C-Span has been doing a series on the Supreme Court of the United States. Last night I watched interviews with Stephen Breyer and Clarence Thomas. Tonight, I will watch interviews with Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Do I know how to live it up on New Year's Eve or what!!!Thursday, December 31, 2009
I Really Know How to Party on New Year's Eve!
C-Span has been doing a series on the Supreme Court of the United States. Last night I watched interviews with Stephen Breyer and Clarence Thomas. Tonight, I will watch interviews with Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Do I know how to live it up on New Year's Eve or what!!!
My Top Ten Blog Posts of 2009
Based on numbers of hits and comments, and listed in order of date posted:
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Brief and Random Thoughts at the End of 2009
Small town journalism is among the best reporting in the country, unlike the national media which continues to be a disgrace. Most journalists in the mainstream media think the square root of pi is coconut cream.Local politicians are usually better behaved than national ones, probably because they are more accountable to their constituencies (there are, of course, exceptions to this).
Nowhere is the lack of serious and deep thinking more present than in Washington DC.
I do not understand why liberals say they are progressive. There is nothing progressive about wanting more government control over individual lives. There is nothing progressive about believing that government is the answer to most things. FDR believed that and enacted the era of big government. Today's liberals are not forward-looking, but rather nostalgic for earlier times. If 1935 ever returns the Democratic Party is ready.
By the same token, what is so conservative about Republicans? They are big spenders and have become foreign policy activists. There is nothing conservative in that philosophy. And it also appears that they have run out of ideas with no one standing out to lead the party. So much of late that comes out of Republican mouths is embarrassing. When 2012 arrives, the Republican Party will not be ready.
There were those in 2009 talking about the coming evangelical collapse. I disagree. Evangelicalism will not collapse, but it is in the process of being reformed. That is a good thing.
Theological liberalism is in large part repetitive and uninteresting.
Theological fundamentalism is in large part repetitive and uninteresting.
Fundamentalism and liberalism are simply two sides of the same coin.
Some people are opposed to full body scanners in airports because they believe it invades one's privacy. In light of the recent terrorist attempting to bring down an airliner with plastic explosives in his underwear, I would much rather go through a full body scanner than have someone at the airport grabbing my crotch to make sure I am not carrying a bomb in my Fruit-of-the-Looms. Now that would be an invasion of my privacy.
I agree with some of President Obama's current policies and I disagree with others. Regardless of whether one is a supporter of the president or not, all Christians need to pray for him. He has much on his plate.
We need to pray for everyone in Congress as well-- Democrats and Republicans.
Now that I have said a prayer for those on Capitol Hill, it is time to get back to the sarcasm-- We have had "Cash for Clunkers," "Cash for Caulkers," and now a Florida man is proposing that we have "Cash for Congress." He says that if we vote the big spenders out of office, that will save us all some serious cash. I personally like the idea, although I fear it is too late. The damage has already been done.
How do you think our children and grandchildren will feel about the current generations in charge, when it comes time for them to pay the huge bills we have run up with our support of reckless government spending? If they end up hating us, who will blame them?
I tell my children to start now putting 10% of their paychecks in savings for retirement. With the loss of company pensions and government mismanagement of Social Security, they cannot count on anyone else for help in their later years. It is sad, but true.
I fear that many Christians have more faith in the transforming power of government and business, than in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to turn the church into a community where witness is its primary political practice.
Along with that previous thought, I also think that most Christians on the left and on the right in practice treat America as their church, albeit in different ways.
Boring preachers shouldn't preach.
Jesus is Lord; Caesar is not. Therefore, the church and not the state is where the action is.
You ever notice when people talk about sectarianism they never use it to refer to themselves? The sectarian is always the other person or the other group. But where do those persons stand that they get to label someone else as sectarian?
For Reinhold Niebuhr's realism to make sense, the cross and resurrection of Jesus must be marginalized. Thus, as a Christian I cannot embrace such supposed "realism." (I will devote a post to this in January.)
One of Reinhold Niebuhr's best books was his Leaves from the Notebook of a Tamed Cynic. If you have never read it, you must.
One of the great Christian thinkers of the twentieth century was John Howard Yoder, which is why it is so tragic that political liberals have appropriated and, therefore, misappropriated him. Yoder's account of nonviolence cannot be sustained apart from the church, something that the liberal hijackers of Yoder have misunderstood.
Theological conservatives have undermined the authority of Scripture by insisting that the text itself is authoritative. What makes Scripture authoritative is that it is given by God. God must be at the center of our understanding of biblical authority.
Political conservatives and political liberals only care about the Constitution of the United States when they want to use it to accuse the other side of being unconstitutional. Other than that, neither Democrats nor Republicans really care if the policies they support pass Constitutional muster. How else does one explain conservative support for the Patriot Act and liberal support for forcing people to buy health care insurance?
I received an email from someone recently asking me why I am so critical on my blog of both Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals. I responded that when it comes to politics, I am an equal opportunity annoyer.
Every Christian who is able-bodied should take a short-term mission trip overseas at least once in her or his life.
The last command Jesus gave his disciples before he ascended to heaven was to make disciples of all nations. Why then, does the church in the West put that command last on their list of things to do?
One of the most exciting things I experience as a pastor is opening up the world of Scripture to a person for the first time in Bible study, and watching them get excited and transformed as they enter that new world. I have been a pastor for over 25 years and I never tire of watching people become biblically literate and more faithful disciples.
I believe in healing. I have witnessed it.
I do not consider myself to be charismatic, but I love worshiping with charismatics. There is something inspirational about worshiping with folks who find their faith and their worship to be exciting.
I reject the view from Christians and non-Christians alike that faith and reason are diametrically opposed to each other. Nonsense! Without reason, faith is intellectual suicide; without faith, reason can find no ultimate answers.
I love the church! It is not perfect, but like Noah's Ark, it is the best thing afloat in our world today!
Jesus is Lord in 2009 and he remains Lord in 2010! Therefore, rejoice and hope in the future... and continue to make disciples of all nations!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
A Prayer for Christmas Sunday
O God, whose mighty Son was born in Bethlehem those days long ago, lead us to that same poor place, where Mary laid her tiny Child. And as we look on in wonder and praise, make us welcome him in all new life, see him in the poor, and care for his handiwork the earth, the sky and the sea. O God, bless us again in your great love. We pray for this through Christ our Lord. Amen.Saturday, December 26, 2009
A Brief History of Boxing Day
Today is Boxing Day for most Christians in the British Commonwealth. Click here for a brief history.Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Extinguishing the Christmas Eve Candlelights
Many years ago, I knew a pastor in a real small town at a desolate intersection of highway, who had a real nasty encounter with the local fire department over a candlelighting service that was planned for Christmas Eve. His predecessor served as a volunteer firefighter and at one time had even been the fire chief. During his tenure as pastor, the church never had a candlelighting service because it violated fire regulations. When the new pastor arrived, he decided to have a candlelighting service since almost every church in America has one. That is when he encountered the fire department.He was told by the chief at the time that under no circumstances was his church having a Christmas Eve candlelighting service, and he responded in no uncertain terms that they indeed were going to light candles. A stand-off ensued. In a compromise, the firefighters said they would relent if a couple of them were permitted to stand in the back of the sanctuary in full gear with fire extinguishers in case there was a problem. The pastor agreed, but when Christmas Eve came, no one from the fire department showed up. I suppose they decided that it wasn't worth the time.
I tell this story to make two points: First, candlelighting services on Christmas Eve are a critical part of the Christmas celebration and have been for centuries Frankly, no authority has any right to countermand such a tradition. The pastor was right for standing his ground.
Second, having said that, the potential for danger and disaster at a candlelighting service with many open candle flames side-by-side and moving from front to back should be obvious. It is therefore absolutely essential that every effort be made to make those holy moments of worship as safe as possible. Just prior to the service of candlelighting, I always give instructions for how to pass the flame throughout the sanctuary. (e.g. Always tip an unlighted candle to receive the flame, never tip a lighted one to give the flame. And be careful of the long hair of the person sitting in front of you!) Most Christmas Eve candlelighting services violate a municipalitie's fire codes, but fire departments, knowing the importance of such services, simply look the other way. But the concern of the fire chief those many years ago in that little hamlet was genuine and well-founded.
So, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve celebration this year in worship and in light. A little caution and concern in the process will also help to make it a safe one.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Another Goofy Christmas Stunt
Just when Christmas couldn't be manipulated any further, the Build-A-Bear Corporation is using their website into scaring our children into thinking Christmas may be cancelled due to global warming. So, let's see-- we have one group of people being told they should participate in the 2010 census because Mary and Joseph willingly participated in the one so graciously administrated by the Roman Empire. Now we have the folks who make money off of kids doing their work for them in having to assemble their own stuffed toy, scaring their little customers into hysteria. I have a great idea. Let's encourage our children to save Christmas by reducing their carbon footprint by not building a bear.
I find that to be a "bearable" solution to the problem.
Thou Shalt Not Steal... Unless You Need To
An Anglican priest has created controversy in suggesting to his congregation that it is OK for the poor to shoplift in order to get what they need to feed themselves and their families. (Read the story here.) He has been roundly criticized for his comments and rightly so. Of course, he advised that people only steal from big businesses instead of small ones because, as he noted, the cost of the shoplifting would ultimately be passed on to the consumer. How magnanimous of him.Now before I suggest what should be obvious-- that his advice is plain wrong and dangerous-- let me say that not only should Christians have great sympathy for those who find themselves in desperate situations, but the church should do everything possible to assist those in need. I am well aware that in the current economic situation, theft has increased. Some of it, to be sure, is the kind of theft perpetrated by thugs who do not need a poor economy as an excuse, but there are those who have resorted to stealing because they have been unable to find honest work in order to provide for their families. I have encountered some of those individuals personally. Especially in this Christmas season when some parents are facing the inability of providing even a modest Christmas for their children, the temptations are surely great.
Having said that, however, our character is revealed, not in the easy times, but in the most difficult situations. Temptation can work its way into our lives when we are the most needy and the most vulnerable. The temptation to steal is greatest when we lack what we need. The temptation to lie can be difficult to resist when the truth does not benefit us. The temptation to commit adultery can be toughest when one is in the midst of a difficult and loveless marriage. The point is that moral commands are given expressly for those times when it is most difficult to keep them. This does not mean we never do wrong when life is good, but the very issuance of the commands themselves indicate that discipline is required to keep them.
I remember watching the horrific scenes post-Hurricane Katrina, when people were using that great disaster as an excuse to loot local businesses in New Orleans. People were carrying flat screen TVs, DVD players and all kinds of gadgets, devices, and clothing they had stolen. There were others who in the midst of that time went into abandoned grocery stores to get food for their families. I have no sympathy for those in the former group, but great empathy for the latter, as I too have a family to feed. One of the stories of those days that I will never forget was the father who took food from a local grocery to feed his family. On the cash register he left a note with his name and phone number and an itemized list of what he had taken. He ended the note to the store owner with the promise that he would return and pay the bill once the difficulties had passed. I have never been able to find out if he indeed did so, but if he was willing to take the time to write a note when everyone else simply felt free to take food with no thought of their responsibilities to the one who had made the investment in the meals they were going to eat, I am willing to bet that he did return and settle up. Yes, indeed-- our character, or the lack thereof, is revealed in times of trial.
I sympathize with Rev. Jones and his concern for those who are hungry. As a pastor it is frustrating to have more need than resources; but instead of giving the poor in his congregation license to steal, perhaps he needs to create a food bank in his church, and if he already has one, then maybe should work to expand it. Instead of suggesting that people steal from those big businesses, maybe he should be soliciting donations from them.
Of course, the church has all kinds of resources available to it if the followers of Jesus would commit themselves to the kind of simpler lifestyle that would allow them to be extremely generous. Since we are unable, it seems, to live such a disciplined way of life, we look to the government to do things for us, so we can continue to live the kind of materialistic existence that is not under the lordship of Jesus Christ. But that is the politics of witness thing I keep talking about in reference to the church, that many Christians think is unrealistic, even though they seem to believe that just handing their money over to the government to take care of such need would work just fine.
In any case, Father Jones needs to rethink his position. It is not in keeping with the gospel of Jesus Christ that insists we repent in preparation for the Kingdom as we also focus our attention on the least, the last, and the lost.
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Cross-Posted at RedBlueChristian
Monday, December 21, 2009
Quote of the Day 2009.10: Matthew's Unexpected Messiah
"Yet Jesus is just a little child. He has no royal courtiers to care for him, no military guard to defend him. He has no palace or army. In fact, an ominous note is sounded. This vulnerable, humble little claimant to Israel's throne will be threatened by the conniving tyrant, Herod. Who will care for the little future king? Who will protect him? How can he possibly survive to bring about those roles prophesied by him?""This is what makes the unexpectedness of Matthew's story so striking. The ambition, strength, and strategy of Herod and the religious leadership of Jerusalem are contrasted with the vulnerability of the child. Herod's entire career was marked by ruthless ambition as he deposed all the Hasmonean aspirants to the throne. He orchestrated alliances with whomever was in power in Rome so that he had the strength of the Roman military and political machines behind him. He had a callous brilliance behind his strategy, keeping at bay the competing forces in Israel through grudging gratitude for his building accomplishments, yet fear of his cruelty and hatred of his religious and political treachery No aspirant to the throne could hope to compete with Herod-- especially one so vulnerable as the infant Jesus lying helplessly in the arms of a young, peasant mother and protected only by a lowly, unproven father from the insignificant town of Nazareth."
"Yet throughout the narrative, the theme that underlies all of these events is that God is in control. As he begins his redemption of humanity, his hand is on every event that transpires. The miraculous appearance of the star to Gentile Magi signaled that God was initiating messianic deliverance for Israel-- and for all humanity. The child and parents are sovereignly routed to Bethlehem, his prophesied birthplace, despite living in faraway Nazareth. With a significance that they could not fully comprehend, pagan Magi prostrate themselves in worship of the only One who is divinely worthy of their veneration. The humble child and parents are providentially supplied with gifts that will enable them to escape the increasingly murderous ravages of a paranoid slaughterer. And the devious plan of one of the most powerful figures in the ancient world is stymied by innocent Magi as they heed a miraculous warning in a dream. In spite of recurring hostile circumstances, God's sovereign care is exercised in Jesus Messiah's earthly life."
Michael J. Wilkins, Matthew. The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004), 103.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
A Prayer for the Fourth Sunday in Advent
Eternal God, who by the birth of your beloved Son Jesus Christ did give yourself to humanity: Grant that, being born in our hearts, he may save us from all our sins, and restore within us the image and likeness of our Creator, to whom be everlasting praise and glory. Amen.Book of Worship (UMC)
Saturday, December 19, 2009
I Love Irony... It's So Ironic
Your ironic news headlines for the weekend (Yes, these are all actual headlines):"County to pay $250,000 to advertise lack of funds"
"Volunteerism to be made mandatory"
"Suspect in decapitation case described as a hothead'"
"Meeting on open meeting is closed"
"Cemetery residents making a comeback"
"Dog saves owner's life after cat starts fire"
"Madonna reads her second book"
"City unsure why the sewer smells"
"Drop in shark attacks blamed on recession"
"Poverty meeting attracts poor turnout"
"Hemlock Society optimistic about future"
"Anxiety an issue to worry about"
"Nuclear plant gets glowing report"
"Gas company behind bean supper"
"Church of England begins weighing female bishops"
"7-day diarrhea runs through Bay County"
"Lost language found but no one can read it"
"Survey finds fewer deer after hunt"
And my personal favorite:
"President Obama leaves global warming summit early to beat blizzard in Washington DC."
Friday, December 18, 2009
Question of the Day
My Contention: Modern political conservatism is not very conservative; modern political progressivism is not very progressive.Do you agree or disagree? Please state why.
All are welcome to comment.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Truth is Stranger than Fiction 2009.26
Boozy Fat Santa 'Sets A Bad Example'
Updated: Thursday, 17 Dec 2009, 7:06 AM CST
Published : Thursday, 17 Dec 2009, 7:05 AM CST
(Sydney Daily Telegraph) - He's adored by millions of children worldwide, but Santa Claus been accused of acting in ways that could "damage millions of lives."
As the mythical man in red zooms around the planet delivering gifts this Christmas, he is an unwitting promoter of obesity, disease and even driving under the influence, according to an Australian academic.
Dr Nathan Grills from Australia's Monash University, said Santa's "rotund sedentary image" had the effect of making "obesity synonymous with cheerfulness and joviality" around the world.
In a paper published by the British Medical Journal, he also noted that children are encouraged to leave out hard liquor such as Brandy for a man who has a lot of travel to do in one night.
Other dangerous activities on Santa's list of festive wrongdoings include "speeding, disregard for road rules and extreme sports such as roof surfing and chimney jumping", because "despite the risks of high speed air travel, he is never depicted wearing a seatbelt or helmet."
Dr Grills added that amid a global flu pandemic, most people who stand in as Santa impersonators are not required to undergo a health check as they get "kissed and hugged" by a succession of "snotty-nosed kids."
"Given Santa's universal appeal, and reasoning from a public health perspective, Santa needs to affect health by only 0.1 percent to damage millions of lives," he concluded.
In order to improve Santa's public image, Dr Grills urged children to leave out carrots and celery this Christmas in the place of mince pies and sherry, and recommended that instead of using a sleigh, the man himself should be "encouraged to adopt a more active method to deliver toys - swapping his reindeer for a bike or simply walking or jogging".
Separated at Birth: The Senate
Former Majority Leader Trent Lott (R) and current Majority Leader, Harry Reid (D)-- Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Mary, Joseph, Caesar, and the 2010 Census
My pick for the goofiest Christmas stunt of 2009 comes from the National Association of Latino Elected Officials, who are using the Christmas story from Luke 2 to encourage people to participate in the 2010 census.
They have published a poster (below) that states, "This is how Jesus was born... Joseph and Mary participated in the census... Don't be afraid." (More commentary below the picture.)
Some have referred to this ad campaign as blasphemous. I don't think it is at all. The word "blasphemy" is thrown around too casually today. I simply think the idea is ludicrous. Does the "brain trust" behind this really want to draw the parallels between Luke's account of the birth of Jesus and the current 2010 census? I say, let's be bold and draw all the logical implications out of the story!
First, even though a defender of the ad campaign said that Mary and Joseph were God-fearing and, therefore, chose to participate, what in reality happened is that they participated because they were scared to death of Caesar. Joseph and Mary were forced by decree to participate in the census. All Americans are obligated as well. So far so good.
Second, the holy couple had to travel many miles to participate. We don't have to do that; we get something in the mail. I suppose that's one for us in the 21st century.
Third, the poster implies that Jesus was born in the way he was because his parents traveled to Bethlehem. So, if women fill out the census form will they get pregnant? Will only the virgins conceive?
Fourth, if the virgins conceive will they give birth to little Messiahs? Isn't one sufficient?
Fifth, while the poster does not explicitly state it, there are magi in the 2010 Christmas census story-- the American people, who are being counted so they can lay their treasure chests of gold at the government's feet.
Sixth, there's the whole "no room in the inn" thing. I can't figure that one out. If you have a current parallel, leave a comment.
Seventh (it is the perfect number biblically), if the 2010 census is a parallel to the Christmas story, that must mean that the U.S. Government is the Roman Empire, taking what it wants and spending it where it chooses.
That last one sounds like a clear parallel to me. Hmm... maybe the connection makes some sense after all.
-Source: USA Today
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Cross-Posted at RedBlueChristian
Monday, December 14, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
The Methodist Blogs Weekly Roundup 2009.32.211
Submit your post to umweeklyroundup@yahoo.com by noon EST on Saturday to guarantee that your post is included.Important Note: This will be the last MBWR for 2009. The first Weekly Roundup of 2010 will be posted on January 2.
The week in review in the Methoblogosphere:
In this season of Advent Dave Nichols reminds us that we have a mighty God.
Bishop Robert Schnase writes on download progress bars, life, and ministry.
Kurt Boemler posts on how God has come to him.
Bishop William Willimon shares thoughts on preaching politics.
Are we good without God? Read Chris Roberts.
Steven Manskar tells of John the Baptist and Bell Ringer.
Tiffany Steinwert on making a path to the water's edge.
"The Time In-Between"-- a sermon by Beth Quick.
Dan Dick has Claus-trophobia.
Five things Angela Shier-Jones loves about Methodism.
Henry Neufeld on being liberal, charasmatic, moderate, and passionate.
Joseph Yoo ponders awkward moments of worship.
Meanwhile... back in London for Lorna Koskela....
John Meunier is lectionary wrestling with Luke 3:7-18.
Questing Parson is now a published author. Congratulations Parson!
Richard Heyduck reflects on generosity.
Thoughts on brand loyalty from Steve Heyduck.
Greg Hazelrig posts his thought for the day on Matthew 3:1-2.
Strengths and weaknesses according to Kim Matthews.
What did you learn in Kindergarten? Tony Mitchell asks the question. Best of the Methoblogosphere!
Andrew Stoddard posts reflections on Amos 9:1-10, Revelation 2:8-17, and Matthew 23:13-26.
Olive Morgan writes on the most important card we will send this Christmas.
Andy Bryan offers us the preschool perspective on the Nativity. Best of the Methoblogosphere!
Cogitations on grandparents' worship from Jim Parsons.
Dave Perry reflects on the Advent theme of desert calling.
Brian Russell posts part 1 of Learning to Read Scripture.
"Advent Preparation in the Wilderness"-- a sermon by Dave Faulkner.
Mark Winter and Simeon do a marathon.
Sally Coleman writes on an Advent Communion.
Brian Vinson gives us a Baby J update.
Richard Hall says that it is time to act on climate change.
Preferences on twelve stained glass windows from Mitch Lewis.
David Hallam asks why we lie about Father Christmas (Santa).
Michael Daniel comments on Rachel's tears, and the abortion debate on health care.
Five practices of faithful congregations-- cogitations from Rick Mang.
Betty Newman posts on the Second Sunday in Advent.
Dave Camphouse writes on the closing of new church starts.
Ken Hagler reviews "Polar Express."
Putting forth the congregational footprint from Jay Voorhees.
Somebody is watching Michael Ledbetter.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Truth is Stranger than Fiction 2009.25
Thrifty Duke student living in van
DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 10 (UPI)
A North Carolina student says he is cutting costs for his college education by living in his 1994 Ford Econoline van.
Ken Ilgunas, 26, of Niagara Falls, N.Y., said living in his van is part of his plan to complete the Duke University liberal studies graduate program without incurring serious debt, The Raleigh (N.C.) News & Observer reported Thursday.
Ilgunas said he uses camping equipment to cook, showers in the campus gym and knows all of the buildings offering Internet access and free heat 24 hours a day.
"I'm rarely in the van. Just to eat and sleep," he said this week. "Generally it's not the most convenient place. The closest bathroom is a quarter-mile away, and there's no source of water nearby. But with that said, "I live pretty comfortably. I bring a water jug to campus and fill it up. And I have no problem 'holding it in' at night."
Duke officials said Ilgunas does not appear to be breaking any rules.
"Our first concern is for his health and safety, and we offer guidance and counsel to help him transition to a new home," said Duke spokesman Michael Schoenfeld. "That said, it is certainly a creative part of his education, though I don't think Thoreau had to worry about parking tickets at Walden."
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Quotable C.S. Lewis #26: The Glimpse of a Truly Moral Country
"I think all Christians would agree with me if I said that though Christianity seems at the first to be all about morality, all about duties and rules and guilt and virtue, yet it leads you on, out of all that, into something beyond. One has a glimpse of a country where they do not talk of those things, except perhaps as a joke. Every one there is filled full with what we should call goodness as a mirror is filled with light. But they do not call it goodness They do not call it anything They are not thinking of it. They are too busy looking at the source from which it comes. But this is near the stage where the road passes over the rim of our world. No one's eyes can see very far beyond that: lots of people's eyes can see further than mine."--Mere Christianity
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Humorous Christmas Quotations
"
Many banks have a new kind of Christmas club in operation. The new club helps you save money to pay for last year’s gifts."-- Anonymous
Many banks have a new kind of Christmas club in operation. The new club helps you save money to pay for last year’s gifts."-- Anonymous"The Supreme Court has ruled that they cannot have a nativity scene in Washington, D.C. This wasn't for any religious reasons. They couldn't find three wise men and a virgin."-- Jay Leno
"Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas."-- Johnny Carson
"The threat of Christmas hung in the air, visible already in the fretful look of passersby as they readied themselves for the meaningless but necessary rites of false jovialities and ill-considered gifts."-- Peter Dickinson
"From a commercial point of view, if Christmas did not exist it would be necessary to invent it."-- Katherine Whitehorn
"Oh look, yet another Christmas TV special! How touching to have the meaning of Christmas brought to us by cola, fast food, and beer... Who'd have ever guessed that product consumption, popular entertainment, and spirituality would mix so harmoniously?"-- Bill Watterson
"I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying, toys not included."-- Bernard Manning
"Christmas is a time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell the government what they want and their kids pay for it."-- Richard Lamm
"Did you ever notice that life seems to follow certain patterns? Like I noticed that every year around this time, I hear Christmas music."-- Tom Sims
"I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph."-- Shirley Temple
"Let me see if I've got this Santa business straight. You say he wears a beard, has no discernible source of income and flies to cities all over the world under cover of darkness? You sure this guy isn't laundering illegal drug money?"-- Tom Armstrong
"Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people once a year."-- Victor Borge
"There is a remarkable breakdown of taste and intelligence at Christmas time. Mature, responsible grown men wear neckties made of holly leaves and drink alcoholic beverages with raw egg yolks and cottage cheese in them."-- P.J. O'Rourke
And my personal favorite:
"The worst gift is a fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other."-- Johnny Carson
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Have Yourself a Subversive Little Christmas
In this Christmas season, the blogosphere is once again posting thoughts back and forth on the so-called "war on Christmas." I posted something on it myself last week. But I have been wondering how serious Christians square the radical and even subversive nature of the gospel with what seems to be our theologically trite observance of the yuletide season.Here is my question-- Why isn't the celebration of the birth of the Lord of the World not considered to be politically subversive? Is it because Christianity has become domesticated on account of the fact that we Christians have been domesticated? Does that mean, therefore, that all our holy days have been domesticated? If the vast population truly understood what it meant for Jesus to usher in his kingdom that is reordering this world, would those persons want anything to do with Christmas carols and gift giving? If the rulers of this world could truly comprehend what kind of peace Jesus has come to bring, apart from their power and influence, would they welcome this child to Bethlehem?
King Herod understood better than we do, the subversive nature of Jesus' birth, which is why he sought to kill the newborn king. Those in power will always act in their interest to retain such power. This is not only true in a dictatorship, but also in a democracy where politicians will put off difficult votes until after the midterm elections and leave their campaign promises by the wayside once the people have cast their votes.
The religious leaders who turned Jesus over to Pilate also understood the subversive nature of his mission. No one gets crucified for simply running around the countryside telling people to love each other. No-- this Jesus needled the authorities to within an inch of their patience and in cleansing, or more accurately, in judging the Temple, Jesus in no uncertain terms challenged their power and authority.
Pilate and the Romans do not get off easy here either. Pilate may have washed his hands of Jesus' death, but he is the one who ordered it to be so. Pilate's interest in sparing Jesus was for no other purpose than it would anger Caiaphas, the high priest. Pilate hated Caiaphas and wanted to go left every time Caiaphas wanted him to go right. Pilate had sent many to death before. What was one more? Brute power and execution go hand in hand.
We read about those who opposed Jesus in the Gospels, but we never consider how we are repeating their roles even now. Herod and Pilate are always to be identified with someone else's government-- never our own. Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin are some other religion (Islam?) or another church tradition we think is dangerous because they are liberal or conservative. We would never admit to being the Pharisees ourselves. And then there is the crowd who followed him all over Galilee and Judea until his fortunes turned against him. Fair weather followers are no different from fare weather sports fans, except that being a fair weather follower is worse, as sports is a trivial matter.
If we celebrated Christmas in spirit and in truth, as we worship God in spirit and in truth, would our celebration be viewed as subversive? My observance of the Christmas season, like every year, will hardly be so radical. It will be another domesticated celebration and I will truly enjoy it. But as I celebrate, I will be unable to help but wonder if there is something lost in the observance, something that undermines the very lordship of the child we worship.
I will indeed have myself a merry little Christmas... and I will ponder why it is not more subversive.
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Cross-Posted at RedBlueChristian
Monday, December 07, 2009
Sunday, December 06, 2009
A Prayer for the Second Sunday in Advent
Almighty and most merciful Father, we come to the season of Advent with the brokenness of the world in our eyes, the cries of our fellow human beings in our ears and our own sinfulness in our hearts. We come to Bethlehem, as those who need a Savior. We come to the light because the darkness has almost overwhelmed us, but the darkness can never overcome You. We come to Bethlehem as invited guests; to see, to wonder and to be changed by the Child Messiah who is Jesus. For his sake, and by his grace, forgive our sins. Give us hope and eternal life. Help us to move through a worldly holiday of excess to a worshipful Advent and Christmas. For Jesus’ sake, and through Jesus we pray. Amen.--Michael Spencer
Saturday, December 05, 2009
The Methodist Blogs Weekly Roundup 2009.31.210
Submit your post to umweeklyroundup@yahoo.com by noon EST on Saturday to guarantee that your post is included.The week in review in the Methoblogosphere:
And so it begins!... Advent that is-- Read Dave Nichols.
Bishop Robert Schnase writes on Sabbath business.
"Buncombe Street, Through Faith Colored Glasses."-- a sermon by Bishop William Willimon.
Wayne Cook reflects on the special and chilly Sunday morning.
Daniel McLain Hixon offers practical tips in celebrating the Lord's Supper.
Some thoughts from Mitch Lewis on the Roman gods on the German frontier.
John Montgomery writes on the Advent resource- "The Thrill of Hope."
Matt Kelley shares his thoughts on the least bad options in Afghanistan.
Richard Hall on the CRU emails and the state of climate science.
Sing God's praises with Brian Vinson.
Sally Coleman is taking a time out from tinsel.
Here is Mark Winter's One Man Show Advent and Christmas Schedule.
"The Hope of Christ's Appearing"-- A sermon by Dave Faulkner.
Brian Russell posts on the emerging context for a missional hermeneutic.
God cannot be tamed according to Dave Perry.
Everything Ken Carter needs to know about ministry, he has learned from Monk. Best of the Methoblogosphere!
Jim Parsons is surrounded by symbols.
Andy Bryan writes on the right way through a horrible place.
Olive Morgan reports on the Methodist Church using investments to fight climate change.
Andrew Stoddard posts reflection on Amos 4:6-13, 2 Peter 3:11-18, and Matthew 21:33-46.
"Is It Even Possible?"-- a sermon from Tony Mitchell.
Kim Matthews offers Christmas nots.
Greg Hazelrig posts his thought for the day on Colossians 2:1-3.
Steve Heyduck has had one year to think.
On learning to risk in church-- thoughts from Richard Heyduck.
In this Christmas season Dorothy Brucks writes on wanting.
Questing Parson is having a Chattanooga Christmas.
Do you want to pastor-proof your church? Read John Meunier.
Lorna Koskela is turning 50 and having a lot of fun. Happy birthday Lorna!
Joseph Yoo reflects on the waiting game that is the candidacy/ordination process.
Henry Neufeld writes on another honest creationist.
Reflections from Angela Shier-Jones on her membership in the Not Yet Dead Club. Best of the Methoblogosphere!
What good will a Christmas bonus do? Read Dan Dick.
Beth Quick preaches on "The Time Is Near."
Andrew Thompson affirms that God is with us.
Preparing the path to Advent-- thoughts from Tiffany Steinwert.
For Steven Manskar, Advent is like "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
Chris Roberts wants us to know that he is for things too.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Truth is Stranger than Fiction 2009.24
Woman finds 'Virgin Mary' on pancake
GLENDALE, Ariz., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- An Arizona woman said she was given peace and comfort from an unlikely source -- a pancake bearing an image she said resembles the Virgin Mary.
Bianca Lopez said she was cooking Batter Blaster pancakes for her family a few days before Thanksgiving at their Glendale home and she noticed the image of Jesus' mother looking back at her from the final pancake of the batch, KNXV-TV, Phoenix, reported Thursday.
"I think it's God's way of telling us that the holidays aren't just about presents. It's about ... spending time with your family and friends and telling us to not forget about him, that he's always there watching over us and taking care of us," Lopez said.
Lopez said she is keeping the pancake safe in her freezer until she can decide what to do with it.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Any Old Atheist Can Celebrate Christmas
Every Christmas season we endure the "holiday wars." Should sales clerks say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas?" Should Christmas trees on public property be called "holiday trees?" Should schools have Christmas break or winter break? I could give more examples, but you know where I am going here.Each year both sides in this "war" get all bent out of shape in attempting to control the language of the season, because in any argument terminology does make all the difference. Frankly, I think both sides are a little silly. Those who want to change the language of the holiday forget the elephant that is in the room. They can call it a holiday tree if they want, but the only reason that it is standing in the rotunda of the capitol is because it is Christmas. A sales clerk can wish me a happy holiday, but the only reason I am standing in line having purchased things for people they really do not need is because it is Christmas. The public schools can refer to it as winter break all they want, but no one is off school because it is cold and snowy outside.
Those on the other side of this debate have no trouble showing their Grinch side just as much as their opponents. Who really cares whether someone says, "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays"? Why do they respond in anger over the renaming of the tree on public square as a holiday tree? Why not shake one's head and chuckle instead? Why have an emotional meltdown over school children being let out of school supposedly for winter break. Who goes around wishing other people a happy winter anyway? Why are there Christians so worried about who says what to whom about this season? Is their celebration of Christmas dependent upon the type of celebration, or the lack thereof, of the holiday season?
Perhaps Christians should ask a deeper question in the midst of the "holiday wars." How have we celebrated Christmas over these many, many years that our society even debates what to call it and how to refer to it? Some say, it is because we live in a diverse society and not everybody embraces Christianity. This may indeed be part of it, but frankly I believe it plays a small part. Rather, I think the problem is that our celebration of Christmas often does not look very Christian, which is proven beyond all reasonable doubt when there are people who truly believe that Santa Claus is a Christian symbol.
We celebrate the self-giving of God in Jesus Christ with Black Friday deals where people push and shove and use saving money as an excuse to enshrine greed into the celebration. That is not a Christian argument; it is turning the celebration of Christmas itself into just one more commodity to be exploited. Indeed, the commodification of Christmas has made it not only possible, but easy for anyone to participate in the celebration of the season. No thought is necessary as to what it means to worship God in the knowledge that the Creator of all that is has come into our existence in the frailty of human flesh in order to save humanity. And while there are vestiges of this truth all around on display during the Christmas season, they frankly take a back seat to what Christmas is truly about in our culture-- a time of greed and financial over-extension, of gluttony and an excuse to drink too much.
The truth of the matter is that any old atheist can celebrate Christmas. Why then are we surprised when those who have no vested interest in the Christian faith, but who do have a stake in the celebration of Christmas, want to change all the traditional vocabulary of the season? We Christians have created the issue that angers so many Christians.
I am not a Grinch when it comes to the celebration of Christmas. I enjoy the season as much as everyone else; neither do I care if those who are not particularly religious celebrate as well. Why not? The more the merrier, as they say. But I have no stake in remaking the language of the season because I find those who want to do so to be silly. I can call my car a horse if the word car offends me. That doesn't change the reality of what it is.
By the same token I have no interest in taking on the politically correct language police. Let them play their language games all they want. I find those who want to lead the offensive against those who have supposedly declared war on Christmas to be just as silly. I have better things to do with my time then insisting people describe gaudy, inflatable decorations on the town square with the word "Christmas."
I hope all who read this post have a happy holiday and... uh... a merry Christmas as well.
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Cross-Posted at RedBlueChristian
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Missed Opportunities
Last Saturday night, Carol and I attended downtown Cambridge, Ohio's lighting of the courthouse and Christmas parade. Our courthouse is a sight to behold at Christmas along with the Dickens Victorian characters offering yesteryear thoughts all up and down the streets (for a courthouse preview, click here).As we walked downtown amid the huge crowd of people gathered, I was struck by the number of downtown businesses that were closed! Now, I am not a business owner, which is probably a good thing, but I like to think that I am a person who recognizes an opportunity when it is thrown in my face. There in downtown Cambridge, several thousand people were gathered, and some business owners decided it was more important to close at the usual time (for whatever reason), than stay open and take advantage of the opportunity placed before them.
How this sounds so much like the church. How often the church misses opportunities that are staring it in the face because the believers prefer to keep things comfortable and routine. In downtown Cambridge, a business closes at 5:00 p.m. because "that's the time we close!" In the church, it is not possible to offer an additional worship service on another day and time because, "we worship on Sunday morning!" An owner refuses to take business out on the street where the people are because "We are here; they can come to us!' A church cannot expand its Sunday school by offering classes off site because, "Sunday school can only happen in our classrooms!"
How often the church misses opportunities because it is stuck in the same way of doing things. Businesses will not last with such an attitude. Why do Christians believe that churches will endure such myopic thinking?
I have said it before and I will say it again-- What the church in America lacks is not a deficiency of resources, but vision; the ability to see what is possible over the yet revealed horizon. The church does not lack for more programming, but faithfulness to the cause of the gospel in the world. And the latter is as much of a lack of vision as the former.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Scot McKnight on the Manhattan Declaration
My friend, Scot McKnight has taken a stand on the Manhattan Declaration. Read his post here and weigh in on the discussion.Please keep it civil.
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