Ticking away, the moments that make up a dull day

Do you ever feel that you could use a little more time in your day? Our lives have become so hectic, that it has been said that our 24/7 lives have now turned into 48/7. We are constantly on the go, and it is hard to slow down sometimes.

Have you ever thought about what you would do if you were given more time? Maybe it wouldn’t be adding to your day, but maybe if you could be given a break or an extra hour, have you ever thought about what you would do with it? I imagine that most of us would simply do more of the same. Our days are so busy and hectic, some people feel as if they need more time.

Well, I have it for you; more time! But don’t get too excited.

This morning I heard on the news that this year, the people who operate the “world’s clock” are adding some time to our day tomorrow. Those who try to regulate the world’s clock are trying to make a more accurate count based upon the earth’s rotation, seasons, etc.

So, they are adding a second to the clock! They call it a leap second.

No, you aren’t getting one more minute per hour or even 24 more minutes to your day. Just one second! So spend that second wisely.

I find all of that talk interesting from a science perspective, but so inconsequential that it is almost beyond our need. Theologically speaking, however, isn’t it interesting that we must rely on some scientists who sit in a room that must rely on something that is much greater than them – the atom – in order to regulate the clock.

I thought a lot about that as I read Psalm 8 this morning. It is the reading for a New Year’s Watch service. It talks about a sovereign God whose glory is set high above the heavens. That sovereign God is the one who in his love rules over all of our lives and has providentially given us all things – including time.

I hope that over the next few days, you are given some time to given thanks to the one who gives us all time. Give thanks for the year that has past, and the year that is to come. For in it, we are given much by the God of creation.

Please be safe over the next few days, and I look forward to greeting you in worship this weekend.

Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg

No Brett, I was not wearing a Rainbow Wig!

Have you ever wondered why certain people hold up signs during a sporting event that simply reads, John 3:16?

I used to think that when I was younger. I may still wonder about the particular person who is holding the sign now, but I think I've come to some conclusions about why they do what they do.

I saw something recently that reinforced the answer to my question and the answer that I thought I had. On Sunday, I remember seeing "Hebrews 11" printed on a sign. I have my opinions as to why someone would do hold up a sign like that. I guess it's because if anyone really doesn't know the answer to what is printed, they are likely to go and seek out the answer. (I'm not going to give you the answer - you may have to look it up.)

It got me - I thought I knew the answer, but I looked it up just to be sure on Sunday.

Today, I was in the local "Five Dollar Footlong" eating establishment. I was wearing a sweatshirt that Tracy made this year. It has a candle and some evergreens hand painted on the front breast pocket area. Mine is a much smaller version of the sweatshirts that the girls have. But under the candle and evergreen, is the verse Isaiah 9:2. I guess Tracy could have put the words, but she chose to simply put the chapter and verse.

And I'm glad she did. Because after I paid for my half of a five dollar sub, I was asked the question. What's Isaiah 9:2?

It was a great question! And I was happy to give the answer.

Don't know it - I invite you to come to Christmas Eve Worship to find out. I hope you are well. I hope that you continue to ask good questions during Christmas. Merry Christmas.

Please pray for me and know that I am praying for you.
Greg

16 Days until Christmas! Like we need any more pressure!

My Children have one of those classic before-Christmas-paper-chains, from which they count down to the event of events, Christmas. Each day, one of the children removes one of the links in the chain as a reminder that Christmas is getting closer. It is somewhat of a secular reminder that Christmas is just around the corner. Advent Calendars serve much of the same purpose for us within the church.

Sometimes, I think that it is defeating its purpose. I think that the purpose of the Advent Calendar and the aforementioned paper chain is to prepare oneself for Christmas, to be reminded that Christmas is coming. But often times it serves as an incendiary device in our home. There is always a battle for who tore the last link; whose turn it is this time; and, a written agreement in principle for who will be the one to rip the next link.

In spite of the bellicose nature by which the link is fractured, I am sure of one thing: Christmas is only 16 days away.

So, if the tension by which my information was garnered is not enough to make me a bit tense, I’m sure the mere fact that there are only 16 days until Christmas is enough to make me a bit unsettled. In those 16 days, there is so little time, and so much to do. The list keeps growing, and the days only become shorter. Christmas is coming.

Take a deep breath!

I had a conversation with some folks this morning who were asked to consider the question, “What will you DO in the coming weeks to become a more fully devoted follower of Christ?” We noted that the word “do” was capitalized, just as it is above. It brought with it the very strong connotation that in order to be a follower of Christ – you had to DO something. It made us feel less likely to want to “do” anything. “Doing” only added to the things that we are expected to “do,” feel as if we need to “do,” and know that ultimately we will have to “do” in the coming weeks.

Our conclusion was that we might be better served at simply trying to “BE” more fully devoted followers of Christ. And I think we were onto something.

Christmas is only 16 days away, and I hope that you don’t lose the true meaning of this season in the midst of everything that you have to “DO.” I encourage you to simply “BE.”

This week’s epistle lesson is a good reminder. The writer says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24.

That will be my prayer for you this week!

In Worship this Sunday, our children will be sharing a story entitled “’Twas the Year Before Christmas.” I will also be sharing a very brief message entitled, “Who will it be?” I hope that you will be a more fully devoted follower of Christ and invite someone to experience the wonder of Children and God’s Word. Stay following worship for a fellowship meal and share in God’s grace. I look forward to greeting you personally.

Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg