of those folks; just tell me what you need me to do, answer any questions I have regarding the job and then let me to it. 

In this holiday baking season, as a kid I helped my mother bake M&M cookies (don’t laugh…I did….a couple of times) and my job was to sort the M&M’s and group them into groups of three comprised of different colored candies.  I was outstanding! Those M&M Cookies were some of the grandest ever made thanks to the aesthetic presentation of the diversely colored candies.

 

A team, an event, a workplace, a congregation all work well when persons know their roles and what is expected of them. It is like the orchestra in elementary school music class --- so you really wanted to play the tambourine or even the triangle and you got handed the two wooden sticks.  You were disappointed, angry, envious of Becky, who it seemed always got handed the triangle. Yet, the music teacher told you how important the sticks were to the overall ensemble and that you rubbing those sticks together when cued was vital to the performance.

 

Advent is when John the Baptist has his starring role and is on center stage. He knows his role.  He is to prepare the way, to do his part in the fulfillment of the Isaiah prophecy and “make the steep places plain and the rough patches smooth” --- he is the foreperson for God-Dot road maintenance. 

John had built up quite a following, he had the crowds, the name recognition, the buzz.  He did his job. He stepped off center stage and prepared the people for Jesus. 

How did he do it? 

I have a healthy ego. I like the warmth of the spotlight.  

John the Baptist did it the way we all do --- he knew who he was and his role and he never lost sight of the WHY. Knowing that, he did his work and when the time came, he introduced Jesus. John provides and important lesson for all of us and the roles we play in the congregation, in our families, at our work, in preparing the world for the coming of Christ. Do what is asked of you, do it well and then move off center stage.

 

John the Baptist manages to hold the tension between past, present and future. He reminds of the past prophecy of the one who will go before and prepare the way. John is very much present throughout today’s text and seemingly every Advent season. The Baptizer re-minds us of the call we each have to “build the world to look as God would have it to look,” (Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB) in such a way that we will impact the future.

 

Pack your lunch bucket, grab your hard hat and let’s get to work in making smooth paths and easy going for the heavy-burdened.  Slow down, there is a “Church at Work” sign up ahead.

 

ADVENT ALPHABET continued

 D = DARTS

My mother was and remains a total, amazing gift that we were blessed to have as our mum. She shone even more during the holidays; from decorations, to cookies, to meals, to rituals both new and old, to the gifts she thoughtfully purchased, Dorothy made Christmas amazing for her family.

When her two grandsons were the ages of five and nine, Mom decided to buy them a gift she knew they'd really enjoy...a total Dorothy Snyder thing to do.  Note: we are a family of hunters. In our family one quickly learns to ask "what season is it?" The grandsons dad, my brother, is a successful hunter and he shared the love of hunting with his sons. Keeping that in mind, Dorothy decided a great gift for the grandsons would be....of course.....blow darts. 

Though she thought she was purchasing a toy....nope....Mom bought the grandsons real blow dart guns ---- the kind with the metal tipped darts....serious stuff

Of course, the grandsons loved the gift! My brothers thought it was tremendous and quickly assembled a large cardboard box, blew up balloons and affixed them to the target.  A good portion of Christmas day was spent hearing the "pfffft" "smack" and "pop" of an actual blow dart being shot and hitting its target.  Echoing in the background was my mother's refrain, "O, my....I really thought it was a toy....I would never have bought a real weapon for two small children......"

E = ECHOES

In the stillness of the season, pause, be silent, listen.  One will hear plainly the voices of those persons with whom one has shared the wonder and warmth of Christmas. A photo, a gift received, a story, a remembrance ---- don't rush onto the next thing ---- give yourself a minute, or longer, and be still and allow the person to be present to you once again.  Gift yourself the echoes of their voices and their laughter.

F = FAKE

In a season celebrating the Incarnation of God in Jesus becoming human and dwelling with us, I am a stickler for the real stuff.  I rarely scored congregational points when I would strongly suggest having a real Christmas tree in the sanctuary, which, to properly fill that large a space, required a seriously sized tree. Having the live tree up for over a month needed some blessed building trustee being responsible for watering and cleaning up the fallen needles.  I admit that I stretched their notions of peace and goodwill towards all. 

So too, I wanted real pine boughs or cedar branches on the windowsills and for goodness sakes don't even mention plastic, battery-operated candles!  Somewhere it must be written that Christmas Eve candlelight MUST use actual candles. What little kid doesn't like to play with fire.....there are enough adults surrounding that all is fine. GET REAL!

AN ADVENT ALPHABET

 Advent is my favorite church season --- the quiet, the stillness, the waiting, the preparing, the longing, the  building ritual with the candles as more and more light enters our world. More than any time in my memory, we all are in that Advent mood.  We wait.  We are in darkness.  There is a promise (fill in what that is for you this season...go ahead...I'll pause....) that we long to be fulfilled. We are afraid. In spite of all the evidence we keep hope and wait for it "to float up." 

    My plan is to re-ignite my blog.  I will do an ADVENT ALPHABET, taking three letters at a post, adding a fourth letter to the concluding writing.   On Sundays, along with the alphabet post, I will also have the text of what, based on the lectionary texts, I would preach that Sunday. One never knows, I may get daring enough to video myself given the sermon. 

The "Pebbles to Ripples" blog will be posted Wednesdays (beginning today, 3 December) Fridays and Sundays. 

I invite you to journey beside me through this blog.  

Please invite others by forwarding the link.

A = ATTENTION

Simone Weil wrote, "love's first step is attention." Advent is a season that rewards paying attention. Each week we watch one more candle be lighted on the Advent wreath; we check worship  bulletins hoping the pastor whom is being true to the season will finally get off of singing "Lo, How A Rose 'Ere Blooming" and actually select a favorite hymn everyone knows; we note when another house becomes decorated; and family's ponder a new spot to place their "Elf on the Shelf"  as children train their eyes to be always on the ready. 

One of the appeals of the season, is that it all happens in rhythm with all the day-to-day of living side by side with everyone doing what needs to be done. Thousands of persons trekked to Bethlehem to be counted, probably many women on route were with child.  The birth is in a stable behind a packed inn. Aside from some cows, a couple donkeys, some mice and a few birds in the rafters the child arrives as baby's do through screams, pushes, fluids and pain. 

To get the message, one has to pay attention. Angels are among us if you open yourself to look and listen.

B = BOOKS

My go to gifts are books. Finding the right read to fit someone delights me. One has to know the person for whom one purchases a book. The best is finding the book you just know she will enjoy. Of course, there is the bliss of shopping for Children's Books.  Looking for a book to give a child reader? May I suggest:

• WHEN RED RANGER CAME CALLING by Berkeley Breathed
• PETE AND PICKLES by Berkeley Breathed
• HOW MURRAY SAVED CHRISTMAS by Mike Reiss
• THE OLD TURTLE by Douglas Wood

. This started for me at the ripe age of 5. My Aunt Florence gifted the grandest books! Prized possessions are the signed and dated Dr. Seuss books (she gave the good stuff!)  such as "Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose" and "Horton Hears a Who."  A book has permanence and connection. A gifted book evidenced of thought given to its purchase remains held and opened.

C = CANDLELIGHT                

A few weeks ago, I participated in a 24-Hour Pre-Advent Retreat, a gift that met a need. The opening session persons were asked to share their favorite memories of the season.  No surprise, 90% of the responses were Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. The darkened sanctuary, the Christ candle, the light spreading around the congregation as the haunting melody of "Slient Night" is played and sung --- all strike a chord within us.  The moment resonates because we have spent so many Christmas Eves participating in this worship. It moves us because it is a tangible symbol of the Light shining in the darkness and affirming the darkness shall never overcome it.  Amen....now more than ever.