Monday, November 30, 2009

A History of Faith


A History of Faith
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Ceasar -- when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene-- during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert."
Luke 3:1-2

History... often an interpretation by those in power of events taking place in the world. But into this mix, Luke interjects John, the son of Zechariah, a man wandering the wilderness. To the list of significant names, God adds one who was not powerful, but faithful. Over and over again, God attempts to reorder the history of humanity around faith, not power... And over and over again we revert once again to our sinful nature. During this Advent season, may we try once again to reorder our world not around power, but around faithfulness. May we strive to be faithful. May we seek those who are faithful. May we rewrite history around the faithful, around those to whom God speaks in the wilderness.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Fermentation Not Dissipation


Today marks the first day of Advent and the launching of my second photo devotional. Once again, I will be using my photography as a spiritual discipline throughout the season posting a photo each day reflecting on the upcoming week's lectionary text. I hope that you will be challenged and encouraged throughout the season. And thank you... knowing that many of you will be joining me on this journey is the accountability I need to stay focused on this process throughout an otherwise very busy season!

Several others will be joining me in the process and their photos will be posted on Flickr in the group Advent 2009. If you are interesting in taking part, let me know and we'll add you to the group.

And so... we proceed to Advent, Day 1, November 29, 2009.

"Be on guard so that your hearts are not are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap..."
Luke 21:34-35

I had to look up the word "dissipate." Apparently, not only does it mean to disperse and dissolve, it also means to over indulge in sensual living, especially in relation to alcohol. The text for this week (Luke 21:25-36) ends with a warning about dissipating as we await the return of Christ. This seems to be especially true during the season of Advent. Rather than indulging in excessive celebrating and spending during the holidays, this is to be a time of fermentation, not dissipation. It is a time to wait, to rest, to age... to prepare.