Shepherds

After the birth of the King of all Kings the appearance of angels visiting shepherds is an interesting twist. They are out in the country tending sheep. Suddenly the starry sky is filled with beings telling them not to be afraid, something wonderful has happened! I’m sure they wondered why these celestial visitors came to them, lowly agricultural workers. They were instructed to go to Bethlehem and see this child who has been born. One of my Pastors, Scott Greene of WCC, threw in one of his rabbit trail thoughts recently in a message, “What did the shepherds do after the Angels gave them the news? They didn’t go to a local department store and buy gifts for one another! They went to see Jesus!” Christmas is a time for giving but if we don’t take time for Jesus...it really can be hollow and empty. The Shepherds, unlikely recipients of unbelievable news, headed to see the babe in the manger. Joseph and Mary must have been pretty surprised when they showed up with their flock! But Luke tells us, “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” (Luke 2:17-18) Christmas can be a stressful and lonely time for many. Part of the reason may be that we focus too much on gifts, gatherings and galas. This Christmas focus on The Gift, Jesus Christ, and like those herdsmen of yore share the Good News of His love, grace and mercy to your neighbors, friends and strangers. Go shopping, attend events and serve with a better attitude everyone will appreciate. Merry Christmas!

Plastic Jesus

I stopped at Central Park to take a break and look at the Nativity Scene. Joseph, Mary and Jesus made of plastic with lights inside glowing at night. It reminds those who pass of the real “Reason For The Season.” I wonder if there are times when people look at followers of Jesus (I’m including myself) and see us being synthetic. The world is starved for that which is real and don’t need factitious religious folks. Many years ago William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, was asked about a new translation of the Bible and whether Christians should be reading it instead of the King James Version. Booth’s answer was very insightful, “"I want to see a new translation of the Bible into the hearts and conduct of living men and women." He was alluding to verses like Colossians 3:16 that says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” The figures in that Nativity scene are clean, serene and lifeless. Not like the young couple who travelled far and delivered a child in a smelly stable surrounded by livestock. Jesus, the Word of God, put on skin and lived in this messy world showing us The Way. His followers are not called to be statues but living witnesses who reach out in this chaotic world with His love and mercy. Christ should be “translated” into our daily actions as our lives are gifts to “Others” sharing the Good News of Christmas throughout the year!