Christmas Spirit

“God sent His One and Only Son into the world so that we might live through Him”  I John 4:9

John knew how to capture the very essence of the Spirit of Christmas.

Words like spirit are very simple to say but a bit hard to define.

Cambridge dictionary offers several options, but even these are not definitive:

            n. A state of mind or attitude;

            n. Something that one can feel to be present but cannot see.

Don’t you hate it when the definitions are not very definitive? Seems to defeat the concept of defining, does it not?

No wonder Jesus said, “The wind (lit spirit) blows where it pleases and you hear its sound but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. That’s the way it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Jesus explains: I hear it but I can’t see it. I know something is there but I don’t know how it got there or where it will go. But it is real.

So. . .

Spirit is real; but we can’t see it.

Spirit is actual; but we can’t measure it.

Spirit is contagious; but we can’t bottle it.

“What gives, Dan? You mean Something is real but we can’t see or fully understand it?”

PRECISELY.

It’s that way about God and spiritual things. Just about the time we think we have God or spiritual things defined and nailed down, it appears God delights in flipping our understanding and supposed definitive ideas upside down.

God loves to show us we don’t know all we think we know. He is greater than our bandwidth of understanding or formulating. He has more depth and dimension than we have capacity.

God is God. I am not.

No wonder He instructs us: “Without faith it is impossible to please God for the one who comes to God must believe that He is real (exists) and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

He is MORE REAL than what we can see. All the stuff we see is aging and in some state of decay. HE is NOT. EVER.

And that is why we, you and me, need Christmas Spirit.

Christmas Spirit calls me to give to GOD—One I can’t see;

things I can see-like my time, my energy, my stuff;

to gain what I can’t see—eternal life, His power and rest, riches that last.

Christmas Spirit is a choice we make that says, “God, I choose to let You be real to me and make sure I know it.”  It blesses me as well as others.

Christmas Spirit will not slip up on you or happen to you. It’s a choice you make to open up to what is really real and to see what you can’t see.

Yet.

“Be it done for you according to your faith.”  Matthew 9:29

Good deeds are real good

“Let your light shine before people so they will see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

I’m not sure why, but it seems to me like good deeds sometimes get a bad rap from church leaders. . . even though they have done nothing to deserve it.

How could that happen? Likely it comes from a fear of giving the impression that good deeds somehow contribute to one’s salvation. But that need not be.

Good deeds are a really good thing. They are rooted in compassion.

No, they do not contribute to our salvation. Only the atoning death of Jesus on the Cross is sufficient to deal with sin. Good deeds can never atone for sin and they certainly can’t earn our salvation.

Jesus never taught that. Of all people, He was fully aware of the way forgiveness comes.

But Jesus said good words about good deeds. He taught they are a result of the grace of God in one’s life. They are motivated by compassion They point people to God as they reflect His goodness and grace through our lives.

Good deeds deliver a powerful and persuasive message. They project that God is not only righteous; He is good and compassionate.

Yes, good deeds are really good.

One of America’s Founding Fathers is noted for his wisdom and turn of phrase. Ben Franklin, a writer, printer and publisher, spoke and wrote wise words that shaped life in America. A case can be made for or against him being a man of Christian faith. But no case can be made against him being a man who saw the value of good deeds.

Note this excerpt from a letter he wrote to Joseph Huey on 6/6/1753.

“The Faith you mention has doubtless its use in the World. I do not desire to see it diminished, nor would I endeavour to lessen it in any Man. But I wish it were more productive of good Works, than I have generally seen it: I mean real good Works, Works of Kindness, Charity, Mercy, and Publick Spirit; not Holiday-keeping, Sermon-Reading or Hearing; performing Church Ceremonies, or making long Prayers, filled with Flatteries and Compliments, despis’d even by wise Men, and much less capable of pleasing the Deity. The worship of God is a Duty; the hearing and reading of Sermons may be useful; but, if Men rest in Hearing and Praying, as too many do, it is as if a Tree should Value itself on being water’d and putting forth Leaves, tho’ it never produc’d any Fruit.”

Franklin saw with clarity the relationship of faith and good deeds/works. Good faith produces good deeds. Good deeds validate the believer’s faith but also the Christian faith to a skeptical world.

Yes, good deeds are real good.

Compassion in plain clothes

“When you did it for these vulnerable ones, you did it for Me.” Jesus Matthew 25:40

I smile thinking about it.

I’m sure I’ll enjoy the memory for some time. That’s what happens when friends, co-workers and family gather together and share meaningful moments. We did that Sunday at Covenant Park as we turned our focus toward a person who embodies qualities we value and wish to emulate.

I bet you might be thinking I’m writing about Jesus; but I’m not.

I’m writing about one of His friends. I’m writing about Mike. Yes, that Mike: the one with a peculiar sense of fashion. (Isn’t that a tasteful way to describe a guy who can pull off wearing 2 colors of Chuck Taylor All Stars with dress pants, a denim shirt and a wild necktie?)

He’s the one of whom it was said, “Mike, you are the only one who can pull off being Mike.” It’s true. The rest of us just look silly when we try to imitate the real thing. Because Mike is the genuine article. He runs deep, all the way to the bone.

His deep down quality is compassion. That means he cares for people like Jesus did. He notices the ones we often overlook. He gives attention to the ones we are prone to neglect. And on chilly days, he warms up the workspace of ministry assistants by turning on their heaters before they arrive. Best of all, he does it whether anyone knows it or not.

He says he “got that” from being raised in a family that valued compassion and serving others. If that’s true, it’s quite a heritage his parents passed along. I wonder if all the other family members “got it” as well? I don’t know the answer to my question, but I kind of doubt it; because Mike does it so effortlessly and consistently.

My theory is Mike got it from Jesus. Because I know Mike loves Jesus. I know this not because I see him read His book or work in His church or say His words. He does all these things, but I know Mike loves Jesus because he acts like Jesus.

“If you love Me you will do what I say.”-John 14:15.

Yes. Jesus said it and He meant it. And apparently Mike got it. Mike doesn’t have to dress “like a preacher” to act like Jesus. He just wears plain clothes in a very un-plain way.

He’s compassion in plain clothes: an example to us all.

I'm old enough to remember an advertising campaign featuring Michael Jordan with a jingle, “I want to be like Mike.”  That’s the way a lot of our Covenant Family felt today on Mike Watterson Appreciation day.

One of our Covenant Community Partners wrote: “Mike was the leader who sought out the room to clean, the sidewalk to sweep, the clothes to fold, the food to distribute. He was fearless on the streets and yet pure of heart when it came to the people we serve. Mike never saw color or class or ethnicity—he only saw humanity.”

Seeing humanity. Serving others.

Sound like Anyone Else you know?  And this time I’m not talking about Mike.

It’s a special day when the obvious is recognized and appreciated.

Mike, thanks for wearing Compassion in plain clothes. You made it easy for us to see.

Broken Compassion

Some days seem determined to remind us how broken life is. That kind of day seems longer, the skies seem grayer and the sweetness seems to be sucked out of our favorite things.

I don’t like those kinds of days. . . and the past two weeks seemed to be full of them.

Broken things: I’ve talked about some, worked on some, prayed through some, cried because of some and even smiled at one.

Broken things require attention. It may need repair or correction or additional focus but it demands attention. Because something that wasn’t broken now is. That which was whole is now cracked. Things that were solid are now . . . not . . . so . . . much. 

It may be health or dreams or hearts or bones or plans or promises or schedules or finances or records or relationships or your favorite cup.

(Yes, I know that was a monster run-on sentence and long list. . . but I bet you could say, “Hey, you left out mine” and then you might add a few of your own broken things to my list.)

I’ll write it again: Some days seem determined to remind us how broken life is. And—When something is broken it demands attention.

The car must be fixed. The heart must learn to go on. The schedule must be reworked. The doctor must be consulted. The plans must be adjusted.

Life screams, “Pay attention! Something’s wrong!”

It is foolish to deny what I see and feel and try to project, “I am strong enough to dodge the pain” and act like I can avoid the brokenness of life.

I can do it but it only makes the gray skies darker. Turn to the broken thing; embrace the pain because it’s an inevitable part of life.

Life screams when broken things hit our radar, especially of the serious type. That’s when a good dose of compassion quiets the screaming, soothes our feelings and makes the brokenness much easier to face.

Compassion is an antidote for the self-pity or depressing sense of isolation that may creep into our psyches when the hurts of brokenness dig deeply into our soul. Broken things rarely leave us emotionally unscathed.

We become unglued when our life gets broken. Compassion given from one who perceives our need and responds to address our need is a welcome and longed-for relief. Compassion isn’t always able to fix what’s broken but it can take time to cry with us, sit silently with us and give us the gift of presence.

Compassion says, “I see you in your hurt. You are not invisible to me. I can do what I can do. I will listen more than talk and hurt with and for you because I have no answers to make it go away.”

Compassion that heals begins by facing the hurts of broken life honestly and humbly. It begins as we open our own brokenness to Jesus and grows as we turn it toward others.

We start out broken and end as healers. It’s a Broken Compassion . . . and it’s a priceless and powerful gift.

It’s the kind Jesus had. Remember His description: “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” He has the Broken Compassion that can save a world.

“Jesus saw the multitudes and felt compassion for them.” Matthew 9:36

Election Grace

Usually when you hear the words “election” and “grace” in the context of a pastor’s writings, you might want to duck and say, “Enough with the Calvinist/Arminian debate.”

I wish.

Instead we in the USA find ourselves in a culture spiraling downwards in the death grip of selfish mindsets. Sadly, the Church (God’s people) has done little to abate the indecent attitudes and behaviors.

Anyone familiar with the church I pastor knows I have led and worked to keep decidedly apolitical in our public speech and the culture of The Church at Covenant Park.

I’m not about to change that.

God’s ability to forge unity in the midst of our diversity is way too valuable to waste on something so temporal as political elections.

But as a Teacher and Preacher of God’s Word, I must proclaim God’s call for charitable speech, admirable behavior and noble goals for His people. As His people we should shine light, show love and bring patience into the fray of American politics.

American politics (and I guess any free country’s politics) has always been a rough and tumble blood sport. This is not a new occurrence. Reading a selection of election speeches, debates and accusations since the founding of the Republic requires a thick skin and strong stomach. There are a lot of negative attack ads there. The recent Broadway phenomenon “HAMILTON”* provides a primer on some of our national Founder’s political skill to poison a reputation.

But enough is enough, already.

It’s ironic that various voices from any of the 4 candidate camps are calling for our country to return to its historic roots with a noticeable “and you must agree with us or you are stupid or unpatriotic” attitude.

One thing for certain about the roots of American political thought. There were tremendously strong opinions about the shape, size and scope of government. 2 parties formed around philosophical disagreements on these matters during President George Washington’s terms in office. The Federalist Party (Hamilton and Adams were chief leaders) and the Democratic-Republican Party (Jefferson and Madison were chief leaders) reflected and provided vigorous debate. Passions and beliefs were strongly held, stated and debated. But at the end of the day, there was a goal: a United States of America. The right to dissent was considered a basic and protected right. It was protected freedom of speech included in the First Amendment to the Constitution. But the right of dissent included respect for the Law and the Government. Debate issues, yes; destroy unity, no. Disagree strongly, yes; deny respect, no.

One respected voice gave his indispensible wisdom and wit during the Constitutional debate: “I confess that there are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them . . . Thus I consent, Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best. The opinions I have had of its errors, I sacrifice to the public good. I have never whispered a syllable of them abroad. Within these walls they were born, and here they shall die.”

“I sacrifice them to the public good” . . . what a wellspring of rich thought and deep character. It’s called humility. And it issued from a man who is known for his wisdom, common sense and inventive genius. We know him as Benjamin Franklin.

Instead of demanding his way Benjamin Franklin opted to favor the public good; i.e. what is best for the most. Instead of using inflammatory language to hammer home his disagreements, Mr. Franklin spoke healing words to bridge the differences and bring the unity.

What a blessing. On this eve of a Presidential Election, may we pray and work for Election Grace.

*(I'm a HUGE fan of HAMILTON and hope to see it when I can get a ticket without taking out a loan-until then I'm loving the soundtrack and enjoying the book)

Trick or Treat

“You have done these things and I have kept silent; you thought I was just like you. . .” Psalm 50:21

 “. . . you thought I was just like you” certainly does not sound like something God would say. But check it out; it’s there - in black and white, for all the world to see.  

It’s the only time that phrase is found in Scripture.   

I wonder why it’s in there?

Well, I was checking out Halloween decorations and getting ready to hand out goodies to our neighborhood kids when I had this idea: It is frightening (BOO!) how the Almighty Creator God is treated by His creation.

Here’s what I see us doing: somehow (quite naturally) we mentally dress up God in outfits of our making. We make Him into something He’s NOT. We dress Him up in “outfits” that are so NOT Him.

Things like: “I wonder why God loves other people but not me?” . . . “I know God would never do that!” . . . “ “God never answers my prayers; He has forgotten me.” “There’s no way God would ever forgive THAT!”

It’s like we are playing trick or treat with God. We “dress Him up” and ask, “Is He good or bad today?” “Will He give me a trick or a treat?”

Somehow we forget something important Jesus taught about Father God: “Which of you fathers gives your son a snake if he asks for a fish? Or a rock if he asks for bread?”-Matthew 7:9-10 (interpretive translation)

Then Jesus says this about Father God: “If you fathers who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father God give good things to those who ask Him?!” –Matthew 7:11

We foolishly think God is like us. Like, depending on His mood or the kind of day He’s had, He will treat us—(i.e. do what we want, give us whatever we want, or undo what we’ve done) or God will trick us—(i.e. deceive us, ignore us, neglect us or hurt us.) Trouble is, neither of our thoughts, trick or treat, is worthy of God.

God is not a Trick or Treat God. He is the God of welcome; He is the God Who says, “I’ve been looking for you and am glad you are coming to Me.”

Jesus reveals His Father God is a god of Hospitality: He is the God Who says, “All you who are weak and burdened, come to Me and I’ll give you blessed peace.” Matthew 11:28

“I’m preparing a place for you and I will come back and receive you to Myself. Where I am is where I want you to be”-Jesus  John 14:2

That’s the spirit of hospitality. Hospitality is what happens when we anticipate and prepare to provide an inviting and accepting experience of blessing with those God brings into our lives.

It’s just like the song we teach our little ones, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me; the Bible tells me so.”

God is not a Trick or Treat God. He is way too good for that. Just ask Him.

Unaware

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

“Without knowing it”. . . what a phrase.

“Without knowing it” sounds like someone isn’t too smart. The cynic in me wants to yell, “If you can do something and not know it, does it matter that you did it?”

You better believe it.

We often do things without knowing the effect of what we do.

            *Did you ever say something that hurt someone “without knowing it”?

            *Were you ever an encouragement “without knowing it”?

            *Did a mom ever show love “without knowing it”?

 

            *Did a teacher ever instill values and aspirations “without knowing it”?

Of course, we do things without knowing it every day.

Maybe that’s why Scripture admonishes us (remember the Author/Inspirer of Scripture is GOD) “do not dare to neglect showing hospitality to strangers.”

The word translated “Hospitality” in the language of the Bible has an interesting structure and meaning. It’s a compound word from the words for “affectionate loving” and “those who are different, other or strangers.”

Hmmm. . . so, God is saying in Scripture, “Make sure you show affectionate love for those who are different than you.” Yep.

Huh?

Are you sure God meant to say that?

Hey, I'm not the editor; I’m just a reader of the Good Book. But it’s called the Good Book because it has tons of GOOD THINGS like this that stretch our brains and expand our horizons. And, I should add, drive some people crazy

God is determined to bring His thoughts and perspective to us. So much so that He decided to identify with the “different, other and strangers” in His world through the Incarnation. He did this to bring the stranger home, to include the different, to love the other.

Go ahead and scratch your head while you’re thinking. It’s ok to be amazed because that’s what God does. He amazes us. His wisdom astounds and His heart overwhelms.

God loves those who are “different” . . . “other”. . . and “strangers.”

That’s a good thing and I’m glad about it. That means there’s a place for me in His family. Just because I sense I’m different and often feel I don’t belong in most circles doesn’t mean I don’t belong in His.

And that means there’s room for everybody who will come in. That’s called Good News. It’s what Jesus taught, lived and left.

Did you know He said, “Those who are well don’t need a doctor, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17?

Wow. I was unaware of that.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2