The Journey

During this Advent season we will be taking a journey during worship based on a book called “The Journey, Walking the Road to Bethlehem”, by Adam Hamilton.  Each week will explore a different story from the Bible and the journey those people had to undertake as they lived their lives journeying towards the birth of Jesus.  We will not only learn about Mary, Joseph and Elizabeth but we will learn about the surroundings they inhabited as they began this journey.  My hope is that each of us will be encouraged to take our own journey during worship to be reminded of or learn the true meaning of Christmas. 

As Adam Hamilton so bluntly shares in his book of reflections, “Christmas today seems like an orgy of overindulgence. Many Americans go into debt to make sure their children have "enough" under the tree at Christmas and then watch as their kids become weary after opening so many presents. We find ourselves with a "Christmas hangover" when the credit card bills arrive. Somehow we miss out on the true message and joy of Christmas (Hamilton, Adam (2011). The Journey: A Season of Reflections (Kindle Locations 106-109). Abingdon Press. Kindle Edition.)

Often in the rush of Christmas schedules and busyness we let that meaning of Christmas fall to the wayside, overtaken by Christmas parties, family obligations and unfortunately lots of stress.  So as we take this journey this Advent season lets be sure to slow down occasionally and focus on the birth of our savior Jesus. 

You can check out Adam's book through the link below.

Peace and Blessings to you during this special time of year.

Pastor David Machon

 http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426714252

Are Our Roots Deep

I have been asking the congregation I serve to consider their level of faith and how that faith frees up or hinders their relationship with God and others.  As we explored 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 in worship I asked them about their ability to find delight in the law of the Lord.  Why should God trust us with His message?  How are we qualified?  And how are we letting people know about our faith.  Are the roots of our faith being nourished and have they dug in deep making their own personal faith strong? 

I encouraged them to speak boldly about their faith and demonstrate that faith through their actions.  And at times that may mean that they must "tell it like it is" when it comes to potential conflict.  Often the easier route is to avoid conflict and allow things to carry on as always.  To be fearless in speaking out for example, when the abuse of power is taking place within the Christian community will not be easy but is necessary for the development of true community. 

I encouraged personal integrity and referenced Paul who said that "he and his companions were not flatterers, nor greedy, nor seeking hone, despite the fact that as leaders they might have claimed honor (vv-6-7). 

I encouraged them to focus on pleasing God rather than humans.

I encouraged them to be willing to share their own struggles, doubts and uncertainties with each other as part of this Christian Community.  And by doing do they will grow in their faith as they learn from each other. 

I wonder if anyone was listening?