Prepare the Wild-erness

Isaiah 40:3-5

From the news of this week, Christmas at worst is a time of wild acquisition (Black Friday and Cyber Monday) and social obligation (translated: a desire to be on a certain “guest list”). Furthermore as we look back on last night’s presidential speech, many ask, “When will the world take a ‘break’ from war, violence, and hatred?”

Imagine for a moment that is was all just a scene on a movie set on the back lot of Hollywood. All just part of a big colossal movie production, where we as the director, following a script, could yell, “Cut!” and then ask the question: “What do we as a people need to do to straighten the way, level the peaks and valleys, smooth out the rough spots, and prepare the wilderness of life in God’s manner and way?” Do you think that we’d do any of this differently? Take a different approach, spend our resources a different way. Reach out in a different manner than we currently are? What about letting others give their input on differing ways, ways that might even be more effective – would we even listen let alone try?

That’s the question to each of us as individuals this Advent – in preparation compared to past ways, would you do anything differently to prepare in God’s way? God wants us to repent and repair our world, beginning with us first, so that our celebration upholds a faithfulness rather than simply rote practices or tired worn out expressions of another holiday season and year to come. To consider ways that bring renewal to us as well as others.

As Isaiah has written, I too pray that you hear the voice calling your heart – and find the shalom of renewal that is called for all. Let God’s glory be revealed through your life as well as in your life this Advent season.

Going “Green” This Christmas

Luke 3:7-11


In the midst of “Advent 1 – Jesus on the horizon,” John the Baptizer is calling for a change of heart from the religious majority as they hide behind their safe connection to Abraham. John replies, “God can make children from stones if he wants. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming?” I can see the crowd hustling and bustling during a busy time of year. Half listening with one ear while going through the lists in their mind of all the things they have yet to do, driving them at such a rapid pace in their life. One just now musing over the “brood” part of his message more concerned with image than content, “What did he just call me?” Yet, some heard John’s call, as they asked “What shall we do?”

“BE GREEN – be full of life for others… if you have the luxury of two coats, give one away.” In other words, can those who need coats get them and do those who possess coats also possess the insight to give them? Be green and blossoming in your life’s actions. Note that I said insight to give, not ability. If I were to count the coats alone in my house, I would see that have the ability to give. But do I have the insight into what God calls me to be and what I truly can do? For giving without rearranging the conditions that created the injustice, becomes giving out of excess and not out of the heart. Green is a movement to make a difference in one’s conditions as well as in my life.

As you check your list, give with the insight of rearranging the conditions in life. Pick one where you can make a difference and then stay connected and committed to making that life changing difference - that’s the GREEN of giving.