Eleven years ago I moved from Oklahoma to the MohawkValley.In that time I’ve acquired a taste for greens and chicken riggies (I’m still working on tomato pie).I’ve grown to expect snow that lasts from November to April.I’ve learned that the proper term for soft drinks is not pop, but soda.I’ve discovered I enjoy attending hockey games and exploring the Adirondacks.But there is still one thing with which I struggle—the grayness of December.These dreary days cry out for the light of Christmas hope.
Centuries ago, on a Judean hillside, shepherds were in the fields, doing whatever it is shepherds do.Life was tough.They chafed under Roman occupation.Their work was hard and dirty.They struggled to put food on the table.Then, on that night, in the midst of their routine and business-as-usual, an angelic melody of peace and joy surrounds them and their lives change forever.
Christmas is about God’s love moving into the ordinariness of human life.Christmas is about men and women who know disappointment and fear, being enlivened by the breath of God.Christmas is the promise that in spite of gray days, in spite of broken dreams and stale routines, in spite of shredded hearts and sin-sick spirits, God comes to us with a love that will not let go.
The good news is that the angel’s song didn’t end with the shepherds, but continues to echo through the years.The angels sing today to men and women far from home, serving their country, and to those who miss them.The angels sing to people who wrestle with economic uncertainty.The angels sing to refugees seeking to make a fresh start even as their hearts long for home.The angels sing to police officers and firefighters who, over and over, put the safety of others before their own.The angels sing to children growing up in a landscape of drugs and guns, and to parents and educators who long to keep them safe. The angels sing to people who know that the world isn’t the place God created it to be, and who want to make a difference but aren’t sure how.Christmas is the story of God coming for those who need God the most with the promise of new life. Unto us a child is born, and on earth…peace.
2008 has been a challenging year. That’s not news to any of you. Religious and political scandals, economic challenges, international conflicts—all of these added to our personal problems make for unsettled times. It is easy to let these challenges so consume our thinking that we become blind to the grace of God that is, even now, moving among and through us. Those men and women who came to this country centuries ago also lived in uncertain times. These Pilgrims faced devastating illness, lack of food and shelter, harsh weather—all in a hostile and unfamiliar environment. Yet, they didn’t let their problems destroy their faith. That is what Thanksgiving is all about. It is easy to give thanks when all is well, but when times are tough we tend to fill our prayers with complaints more than praise. Thanksgiving is a day set aside for thanks—no matter what. It is a day to remember what we have rather than what we don’t have, or what we might not have if things don’t change. Life takes unexpected twists and turns, but wherever we go and whatever happens, we can give thanks that God is with us. November is a time to focus on God’s goodness even as the leaves fall and the sky turns gray. It is also a time to respond to that goodness with praise. One way we do that is through our giving. Stewardship Sunday is an opportunity to offer your thanks to God through the “fruit of your fields”—your pledge. The money we give to God--the time and energy we offer--are our way of saying we trust God, we praise God, we love God. You are God’s people—held in God’s arms of love. May that fact bring you joy and peace in the days ahead.
I know that technically New Year's Day is January 1, but for me the new year begins the day after Labor Day. Since I was 5 years old early fall has been the time for new beginnings--school starts, I began new jobs, I was married, my first daughter was born. My life has moved in new directions as the warmth of summer gives way to the brisk air of fall. On January 1, our new year resolutions usually lead to overcoming the excesses of the holidays. We resolve to exercise more, spend less, lose weight. But now is the time for new beginnings--new opportunities to learn and serve, new energy for celebrating the goodness of God. I hope you will take advantage of the many opportunities here at NHPC to learn and pray, worship and share. Happy New Year!
Yesterday was Celebration Sunday--and it truly was a celebration. As has become our tradition worship is led by the children and youth, with the message presented in the form of a musical. This year we sang the story of Jonah, the reluctant prophet of God. What a joy--close to 30 children ranging in age from 3 to 15 singing, acting, and dancing. And equally wonderful was the sight of a sanctuary filled with adults--parents, grandparents, and others who take seriously the vows we make at baptisms to nurture the children God has entrusted to us. And after worship, our celebration continued with a picnic on the front lawn--lots of hamburgers and hot dogs and laughter. This is what it means to be part of the people of God--gathering together to share hope and joy, food and fellowship, all well-seasoned with love.
Oh the sounds of spring! This morning is April 1 and while technically we are a couple of weeks into the season of spring, I'm still waiting for the burst of color and light. If there are any birds singing outside, their song is covered up by the sound of jackhammers at work to renovate the steps. Instead of bright flowers and greening grass--I see dirty piles of snow. Someone once wrote that in upstate New York there are five seasons: summer, fall, winter, not-spring, and spring. This is definitely one of those "not-spring" days. That is why the Easter promise matters so much. For, as we celebrate Christ's resurrection we remember that new life comes even into gray and gloomy lives. The abundant life God holds out before us has nothing to do with daffodils and butterflies and robins. Those are gifts of God, to be sure, but the resurrection reminds us that our joy is not dependent on weather or nature's beauty or good health or comfortable bank accounts. No matter what the circumstances of our lives, we can be a joyful, triumphant people for God is with us. Each season of the year--and each season of our lives holds wonder and promise. I pray that as you move through April--from not-spring to spring--you will know the incredible grace of God and be glad.
Lent is the 40 days (plus Sundays) leading up to Easter. The word Lent means spring--and as I watch snow flying in the air, that seems like wishful thinking. Easter this year is earlier than it has been for almost a century--which means that Lent begins earlier as well and spring seems far away. However, there are signs of its approaching--the sun rises earlier and sets later each day, and--for a few moments today--the sky was actually blue. And that is what Lent is all about, isn't it. Hanging in the hopes that new life will come, trusting in God's ability to bring new life out of wintry bleakness. During these days we move ever closer to the warmth of spring, but we aren't there yet. Let these days be for you a time to remember that even in the cold, gray days God is present. Use this time to read and pray and meditate on what it means that God is with us always--and get ready for the surprising grace of God which comes when and where we least expect it.
January is not my favorite month. Oh, I don't mind gray days. I can handle cold and snow (especially since I don't have to shovel). But after the joy and celebration of Advent and Christmas, January responsibilites include piles of administrative details. Committees are forming, annual reports need to be written, meetings punctuate every day. I would rather be engaged in worship and study! But, as Denzel Washington said: I do the things I need to do so I can do the things I want to do. Certain tasks need to be done so we have the structure and support to do the things that feed our soul. Some people thrive on the business end of the church--I'm not one of them, but I know that in these details we show ourselves to be good stewards of God's gifts. I know that God is present in our meetings and our business, and I know that when things run smoothly our life together is enhanced. You can help, too--by serving on committees when asked, by reading your newsletter so you know what is going on, by working on a task force or volunteering to do one of the myriad tasks that are needed to keep our building in good repair, our children taught, our people cared for. If you are already involved--thank you. If not, give me a call and see how you can help. We are the Body of Christ--and each one has a part to play in our life together.
We are midway through the Advent season; a time of waiting and preparation, a season of hope and peace and love--punctuated by joy. I hope you are pausing in the midst of the chaos and busyness of these days to en-joy them. Notice the advent blessings which surround you:
Gloomy New York skies brightened with sparkling lights strung on trees and
bushes.
The shy smile of a toddler at the mall--waving at Santa from a safe distance
Hearing jingle bells
Watching our church family--all ages working together to decorate the sweetly-
smelling Christmas tree
These are just a few of my favorite things--how about you? Sit for a few minutes and think about the particular blessings that have come to you (and I would love to hear from you as to what some of them are). Advent is not just a prelude to the good times of Christmas. It is, in and of itself, a time of wonder and promise.
I'm sitting in my study on the day before Thanksgiving trying to prepare mentally and otherwise for the next few weeks. It is easy to let the activities of the season take over, isn't it? I love the cards and decorations, the music and, yes...the presents. But, Advent is about so much more than that. Advent is a time to prepare for God's coming into our lives. It is a time to do some soul-cleaning. To clear out negative thinking, destructive habits and make room for the joy, hope, peace, and love that God brings into our lives. In addition to festivities at church and with my family, I 'm setting aside Thursdays from 8:00-9:00 am to spend alone with God--to read scripture, to pray, to listen, and to reflect on what it is God is doing in and through me. I hope some of you will also use that time (or a time that fits your schedule) to join me in this aspect of our Advent journey. I'll be reading the prophet Isaiah--look for some of my thoughts on this site.
