Remember the stable was plain, dirty and quiet, the visitors were kings from the east, but were also shepherds from the fields, Jesus received gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but was also wrapped in simple blankets and laid in a manger filled with hay.

 The words of a Christmas hymn read –

  O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him.

Christ the Lord.

I invite you to come to the stable, just as you are, smell the smells and hear the sounds of the animals, feel the hay under your feet, see the baby Jesus laying in the manger filled with hay and the young mother and father sitting nearby.  Bring everything you have as a gift to the Christ child and simply adore Him.  Worship the Baby who is God and King who left the glories of Heaven for the simple life on earth.  Adore the child who would grow to die on the cross to reconcile us with God.

I invite you to set aside the traditions of our contemporary culture, and relive the birth of the savior.  A simple birth that changed the course of history.  God entered the world through a tiny baby, Immanuel – God with us, and things have never been the same.  Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of the baby Jesus.  Prepare your heart.  Take time to receive the blessing that is Immanuel and let Him change your life forever.  Amen.

Many times life can be like the big pictures with a lot of worries and distractions.  There is so much calling our attention from what is important, that we get overwhelmed and the whole of life then gets blurry as we struggle to bring focus back.

Similar things happen in the life of the church.  There is so much activity that our heads spin, so much worry over shrinking attendance, money, membership, etc. that again, our focus is pulled from where it should be at.

In the text for this week, Philippians 4:4-9, Paul gives both the church and individuals a reminder of where we need to focus to begin to cut through the haze.  The first is prayer.  Paul says that instead of worrying about the future, pray.  How often do we worry, fear, debate, plot and plan about the problems in the church, yet don’t pray about them?  How often do we worry about our own situation and family yet don’t pray about it?  I don’t think this is the once in a while quick prayer, but really bringing it before God faithfully, as a congregation or group or family on an ongoing basis.  Paul says that when we pray in this way, “peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Completely the opposite of worry and fear.

The second foci is where we focus our minds.  “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  Paul tells us where to put our thoughts.  We don’t forget about the problems, we don’t stop working and doing what we can to take care of the different issues but because of the prayer and the peace, we can focus on the good stuff above the other distracting things.  There are things in our lives and the life of the church that if we dwell on them, will pull us down and lead to more worry and fear.

Each of us has the opportunity to focus on certain things.  Our churches have the opportunities to focus on issues from a worldly or spiritual point of view.  It is our choice on what we do.

Where is your focus today?

As readers of this story today, we can find ourselves in one of two places, either we are ones who are hungry and waiting to be fed, or we are ones whom Jesus has called to obedient participation in what He has called us to do and is currently doing in the world around us.

I would like to focus on the later. In the story, the disciples could have kept the little food they had (no matter where it came from) for themselves.  The text hints that they were thinking that when they tell Jesus to send the people away to find something to eat.  But after Jesus calls them to feed them, they make the choice to give the little food they do have to Jesus and participate with Him in His work.

I don’t believe that we can sit back and be an observant fan of Jesus any more. We have to be obedient participants in the work and message of Jesus, that the Kingdom of God is near and we are called to bring the message of reconciliation to the world.  This leads us to three basic questions:

• Where do you see needs around you, physical, emotional, spiritual, communal, societal, etc? (These people are hungry)
• What resources do you have, small or large, that can meet the need? (5 loaves and 2 fish)
• Most importantly, are you, are we willing to be obedient participants in meeting those needs as we offer to God what we do have for His work? (Jesus multiplying the little food to feed the people)

So today, find where God is working to meet a need (it maybe outside of a church building) and obediently participate in what is happening!

I began to think about this in relation to the church.  Having just came back from our General Assembly and hearing the challenge of the speakers and knowing the challenges of the local congregation, I have been asking myself the same type of question, “Why don’t we do what we know needs to be done in the church?”.  We see the signs around us; culture and the world is changing, people are leaving the church, we are struggling with money and people issues, many of our facilities are falling apart and the list could go on.  Yet we remain steadfast in doing the same things, the same way we did them in the 1950s.

Why don’t we do what needs to be done?  Maybe we are afraid of loosing control, maybe we are afraid of ‘newness’, maybe we don’t want to ask the tough questions and do the hard work that it will take to move forward and I believe be obedient to God’s call on the church for today.

What needs to be done?  I believe it goes far beyond changing structure, worship, outlook, etc.  Although they are certainly things that will need to be, and should have been a long time ago, addressed.  I believe we need to return to a dependence upon God and a spiritual approach to the church and faith.  We have taken the church, the Body of Christ, and made it into an institution controlled by boards and bylaws.  We do ‘evangelism’ and recruitment to make budget and fill offices instead of sharing our faith.  We are  lifting up institutions, procedures, causes, instead of lifting up Jesus and we are paying the price for that.  I believe that when we lift up Jesus and focus on being His disciples, then the rest will take care of themselves.  Will it mean changes and new things, yes.  Will we be called into new and challenging spaces, yes.  Will it take prayer, discernment, discussion, listening, understanding and forgiveness, yes.  I believe with all these challenges, we are still called to follow.

We know what needs to be done and it is a matter of laying down our control, setting aside our fear, stop looking at ourselves and our power, and return to our first love, Jesus.  When we seek first Jesus and His kingdom, the rest will be taken care of.

By the way, my experience?  In Virginia we have to get yearly car inspections.  My last one expired in November of 2010 and I kept putting off taking my truck into get the new one done.  I was pulled over and received a ticked for the expired inspection.  I had to take the truck in that afternoon, spent 5 hours waiting for the inspection and did pass.  Still have to pay the fine and lost a good part of the day.  If I had done it earlier and been obedient to the law, then I would not have had the consequences.  Lesson learned (I hope).

An organization uses structure and resources and power to make things happen. Organizations hire people, issue policies, buy things, erect buildings, earn market share and get things done.  Your company is probably an organization.

A movement has an emotional heart.  A movement might use an organization, but it can replace systems and people if they disappear. Movements are more likely to cause widespread change, and they require leaders, not managers. The internet, it turns out, is a movement, and every time someone tries to own it, they fail.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/06/organization-vs-movement-vs-philosophy.html

As I read this post, my first thought went to the Statement of Identity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of which I am a minister. That statement is below.

We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us. (Disciples of Christ Statement Of Identity)

I like the way that the Statement of Identity is worded but wonder if we are trying to be that ‘movement’ through organizational structures that are really holding us back. If what Seth says is accurate, then a movement will have some organization but will be able to and free to replace things that are outdated and not working so that the movement continues. An organization seems to be pretty well stuck.

I think that many times our organization holds us back and that we hold on to much that gives us comfort and security instead of depending upon God. We get bogged down in the process and politics to such a degree, that many times it ends up hampering any movement that we may have started.

In the church, it is not about us and what we want, but it is about what we believe God is calling us to be and do in the world. When we ‘try to own’ the church, then we begin to fail because it becomes about us and protecting what we have built.  We need to discern ways and methods that are empowering for the members of the church (at all levels) and use the gifts that each member has and above all, honors God whom we serve.  I’m not sure the complete answer and it will vary from church to church, but the journey is half the fun, if we are willing to go.

Other members of the Christian Church, what do you think?

What do others think about your situation?

I remember calling my wife and waking her up to turn on the TV.

I remember sitting and watching the news coverage while trying to work.

I remember attending a prayer service that afternoon.  They sang, “It is Well” and I remember shouting in my heart “No it is not!”

I remember the faces of the family and friends of those lost as they cried and searched the rubble for their loved ones (although I do not personally know someone who was killed that day and if I did, I maybe responding differently now).

I remember the solidarity of the nation, not primarily patriotism, but in caring and love.

I remember the news coverage from around the world.  Some of the response was in solidarity and care for the victims and the nation.  Some was in celebration of the attacks and the death of so many Americans.

I remember the start of the war on terror.

I remember the thousands who have been killed on all sides.

I remember those that mourned the deaths and I remember those who celebrated the deaths, even in this country.

I remember the news reports of the celebration in the streets when a US Service Man or Woman was captured and / or killed and how difficult it was to watch.

I remember the news announcement that Osama Bin Laden had been killed and the reaction of celebration on the news.

This is what I posted on my Facebook page, “While glad this chapter is over, I can not celebrate his death as it drops us to the level of those who celebrated the deaths on 9/11 and of our service men and women.”   Diana Butler Bass posted this, “What if we responded in reverent prayer and quiet introspection . . .”

I remember the sacrifice of thousands and realize that it is not over.  Whether or not there are revenge attacks or terror attacks that were already planned carried out against the United States and the world, we must continue to pray for peace and justice and work for the same.  While some may call me a pacifist, I’m really not.  I understand that there are times where it is necessary to go to war and I fully support the men and women who put their lives on the line for us and for the world, but I don’t celebrate the death and destruction of war.  Sometimes peace comes not through military strength or from a lack of conflict but sometimes, true peace, is something only God can bring.

I remember and from those memories, I will work for a better future through my faith for my family, community and ultimately the world.

I could write a lot about the history of the season of Lent within the church and talk about the different rules / guidelines / practices that have been focused on throughout the years, but I wanted to give people a very simple yet accurate definition of the what and why of Lent.  Here’s what I have:

Lent is the season preceding Easter that begins with Ash Wednesday.  It is a season of preparing our hearts and lives for Easter (as Advent is a season of preparing for Christmas) that helps people to focus on their relationship with God through Jesus and Jesus’ suffering on the Cross.  It is a time of prayer, meditation, and sacrifice that not only helps us to see what is in our lives that is not right, but also helps us to deepen our relationship with Jesus and our faith.

Many people will ‘give up’ something for Lent with the idea that their life will be better (sugar, caffeine, technology, music, etc).  Some will even pick up something (exercise, healthy eating, scripture reading, prayer, more sleep) with the same idea.  Whatever your choice, whether on an individual level or with a group or whole church, the idea is not to focus on having a better life, but to draw closer to God and deeper in faith.

In the words of Psalms 139:23-24 - Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

May this Lenten season be a time where we are searched by God and shown those things that are not right then be led in the way God calls us to go.

• Allow time to be settled.  Take children to the bathroom prior to the service (adults need to go too).
•  Sit near the front so they can see what is happening and feel more involved.  Please, don’t worry about normal noise or movement.
•  If possible, seat children with an adult between them.
•  Introduce your children to the people sitting near you.
•  Go over the order of worship before the service begins to identify what is happening.  Mark the hymns and locate them in the hymnal.  Find the Scriptures to be read in the Bible.  Note when people are to stand up or sit down and other activities.
•  Allow children to write their own names on the attendance sheets.
•  Share the hymnal and bulletin with your children at their eye level.  Help them follow along, even if they are not yet reading.
•  Children can participate by reading scripture, being an Acolyte and in other ways through out the year.  See the pastor for more information.
•   The Children’s Time is just for them. 
•  Allow children to participate in the offering by sharing their financial resources and placing the offering in the plate themselves and passing it along.
• Communion is the highlight of worship and all are welcome to participate.  You will want to talk with your children about the meaning of this important time.  If your child is interested in participating, talk with them about its Spiritual meaning prior to participating.
• Talk ahead of time about what is appropriate behavior in worship.  Remember, they are children and they learn by sharing and observing. 

 SUGGESTIONS FOR THE CONGREGATION

•  All children are a part of the family of God.  Include them and welcome them.
•  Children learn to worship by observing and participating.  Do your part to include them.
•  Make an effort to greet the children around you and welcome them.
•  Be understanding when children make some noises and move around.  God understands and is glad they are present.
•  Understand when parents need to take younger children to our nursery or the restroom during worship.
•  Compliment the children who have participated well during the service.
•  Remember that they are children and have different perspectives and understanding than you do.  You can learn from them.

Some of these may not be applicable to your setting or congregation, but let me know what you think about them.

There are some who look at the children and youth in worship as a distraction to them and think they should be in the nursery or children’s church / worship.  I can understand this to a point, but I think this falls short of what the worship experience can be and what we, as adults, can learn from them.  When we have children in worship, I know that I have seen different reactions to scripture stories and even different questions asked that caused me to think about them in a new way.  I have realized that somethings that I take for granted, do not make sense to them and it follows, may not make sense to others, children and adults.  I think, at least for the mainline churches like I’m a part of, worship services are set up for adults who have been in the faith a while and our learning, worshiping and comfort.  I came across a two part article that addresses this issue and is a good place to begin to ask questions of our own churches.  Check out the links below.

http://www.clayfirecurator.org/2011/02/childrens-church-anastasia-mcateer/

http://www.clayfirecurator.org/?p=1340

Anastasia McAteer states that there are five areas where churches need to look at and discern direction when it comes to children in worship – movement, music, preaching, space and community.  In each of these areas, churches can begin to explore how children are included or excluded within the worship experience.

Although I have not had the experience of preaching with a baby in my arms, I have had my toddler children join me on the platform, and even the lectern, and they have joined my wife in the choir.  We have carried them when infants in the middle of worship, in their carriers and they have sung impromptu songs as well.  These experiences have shown their comfort in the worship time as well as the church’s comfort in having them there. 

My current church has a ‘children’s time’ where the children come forward and have a brief story before going off to Children’s Worship and Wonder.  Visitors seem to like this as it addresses the children specifically, but I have wondered what our service would be like if we took the needs of children and youth into consideration in all areas.  I think that the more we take into account children, youth and others into how we do worship (that is the way in which we worship, not Who we Worship), we will do two main things, learn to worship better ourselves and teach children and others what worship is about.

There are times where behavior is inappropriate for children, youth and even adults.  This can include throwing a fit, texting, sleeping, excessive bathroom usage, etc.  When these things happen, then they will need to be addressed but in a way that is appropriate and helpful, not one that is demeaning.

I hope this week to give some ideas on McAteer’s five areas and what I think can help churches include children in these areas.  What do you think?  I would love to hear your comments and Anastasia McAteer would probably love to hear yours too.

This and some other situations have strengthened my understanding that most times we do not give any thought to the results of what we do and say, or if we do, we intentionally try to hurt someone.

Jesus tells us in scripture that there are but two things we need to do – love God and love our neighbor, who He defines as anyone with a need. Whether you are one who does follow Jesus or not, this is a command or good advice.

Can you imagine the difference it would make if we were to love those around us in word and action? How would our marriages, families, schools, work places, roads, churches be different if we considered our words and actions and made sure they were loving before we turned them loose?

I don’t believe that Westboro Baptist Church’s actions and words are loving, but in the same breath, many times our daily actions are not either, they don’t get national attention.

May our words and actions be loving and uplifting today.