Thursday, December 24, 2009

Placed in A Manger


Placed in A Manger
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:7

Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem. Elizabeth had been filled with the Holy Spirit. The baby John had leaped for joy. They were the exception. Most people had no idea what was taking place. Certainly the innkeeper was unaware. God... so unpredictable. Sometimes arriving with pomp and circumstance. Sometimes sneaking in under the radar. Is there anything we can do so that we'll be leaping for joy rather than sending Jesus out to the barn? Will we leap for joy on Christmas Day? Or will Jesus be lost amidst the presents, the family drama, the food, and Santa Claus? May our hearts be prepared for the baby Jesus to be laid in the mangers of our hearts once again on Christmas Day.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

The Time Came


The Time Came
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"He went there to register with Mary who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there the time came for the baby to be born."
Luke 2:5-6

I am sure this is not the way Mary pictured it. Expecting a child did not mean expecting to ride for days on a donkey, leaving behind family and friends, delivering in a stable. Many of us have expectations at Christmas. And few Christmases live up to our expectations. Was Mary doubting when she gave birth? Certainly this was not how the Son of God should be brought into the world. Maybe she had got it all wrong? But hope was coming... a sign from God... an assurance that God's plans were still being fulfilled. But for tonight she would live with the doubt. May we have courage to wait through the doubt, seeking the light of that one star that might show us the way to hope.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Everyone Went to Their Own Town


Everyone Went to Their Own Town
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David."
Luke 2: 3-4

It seems in some way that many of us recreate Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem during Advent. We make our way home, to friends and family, weathering dangerous road conditions and flight delays. What does going home mean for you? Does it seem to resemble the hardships Mary faced? Does it seem like a rule that must be followed? Does it mark your identity, for good or bad? What does the journey home mean for you? And what place do you make in your lives for those who don't have a home to go to? How does the church reflect the fact that we are now, by virtue of our faith, all a part of the lineage of David? We are all part of the family?

Monday, December 21, 2009

Registration


Registration
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria."
Luke 2:1-2

All the world should be registered... The Emperor trying to measure the size of his empire. How often do I count things in order to measure my worth? My savings account? My facebook friends? My weight? The size of my house? How many Christmas presents I received? Christmas reminds me that my true worth is measured by the sacrifice of a God who was incarnated in human form and gave, even unto death, for our behalf. Now, if I could just live into that.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Surely...


Surely...
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"for God has looked with favor on the lowliness of this servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed."
Luke 1:48

To be honest, I didn't really want to take a picture today. I have pretty mixed feelings about Mary. This morning the sermon was filled with illustrations from the experience of pregnancy and the struggles of semi-perfect families. I realize they are good illustrations. The goal was to bring some realism to the Christmas story. I was just tired. Tired of mourning my own singleness and lack of children. Tired of struggling with loneliness. Tired of the church pretending we all have intact families and failing to create new families to fill in the gaps.

Sorry, this is not much of a Christmas reflection. But I was wondering if perhaps Mary was a bit tired at this point. So much was changing for her and she had no idea what the future would hold. I was wondering if the Magnificat, the verses for today, were not some nice sweet song of Mary, but a shout of courage. In the midst of a life she no longer understood, Mary speaks forth what she knows about God, a God of justice, power, compassion, and mercy. Sometimes that is all the light there is at Christmas. That small glimmer of hope as we state again what we believer, as we stand defiant in the face of a world that we no longer understand.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Magnifies


Magnifies
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.'"
Luke 1:46-47

When people look at me, what do they see? When they look into my soul, what do they find? Do I magnify the Lord? When they look at my church, at the soul of my congregation, does God seem bigger? When the world looks at Christians, is it easier to see the face of Jesus? Or do we, instead of magnifying God for those around us, make things blurry and confusing?

Friday, December 18, 2009

Fulfillment


Fulfillment
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."
Luke 1:45

A friend gave me a handmade bowl for Christmas and a basket full of foods for use in the bowl. Though bowl is beautiful, but in order to fulfill its purpose, it must be used.
The word of God is meant to be fulfilled. They are not empty words or just ideas to consider. The word of God was meant to reveal God's plan for the world, a plan that God has promised to bring to fulfillment, a plan that began with a little baby in a manger. Honestly, many days I think that somehow things have gotten off track. But I must believe that somehow they word of God will be fulfilled. God promised.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Leaping for Joy


Leaping for Joy
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

Odd things happen when you embark on a spiritual discipline such as this Advent devotional. Who would have thought that Van Halen singing "Jump" would bring to mind the image of the baby John leaping in Elizabeth's womb? Followed by "Owner of A Lonely Heart" by Yes causing me to reflect on the life of John wandering in the wilderness. But then "Jungle Love" came on and the moment of reverie was gone. Of course, this may reveal more about my musical tastes than my devotional life! But I digress... on to today's devotion.

"For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy."
Luke 1:44

Who were the first to witness to the coming messiah? It wasn't the shepherds or the wise men. It was Elizabeth and John... John, still a baby in her womb. A child in a womb leaping for joy at the presence of the coming Messiah. What happens when a pregnant woman is present during a worship service? Or hears her family pray? What is occurring the hearts and minds of the babies squirming, sleeping, and crying among us on Sunday mornings? Babies sense God's presence. May that shape our worship and the waiting of all those who are expecting to give birth in the coming months.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Blessed


Blessed
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"... Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
Luke 1:42

A halo to mark the blessedness of Mary. I have often struggled with what it means to be blessed. I recognized that I am quite blessed in my life. Unfortunately, God rarely seems to bless me with the things that I would choose or that I desire. Perhaps my understanding of the word blessing is a bit off. I seem to think of being blessed as having all my wishes and desires fulfilled, but in reality, to be blessed is to be chosen by God, to be used for God's purposes in the world and that often involves sacrifice. Dare I pray that we all might be blessed this Advent season?

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Holy Spirit


The Holy Spirit
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
Luke 1:41-42

I tried to take a picture of the Holy Spirit today. I realize most pictures are of pretty white doves, but this seemed more appropriate. A shadow, hot and fiery, fleeting. It scares me a bit to think of being filled with the Spirit. You never know when the Spirit might cry out, proclaim, pronounce blessing on things we cannot understand. You never know when the Spirit might recognize God in another human being even when we are too blind to see.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Where She Entered


Where She Entered
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"... where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit..."
Luke 1:40-41

Have you ever tried to greet someone only to have them ignore you or seem annoyed that you interrupted their busy schedule? Or tried to greet someone you weren't sure would be happy to see you? I wonder what Mary expected when she greeted Elizabeth. Did she expect a warm reception? Or was she afraid that Elizabeth would reject her, turn her away as a young, unmarried, pregnant woman who dared to show up at her home, the home of the priest Zechariah. She need not have worried. God knew that Mary was scared and alone, in need of a friend. And God was present as she entered Elizabeth's home. The child in Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy and she herself was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Make Haste


Make Haste
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country."
Luke 1:39

A young girl has just found out that she is pregnant... by God. She sets out in haste. Was she fleeing her family? Did she go alone? Was the journey difficult?
Where would you go in such a situation? Who could you turn to if God did something so unexpected and confusing in your life? Would someone be able to turn to you? I suppose that is a more important question. For God seems to act in extraordinary ways in the lives of young people. And so often we are unwilling to see and hear. We don't want our comfortable lives challenged by their passion and fearlessness. If Mary shows up at your door this Christmas, will you let her in?

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Waiting and Hoping


Waiting and Hoping
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

I've decided to allow myself a little freedom on Saturdays to stray from the text and move towards more general Advent reflections.

Advent can be a very painful season for those of us who have long awaited children for a variety of reasons. Maybe we have been infertile. Maybe we have had miscarriages. Maybe we have ended up single far longer than we intended. For some of us, Advent reminds us not of the birth of something new, but the death of a dream or a prayer unfulfilled. Advent requires a faith and hope that are at times beyond what we can bear. During this Christmas season, looks for those who are without hope. Look for those who are struggling with unbelief. And come alongside them, just as Christ came alongside us, God incarnate, Immanuel.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Not Worthy


Not Worthy
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals."
Luke 3:16

Our Advent text this week has focused again on the ministry of John the Baptist. I am always amazed at his ability to set aside his own ego for the ministry he was called to. It is not an easy thing to do... something that most of us, particularly pastors, struggle with on a regular basis. Advent is a time to reflect on our own worthiness. It highlights how unworthy we are in light of the one who is to come. And yet, it also shows that we are creatures of tremendous worth. God sends God's son into the world on our behalf. A worth not of our own, but a gift given to us by our God.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Soldiers...


Soldiers...
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, 'Teacher, what should we do?' He said to them, 'Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.' Soldiers also asked him, 'And we, what should we do?' He said to them, 'Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with you wages.'"
Luke 3:12-14

First, we are to give away our possessions. Then, commands about money. Don't take advantage of people in your job. Don't take more than you are supposed to. Don't use your position for your own advantage. And don't demand too much pay. We don't talk about these kind of things too much in the church. How do we follow Christ in our workplaces? Whether we are tax collectors or soldiers, corporate CEO's or police officers, God wants to have some say about our wealth, or our lack of it. How are you using your money during this Advent season? Is it honoring to the one we are waiting for?

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Share One


Share One
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"And the crowds asked him, 'What then should we do?' In reply he said to them, 'Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.'"
Luke 3:10-11

I have to admit it. I like to get presents. I like to give presents as well, but I really like to get them. And I get a bit resentful at Christmas. With no nuclear family of my own and no work family, I am in very few gift-giving circles this year. So now, not only do I want presents, I want a spouse, children, and a job as well. Somehow, I begin to equate receiving gifts with begin valued, thought of, cared for. Forgive me. I know that just the opposite should be true. Christmas is about receiving the greatest gift of all, the one that should make us feel so loved that we want to give away all we have, share with others, make sure they are clothed and fed, that they feel the love that we are assured of. Help me to remember that this Christmas season. Help me to actually believe that it is better to give than to receive.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Will They Bear Fruit?


Will They Bear Fruit?
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not hear bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."
Luke 3:9

I can't pass up an excuse to take a picture of trees. I find trees in winter extremely beautiful. All the leaves stripped away. Just the barren structure of the branches reaching out and up. These trees will bear fruit again in the Spring. That is what they were made to do. That is what we were made to do. We may go through barren seasons, winters of our lives when we are stripped bare once again, but we are made to bear fruit. For some, Advent is just such a season of waiting, a season to be stripped bare, a season of dormancy, waiting again for the shoot of Jesse to spring forth. For those in such a season, may you know that God is walking closely with you.

Monday, December 07, 2009

We Have As Our Ancestors...


We Have As Our Ancestors...
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor': for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham."
Luke 3:8

I have Rev. James J. Deasy as my ancestor, a Catholic priest at the turn of the 20th century. My grandmother faithfully went to mass every Saturday evening at 5:00 pm until she died. There is a history of faith in our family, but it almost didn't make it to the next generation. Faith does not automatically pass itself on. it takes work and commitment. John seems to be chastising the people for relying on the faith of their ancestors. They were no longer living out their faith, but living it in name only. It seems like an apt message for toay... for the many churches that seem more concerned about caring for themselves and fail to pass on their faith to their children or to anyone else. I am so grateful for those who chose to pass their faith on to me when I was in high school. Thank you for bearing fruit!

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Who Pulled the Alarm?


Who Pulled the Alarm?
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

So, the verses in the lectionary this year leave us with some difficult verses to start the Advent season. The gospel lesson this week continues with John's preaching in Luke 3.

"John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, 'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?'"
Luke 3:7

Who warned you? Who pulled the alarm? Do you know what you are getting yourself into? I have to admit that in a way I am grateful I didn't know what I was getting myself into when I came to faith in high school. Had I known how difficult the journey would be, I am not sure I would have made the same choice. Following Christ is not easy. John knew that. He was not preaching some easy message of faith, but a powerful message of repentance and a call to discipleship. A message that would lead the followers not into a nice Sunday morning worship service, but to a cross. Our Advent waiting should be filled with joyful anticipation, but also with a bit of fear and trembling of what is to come. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life... but just because it is true doesn't make it simple.

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Time and Light


Time and Light
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

Advent is marked by light and time. A candle lit each week. A star burning brightly to mark the moment and lead the way. The coming of light into the darkness and a new beginning... the year one.

It seems that during this Advent season I need to figure out how to better structure my time around the light. Our to somehow reorder my understanding of time so that it is not governed by this world but rather is governed by my anticipation of the next. This seems all the more important in a season that is driven by the number of shopping days left until Christmas!

Friday, December 04, 2009

Why Can't I See Clearly?


Why Can't I See Clearly?
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"and all flesh shall see the salvation of God..."
Luke 3:6

The promises of Isaiah as proclaimed by John seem so easy. The Lord will come and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Everything will become clear. All nations and tongues will confess. And yet here I am once again struggling to understand. I am writing the last pages of my dissertation and things seem even more complicated than when I began. I suppose that was always a part of John's message. Perhaps, like John we need to wander occasionally into the wilderness of despair and confusion to hear afresh the words of God.

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Every Valley Shall Be Filled


Every Valley Shall Be Filled
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth..."
Luke 3:5

I have always wondered why anyone would need to straighten the Lord's path or fill in valleys (or for those in Chicago, the potholes!). I kind of think of God as an all-utility vehicle. I realized, however, that the focus of the passage is not on God, but on me. What are the sharp bends in the road of my life? The valleys that need to be filled? The hills that need to be made low? During this season of my life, I struggle with jealousy, with fear that the Lord will not provide, trusting God in the midst of unanswered prayers. These are the things that keep the road to my heart from being smooth and open to God. How can I prepare the way to my heart this Advent season?

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Preparing


Preparing
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"... as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, 'The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make the Lord's paths straight."
Luke 3:4

I pulled out the Christmas decorations today. I am not sure this is the kind of preparation that John was talking about as he cried out in the wilderness. I realize that my preparation is tinged with commercialism, and yet there is also something deeper about it all. An attempt to recapture something from my childhood. That sense of awe and wonder, of anticipation and excitement. There is something in the Bible about that, I think... becoming like a child.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Baptisms


Baptisms
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

"He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins."
Luke 3:3

The church I am currently attending practices infant baptism. In some ways, it seems like a tame alternative to John's baptism of repentance in the Jordan River. Yet, water is rarely tame... even the smallest drops over time can wear away even the strongest of rock, can cause metal to rust, can wash away a hillside. Baptism, whether of an adult or infant, is never a tame act. It confirms a radical promise made by God, one that has the power to change lives. And it reminds us of the power of little things... a drop of water, a baby in a manger, the faith of a child. May the faith of the children around us erode away our jagged edges this Advent season, breaking through our hard shells, and preparing our hearts for the coming of the Christ child.