After Christmas eve... now what?

 After Christmas eve...Now what?

Well the presents are all open. The cards have been read. The leftovers are slowly disappearing. Life is returning to normal. Soon the school buses will be running again and the yellow flashing lights warning us to slow down as we drive by school grounds will again reflect off the snow and ice on these dark winter mornings.

Soon the Christmas lights will go away for another year. 

Soon the manger will disappear along with the poinsettias. 

...Now what?

As I wrote in my last blog, I love the song Silent Night. It just would not seem to be Christmas without the singing of the song. I think part of the reason I like that song so much is because it is my dream and maybe yours to truly have a Silent Night! 

But that is not the world we live in. I left the last worship on Christmas Eve and as the snow was coming straight down with big heavy snow flakes that is so common for the Anchorage bowl area I stopped under the light post in the parking lot and looked around. As I stood in the empty parking lot for a moment, I broke the silence of the evening by shouting at the top of my lungs- 

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

But...

it really was not a Silent Night. The evening Christmas carols were replaced with the wail of sirens some where off in the distance. I imagined for a moment a house fire, a car wreck, a child in the hospital, a person sitting alone weeping over a photo of someone they can no longer see or talk too. 

My point is simple. Life never stops. Life keeps moving and this is what was happening on the night that Jesus was born. People on the night He was born were living and experiencing death. There were likely other births somewhere else that night. The shepherds were doing what they did every night- tending to their sheep. People's lived were disrupted as the populations was forced to move about the country to their ancestral homes for a Roman imposed census. Magi were traveling from the east and would not arrive for sometime to worship the new born king. 

Did you know that? We often time put the Magi in the manger scene and think they arrived on the night Jesus was born but Scripture paints a different picture. In the Gospel account of Matthew in Chapter 2, we see that Mary and Joseph have settled into a house. We see Jesus is referred to not as a baby but a child! Jesus could have been as old as 2 by the time the Magi made their appearance. After the Magi visit Mary and Joseph were told in a dream to flee to Egypt that this young family would avoid King Herod's wrath!  

Life went on as it always does. Even Jesus said people were eating and drinking, marring and being given in marriage right up to the day the flood waters came upon the earth in Noah's day. (Matthew 24: 37-39)

The important thing for you and I to focus on as life continues and we wish and pray for a truly Silent Night is that Jesus is the one who will one day provided that Silent Night upon His return.  He is also the one who gives us a glimpse of that now as we live out our life. 

When I broke the seeming silence of Christmas eve by shouting MERRY CHRISTMAS to the neighborhood I had a sense of peace and quietness in my soul that night. I hope you did too! We all know the world continues to suffer from our sins but that is what Jesus came to take away and what He does take away. 

My soul is at peace with that. I miss my dad who is not here to see our children gather about the Christmas tree. I am sad that my mom is sick and her mind struggles with anxiety and disorientation. I feel my youth each year being sapped away by age and a body that is not able to do what it did 20 years ago. I hurt for the countless children who suffer with not enough food to eat. My heart breaks for the teenage boys and girls who do not know what unconditional love is. I pray for those struggling with addictions of all kinds. I know you all too can add to this list of things that God has laid upon your heart as you read these words.

Yet together we have peace in Jesus who is the Prince of Peace. Together we can address in the name of Jesus the hurts, sadness, pain, illnesses of heart, body and mind so others can get a glimpse of what Jesus will one day bring into fullness- PEACE!

In this new year, it is my prayer we continue to focus our eyes outside the walls of the church and become even more the HANDS of JESUS into the community we live and the world we inhabit.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

to you all my brothers and sisters in CHRIST! Let the Holy Spirit be our guide this coming year and every day of every year!! 

Pastor Andy

My favorite Christmas hymn...

I love Silent Night! It is my favorite Christmas hymn. In my opinion a Christmas Eve service would not be a Christmas Eve service without that hymn! I did an internet search and I think that about ever known singer has done a rendition of this hymn. Johnny Cash, Justine Bieber, Bon Jovi, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Michael Bolton, Nat King Cole, Black-eyed Peas, George Michael, Billy Idol, Elvis, Alan Jackson and many, many, many more!!! So how did this ever popular song come about? Read on and enjoy as you gather to celebrate with friends and relatives this Christmas season. 

Author—Joseph Mohr, 1792–1848

English Translation—John F. Young, 1820–1885

Composer—Franz Gruber 1787–1863

Tune Name—"Stille Nacht"

Meter—Irregular

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.     

Luke 2:11

Joseph Mohr was born in the lovely city of Salzburg, Austria, in 1792. As a boy he was an active chorister in the Cathedral of Salzburg. In 1815 Mohr was ordained to the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church. Following his ordination, he served various parishes in the Salzburg area. It was while serving as an assistant priest in 1818, at the newly erected Church of St. Nicholas in Obernorf in the region of Tyrol, high in the beautiful Alps, that Mohr wrote the text for this favorite of all Christmas carols.

Father Mohr and Franz Gruber, the village schoolmaster and church organist, had often talked about the fact that the perfect Christmas hymn had never been written. With this goal in mind, and after he had received word that his own church organ would not function, Father Mohr decided that he must write his own Christmas hymn, immediately, in order to have music for the special Christmas Eve Mass and to avoid disappointing his faithful congregation. Upon completing the text, he took his words to Franz Gruber, who exclaimed when he saw them, “Friend Mohr, you have found it—the right song—God be praised!”

Soon Gruber completed his task of writing the right tune for the new text. His simple but beautiful music blended perfectly with the spirit of Father Mohr’s words. The hymn was completed in time for the Christmas Eve Mass, and Father Mohr and Franz Gruber sang their hymn to the accompaniment of Gruber’s guitar. The hymn made a deep impact upon the parishioners, even as it has on succeeding generations. The passing of time seems only to add to its appeal.

Neither Mohr nor Gruber intended that their hymn would be used outside of their little mountain village area. However, it is reported that within a few days after the Christmas Eve Mass, the organ repairman, Karl Maurachen of Zillerthal, a well-known organ builder of that area, came to the church and obtained a copy of the new hymn. Through his influence the carol spread throughout the entire Tyrol region, where it became popular as a Tyrolean Folk Song. Soon various performing groups such as the well-known Strasser Children’s Quartet began using the hymn in concert throughout Austria and Germany. In 1838 it first appeared in a German hymnal, where it was titled a “hymn of unknown origin.” It was first heard in the United States in 1839 when a family of Tyrolean Singers, the Rainers, used the music during their concert tour. Soon it was translated into English as well as into other languages. At least eight different English translations are known today. The carol is presently sung in all of the major languages of the world and is a universal favorite wherever songs of the Christmas message are sung.

The translation by John F. Young is the version most widely used in this country. Young was born at Pittston, Kennebec County, Maryland, on October 30, 1820. He was ordained to the Episcopal Church and served a number of years as a bishop in the State of Florida. Throughout his church ministry he had a keen interest in sacred music. This translation of Mohr’s German text first appeared in 1863 in Clark Hollister’s Service and Tune Book. In addition to this translation of this text, Young is also known as the editor of two published hymnals, Hymns and Music for the Young, 1861, and Great Hymns of the Church, published posthumously by John Henry Hopkins, 1887. 

Osbeck, Kenneth W.: 101 Hymn Stories. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1982, S. 221

 

Remember we all need JESUS! 

Keep Christ in Christmas and God Bless you all!

"Life Storms"

This famous photo was shot from a helicopter. The man in the door way survived the waves and the storm but he never saw this one rouge wave coming. That is the way it often is when a storm hits us- we never see it coming. But God does so read on please.

Those of you who know me well, have heard me preach over time or have sat with me to try and work through a problem know I try to make my life an open book. I try to not hide who I am. There are times when my life has been the good, bad and the ugly. If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that is true for us all.Christmas time is not an easy time for many people. Counselors, psychologist, ministers among other professionals all see a rise in people who are facing crisis moments in their lives during the holidays. Life gets too much to handle on your own. We need help.

In 21 years of marriage Michelle and I have had our issues. We have been close to divorce once or twice but committed to each other and to God to work it through and came out on the other side a stronger couple. We have faced major heartbreaking events as parents and had some near losses of our children that shook the foundation of  "family". Both Michelle and I have spent time on our knees lifting up and surrendering those times to Jesus as He is the only one who could walk us through those moments.  I watched my parents tear each other and the family apart in a bitter and nasty divorce. I lost my dad when I was about 26 years old to cancer. A few years later we watched as Michelle's dad slowly wasted away from cancer.

Car accidents, cancer scares, money issues, job problems, multiple moves, deaths of loved ones, fights and confrontations, suicides, gut wrenching choices, bills that pile up, car breakdowns, a mirror that shows how our bodies have aged in spite of how we see ourselves in our mind, friends who pass, friends who let us down, friends who we loose, separation from loved ones, depression, anxiety, health declining... need I go on? Everyone of us has had to face these things at different points in our life.

Ever want to shout out "Where the #%@* are you God!" (You may not use bad language but most have thought it- be honest!!) Everyone has faced those thoughts/ asked that question. Own those thoughts, confess them to God. He knows what you have thought and struggled with and He wants you to know you are forgiven and loved by Him. He has big shoulders and you are not going through these things alone. Adam as he reflected on the death of his son Abel and the lost of his son Cain, Abraham as he traveled through lands where he was a stranger, Ester as she faced the king, Joseph and Mary as they cared for Jesus, Peter as he faced his inner demons, Noah as the door closed and the rain began, Jeremiah as a reluctant prophet, Isaiah as he tried to guide and few would listen, Woman at the well who looked for love in all the wrong places, Jairus who lost his daughter, Jacob who took what was not his, Stephen as he was being stoned, Paul as he was in prison, those who loved and followed Jesus but found themselves now looking up at him hanging on a cross all struggled and wondered at times where God was. YOU and I at times struggle with where is God.

Sometimes God calms the storms in our life and sometimes He rides the storm with us. Either way GOD IS WITH YOU!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We see God is with us in scripture as we read those accounts of real life people listed above and see many many more examples in His word.

One of my favorite songs that reminds me of this truth is "I Will Praise You in this Storm" by Casting Crowns. Take a moment and click on the link below, turn up the volume, and listen to this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ype1xE0wzsg

Call me weak. Call me pathetic. Call me fragile. Call others these words. Call yourself these words. You would be correct in doing so. We do not have to face the storm alone and if we are honest with ourselves we cannot face them alone. Storms over-power us when we try and go it alone. Nothing is impossible with God. (Luke chapter 1)

Jesus is bigger than anything we face. He will give you the strength you need. He WILL see you through for He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end!  Amen.

A Beautiful Day in Paradise

Hawaii, I've never been there but understand it is a beautiful place to be especially for Alaskan's who want to do a mid-winter escape! 


Lush vegetation, flowers that you just do not see on the "mainland", sand beaches covered with winter bodies quickly turning red in the sun- ok I admit that is not the prettiest site especially if it was me out on the beach! That scene would give kids nightmares for years! Those sand beaches are I am sure though something beautiful to see with a volcano backdrop. 




A paradise that one day was shattered by the sounds 70 years ago today. There was the roar of airplane engines, machine gun fire and bomb blasts. The beauty of a blue sky was replaced by billows of black smoke rising up into the air. The magnificent songs of tropical birds were replaced with the screams of men and women crying out in pain and agony. A clear blue ocean was clouded with blood, oil, diesel fuel and and the dead.



A garden of Eden trammeled by man sinful actions. Today we remember what happened 70 years ago and the resulting war  that engulfed the world, stilled the breath of many, and causes eyes to fill with tears and anger.


That Christmas in Hawaii after the attacks on December 7th was not the joyous celebration in that paradise that was normal in years past. But that Christmas was not unlike every Christmas that has been celebrated somewhere in the world since sin entered the world and Jesus was born to take that sin upon himself. Yes, we pray for peace and good will toward men and women but the reality is Christmas is not peaceful everywhere. There are car accidents, house fires, murders, wars, suicides and a host of other problems that plague Christmas day just as the plague another day of the year. 


Jesus was born into a world not quiet and peaceful as we like to picture it but was born into the world where there were accidents, fires, murders, wars, suicides and a host of other problems that plagued that day and everyday of the year.



That is why He came into the world. There was no running from the problems of the world because there is no place to run too. Sin was and is everywhere. The Apostle Paul tells us in the book of Romans the whole of creation groans under the weight of man's sin. There is no garden of Eden. There never will be until the return of Jesus. Jesus came into the world to do what needed to be done which was to bring salvation to those who believe in Him in the midst of their pain and suffering. That is what Advent is all about and why we have this season in the church year. Advent is looking back to celebrate the birth of our Savior and it is also looking forward to His return. 


When your "paradise" seems shatter and broken, do not forget to look to Jesus and know that Jesus came for YOU! You will one day see Him with your own eyes! That will be a day when He dries your tears and heals your heart. That will be a day when as Jesus said to the thief on the cross- "Today you will be with me in paradise!"   Thanks Jesus!! What a wonderful thing to look forward too!

Where is the beef?

"Where is the beef?"
I remember that old commercial on TV with a couple older adults looking at a hamburger and wondering where the meat was on the burger. It was a popular catch phase back in the early 80's and hooked my dad into going to Wendy's for their burgers. He even ended up investing in Wendy's restaurant stock at one time.

That commercial catch phase has made a come back with a new TV commercial where a guy finds an old tee shirt in a retro clothing shop and purchases it. He wears the shirt which says: "where's the beef" on it as he takes a walk down the street. People walk past him pointing to the shirt and smiling as they reflect back and remember when they first saw that old commercial on TV.

That is like Christmas in some ways. We pull out the decorations for a season and as we decorate our homes. We remember back to the day and place we purchased the bulb that is in our hand as we hang it on the tree. We place the wreath on the door and think of Uncle Joe who had given us that wreath years before. We pull out the stockings and a tear forms in our eye as we remember a loved one who is not longer with us. We dig through boxes that have been stored up in the rafters or out in the garage since last Christmas and think to ourselves, "where's the...." as we try to recall our packing from a year ago.

We set up our manger scene in our homes. Joseph has his place. Mary has special spot beside the manger. Baby Jesus goes in the middle and the wisemen to one side and the shepherds to the other.  We squeeze in a cow and a donkey to set the mood of the animals being in the manger with Jesus. As we step back, look and remember days gone by where we or our children we a part of the Christmas play at church. Silent night. Mary and Joesph must travel to Bethlehem for the census. The star that guided. The Angels appearance, a heavenly chorus. We picture Mary on her donkey...

The only problem is Where is the donkey...in God's word. It is a great picture in our minds but no where in scripture does it record that May and Joseph had a donkey or rode a donkey to Bethlehem. The fact is they were very poor and it was unlikely they could afford a donkey. When Jesus is taken to the temple soon after his birth this young family can only afford the most basic of offerings: two turtle doves (Luke 2:24). That did not matter to this couple. Mary was a humbled mother and Joesph and proud but likely nervous step-father to Jesus. They were happy and did not need more than what they had. They knew God was with them. We too are happy that Jesus has come in such a awesome way to save us. He loves us so much that when we see that love we don't have to as where is the donkey? The little things do not matter. The Christmas message is bigger than the little things we like to have but do not have to hold on too. Jesus is bigger than our problems and our sin too. That inspires us to shout out "THERE IS JESUS" in the manger, in our hearts!  That is what we hold on too this and every Christmas!