Pastor’s Corner – December 2008

The Christmas Spirit may be a little bluer this year than in the past.  With all the concern about the economy and jobs we may feel that it is not possible to do as much for our families as we have in the past.  This might be true if Christmas was merely about buying things for family members.  Instead it is about honoring a gift given to each of us, a life.  The gift didn’t originate in a factory, nor was it shipped from overseas.  It wasn’t available in any mall or store, nor could Santa bring it down the chimney.  It came from the love of God for you and I and everyone else in the world.

Try something different this year.  Plan a family event as part of Christmas, an event that represents the real Spirit of the season.  Go caroling as a family or as a group of families, not just in your neighborhood but for families that cannot get out or families that you know are having a hard time.  When you finish caroling, deliver something homemade, cookies, bread, or something similar, (maybe even fruitcake—not the kind that can double as a door stop).

Contact local food pantries that will be open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day or places that will serve a meal that day and act as a family volunteer.  Wear festive clothes and make it as joyous a time as you can for those who have no place else to go for food.

Is there an elderly person you know with no family with whom to share the holidays?  Invite them to Christmas dinner.  Use your imagination and truly give of yourself.  You may find that it will be one of the richest Christmases ever.

If your children are too little for these activities, share a Christmas book reading time.  My favorite is still The Littlest Angel.  Remember the story of the little boy who goes to Heaven and becomes an angel, not a very good angel, but an angel none the less.  On Christmas he is challenged to give his greatest gift to the infant Jesus.  Just in case you never heard the story, I’ll let you find out the rest by reading it.  I have a copy that I would be happy to loan to anyone.

The best memories of Christmas are never about the presents wrapped under the tree, but about the presence shared with each other and with the Presence of God.

Shalom and Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year, Darrell

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Pastor’s Corner – November 2008

November is the month of Thanksgiving, and this year we will have a lot for which to give thanks.  First, the political ads will END by Nov. 5!!!

Actually we really do have things for which to be grateful.  I challenge everyone to sit down and at least once each week during November, write out a list of thanks givings.  Challenge yourself to list everything that comes to your mind, even what you might consider too small or inconsequential.  If you are fortunate, this will become as much a habit as (hopefully) daily prayers.

Why write all this down?  When we list everything mentally, it is easy to overlook something or play down some gift and not realize the extent.  When we write them down they become more concrete, we are able to hold them and show them to others, and keep them for future efforts in thanksgiving.

There is a popular book sweeping the country called The Secret.  It focuses upon the idea that if we focus our intentions on the things we want, they will be attracted to us.  Positive thinking for the 21st century.  I want to redirect this concept to thanks giving.  If we focus upon all that we have received and express our gratitude for these gifts, we may realize that we have everything that we truly need already.  Everything else is something we would like to have.  Instead of dissatisfaction with never getting all we want, we will learn to discover what we actually need.

We are on the midst of challenging times.  We need to be honest with ourselves about the differences between wants and needs.  An attitude of gratitude will amaze and astound people around us, especially when others are wringing their hands for the lack of wants and the lack of thankfulness.

God is gracious and even in the midst of strife there is always faith, home and love,  Indeed, the greatest of these three is love.

Shalom, Darrell