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

Olympic Passion

What are you watching these days? Beyond the news of tragedy that exists each day in our world, and the repetitive coverage of a Presidential race that began well over a year ago, chances are that you are one of the millions of people watching the Olympics.

I love watching the Olympics. I watched just a little of the opening ceremonies on Friday, but my real focus has been on the sports. As you know, I love sports anyway, but I am really enjoying the sports that you don’t get to watch regularly. I remember watching Wide World of Sports as a child and being fascinated with the different sports that exist. How can you not be gripped by the “agony of defeat?” (Cue the music).

The other day, I was captivated by Water Polo. I know that captivation may be stretching it, but I really was. I found myself cheering for the team as they were scoring, and running to the Internet to find some rules that I was not understanding. My wife heard me rooting for the team, and she wound up sitting with me as we rooted the Americans past the Chinese.

Not only do I enjoy the sporting events, but I also enjoy the human interest side of the sports, the stories bring life to those who are competing. We are brought into their lives through picture and through story that make the unknown competitor a real human being with hurts and desires just like the rest of us.

Did you hear about the mother in her thirties who is competing in gymnastics for Germany? She is competing in her record fifth Olympic games and was a part of the former Soviet Team in 1992. Following the dismantling of the former Unified team, she competed for her native Uzbekistan. She was married, had a son, but her journey was not over. It was her son’s diagnosis of Leukemia that landed her in Germany. She continued to compete because the prize money helped her pay for his treatment.

What about the swimmer from Korea who at the age of 14 was the youngest member of the team and to compete in his first Olympics. He qualified for only one event in Athens, and in the preliminary round fell off the starting block and was disqualified before he even began. Four years later, he stepped to a different podium after he won the 400m Freestyle.

In addition to the human interest stories, are the accounts of the athletic preparation and the mindset of the athlete. Steroids are a point of interest for the media, but they are also trying to focus on what athletes are doing to remain clean. The dedication, the mindset, the commitment, and the devotion to excellence and winning is staggering. The athletes that are competing at this level have one focus and one focus only – Winning.

It’s inspiring to watch someone give everything they have to one thing. Their entire focus and attention is about being a better athlete, doing everything that it takes. Watching someone like that makes me want to be better. I want to have that same passion.

But don’t worry! I’m not thinking about entering Olympic trials in the triathlon. What it makes me think about, however, is my own passion and devotion to Christ. Am I doing everything necessary to be a fully devoted follower of Christ? Am I putting everything that I have into making my life reflect that of Christ? Am I an example for others to follow? Am I measuring up? Am I falling short? Am I running the race?

I think all of us have to ask those questions of ourselves. And when we ask them, we can’t stop there. If we are falling short, falling off the podium before we even begin, we have to make changes in our lives. We have to be so committed that we are willing to do everything necessary to become what we are not; a fully devoted Christian.

We are thinking about that in this message series. What does it take to run the race with perseverance and endurance? What does it mean to cast off the weight of sin in our lives? Are you doing it?

This week we continue our series with “Run the Race: Traveling the Many Miles.” I invite you to come empty and ready to be filled by Christ. Devote yourself to him and I know that Christ will fill you. I look forward to seeing you this week in worship.

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

Back to School

Well, it's that time of year again. Back to school. In so many ways, we are relieved that it is here. Back to a normal schedule, Normal as possible I guess. Trying to put back some routine into a child's life is a good thing. Reminds me that I too need to be back to the things that make Disciples. Let's all pray for the students, teachers, administrators, bus drivers, and all those who work with our children this week. Thank God for their lives and for their influence in our children's lives. May they be good Christian examples.