Tag: Advent

Advent: Think Small

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Day 5: Zacchaeus Was a Wee Little Man

The door slammed as my young grandson ran past me to his desk in the office. No hello. Just a blur oozing distress.

I followed him to the office and stood in the doorway. Before I could ask, out it poured. One of the boys in his class called him Zacchaeus all day. Then to add insult, the boy would walk by his desk and whistle the Sunday School song, “Zacchaeus was a wee little man…”

Our grandson was clearly behind on the growth chart. All his peers were head and shoulders beyond him. And by law, because of his size (not his age) he was still sitting in a booster seat in the car.

My heart ached for my little man.

“Honey, did you know that song was about Jesus inviting himself to Zacchaeus’ house? Zacchaeus climbed that tree so he could see. He was determined to not miss out on seeing Jesus. And Jesus rewarded him by going to his house that day.”

He looked up, and we went on talking about the things that matter to Jesus. How it isn’t about outward appearance—even David learned that: “But the Lord told Samuel, ‘Don’t look at his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see.Humans look at outward appearances, but the Lord looks into the heart.’ (1 Samuel 16:7)”

Tears gone, and with a new resolve, my grandson shared, “So when he sings that song tomorrow, I should just sing along and thank him for the reminder—I may be short, but I’ve got big heart for God!”

Yep. Remember: it’s all about the heart!

TO PONDER: In a world that values stature and looks, the stories of Zacchaeus and David remind us that what really matters is that our heart is for God. Have you ever felt badly about your looks? In Psalm 139, David states that we are fearfully and wonderfully made—inside and out!

FOR DISCUSSION: When God examines our heart what does he see? Are there feelings or actions that we need to remove so God can be even nearer to us?

PRAYER: Creator God, you made me. And you know my heart. Forgive me for not always valuing how I’ve been created. Help me to love you more and more. Help me to not let anything stand in the way of seeing you each and every day. Amen.

Advent: Think Small

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Day 4: Widow’s Mite

I smiled a mother’s proud smile as I watched my daughter put a quarter in the offering plate. I knew the money was the last of her money, earned the hard way—working to pick up apples before her father mowed the lawn.

Gathering for lunch with friends, the conversation drifted to a discussion about a large gift that had come from a wealthy church member’s estate. Everyone around the table expressed their appreciation and joy for the money and what it could be used for.

Everyone, except my young daughter. 

She excused herself from the table and disappeared into another room. Suspecting something was wrong, I followed after her. I found her standing by the open front door, tears streaming down her face. She was quick to explain how sorry she was that she could only give such a small amount—sure that God was displeased with just a quarter.

Quickly, I moved to her side and began assuring her how God loved her gift. I reminded her of the story of the woman who gave her last mite—all that she had—and how Jesus praised her for giving so generously.

The truth took a moment to sink in, but she slowly turned, and with a smile let me know she got it. “It’s all about giving what you can, isn’t it?” 

Yes, that’s what is about.

TO PONDER: The widow gave generously…sacrificially. What sacrifice could you make this Advent and Christmas season to bless someone else? Think outside the box—it’s not always about money.

FOR DISCUSSION: Coupon books have always been a hit for kids who want to give when they don’t have money. But giving isn’t just for kids. As a family make a list of practical ways you can bless others.

PRAYER: God, in this season of extravagance, teach us how to give and give…and give some more. Teach the joy of giving, especially when it may not seem like much to us. Show how to bless someone else. Amen.

Advent: Think Small

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Day 3: Fishes and Loaves

“Mema, why do you always put so many things in your tuna salad?” My grandson asked as he poked at his sandwich, turning up his nose at the pieces of egg.

I chuckled remembering how I asked my own mother the same thing. I fondly responded with her answer, “All those extra things make the salad go just a little farther.”

The next day in Sunday School, the sermon was about Jesus feeding the multitude with  five loaves and two fish.

As we sat to eat lunch, my grandson was quick to offer to pray, “God, thank you for turning a kid’s lunch into so much food…and not using any egg to do it.”

I have always marveled at how Jesus was able to use such a little amount of food to feed so many. Imagine it: 5000 men and all the women and children. And when it was all over the disciples gathered twelve baskets of leftovers.

Nothing was wasted that day. God demonstrated powerfully the amazing things he can do with our meager offerings. And he didn’t have to add anything to get the job done.

TO PONDER: What is there in your life that you could bring to God to use for his Kingdom? What things have you been holding back for yourself? What would it take to surrender it to him?

FOR DISCUSSION: At Christmas we tend to focus on what we’re going to get: presents and sweet treats. What could your family do to bless others? It could be something you already have, or even the gift of time.

PRAYER: God, we bring you our “lunch”—the things we have for you to use to bless others. Show us how to not waste anything in our lives. Amen.

Advent: Think Small

Day 2: Five Smooth Stones

He took his shepherd’s stick and then picked up five smooth stones from the stream and put them in his bag. With his sling ready, he went out to meet Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40, Good News Translation).

I couldn’t believe I left my tennis shoes back in my dorm room. This was the most important match I faced, and my team needed me to win to place first in the tournament. There I stood facing my opponent with no shoes.

Quickly one of my teammates began to unlace her shoes and offered them to me, and while they were a close fit, they weren’t mine. They pinched in places where mine didn’t and were more of a distraction than if I had played barefoot. I lost the match, but I learned a valuable lesson.

On the bus on the way back to the school, the coach looked at me. She could see the shame and frustration I was feeling. She came back to my seat and asked me if I knew the story of David and Goliath. I shrugged my shoulders and mumbled a half-hearted yeah. She didn’t let my lack of interest or enthusiasm dissuade her from what she saw as an excellent teaching moment.

She explained how Goliath had taunted and ridiculed the Israelites, shaming them and their God. Still no one wanted to take on the giant. David, had been sent to check up on his brothers and was incensed at the abuse being spewed from the giant. He decided to take him on.

King Saul, in an attempt to make the fight more fair, tried to put David in his armor. I think there was more than just protection being offered. Perhaps Saul knew there really was a chance David could win and being dressed in the King’s armor would make him look good. The problem was the armor didn’t fit—like my teammate’s shoes and David knew it.

He thanked the king and went with what he knew: his staff and his sling, readied with stones from the creek. The simple things that had been his comfort and protection while out watching the sheep would be what he would rely on to defeat the giant.

And defeat him he did! 

I got what the coach was saying. Her words had little to do with forgotten shoes and everything to do with trusting God with the talents and gifts he entrusted me with. 

I never forgot my shoes again. And I carry a smooth stone with me wherever I go.

TO PONDER: What are the giants you are facing? What tools has God prepared for you to use to defeat those giants?

FOR DISCUSSION: If you were to choose five stones to help you remember the gifts God has given you, what would those stones be? 

PRAYER: God, thank you for the gifts and talents you have given me to use in facing down the giants in my life. Sometimes I feel so small and can’t even image how or if you’ll use me. Help me to be ready. Help me to trust you. Show me my five smooth stones. And though I am small in the grand scheme of things help me to do great things for you. Amen.

Advent: Think Small, Be Honest, Give Big

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Invitation

Many times this part of a book is called the “introduction.” I’ve decided instead to make mine the “invitation.” 

Why you ask?

Oh, I’m so glad you did.

We live in a time when bigger is assumed to be better: bigger homes, bigger cars…bigger paychecks. Unfortunately, I’ve seen much more dissatisfaction, disappointment, and disillusionment when bigger doesn’t bring better—when more doesn’t result in greater  happiness. 

Many years ago I had the privilege of serving as an interim pastor at a Mennonite church in Ohio. In an effort to help me understand the congregation several members encouraged me to find a book they felt explained their choices and focus in life. The title was “Living on Less, And Liking It More.” The title not only intrigued me, but challenged me. 

Three “tenets” of the Church of the Brethren include continuing the work of Jesus: peacefully, simply, together. Sandwiched there in the middle laid a concept ready to pounce on the faithful and push them into brand new territory.

Does God care about small stuff?

What does it mean to live simply?

How much is enough?

Do I really need all this stuff?

Thinking about Advent helped me arrive at a “simple” answer: Yes.

As we journey to Advent, we’re going to look some of those small, seemingly insignificant things and consider how important they are to our God. 

I’m inviting you to think anew on the spiritually small things of life to gain a new understanding as to why God chose to begin his redemption plan with a baby.

But not just small things matter to God. 

We’ll also be considering how important being honest is—especially when it means being vulnerable. God is concerned about honesty and sincerity in our faith journey. And coming as a baby demonstrates his willingness to be vulnerable. Can we do less?

Finally, we will also accept God’s challenge to give big. After all God gave us the greatest gift of all, Jesus. 

So, join me: think small, be honest, and give big!

Think Small Day One: Faith of A Child

Then he said, “I tell all of you with certainty, unless you change and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom from heaven (Matthew 18:3, International Standard Version).

My teeth were chattering as I held up my arms one more time coaxing my little girl to jump in the pool. To her the water looked too deep. And maybe Mommy was playing a trick.

I tried one more time. “Trust me, precious. I won’t let anything happen. Give it a try. Jump. I’ll catch you!”

Finally a different look replaced the fear that had been keeping her feet glued to the cement at the pool’s edge. With a giggle of abandon she leaped in the air and right into my arms.

The trust my daughter expressed in that act has defined my relationship with God. I may be reluctant initially, but I have learned to trust my heavenly Father’s arms—his promise to catch me.

When Jesus looked at the crowd of religious experts and told them they must change and become like children, I think in part he was referring to the same kind of trust. But even more, he was inviting them to leave the solid footing of their religious stagnation, rules, and self-absorption and find a new way of living in faith—of trusting in him.

As we move more deeply into this Advent journey will you trust God to teach you a new way to experience the age old story of Christmas?

TO PONDER: What parts of the Christmas story have become so familiar they’ve lost their mystery and power to change you?

FOR DISCUSSION: No matter our age, we can consider new ways to trust God. What can you do as a family and as individuals to move to a new level of trust in God?

PRAYER: God, I am so excited to see you anew, with fresh eyes and a trusting heart. Forgive me for the times when I doubt your love—your promise to catch me. Show me an area of my life where I can have greater “child-like” trust. To your honor and glory. Amen.

The Extravagance of Christmas

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Imagine going to a home where both the husband and wife are successful, recognized, and respected doctors. Do you have a mental image?

Recently I had the opportunity to do that with a friend from high school. She and I were traveling from Ohio to Michigan to have a little reunion with another classmate from high school. I tried to imagine what I was going to find. I was battling with feelings of intimidation all the way there.

Driving up to their home, I was surprised by its simplicity. Nothing on the outside screamed of money, or pride, or extravagance. When we were invited in and given the “tour” I felt so welcomed. It was a lovely home, inviting and warm. It was beautifully decorated in its simplicity. The only room my friend claims to have “decorated” is a small half bath. And it is precious. The only ‘extravagance’ I saw, and I’m sure my husband wouldn’t see it as such, was the amazing sixty inch stove in the kitchen.

We had a wonderful visit. And as all good visits do, it ended much too soon. On the way home I chatted with my friend, but I was also carrying on an inner conversation with God. The clearest thing I heard was that extravagance needs to be on the inside—in our spirit. Just as it is with Him.

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I spoke at a banquet not long ago and I shared that my least favorite question of the season is: “So, are you ready for Christmas?” The question begs at what things are still on your to do list, things like shopping and baking. I think the question misses the whole point of Christmas, what Christmas really is. Christmas is about God so lavishly loving the world that he gave his one and only son so that you and I might have life. And he didn’t come with fancy wrapping or trays of cookies.

My husband has always been the kind of person to buy extravagantly. Let’s just tell it like it is: he goes overboard. But it’s the way he is. He has no moderation button. He loves all out. And I really love that about him.

When I was thinking about this, I was reminded of the story Jesus tells: Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, “The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all.”Mark 12:40-42

That’s what we have to be ready to do. You know what’s really cool about my friends the doctors in Michigan? I think they’ve really figured out how to love that way. I may not be able to give a lot of gifts, but I can give my all whenever and wherever I can.

Are you ready to be that ready?

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Christmas Wonder

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I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die.
For poor on’ry people like you and like I…
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

When Mary birthed Jesus ’twas in a cow’s stall,
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all.
But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall,
And the promise of ages it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing,
Or all of God’s angels in heav’n for to sing,
He surely could have it, ’cause he was the King. (John Jacob Niles)

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Growing up, when I started a conversation with “I wonder…” Mom told me to be careful because if I ‘wondered’ too far I’d get lost.

Maybe getting lost in a little wonder wouldn’t be such a bad thing. Who couldn’t benefit from adding wonder, curiosity and amazement to their life?

It makes me sad that there is so little true wonder. Sure, we wonder where we put things, and how we’ll pay the bills. We wonder about the future…but it’s more like fear.

Listen to the conversations around us: everything is “amazing” or “awesome.” But is it really?

What makes you go “WOW!” Clear down to your toes?
What takes your breath away?
What causes you to shake your head when you try to make sense of it?

The Christmas story does that for me.

After 400 years of silence, of wondering where God was, he burst onto the scene in the most amazing and unexpected way.

A baby, a manger, a carpenter, a teenage girl in a small town.

Go figure.

Go wonder.

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Advent: From Our Fears Release Us

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In my quiet time this morning, I was reflecting on Psalm 3:

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Fear. Fear bordering on paranoia. Bullying.
I read a news clip this week of a teen who killed herself because her peers had been bullying her. My heart ached, for her, for her family, for those peers.
What if this psalm had been breathed into her? What if God, God who could enable her to lay down in perfect peace in the presence of her enemies–and sleep–had been made real for her?
How real is he to me?
Save us, God, from our fears.
The words to an old hymn are in my head now:

Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. (Charles Wesley)

Oh that we could come to know the Perfect Love that casts out all fear.

Advent 2: Seek and Find

Yesterday we made reference to the childhood game of Hide and Seek as we considered the phrase: Ready or Not.

Is finding God like the childhood game?

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I don’t think so, and here’s why.

When I began my faith journey, two Bible references were laid into my foundation.

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near (Isaiah 55:6, NIV).

God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us (Acts 17:27, NIV).

Our being able to find God is of primary importance to him. We were created for relationship with him–and with each other.

It’s so important, we’re so important, that the often quoted verse from John’s gospel tells us he gave his son for us to not only know who he is and how he is, but so that we could have that relationship–now and forever.

Jesus wanted us to understand this principle and made it clear in his teaching we refer to as the Sermon on the Mount: Seek and you will find (Matthew 7:7).

So in these season of focus, what are you seeking? Who are you seeking? If you are seeking God, you will find him.

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