Christmas

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. As I spend time with my family, I am so thankful to God for sending a son, Jesus into the world. A world that was in darkness now the light has come. Today we still live in a world of darkness that needs to see the light of God. This season is an opportunity to share and witness to the light even if we are not the light but we are the messengers. Let this season be one where we can be like John the Baptist and share the Good News of Jesus.

                May this time be one of special blessings.

Eldon

Advent 1 2017

Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent 2017. Today is also the beginning of the new Church year. For the lectionary, this is the start of Year B which focuses mostly on the Gospel of Mark. The scriptures for Sunday are Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, and Mark 13:24-37.

                As I spend time reflecting on the season of Advent, it is easy to get so caught up in the busyness of the season that does little to point to Jesus. Lillian Daniel from the Feasting on the Word states, “While the world’s busyness may seem to be pointed toward Christmas, it is seldom pointed toward the coming Christ child. As Advent progresses, the number of shopping days left before the big day offers a countdown that stresses us out and keeps us up late.” Judy Siker from the same source states, “Jesus reminds us now, as he reminded them then, that he will come again. We need not get lost in the details. Better to concentrate on being ready.”

                For me the key verses of the passage from Mark are found in 31-33. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.” How many times so called prophets spend time trying to decipher when the end times will be coming. How much wasted time and effort trying to figure out and to what purpose. Jesus tells us not to waste our time on trying to predict the end time, but rather live each day faithfully and fruitfully.

                Take time to reflect on your spiritual journey. Are you awake? Where do you spend your time this season? Take time to slow down to focus on what gives you hope and share that with others.

What does it mean?

               As I have been spending my time on renewal leave, I have contemplated a number of things about myself and about what is happening in the world. I spent last week with Nancy on a tour of Western Nebraska which is rich with history and tragedies. I tried to not spend time thinking about work though found that not as easy to do. When I was at Fort Robinson, I had a dream of what I want to share with those who will take time to read it.

               This was dated 9/23/17.

               What does it mean—

                              When opinions become facts and facts are just opinions

                              When fake news means anything that does not support or agree with my opinions

                              When critical thinking is limited to 140 characters

                              When critical thinking only means criticizing the other                                                                                              When reality is perception and perception is reality

                              When all we believe is found in social media

                              When alt prefix is becoming the driving force of defining who we are

                              When friends are only virtual

                              When Newspeak* and Doublethink* are the norm                          

When one professes to love God, but hates their neighbor

                              When inclusion means those who look like us, speaks like us, acts like us

                                                                                          *George Orwell, 1984

               I am sure that there are many other what does it mean ideas. I would encourage people to add to the list their thoughts. I was struck with all that is happening around us and the continuing concern about not just our leaders but for each of us as we face the issues and concerns of the world. I am reminded of the gospels and the message of Jesus regarding loving others even those who we may not agree with. (Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7).