The 8th Day of Christmas--- Happy New Year

Growing up New Year's Eve was the official end of the Christmas season. In fact, my mom insisted that all Christmas decorations be taken down before the New Year or we would have bad luck (we also had to eat ham, black eyed peas, and greens on New Years Day or a similar fate would befall us!). But truthfully, we are only 3/4 of the way through the Christmas season! Today's scripture reminds us no only of the necessity of allowing the incarnate Christ to dwell within us, but it is a great reminder of what kind of difference Christ should make in our lives.

As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17

One of my favorite shows is "What Not To Wear" and I've been fascinated by the rules Stacy and Clinton give the people on the show to use while shopping. Well here are God's rules for how a Christian should "dress." So today rather than 8 maids a milking (or taking down your Christmas decorations! Oh for a maid to do that!) but a time to ask ourselves "If this is how Christians should dress, what will I wear today at home, tomorrow at work, Saturday at play, and Sunday at worship? And what in my closet should I no longer wear?

Wish I could give us all $5000 to shop for new attitudes for the new year--luckily, God will give it to us for free.

The 7th Day of Christmas

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." Then the Pharisees said to him, "You are testifying on your own behalf; your testimony is not valid." Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf." Then they said to him, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also." John 8:13-19

That God, the creator of all that is and holy other than we, chose to come is amazing enough. That the almighty God and Lord of the universe chose to come as one of us is astounding. That the almighty God chose to come in such a vulnerable form--a baby totally dependent on everyone and everything around him--tells me that we have to rethink everything we ever thought about power and about love.

On this seventh day of Christmas, we are reminded that the baby in the manager was not some kinder or new manifestation of the God of Israel but the essence of who God was, is, and always will be! This is not a distant, angry God but a loving, seeking God. A God who will go to any lengths to reach us. Wow!

I remember the Advent I finally made that connection. It was a bad time for me personally and I was struggling. Quite honestly, I was seriously considering leaving church. I wasn't sure I believed that a personal, loving God existed. Then one day, I was reflecting on the incarnation and what that claim was saying about God. A God who would give up power and glory. A God who didn't simply cheer us on from afar but entered into our world with us. A God who would didn't overpower but empowered. And that was a God I wanted to believe in and that is the God I have come to know.

So on the 7th day, no swans, but a quote from Bono to reflect on:

"I remember coming back from a very long tour.... On Christmas Eve I went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. ...It had dawned on me before, but it really sank in: the Christmas story. The idea that God, if there is a force of Love and Logic in the universe, that it would seek to explain itself is amazing enough. That it would seek to explain itself and describe itself by becoming a child born in straw poverty... a child, I just thought: “Wow!” Just the poetry. Unknowable love, unknowable power, describes itself as the most vulnerable. There it was. I was sitting there, and ...tears came down my face, and I saw the genius of this, utter genius of picking a particular point in time and deciding to turn on this. Because that’s exactly what we were talking about earlier: love needs to find form, intimacy needs to be whispered. To me, it makes sense. It’s actually logical. It’s pure logic. Essence has to manifest itself. It’s inevitable. Love has to become an action or something concrete. It would have to happen. There must be an incarnation. Love must be made flesh." - Bono

The 6th Day of Christmas

Then each of them went home, while Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They said this to test him, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders; and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, sir." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again." John 7:53-8:11

"Neither do I condem you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again." Then she's gone and we don't hear from her again (unless like many fictional accounts we roll all the sinful women up into the person of Mary Magdeline--which is totally unlike the Scriptural accounts of her). But what a wonderful reminder of the reason for Christmas. As it says elsewhere in the Gospel of John:

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Why is it that we humans are so quick to condemn others and so slow to judge ourselves? So as we thank God for the gift of Jesus perhaps we should ask ourselves:
Who do I condemn? How would Jesus respond to that person?
Where in my own life am I guilty? How can I go my own way and sin no more?

Christmas Sermons

On Christmas Eve, I had the privilege of helping prepare the dinner for the inmates of the Marshall County Jail as well as visiting with some of the women incarcerated there. It was a powerful experience and there are not words to express the look in their eyes as they heard the message from the prophet Isaiah:

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness- on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9:2-7

Here is my sermon for our Christmas Eve service based on that text: The First Christmas Gift

And on Sunday, we explored Luke's story of Simeon and Anna and reflected on what we can learn from Those Who Wait.

The 5th Day of Christmas

Not 5 golden rings, but the story of the parents of John the Baptist. Jesus' cousin, John, has a large role to play in the gospels and in history. And while we read the story of Jesus' birth by jumping around, if you read the gospels straight through all of them begin the story of Jesus by talking also about John. Today's reading comes from Luke and uses several words and phrases that Luke repeats quite often in his gospel--people ponder and they are amazed--and strangely (for a gospel written for Gentiles), Luke reminds us of what devout and observant Jews, Jesus and his family were.

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, "No; he is to be called John." They said to her, "None of your relatives has this name." Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. Luke 1:57-66

So on the fifth day of Christmas, perhaps we should take a few moments to ponder what kind of child of God we will become since God has come in our midst.

The Fourth Day of Christmas

And rather than four calling birds, the subject of this day is rather serious: The Masacre of the Holy Innocents. Here is the reading for today:

13Now after [the Magi] had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”
16When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. 17Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18“A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”
19When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20“Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” 21Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. 23There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.” Matthew 2:13-23

So on the fourth day of Christmas, one might want to remember the slaughter of the innocents by speaking up on behalf of those people throughout the world who are oppressed and whose children live in fear for their lives. One possiblity, at the Amnesty International you can call for an end to attacks on humanitarian workers seeking to help the people of the Democratice Republic of the Congo.

Weekly Review Dec. 27th

Things were a bit quiet this week. I suspect pastors and laity alike were busy with church and family (as we should be this time of year). But here are a few thoughts from this past week:

Like many of you, our family has been busy watching movies. Most of our movie watching is confined to DVDs and TCM, but this week Laura and I actually went to see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" while the guys went to see the remake of "The Day The Earth Stood Still" (I like and have recently watched the original but have no desire to see the remake!) Evidently, we did make the better choice. I recommend you grab a box of Klennex and go see Benjamin. For a good review that reflects my response to the movie see Ben Witherington's review.

How to Bake the Perfect Christmas Cookie

How much choice do we really exercise when we buy?

The Messy Work of Church Renewal

There are Worse Things to Believe in

Check out these misheard Christmas Carol Lyrics

So can you tell the difference between John Meyer's lyrics and The Message Bible?

Performing "Messiah" at risk of jail!

Thanks to Tom Baxter for sending me the link to this wonderful story of how one Christian school gave a powerful witness to the love of Christ!

And here are some of my favorite reflections on Christmas from the past week:
Bono on the incarnation
For the Love of God Rethink Christmas
No Mary Did not Know
The First Christmas Song

And for the laugh for the week

On the Third Day of Christmas

The Third day of Christmas is St. John the Evangelist Day. Here is today's lectionary reading:

19 After this [Jesus] said to [Peter], "Follow me." 20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; he was the one who had reclined next to Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?" 22 Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" 23 So the rumor spread in the community F167 that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" F168 24 This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:19b-25

So in honor of St. John's Day, rather than giving your true love three french hens, you can tell someone the story of Christmas.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas

Let me confess that one of my pet peeves is that not enough folks know that the twelve days of Christmas begins on Christmas Day and end on Epiphany! So this year, I will observe the 12 days by blogging a bit on each one.

So Happy St. Stephen's Day to all!

On the 2nd day of Christmas, we remember the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen.

6Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. 2And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, 4while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” 5What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

8Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. 10But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 11Then they secretly instigated some men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted him, seized him, and brought him before the council. 13They set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; 14for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us.” 15And all who sat in the council looked intently at him, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
7Then the high priest asked him, “Are these things so?” 2And Stephen replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me.

51”You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. 52Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers. 53You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.”
54When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen. 55But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56“Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. 58Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.

Acts 6:1-7:2a, 51-60

And if you want something to do other than shop, you can follow the example of Good King (okay really he was a prince) Wencelas and care for the poor in your community.

A Clontz Family Christmas

If you read this blog, you probably know all our family news. But if you want a summary of 2008 in the Clontz house, you can find it here.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season!!!!

Keeping Christmas

Keeping Christmas

Weekly Review

Some day I'll come up with an exciting name for this weekly post--but as I'm sure you know I'm title challenged. In any case, here are some interesting links from this past week:

Ben Witherington calls in with his reflections on burying a loved one with their cell phone! This brings new meaning to the old practice of sending a wreath with a phone that reads "God called"

In Memorium: Texas Stadium! Can it be? Really? I remember when they built it and I remember riding up those big huge escalators to our seats in the nose bleed section. I think we only went once but that was in the Tom Landy/Roger Staubach glory days! To borrow from the article "Oh what memories!" (and you can tell by this picture that God was smiling.)

Joshilyn Jackson shares 10 Things at Once True and Unprovable. What would your list of 10 be?
Also check out "How to Write a Book, part II"

And Rachelle reflects on 8 Songs Her Heart Sings

Youth Ministry For Youth or By Youth

The Jazz Theologian has a series of blogs reflecting on Obama's faith journey as a way of thinking about how to reach a post-modern world. One important observation that stands out to me is that for this new generation belonging preceeds believing!

Did the Magi Wear Mullets?

What can the church do about the problem of human trafficking? And does the US really have one of the world's largest problems?

What it means to be Whole-Life!

What could be worse than a Boy Named Sue

From the Naked Pastor: A Promising Start and Sticks, Stones, and Names

Are there really similiarities between the UMC and the Big 3?

I saw Doubt on Broadway with my ICE group. When we left the theater we were passionately divided on whether or not the priest was guilty! I noticed at Barnes and Noble that a book is now available. And I fully intend to see the movie. This is not light, fun viewing but I highly recommend everyone see this and reflect on certitude and doubt. I also think it is an important reflection for any of us who may at some point have to make a decision in a similar situation.

Holiday Survival Guide for reducing stress

Something to celebrate: Madison County is one of the best places to weather the recession!

I'm sure I'm the only one confusing the controversial hiring of Chizik and the firing of Cizik.

So there's an excuse for teens being so sleepy and grouchy in the morning!

Ideas for how the church can respond to the recession

How can the church influence culture?

Putting the fun in fundamentalism

Letters to God find a home

What Satan Can and Cannot Do

I wasn't going to mention it again, but this post by Gavin Richardson on Ed Young's sex challenge is well worth reading..

How interesting that at this time of the year, the biggest relgious news is not Jesus (other than a bunch of baby Jesuses being taken from Nativity Scenes), but rather Obama asking Rick Warren to give the invocation at the Inaugaration (and let's not forget he has also asked James Lowery, a United Methodist, to give the Benediction.) Here are some observations on the Warren's invitation.
Adam Hamilton bemoans intolerance on both the left and the right end of the political spectrum
As does Ben Witherington
Carol at Tribal Church is weary of the Culture War

Some Christmas reflections
God Whispers to Us of His Love
What's In a Name?
A Peace and Justice Christmas
. . . and she suddenly realized . . .
Christmas: Between Two Worlds

Preparing for Sunday, Dec. 21st

On this fourth and final Sunday of Advent, we will light a candle and remember Mary’s words, “Let it be with me according to your will.” Our scripture lesson is actually the Old Testament lesson from the third Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11. Let’s read the entire chapter:

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.
4 They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. 5 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, foreigners shall till your land and dress your vines; 6 but you shall be called priests of the Lord, you shall be named ministers of our God; you shall enjoy the wealth of the nations, and in their riches you shall glory. 7 Because their shame was double, and dishonor was proclaimed as their lot, therefore they shall possess a double portion; everlasting joy shall be theirs. 8 For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.
10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.• This chapter begins with familiar words. These are the words that Jesus chooses to read for his first sermon in Capernaum. I often think of them as Jesus’ mission statement. The words as reported in Luke 4: 18-19 are slightly different and he stops short of declaring the day of God’s vengeance:
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

During Advent we remember not only that Jesus came to earth but why Jesus came. What does this mission statement tell us about the reason Jesus came?
o What does it indicate Jesus came to save us from?
o Why do you think Jesus stopped his reading before proclaiming the day of vengeance?

Scholars point out that this passage not only applies to a person—the anointed one (the Hebrew for anointed is mashach from which we get the word Messiah) as well as to the community of the anointed one. As Christians, we recognize Jesus’ mission in this passage which means that as Christ’s body here on earth, this is our mission too.
o In what ways do you see Jesus in this passage?
o In what ways do you see yourself in this passage?
 In what ways do you identify with his call, in your life today?
o In what ways do you see our congregation in this passage?
 In what ways do we live this call out in our ministry?
 In what ways do we fall short?

According to the prophet, God’s glory is revealed to the world as they look at the community of faith. People of the covenant should display God’s splendor and are called to proclaim (preach!) the good news (evangel or evangelism!). Given the message of this passage, how can we keep Christ in Christmas for the world?

Finally, who are the oppressed, brokenhearted, captives, prisoners, and those who mourn in our community? How do we proclaim the good news of Christ’s birth to them?
Christmas is approaching fast! Is your heart prepared to welcome Christ?

My Eagle Scouts

I am so proud of my boys, but what truly makes me happy is watching their relationship mature with them! At Phillip's Eagle Scout Court of Honor, I was nearly brought to tears by Steven's remarks on his behalf. Here they are:

Less than 4% of all Scouts earn their Eagle Badge. To attain this honor, a Scout must demonstrate, above all, a willingness to help others and the leadership ability to organize and carry out an Eagle Service Project.


On December 7th, 2008, my brother, Phillip Clontz, was awarded his Eagle Award, the highest honor Scouting has to offer. I was grateful to be given the chance to say a few words in his ceremony. Here's the transcript.

Phillip,

I remember it was about four years ago when we both were in this sanctuary. I was at my own Court of Honor when my speaker, Scott Thudium, told me that I was about to join an exclusive club, and then asked me if I hoped you'd join it too one day. Do you remember what I said? ("You said no.") I guess you showed me, huh?

Of course, I meant that as a joke. But, really, I remember 14-year-old Phillip Clontz. My kid brother. Up on this stage getting the highest award Scouting has to offer? I'd have had a hard time seeing it. But then I found myself away at college. And though I'd lived with you for fourteen years, I suddenly seemed to see your life in fast-forward. Each time I'd come home, which probably wasn't as often as Mom would have liked, I'd discover that, crazily enough, you had grown up in my absence. I could have conversations with you, like you were a human being.

And then it happened. You were old enough that Troop 96 sent you to National Youth Leadership Training, the same year that I was serving as Senior Patrol Leader. My little brother, stepping up to the responsibilities of being a leader? I was just crossing my fingers that you didn't completely embarass me.

We didn't interact much that week. I think we talked maybe once, when you showed off all the notes you had taken thus far that week. A Boy Scout Nerd after my own heart. But of course I was always asking about you behind your back. "How is my kid brother doing?" I was grateful to hear that you were doing just fine. And I could see you, stepping up to be a leader amongst the 48 other leaders-in-training at the camp.

And so the real nerve-racking time came on Friday night, when we went through the participant list and discussed who we'd invite back for staff the next year. Everyone learns a lot from going through the NYLT course, but it wasn't until I served my first year on staff that the lessons I learned really began to sink in. I wanted you to have that same experience, to have that opportunity. And while there were some reservations from some of the staff, because we try as hard as we can not to invite brothers or sons of staff members just because they're family, you got that invitation letter months later. Which would have been a memorable moment for you as it was for me... except that I totally spilled the beans way before then. Hey, I was proud.

While I had originally planned on retiring after my Senior Patrol Leader year, I realized that I couldn't keep away from the course, and returned as Quartermaster the next year. We were short on staff that year, so I ended up floating around do various jobs for the camp. Since someone needed to man the Quartermaster area at all times, of course I bullied my little brother into doing it. But what surprised be, and I think everyone, is that not only did you handle my job while I was off doing other things, but you actually took over my job. I mentioned at the beginning of the week that we needed to organize the Quartermaster hut, and over the course of the week, you were the one who handled it. I talked to a couple of staffers who'd had reservations about inviting you back. My favorite quote: "I wasn't sure about inviting your brother back at first, but man, he's got his crap together!"

Now you're 18 years old, and still working for NYLT. You're an assistant scoutmaster of the troop we grew up in. Assistant Scoutmaster... holy smokes Phillip you're like an adult now!

But that's what this Eagle thing's all about, right? Different religions, societies, and organizations all have their own coming of age ceremonies. This Court is the Boy Scout's coming of age ceremony. From here on out, the world will look on you with different eyes. You are a representative of your family, church, troop, state and country, among the best of the best. When you tell people you're an Eagle Scout, they will expect more of you, because they know you're capable of it.

I want to tell another joke like I did four years ago. I want to empathetically plead you, "Phillip, try not to totally embarrass us." But I know you won't. You've proven yourself to me, to your family, to your troop, and to the Greater Alabama Council. You've got this, bro.

For a brief moment, I want to talk to the young Scouts in the audience. If me and my brother somehow managed to get our Eagle, any of you can. I can't speak for Phillip, but getting my Eagle was by far the most important secular achievement of my life, more than graduating high school, and even more than graduating college. Well, getting invited back to the NYLT staff was close. In any case, I want to plead with each of you. Get your Eagle. It is worth it. I'm just in grad school, so maybe it's a stretch to say I've hit the "real world" yet. But everyone respects an Eagle Scout. Your peers, employers, everyone. You will not regret it.

And try to get it early. Don't be like me and my brother, and wait until two days before your 18th birthday to turn in all your paperwork. It's way too stressful. Y'see, Phillip and I were in a race. Phillip told me he was going to get his Eagle with more time to spare than I did. As it turned out, though, it was a tie.

But that play is under further review. The referees are checking the instant replay of the last seven years of your life and made the following observation. Phillip joined the Boy Scouts the spring before he turned 12. However, I joined the Boy Scouts the spring before I turned 11. Phillip, I had an unfair year's head start on you. As such, the ruling on the field is reversed, and yes, you won.

Phillip, you're no longer my annoying kid brother. You're one of the most talented, most driven people I know. I'm proud to say you're my brother. And you're not just my brother. You're my friend. I love you bro. Congratulations.

Weekly Review -- December 12th

Well, here I am taking a break from Christmas shopping 21st Century style. In other words, I'm sitting in our sun room in front of the Christmas Tree in my Christmas PJs shopping on-line. What did we do before the internet? ;-D

This was a busy week in the blogopshere, lots of opinions and observations floating about.

Movie Ministry compares 4 Christmases with Twilight.

What were the biggest religious news stories this year:
Times Magazine chimes in as does Christianity Today.

So this is a bit harsh, nonetheless it will make you think. Check out Jesus Junk
I'm not sure which is my favorite--the frog or the chicken nativity

A review of What Would Jesus Buy? I haven't seen this movie yet, but it is on my to do list.

Battling Depression and Sloth One of the 7 Deadly Sins which hits close to home!

Over at God's Politics, Jim Wallis shares why he believes we should accept GM's apology. (I've always wondered why Christians who claim to believe in the importance of confession seem so skeptical of other folk's confessions! Let's hope God is a bit more gracious with us!) And Ryan reflects on what would happen if the Amish were in charge of our economy.

Did the Grinch steal the non-Christmas sign? What is a proper Christian response to Atheist Evangelism?

How to revive a dying congregation?

An interesting and disturbing article on how poverty affects brain development in children.

For those struggling this Christmas season, check out Praying Advent Through Darkness.

Rose reflects on the Christian faith and assisted suicide. At USA Today, they share
for discussing end of life issues with one another.

At Out of Ur, Bob Hyatt reflects on a middle way to discuss same sex unions. (Unfortunately, I think you have to subscribe to their free newsletter to read it. But it's worth reading and reflecting on.)

Speaking of middle ways, Adam Hamilton reflects on George Bush and a middle way of discussing evolution.

Thanks to Matt Reed for sharing Social Networking Etiquette.

At Gen-X Rising, Andrew points to some hope regarding the UMC and young clergy.

Some couples are staying married because of the current financial crisis. Good thing or bad thing or something in between?

And which generation is really the dumbest?

Okay girls--How Christawesome is your Christmas Sweater?

Serious Second thoughts?

4 Toys that Have Gone to War for America. I never realized the strategic value of Silly String!

The Story Behind the Halmark Manger Scene

Comics count down the days until Christmas.

Christianity Today shares some great Advent and Christmas Links.

Wouldn't it be nice if faith was convenient?

8 Great Christmas Specials (and it includes my all time favorite!)

Eugene Cho wonders why Christians haven't taken notice of the tremendous witness of Dong Yun Woon.

So rather than a laugh this week, let me share Don Yun Woon's witness:

Christmas Joy

Last night, we had the first performance of New Life's Children's Program, Joyland. They'll repeat it as part of our joint worship service on Sunday. I continue to be impressed with the gifts of this congregation. The sets and the costumes are just remarkable--and the children (like those from Lake Woebegone) are way above average. I'll hopefully have more pictures later, but check out this picture for a glimpse.

Uncomfortable?

I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.
- Pablo Picasso

2nd Sunday of Advent -- Prepare

Preparing the Way

My Eagle Scouts!

Tonight was a very special night for us as we celebrated Phillip's receiving his Eagle Scout award. It is traditional for another Eagle Scout to speak on behalf of the new Eagle and so Steven spoke on Phillip's behalf (and made his mother cry.) I am very proud of my boys!

Weekly Review -- Dec. 5th

I've been fighting off the "crud" all week--leading to sleepless nights and sluggish days, but here are few things that did get my brain out of neutral:

Gen X Rising shares the inspiring story of a woman pastor and the impact her life made.

Here are some examples of Christian Education that appears to work!

A beautiful story of common ground found at Christmas.

It's no wonder "Stuff Christians Like" is receiving recognition, it is hard not to mention every one of their posts. But here are a couple that stood out:
Wondering if God Is Enough? And yes God is!
7 Sports Myths Christians Love (Although I disagree with a few observations--particularly I must point out that God truly did love the Dallas Cowboys under Tom Landry's leadership more than the rest!)

Donate a dollar and make a difference in the world! Give up one drink, donate a dollar, and provide one well in the Sudan!

Let's hear it for a book that tackles the Hard Questions of the Bible respectfully!

Magpie Girl describes a life of pain using the Spoon Theory. If you or any one you know or love is struggling with chronic pain, take a moment to read her post.

An interesting reflection on the difference between communal discernment and individual discretion when choosing what to see or read.

Scrooge lives! We have seen the enemy and the enemy is us!

The stories behind 10 popular Christmas songs.

Phillip Yancy reflects on what to look for in a healthy church. And a related post on feeling thankful and uncomfortable.

Lack of playtime is hurting our children!

Do we really know what makes for happiness?

Speaking of which we are working more hours and suffering from more stress! Anyone surprised?

Internet Monk lets Ed Young know what he really thinks about 7 Days of Sex.

A new website for caregivers!

The 3, the 12 and the 120. An interesting take on how to build a church.

John Stendahl reflects on who the Messiah is and is not.

Scary Stuff:
Student Ethics (This article reminded me of an employee at Shoe Carnival who was standing in the middle of the store bragging to her friends about cheating on a test. When I checked out I commented to her that if I were her employer and had overheard that conversation, she probably wouldn't have her job long because how could any of us trust her. Sadly, she seemed shocked to make that connection.)
Planned Parenthood Gift Certificates
A Powerful and Polarizing Pastor

Some alternative ways to celebrate Christmas:
Advent Conspiracy
Christmas is not your birthday

And for our laugh for the week: One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite Christmas albums:


Now for my all time favorite Christmas special:

Preparing For December 7th

As we approach the second Sunday of Advent, we continue to hear words of hope from the prophet Isaiah. These beautiful words would be repeated again as Mark begins to tell the good news of Jesus Christ with the story of John the Baptist and Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River.

40Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. 2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
3A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” 6A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. 7The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. 8The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.
9Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10See, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. (Isaiah 40:1-11)

• Someone once said the only thing permanent in this word is change. As those who live in the midst of an increasing changing world, what comfort do you get from knowing that “word of our God will stand forever.”

• The prophet declares that the Lord is coming with a mighty arm and then immediately follows with a description of those mighty arms feeding the flock, carrying them like a parent and leading like a mother sheep. What does it mean to you to think of God as both mighty and gentle? What images or experiences from your own life reflect an experience of something and someone both powerful and gentle?

• The voice commands someone to prepare a way for the Lord in the wilderness. For those of us who find ourselves wandering in the wilderness as we struggle with the many challenges of life, how can we prepare a way for God in the midst of the dry and barren areas of our lives?

(Picture from St Catherine's from my trip to Mt. Sinai)

1st Sunday of Advent

Will the Real God Please Come Down?