Christmas 2014

Christmas 2014:

Christmas day will soon be upon us.  We will celebrate the birth of Christ and rejoice in the beginning of His redemptive work.  By his suffering and death Jesus appeases the justice of His father to allow our sins to be forgiven.  Then, by rising from the dead he conquers death and allows us to live forever with Him.  I'd say that's a pretty good cause for celebration.

Although Christmas is one of the most beloved holidays, for the first 3 centuries of Christianity it was not celebrated.   The earliest gospel, St. Mark's (written about 65 A.D.) begins with the baptism of an adult Jesus.  This suggests the earliest Christians lacked interest in or knowledge of Jesus's birth date.  The bible does not specify Jesus's exact birth date.   Christianity's most significant holidays were the Epiphany on January 6th which commemorated the arrival of the Magi and Easter, the celebration of Jesus's Resurrection

The first mention of December 25th as a holiday honoring Jesus's birth was in Rome in a calender from 336 A.D.   Actually, the Nativity story's presence of shepherds would suggest a spring birth.   Church officials settled on December 25th at the end of the 3rd century.  It is likely they wanted to coincide with existing festivals honoring Saturn, the Roman God of Agriculture, and Mithra, the Persian god of light.  This would make it easier to convince Rome's pagan subjects to accept Christianity as the empire's official religion.  

Christmas today is firmly established on December 25th.  It is a time for gift giving and family gatherings.   It is a time to shop, to decorate  and to bake.  All this is supposed to be fun and for most people it is .  Unfortunately, for some it is not.  It can be a time of stress and depression.   High expectations, money woes, and the stress of family gatherings can spell trouble for anyone, but especially for those prone to depression.    I believe God wills us to be happy at the celebration of his Son's birth.  Here are some tips to avoid holiday depression:

1. Plan ahead - identify some restorative routines such as reading a book or napping and write them on a calender and make them a priority. 
2. Avoid family conflict - if you know there are going to be conflicts, prepare a neutral response such as "Let's talk about that at another time" or "I can see how you would feel that way".  You can escape to the restroom, offer to help in the kitchen, or go hang out with the kids.
3. Forget perfection - decorating, planning, finding the perfect gift can become overwhelming.   When you take your focus off yourself and put it on those less fortunate, you'll avert depression.
4. Learn to grieve - If you are mourning the loss of a loved one, it's a good time to talk about how you are feeling , or to reach out to a support group.
5. Schedule some sleep - Holiday activities can interfere  with your sleep schedule.   Make sure you get enough sleep. 
6. Get help - if you need support to make it through the holidays, reach out to family or friends. 
7. Priortize your workouts - Holiday activities can cause your exercise routine to go by the wayside.  Put it back on your prority list.  Exercise has been shown to improve mood.  
8. Consider your light exposure - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be treated by taking long walks during daylighta hours or exposure to a light box for about 30 minutes a day.
9. Cut back on commitments - You don't have to attend every holiday gathering.  Volunteer, go on vacation, visit a shelter or someone who is alone. Focusing on others can help alleviate depression.  

These are just some ideas.  There is plenty more online.  Search "holiday depression". 

So, have a happy Christmas.  Celebrate the birth of our Savior  and give thanks for His redemptive mission.   Let your light, shine and be a blessing to whomever you can. 

God love you at Christmas and always. 

I was hungry and you gave me food.

I was hungry, and you gave me food......

In Matthew 25: 35 - 36 The Lord says, "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me , I was in prison and you came to me."   When asked when we did these things to Him, He answers "When you did  them to the least of my brothers you were doing them to me."  He further admonishes us that when we refused to do these things for the least of His brethern, we refused to do them for Him.

With these words Jesus leaves us a commandment of love. Christ identifies with the stranger, with the one who suffers, with all the victims of violence and exploitation.  We are to love and adore Jesus Christ particularly in the poorest and most abandoned.   So, as Christians, we are called to welcome all people, without distinction or limits in order to proclaim "God is love".

It is easy to be loving and generous to our family and friends, to those we perceive as "on our level", but what about those who we do not know,  the chronically unemployed, people who always seem to be a day late and a dollar short ?  Surely migrants and refugees are among the poorest and most abandoned.   What of displaced persons and exiles?

Courage born of faith, hope, and love can enable us to reduce the distance that separates us from human misery.  Jesus wants to be recognized in the world's needy.  He calls us to share our resources.  The more fortunate should place  their goods more generously at the disposal of others.

By seeing Christ in the poorest and most abandoned we can share our time, talents,  and treasure to be Christ to them.  Be generous!

God love you!

Giving Thanks:

Thanksgiving will soon be upon us.  It's time to think about giving thanks.   The bible tells us to give thanks in several places.  The above quote is of course from Thessalonians.  In Ephesians 5:20 St. Paul tells us, "..... giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."   In Phillipians 4:6 he says, " Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  In Pslams 95:2 it says, "Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise."

So, it is clear that God wants our thanksgiving.  In fact, though, God needs nothing from his creations.  So, why does He want our thanks?  It is because expressing gratitude both honors God and benefits us.  

Expressing gratitude seems to induce happiness in people.  When we're more thankful to others, when they help us,  they are more apt to continue to be generous and giving.   Giving thanks to God redirects our attention towards Him.  During the day our thoughts tend to drift towards our concerns, activities, or problems.  Even in prayer we often focus on what God can do for us.  By offering thanks for blessings, protection, and guidance we redirect ourselves to the awesomeness of God.  

We don't have to wait until we feel grateful to give thanks to God.  Counting our blessings reinforces our faith.  We realize we can trust Him with our daily problems and concerns.  Giving gratitude refreshes our relationship with God.  Perhaps it is that God allows tests and trials in our lives to make us depend on Him.  Trials and tests can increase our faith as we see God's providence and learn that everything that happens to us works out for the best. It's His plan for us.  The quickest way to counteract negativity is to start praising God.  

So, make every day Thanksgiving! Rehearse all His past blessings, rejoice in the ways He has guided you and protected you.   See what a difference it makes in your outlook. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

God love you!

Are You Guilty?

Are You Guilty:

If it became illegal to be a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?   This is a question we've all heard before.   Here is some evidence  that I think might convict us:

Do you wear a cross of other religious medal?  How about a pin on your lapel or collar?     In your house do you display a cross or crucifix?  Is there a bible easily accessible?   How about a picture of "The Last Supper" in the dining room?   Do you attend church and go to church sponsored activities?   These are all outward type things that will identify you with Christianity.   More importantly, do you reflect the heart and mind of Jesus Christ in the things you say and do?

Jesus tells us not to be angry with anyone.  Just let it go.  He cautions us against  oaths.  No need to swear, speak your truth plainly.   Jesus tells us not to resist the evil doer.  Do not demand "an eye for an eye", rather forgo retaliation and "turn the other cheek".  It doesn't matter where.  It may be at home, or the fast food place , the supermarket or on the road.   Jesus has evened the score for all of us. The love of God is more powerful than any of these things and will prevail.  Jesus says to "Give to him who asks of you" and "Do not turn away who would borrow from you".  Be generous.  God repays generosity many times.   So , are you guilty of any of these attitudes and behaviors?   Have you been observed doing any of these things?

In Matthew 5: 14 - 15 Jesus says, "You are the light of the world.  A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.  Neither do men light a lamp and put it under the measure, but upon the lamp-stand, so as to give light to all the house."  I believe God wants us to give the world  plenty of evidence.  We should show the world beyond the shadow of a doubt that we are Christ's.  Matthew 5: 16 says, "Even so let your light shine before men, in order that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

So, what do you think?  Are you guilty or not guilty?

God love you!

The Favor of God

The Favor of God:

Favor can be defined as "the friendly disposition from which acts proceed to assist , to provide with special advantages, to receive preferential treatment."  This is God's heart towards us.   In Jeremiah 29:11 it says, "For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of affliction to give you an end and patience."  In Isaiah 43:19 it says, "Behold I do new things and now they shall spring forth, verily, you shall know them.  I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."

I believe this favor is available to us.  Jesus said in Matthew 9:29, "It shall be done to you according to your faith.  In Isaiah 66:2 it says, "These are the ones I look on with favor:  those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word."  In Romans 8:32 we are told "Since He did not spare even His own Son for us , but gave Him up for us all, won't He also surely give us everything else."

I believe that God longs to give us his favor.  He wants to help us and make a way for us, because he loves us so much.  We need to believe that God's favor is before us.  We need to live in expectation of God's special provision and promotion. We should arise each morning excited to see what special thing God will do for us that day.  He can cause us to receive special treatment, unbelievable breaks, one blessing after another.  The favor of God can defy the wisdom of man.   We need to acknowledge that these things are not luck, but the favor of God.

Another thing I think we need to do is speak the favor of God over our lives.   Here are some biblical affirmations with the scriptures they are based on that speak favor :

• God surrounds and protects me with favor like a shield.  (Psalms 5:12)
• The Lord is a sun and shield.  He bestows favor and honor, and no good thing does he withhold from me.  (Psalms 84:11)
• I actively live by God's wisdom, therefore I am highly favored and esteemed in the sight of God and men.  (Proverbs 3:1 - 3; Proverbs 8:33 - 35)
• God's favor brings promotion and causes me to increase daily.  (Esther 2:17; Psalms 75:67
• My enemies cannot triumph over me because God has favored me.  (Psalms 41:11

So, as Joel Osteen says, " Keep God first in your life,  He'll take you places you you haven't even dreamed of!"

God love you !

Be Not Afraid

Be Not Afraid:

The bible tells us, "Have I not commanded thee?  Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest."  Joshua 1:9.  In another place it says, "Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."  Deuteronomy 31:6.    So, why do we have fear?

Fear is an emotion induced by a perceived threat, which causes a change in brain and organ function and ultimately a change in behavior; such as running away, hiding or freezing.  Fear may occur in response to a specific stimulus happening in the present or to a future situation which is perceived as a risk to health or life, status, power, security, wealth or anything held valuable.  Fear is modulated by the process of cognition and learning.   Motivational speaker and writer Earl Nightengale calls fear:  False Education Appearing Real.  People develop specific fears as a result of learning. 

Fear is judged as rational or appropriate or irrational or inappropriate also called a phobia.  Anxiety is slightly different from fear  and results from threats which are perceived as uncontrollable or unavoidable.  Book author Bill Trancer by analysing the most frequent queries online containing the phrase "fear of......" published a list of the top ten fears in 2008:

• Flying
• Heights
• Clowns
• Intimacy
• Death
• Rejection
• People 
• Snakes
• Failure
• Driving  

After a situation inciting fear occurs the amygdala and hippocampus, two parts of the brain,  record the event and initiate the fear reaction.   A drug treatment for fear conditioning and phobias via the amygdala is the use of glucocorticoids  which disrupt the amygdala response.  This is a drug treatment.  Then there is cognitive behavior therapy which can help people overcome fear.  An active and successful approach involves people repeatedly confronting their fears in a safe manner.  By doing this a person is able to suppress the fear triggering memory or stimulus.  Known as "exposure therapy", it is claimed this practice can help cure up to 90% of people with specific phobias.  

As people of faith we have a most powerful resource to help face and overcome our fears and anxieties.  It is our belief in God's loving care for us, and His word revealed in the bible.   Here are a few verses to keep in your heart:

• The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom, shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of  my life; Of who shall I be afraid?   Psalm 27: 1
• Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.   Proverbs 3: 5-7
• For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.  2Timothy 1:7
• Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God.   Philippians 4: 6
• I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.   Philippians 4: 13

Pray to God for stronger faith that you might draw strength from his Word and be able to face and overcome your fears.

God love you!

The World's Light

The World's Light:

I love lighthouses.  They are beautiful and serve an important purpose.  More importantly they remind me of what Jesus says in Matthew 5: 14 - 16,  "  You are the world's light - a city on  hill glowing for all to see.  Don't hide your light !  Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father."

I believe God calls us to be his representatives on earth.  He wants us to reflect his grace and mercy.   He wants us to be kind and courteous to everyone we meet.  Aim to give a word of encouragement to the people you meet.  We do not know what they are going through in their lives.  They may be having one of the worst days of their life.   We can be a blessing to them by reflecting the loving kindness of our Father in heaven.   I believe God wants us to be a blessing to other people.  By our words and actions we can help them to achieve their salvation. 

In Philippeans 4: 4 - 6 St. Paul advises us, "Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything.  Tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for his answers.   If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus."   This is what we want to pass on to others.  So, turn on your light and show the world what the Lord can do!

God love you !

The Presence of God

The Presence of God:

Over three centuries ago there was a lay brother who was a cook at the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Paris.  He was given the name Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection.   Brother Lawrence wrote very little and little of that survived.  Abbe de Beaufort put together some of his letters and wrote down what he could remember from his conversations  with Brother Lawrence.  Brother Lawrence's thoughts have influenced generations of people, and he continues  even today to point the way toward the practice of the presence of God.  Brother Lawrence said that we should settle ourselves firmly in God's presence by constantly talking to Him, and that we should be ashamed when we let our thoughts of trivial and silly things break into the conversation.  That we should feed our souls by thinking of God, and that this devotion to God would give us great joy.   

Brother Lawrence says we ought to give ourselves up to God with regard to things both spiritual and temporal, and seek satisfaction only in fulfilling His will, whether he lead us by suffering or consolation for all would be equal to a soul truly resigned.   Brother Lawrence expected to have a turn of pain and suffering, but he was not uneasy about it knowing he could do nothing of himself, God would not fail to give him the strength to bear it.  

When an occasion offered itself for practising some virtue, he addressed himself to God saying, "Lord, I cannot do this unless Thou enables me.", and then he received strength more than sufficient.  When he failed in his duty, he only confessed his fault saying to God, "I will never do otherwise if you leave me to myself, tis you must hinder my falling and mend what is amiss," and after this he gave himself no other uneasiness about it.   Brother Lawrence says we ought, without anxiety, to expect the pardon of our sins from the Blood of Jesus Christ only endeavoring to love Him with all our hearts. 

Brother Lawrence says the greatest pains and pleasures of this world were not to be compared with what he had experienced of both kinds in a spiritual state, so that he was careful for nothing and feared nothing , desiring but one thing from God, that he might not offend Him. 

We need only to recognize God intimately present with us, to address ourselves to Him at every moment, that we may beg His assistance in knowing His will in things doubtful and for rightly performing those which we plainly see He requires of us, offering them to Him before we do them, and giving Him thanks when we have done.  

Something to think about; something to try. 

God love you !

Hope:

Hope can be defined as an optomistic attitude of mind based on the expectation of positive outcomes related to events and circumstances in one's life or the world at large.   As a verb, its definitions include "expect with confidence", and  "to cherish a desire with anticipation".  Opposites of hope are "dejection", "hopelessness", and "despair".

Hope is a major concept in most major world religions.  In Christianity hope is one of the theological virtues alongside faith and love.  The greatest hope in the Christian faith is that of eternal life.

The Catholic "Act of Hope"

            O my God, relying on your almighty power,

             infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain

             pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life

             everlasting through the merits of Jesus Christ, my

             Lord and Redeemer.

So, we have confidence that with God's help we can get to heaven.  We also have confidence that God is true to his word as found in the bible.  He will provide for us.  He will help us.  He is our rock and refuge.  

Martin Luther King Jr. states "Everything that is done in the world is done by hope."   When we attempt something, it is because we have a confident expectation that we can accomplish it.  If it were not so, we would never begin.

G.K. Chesterson says, "To love means loving the unlovable.  To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable.  Faith means believing the unbelievable.  Hope means hoping when everything is hopeless".   This is our challenge.

So, be a person of hope.  Confidently expect the favor of God in all you do.  Do not be afraid.  You have a God who loves you and longs to give you all good things.

God love you!