Cedar Point is famous...
Illustration
Object:
Isaiah 2:1-5
Cedar Point is famous for its roller coasters. The great machines stand high above the island amusement park, beckoning thrill-seekers from all over the country. Entrants to the park shine with gleeful enthusiasm as they pass beneath the gate. Schools bring busloads of students on physics field trips or for other events, and classmates join together as they take on the Raptor, the Millennium Force, and the park's other coasters. Differences are forgotten as students who normally don't associate with each other join up to be ride partners on the tallest, fastest, and sleekest rides. The wonder of being in one of the world's greatest amusement parks is enough to overcome students' stereotypes about each other.
Leah T.
Isaiah 2:1-5
At the end of the Crimean War in 1856, Immanuel Nobel went bankrupt. His armaments factory, located in St. Petersburg, was no longer needed to provide munitions for the war effort. Immanuel returned to his home country of Sweden, leaving his three oldest sons behind to salvage the business. One son, Alfred, was trained as a chemist and physicist. Through tireless work he discovered the lethal combination of mixing nitroglycerine and black powder, to create what he called dynamite. He went on to develop several other explosive devices, one of which was ballistite. His intention for their use was to be peaceful, as they were to be used in manufacturing. But, as can be expected, their destructive potential soon made them tools of the military.
Alfred was quiet and shy, and a man who loved to read. He was also an idealist who openly spoke against militarism. Due to these pursuits he became a close friend of Austrian author and peace activist Bertha von Suttner. Disheartened by how his innovations were being employed, Alfred retreated to Paris where he lived most of his adult life. Though, as an inventor an astute businessman, Alfred was extremely wealthy.
It took Alfred several years to prepare his will, with the final version being dated November 27, 1895. The contents of the document only became known after his death on October 10, 1896. In his will he set forth honorary awards for physics, chemistry, and medicine, all of which are reflective of his engineering background. There was an award for literature, reflective of his love of reading and books. But, to the surprise of many, there was an award for peace.
The peace award was inspired by his good friend Bertha von Suttner. It was recognition of Alfred's desire to compensate for the militaristic use of dynamite. The section of the will regarding the peace prize reads in part that it is to be awarded to the person who "… shall have done in the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." The prize was first awarded in 1901 to Henri Dunant, the founder of the International Red Cross, and Frédéric Passy, the founder of the first French Peace Society.
The progress for peace is slow, but there is progress as men like Alfred Bernhard Nobel and women like Bertha von Suttner hear the prophecy of Isaiah, "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore."
Ron L.
Romans 13:11-14
Tomorrow Dick will be ringing a bell in front of a local store for the tenth year. One afternoon a week during Advent Dick will be at his station, drumming support for the Salvation Army. Dick does so because he knows that it is one of the most efficient organizations when it comes to helping people in need.
As he stands there in all sorts of weather people will share what the Salvation Army did for them or someone they know who was down on her or his luck. A senior citizen shared, "When I was a kid, probably seven or eight my widowed mother was trying to raise a family and things were bleak. It was all she could do to keep us fed." The children did not expect any gifts that Christmas. Then the day before Christmas, the bright red Salvation Army truck pulled up in front of their home. They received baskets of food and there were even gifts for everyone, including his mother. "I'll never forget the joy I felt or the words of the worker as he left, 'God bless you all.' "
The man deposited some money in to the kettle and as he turned Dick saw tears welling up in his eyes. This was just one of the many people who stop each year to share their story with Dick.
As we enter the season of Advent may each of us remember those less fortunate and give generously. The apostle Paul's challenge to us this day is, "now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers."
Tim S.
Romans 13:11-14
It's interesting how works of darkness seem to like the night. According to the National Crime Victimization Society, over 63% of sexual assaults and rapes take place at night, and 71% of motor vehicle thefts are also in the night. While crime can take place at any time, it's interesting how certain ones seem to like it when the sun's not shining.
The entire world was shrouded in darkness before Jesus came. This Advent, though, we can rejoice, knowing that the "Son" is rising! "The night is far gone; the day is at hand" (v. 12).
Craig K.
Matthew 24:36-44
College students get a little anxious before their parents come to visit. They spend a few days frantically cleaning their apartment or dorm room, making sure that their laundry is clean and all surfaces are white glove test worthy. Usually parents schedule their visits far in advance, but every now and then they may stop by for a surprise visit. Conscientious students whose parents live close enough to drop by unannounced may live more conservatively than some of their peers. Instead of just cleaning before parents' day, these students try to keep their apartments at least a little bit tidy all of the time.
Leah T.
Matthew 24:36-44
The day and the hour did come. Even if it was long delayed.
In 2007, the 24-year-old actress Lindsay Lohan served 84 minutes of a four-day sentence in jail. Her violations were numerous, with two counts of driving under the influence of cocaine, two counts of driving with a blood-alcohol level above 0.08, and one count of reckless driving. Following the lengthy 84-minute internment, Lohan proceeded to continually violate her probation and absent herself from seven rehabilitation classes. After missing a May court hearing, for she was partying in Cannes, she was ordered to wear an alcohol monitoring ankle bracelet. When this device detected alcohol in her system, she was once again ordered to appear in court. As Lohan wept, Judge Marsha Revel sentenced her to ninety days in jail and ninety days of inpatient rehabilitation. The judge said there were "a number of instances that would show her not taking things seriously." The prosecutor, Danettte Meyers, noted all the previous judicial decrees "didn't catch her attention." But amidst the tears Lohan still failed to comprehend the power of the judiciary, as she had painted on her fingernails, "F_ _ k U."
Jesus said it would seem like business as usual until the Day of Judgment came raining down from heaven. Then, for those who had no regard for God, they would suddenly find that ninety days would really be an eternity. They would then be less concerned about a manicure, and more concerned that love and obedience was tattooed on their hearts.
Ron L.
Cedar Point is famous for its roller coasters. The great machines stand high above the island amusement park, beckoning thrill-seekers from all over the country. Entrants to the park shine with gleeful enthusiasm as they pass beneath the gate. Schools bring busloads of students on physics field trips or for other events, and classmates join together as they take on the Raptor, the Millennium Force, and the park's other coasters. Differences are forgotten as students who normally don't associate with each other join up to be ride partners on the tallest, fastest, and sleekest rides. The wonder of being in one of the world's greatest amusement parks is enough to overcome students' stereotypes about each other.
Leah T.
Isaiah 2:1-5
At the end of the Crimean War in 1856, Immanuel Nobel went bankrupt. His armaments factory, located in St. Petersburg, was no longer needed to provide munitions for the war effort. Immanuel returned to his home country of Sweden, leaving his three oldest sons behind to salvage the business. One son, Alfred, was trained as a chemist and physicist. Through tireless work he discovered the lethal combination of mixing nitroglycerine and black powder, to create what he called dynamite. He went on to develop several other explosive devices, one of which was ballistite. His intention for their use was to be peaceful, as they were to be used in manufacturing. But, as can be expected, their destructive potential soon made them tools of the military.
Alfred was quiet and shy, and a man who loved to read. He was also an idealist who openly spoke against militarism. Due to these pursuits he became a close friend of Austrian author and peace activist Bertha von Suttner. Disheartened by how his innovations were being employed, Alfred retreated to Paris where he lived most of his adult life. Though, as an inventor an astute businessman, Alfred was extremely wealthy.
It took Alfred several years to prepare his will, with the final version being dated November 27, 1895. The contents of the document only became known after his death on October 10, 1896. In his will he set forth honorary awards for physics, chemistry, and medicine, all of which are reflective of his engineering background. There was an award for literature, reflective of his love of reading and books. But, to the surprise of many, there was an award for peace.
The peace award was inspired by his good friend Bertha von Suttner. It was recognition of Alfred's desire to compensate for the militaristic use of dynamite. The section of the will regarding the peace prize reads in part that it is to be awarded to the person who "… shall have done in the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses." The prize was first awarded in 1901 to Henri Dunant, the founder of the International Red Cross, and Frédéric Passy, the founder of the first French Peace Society.
The progress for peace is slow, but there is progress as men like Alfred Bernhard Nobel and women like Bertha von Suttner hear the prophecy of Isaiah, "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore."
Ron L.
Romans 13:11-14
Tomorrow Dick will be ringing a bell in front of a local store for the tenth year. One afternoon a week during Advent Dick will be at his station, drumming support for the Salvation Army. Dick does so because he knows that it is one of the most efficient organizations when it comes to helping people in need.
As he stands there in all sorts of weather people will share what the Salvation Army did for them or someone they know who was down on her or his luck. A senior citizen shared, "When I was a kid, probably seven or eight my widowed mother was trying to raise a family and things were bleak. It was all she could do to keep us fed." The children did not expect any gifts that Christmas. Then the day before Christmas, the bright red Salvation Army truck pulled up in front of their home. They received baskets of food and there were even gifts for everyone, including his mother. "I'll never forget the joy I felt or the words of the worker as he left, 'God bless you all.' "
The man deposited some money in to the kettle and as he turned Dick saw tears welling up in his eyes. This was just one of the many people who stop each year to share their story with Dick.
As we enter the season of Advent may each of us remember those less fortunate and give generously. The apostle Paul's challenge to us this day is, "now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers."
Tim S.
Romans 13:11-14
It's interesting how works of darkness seem to like the night. According to the National Crime Victimization Society, over 63% of sexual assaults and rapes take place at night, and 71% of motor vehicle thefts are also in the night. While crime can take place at any time, it's interesting how certain ones seem to like it when the sun's not shining.
The entire world was shrouded in darkness before Jesus came. This Advent, though, we can rejoice, knowing that the "Son" is rising! "The night is far gone; the day is at hand" (v. 12).
Craig K.
Matthew 24:36-44
College students get a little anxious before their parents come to visit. They spend a few days frantically cleaning their apartment or dorm room, making sure that their laundry is clean and all surfaces are white glove test worthy. Usually parents schedule their visits far in advance, but every now and then they may stop by for a surprise visit. Conscientious students whose parents live close enough to drop by unannounced may live more conservatively than some of their peers. Instead of just cleaning before parents' day, these students try to keep their apartments at least a little bit tidy all of the time.
Leah T.
Matthew 24:36-44
The day and the hour did come. Even if it was long delayed.
In 2007, the 24-year-old actress Lindsay Lohan served 84 minutes of a four-day sentence in jail. Her violations were numerous, with two counts of driving under the influence of cocaine, two counts of driving with a blood-alcohol level above 0.08, and one count of reckless driving. Following the lengthy 84-minute internment, Lohan proceeded to continually violate her probation and absent herself from seven rehabilitation classes. After missing a May court hearing, for she was partying in Cannes, she was ordered to wear an alcohol monitoring ankle bracelet. When this device detected alcohol in her system, she was once again ordered to appear in court. As Lohan wept, Judge Marsha Revel sentenced her to ninety days in jail and ninety days of inpatient rehabilitation. The judge said there were "a number of instances that would show her not taking things seriously." The prosecutor, Danettte Meyers, noted all the previous judicial decrees "didn't catch her attention." But amidst the tears Lohan still failed to comprehend the power of the judiciary, as she had painted on her fingernails, "F_ _ k U."
Jesus said it would seem like business as usual until the Day of Judgment came raining down from heaven. Then, for those who had no regard for God, they would suddenly find that ninety days would really be an eternity. They would then be less concerned about a manicure, and more concerned that love and obedience was tattooed on their hearts.
Ron L.
