End of the Advent Season

Our Advent walk is approaching the threshold of Christmas. Rain has washed the dirt away and a full moon cleanses the night sky, setting the stage, so that every star might shine brightly on the Christ child. The whole of creation, which has been watching and waiting now welcomes the child, just as shepherd-poet David had said, (Psalm 19:1)

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork”

Now, the Christmas stage is set. The house is ready. One more candle to light and the Guest may enter! That candle is LOVE.

          However, has the Advent season taught us anything? Have we come to see the importance of watching and waiting for the Lord? Have we learned to listen to God speak through our day? Note that “devotion” is not just a set time, but an attitude of attentiveness and expectation. Can we imagine Advent as the first chapter of a great story in which we are invited to come along? Can we imagine prayer becoming so naturally enmeshed in our daily life that our whole life might end up becoming prayer?

That is a lot to think about. *

          Just remember when you hang up your stockings, hang an extra one for the Christ child. It is his birthday, after all. And fill it with the gifts that he would want:

hope, peace, joy, and loving kindness.

*The Art of Living in Season, Sylvie VanHoozer, p. 26-28       

Reverend Terry Hanna

Christmas Bells

“Hope is the little voice you hear whisper Maybe, when it seems the whole world is shouting No.”    - Unknown.

Christmas, 1863 and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was trying to find the right words to express his emotions. For over 2 years, our nation had been gripped and ravaged by the Civil War. Henry’s wife of 18 years, Fanny Longfellow had died in a house fire in 1861. In 1863, Longfellow received word that his oldest son, Lt. Charles Longfellow of the Army of the Potomac, had been severely wounded in battle. Longfellow’s personal life had been ravaged by tragedy and war.

So, on Christmas Day, Longfellow wrote the words of the poem, "Christmas Bells" that best expressed the ups and downs of the previous years. The poem was later set to music and can be found in church hymnals as “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Longfellow wrote:

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Despite the surrounding darkness of the times, Longfellow persevered and chose to focus his efforts on proclaiming a message of hope. While many would have lost hope or only seen darkness, Longfellow’s words produced a message of light that pierced the darkness of his surroundings, his personal life, and his outlook.

As we continue our journey to Christmas morning, Longfellow’s poem reminds me of our ability to cast light into darkness. But it is our choice. In place of church bells, our voices, our compassion, our love, and the example we choose to set in this world peal louder and deeper, enabling us to let others who are struggling this Christmas season know that “wrong shall fail, right prevail.” Let others hear your voice. Peace to you this Christmas season.

Rev. Dennis Hysom

Shopping 'Til We Drop

The Christmas shopping season has arrived! Gifts must be purchased, because “‘tis the season.” At Christmas time a fever will grasp us: “Shopping ‘til we drop!”

            Of course, we shop so we may present gifts to one another on Christmas Day. Gift giving imitates the gifts the Wise Men presented to Jesus; yet it also reminds us of the gift God gives to us in the birth of Jesus. How fitting to give gifts at Christmas! A wonderful spiritual practice!

            A poster though says, “Remember: Jesus is the reason for the season.” The poster seeks to direct our attention away from the commercial aspects of Christmas. Indeed, we can fall victim to the idea that Christmas is only about buying something for you and yours. Christmas then becomes misdirected as a consumer activity. The poster serves us well, if it helps us to keep our focus on the reason for the season.

            Yet, while I appreciate the poster’s message, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” It’s still the case that Jesus is God’s gift given to us! Gift giving and getting a gift still lies at the center of Christmas. So, enjoy your shopping and gift giving! And, as you do, think about what it means, and what it says.

            I have the impression the Wise Men enjoyed the effort of bring their gifts to Jesus. Just as it was for them, we too have to expend an effort in gift giving. It takes planning, some traveling, looking, and sometimes not even knowing where you are and what you’re looking for. But in the end, like them, you find your way and the gift that is just right. Perhaps even a gift not just to you and your own, but for a stranger as well.

            Plus, think about this: it required an effort by God as well. God did not have to come. But God did come. Coming as human flesh, to live and speak to us about your radical compassion for lost, ridiculed, and despised people. Such a precious gift. The best gift of all!

            May your gifts remind you of that one, true gift -God with us and for us in Jesus. And in doing so, may God’s gift create a new heart in you: a heart that imitates The Gift -himself.

Rev. Curtis Fussell

The Light of Advent

The Word gave life to everything that was created and his life brought light to       everyone. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never   extinguish it.- John 1: 4-5 (NLT)

          Advent means “coming” in Latin. And these coming weeks are meant to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the arrival of God-with-Us, Jesus Christ. We will put up Nativity scenes in the church, our homes, and on front lawns to tell the ancient story of Jesus’ birth. We will sing songs like, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” and read scriptures. And we will light the Advent candles to remind us that the Light of the World has come into our midst. But have we gotten so familiar with our traditions that we have lost the wonder of the essence of this season?

          The Franciscan friar Richard Rohr believes that “The physical world is the doorway to the spiritual world,”* and the spiritual world is much larger than this one. Maybe the physical traditions that we carry on are a doorway to the spiritual world and the wonder we seek? And maybe when we light the candle of hope, peace, joy, love, and Christ, the light helps us see more clearly. For Jesus’ life helps us see our lives more clearly.

          Our invitation to Advent starts here, now- and thank God, because being here, now can sometimes feel complicated and hard, busy and sad. But what gives us HOPE in this Advent season is the reminder that the gift of our lives is a doorway to a much larger reality. And Jesus is the Light that shows us the way.

May we rest in the peace that the darkness can never extinguish the light

that has been given to us. Amen.     

*Fr, Richard Rohr, OFM, “The Mystery of Incarnation,” Center for Action and Contemplation, 1-27-17

Lord of Lords and The Prince of Peace

In Ephesian 1, verses 9 and 10 (MSG), we have this wisdom:

                         God set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything

            would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.

 This is the view of the Church in its earliest years. The Jesus of Bethlehem had only a small place in the early beliefs about Jesus Christ.  Their Lord was the King of heaven and earth, far more significant than the Roman Emperor, who had all the secular power of their day. The assertion that Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords and The Prince of Peace is the theme for November 23rd, Christ the King Sunday.

 In a way, this Sunday is New Year's Eve, as it is the last week of the year. The first Sunday of the Christian year is Advent I, the hopeful preparation for the coming of the Messiah. How fitting it is to culminate the annual ecclesiastical cycle with the overarching image of our resurrected Lord of the Universe. We then make our way toward Bethlehem. In that ancient town, we see the story of origin about how our , Alpha and Omega, (the Beginning and End) of all Creation, chose to become a vulnerable human to whom we can daily relate.

 From infant to Lord of Lords, we worship an astounding Savior. And from our birth and into eternal life, we belong to that Sovereign.                                    

 Yours in Christ, Tempe'

A Time of Change

             November is a time of change. Summer days are behind us. Autumn is here. Winter is knocking on the door. Thanksgiving and Christmas will soon arrive. It’s time to get into the holiday spirit!

            Change is often difficult for us. We prefer our comfort zone. It’s familiar. A routine life is an easier life.

            Yet change fills our lives. We are all growing older. Children change weekly. Adults experience constant changes in their health. Working adults find their jobs constantly changing.

            Perhaps, when Jesus said, “You must be born again,” he meant practicing the ability to change in the face of daily living. Jesus’ call to be born again is far more than a one-time event. Jesus means for us to keep following him and to grow into the love for God and neighbor, which is an ever-changing landscape.

            I came across a useful insight on how we change:

                        “People change when they...

                          hurt enough that they have to,

                          learn enough that they want to, and

                          receive enough that they are able to.”

            If we’re honest, we resist change. Likely, we will change only if we are compelled to change. Yet, I think we want to live better, have a more rewarding life. Of course, such a desire will involve changes in your life.

            Jesus encourages us to see that we can change for the better in God’s terms. No wonder Jesus calls to us, “Be born again,” because we can be born again. God is with us to help us change and grow spiritually and heartfully.

            Whatever changes you need or want, receive God’s guidance of love and grace. Practice God’s love and grace in your life. It will change you and move you forward towards a better life.

Prayer: “Our gracious Lord, forgive our stubborn ways when we resist your love and grace. Help us and guide us to see that we can be born again, and again, by and into your Word and Spirit. Amen.”

Peace,

Curtis

Gifts

Gifts

It was November 8, 1970. At Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, the New Orleans Saints were playing the Detroit Lions. The Saints had won only one of their seven games so far, but they had led for much of this afternoon's contest against the Detroit Lions. But things had taken an abrupt turn for the worse (in true Saints fashion), and with two seconds to go, the score was 17-16 in favor of the Lions, and the ball was way down on the Saints' 45-yard line.

They were going to lose by one miserable point.

Saints’ kicker Tom Dempsey strode onto the field. He'd have to kick the ball 63 yards to score. And that had never been done before. Reality-oriented fans were already slogging down the stadium ramps, and the stadium seats were already half empty. Those leaving felt they could at least beat the post-game traffic gridlock.

The rest, as they say, is history.

The kick, which had to cut through the heavy, turbulent air in an outdoor stadium known for its unpredictable wind patterns, propelled the New Orleans Saints to a last-second 19-17 victory over the Detroit Lions. It eclipsed the NFL mark of 56 yards, set by the Baltimore Colts in 1953. Tom Dempsey kicked the longest field goal ever-- 63 yards! 

The odds seemed stacked against Tom Dempsey as he lined up for that field-goal attempt.

Just seconds on the clock.

Unpredictable winds. 

63 yards of open field.

But poor odds were nothing new to Dempsey. Tom Dempsey was born with half a right foot and only one finger on his right hand. This may have stopped others from achieving their dreams, but Dempsey never used that as an excuse. He never let it keep him from chasing his dreams.

In college, he wanted to be a lineman, but just before tryouts, the coach grew dissatisfied with the current kicker. When Dempsey twice kicked the ball out of the end zone, the Palomar College coach knew he had found his kicker. Dempsey went on to be an all-league two-way lineman, a heavyweight wrestling champion, and a discus thrower for the college track team.

Now he wanted to play professional football. Tom Dempsey was fitted with a special shoe that allowed him to swing his leg and drive the ball like a polo player using a mallet.

And on November 8, 1970, Tom Dempsey, now a player in the National Football League, with two seconds left, booted the ball high and straight -- 63 yards through the goalposts, setting a world record.  

Sometimes in life, what limits us is what our brain, our heart, our spirit, our attitude, our faith, or our vision cannot imagine. Given the right conditions, we often can achieve so much more. "Until we are willing to use what God has already given us, there is no need to ask for anymore."

Rev. Dennis Hysom

Everyday Saints

In the south of France there is a unique tradition. During Advent, santons or “little saints,” appear in shoe-box sized manger scenes, or creches, and are placed in the dining room or living room of people’s homes. These santons are clay figurines, just three inches tall, painted colorfully in period dress. Each carries a simple gift for the baby Jesus. These manger scenes do not so much represent the story of the Christmas night, but re-stage it, setting the birth of Jesus in the middle of the people of Provence. Each little saint has a specific role as they offer their simple gifts to the Christ child. They are everyday saints.*

            We think of saints as holy, other worldly figures, martyrs or miracle workers, dressed in white robes, who stand a part from the rest of us. But a saint is actually defined as a virtuous, kind, and patient person, who offers their simple gifts to the Christ child.

            This Sunday we will remember those everyday saints who gave their simple gifts to Christ, the church, and to each one of us. And in the words of the hymn, I Sing a Song of the Saints of God, we will sing to the “Saints of God, patient and brave and true, who toiled and fought and lived and died for the Lord they loved and knew. And one was a doctor, and one was a queen, and one was a shepherdess on the green, they were all of them saints of God and I mean, God helping, to be one too.” **

Rev. Terry Hanna

* The Art of Living in the Season, Sylvie Vanhoozer

** Hymn, “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God,” written by Lesbia Scott in England in 1929.

The Five Solas

I Peter 3: 15 states:

...in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience...

What are the reasons for your trust and hope in God?

The 16th century was a time when the Universal Church was challenged to state the essentials of the faith. I am motivated by the Moravian core statement of faith: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, love."

The Reformation sought to unify Christians around five essentials, called the "Solas" (Alone). They are: Scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. Scripture alone is our guide. Faith, grace, and Christ alone are our hope of salvation. To God alone is our glory.

We have discussed our mutual essentials throughout history. The Reformed Church provided Confessions and Creeds to help people understand Christ in the controversies that have occurred throughout the centuries. The Church is a body of believers that covenants to discern together how Christ is still speaking in our culture and in our communities. We have the hope of continued divine presence.

This coming Sunday, we will explore the meaning of being a church that is "Reformed , always being reformed" to the Glory of God alone. Reformation Sunday is a time to recall our salvation history, for: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (George Santayana).

                                                Joyfully sharing our family tree,

                                                Tempe' Fussell

Jean, I have two prayers...

Here is a portion of a morning prayer from a theological founder of our tradition, John Calvin from Geneva, in the 16th century.

...Grant also, that while I labor for the maintenance of this life, and care for the things which pertain to food and raiment, I may raise my mind above them to the blessed and heavenly life which you have promised to your children.

Be pleased also, in manifesting yourself to me as the protector of my soul as well as my body, to strengthen and fortify me against all the assaults of the devil, and deliver me from all the dangers which continually beset us in this life.

But seeing it is a small thing to have begun, unless I also persevere, I therefore entreat of you, O Lord, not only to be my guide and director for this day, but to keep me under your protection to the very end of life, that thus my whole course may be performed under your superintendence... Let your good Spirit conduct me to the land of uprightness.

Stories That Shape Us

Stories that Shape Us
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans for your welfare and not for evil, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 
 

          In my office there once hung a picture with these words written in beautiful calligraphy, “I know the plans I have for you.” It was given to me years ago by a friend who sensed my frustration of not knowing where I was going in life with ministry or family. I am a planner. I think five years in advance and this was a time in my life when I didn’t know what the plan was! Yet these words comforted me with the wisdom that I may not know the plan, but God does, and this was a time to be still and trust God. And when I felt anxious, I use to say these words like a mantra, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, I know the plan.”

          This Sunday our scripture is Jeremiah 31: 31-34. It is a time of transition for a nation. In the mist of doom and gloom to a people living in exile, Jeremiah offers a word of hope. God is doing a new thing based not on judgment, but on mercy, accomplished not through our own efforts, but through his love. And in the midst of a transition in the life of this church, as we select a Pastor Nominating Committee, God is doing a new thing. The Lord has a plan for us, to give us a future with hope.

Rev. Terry Hanna

Important Things in Life

           In a local Karate school, there’s a banner which says, “Thousands of hours of training. Countless bumps and bruises. One black belt.” This statement reminds us that important things in life requires commitment, and perseverance. Important things do not come instantly. Nothing significant is ever quick and easy.

For example, change the wording and we have, “Thousands of hours of studying. Countless exams and attention to details. One diploma.”

Or, “Thousands of hours of nurturing. Countless bumps and conversations. One child raised.”

Or even, “Thousands of hours of striving. Countless ups and downs, with joys and worries. One life lived.”

            Perhaps it is too much to reduce our life to a single statement. Yet, this formula captures the essence of what we know so well: a genuine life requires determined effort. A genuine life does not come instantly. It takes commitment, and perseverance.

Too often though in spiritual matters we think matters can be settled instantly. People will advise us to “just pray about it,” or “just give it to God.” How I wish that matters of faith in God could be settled with such a quick and easy solution!

Of course, praying and giving to God are essential actions. Yet, praying and giving to God alone cannot remove the demand for us to commit and to persevere in matters of our life with God.

One day Jesus said to his disciples that God required them to do some difficult things, such as watch how you treat vulnerable people, and always be ready to forgive. The disciples responded to Jesus, “Increase our faith!”

Certainly, with such a demand it would help to have our faith increased, to have instant faith. It would be wonderful to be able instantly to treat others as I would have them treat me. It would be wonderful to be able instantly to forgive as God forgives. A quick and easy faith would be nice to have. “Yes, Lord, increase my faith!”

However, God does not give us quick and easy faith. In truth, God does not need to give us more faith, because it is not necessary. Rather, God wants us to practice and exercise the faith which we already have.

Now, if you don’t think you have enough, think again; you do! It is not really a matter of how much you have. What does matter is this: how much will you trust and exercise the faith in God which you already have?

Perhaps a better request than, “Increase our faith,” is this: “Lord, give me the perseverance to do what is right in your sight. Because I know it takes: Thousands of hours of praying. Countless times of standing firm and being gracious, for one goal: faith in You.”

Rev. Curtis Fussell

The Quilt

My grandmother once taught me a valuable lesson in life. One day, she hung a quilt up on a rack and asked me to step way back, and then she asked me a question: “What do you see when you step back from the quilt I am working on?” From a distance, I described what I saw: a large piece of fabric, the colors, and patterns. She then said, “Get up close and tell me what you see.” Up close, I saw something different: it was not a single piece of fabric, but smaller individual blocks of fabric that were hand-sewn together with intricate stitching, which together made the larger quilt. She said, “A quilt is not a single item. It is a collection of a whole lot of smaller fabric blocks that, when stitched together, form the quilt. And the quilt is only as strong as the stitching that binds the blocks together.”

She went on to say that people are like that. They are not a single item, but a collection of life experiences, philosophies, education, journeys, people, places, and things. If you stay far enough back, all you ever see is what is on the outside, and you miss a valuable opportunity to grow. To grow, you have to get close to people and see the individual things that make them who they are: their faith, dreams, desires, successes, failures, love gained and lost, compassion, and values. And by getting close, you allow the things of value to shape you.

But getting close to someone has its risks. Years ago, as I sat through a memorial ceremony for a fallen Soldier, her words came back to me as I watched a team reflect upon the impact their fallen team member had on their individual and collective lives. These were not people who sat back and observed each other from a distance. These were people whose very lives were held in a delicate balance on every mission, and they needed to know, trust, and understand each other. With time, their individual lives became intertwined as they trained, conducted missions, and socialized. With his loss, the realization was clear that the manner in which he chose to live out his life had impacted everyone. His laughter, sense of honor, commitment to the mission, and personal values changed those around him. Like the quilt, his life became connected to the lives of those around him. And their individual lives were better for it. 

And that is a risk we take when we let others in. Sometimes, in the most unexpected places, we find exceptional individuals right next to us at the office, at the table, in the classroom, and wherever our lives intersect with those of others. And with the passage of time, some of those lives build strong and valuable connections. Some become friends, mentors, and life partners. Their story, life journey, hard-earned experience, determination, love, inspiration, joy, and strength thread themselves into the fabric of our lives and change us. And it is a risk. But I believe it is a risk worth taking. And I think that, if taken, it makes us stronger and life more vibrant and richer. Valuable life lessons from a Kansas grandmother and her quilt, a valued part of my fabric of life.  

Rev. Dennis Hysom