It is very significant that the first celebration of Christ's birthday is with shepherds. They lived in the fields with their animals. They weren't respected. They had no power or prestige. Yet, for some reason, God's angel came to them first and said, "Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ, the Lord."
When God came down and made His announcement to shepherds, it was as if he was saying, "According to the ways of this world you are insignificant and unworthy. But you will no longer judge your importance by what the world says. For you are to be My messengers of great news. For born to you this say, is the Savior."
God has always used the insignificant and unworthy to carry his message. He does so, so that the glory of the message can be seen. Had God used a powerful emperor, people may have followed because they wanted his favor. Had God used an eloquent speaker, people may have followed because of his personal charisma. Had God used a great teacher, people may have followed because they figured he was just smarter than they were. Instead, God used the things which were small in the eyes of this world to carry His great news. When God decided to select a mother for His Son, He went past the rich and famous. He went past the powerful and noteworthy, and went to an insignificant village called Nazareth. He found a peasant girl. She did not dress in designer clothes. She did not have a sophisticated education. But God selected her to be the mother of His only begotten Son. So when the Christ came, He was not born in a fancy hospital, surrounded by the emperor's doctors. Rather, He was born in a humble stable wrapped in rags and lying in a manger. The world looked down at its nose at the manger and said, "How insignificant. How humble." And in doing so, it missed the most significant event of history.
Sometimes we may think that for God to move in our lives there must be the miraculous. Yet many times, God uses the simple and quiet things of this world. God uses people despite their weakness, despite their imperfections. In fact many times He works through them. God is able to use the weak, the insignificant, the unclean, to do great things in life.
Why does God use imperfect people? "Because He can."
But it is important for us imperfect people to realize that we are in fact weak. Why is that? The way God empowers us, the way God brings success in His Kingdom is not the way the world thinks of success. The world thinks you must focus on your strengths to be successful. "Only the strong survive." Well, in God's Kingdom, it is the exact opposite. Only the weak survive! Huh???
God uses the weak to do His will, because His power is made perfect in our weakness. We are to live in our weakness, to live in our insignificance, because that's what it means to live in faith. Regardless of the circumstances that you find yourself in, regardless of the trials you are facing, God will provide the strength to carry on. As St. Paul says, "For when I am weak, then I am strong."
As you celebrate the humble birth of our Savior, may you remember the God's power is made perfect in weakness. Merry Christmas.
Showing posts with label christ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christ. Show all posts
Monday, December 3, 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
January 2012: The Definition of True Faith in Christ
Happy New Year!
This month I ask a very important question. What does it mean "to believe in God"? Or as Christians, what does it mean "to believe in Christ"? The answer to this question is the very foundation of our faith. The Bible is very clear that salvation is by faith.
Surprisingly, people who say they believe in God are often the very ones who glorify Him the least. The reason is that people can mean different things when they say "I believe in God." To some, "I believe in God" means they believe He exists. Such an "I believe in God" confession is a statement of knowledge rather than an expression of faith. In the same way, we can believe that the devil or hell exists too, but that is not faith.
Put ten random people in a room, and ask them to explain what it means "to believe in God" and you will probably have ten distinct explanations. This sad state of affairs has left people without confidence regarding salvation. Many have satisfied themselves with "You believe what you want to believe, and I'll believe what I want to believe" and have accepted ambiguity as just part of the mystery of faith. Something as important as faith should not be left in ambiguity! It is not okay to "agree to disagree." Faith is too important.
So what is faith? What does it mean "to believe in God"? Faith does include cognitive knowledge. It does believe that "God exists." It also confesses that we are sinful and helpless in our sin, and that we need a savior. It believes that God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. It believes the promise that salvation is offered to all who believe.
But faith is more than just cognitive knowledge. By faith we trust in God and dare to be in a relationship with Hom. It is one thing to be able to say "I believe everything that the Bible says about God." But it is something entirely different to live as if it were true. It is an entirely different thing to live with God as the center of one's life and to live with an eternal point of view. A person who believes he is an eternal being lives this short mortal life differently than a person who believes that "this world is all there is."
A person who believes that God cares about our daily affairs, and believes Jesus' promise "that He would be with us always," celebrating with us in good times and comforting us in bad, lives life differently than a person who does not believe. A person believes that an omnipotent God loves them and has plans of good, trusts that all things will work out in the end. These are just a few of the aspects of faith.
Faith is not something which we work in ourselves, neither is it sustained by our own works. It is a gift from God brought to us by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Through the Word in Baptism, we received the faith which brings salvation. Through the Word preached and in the Lord's Supper, our faith is strengthened. God gave us the Church, the Fellowship of Saints, to encourage and strengthen one another with The Word.
May this coming New Year bring a renewal of the Word in all our lives. God bless you all in this coming New Year 2012.
This month I ask a very important question. What does it mean "to believe in God"? Or as Christians, what does it mean "to believe in Christ"? The answer to this question is the very foundation of our faith. The Bible is very clear that salvation is by faith.
Surprisingly, people who say they believe in God are often the very ones who glorify Him the least. The reason is that people can mean different things when they say "I believe in God." To some, "I believe in God" means they believe He exists. Such an "I believe in God" confession is a statement of knowledge rather than an expression of faith. In the same way, we can believe that the devil or hell exists too, but that is not faith.
Put ten random people in a room, and ask them to explain what it means "to believe in God" and you will probably have ten distinct explanations. This sad state of affairs has left people without confidence regarding salvation. Many have satisfied themselves with "You believe what you want to believe, and I'll believe what I want to believe" and have accepted ambiguity as just part of the mystery of faith. Something as important as faith should not be left in ambiguity! It is not okay to "agree to disagree." Faith is too important.
So what is faith? What does it mean "to believe in God"? Faith does include cognitive knowledge. It does believe that "God exists." It also confesses that we are sinful and helpless in our sin, and that we need a savior. It believes that God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins. It believes the promise that salvation is offered to all who believe.
But faith is more than just cognitive knowledge. By faith we trust in God and dare to be in a relationship with Hom. It is one thing to be able to say "I believe everything that the Bible says about God." But it is something entirely different to live as if it were true. It is an entirely different thing to live with God as the center of one's life and to live with an eternal point of view. A person who believes he is an eternal being lives this short mortal life differently than a person who believes that "this world is all there is."
A person who believes that God cares about our daily affairs, and believes Jesus' promise "that He would be with us always," celebrating with us in good times and comforting us in bad, lives life differently than a person who does not believe. A person believes that an omnipotent God loves them and has plans of good, trusts that all things will work out in the end. These are just a few of the aspects of faith.
Faith is not something which we work in ourselves, neither is it sustained by our own works. It is a gift from God brought to us by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Through the Word in Baptism, we received the faith which brings salvation. Through the Word preached and in the Lord's Supper, our faith is strengthened. God gave us the Church, the Fellowship of Saints, to encourage and strengthen one another with The Word.
May this coming New Year bring a renewal of the Word in all our lives. God bless you all in this coming New Year 2012.
Monday, October 10, 2011
What is Being Lutheran All About?
While the name "Lutheran" doesn't appear until the time of the Reformation (1530 AD), we trace our roots past the Reformation, back to the first century church of the Apostles, back to the time when God made His covenant with Abraham, back to Adam and Eve themselves.
The Reformation was a time of the rediscovery of "Salvation through God's grace." Martin Luther was a monk and professor at Wittenberg University in Germany. The teachers and pastors at this time taught that your salvation depended on the works you did on Earth. After reading the Bible, Luther discovered "salvation through faith alone." While this brought him great joy, this discovery went against the prevailing teaching.
At the Diet of Worms, the high council of the Empire, Martin Luther stood before the emporor himself. He was commanded by the emperor to recant his writings, or face excommunication and death. Cowed by the power of the emperor, Luther asks for time to think about recanting. He is given one day.
That evening Luther endures a terrible internal struggle trying to decide how to answer the emperor's demands. The next day, the internal battle is over. Before the emperor's council a resolute Luther bravely stands before the emperor. When he is asked to recant or face excommunication and death at the stake, Luther stands and says "Unless the error of my writings can be shown in Scripture... Here I stand, I can do no other!"
Though his decision meant certain death, he stood by his work. He believed that to recant his work was to recant the Bible from which his writings were based. That was the big thing about the Reformation. The re-discovery of the Bible! Everyone knew about the danger of sin and the threat of Hell. But the Reformation stood for the re-discovery about how the death of Christ on the cross paid for all of our sins--the re-discovery of how we were freed from the burden of trying to earn our salvation--the re-discovery of the offer of "salvation through faith alone".
Today there are about 63 million Lutherans worldwide. In the United States, we belong to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, founded by a group of German immigrants who settled in Perry County, Missouri in 1847. Over the next two centuries the little congregation would grow into an international denomination ministering to the needs of people from all nations. The international headquarters of the synod is located in St. Louis.
Every year, around November 1, we remember the Reformation, the birth of the Lutheran church, and the re-discovery of "salvation by faith alone".
The Reformation was a time of the rediscovery of "Salvation through God's grace." Martin Luther was a monk and professor at Wittenberg University in Germany. The teachers and pastors at this time taught that your salvation depended on the works you did on Earth. After reading the Bible, Luther discovered "salvation through faith alone." While this brought him great joy, this discovery went against the prevailing teaching.
At the Diet of Worms, the high council of the Empire, Martin Luther stood before the emporor himself. He was commanded by the emperor to recant his writings, or face excommunication and death. Cowed by the power of the emperor, Luther asks for time to think about recanting. He is given one day.
That evening Luther endures a terrible internal struggle trying to decide how to answer the emperor's demands. The next day, the internal battle is over. Before the emperor's council a resolute Luther bravely stands before the emperor. When he is asked to recant or face excommunication and death at the stake, Luther stands and says "Unless the error of my writings can be shown in Scripture... Here I stand, I can do no other!"
Though his decision meant certain death, he stood by his work. He believed that to recant his work was to recant the Bible from which his writings were based. That was the big thing about the Reformation. The re-discovery of the Bible! Everyone knew about the danger of sin and the threat of Hell. But the Reformation stood for the re-discovery about how the death of Christ on the cross paid for all of our sins--the re-discovery of how we were freed from the burden of trying to earn our salvation--the re-discovery of the offer of "salvation through faith alone".
Today there are about 63 million Lutherans worldwide. In the United States, we belong to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, founded by a group of German immigrants who settled in Perry County, Missouri in 1847. Over the next two centuries the little congregation would grow into an international denomination ministering to the needs of people from all nations. The international headquarters of the synod is located in St. Louis.
Every year, around November 1, we remember the Reformation, the birth of the Lutheran church, and the re-discovery of "salvation by faith alone".
Saturday, April 9, 2011
April 2011: He is Risen!
He is risen!
So said the angel at the empty tomb. It is the reason for the Easter season. It is the core of Christianity. Through all the holidays of the year be taken over by the secular world, the celebration of the Resurrection will always be ours.
He is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
For centuries Christians have greeted each other with these words. With these words we will begin our Easter Sunday worship services.
He is risen!
So much is packed in those simple words. They are proof that Jesus overcame death, that we have the promise of eternal life and we are children of God.
Jesus calls us to go out and spread that Gospel message to the world.
Wishing you a blessed Easter season!
So said the angel at the empty tomb. It is the reason for the Easter season. It is the core of Christianity. Through all the holidays of the year be taken over by the secular world, the celebration of the Resurrection will always be ours.
He is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!
For centuries Christians have greeted each other with these words. With these words we will begin our Easter Sunday worship services.
He is risen!
So much is packed in those simple words. They are proof that Jesus overcame death, that we have the promise of eternal life and we are children of God.
Jesus calls us to go out and spread that Gospel message to the world.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:18)To learn more about what is packed in the words and to equip us to share it with others we have just started another New Members' Class. In our class, we cover the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Baptism, the Lord's Supper and the Office of the Keys. Not only that, but we discuss topics such as:
- God's love for us
- Our basic sinfulness and need for a Savior
- How Christ's death on the cross affects not only their eternal life but also their life now
- What it means to walk as a Christian through the power of the Holy Spirit
Wishing you a blessed Easter season!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
January 2011: Liturgical Candles
Happy New Year!
Have you ever watched the acolyte lighting the candles during worship? Have you ever noticed that big red candle burning way up in the left side of the chancel (i.e. altar area)? For centuries candles have been a traditional symbol in the church. They are not just for decoration. Light is a symbol of God. "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). Here is a list of some liturgical candles and their meanings.
Communion Candles and Office Candles
These are the two tall candles sitting on the altar on either side of the crucifix. They are lit during communion services. The other candles are called "office lights". At the beginning of the service, the candles on the right side (facing the altar) are lit first. The candles nearest to the crucifix are lit first. They are extinguished at the end of the service in the opposite order. The imagery is of light springing forth from the altar and returning to the altar at the end of the service.
Eternal Candle
The Eternal Candle is the big red candle hanging high up on the left side of the chancel. The Eternal Candle is always lit. The new candle should be lit from the flame of the old. I've always thought of it as a symbol of the eternal presence of God. However, historically, this was the one candle burning in the church to welcome anyone who desired to receive communion on non-Sundays. (7-Eleven is not the only one open 24/7).
Advent Candles
These are the candles in the Advent Wreath hanging high on the right side of the chancel. There are five candles: three purple or blue, one rose and one white. A candle is lit for each Sunday service in Advent.
Purple or blue? Advent has blue themes. One theme is penitential. As we await the coming of Christ, we are sorry for our sinfulness. This is symbolized by the purple candles. However, a second theme is "rejoicing that the King is coming." This is symbolized by the blue candles for royalty.
The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday symbolizing "joy."
The white Christ candle, in the center of the wreath, is lit on Christmas.
Candlelight Christmas "Hand Candles"
These are the candles the congregation carries at the end of our Christmas Eve service. The light from the Paschal candle is gradually spread hand to hand, throughout the congregation, symbolizing the spread of Christ's love and the Gospel.
Christ Candle, aka Paschal Candle (not the same at the Advent Christ Candle)
This is the tall (3 foot) candle standing by itself on the left side of the altar (i.e. facing the altar). It is a symbol of our Lord's resurrection and His visible presence here on Earth. The candle is lit early Easter morning and is lit every Sunday until Ascension. The candle is marked with a cross, the current year, as well as an Alpha and Omega (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet). These are symbols that Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. In the center and at each end of the cross, wax nails are affixed to symbolize the five wounds of Christ.
At the end of the Good Friday Service, the Paschal Candle leaves the sanctuary. This symbolizes the death of Christ. Jesus is the light of the world. When Jesus dies, the light of the world is gone.
Baptism Candle
This is the candle we give to children being baptized. It is a symbol of the light of Christ which is now in their lives. The candle should be lit every year on the anniversary of their baptism.
Unity Candles
This is a relatively new tradition for weddings. It consists of three candles,one white candle between two tapers. At the beginning of the service the two tapers are lit, signifying the separate lives of the couple. During the service the flame of the tapers are combined and used to light the center candle. Then the tapers are blown out. This symbolizes two lives becoming one.
Have you ever watched the acolyte lighting the candles during worship? Have you ever noticed that big red candle burning way up in the left side of the chancel (i.e. altar area)? For centuries candles have been a traditional symbol in the church. They are not just for decoration. Light is a symbol of God. "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). Here is a list of some liturgical candles and their meanings.
Communion Candles and Office Candles
These are the two tall candles sitting on the altar on either side of the crucifix. They are lit during communion services. The other candles are called "office lights". At the beginning of the service, the candles on the right side (facing the altar) are lit first. The candles nearest to the crucifix are lit first. They are extinguished at the end of the service in the opposite order. The imagery is of light springing forth from the altar and returning to the altar at the end of the service.
Eternal Candle
The Eternal Candle is the big red candle hanging high up on the left side of the chancel. The Eternal Candle is always lit. The new candle should be lit from the flame of the old. I've always thought of it as a symbol of the eternal presence of God. However, historically, this was the one candle burning in the church to welcome anyone who desired to receive communion on non-Sundays. (7-Eleven is not the only one open 24/7).
Advent Candles
These are the candles in the Advent Wreath hanging high on the right side of the chancel. There are five candles: three purple or blue, one rose and one white. A candle is lit for each Sunday service in Advent.
Purple or blue? Advent has blue themes. One theme is penitential. As we await the coming of Christ, we are sorry for our sinfulness. This is symbolized by the purple candles. However, a second theme is "rejoicing that the King is coming." This is symbolized by the blue candles for royalty.
The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday symbolizing "joy."
The white Christ candle, in the center of the wreath, is lit on Christmas.
Candlelight Christmas "Hand Candles"
These are the candles the congregation carries at the end of our Christmas Eve service. The light from the Paschal candle is gradually spread hand to hand, throughout the congregation, symbolizing the spread of Christ's love and the Gospel.
Christ Candle, aka Paschal Candle (not the same at the Advent Christ Candle)
This is the tall (3 foot) candle standing by itself on the left side of the altar (i.e. facing the altar). It is a symbol of our Lord's resurrection and His visible presence here on Earth. The candle is lit early Easter morning and is lit every Sunday until Ascension. The candle is marked with a cross, the current year, as well as an Alpha and Omega (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet). These are symbols that Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. In the center and at each end of the cross, wax nails are affixed to symbolize the five wounds of Christ.
At the end of the Good Friday Service, the Paschal Candle leaves the sanctuary. This symbolizes the death of Christ. Jesus is the light of the world. When Jesus dies, the light of the world is gone.
Baptism Candle
This is the candle we give to children being baptized. It is a symbol of the light of Christ which is now in their lives. The candle should be lit every year on the anniversary of their baptism.
Unity Candles
This is a relatively new tradition for weddings. It consists of three candles,one white candle between two tapers. At the beginning of the service the two tapers are lit, signifying the separate lives of the couple. During the service the flame of the tapers are combined and used to light the center candle. Then the tapers are blown out. This symbolizes two lives becoming one.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
December 2010: The Roast Beast of Christmas
When I was young, every year we used to watch Dr. Seuss' "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." The Grinch lived on a mountain near a town called Whoville. The Christmas merriment of the people in Whoville was annoying him. So spitefully he makes plans to steal their Christmas joy. He steals all their decorations, every last present, all their Christmas food, even the roast beast. In his dark heart, he chuckles... "Now that you have nothing to celebrate about.... Finally some peace and quiet."
It is important to note that the Grinch is not just trying to restore the peace and quiet of his home. If truth be told, he is jealous of their joy. He is trying to steal what he thinks is the source of their joy... the presents, the Christmas decorations, the roast beast...
The next morning he waits to hear the sounds of sorrow as the people of Whoville realize their Christmas things are gone. But as the Grinch extends his ear toward Whoville it is not the sounds of sadness that he hears, but rather sounds of joy--"Fa-who-for-ay; da-who-dor-ay; welcome, Christmas, Christmas day."
At first he is furious. What's happened? All the presents are gone. All their Christmas food is gone. Even the roast beast is gone. How can they be happy? How can they still celebrate Christmas? He puzzles about this. And this is the turning point of the story. Suddenly a thought enters his mind. "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more." This is where Dr. Seuss hits the jackpot. This is the realization to which every person who does not have a living relationship with Christ, must come. This is also the focus to which every Christian, who feels burdened by the hustle and bustle of Christmas, must return. "Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
The world only sees the presents, the decorations, the parties and the roast beasts of Christmas. But that's not the real Christmas. "It will come without ribbons. It will come without tags. It will come without packages, boxes or bags." The joy of Christmas is much more than any decorations, food, or presents. Christmas will come because the true meaning of Christmas is nothing more than a message. And this is the reason why no Grinch can take away Christmas. No Grinch can take away the spectacular good news that was proclaimed on that first Christmas night! "For born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Jesus was born a human baby to save us. Jesus was born to live the perfect life that we were unable to live. Jesus was born for the cross to bear the punishment for sin which we were unable to bear. Because He was born, we know the love of God. Because he was born, the door to eternal life was opened to us.
May you have a Merry Christmas.
It is important to note that the Grinch is not just trying to restore the peace and quiet of his home. If truth be told, he is jealous of their joy. He is trying to steal what he thinks is the source of their joy... the presents, the Christmas decorations, the roast beast...
The next morning he waits to hear the sounds of sorrow as the people of Whoville realize their Christmas things are gone. But as the Grinch extends his ear toward Whoville it is not the sounds of sadness that he hears, but rather sounds of joy--"Fa-who-for-ay; da-who-dor-ay; welcome, Christmas, Christmas day."
At first he is furious. What's happened? All the presents are gone. All their Christmas food is gone. Even the roast beast is gone. How can they be happy? How can they still celebrate Christmas? He puzzles about this. And this is the turning point of the story. Suddenly a thought enters his mind. "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more." This is where Dr. Seuss hits the jackpot. This is the realization to which every person who does not have a living relationship with Christ, must come. This is also the focus to which every Christian, who feels burdened by the hustle and bustle of Christmas, must return. "Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
The world only sees the presents, the decorations, the parties and the roast beasts of Christmas. But that's not the real Christmas. "It will come without ribbons. It will come without tags. It will come without packages, boxes or bags." The joy of Christmas is much more than any decorations, food, or presents. Christmas will come because the true meaning of Christmas is nothing more than a message. And this is the reason why no Grinch can take away Christmas. No Grinch can take away the spectacular good news that was proclaimed on that first Christmas night! "For born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Jesus was born a human baby to save us. Jesus was born to live the perfect life that we were unable to live. Jesus was born for the cross to bear the punishment for sin which we were unable to bear. Because He was born, we know the love of God. Because he was born, the door to eternal life was opened to us.
May you have a Merry Christmas.
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