December 30 sermon - OK. So What?

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testifies concerning Him. He cries out, saying, “This was He of Whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’” From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, Who is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. (John 1:14-18)

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     For the last few days I’ve been dealing with a bit of a personal tragedy as I prepared this message. In spite of my best efforts, I’ve been unable to find my copy of my favourite Charles Dickens work: “A Christmas Carol.” I know I have it. I know it’s somewhere. But can I figure out where it is? Not right now anyway. It’s somewhere in my house. That much I’m convinced of. I really wanted to find it because I wanted to check something out - perhaps largely inconsequential, but I like precision, so this actually bothers me. It’s a quote. I remember it coming from the lips of the Ghost of Christmas Present in the great 1951 movie version of “A Christmas Carol,” but I really wanted to find out if Dickens wrote it, or if it came from Noel Langley, who adapted the story for that movie. Alas, I’ve not been able to confirm it. So, it comes either from Dickens of Langley, but whichever one of them wrote it, it’s an important statement: “the child born in Bethlehem does not live just one day of the year, but all 365 days of the year!” And so he does!

     For some reason, though, that seems very easy to forget, and it's the simple, really unimportant things that you notice. A friend of mine on Facebook posted this on Boxing Day: “Kind of sad really ... We prepare for days in anticipation of Christmas Day, and now it seems like it never happened. By that, I mean that we have the same hustle and bustle as we had before Christmas. It is supposed to be a time to pause and reflect on our blessings, but people aren't standing still long enough to take notice.” He was probably right about that. The night after Christmas Day, for example, one thing that stood out for me was how few people had bothered to put their Christmas lights on. It was as if Christmas was over and we couldn't be bothered anymore. It seems that the “spirit of Christmas” is now about the lead-up to the big day, with the shopping and the parties leading up to a virtual glut of gift-opening on December 25, probably a nice dinner, and then? Well, and then it seems to be over. The 12 days of Christmas? Remember them? Today is Day 6 - 6 geese a laying as the song says. But what's the point. On most people's calendar, Christmas is over. A new year beckons; it's back to work soon. And the Christmas spirit departs - much lamented, perhaps, but why lament that the spirit of Christmas doesn't last very long after December 25? Instead of lamenting the absence of the Christmas spirit, why don't we just commit ourselves to living by the Christmas spirit of peace and giving and generosity all year long? Wouldn't that keep the Christmas spirit alive? And, really, when we lament the quick passing of the Christmas spirit we're really doing little more than falling into judgment over what we perceive to be the failings of others rather than accepting the responsibility of making a difference ourselves. And maybe we should ask why everybody loves the Christmas spirit, but no one seems to want to live by it all year round. So Christmas has come and - the twelve days of Christmas notwithstanding - for most people Christmas has gone. So what? Why does it matter anytime other than December 25?

     I want to suggest that one of our problems is that we’ve come to associate December 25 too closely with the birth of Jesus. Well, what else should it be associated with, people might ask. I’m going to suggest that December 25 (Christmas) is not about the birth of Jesus as much as it’s about the human  incarnation of God. When we think of it too much as being just about Jesus’ birth, we essentially turn it into little more than a birthday party. Birthdays are great and fun - but they last for a day and then they’re gone. If Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus, then it is, indeed, just about a single day, after which we can move on. But Christmas is about incarnation and not birth, and all that incarnation implies.

     Understanding the incarnation of God in human flesh, or (as John puts it in his gospel) the fact that “the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us is far more important than simply celebrating the birth of a baby - even the birth of Jesus. A birth simply tells us that Jesus was here. Incarnation tells us so much more - and it’s the so much more that really matters, not the lights or the gifts or the Christmas spirit.

     Incarnation tells us that God loved what He created so much that He chose to become a part of what He had created. It’s a reminder to us of the original story of creation, where that which is created is very good. Incarnation tells us that, even it may be by human sin and arrogance, creation is still good enough for God. Incarnation tells us that it is through the weak and powerless and humble of our society that God works most powerfully, just as the incarnation shone brightest to a young girl and to lowly shepherds. There is no one who goes untouched by incarnation. Incarnation, by which God lives a human life, is a reminder to us that nothing in our lives is off limits to God, nor is anything in our lives unknown to God. Our story is now God’s story. Frederick Schmidt is an Episcopal priest and teaches Christian Spirituality at the Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas. In his words, “the incarnation [tells us that] God is different enough to be capable of saving us - [but] enough like us to understand our needs.” Incarnation brings us back to the word of the Ghost of Christmas Present: “the child born at Bethlehem doesn’t live just one day of the year, but all 365 days of the year.” And so He does!

     The so-called Christmas spirit might vanish pretty quickly once December 25 is over, and the world (having had a gigantic birthday party for Jesus) might well go back to its normal ways for another year - ways that can be joyful and exciting but also frustrating, irritating and at times even horrifying. But if at any point over the next year you find yourself being frustrated, irritated or horrified and you think back to Christmas and you wonder “So what? What difference did it make?”- remember that a birth makes very little difference, but the incarnation of God makes all the difference you can imagine.

December 24 (11 pm) sermon - The Everlasting Light

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:1-5)

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     In the great Alice Walker novel "The Color Purple," the main character is Celie. Celie is a young woman with a tragic life, but in the midst of it all she develops some great wisdom about God and religion. One of my favourite quotes from Celie is this: "...have you ever found God in church? I never did. I just found a bunch of folks hoping for him to show. Any God I ever felt in church I brought in with me. And I think all the other folks did too. They come to church to share God, not find God.” Having reflected just a few hours ago on the importance of light entering the world and overcoming darkness and driving away the fear that darkness represents, I thought about those words from Celie. To me, they seem to capture what these opening verses from John’s Gospel are talking about.

     Jesus was light; and His birth was God’s way of overcoming the darkness that had overtaken the world. And that light shines. Those who follow Christ are those who live in that light, and so, in a way, Celie’s words are very wise, and they capture better than any sermon possibly can the meaning of Christmas and the meaning of worship. Our goal when we come into this place - whether for an 11:00 Communion service or for a 10 am regular service - isn’t to find God. Mainly, that’s because God isn’t lost. God is already here among us; God is already here within us. That’s what the light of Christ is all about. God is here. We’re not here now looking for God; we’re not going to find God. We’re here to be a family, united by our common faith in Jesus, our lives already enlightened by the gospel He shared. No. Our goal isn’t to find God. Our goal on this holy night is to share with one another what we know about God and what we’ve learned about God. It’s that light shining from within us that is our life, and it’s that light shining from within us that offers new life in Christ’s name to all whom we encounter.

     We gather around the table as people whose lives have been transformed and as people who are guided constantly by that light that entered the world so long ago in Jesus. We share the gifts of God with each other; indeed, by our faith, we share God with each other; we see God reflected in one another’s faces. Jesus was that everlasting light spoken of in the carol “O Little Town Of Bethlehem.” But Jesus also called us to be lights. When we leave this place tonight, may we shine for all the world to see as a testimony to the love of God shown by Jesus and shown through us.

December 24 (7 pm) sermon - In The Darkness

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows - light! sunbursts of light! You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they’re so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings. The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants - all their whips and cudgels and curses - is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon’s old victory over Midian. The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood, Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days! For a child has been born - for us! The gift of a son - for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He’ll put that kingdom on a firm footing    and keep it going with fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this. (Isaiah 9:2-7)

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     A few nights ago, Lynn and I were on our way home well after dark from - a wedding reception! We were driving down Highway 406, and I glanced to my left at the eastern sky and did a bit of a double take. Then I said to Lynn, “look over there. The sky has a glow in it. That’s weird. I wonder what that is?” And we puzzled for a few moments and it suddenly hit me. And I said - “That has to be Niagara Falls. There’s enough light there that it makes the sky bright even when it’s night.” I had forgotten apparently. You see, I grew up in Toronto. There are both advantages and disadvantages to growing up in a big city. I don’t know which this is - but one thing about growing up in Toronto is that it’s never really dark there, and so you don’t get a concept of what dark is. Not really. In 1994, when I was ordained, we were sent to the United Church in Roberts Arm, Newfoundland - a little fishing outport, with about 900 people. It’s dark there at night. Really dark. But at least there are a few street lights. When it gets really dark is when you’re driving to Roberts Arm late at night. To get to Roberts Arm you have to drive down Highway 380 from South Brook. It’s a half hour drive through - to be honest - nothing. And at night it’s dark. Really dark. When we moved there we were given a warning. “If it’s dark and you see a moose” - because Newfoundland’s highways are filled with moose - “stop the car and turn your headlights off, because a bull moose will sometimes charge a car with headlights on.” One night a couple of months later we were driving home after dark - and we saw a big moose in the distance ahead. Lynn yelled “That’s a moose! Remember what they told us. Stop the car and turn the headlights off.” So I did. And we sat there in the dark. And we sat. For five minutes. Then ten. We couldn’t see a thing, of course, because it was pitch black outside. And finally Lynn said, “Since it’s so dark, how are we going to know if the moose is still there?” And I said in reply, “I don’t know.” So we turned on the headlights, and - sure enough - the moose had disappeared, probably long before then, having wandered off into the woods probably wondering - if a moose can wonder - what in the world those two city slickers were doing in his neighbourhood.

     That’s the reality of living in darkness, isn’t it. In the dark, there are all sorts of potential dangers; all sorts of things to be afraid of; all sorts of things that might  hurt you. It’s probably why all sorts of children and even a few adults I know of are afraid of the dark, even when we know we’re safe in our own homes. There’s nothing to be afraid of. There’s nothing there that isn’t there when it’s not dark. We know that. But there’s just something primal about it. We wait anxiously for the light to appear and take the scariness of the darkness away. 

     Maybe that’s why Jesus is called a “light.” The “great light” Isaiah spoke about is the Messiah. I want to share this passage from Luke 2:

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

     God’s glory “blazed.” It was a light like no other light that any of the shepherds had ever seen before. And the message the shepherds heard was “don’t be afraid.” That’s the message of Christmas today. “Don’t be afraid.” Why not? Sometimes the world seems to be a scary place! But, “don’t be afraid.” Why not? Because Jesus has come. The light of God, the light of the world, God’s glory blazing. Jesus takes away all fear, and replaces it with love and hope and peace. Those are the things of Christmas, for a people who once walked in darkness, but have now seen a great light.

A Thought For The Week Of December 24

"... the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" (Luke 2:10) They may be the most widely used words in the Gospels - sometimes coming from Jesus, in this case, as part of the Christmas story, coming from angels: "Do not be afraid." I wonder why they're used so often? And why are they a part of the Christmas story? What's to be feared about a baby being born? That's a wonderful, exciting and joyous event, isn't it. Well, usually. But when you think about it in the context of the Christmas story - maybe there's something different going on with the birth of THIS baby. Perhaps the message is that, as comforting as it should be, the coming near of God actually makes us nervous. What's God going to do? Does it mean trouble? Have we been good enough? The approach of God in whatever form perhaps causes an immediate reaction of apprehension. And then come the words "do not be afraid." We have no reason to fear the approach of God - because God has come for us, and for our sakes, and for our well-being. God has come to give us life. The approach of God is good news of great joy - for all people. The approach of God is the approach of love in its purest and most noble form. This week of Christmas, this divine love that came to us and lived among us in Jesus is what we celebrate. Indeed, we are not afraid - because God is with us! Have a blessed Christmas, and a blessed week!

Where Was God?

I've avoided saying much of anything about the Newtown, Connecticut shooting for a while, because - frankly - I think the whole thing was too raw and too emotional, and it was hard to really get a grip on my own feelings and know exactly what could be offered in the face of such brutal insanity. When 27 people are murdered (20 of them 6 & 7 year olds) what in the world are you supposed to say? But I think people of faith have to say something. Eventually. Once the rawness is over and all we're left with is still head-shaking bewilderment and grief. From a faith perspective, the question being asked is - "where was God?" It's a valid question for people who have questions about God in the first place, and it's a valid question even for those of very deep faith, because even those of very deep faith have somehow been conditioned by the feel-good religion that we like to promote to believe that God should simply take all the bad things away, and, if that's true, then children shouldn't be murdered. No one should be murdered, of course - but especially not innocent children who go to school in the morning to learn and to play and to see their friends, with dreams of Christmas probably in most of their heads at this time of year. So, yes, "where was God?" Valid question.

Because we're right around Christmas my mind first goes to what you might call the extended Christmas story in the Bible, and it reminds me that the occurrence of such horrible things shouldn't surprise us. That extended Christmas story includes what we call "The Massacre Of The Innocents." It's the story of King Herod, determined to kill this child whose birth has been foretold by the magi, ordering the massacre of all the boys 3 and under in Bethlehem, apparently concluding that it was better for many innocent children to die than that he feel threatened. That is a horrible story. I've preached on it a couple of times over the years, but it never feels right. Especially because it's part of the Christmas story. There's a Christmas carol that speaks of it. "Unto Us A Boy Is Born" includes the line: "Herod then with fear was filled: 'A prince,' he said, 'in Jewry.' All the little boys he killed at Bethlehem in his fury." But I don't use that carol very much. That's just an ugly line. But I wonder if that Christmas carol and that story from Matthew's Gospel isn't making an important point. Let's let go of the unrealistic notion that God's just going to make everything OK and nothing bad will ever happen. It's never been that way for people of faith; it never will be that way for people of faith.

I can rationalize the existence of evil and the fact that bad things happen to good people. That's not hard. Free will. God calls us to a life of love, but lets us choose whether or not to live that life of love. In fact, it's the granting of that choice that is the sign of divine love. God invites us to relationship. Relationship can't be forced; it has to be chosen. Because a relationship that is forced isn't a relationship. And if I have the right to refuse the relationship God offers then I will sometimes not live in love, and my choices will impact others. And before anyone says "but believers do evil things as often as anyone" - I wouldn't argue that, because believers make choices too, and sometimes we choose not to live in love. Tragic, but true. Bad things happen to good (or innocent) people because sometimes both believers and non-believers choose to do bad things, and our actions have consequences on those around us. I don't know how to deny that. Could God prevent any of that? I believe in a sentient and all-powerful God, so I believe that, yes, God could prevent that. But God won't - and I believe it's because of love. None of us can protect our children from everything - and we shouldn't. Otherwise they'd never grow up. They'd never become the people God is calling them to be. Jesus said that he wanted us to live life to the full. "Abundant life." Living life to the full presumably includes all the experiences of life - good and bad and everything in between. Should the children of Newtown have experienced more abundance of life? Yes. They should have. But they didn't. And that's evil. It's not of God, and it's not even a sign that God was absent. It's just a reminder - if we ever needed one - that evil is very real.

So, where was God? I believe God was there. I believe God was present in the love and courage shown, for example, by teachers who tried to protect and comfort the children in their care. Some would say, "why give credit to God? Give credit to the teachers." Well, I do. They have as much right to choose as anyone else. They could have chosen not to act with love and courage. But they chose to act with love and courage. I don't know whether or not all or any of the teachers (and others) who acted with such love and courage were believers. But I do believe that those are God-given qualities; qualities that let the light of God shine even in the midst of horrible, horrible darkness. When we see them, we see God, even if those displaying them don't realize that they're displaying God by their actions. So, God was there. As always, God is shown through the noble and loving and courageous actions of those whom God has created. Some choose not to show those divine qualities - that "image of God" built into each one of us. That choice is the reason for evil. Sometimes that choice doesn't have a lot of impact; sometimes it has a tragic impact. But it doesn't blind me to the reality of God's presence in the world. "God is love," Scripture tells me. Where I see love and loving qualities, I see God. I could see those qualities in Newtown. So I know God was there, as well. That doesn't mitigate the tragic insanity of what happened, but it helps me to make sense of it anyway.

A Thought For The Week Of December 17

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had." (Acts 4:32) This is one of the most intriguing verses in the entire Bible, and there's so much that we could do with it. But I want to focus on the idea of unity. In that very early church, the believers were one and shared everything. Some might use this as a justification for socialist ideology, but that really doesn't work. Socialism depends on the mandated redistribution of resources by the government. What amazes me is that, for these early Christians, it doesn't appear that sharing was "required." There's nothing saying that you had to share everything to be part of the community. It was, in fact, the reverse. The community meant so much and was so united "in heart and mind" that the people were moved to share everything with each other rather than being compelled to. What a community! And one that reflects the nature of God and, really, the meaning of Christmas. What is Christmas, really, except the choice by God to share with the world - and to share everything, not because God had to share, but because God wanted to share. And this verse seems to say that if, as a community, the church truly lives with hearts and minds that are fully open to the Gospel, then the church can can be "one in heart and mind." Our centre of unity - that which binds us together - is Jesus Christ, God's gift to the world. With Jesus at the centre (not theologies or ideologies or doctrines or interpretations or works or spiritual gifts or anything else except Jesus) how can we not be "one in heart and mind"? How can we not set aside the things that divide us and just rejoice in the love and grace of God given in Jesus? Have a great week!

December 16, 2012 sermon - Watching And Waiting

Take a lesson from the fig tree. From the moment you notice its buds form, the merest hint of green, you know summer’s just around the corner. And so it is with you. When you see all these things, you know he is at the door. Don’t take this lightly. I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for this one, too—these things will happen. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out. But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father. So keep a sharp lookout, for you don’t know the timetable. It’s like a man who takes a trip, leaving home and putting his servants in charge, each assigned a task, and commanding the gatekeeper to stand watch. So, stay at your post, watching. You have no idea when the homeowner is returning, whether evening, midnight, cockcrow, or morning. You don’t want him showing up unannounced, with you asleep on the job. I say it to you, and I’m saying it to all: Stay at your post. Keep watch. (Mark 13:28-37)

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     Well, what can I say to begin this morning. I have in mind the words of an old ditty: “So long, it’s been good to know you.” Now, before those words get any rumours started and either tears or cheers break out (which you choose would depend on your perspective) I’m not announcing my imminent departure for another church. I’m simply taking note of the pending end of the world. Don’t forget - this Friday is December 21. That’s the day the Mayan calendar ends, so we know that there can’t be anything coming up after that. Some people don’t believe the Mayans were right, of course, and some people think that those who believe the world is coming to an end have simply misunderstood them. But I’m working on the principle of “better safe than sorry.” So, just in case I don’t see any of you ever again - once more, “So long, it’s been good to know you!”

     I’m making light of this, of course, but there really are people who are worried, and I expect stories about “the end” are going to multiply as this week goes on. I scoured the internet on your behalf earlier this week and came across some fascinating stuff. Astrologer Patrick Geryl says that somewhere in the world there’s going to be an 8+ earthquake either tomorrow or Tuesday, and planetary alignments are going to cause a 10+ earthquake on December 21. Some doomsday cults have said that a planet is on a collision course with earth and will hit on December 21, with the only place in the world surviving being a small town in the south of France called Bugarach (pop. 176). After the collision, a group of aliens are going to emerge with their spaceship (which is hidden in a mountain just outside town) and pluck all the believers off to safety on their home planet. I’m not making this up! French authorities have now banned access to the mountain. On the assumption that many people will want to come to Bugarach before December 21 to escape the coming apocalypse, one gentleman is offering a room in his home for a little over $1500 Canadian. And, of course, there’s a theory that on Friday for some reason the earth is going to be swallowed by the massive black hole that exists in the centre of our galaxy. The only problem with that theory is that the black hole is 26000 light years away from us and so far it hasn’t really affected my life too much.

    So why do I bring this up now? Why today? It isn’t really Christmas-y. That’s true, but then again - this isn’t really Christmas! This is still Advent, and Advent has traditionally been a time for reflecting upon the end. I’m not talking in a doomsday sort of way. By “the end” I’m talking about the great Christian hope for the culmination of history: the coming of God’s Kingdom in its full glory; the establishment of Christ’s reign on earth; the final defeat of sin and evil. Today’s reading from Mark’s Gospel is one of the traditional Advent Gospel readings because it deals with that end, but it also reminds us of how absolutely foolish are those who fixate on the end, and who do so to the point at which they’ll be able to pinpoint when it’s going to happen. Jesus in this passage essentially says that by all means we should always be watchful for the signs of God’s coming (because whenever the “end” might come - and even science tells us that there will be an “end” at some point) we never actually know when God might appear. In fact, God’s appearance doesn’t necessarily even mean the end. God appears on a regular basis to those who have eyes to see. God might be appearing to you even now in some way. And Jesus says - watch, and wait. And Jesus says - wait, and watch. Why do that? Simple! Because Jesus says, “... the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father. So keep a sharp lookout, for you don’t know the timetable.” We can’t know when God’s going to appear. Divine appearances might be happening all the time, and they probably happen when we least expect them. I mean, who would have expected God to appear in a stable as an infant? Divine appearances certainly don’t happen the way we expect them to happen and they don’t happen according to our timetables, and it’s my personal opinion that they don’t even happen according to the Mayan timetable - although as I heard recently, most modern day descendants of the Mayans think this whole doomsday thing is just - and I quote - “an invention of the gringos” anyway.

     So why talk about all this now? Not really because of the Mayan calendar doomsday predictions, but because the birth of Jesus was one of those unexpected ways in which God made His presence felt, and which reminds us to always be alert and watchful for the signs of God’s appearance. Now I confess that seeing God’s presence is much easier said than done. When we contemplate events in the world just over the last couple of days we’re probably tempted to wonder if the doomsday prophets aren’t right and the world isn’t crashing in around us, because how can God be present in the midst of such insanity? But God is. It would seem to me that wherever we see real love, we see God. It would seem to me that wherever we see real courage, we see God. It would seem to me that wherever we see real compassion, we see God. It would seem to me that, in a way, we see God when we see a man whose six year old daughter has just been murdered express care and compassion for the family of the murderer. As it was reported in the news, the father of 6 year old Emilie Parker, who died in the Connecticut school shooting on Friday, “expressed no animosity, said he was not mad and offered sympathy for family of the man who killed 26 people and himself.” I don’t know if I could do that. But somewhere in there I believe there’s a sign of the presence of God, and if God can somehow be seen in the midst of that tragedy, then that just reminds us of how true  the words of Jesus are: “Stay at your post. Keep watch.”

     “Keep watch” - because the truth really is that you never know when God is going to make an appearance. Not in doomsday prophecies and ridiculous end times scenarios, but in daily life and in the triumphs and in the tragedies that happen in the world around us. I trust that one day God will appear in power, and all things will be as God wants them to be. But since I don’t know when that will be, for now, I watch, I wait - and I hope and trust that I’ll be able to see even the small signs of God’s presence in the world now.

United Against Boycott: Positive Action For Peace In Israel-Palestine

In a blog post on August 17 and briefly in my sermon of September 9 I discussed my reaction to the decision of the United Church General Council to endorse economic action against Israel as a response to the conflict in Palestine. You can read what I said in those posts for a fuller understanding of my personal position. Earlier today I discovered that a group of United Church clergy opposed to the resolution had developed a statement in opposition to it with an invitation for any who agreed with the statement to endorse it. I've done so earlier today. The statement isn't 100% in accord with my reasons for not supporting the General Council resolution, but there's also nothing in the statement that I disagree with. So any differences would be more along the lines of things I would add to the statement rather than anything I would take away from it. So I added my name. Here's the statement, printed in italics:

Peace to you.     Shalom.     Salaam.

We are members and adherents of The United Church of Canada of various theological and political worldviews. We are deeply concerned with the longstanding and ongoing injustice and violence that plagues the people of Palestine and Israel. We pray and work as we can for a just, safe peace that brings life to these nations. We believe that to get to this place of life, it is vital that we continue to build relationships with everyone who is working for peace in the region.

Recently, The General Council of The United Church of Canada made decisions regarding its stance on the conflict between the people of Israel and Palestine.

Although there are many nuances to this action, the decision and recommendations clearly place the weight of responsibility on Israel for the continuation of the conflict and for the impoverished living conditions of the people of Palestine. The General Council named the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands “as a major contributor to the injustice that underlies the violence of the region,” and the particular role Israeli settlements play in continuing and deepening the occupation.

However, there was little recognition of the roles other important parties, including some in the Palestinian community, are playing in perpetuating violence and injustice, thereby standing in the way of a peaceful resolution to this unjust situation. The General Council called on the government of Israel to take many actions, but it made no similar entreaties to the Palestinian leadership. For there to be a true partnership toward peace, all parties must be encouraged to do their part in building that partnership. To achieve peace, an open and fair dialogue must be present. With its decision the United Church of Canada has removed itself from dialogue.

The General Council has called on United Church members to support the end of the occupation by engaging in a boycott against some products of the Israeli settlements.

We believe that this decision of the General Council has damaged relationships that are vital to growing a just peace.

We commit ourselves to challenging the decision of the General Council, through the processes of The United Church of Canada.

We will work against the boycott campaign and the other policies including divestment and sanctions against Israel.

We will support positive peace-building efforts.

We commit ourselves to offering care to the people of Israel and the people of Palestine, not by economic sanction, but by economic support.

We commit ourselves to working with people here in Canada, in Israel and in Palestine, for a secure, just peace, that lifts up abundance and hope for all.

Salaam.     Shalom.     Peace.

Anyone can sign; clergy or lay - as long as you're a member or adherent of the United Church. More information about this is available at:

http://www.unitedagainstboycott.ca/

A Thought For The Week Of December 10

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” This, according to Luke's Gospel, was Mary's response to the angel who told her that she would become pregnant with Jesus even though she was a virgin. The virgin birth, of course, is a big part of this time of year. We remember it at Christmas, we sing about it, we read about it, perhaps some of us even preach about it. It's also one of the more questioned parts of the gospel account of Jesus' birth. Was she really a virgin? How could she have been? That's impossible. Those are the objections we hear - and there are more, of course. Well, I'm going to come clean - I believe in the virgin birth. I believe in it because no one has given me a good reason as to why it couldn't have happened! Are we really to reduce God's ability to do miracles of any sort? Is God really to be reduced to nothing more than a cosmic version of - well - me? With all of my limitations? Not able to do anything that I can't do? I hope not. I choose not to make God in my image and I choose not to make God subject to my limitations. I choose to believe in a God who is far greater than I am and who can do the most amazing and - yes - even miraculous things; things I could never even dream of doing. Part of the wonder of the story of the virgin birth at Christmas (or any other time) is that it reminds me of just that - I can't reduce God to less than what God is. My only hope is that God will raise me to more than I ever imagined I could be. So, yes, I believe in the virgin birth. For me, it's part of the vision of hope that's contained in the Gospel. Have a great week!

The Life Of A Minister: Planning December - Fun And Frustration

As I'm becoming a little bit overwhelmed with Advent/Christmas planning, I thought maybe blogging about some of my challenges might be good therapy. Christmas Eve is very much on my mind today. I love Christmas Eve. I love Christmas Eve services. And at the same time, as a minister, I never look forward to Christmas Eve services.

Well, the services themselves I look forward to. It's the planning of the services that I don't like. I mean, really, once you've done it 7 times (as I've done at my current church) or 18 times (as I've done in my ministry career) what do you do? I've scoured my brain; I've scoured the internet. Nothing much is leaping to mind. I could scour old services from previous charges that I've served I guess. Still, whatever I do, the choices for the occasion are so limited. There are basically - unless you want to get really radical - two Scripture stories that can be told - the Christmas story of Matthew or the Christmas story of Luke. Joseph's perspective or Mary's perspective. So, which is it this year? And carols. You want to sing the old familiar carols. I mean, choosing something that's not familiar causes enough grief when you have just the regulars in church. Choosing something unfamiliar in a church in which more than half the congregation perhaps aren't usually there is more challenging. So, do I open with O Come All Ye Faithful or Silent Night? Somehow, they both have to be there. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing works, but I often like to use that as a closing hymn on Christmas Eve. I might get away with Still, Still, Still. The church folk know it - most of them; some of them, anyway. I'll think about that. I could throw a curve ball and open with an Advent song! O Come, O Come, Emmanuel! That might work, and it would be a little different, but I think I'm using it on a Sunday in Advent, and I usually try not to repeat. Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus? Maybe. And I have to remember that if I use Hark! The Herald Angels Sing to open I have to find something else (familiar) to close with. Hmmm. Strange but true - there aren't really a lot of good Christmas carols that work as a good closing hymn. My opinion, anyway. Somewhere along the way (if I want something fresh) I could go the You Tube route. That's an idea. How about Mary, Did You Know? There's a nice You Tube version of it. That's a nice one, kind of meditative, and it suits the occasion. And somewhere in the middle of this I have to find a place for O Little Town Of Bethlehem. What would Christmas Eve be without O Little Town Of Bethlehem?

And then, setting all that aside, there's the 11:00 Communion service. It's a bit easier. I give myself more flexibility in Scripture readings for that service. Maybe I'll frame that late service with the angel hymns. You know: Angels From The Realms Of Glory, and Angels We Have Heard On High. One to start and one to finish, with something more meditative in the middle to go with Communion. Maybe here's the spot for Still, Still, Still!

I have made a change to my Advent preaching. One thing I both like and don't like about the way we do things here is that I only preach twice during Advent - one service (this Sunday) is the Children's Pageant, and one service (the Sunday before Christmas) is the Choir Cantata. I like it because it cuts down on prep work; I don't like it because it prevents the development of any sort of flow to the Advent season. But it is what it is. Originally, for December 16 I was going to do a critique of society of sorts, reflecting on those things in the world that prevent us from truly celebrating Christmas. But that wasn't sitting well. And then I realized - that's the Sunday before the end of the world! I jest, of course. But December 21 is the doomsday scenario for some people (Mayan calendar and all) and I've decided to bring that into the service and make it a kind of Advent theme of watching and waiting, using some of Jesus apocalyptic sayings. I've decided on Mark's version for that - 13:28-37. Jesus apocalyptics are, after all, traditional Advent readings that suit the origin of Advent as a look ahead not to Jesus' birth, but to the ultimate fulfilment: Jesus' return in glory. (Which makes it kind of odd that, liturgically, the church makes Advent the start of the year.) So, anyway, I'm gonna call that one "Watching And Waiting." The emphasis will be on the waiting. In other words, don't panic - the Mayan calendar is wrong. The world isn't ending on December 21. We need to simply be watchful for the signs of Christ's appearance (among us now, and as a future hope.) And if I'm wrong and the Mayans were right and the world does come to an end on December 21? Well, then December 16 is the last church service I'll ever conduct and so no one will have the chance to call me on it!

I have selected an opening hymn for December 30. It's an oldie, and it's not even in the hymn book, and for some reason I really like it. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. (I know the title and first line is a bit sexist, but political correctness is not really something I'm obsessed with.) I've even got a sermon title. "OK. So What?" Exploring why Christmas is still important to the Christian faith.

Some of the planning is already over, of course. The big challenge to start out is always finding a fresh sort of candle liturgy that's family friendly because we like having children involved. I like what I'm using this year. It doesn't follow the joy, peace, love, hope routine. Instead, it's prophets, shepherds, Mary, Joseph. Kind of different. I like it.

Has this helped my brain get a handle on the next three and a half weeks in church? Maybe. I don't know. I'll find out tomorrow. I think I'm giving it a rest for now!

A Thought For The Week Of December 3

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10 - English Standard version) Why did Jesus come? As we reflect on the first week of Advent our thoughts are naturally turning to the "why?" question. That's the question faith is uniquely positioned to answer. We're not science, dealing  with "How?" questions - which are process questions; we're faith, and we deal specifically with "Why?" questions - the far more important purpose questions. So - what's our purpose? What was Jesus' purpose? The two are surely linked. Jesus didn't come so we could have pretty trees and lights and carols and manger scenes. Don't get me wrong. Those things are wonderful. I love them as much as anyone. But that's not why Jesus came. As he himself as he neared the end of his ministry, he said that he came "to seek and to save the lost." Jesus has a lot of work to do. There are a lot of lost souls out there. People who've never built a relationship with God; some who don't have much of a relationship with anyone; some whose whole existence seems to have little purpose. Jesus had a purpose: he came to save them. We have a purpose: we're here to find them for him, and to share with them Jesus' good news of salvation, peace, love, grace and eternal life. That's the answer to at least two questions: "why did Jesus come? and "why are we here?" Look around. You'll find the lost anywhere. That's not being judgmental - it's just that there are, unfortunately, a lot of people who have no sense of purpose or direction. You have something to offer them. You have the gospel of Jesus Christ and the love of God. Have a great week!

December 2, 2012 sermon - A Celebration Of Preparation

A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every 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. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:3-5)

and

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send My messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

    make his paths straight,’” John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (Mark 1:1-4)

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

     Congregation & Choir Sing: “Prepare The Way” (10, Voices United)

Prepare the way of the Lord! Prepare the way of the Lord! 

Make a straight path for him,make a straight path;

Prepare the way of the Lord!

Prepare the way of the Lord! Prepare the way of the Lord! 

Make a straight path for him,make a straight path;

Prepare the way of the Lord!

     So, as with the children, so also with the adults - are you prepared? Are you ready? We know (and we’ve heard some of this from the children already) what the question “are you ready?” means at this time of year. Do you have your tree up? Do you have your lights up? Do you have your shopping done? Do you have your travel plans made? Do you have your parties planned? Do you have your list of people getting a Christmas card written out? We often miss the power of Advent because these December weeks are full of all these secular preparations for Christmas. I have no objection to the secular version of Christmas. In fact, I love it. And I really couldn’t care less if the greeter at Wal-Mart or the cashier at Dollarama says “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas!” I mean, who really cares? All of these desperate preparations are a part of this blessed time of year - and yet, for the most part (and peace on earth notwithstanding) people often find themselves getting pretty stressed out about some of them, because if everything isn’t ready - and ready pretty early - then you start to feel just a little bit left out of all the seasonal festivities don’t you? And then you start to think frantically about having to play catch-up, and that takes a lot of the festiveness out of the seasonal festivities. December can, in some ways, be the toughest month of the year, just because of all the expectations that go along with it. And from our perspective as a church the problem is that, each year, the busyness of this secular Christmas season serves to distract us from having a meaningful Advent season that truly prepares us for what we’re supposed to be celebrating.

     Expectations have always been tough - and expectations are always tough to live up to. The expectations for this time of year are especially hard to live up to. And I’m not even talking about Christmas in the way the secular world thinks about Christmas. I’m talking about here in the church. As people who follow Jesus, we are called to live in a state that could be best described as “expectant anticipation.” But anticipation of what? I think we’ve so allowed the secular Christmas to take over that we’ve forgotten as Christians what it is that we’re anticipating! Advent is not about the birth of Jesus. Oh, we’ll talk about the birth of Jesus, and we’ll sing about it - but Advent isn’t about Jesus’ birth. If you notice none of our three hymns today even mention the birth of Jesus - including “Joy To The World” which - although it’s classed as a Christmas carol in the hymn book, was actually written by Isaac Watts as an Advent song - which is why it doesn’t mention Jesus’ birth. So, what are we anticipating, and why is this season that isn’t about the birth of Jesus tied so closely to the birth of Jesus?

     Essentially, the birth of Jesus is a sign; it’s a harbinger of things to come. The coming of God in flesh to dwell among us for a short period of time is a reminder to us that God promises to dwell with us forever in eternity. The life of Jesus is a testimony to the goodness of God, and Advent reminds us that the goodness of God - which is present but not always obvious around us - will one day be our one and only reality. In other words, the season of Advent doesn’t point us backward to the birth of a baby a couple of thousand years ago. The season of Advent points us ahead to the time when God’s Kingdom will be established in all its fullness and all evil will be destroyed. The season of Advent reminds us that when we pray “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” our prayer isn’t an empty plea; it’s an expression of a certain hope. I believe the world is filled with far more goodness than anything else, but so often we can become consumed by the bad things we see. The season of Advent reminds us that all the bad things we see happening around us and sometimes all the bad things that happen to us don’t have a victory; that one day the goodness of God will simply overcome everything and the only reality left will be the love of God that holds us close for all eternity. The birth of Jesus - and the life he led - is a sign of that goodness, but it’s only a sign. The best is yet to come!

     The preparations for Christmas are ongoing. They’re fun and they’re stressful. But as Christians, we can celebrate our need to prepare - because we’re preparing the way of the Lord, and seeking to prepare others by showing them in our own lives the goodness and love of God as best we can; the goodness and love of God outpoured for the world in Jesus!