Paragraphs from SSCSJ

The second Sunday of Advent nears and here are a few words about the Lectionary texts for this week.  Remember, if you find these few paragraphs helpful, you can subscribe to Sacres Steps: Children’s Sermon Journal @ www.sscsj.org — Subscriptions are $5 a month or $50 a year.  Visit our site to learn more.

Baruch 5:1-9
There is no doubt that some Christians read this text as messianic prophecy (specifically a prediction of Jesus).  This is no doubt the “why” behind the Lectionary committees choice to include the reading of this text on the second Sunday of Advent.  An interesting phrase in the reading, “Righteous Peace, Godly Glory” points to the names given to the messiah in Isaiah 9:6, (a text that is a traditional reading during Advent or on Christmas Eve).  These “nicknames” are descriptive of the work of a person who will reset the community to right relationship with God and with the nations around Israel.  It is work that both leader and community undertake together.

Philippians 1:3-11
Can you be a believer in Christ and not actively participate in a community of faith?  Paul would argue no.  His words here, and in other authentic Pauline writings, demonstrate the need in the first century for believers in Christ to be in community, in relationship, with other believers.  Do you feel this need in your life?  It is in community, or friendships, that our presumptions about life, culture, politics, and religion can be tested and evolve, and common wisdom is discovered.

Luke 1:68-79 & Luke 3:1-6

The backstory of these texts in Luke is about John the Baptist, so they will be treated as one text this week in SSCSJ.  You will probably read portions of Luke 1 during Advent, but it would be good to revisit it if you intend to offer a children’s sermon on this text(s).  From the opening line, the writer of Luke wants the reader to know that this is his orderly account of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, based on the writer’s own research.  It is the “truth” from this author’s point of view.

This portion of Luke 1 sets up the significance of John the Baptist as the one who prepares the way of the Lord.  Which Lord?  Zechariah is speaking of Adonai (God) and no one else.  Zechariah and Elizabeth’s child is described as doing the work of God’s anointed, of a messiah. “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins” (v. 76-77).  Christian tradition has associated knowledge of salvation with forgiveness of sin(s) rather than with the Lord’s ways.  The writings of John Calvin and John Wesley on this text show us this theological turn.  The “Lord’s ways” are given little interpretative exploration beyond forgiveness of sin in relationship to John, or the life of Jesus, even though much of Jesus’ teachings focus on the kingdom of God and the Lord’s ways.

, 12/04/2012. Category: SSCSJ.

Advent & Christmas Images

There are many ways to journey to Bethlehem during Advent.  I don’t know how well you wait or how “patient” you are.  I don’t think of myself as a patient person.  I’ve learned to wait and I’ve learned patience.  In our culture, “waiting” or “patience” are not traits or behaviors that are encouraged because they cannot be consumed.  Often, waiting and patience are thrust on those looking to change unjust systems or right long persistent wrongs.

What are you using as a compass for your Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany journey?  Some journey through music.  My companion has so much “Christmas” music that she could probably listen to 4 hours each day and not listen to it all!  We have some albums, yes those big old 33.3 speed albums, that were played over and over in her childhood.  I imagine that my companions “Christmas” music evokes images of family time more than they tell the story of Christmas for her.  On SiriusXM radio there are eight channels of “holiday” music that began running on Nov 25.  Right now I’m listening to “Do They Know It’s Christmas.”  Do you have a favorite tune or music you need to hear for it to feel like Christmas for you?  Is there a song that brings back a particular memory for you during Advent or Christmas?  Is music your compass?

This year I’m journeying, being led really, through Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany with images.  I like film, art, and photography.  Some of the “images” are leading and others are following me.

Grinch-cartoon-01

Sometimes this is how we treat children of God of all ages when questions about belief and faith arise.

patience-fishing

In the late 1990’s our bus was snaking through a checkpoint into Bethlehem.  A sea of people were walking, leaving their cars along the road around the Bethlehem checkpoint, and walking into Jerusalem for Ramadan prayers.  In the basement of The Church of the Nativity is the place tradition calls “the manger.”  A small grotto hewn out of the rock nothing like the drive-by nativity or table top sets that are popular.  These images are following me most this year.

I trust you are awake and aware of the images that surround you during Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.  You are pointing the way for someone new to belief, aged in belief, or mature in belief.  Maybe the best thing that one pointing the way to Bethlehem can give, this year, is that which cannot be consumed, bought, sold, or bartered.  I’m not sure what that will be for you, but I am convinced that when we wait and are patient . . . clarity comes, maybe even illumination.

If you are pointing the way to Bethlehem this year, thank you.  It’s not easy.  You cannot force the spirit of Christmas into lives no matter how early stores begin “holiday” music.  It takes waiting and patience.  Be well and centered this Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany season.

, 12/04/2012. Category: Michael D.
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