Isaiah 61:10--62:3br...
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Isaiah 61:10--62:3
In an essay in his Rumors enewsletter, Ralph Milton reflects on a visit he, his wife, and his sister-in-law paid to Las Vegas, during a travel layover.
We wandered through several casinos. None of them were crowded. But there were people playing the slots -- playing mechanically, with utterly blank faces, not in pain but also not happy. It seemed to me that if they could think of anything else to do, they would do it, but in the meantime they kept cranking those slots.
One of the casinos had a children's area. It was full of loud music and flashing lights and in-your-face promoters who smiled with their mouths but not with their eyes. We saw one little tyke walking with his hands over his ears. We saw other children playing games that offered prizes, but not a one of them looked happy....
You can read the newspaper on the street at midnight in Vegas. They've reversed Isaiah. The people that walk in all this artificial light have found a deep darkness. The glare of all those florescent tubes can't get beyond the dullness of their eyes.
(From Ralph Milton's Rumors for January 20, 2008)
Isaiah 61:10--62:3
Jane was not looking forward to Christmas. Growing up in what she described as a dysfunctional family with an alcoholic father does not instill pleasant memories for her. Her friends always looked forward to Christmas but she did not. As an adult Jane decided that she would not spend Christmas Day with her parents -- there were just too many painful memories.
She continued to struggle with Christmas. Her husband, Bill, tried his best to be supportive and helpful. One Christmas she accepted the invitation to spend Christmas Eve with her sister, who had the same experiences growing up as Jane. Following dinner they would go to the eleven o'clock Christmas Eve service. Jane had mixed feelings about going to church.
As the congregation sang Christmas carols she tried her best to sing along but just could not get into the spirit of Christmas. She listened to the scripture readings and the message. When the invitation was given to come forward to receive communion, Jane went with her sister and her family. Kneeling at the altar rail, she received the bread and cup. Then something unexpected happened. It was as if the pastor sensed her inner struggle and hurt. After giving her the cup he bent down and kissed her on the forehead.
Jane would remember that simple act. She claims that was the beginning of her healing.
Centuries before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed, "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God."
Isaiah 61:10--62:3
The highlight of prom night is the crowning of the king and queen. In many schools, after some preliminary voting a short list of three or four candidates for each position is set. Those candidates have several weeks to campaign for votes. Then comes prom night when students vote for the person they think would be best king or queen. The victors very often are bedecked with crowns and robes. It is a special honor to be voted king or queen.
Isaiah praises God for the honor of being chosen by God, robed with the garments of salvation and the robe of salvation. All this without campaigning or voting.
Galatians 4:4-7
Fiona reached onto the pastor's desk, grabbed the bronze Bible, and said, "I win the prize for the weekend." At the Tuesday church staff meetings each member could claim "Sunday's Most Interesting Moment in Ministry" award.
"I subbed in third grade. Class was proceeding well. I read the scripture, Galatians 4:4-7, and was going to ask some questions about parents when I saw tears rolling down Jeremy's cheeks."
The three other staff members stared at their director of Christian education and waited to hear why. "Took me a little time. I had to tread lightly with the other children present. Jeremy obviously trusted me and the six other kids. He said his grandfather had just died and he'd heard his parents mentioning the heirs. He thought God was going to die! To say the least that took us really fast to the meaning of 'heir' in Galatians."
Galatians 4:4-7
Anne wanted children. She had never been married, but she had enough space in her heart and her home. She traveled to the tiny Eastern European nation of Moldova, and there she found Irina. Ecstatic, Anne adopted Irina and brought her back to her home in the US. But there was something wrong. Although Irina was nearly two years old, she did not smile. She could barely even sit up. Irina had literally spent the first two years of her life in a crib, the product of an over-full, understaffed, poverty-stricken orphanage. She had spent every day lying on one side, staring through wooden bars at a bare wall. Irina was about as physically developed as a four-month-old. But Anne would not give up. With time, Irina learned to sit up, smile, run, and play. By kindergarten, Irina was almost hyperactive, trying to make up for the lost years of her young life. Irina may never be completely problem-free; she still has problems with her vision, motor skills, and behavior, but her joy in life is a blessing to Anne and all those around her.
Galatians 4:4-7
We recognize time by the position of the sun in the sky. Sundials have given way to wristwatches with liquid crystal displays, along with all the bells and whistles that accompany our digital age. We live by the clock and can't seem to get along without our timepieces. But, our time is not God's time.
Why does the apostle Paul refer to this particular time in history as "the fullness of time"? It was actually a politically favorable time for the birth of a savior, even with Rome controlling much of the known world.
The Pax Romana, the peace imposed throughout the Roman empire actually played a part in spreading the gospel message. The durable Roman highway system made travel much easier. Therefore, Christians could spread the word throughout the land much more easily.
The Jewish Diaspora, with Jews scattered throughout much of the known world also helped the spread of the "good news." Jews built synagogues wherever they went, and "God-fearing" Gentiles were attracted to Jewish worship but objected to so many laws. They were prime targets for Christian evangelism.
Luke 2:22-40
There's an old story about Benjamin Franklin, from the days when he served our young country as ambassador to France. Franklin, of course, was a keen scientist, so he jumped at the invitation to view the launching of a recent invention: a hot-air balloon.
Franklin traveled, in the company of others, to a field where the balloon ascent was to take place. A great fire was lit on the ground, and a pump and bellows were set up beside it to fill the bag with hot air. After a great deal of difficulty, the great bag puffed out, and the whole apparatus descended high into the air: only to deflate and descend to earth again, a few moments later.
Franklin was entranced. But then he heard a cynical voice by his side: "That's all well and good," the voice growled, "but what's it good for?"
Franklin turned to the man and asked, "Tell me, my friend, what a baby is good for?"
Franklin knew the technology he witnessed that day was in its infancy but had incredible potential. Two millennia after the birth of Jesus Christ, we can still say that about him. He has had a greater impact on the human race than any man, before or since, but his impact is still only beginning to be felt.
Luke 2:22-40
Arlene recalled her husband saying one time that would be the last time he would put up the Christmas decorations. At the time, Arlene explains, those words did not seem to mean anything, perhaps he was just complaining. They had accumulated a lifetime of decorations. One year their granddaughter brought new ornaments for their Christmas tree. Arlene and Henry were nice to her but would rather continue using their old "out of style" decorations. Henry told Sally that each decoration held a particular meaning for them, representing various stages and times of their lives.
Henry became ill in the spring and died at the end of the summer. He was right. That was the last time he would be putting up the Christmas decorations. When the time came to decorate the Christmas tree, it seemed every bulb she touched reminded her of her late husband. She would pause, a tear would form in her eye, and then she would try to continue. She recognized her husband's handwritten notes on some of the decorations. She did not know how she would even make it through Christmas with out Henry.
One morning near Christmas the light from the window shined on a particular ornament. It was the manger scene that their granddaughter had made in Sunday school when she was in first or second grade. Arlene looked closely at it: Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. It was at that moment she felt peace. She was reminded again of God's plan of salvation in the birth of Jesus. The handmade manger scene reminded her of why we celebrate Christmas. The old ornament reminded her of an eternal truth.
Anna had been a widow for many years, most of her life. We are told that she never left the temple, worshiping every day. When she saw the baby Jesus she "began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem."
Luke 2:22-40
Durga Thangarajah was born on May 31, 2008. When she was born she was hailed as a miracle. It seems that Durga had fastened herself to and grew inside of her mother's ovary. Only about one in 100,000 babies are successfully delivered when they develop outside of their mother's womb (usually in a liver or an intestine). But the odds of a successful birth to a baby that develops inside its mother's ovary is about one in a million. Dr. Andrew Miller who delivered the baby said, "I deliver up to 520 babies a year here privately, and I've never seen anything like this before. It truly is a miracle she got a living baby out of it -- she's extraordinarily lucky."
(From "Ovary baby hailed as one-in-a-million miracle," by Nick Squires and Rebecca Smith. Telegraph.co.uk)
Jesus, too, was hailed as a miracle by two elderly people in the temple. But it was not because of his birth (which was truly a miracle) but for what he represented and what he would do.
In an essay in his Rumors enewsletter, Ralph Milton reflects on a visit he, his wife, and his sister-in-law paid to Las Vegas, during a travel layover.
We wandered through several casinos. None of them were crowded. But there were people playing the slots -- playing mechanically, with utterly blank faces, not in pain but also not happy. It seemed to me that if they could think of anything else to do, they would do it, but in the meantime they kept cranking those slots.
One of the casinos had a children's area. It was full of loud music and flashing lights and in-your-face promoters who smiled with their mouths but not with their eyes. We saw one little tyke walking with his hands over his ears. We saw other children playing games that offered prizes, but not a one of them looked happy....
You can read the newspaper on the street at midnight in Vegas. They've reversed Isaiah. The people that walk in all this artificial light have found a deep darkness. The glare of all those florescent tubes can't get beyond the dullness of their eyes.
(From Ralph Milton's Rumors for January 20, 2008)
Isaiah 61:10--62:3
Jane was not looking forward to Christmas. Growing up in what she described as a dysfunctional family with an alcoholic father does not instill pleasant memories for her. Her friends always looked forward to Christmas but she did not. As an adult Jane decided that she would not spend Christmas Day with her parents -- there were just too many painful memories.
She continued to struggle with Christmas. Her husband, Bill, tried his best to be supportive and helpful. One Christmas she accepted the invitation to spend Christmas Eve with her sister, who had the same experiences growing up as Jane. Following dinner they would go to the eleven o'clock Christmas Eve service. Jane had mixed feelings about going to church.
As the congregation sang Christmas carols she tried her best to sing along but just could not get into the spirit of Christmas. She listened to the scripture readings and the message. When the invitation was given to come forward to receive communion, Jane went with her sister and her family. Kneeling at the altar rail, she received the bread and cup. Then something unexpected happened. It was as if the pastor sensed her inner struggle and hurt. After giving her the cup he bent down and kissed her on the forehead.
Jane would remember that simple act. She claims that was the beginning of her healing.
Centuries before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed, "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God."
Isaiah 61:10--62:3
The highlight of prom night is the crowning of the king and queen. In many schools, after some preliminary voting a short list of three or four candidates for each position is set. Those candidates have several weeks to campaign for votes. Then comes prom night when students vote for the person they think would be best king or queen. The victors very often are bedecked with crowns and robes. It is a special honor to be voted king or queen.
Isaiah praises God for the honor of being chosen by God, robed with the garments of salvation and the robe of salvation. All this without campaigning or voting.
Galatians 4:4-7
Fiona reached onto the pastor's desk, grabbed the bronze Bible, and said, "I win the prize for the weekend." At the Tuesday church staff meetings each member could claim "Sunday's Most Interesting Moment in Ministry" award.
"I subbed in third grade. Class was proceeding well. I read the scripture, Galatians 4:4-7, and was going to ask some questions about parents when I saw tears rolling down Jeremy's cheeks."
The three other staff members stared at their director of Christian education and waited to hear why. "Took me a little time. I had to tread lightly with the other children present. Jeremy obviously trusted me and the six other kids. He said his grandfather had just died and he'd heard his parents mentioning the heirs. He thought God was going to die! To say the least that took us really fast to the meaning of 'heir' in Galatians."
Galatians 4:4-7
Anne wanted children. She had never been married, but she had enough space in her heart and her home. She traveled to the tiny Eastern European nation of Moldova, and there she found Irina. Ecstatic, Anne adopted Irina and brought her back to her home in the US. But there was something wrong. Although Irina was nearly two years old, she did not smile. She could barely even sit up. Irina had literally spent the first two years of her life in a crib, the product of an over-full, understaffed, poverty-stricken orphanage. She had spent every day lying on one side, staring through wooden bars at a bare wall. Irina was about as physically developed as a four-month-old. But Anne would not give up. With time, Irina learned to sit up, smile, run, and play. By kindergarten, Irina was almost hyperactive, trying to make up for the lost years of her young life. Irina may never be completely problem-free; she still has problems with her vision, motor skills, and behavior, but her joy in life is a blessing to Anne and all those around her.
Galatians 4:4-7
We recognize time by the position of the sun in the sky. Sundials have given way to wristwatches with liquid crystal displays, along with all the bells and whistles that accompany our digital age. We live by the clock and can't seem to get along without our timepieces. But, our time is not God's time.
Why does the apostle Paul refer to this particular time in history as "the fullness of time"? It was actually a politically favorable time for the birth of a savior, even with Rome controlling much of the known world.
The Pax Romana, the peace imposed throughout the Roman empire actually played a part in spreading the gospel message. The durable Roman highway system made travel much easier. Therefore, Christians could spread the word throughout the land much more easily.
The Jewish Diaspora, with Jews scattered throughout much of the known world also helped the spread of the "good news." Jews built synagogues wherever they went, and "God-fearing" Gentiles were attracted to Jewish worship but objected to so many laws. They were prime targets for Christian evangelism.
Luke 2:22-40
There's an old story about Benjamin Franklin, from the days when he served our young country as ambassador to France. Franklin, of course, was a keen scientist, so he jumped at the invitation to view the launching of a recent invention: a hot-air balloon.
Franklin traveled, in the company of others, to a field where the balloon ascent was to take place. A great fire was lit on the ground, and a pump and bellows were set up beside it to fill the bag with hot air. After a great deal of difficulty, the great bag puffed out, and the whole apparatus descended high into the air: only to deflate and descend to earth again, a few moments later.
Franklin was entranced. But then he heard a cynical voice by his side: "That's all well and good," the voice growled, "but what's it good for?"
Franklin turned to the man and asked, "Tell me, my friend, what a baby is good for?"
Franklin knew the technology he witnessed that day was in its infancy but had incredible potential. Two millennia after the birth of Jesus Christ, we can still say that about him. He has had a greater impact on the human race than any man, before or since, but his impact is still only beginning to be felt.
Luke 2:22-40
Arlene recalled her husband saying one time that would be the last time he would put up the Christmas decorations. At the time, Arlene explains, those words did not seem to mean anything, perhaps he was just complaining. They had accumulated a lifetime of decorations. One year their granddaughter brought new ornaments for their Christmas tree. Arlene and Henry were nice to her but would rather continue using their old "out of style" decorations. Henry told Sally that each decoration held a particular meaning for them, representing various stages and times of their lives.
Henry became ill in the spring and died at the end of the summer. He was right. That was the last time he would be putting up the Christmas decorations. When the time came to decorate the Christmas tree, it seemed every bulb she touched reminded her of her late husband. She would pause, a tear would form in her eye, and then she would try to continue. She recognized her husband's handwritten notes on some of the decorations. She did not know how she would even make it through Christmas with out Henry.
One morning near Christmas the light from the window shined on a particular ornament. It was the manger scene that their granddaughter had made in Sunday school when she was in first or second grade. Arlene looked closely at it: Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. It was at that moment she felt peace. She was reminded again of God's plan of salvation in the birth of Jesus. The handmade manger scene reminded her of why we celebrate Christmas. The old ornament reminded her of an eternal truth.
Anna had been a widow for many years, most of her life. We are told that she never left the temple, worshiping every day. When she saw the baby Jesus she "began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem."
Luke 2:22-40
Durga Thangarajah was born on May 31, 2008. When she was born she was hailed as a miracle. It seems that Durga had fastened herself to and grew inside of her mother's ovary. Only about one in 100,000 babies are successfully delivered when they develop outside of their mother's womb (usually in a liver or an intestine). But the odds of a successful birth to a baby that develops inside its mother's ovary is about one in a million. Dr. Andrew Miller who delivered the baby said, "I deliver up to 520 babies a year here privately, and I've never seen anything like this before. It truly is a miracle she got a living baby out of it -- she's extraordinarily lucky."
(From "Ovary baby hailed as one-in-a-million miracle," by Nick Squires and Rebecca Smith. Telegraph.co.uk)
Jesus, too, was hailed as a miracle by two elderly people in the temple. But it was not because of his birth (which was truly a miracle) but for what he represented and what he would do.
