SCRIPTURE
John 1: 14
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full grace and truth.
One of my favorite rituals of Christmas is unpacking and setting up my Nativity sets. I collect them as remembrances of special travels or chose ones that tell the nativity story differently than I so often see in local churches: a blonde Mary wrapped in blue, holding a happy, chubby Baby Jesus as Joseph gazes in adoration. To me, these different Nativity interpretations are reflections of how we long to find God’s image in our own.
Seeing how other cultures interpret the Nativity story always fascinates me. The set from Laos, bought one year at the Alternative Gift Fair, replaces the stable with a raised wooden hut. Baby Jesus sways in a hammock cradle, guarded by a water buffalo. Mary and Joseph wear sarongs. The Mexican one purchased in San Diego when my husband and I were first married, features not the three Magi, but a little girl with a basket of flowers who worships Jesus. My mother gave me an American Indian set with a tepee for shelter and a buffalo and two wolves guarding the manger. In another set, Baby Jesus rests in the Ecuador reed boat as Mary and Joseph with the long, dark faces reflective of that country’s art solemnly gaze down at him. In my set from Peru, Joseph and Mary are robed in traditional Peruvian garments and a llama offers its warmth to the babe.
Each year, these diverse images cause me to ponder how we long to find Jesus in our own faces, in our homes, and imagine him living a life like ours. I once read a Christmas story with the premise that God sent his son for the purpose of crossing the barrier we create of the unapproachable God by creating the bridge of Jesus. Our limited capability to understand created a barrier in communication. God’s answer wasn’t another burning bush or a thunderous voice from on high, but a human face - one that looks like us. Perhaps that is why we create nativity sets that reflect ourselves, our animals, our homes. The real challenge during this time of Advent, this time of waiting, is turning around the question, asking ourselves not how we see Jesus in ourselves but rather how can we find the image of Jesus in others. How do we find Jesus in those who are grouchy, impatient, overly talkative, lonely, perhaps homeless – people in whom we don’t want to find our images reflected?
With three children in three different schools, Beth Mixson is just happy when she makes it through the week without a leaving a child behind while her husband ,David literally flies in and flies out. She is always empathizes with Martha in the New Testament.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
December 24, by Ron Roberts
John 1: 1-5
In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all thing were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
It seems that these times are really times of darkness, and maybe, just maybe we do not understand the light. Maybe this is a time for a personal, a community and a national renewal. Maybe our question should be how do we as children of God in this place and in this time lead a renewal, lead in understanding the light. We can not light the whole world, but we can work on our corner and our place.
Lord, give us the wisdom and the temperament to discern your will for us. Give us the strength and courage to follow you and be the people you have called us to be.
Ron Roberts is chair of the Community Life Committe at RPC. He and his wife Pam live out hosptiality in their lives. Ron is a gifted grill-master and smoker....and most of us wonder what is in Rowdy Ron's special spice rub!
In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all thing were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
It seems that these times are really times of darkness, and maybe, just maybe we do not understand the light. Maybe this is a time for a personal, a community and a national renewal. Maybe our question should be how do we as children of God in this place and in this time lead a renewal, lead in understanding the light. We can not light the whole world, but we can work on our corner and our place.
Lord, give us the wisdom and the temperament to discern your will for us. Give us the strength and courage to follow you and be the people you have called us to be.
Ron Roberts is chair of the Community Life Committe at RPC. He and his wife Pam live out hosptiality in their lives. Ron is a gifted grill-master and smoker....and most of us wonder what is in Rowdy Ron's special spice rub!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
December 23, by Bethany Crawley
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 4: 13-16
[Jesus] left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum…so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”
I have to start with a confession: I have tried a few times to start this blog. I have talked about it with myself, discussing it out loud while driving; I sat down and read the scripture a couple of times; I surfed Bible Gateway to see different versions. But nothing profound, deeply satisfying, enlightening or inspiring came to me.So, I just did not write.I have been a little embarrassed to see Michelle lately. I have mostly stayed a few steps away from her, smiling at a safe distance and nodding my hellos. She knew, of course, that I had not written anything in response to her request that I blog. I am days overdue now. In fact, I wanted this morning to tell her how wonderful her sermon was, how I have fallen in love with the salutation and prayer to Mary, Full of Grace.
I wanted to tell her how I sometimes, at night when I go in to check on my daughterEliza, I put my face close to her warm cheek and whisper . . . "Mary, Full of Grace, Blessed are you among women. Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus; Holy Mary, Mother of Our God, pray for us sinners, both now and at the hour of our deaths." I sometimes whisper the whole thing. I sometimes whisper this prayer and need almost to cry because I can physically feel my heart swell in a way that tightens my throat. I whisper this prayer because, if it were spoken out loud, I could not bear the love it brings with it.
The part about this prayer that levels me every time is the word "now." It is so beseeching. It is so immediate. Now, in this moment, we cry out for grace. Pray Now, please! Intervene in this moment. Come now.
Most of us are not ready. We are not really ready for God to come - not right now. Most of us are still waiting to look into the faces of our enemies and see our brothers and our sisters. Most of us are still waiting to hear those still words calling us during the longest of our nights, words that will bring light, clarity and the promised peace that passes our limited understanding. Most of us are waiting to have the courage of heart to follow the calls that we have already heard. Most of us cannot say that we have done enough to shelter those in need, to feed those children who are hungry, much less their parents. Most of us have not done enough to lift up and carry for a distance the least among us. Probably, many of us fear that our eyes are not prepared for the full light of pure love.
I long for a time when I am ready. I long for a time when I can bear the love that comes with the breath that beseeches Got to come now.
Bethany Crawley, an elder at Riverside Presbyterian Church, is a great lawayer but a more amazing yoga instructer. She has just opened Lotus Yoga on Stockton. Yoga with Bethany often is a mix of a great workout, prayer and worship. Bethany also directs the Cold Nights Sheltor for RPC. If you would like to volunteer to help at the homeless sheltor anytime this winter on a Tuesday......contact her at Bethany@lotusyogajax.com
Matthew 4: 13-16
[Jesus] left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum…so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”
I have to start with a confession: I have tried a few times to start this blog. I have talked about it with myself, discussing it out loud while driving; I sat down and read the scripture a couple of times; I surfed Bible Gateway to see different versions. But nothing profound, deeply satisfying, enlightening or inspiring came to me.So, I just did not write.I have been a little embarrassed to see Michelle lately. I have mostly stayed a few steps away from her, smiling at a safe distance and nodding my hellos. She knew, of course, that I had not written anything in response to her request that I blog. I am days overdue now. In fact, I wanted this morning to tell her how wonderful her sermon was, how I have fallen in love with the salutation and prayer to Mary, Full of Grace.
I wanted to tell her how I sometimes, at night when I go in to check on my daughterEliza, I put my face close to her warm cheek and whisper . . . "Mary, Full of Grace, Blessed are you among women. Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus; Holy Mary, Mother of Our God, pray for us sinners, both now and at the hour of our deaths." I sometimes whisper the whole thing. I sometimes whisper this prayer and need almost to cry because I can physically feel my heart swell in a way that tightens my throat. I whisper this prayer because, if it were spoken out loud, I could not bear the love it brings with it.
The part about this prayer that levels me every time is the word "now." It is so beseeching. It is so immediate. Now, in this moment, we cry out for grace. Pray Now, please! Intervene in this moment. Come now.
Most of us are not ready. We are not really ready for God to come - not right now. Most of us are still waiting to look into the faces of our enemies and see our brothers and our sisters. Most of us are still waiting to hear those still words calling us during the longest of our nights, words that will bring light, clarity and the promised peace that passes our limited understanding. Most of us are waiting to have the courage of heart to follow the calls that we have already heard. Most of us cannot say that we have done enough to shelter those in need, to feed those children who are hungry, much less their parents. Most of us have not done enough to lift up and carry for a distance the least among us. Probably, many of us fear that our eyes are not prepared for the full light of pure love.
I long for a time when I am ready. I long for a time when I can bear the love that comes with the breath that beseeches Got to come now.
Bethany Crawley, an elder at Riverside Presbyterian Church, is a great lawayer but a more amazing yoga instructer. She has just opened Lotus Yoga on Stockton. Yoga with Bethany often is a mix of a great workout, prayer and worship. Bethany also directs the Cold Nights Sheltor for RPC. If you would like to volunteer to help at the homeless sheltor anytime this winter on a Tuesday......contact her at Bethany@lotusyogajax.com
Monday, December 22, 2008
December 22, by Chris Bacca
SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 33: 14-16
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
As I consider my earliest memories of church and the teachings of Jesus, two words reflecting those teachings come to mind: righteousness and justice. This passage in Jeremiah reminds us that “The Lord is our Righteousness.”
Jesus is, I believe, at the very heart of all that is right and just in the world. As humans, undeniably ill-equipped and typically unwilling, we often fall very short of our end of the bargain. Yes, Jesus is our righteousness, but we are the stewards of that message on earth; we are called to emulate his teachings and to abide by and trust in his promise. We are also called to be righteous and just.
As a teacher in an inner city school, my reality of what is right and just is constantly at battle with what I believe and have learned it should be. I long for a community, for a state, for a country, and for a world where poverty is undeniably unjust. I long for a society that will finally stand united behind those who are the most vulnerable; I long for a better life for all of my students. My faith is often challenged when I hear the stories of my children’s lives and when I visit their homes. It seems to me unjust that I have so much while my students have so little. Still I believe. I believe that Jesus is with these children. He is in each of the teachers who care for them mentally, physically, and emotionally. He is with the churches that unite to provide school supplies. Jesus resounds in the spirit and drive of each of my students to do just a little better than they did the day before. Jesus lives in the “yes we can” attitude of each of my children.
I long for a society that will see the beauty of children. I long for a society that will do everything possible to provide for the neediest in our midst. I long for a society that sees the beauty of Jesus’ promise and renews the call to bring righteousness and justice to the world.
Chris Bacca is soon to be an elder at RPC for the class of 2011. He is teacher of the year in his first year of teaching and Long Branch elementary Schoo and tutors at the Sanctuary. He has a heart for children and mission. Chris currently teaches our Sr. High Sunday School Class with Winkie Booker and Betty Rosenbloom.
Jeremiah 33: 14-16
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
As I consider my earliest memories of church and the teachings of Jesus, two words reflecting those teachings come to mind: righteousness and justice. This passage in Jeremiah reminds us that “The Lord is our Righteousness.”
Jesus is, I believe, at the very heart of all that is right and just in the world. As humans, undeniably ill-equipped and typically unwilling, we often fall very short of our end of the bargain. Yes, Jesus is our righteousness, but we are the stewards of that message on earth; we are called to emulate his teachings and to abide by and trust in his promise. We are also called to be righteous and just.
As a teacher in an inner city school, my reality of what is right and just is constantly at battle with what I believe and have learned it should be. I long for a community, for a state, for a country, and for a world where poverty is undeniably unjust. I long for a society that will finally stand united behind those who are the most vulnerable; I long for a better life for all of my students. My faith is often challenged when I hear the stories of my children’s lives and when I visit their homes. It seems to me unjust that I have so much while my students have so little. Still I believe. I believe that Jesus is with these children. He is in each of the teachers who care for them mentally, physically, and emotionally. He is with the churches that unite to provide school supplies. Jesus resounds in the spirit and drive of each of my students to do just a little better than they did the day before. Jesus lives in the “yes we can” attitude of each of my children.
I long for a society that will see the beauty of children. I long for a society that will do everything possible to provide for the neediest in our midst. I long for a society that sees the beauty of Jesus’ promise and renews the call to bring righteousness and justice to the world.
Chris Bacca is soon to be an elder at RPC for the class of 2011. He is teacher of the year in his first year of teaching and Long Branch elementary Schoo and tutors at the Sanctuary. He has a heart for children and mission. Chris currently teaches our Sr. High Sunday School Class with Winkie Booker and Betty Rosenbloom.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
December 21, by Emma Gunther, Will Walker and Jack Raynor
Scripture
Matthew 1:18a
"Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way....."
Jack Raynor, 3 years old
"Jesus was born on a farm."
Thats how it happened! Our Children reflected Sunday on What Christmas means......
Will Walker, 5 years old
"Christmas means Jesus.
Thats his birthday.
He is a very special man.
Jesus helps us and made the world."
When Emma Gunther, 3 years old, was asked.....she broke into song:
Jesus had a birthday
just like you and me
He had a lot of presents
and a party too!
For a birthday candle, God gave him a star
Singing..........Happy birthday Jesus!
Maybe it is all that simple!
Jack Raynor loves to play with his friends at RPDS and loves his teacher Ms. McNeil. Jack loved his recent vacation with his mom- Erin, Dad- Jeremy and his little brother Evan.
Will Walker has been a member of Riverside since he was born! He and his friend Shep Tise love to play hard at everything including soccer. Will and his brother Ryan, enjoy hanging out with their parents Vance and Allison Walker.
Emma Gunther loves ballet. She loves coming to logos on Wednesdays, especially since it is in the same place where she goes to school during the day and when she comes to church on sunday. Emma still lives with her parents, Nydia and Erik Gunther.
Matthew 1:18a
"Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way....."
Jack Raynor, 3 years old
"Jesus was born on a farm."
Thats how it happened! Our Children reflected Sunday on What Christmas means......
Will Walker, 5 years old
"Christmas means Jesus.
Thats his birthday.
He is a very special man.
Jesus helps us and made the world."
When Emma Gunther, 3 years old, was asked.....she broke into song:
Jesus had a birthday
just like you and me
He had a lot of presents
and a party too!
For a birthday candle, God gave him a star
Singing..........Happy birthday Jesus!
Maybe it is all that simple!
Jack Raynor loves to play with his friends at RPDS and loves his teacher Ms. McNeil. Jack loved his recent vacation with his mom- Erin, Dad- Jeremy and his little brother Evan.
Will Walker has been a member of Riverside since he was born! He and his friend Shep Tise love to play hard at everything including soccer. Will and his brother Ryan, enjoy hanging out with their parents Vance and Allison Walker.
Emma Gunther loves ballet. She loves coming to logos on Wednesdays, especially since it is in the same place where she goes to school during the day and when she comes to church on sunday. Emma still lives with her parents, Nydia and Erik Gunther.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
December 20 by Rebecca Creed
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet. “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
When I asked my ten-year-old son Gray to summarize this passage, he explained:
Joseph was engaged to Mary, but he figured out she was pregnant. He didn’t want to embarrass her, so he made plans to break the engagement. He changed his mind after an angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Do not be afraid.” Joseph married Mary, and she had a son. Joseph named the baby Jesus.
However, when I asked Gray what he “yearns” for, he had trouble. How does a ten-year-old, who has almost everything he could possibly want, yearn for anything? We looked up the word “yearn” in his junior dictionary and found this definition: to “wish for very deeply.” So what do you wish for? I asked. Faith? Peace? Goodwill on earth? A deeper understanding of God? This, the deeper understanding of God, is the one he settled on.
For me, the question is easier. I yearn for answers, answers to the age-old questions of faith, of my purpose, of my responsibilities as a parent. And what I realize is that I am so busy with the business of living – so consumed with thoughts of planning dinner tonight and lunches tomorrow, with worries about work and deadlines and billable hours, with scheduling carpools and homework and after-school activities – that I no longer take the time to listen for answers. How, then, can I help my children grow to a deeper understanding of God when I’m still struggling with my own understanding?
In this passage, God gives Joseph the answers. God answers the questions that Joseph must have been asking himself about Mary and, maybe more importantly, about his own role in all of this. God helps Joseph understand what it all means and reassures him that everything will be okay.
More importantly though, Joseph listens. He hears God’s answer, and he follows God’s instructions. God is with us, if we would only take a moment to watch and wait for Him.
This Advent season, may we all take the time to listen for God. Only then will we hear the answers for which we long.
Rebecca Creed is an attorney with a small appellate firm in Riverside. She loves her time with her husband Chris and their two children, Gray (10) and Alice (6). The Creeds are enjoying their newest addition to the family: a six-month-old yellow lab named Mae, whose favorite part of Christmas is chewing on the wooden Nativity set.
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet. “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
When I asked my ten-year-old son Gray to summarize this passage, he explained:
Joseph was engaged to Mary, but he figured out she was pregnant. He didn’t want to embarrass her, so he made plans to break the engagement. He changed his mind after an angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Do not be afraid.” Joseph married Mary, and she had a son. Joseph named the baby Jesus.
However, when I asked Gray what he “yearns” for, he had trouble. How does a ten-year-old, who has almost everything he could possibly want, yearn for anything? We looked up the word “yearn” in his junior dictionary and found this definition: to “wish for very deeply.” So what do you wish for? I asked. Faith? Peace? Goodwill on earth? A deeper understanding of God? This, the deeper understanding of God, is the one he settled on.
For me, the question is easier. I yearn for answers, answers to the age-old questions of faith, of my purpose, of my responsibilities as a parent. And what I realize is that I am so busy with the business of living – so consumed with thoughts of planning dinner tonight and lunches tomorrow, with worries about work and deadlines and billable hours, with scheduling carpools and homework and after-school activities – that I no longer take the time to listen for answers. How, then, can I help my children grow to a deeper understanding of God when I’m still struggling with my own understanding?
In this passage, God gives Joseph the answers. God answers the questions that Joseph must have been asking himself about Mary and, maybe more importantly, about his own role in all of this. God helps Joseph understand what it all means and reassures him that everything will be okay.
More importantly though, Joseph listens. He hears God’s answer, and he follows God’s instructions. God is with us, if we would only take a moment to watch and wait for Him.
This Advent season, may we all take the time to listen for God. Only then will we hear the answers for which we long.
Rebecca Creed is an attorney with a small appellate firm in Riverside. She loves her time with her husband Chris and their two children, Gray (10) and Alice (6). The Creeds are enjoying their newest addition to the family: a six-month-old yellow lab named Mae, whose favorite part of Christmas is chewing on the wooden Nativity set.
Friday, December 19, 2008
December 19, by Chris McCain
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4I give thanks to my* God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— 6just as the testimony of* Christ has been strengthened among you— 7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let me confess: when Paul, writing to the nascent and fractured church in Corinth, tells early followers not to worry about spiritual gifts as they eagerly await Christ’s return, I can’t help but think his grandiloquence falls deafly on my postmodern ears. I understand that everyone wants to hear reassurances in times of turmoil and promises that better days are yet to come—especially appropriate in today’s economy. But trying to relate Paul’s eternal optimism to everyday life in an era of divisiveness, strife, financial insecurity, and fear seems a bit incongruous, even naïve.
Yet we aren’t so different from the Corinthians. As was the case in the 1st century CE, the ways of the world are rapidly changing. Systems of thought and governance that functioned well for 19th and 20th centuries no longer seem relevant. In recent article in GOOD Magazine, writer Parag Khanna discusses the evolution of the “nation-state.” No longer do international borders and the dominance of governments in decision-making make sense in a globalized economy. Says Khanna, “The nation-state has just about passed away in terms of exclusivity. Now, when people talk about countries and international relations, they have to acknowledge that what they’re talking about is, at best, a particular slice of what’s going on in the world, and is not at all representative of the entirety of what’s happening.” Khanna argues that we are entering into an age of “neo-medievalism”: “As in the 14th century, we now have empires, religious groups and fanatics, fears of the plague and superstition, multinational corporations, and city-states—Dubai is the new Venice.”
So should be excited about or afraid of what’s to come? Experience tells us this world isn’t static, and that change is the only constant. As the Corinthians did not remain a persecuted underground sect forever, perhaps we must humbly acknowledge that the proud American hegemony may be faltering. Should that frighten us? I hope not.
Immediately following these verses, Paul tells the Corinthians: Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you should be in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you should be united in the same mind and the same purpose.
Finding that common purpose isn’t easy, but for us as Americans—as citizens of this vast and beautiful world—to go boldly into the future, we must be willing to set aside our differences, avoid insularity, and see all human beings in our midst as neighbors, as friends, as ourselves.
Prayer:
Gracious and loving God, we ask that You grant us hope and peace amidst the uncertainty of Your magnificent creation. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Chris McCain is a member of the stratigic planning team at Riverside and you will find him assisting with worship at the 2nd Sunday Services. Chris is a Davidson graduate who works for a local foundation.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4I give thanks to my* God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, 5for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind— 6just as the testimony of* Christ has been strengthened among you— 7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Let me confess: when Paul, writing to the nascent and fractured church in Corinth, tells early followers not to worry about spiritual gifts as they eagerly await Christ’s return, I can’t help but think his grandiloquence falls deafly on my postmodern ears. I understand that everyone wants to hear reassurances in times of turmoil and promises that better days are yet to come—especially appropriate in today’s economy. But trying to relate Paul’s eternal optimism to everyday life in an era of divisiveness, strife, financial insecurity, and fear seems a bit incongruous, even naïve.
Yet we aren’t so different from the Corinthians. As was the case in the 1st century CE, the ways of the world are rapidly changing. Systems of thought and governance that functioned well for 19th and 20th centuries no longer seem relevant. In recent article in GOOD Magazine, writer Parag Khanna discusses the evolution of the “nation-state.” No longer do international borders and the dominance of governments in decision-making make sense in a globalized economy. Says Khanna, “The nation-state has just about passed away in terms of exclusivity. Now, when people talk about countries and international relations, they have to acknowledge that what they’re talking about is, at best, a particular slice of what’s going on in the world, and is not at all representative of the entirety of what’s happening.” Khanna argues that we are entering into an age of “neo-medievalism”: “As in the 14th century, we now have empires, religious groups and fanatics, fears of the plague and superstition, multinational corporations, and city-states—Dubai is the new Venice.”
So should be excited about or afraid of what’s to come? Experience tells us this world isn’t static, and that change is the only constant. As the Corinthians did not remain a persecuted underground sect forever, perhaps we must humbly acknowledge that the proud American hegemony may be faltering. Should that frighten us? I hope not.
Immediately following these verses, Paul tells the Corinthians: Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you should be in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you should be united in the same mind and the same purpose.
Finding that common purpose isn’t easy, but for us as Americans—as citizens of this vast and beautiful world—to go boldly into the future, we must be willing to set aside our differences, avoid insularity, and see all human beings in our midst as neighbors, as friends, as ourselves.
Prayer:
Gracious and loving God, we ask that You grant us hope and peace amidst the uncertainty of Your magnificent creation. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Chris McCain is a member of the stratigic planning team at Riverside and you will find him assisting with worship at the 2nd Sunday Services. Chris is a Davidson graduate who works for a local foundation.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
December 18, by John Bartholomew
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 9: 2-6
2. The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light;
Those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined.
3. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy;
They rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest,
As people exult when dividing plunder.
4. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders,
The rod of their oppressor, you have broken as in the day of Midian.
5. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood
Shall be burned as fuel for the fire,
6. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us;
Authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Advent may be about longing, and waiting, but for us it is also about remembering and anticipating.
The hymns we sing during Advent nearly all find ways of reminding us that Jesus, the Christ, has already come, and that we are anticipating not just a baby in a manger, but the full coming of his kingdom.
Music is one of our strongest stores of memory, and for Advent and Christmas, Handel’s Messiah is one of the most powerful ways we can be lifted above the jingles of the mall music, and brought face to face with the authentic message of the season. Handel and his librettist, Charles Jennens, achieve this result by combining a great range of Biblical texts with very memorable music. They are highly selective, clipping the most potent and affirming bits of text, to make the oratorio listenable.
The Messiah begins with Isaiah 40 (“Comfort ye”) and nods at several of the minor prophets, all building the suspense for the arrival of the Christ. Finally we come to a bass solo, “The people that walked in darkness” and a chorus, “For unto us a child is born” – both taken from today’s scripture. These are the climax of the Advent preparation, and to be sure we recognize that Handel follows these with a Pastoral Symphony to separate the anticipation from what comes next: “There were shepherds in the field.” We are off to Christmas, the texts coming more from the New Testament, with Luke leading the way.
But if we look closely at today’s scripture, there is more to it than verses 2 and 6. And it is in verses 3 through 5 that I find a strange mixture of innocent joy and remarkable realism. Isaiah’s world was not the world of shepherds and angels. He was struggling to explain how God could possibly be at work in a world where there is not just harvest, but also where “people exult when dividing plunder.” Judah is oppressed – their yoke is a bar across their shoulders, and there are the boots of tramping warriors and garments rolled in blood.
Just as the passage in chapter 7 –“ a virgin shall bear a son and name him God With Us – Emmanuel” was intended as a warning to the 8th century BCE king, Ahaz, so chapter 9 was originally intended for a much more immediate audience
Still, we need not consign Isaiah’s text to history. If we look at the news of the day – Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Wall Street, Illinois, we can see more than enough of tramping boots, spilled blood, and plunder. Surely the hope that Isaiah offered to his people is still our hope today, and the singing of these texts calls us to rejoice that indeed, God is with us, Emmanuel. We can remember God’s history with his people, and anticipate Christ’s presence, even in the midst of our troubled world.
John Bartholomew is an ordained Presbyterian minister who has served as a pastor, our synod executive and a missionary. John and Mary have a heart for the people of Ghana and live hospitality.
Isaiah 9: 2-6
2. The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light;
Those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined.
3. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy;
They rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest,
As people exult when dividing plunder.
4. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders,
The rod of their oppressor, you have broken as in the day of Midian.
5. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood
Shall be burned as fuel for the fire,
6. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us;
Authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Advent may be about longing, and waiting, but for us it is also about remembering and anticipating.
The hymns we sing during Advent nearly all find ways of reminding us that Jesus, the Christ, has already come, and that we are anticipating not just a baby in a manger, but the full coming of his kingdom.
Music is one of our strongest stores of memory, and for Advent and Christmas, Handel’s Messiah is one of the most powerful ways we can be lifted above the jingles of the mall music, and brought face to face with the authentic message of the season. Handel and his librettist, Charles Jennens, achieve this result by combining a great range of Biblical texts with very memorable music. They are highly selective, clipping the most potent and affirming bits of text, to make the oratorio listenable.
The Messiah begins with Isaiah 40 (“Comfort ye”) and nods at several of the minor prophets, all building the suspense for the arrival of the Christ. Finally we come to a bass solo, “The people that walked in darkness” and a chorus, “For unto us a child is born” – both taken from today’s scripture. These are the climax of the Advent preparation, and to be sure we recognize that Handel follows these with a Pastoral Symphony to separate the anticipation from what comes next: “There were shepherds in the field.” We are off to Christmas, the texts coming more from the New Testament, with Luke leading the way.
But if we look closely at today’s scripture, there is more to it than verses 2 and 6. And it is in verses 3 through 5 that I find a strange mixture of innocent joy and remarkable realism. Isaiah’s world was not the world of shepherds and angels. He was struggling to explain how God could possibly be at work in a world where there is not just harvest, but also where “people exult when dividing plunder.” Judah is oppressed – their yoke is a bar across their shoulders, and there are the boots of tramping warriors and garments rolled in blood.
Just as the passage in chapter 7 –“ a virgin shall bear a son and name him God With Us – Emmanuel” was intended as a warning to the 8th century BCE king, Ahaz, so chapter 9 was originally intended for a much more immediate audience
Still, we need not consign Isaiah’s text to history. If we look at the news of the day – Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Wall Street, Illinois, we can see more than enough of tramping boots, spilled blood, and plunder. Surely the hope that Isaiah offered to his people is still our hope today, and the singing of these texts calls us to rejoice that indeed, God is with us, Emmanuel. We can remember God’s history with his people, and anticipate Christ’s presence, even in the midst of our troubled world.
John Bartholomew is an ordained Presbyterian minister who has served as a pastor, our synod executive and a missionary. John and Mary have a heart for the people of Ghana and live hospitality.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
December 17, by Roger Maness
SCRIPTURE
Luke 2: 8-20
If possible, read the entire passage and then focus specifically on verses 15-20.
The shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. “ So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger….The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
When I hear this story each Christmas, memories of Christmases past spin around in my head faster than a scrambler ride at the county fair. And yes, like many of you, I long to recall the happiest of times to replace some of those “ghosts of Christmas past” that haunted Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and that haunt us even now. It might be longing to see loved ones removed from us by age, by distance, by circumstance, or even by death. It might be a longing to “return to the good ole days,”when life seemed simpler, at least as it is reflected in the pleasant memories that we can recall. For me, I simply long to hear this story once again and to ponder what an incredible gift God gave us with the birth of Jesus.
When I fast forward to 2008, I am fascinated that parts of this story remind me of some happenings at Riverside. When I read the verses about the “shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night,” I think about our wonderful volunteers who stay awake at the Emergency Cold Night Shelter each Tuesday night when it is 40 degrees or less outside watching out for a hundred of our city’s homeless men. Although the volunteers probably seldom think of themselves as shepherds, and the homeless men probably never think of themselves as sheep, the correlation is true and worthy of consideration.
Then, I question whether we are the “shepherds” like in this wonderful story, or are we really just spectators while those who occupy the Emergency Cold Night Shelter are the shepherds, living outdoors, wandering the streets, probably caring for more than we ever imagine. Hmmm.
Regardless of which analogy means more to you, I am confident that today’s story bears a resemblance to the story in Luke. The shepherds went to Bethlehem and “found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger”; they returned “glorifying and praising God” and telling others of the amazing things they had seen. Yes, I think the shepherds then got it. But what about the shepherds and sheep of today? I trust that our Cold Night volunteers get it (or at least a great deal of the time), and I am also pretty sure that the “shepherds or sheep” being helped downtown get it, too. Why? Because almost every one who steps back into the cold the following morning, hopefully at least a little bit refreshed from the night’s sleep, says “thanks,” followed by, “God Bless You!” What a terrific message at Christmas, or all year long!
Roger Maness is Director of Community Life at Riverside, which includes staffing most of the fellowship and local mission programs and ministries. He is married to Sophie and enjoys being dad to Brian (also a recreation leader at Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis) and step-dad to Jerry and Sophie Ann (juniors at Stanton). He professes to love each of the above, as well as their 2 ½ year old yellow lab, Ellie.
Luke 2: 8-20
If possible, read the entire passage and then focus specifically on verses 15-20.
The shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. “ So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger….The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
When I hear this story each Christmas, memories of Christmases past spin around in my head faster than a scrambler ride at the county fair. And yes, like many of you, I long to recall the happiest of times to replace some of those “ghosts of Christmas past” that haunted Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and that haunt us even now. It might be longing to see loved ones removed from us by age, by distance, by circumstance, or even by death. It might be a longing to “return to the good ole days,”when life seemed simpler, at least as it is reflected in the pleasant memories that we can recall. For me, I simply long to hear this story once again and to ponder what an incredible gift God gave us with the birth of Jesus.
When I fast forward to 2008, I am fascinated that parts of this story remind me of some happenings at Riverside. When I read the verses about the “shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night,” I think about our wonderful volunteers who stay awake at the Emergency Cold Night Shelter each Tuesday night when it is 40 degrees or less outside watching out for a hundred of our city’s homeless men. Although the volunteers probably seldom think of themselves as shepherds, and the homeless men probably never think of themselves as sheep, the correlation is true and worthy of consideration.
Then, I question whether we are the “shepherds” like in this wonderful story, or are we really just spectators while those who occupy the Emergency Cold Night Shelter are the shepherds, living outdoors, wandering the streets, probably caring for more than we ever imagine. Hmmm.
Regardless of which analogy means more to you, I am confident that today’s story bears a resemblance to the story in Luke. The shepherds went to Bethlehem and “found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger”; they returned “glorifying and praising God” and telling others of the amazing things they had seen. Yes, I think the shepherds then got it. But what about the shepherds and sheep of today? I trust that our Cold Night volunteers get it (or at least a great deal of the time), and I am also pretty sure that the “shepherds or sheep” being helped downtown get it, too. Why? Because almost every one who steps back into the cold the following morning, hopefully at least a little bit refreshed from the night’s sleep, says “thanks,” followed by, “God Bless You!” What a terrific message at Christmas, or all year long!
Roger Maness is Director of Community Life at Riverside, which includes staffing most of the fellowship and local mission programs and ministries. He is married to Sophie and enjoys being dad to Brian (also a recreation leader at Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis) and step-dad to Jerry and Sophie Ann (juniors at Stanton). He professes to love each of the above, as well as their 2 ½ year old yellow lab, Ellie.
SCRIPTURE
John 1: 14
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full grace and truth.
One of my favorite rituals of Christmas is unpacking and setting up my Nativity sets. I collect them as remembrances of special travels or chose ones that tell the nativity story differently than I so often see in local churches: a blonde Mary wrapped in blue, holding a happy, chubby Baby Jesus as Joseph gazes in adoration. To me, these different Nativity interpretations are reflections of how we long to find God’s image in our own.
Seeing how other cultures interpret the Nativity story always fascinates me. The set from Laos, bought one year at the Alternative Gift Fair, replaces the stable with a raised wooden hut. Baby Jesus sways in a hammock cradle, guarded by a water buffalo. Mary and Joseph wear sarongs. The Mexican one purchased in San Diego when my husband and I were first married, features not the three Magi, but a little girl with a basket of flowers who worships Jesus. My mother gave me an American Indian set with a tepee for shelter and a buffalo and two wolves guarding the manger. In another set, Baby Jesus rests in the Ecuador reed boat as Mary and Joseph with the long, dark faces reflective of that country’s art solemnly gaze down at him. In my set from Peru, Joseph and Mary are robed in traditional Peruvian garments and a llama offers its warmth to the babe.
Each year, these diverse images cause me to ponder how we long to find Jesus in our own faces, in our homes, and imagine him living a life like ours. I once read a Christmas story with the premise that God sent his son for the purpose of crossing the barrier we create of the unapproachable God by creating the bridge of Jesus. Our limited capability to understand created a barrier in communication. God’s answer wasn’t another burning bush or a thunderous voice from on high, but a human face - one that looks like us. Perhaps that is why we create nativity sets that reflect ourselves, our animals, our homes. The real challenge during this time of Advent, this time of waiting, is turning around the question, asking ourselves not how we see Jesus in ourselves but rather how can we find the image of Jesus in others. How do we find Jesus in those who are grouchy, impatient, overly talkative, lonely, perhaps homeless – people in whom we don’t want to find our images reflected?
With three children in three different schools, Beth Mixson is just happy when she makes it through the week without a leaving a child behind while her husband ,David literally flies in and flies out. She is always emphasizes with Martha in the New Testament.
John 1: 14
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full grace and truth.
One of my favorite rituals of Christmas is unpacking and setting up my Nativity sets. I collect them as remembrances of special travels or chose ones that tell the nativity story differently than I so often see in local churches: a blonde Mary wrapped in blue, holding a happy, chubby Baby Jesus as Joseph gazes in adoration. To me, these different Nativity interpretations are reflections of how we long to find God’s image in our own.
Seeing how other cultures interpret the Nativity story always fascinates me. The set from Laos, bought one year at the Alternative Gift Fair, replaces the stable with a raised wooden hut. Baby Jesus sways in a hammock cradle, guarded by a water buffalo. Mary and Joseph wear sarongs. The Mexican one purchased in San Diego when my husband and I were first married, features not the three Magi, but a little girl with a basket of flowers who worships Jesus. My mother gave me an American Indian set with a tepee for shelter and a buffalo and two wolves guarding the manger. In another set, Baby Jesus rests in the Ecuador reed boat as Mary and Joseph with the long, dark faces reflective of that country’s art solemnly gaze down at him. In my set from Peru, Joseph and Mary are robed in traditional Peruvian garments and a llama offers its warmth to the babe.
Each year, these diverse images cause me to ponder how we long to find Jesus in our own faces, in our homes, and imagine him living a life like ours. I once read a Christmas story with the premise that God sent his son for the purpose of crossing the barrier we create of the unapproachable God by creating the bridge of Jesus. Our limited capability to understand created a barrier in communication. God’s answer wasn’t another burning bush or a thunderous voice from on high, but a human face - one that looks like us. Perhaps that is why we create nativity sets that reflect ourselves, our animals, our homes. The real challenge during this time of Advent, this time of waiting, is turning around the question, asking ourselves not how we see Jesus in ourselves but rather how can we find the image of Jesus in others. How do we find Jesus in those who are grouchy, impatient, overly talkative, lonely, perhaps homeless – people in whom we don’t want to find our images reflected?
With three children in three different schools, Beth Mixson is just happy when she makes it through the week without a leaving a child behind while her husband ,David literally flies in and flies out. She is always emphasizes with Martha in the New Testament.
Monday, December 15, 2008
December 15, Kathy Para
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 40: 1-11
“Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God. “Speak kindly to Jerusalem; and call out to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. Let every valley be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rugged terrain a broad valley; then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Call out.” Then he answered, “What shall I call out?” All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. Get yourself up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news, lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news; lift it up, do not fear, say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” Behold, the Lord God will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him, And His recompense before Him. Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.
The Biblical scholar, Hobart Freeman, gives us historical background for this passage in which Isaiah addresses the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. He writes that both were politically and economically prosperous during the time that Isaiah was called as a prophet. Freeman states that “the wealth and luxury which resulted from their economic prosperity, together with the spirit of optimism created by their military successes, produced an attitude of carnal self-confidence and careless security….”
I find that as a nation we are much like Judah and Israel. It’s not hard to draw an immediate parallel between the positions these ancient kingdoms held in the world and the position of the United States in our current global community. Certainly in global terms, we enjoy great wealth and luxury and, as was the case with Judah and Israel, we are guilty of iniquities, oppressions, and injustices. As I read the scripture passage, I imagine Isaiah speaking to God’s people who are ready to listen and who long to, again, be drawn to God. Isaiah speaks to those who recognize that as a people they have put their confidence in wealth and might – things that lead to corruption, destruction, and separation from God. To these people, Isaiah says that God has removed their iniquities and that they are redeemed. He tells them to prepare the way because God’s glory will be revealed. And, it gets better! Isaiah reminds them that God’s word stands forever. Unlike people, wealth, and military might, there is nothing fragile about God. Then, God through Isaiah gives the people a charge. Go up on a mountain and announce without fear that God is here and our reward is with Him. Through the ages, God gathers us like lambs into His presence. Our deepest longing, to confidently reside in the presence of God, is satisfied.
PRAYER
Great God, let us recognize the relevance of Isaiah’s words to us both individually and as a nation. Let hear these words of comfort, redemption, and hope. With our words and our lives, give us the courage to proclaim that You are here. Help us live boldly in Your presence as Your redeemed people. Thank You for gathering us to You. Amen.
Kathy Para is an attorney currently serving as a consultant for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. Her free time is spent with Bud, Kimberly, Miles, her extended family, and friends. She enjoys watching her square-foot garden grow and the occasional sightings of Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal on her birdfeeder.
Isaiah 40: 1-11
“Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God. “Speak kindly to Jerusalem; and call out to her, that her warfare has ended, that her iniquity has been removed, that she has received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.” A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. Let every valley be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rugged terrain a broad valley; then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Call out.” Then he answered, “What shall I call out?” All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. Get yourself up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news, lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news; lift it up, do not fear, say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” Behold, the Lord God will come with might, with His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him, And His recompense before Him. Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.
The Biblical scholar, Hobart Freeman, gives us historical background for this passage in which Isaiah addresses the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. He writes that both were politically and economically prosperous during the time that Isaiah was called as a prophet. Freeman states that “the wealth and luxury which resulted from their economic prosperity, together with the spirit of optimism created by their military successes, produced an attitude of carnal self-confidence and careless security….”
I find that as a nation we are much like Judah and Israel. It’s not hard to draw an immediate parallel between the positions these ancient kingdoms held in the world and the position of the United States in our current global community. Certainly in global terms, we enjoy great wealth and luxury and, as was the case with Judah and Israel, we are guilty of iniquities, oppressions, and injustices. As I read the scripture passage, I imagine Isaiah speaking to God’s people who are ready to listen and who long to, again, be drawn to God. Isaiah speaks to those who recognize that as a people they have put their confidence in wealth and might – things that lead to corruption, destruction, and separation from God. To these people, Isaiah says that God has removed their iniquities and that they are redeemed. He tells them to prepare the way because God’s glory will be revealed. And, it gets better! Isaiah reminds them that God’s word stands forever. Unlike people, wealth, and military might, there is nothing fragile about God. Then, God through Isaiah gives the people a charge. Go up on a mountain and announce without fear that God is here and our reward is with Him. Through the ages, God gathers us like lambs into His presence. Our deepest longing, to confidently reside in the presence of God, is satisfied.
PRAYER
Great God, let us recognize the relevance of Isaiah’s words to us both individually and as a nation. Let hear these words of comfort, redemption, and hope. With our words and our lives, give us the courage to proclaim that You are here. Help us live boldly in Your presence as Your redeemed people. Thank You for gathering us to You. Amen.
Kathy Para is an attorney currently serving as a consultant for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. Her free time is spent with Bud, Kimberly, Miles, her extended family, and friends. She enjoys watching her square-foot garden grow and the occasional sightings of Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal on her birdfeeder.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
December 14, by Michelle Thomas-Bush
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 2: 12
“….[T]hey set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising…..”
The story of the Magi lifts up our eyes with curiosity, wonder and awe to the stars that lead us to Christ. The Magi were on a journey, unsure of what they would find. The journey at that time was inconvenient even though they traveled with great wealth and privilege. These Magi had an audience with the King. They had some concern about the King and maybe even concern for their lives. However, they were reaching for that which brought them great joy and were not to be stopped. These Magi were searching for the Holy One.
On this journey, they maintained a sense of wonder and excitement. In their curiosity, the Magi traveled far into the unknown. We know how this story ends, but let’s keep them on their journey today – for we are still on our journey to Bethlehem.
Last week at Impact, one new sixth grader asked what was a Presbyterian. I began a little bit of a dissertation that began with denominations.
The sixth grader said, “Wait a minute. Do you believe in Jesus and God?”
I answered, “YES.”
And he said, “That’s all I need to know.”
He was ready for the Journey, ready to go wherever the church was going to take him as long as he knew that Christ was the guiding star.
I am grateful for the youth who allow me to accompany them on this journey of faith and who continue to challenge me in my curiosity, wonder and awe.
PRAYER
God, we have been waiting for a word of Hope this Advent, a word that will challenge and change us. As we travel on this journey to Christmas, open our ears so that we can hear your word for us. In Christ’s Holy Name, Amen.
Michelle Thomas-Bush is Minister of Youth and Young Adults at Riverside. Dave, Michelle, Camden and Violet love Montreat, movies, plays and picnics. Michelle loves that we have a movie theater in walking distance from the church....but why can't they have a noon showing?(Not that I would sneak out of work for a movie!)
Matthew 2: 12
“….[T]hey set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising…..”
The story of the Magi lifts up our eyes with curiosity, wonder and awe to the stars that lead us to Christ. The Magi were on a journey, unsure of what they would find. The journey at that time was inconvenient even though they traveled with great wealth and privilege. These Magi had an audience with the King. They had some concern about the King and maybe even concern for their lives. However, they were reaching for that which brought them great joy and were not to be stopped. These Magi were searching for the Holy One.
On this journey, they maintained a sense of wonder and excitement. In their curiosity, the Magi traveled far into the unknown. We know how this story ends, but let’s keep them on their journey today – for we are still on our journey to Bethlehem.
Last week at Impact, one new sixth grader asked what was a Presbyterian. I began a little bit of a dissertation that began with denominations.
The sixth grader said, “Wait a minute. Do you believe in Jesus and God?”
I answered, “YES.”
And he said, “That’s all I need to know.”
He was ready for the Journey, ready to go wherever the church was going to take him as long as he knew that Christ was the guiding star.
I am grateful for the youth who allow me to accompany them on this journey of faith and who continue to challenge me in my curiosity, wonder and awe.
PRAYER
God, we have been waiting for a word of Hope this Advent, a word that will challenge and change us. As we travel on this journey to Christmas, open our ears so that we can hear your word for us. In Christ’s Holy Name, Amen.
Michelle Thomas-Bush is Minister of Youth and Young Adults at Riverside. Dave, Michelle, Camden and Violet love Montreat, movies, plays and picnics. Michelle loves that we have a movie theater in walking distance from the church....but why can't they have a noon showing?(Not that I would sneak out of work for a movie!)
Friday, December 12, 2008
December 13, by Cynthia Gaskin
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 21: 1
I lift up my eyes to the hills –
From where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
Just divorced, sitting in my one- bedroom house, I looked at the belongings of my three people and wondered why life had reduced us to this. Then I said a prayer.
As time passed, I found a wonderful community of friends who encouraged me to pray harder and to trust in the Lord and also in them, the people who wanted to surround and love us....the people whom the Lord had created.
Today I and my children no longer share a single room, yet we are bound by the same love and commitment. My children have become strong and brave. Cynthia has a wonderful loft apartment which is her sanctuary, Joe lives in a house with his bike friends, and Ari attends college in Atlanta. Thinking back to living in one bedroom with my children and contrasting those times with the present, I realize that the Lord is real and true.
Cynthia Baker Gaskin is a Assistant in a ad agency by morning and Social Director by afternoon. She loves to read, go to the mountains, sit by the fire with her community folk and is seen in 5 points all the time. She is the mother of Joey, 23, Ari, 20 who grew up in our church and knows their strength is directly connected to them attending Logos and youth group as they grew up!!
Psalm 21: 1
I lift up my eyes to the hills –
From where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
Just divorced, sitting in my one- bedroom house, I looked at the belongings of my three people and wondered why life had reduced us to this. Then I said a prayer.
As time passed, I found a wonderful community of friends who encouraged me to pray harder and to trust in the Lord and also in them, the people who wanted to surround and love us....the people whom the Lord had created.
Today I and my children no longer share a single room, yet we are bound by the same love and commitment. My children have become strong and brave. Cynthia has a wonderful loft apartment which is her sanctuary, Joe lives in a house with his bike friends, and Ari attends college in Atlanta. Thinking back to living in one bedroom with my children and contrasting those times with the present, I realize that the Lord is real and true.
Cynthia Baker Gaskin is a Assistant in a ad agency by morning and Social Director by afternoon. She loves to read, go to the mountains, sit by the fire with her community folk and is seen in 5 points all the time. She is the mother of Joey, 23, Ari, 20 who grew up in our church and knows their strength is directly connected to them attending Logos and youth group as they grew up!!
December 12, by Rebecca Langer
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Luke 1:46-47 And Mary said, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Take a few minutes just to notice this painting by Tanner. What stands out to you? It’s one of my favorite annunciation paintings. (You can see a better view if you Google the words, Tanner, Philadelphia Museum of Art) I suspect that before Mary could speak these words, she said something like,” O, my goodness what’s happening to me”? Mary would have known this Psalm. Might she have found comfort and strength and the determination to step into God’s burden for her from that first verse? What I most admire about Mary is that she seems to be able to match her longing to be a humble servant of God and allow God to use her as God willed. I have no doubt that each of us is also longing to serve God. Like Mary we may be frightened, at first, but as we gradually submit ourselves to God’s nudging and tender care, we can echo with Mary, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”. May it be so for us this Advent season.
Prayer:
God of all longings, come and fill our hearts with your presence in this season of longing. Help others to know your love through our tenderness and love. We desire to be your faithful servants and know that you will help our feeble attempts. May we sift through all the desires of our hearts and find there the wisdom and will to let you be born in us today.
Rebecca Bradburn Langer is Parish Associate for Spirituality and Global Mission at Riverside Presbyterian Church. She loves art and has taught a segment of a course at San Francisco Theological Seminary entitled “Art and Spirituality” and finds art museums like good sermons, feed her soul. Her free time has dwindled quite a bit in the last few months but she enjoys spending it with her husband, Jim, and her children and grandchildren. She also longs to be a better Yoga student.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
December 11, by Sharon Cleland
SCRIPTURE
1 Peter 2: 5-9
Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ….You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Riverside Presbyterian Church is an impressive structure which has graced the corner of Park and Post Streets for eighty years. With its magnificent stained glass windows and stately architecture, it is a landmark in the Riverside area.
But RPC is more than bricks and mortar, wood and glass. It is, in fact, comprised of “living stones.” It beckons to those in the community whose longings are to “offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.” To that end, on any given day one can find members of this congregation ringing bells for the Salvation Army, mentoring children in nearby public schools, climbing into the bloodmobile to donate a pint, delivering meals on wheels, constructing a Habijax house, arriving on Sunday morning bearing canned goods for DESC or underwear for Dignity You Wear.
Separately, these may be small acts, but collectively they significantly impact the Jacksonville community. These efforts seem to me to reflect like a giant mirror the “marvelous light” that Advent represents.
PRAYER
Gracious God, You have called us out of darkness into the dazzling light for which we long. May we not be dazed, but rather illuminated and motivated to be your priests, reflecting through our lives your perfect light.
Sharon Cleland is the brillant editor of this Advent Blog. Sharon and Jim Cleland have been long-time members of Riverside.
1 Peter 2: 5-9
Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ….You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Riverside Presbyterian Church is an impressive structure which has graced the corner of Park and Post Streets for eighty years. With its magnificent stained glass windows and stately architecture, it is a landmark in the Riverside area.
But RPC is more than bricks and mortar, wood and glass. It is, in fact, comprised of “living stones.” It beckons to those in the community whose longings are to “offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.” To that end, on any given day one can find members of this congregation ringing bells for the Salvation Army, mentoring children in nearby public schools, climbing into the bloodmobile to donate a pint, delivering meals on wheels, constructing a Habijax house, arriving on Sunday morning bearing canned goods for DESC or underwear for Dignity You Wear.
Separately, these may be small acts, but collectively they significantly impact the Jacksonville community. These efforts seem to me to reflect like a giant mirror the “marvelous light” that Advent represents.
PRAYER
Gracious God, You have called us out of darkness into the dazzling light for which we long. May we not be dazed, but rather illuminated and motivated to be your priests, reflecting through our lives your perfect light.
Sharon Cleland is the brillant editor of this Advent Blog. Sharon and Jim Cleland have been long-time members of Riverside.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
December 10 by Lynn Thompson
SCRIPTURE
Romans 15: 4-13
And all these things which were written so long ago were written so that we, learning perseverance and the encouragement which the scriptures give, should have hope. Now the God of perseverance and encouragement give you all the same purpose, following the example of Christ Jesus, so that you may together give glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one heart.
Accept one another, then, for the sake of God’s glory, as Christ accepted you. I tell you that Christ’s work was to serve the circumcised, fulfilling the truthfulness of God by carrying out the promises made to the fathers, and his work was also for the gentiles, so that they should give glory to God for his faithful love; as scripture says: “For this I shall praise you among the nations and sing praise to your name.” And in another place it says: “Nations, rejoice with his people,” and in another place again: “Praise the Lord, all nations, extol him, all peoples.” And in Isaiah, it says: “The root of Jesse will appear, he who rises up to rule the nations, and in him will put their hope.”
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in your faith, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit you may be rich in hope.
We are used to hearing about hopefulness during Advent, but this passage also speaks of other qualities: perseverance, encouragement and acceptance. While there may not be candles for these attributes on the Advent wreath, they are nonetheless central to the message of hopefulness in Christ’s coming.
Sometimes, God puts people in our lives to teach us about these principles. Perhaps we have a loved one with a handicap that makes life unpleasant. Perhaps we have a difficult boss or employee at work. Perhaps one of our children has behavior that is especially challenging at times. Perhaps a lifelong friend confides a secret that most would consider shocking. Perhaps even we ourselves have done something that causes us to feel shame.
In how we react to these situations, Christ is revealed at work in our lives. Through perseverance, we learn to draw our strength from God. Through encouragement, we learn to share the hopefulness in the coming of God’s kingdom. Through acceptance, we have the opportunity to illustrate how God loves all people, not just a few. And through rejoicing in praising God, we glorify him.
We all fall short of God’s glory. Yet, through Christ, we are covered by the umbrella of his grace. And in that we can truly rejoice!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the people and situations you have placed in my life that give me opportunities to serve you. Help me today to draw strength from you to persevere through the trials that come my way. Help me to encourage others facing their own challenges. Help me to accept people as Christ accepted them. And let us all rejoice in the hope you have given us through Christ Jesus. Amen.
Lynn Thompson
Lynn Maria Thompson is president of Thompson Writing & Editing, Inc. in Neptune Beach where she lives with her mother Grace and their two cats, Frankie and Vixen. She is also a member of the Chancel Choir at RPC, the current chair of the Keep Jacksonville Beautiful Commission, a member of the Jax Beaches Gator Club, and an active volunteer with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.
Romans 15: 4-13
And all these things which were written so long ago were written so that we, learning perseverance and the encouragement which the scriptures give, should have hope. Now the God of perseverance and encouragement give you all the same purpose, following the example of Christ Jesus, so that you may together give glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one heart.
Accept one another, then, for the sake of God’s glory, as Christ accepted you. I tell you that Christ’s work was to serve the circumcised, fulfilling the truthfulness of God by carrying out the promises made to the fathers, and his work was also for the gentiles, so that they should give glory to God for his faithful love; as scripture says: “For this I shall praise you among the nations and sing praise to your name.” And in another place it says: “Nations, rejoice with his people,” and in another place again: “Praise the Lord, all nations, extol him, all peoples.” And in Isaiah, it says: “The root of Jesse will appear, he who rises up to rule the nations, and in him will put their hope.”
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in your faith, so that in the power of the Holy Spirit you may be rich in hope.
We are used to hearing about hopefulness during Advent, but this passage also speaks of other qualities: perseverance, encouragement and acceptance. While there may not be candles for these attributes on the Advent wreath, they are nonetheless central to the message of hopefulness in Christ’s coming.
Sometimes, God puts people in our lives to teach us about these principles. Perhaps we have a loved one with a handicap that makes life unpleasant. Perhaps we have a difficult boss or employee at work. Perhaps one of our children has behavior that is especially challenging at times. Perhaps a lifelong friend confides a secret that most would consider shocking. Perhaps even we ourselves have done something that causes us to feel shame.
In how we react to these situations, Christ is revealed at work in our lives. Through perseverance, we learn to draw our strength from God. Through encouragement, we learn to share the hopefulness in the coming of God’s kingdom. Through acceptance, we have the opportunity to illustrate how God loves all people, not just a few. And through rejoicing in praising God, we glorify him.
We all fall short of God’s glory. Yet, through Christ, we are covered by the umbrella of his grace. And in that we can truly rejoice!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the people and situations you have placed in my life that give me opportunities to serve you. Help me today to draw strength from you to persevere through the trials that come my way. Help me to encourage others facing their own challenges. Help me to accept people as Christ accepted them. And let us all rejoice in the hope you have given us through Christ Jesus. Amen.
Lynn Thompson
Lynn Maria Thompson is president of Thompson Writing & Editing, Inc. in Neptune Beach where she lives with her mother Grace and their two cats, Frankie and Vixen. She is also a member of the Chancel Choir at RPC, the current chair of the Keep Jacksonville Beautiful Commission, a member of the Jax Beaches Gator Club, and an active volunteer with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
December 9, by Heather Campbell
Advent Blog Entry
Psalms 42: 2-6
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"
4 These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng.
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and 6 my God.
My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
Back when I was much shorter and – yes—much younger, my parents had the unfortunate tendency to get lost in grocery stores. I would turn my back just for a moment to look at something on a shelf and –poof!—they were gone! I’d start looking for them becoming more anxious and tearful by the second. Well-meaning adults would approach me and ask me unhelpful questions, such as: “Where are your parents?” and “Are you lost?” They’d lead me up to store office, an announcement would go out over the loudspeaker, and –poof!—my parents would reappear to claim me.
One day, I must have had more than enough of their wandering off. I told my rescuers that, no, I was not lost. I knew exactly where I was. As my father would later tell it, he and my mother were startled to hear much different loudspeaker announcement that day: “Shoppers! May I have your attention please! We have a little girl here who says her parents are lost!”
We look at the Advent season as a time of excitement and anticipation. Yet, Advent also brings to mind the plight of a subject people who cry out to God to send a Deliverer—the Messiah. Through the ages, the Jewish people continue to await the coming of the Messiah. It’s said that –even as they were marched into the Nazi gas chambers – they uttered the words of the 12th century Jewish sage Maimonides: “I believe with a full heart in the coming of the Messiah and—even though he may tarry—I will still wait for him”
The speaker in Psalms 42:2-6 feels abandoned by God. We can understand his feelings. Who among us hasn’t felt lost and longed to be found? Who among us hasn’t felt abandoned or betrayed at one time or another? Who among us hasn’t mourned a broken relationship and remembered better times? Who among us hasn’t yearned to be comforted? Who among us hasn’t struggled to keep their faith and longed for wholeness?
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven. In the words of Saint Augustine:” You awaken us to delight in Your praise, for You made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.” We are a restless people. We lead lives of constant distraction. At times, the world, its problems, and our own problems all seem too much for us to deal with on our own. We feel abandoned and alone. Help us to remember that You are always with us—even as we struggle—and lead us into a closer walk with You. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
Heather Campbell is co-chair of the worship committee. Heather is the Manager of Special Services at the Jacksonville Public Library. She shares her home with her mother and two cats Jessie and Lydia. She is happy to report that her parents eventually grew out of their troublesome "getting lost in the grocery store" phase.
Psalms 42: 2-6
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
3 My tears have been my food
day and night,
while men say to me all day long,
"Where is your God?"
4 These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go with the multitude,
leading the procession to the house of God,
with shouts of joy and thanksgiving
among the festive throng.
5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and 6 my God.
My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
Back when I was much shorter and – yes—much younger, my parents had the unfortunate tendency to get lost in grocery stores. I would turn my back just for a moment to look at something on a shelf and –poof!—they were gone! I’d start looking for them becoming more anxious and tearful by the second. Well-meaning adults would approach me and ask me unhelpful questions, such as: “Where are your parents?” and “Are you lost?” They’d lead me up to store office, an announcement would go out over the loudspeaker, and –poof!—my parents would reappear to claim me.
One day, I must have had more than enough of their wandering off. I told my rescuers that, no, I was not lost. I knew exactly where I was. As my father would later tell it, he and my mother were startled to hear much different loudspeaker announcement that day: “Shoppers! May I have your attention please! We have a little girl here who says her parents are lost!”
We look at the Advent season as a time of excitement and anticipation. Yet, Advent also brings to mind the plight of a subject people who cry out to God to send a Deliverer—the Messiah. Through the ages, the Jewish people continue to await the coming of the Messiah. It’s said that –even as they were marched into the Nazi gas chambers – they uttered the words of the 12th century Jewish sage Maimonides: “I believe with a full heart in the coming of the Messiah and—even though he may tarry—I will still wait for him”
The speaker in Psalms 42:2-6 feels abandoned by God. We can understand his feelings. Who among us hasn’t felt lost and longed to be found? Who among us hasn’t felt abandoned or betrayed at one time or another? Who among us hasn’t mourned a broken relationship and remembered better times? Who among us hasn’t yearned to be comforted? Who among us hasn’t struggled to keep their faith and longed for wholeness?
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven. In the words of Saint Augustine:” You awaken us to delight in Your praise, for You made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.” We are a restless people. We lead lives of constant distraction. At times, the world, its problems, and our own problems all seem too much for us to deal with on our own. We feel abandoned and alone. Help us to remember that You are always with us—even as we struggle—and lead us into a closer walk with You. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
Heather Campbell is co-chair of the worship committee. Heather is the Manager of Special Services at the Jacksonville Public Library. She shares her home with her mother and two cats Jessie and Lydia. She is happy to report that her parents eventually grew out of their troublesome "getting lost in the grocery store" phase.
Monday, December 8, 2008
December 8, Genie Cooke
SCRIPTURE
John 9:4
When I am in the world I am the light of the world.
This verse comes in the middle of a passage in which Jesus heals a man blind from birth, and we are shown a glimpse of the life that comes from faith in Christ.
We all long for spiritual illumination and moral vision. This longing is with us always, but it is especially strong as we approach the stable where God becomes human and dwells among us.
The light of the star leads us to the manger where we acknowledge our need and our desire for communion with God. May we have the grace to follow this light as we continue to work toward God’s kingdom on earth.
Genie Cooke has been a member of Riverside for 24 years. She and her husband Ham have two children; Katherine and Thurston and his wife Carla and two grandchildren Davis and Anne. Genie taught French for 27 years and loves to travel.
John 9:4
When I am in the world I am the light of the world.
This verse comes in the middle of a passage in which Jesus heals a man blind from birth, and we are shown a glimpse of the life that comes from faith in Christ.
We all long for spiritual illumination and moral vision. This longing is with us always, but it is especially strong as we approach the stable where God becomes human and dwells among us.
The light of the star leads us to the manger where we acknowledge our need and our desire for communion with God. May we have the grace to follow this light as we continue to work toward God’s kingdom on earth.
Genie Cooke has been a member of Riverside for 24 years. She and her husband Ham have two children; Katherine and Thurston and his wife Carla and two grandchildren Davis and Anne. Genie taught French for 27 years and loves to travel.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
December 7, by Jack Higson
SCRIPTURE
John 12: 35-36
Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”
During Passion Week, Jesus tells the people of his forthcoming death: “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” In the beginning of John’s gospel he writes: “In him (God) was life, and that life was the light of men.”
Today, we tend to take light for granted. When we enter a darkened room, all we have to do is turn a switch, and we have light. When we get into our cars at night or during rainstorms, we turn a switch, and there’s light. If we go into a darkened area, we take our flash lights, and we have light. It is that easy to have light, and the light is either on or off. It is either light or dark.
Light helps us see the way. It wouldn’t be much fun to go to a night football or baseball game if there were not any lights for us to see the game. How could we possibly Christmas shop in the evening if the stores were not lighted so that we could see the merchandise? How many of us spend countless hours putting lights on our trees and houses for Christmas? Yep, we need light!!!
But wait a minute. When John was writing his gospel, I don’t think that they had light switches on their walls, or played night football, or went to the mall in their cars. So, what light was he talking about? It is widely accepted that the primary intention of John’s Gospel was evangelistic, and “the light” is a spiritual illumination. So, let me ask some of the questions from above (pun intended) about this spiritual illumination. Do we take it for granted? Is it either on or off in our lives? Do we always use it to see the way? Do we use it to determine how we want to live? Do we show others, and share with others, the spiritual light in our life?
At a time of year when we can get so focused on the specific day of Christmas and waiting for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, let’s not miss seeing Him in the days and weeks leading up to it. This spiritual light is not turned on based on a calendar date. This spiritual light is here now, today, every day. Let’s look for it in the faces and hearts of others. Let others see it in our face and our heart. Let it be a light that grows brighter and stronger with use. Let it truly “light the way” in our lives everyday.
Jack Higson is the Business Administrator for Riverside Presbyterian Church. He has four children and three grandchildren. His wife Fran is the Life Group Director and a Pre-School Teacher at their home church, Orange Park Presbyterian. Jack has served terms as a Deacon and Elder in the PCUSA. He loves hot tea with milk and sugar (an English thing) and bleeds NY Yankee blue. John’s Gospel is his favorite book of the Bible because of how it describes the significance of Christ’s works, and the purpose and relevancy to our spiritual journey.
John 12: 35-36
Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”
During Passion Week, Jesus tells the people of his forthcoming death: “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” In the beginning of John’s gospel he writes: “In him (God) was life, and that life was the light of men.”
Today, we tend to take light for granted. When we enter a darkened room, all we have to do is turn a switch, and we have light. When we get into our cars at night or during rainstorms, we turn a switch, and there’s light. If we go into a darkened area, we take our flash lights, and we have light. It is that easy to have light, and the light is either on or off. It is either light or dark.
Light helps us see the way. It wouldn’t be much fun to go to a night football or baseball game if there were not any lights for us to see the game. How could we possibly Christmas shop in the evening if the stores were not lighted so that we could see the merchandise? How many of us spend countless hours putting lights on our trees and houses for Christmas? Yep, we need light!!!
But wait a minute. When John was writing his gospel, I don’t think that they had light switches on their walls, or played night football, or went to the mall in their cars. So, what light was he talking about? It is widely accepted that the primary intention of John’s Gospel was evangelistic, and “the light” is a spiritual illumination. So, let me ask some of the questions from above (pun intended) about this spiritual illumination. Do we take it for granted? Is it either on or off in our lives? Do we always use it to see the way? Do we use it to determine how we want to live? Do we show others, and share with others, the spiritual light in our life?
At a time of year when we can get so focused on the specific day of Christmas and waiting for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, let’s not miss seeing Him in the days and weeks leading up to it. This spiritual light is not turned on based on a calendar date. This spiritual light is here now, today, every day. Let’s look for it in the faces and hearts of others. Let others see it in our face and our heart. Let it be a light that grows brighter and stronger with use. Let it truly “light the way” in our lives everyday.
Jack Higson is the Business Administrator for Riverside Presbyterian Church. He has four children and three grandchildren. His wife Fran is the Life Group Director and a Pre-School Teacher at their home church, Orange Park Presbyterian. Jack has served terms as a Deacon and Elder in the PCUSA. He loves hot tea with milk and sugar (an English thing) and bleeds NY Yankee blue. John’s Gospel is his favorite book of the Bible because of how it describes the significance of Christ’s works, and the purpose and relevancy to our spiritual journey.
Friday, December 5, 2008
December 6 by Elisabeth Ball
SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 5: 6-14
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.”
Paul’s words are very clear: in the eyes of God there is a distinct division between good and bad, between light and darkness. Our mission as Christians is to stay in the light. It sounds simple enough, but, unfortunately, so much of the world is in the gray zone—many facets of our lives are not so obviously good or bad. Simple material desires are a case in point. We can’t always tell truth from untruth. “Empty words” frequently deceive us because our own longings fill in the hollowness. We hear what we want to hear, we see what we want to see--not necessarily what God needs us to hear and see.
I want the expensive acai juice because it has antioxidants, and isn’t it good to take care of the body God gave me? Well, maybe yes, if I can afford the juice. But I also want the pricey skin cream because it promises my wrinkles will diminish. What harm can it do to try to look younger? The cold truth is this cream will not measurably lessen my wrinkles (only my bank account). Deep down, I know this fact, so why am I a sucker for the merchandiser’s empty words? I suppose it is because I as a human am by nature gullible, yet only by learning “what is pleasing to the Lord” will I be relieved of this burden. It is difficult work, but it’s the only way out of the pit of fruitless desire. This learning, this separating the good from the bad, can take a lifetime. But when we learn to discard superficial longings (for overpriced skin cream and other such fluff) we will lighten some of our heavy load.
PRAYER
Dear Lord,
Please help me to know what is truly good in the world. Help me to stay in the light of Christ. In this way, I can discard superficial longings that are dark and unhealthy and lighten my load. Amen.
A book lover, Elisabeth Ball will read anything that's not nailed down. She enjoys spending time with her family and new cat, Crookshanks, and being a member of Riverside Presbyterian Church.
Ephesians 5: 6-14
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for it is because of these things that the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not associate with them, for once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is a shame even to speak of the things that they do in secret; but when anything is exposed by the light it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.”
Paul’s words are very clear: in the eyes of God there is a distinct division between good and bad, between light and darkness. Our mission as Christians is to stay in the light. It sounds simple enough, but, unfortunately, so much of the world is in the gray zone—many facets of our lives are not so obviously good or bad. Simple material desires are a case in point. We can’t always tell truth from untruth. “Empty words” frequently deceive us because our own longings fill in the hollowness. We hear what we want to hear, we see what we want to see--not necessarily what God needs us to hear and see.
I want the expensive acai juice because it has antioxidants, and isn’t it good to take care of the body God gave me? Well, maybe yes, if I can afford the juice. But I also want the pricey skin cream because it promises my wrinkles will diminish. What harm can it do to try to look younger? The cold truth is this cream will not measurably lessen my wrinkles (only my bank account). Deep down, I know this fact, so why am I a sucker for the merchandiser’s empty words? I suppose it is because I as a human am by nature gullible, yet only by learning “what is pleasing to the Lord” will I be relieved of this burden. It is difficult work, but it’s the only way out of the pit of fruitless desire. This learning, this separating the good from the bad, can take a lifetime. But when we learn to discard superficial longings (for overpriced skin cream and other such fluff) we will lighten some of our heavy load.
PRAYER
Dear Lord,
Please help me to know what is truly good in the world. Help me to stay in the light of Christ. In this way, I can discard superficial longings that are dark and unhealthy and lighten my load. Amen.
A book lover, Elisabeth Ball will read anything that's not nailed down. She enjoys spending time with her family and new cat, Crookshanks, and being a member of Riverside Presbyterian Church.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
December 5, by Dwight Bayley
SCRIPTURE
Zephaniah 3: 14-17
Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has cast out your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear evil no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
In 1942 a group of football fans were fishing off the coast of Newfoundland and listening to the Army/Navy game on radio. Suddenly, they heard a cannon shot and turned to see a German submarine close by. A German officer and armed sailors boarded the fishing boat, accused them of sending radio messages, and threatened to blow up their fishing vessel.
The Americans insisted that they had the right to be fishing in those waters. Tensions were very high; nervousness abound. Suddenly, from the radio came a message from the sports announcer: “The moment has come! The Navy is taking to the air. The Navy receivers are coming out.: The startled Germans exited the fishing craft, boarded their sub, and were never seen again.
The author of Zephaniah reminds us of the celebration sung by the faithful remnant: sing, shout, rejoice, and exult, O Israel, because Yahweh has taken away, has cast out the menacing threat, and is ‘in your midst’ reigning as King. Fear not! Yahweh, your God, will renew you.
How refreshing to know that in spite of the conditions of our present world, that Yahweh is in control and is preparing to “bring us home.”
We’ve been waiting for a long time, longing to receive some sign that the Lord reigns supreme over his creation. That sign is almost here. So, sing, shout, rejoice and exult, because Emanuel is here!
PRAYER
O Lord, God; you have been in your creation throughout all of history because your earth and its inhabitants are important to you. Keep us diligent in our telling of your love to those around us. In our longings, may we too, find Peace on Earth! Amen.
Dr. Dwight H. Bayley, Parish Associate of Riverside Presbyterian Church loves to laugh, joke and enjoy a coke. Dwight loves people and looks forward to visiting you. His wife Sarah is the moderator of the deacons.
Zephaniah 3: 14-17
Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has cast out your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear evil no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
In 1942 a group of football fans were fishing off the coast of Newfoundland and listening to the Army/Navy game on radio. Suddenly, they heard a cannon shot and turned to see a German submarine close by. A German officer and armed sailors boarded the fishing boat, accused them of sending radio messages, and threatened to blow up their fishing vessel.
The Americans insisted that they had the right to be fishing in those waters. Tensions were very high; nervousness abound. Suddenly, from the radio came a message from the sports announcer: “The moment has come! The Navy is taking to the air. The Navy receivers are coming out.: The startled Germans exited the fishing craft, boarded their sub, and were never seen again.
The author of Zephaniah reminds us of the celebration sung by the faithful remnant: sing, shout, rejoice, and exult, O Israel, because Yahweh has taken away, has cast out the menacing threat, and is ‘in your midst’ reigning as King. Fear not! Yahweh, your God, will renew you.
How refreshing to know that in spite of the conditions of our present world, that Yahweh is in control and is preparing to “bring us home.”
We’ve been waiting for a long time, longing to receive some sign that the Lord reigns supreme over his creation. That sign is almost here. So, sing, shout, rejoice and exult, because Emanuel is here!
PRAYER
O Lord, God; you have been in your creation throughout all of history because your earth and its inhabitants are important to you. Keep us diligent in our telling of your love to those around us. In our longings, may we too, find Peace on Earth! Amen.
Dr. Dwight H. Bayley, Parish Associate of Riverside Presbyterian Church loves to laugh, joke and enjoy a coke. Dwight loves people and looks forward to visiting you. His wife Sarah is the moderator of the deacons.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
December 4, by Charles Cooper
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 119: 105-108
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe your righteous ordinances. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word. Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your ordinances.
It is safe to say that we all long for something, and I venture to add that most of us probably long for many things. Perhaps in our best moments we long for a better world, a place where all people can get along and find ways to provide for each other. But much of the time, as we all must confess, our longings are of a more profane and personal nature, however well-intended. Yet the psalmist who writes the words above has a very different kind of yearning, definitely something beyond the usual grab-bag of things we human beings long for. He longs for rules, or, more properly, for God's rules - what he calls "The Law." In fact the whole 119th psalm is actually a litany to this longing as well as an expression of the psalmist's gratitude and praise for "The Law" and a yen to live his life according to the rules. Have you ever heard of such a thing? Even if we accept a body of law as good or necessary and even as we try our best to live by it, who actually longs for it? Who would put rules and restrictions at the top of his or her Christmas wish list?
We must remind ourselves that the law the psalmist is lifting up is not like any other we know. It is nothing like our human law. Rather, this is a law which, when followed, and more importantly when loved, opens a world of possibility otherwise unavailable. It lights the path our feet must follow, even as it narrows the way, and it is only against the clarity of this light that all other paths are shown to be in darkness. Paradoxically, to follow God's law is to experience the ultimate in freedom - not freedom as the unbridled expression of our free-will, but freedom as a possibility to become what we were always meant to be. It is this law which shows us where we are going even as it assures our arrival; which preserves life, true life, despite all suffering and even death. It is this law which comforts even as it demands our obedience. Indeed, as the psalmist so skillfully reveals to us, even our own willful obedience to this law is God's ultimate gift to us, not ours to God.
Given this understanding, who would not love such a law? Or even long for it? Who would not call this law by its proper name: Jesus Christ?
Charles Cooper, an Elder at Riverside Church, is fascinated by how faithfully God finds ways to manifest His presence in unlikely places. "Always start with small things and work your way down." he has been known to mutter, often with astonishment
Psalm 119: 105-108
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe your righteous ordinances. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word. Accept my offerings of praise, O Lord, and teach me your ordinances.
It is safe to say that we all long for something, and I venture to add that most of us probably long for many things. Perhaps in our best moments we long for a better world, a place where all people can get along and find ways to provide for each other. But much of the time, as we all must confess, our longings are of a more profane and personal nature, however well-intended. Yet the psalmist who writes the words above has a very different kind of yearning, definitely something beyond the usual grab-bag of things we human beings long for. He longs for rules, or, more properly, for God's rules - what he calls "The Law." In fact the whole 119th psalm is actually a litany to this longing as well as an expression of the psalmist's gratitude and praise for "The Law" and a yen to live his life according to the rules. Have you ever heard of such a thing? Even if we accept a body of law as good or necessary and even as we try our best to live by it, who actually longs for it? Who would put rules and restrictions at the top of his or her Christmas wish list?
We must remind ourselves that the law the psalmist is lifting up is not like any other we know. It is nothing like our human law. Rather, this is a law which, when followed, and more importantly when loved, opens a world of possibility otherwise unavailable. It lights the path our feet must follow, even as it narrows the way, and it is only against the clarity of this light that all other paths are shown to be in darkness. Paradoxically, to follow God's law is to experience the ultimate in freedom - not freedom as the unbridled expression of our free-will, but freedom as a possibility to become what we were always meant to be. It is this law which shows us where we are going even as it assures our arrival; which preserves life, true life, despite all suffering and even death. It is this law which comforts even as it demands our obedience. Indeed, as the psalmist so skillfully reveals to us, even our own willful obedience to this law is God's ultimate gift to us, not ours to God.
Given this understanding, who would not love such a law? Or even long for it? Who would not call this law by its proper name: Jesus Christ?
Charles Cooper, an Elder at Riverside Church, is fascinated by how faithfully God finds ways to manifest His presence in unlikely places. "Always start with small things and work your way down." he has been known to mutter, often with astonishment
December 3 by Sophie Maness
SCRIPTURE
John 1: 6-9
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe in him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
I know a group of women, seven exactly, who are sent from God. They have come as a witness to the light, so that I / we might believe in him. They themselves are not the light, but they testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, is here in the world among us.
One is the mother of a young woman struggling with mental illness. An artist, she not only finds her peace in arts and spirituality, but also she helps others unbury their spirits through art.
One is a single mother whose theology and leadership open unexpected doors with joy and play inviting others into a world of possibility in Christ.
One is a minister breaking out of the mold to follow a dream and vision of what church and retreat can be when infused with art, creativity and energy.
One is a cancer survivor, a businesswoman and someone who can’t sit still for thinking of ways to love others.
One is organized and creative all at once and when the rug got pulled out from underneath her at work, picked herself up and has moved forward with faith, generosity and kindness.
One is a seamstress, a cook, a recreation leader who moves with a gentle force to make ministry happen in all kinds of settings.
One is a minister to young people and all people, who can multitask with the best of them yet slow down enough to hear your heart.
Each of these women has faced life’s challenges head on. None of them has been without pain and heartache, much like the rest of us. BUT, they all have a heart for play and laughter and light. They have walked with me through the valley of darkness and have helped me see the true light. They have let their light shine by simply being themselves and opening up to each other.
John was the witness to the light to come.
John was the witness to the light to come.
These women have been witnesses to me and so many others of the light that is. I think the Gospel of John could be an invitation all of us to “let our light shine.”
PRAYER
Great God, as you sent John to be a witness to your light to come, help us, guide us, to be a witness now to the light among us. Amen.
Sophie Maness is the Director of Christian Education at RPC and is married to Roger Manes. She has twins, Sophie-Ann and Jerry who are 11th graders and Elle, a yellow lab. Sophie enjoys a diet coke every day, a good laugh, her daily workout with Michelle and of couse we all know she loves chocolate!
PRAYER
Great God, as you sent John to be a witness to your light to come, help us, guide us, to be a witness now to the light among us. Amen.
Sophie Maness is the Director of Christian Education at RPC and is married to Roger Manes. She has twins, Sophie-Ann and Jerry who are 11th graders and Elle, a yellow lab. Sophie enjoys a diet coke every day, a good laugh, her daily workout with Michelle and of couse we all know she loves chocolate!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
December 2 by Jamie Hoener
Mark 13: 33-37
Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake – for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.
This passage comes to us in the context of Jesus’ prophecy to his disciples (as detailed earlier in Chapter 13) of the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem – an eventuality that was inconceivable to the disciples at the time (“Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!”), but of course came to pass with the Romans’ destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. Jesus exhorts his disciples to not be distracted from their calling by these distressing events to come, and repeatedly urges them to “keep awake.” We hear these words again at the beginning of this Advent season as we seek to recollect the hope brought by the coming of the Christ child, and as we look forward to the promise of God’s ultimate restoration and renewal of all of creation. In recent years, as the deadlines and commitments of modern life have at times overwhelmed me, and I have relied primarily on Starbucks in order to “keep awake,” I have found myself eagerly anticipating the Advent season. As winter approaches and the days become shorter, I long to join in the natural rhythm of God’s creation – to slow down, to rest and to reflect. At first blush, my natural inclination to slow down would seem to conflict with Jesus’ charge to “keep awake.” But perhaps, at this time, with global financial markets crumbling all around us in a way that was inconceivable to most of us before this year, with the resulting anxiety and needs within us and our community, in the midst of wars and rumors of wars, and with conflict tearing at the fabric of our society, our denomination, and even our own congregation at times, in this moment, we are called to truly awaken to what is going on inside of us and all around us. Perhaps, we are called during this season of preparation to take time each day (if only for a few moments) to be still, to breathe in and breathe out, and to wake up to our deepest capacity for love, compassion and understanding. In so doing, I pray that during this Advent season we may not only anticipate the celebration of the God who was first, or look forward to the fulfillment of the God who is last, but that we may also awaken to the living one who is our source of love, healing and reconciliation, and that we may, in our response, manifest the compassionate presence of God in this broken and anxious world. Maranatha (“Come, Lord Jesus”)!
Jamie Hoener
Jamie Hoener is an Elder at Riverside. His wife, Sonya, has enjoyed cracking jokes about the irony of the "king of naps" being asked to reflect on the meaning of "keep awake". Their Calico cat, Bunny, is not amused
Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake – for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.
This passage comes to us in the context of Jesus’ prophecy to his disciples (as detailed earlier in Chapter 13) of the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem – an eventuality that was inconceivable to the disciples at the time (“Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!”), but of course came to pass with the Romans’ destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. Jesus exhorts his disciples to not be distracted from their calling by these distressing events to come, and repeatedly urges them to “keep awake.” We hear these words again at the beginning of this Advent season as we seek to recollect the hope brought by the coming of the Christ child, and as we look forward to the promise of God’s ultimate restoration and renewal of all of creation. In recent years, as the deadlines and commitments of modern life have at times overwhelmed me, and I have relied primarily on Starbucks in order to “keep awake,” I have found myself eagerly anticipating the Advent season. As winter approaches and the days become shorter, I long to join in the natural rhythm of God’s creation – to slow down, to rest and to reflect. At first blush, my natural inclination to slow down would seem to conflict with Jesus’ charge to “keep awake.” But perhaps, at this time, with global financial markets crumbling all around us in a way that was inconceivable to most of us before this year, with the resulting anxiety and needs within us and our community, in the midst of wars and rumors of wars, and with conflict tearing at the fabric of our society, our denomination, and even our own congregation at times, in this moment, we are called to truly awaken to what is going on inside of us and all around us. Perhaps, we are called during this season of preparation to take time each day (if only for a few moments) to be still, to breathe in and breathe out, and to wake up to our deepest capacity for love, compassion and understanding. In so doing, I pray that during this Advent season we may not only anticipate the celebration of the God who was first, or look forward to the fulfillment of the God who is last, but that we may also awaken to the living one who is our source of love, healing and reconciliation, and that we may, in our response, manifest the compassionate presence of God in this broken and anxious world. Maranatha (“Come, Lord Jesus”)!
Jamie Hoener
Jamie Hoener is an Elder at Riverside. His wife, Sonya, has enjoyed cracking jokes about the irony of the "king of naps" being asked to reflect on the meaning of "keep awake". Their Calico cat, Bunny, is not amused
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