Christmas with Candles

December 2022

Candles have always been an important part of celebrating Christmas.

The tradition of lighting candles comes from the Jewish “Feast of Lights” or Hanukkah. During Advent, the center candle on the Advent wreath is known as the Christ candle and is lit on Christmas Eve and again on Christmas Day.

Years ago, before electricity, candles played an even more important role in symbolizing the meaning of the season. Before electricity people decorated their Christmas trees with burning candles. That sounds incredibly dangerous today.

During the Victorian era, candles represented concern and good will for the poor and unfortunate during the Christmas season. Candles shined in windows during the twelve days of Christmas as a sign for the poor that shelter and warmth could be found inside a home or a church.

Candles are an important part of Christmas throughout the world. In Ireland, the mother or father of the family lights a large candle that is decorated with holly. The family then sits together and prays for their loved ones, both living and deceased.

In England and France, three candles are molded together at the base to represent the Trinity.

In Slavic countries, such as Ukraine, a large Christmas candle is placed on a table after it has been blessed by a priest from the church. Traditionally, Ukrainians do not use a candle holder. Instead, the candle is placed in a loaf of bread. We especially lift up in prayer the people of Ukraine and the millions of refugees who have fled the country.

In the past, our congregation lit candles for our Christmas Eve Service from the Christ candle. However, since COVID, we have a new tradition of using battery powered candles. We always had trouble with wax dripping from the candles onto the pew cushions and the floor. The new candles are cleaner and safer. We continue to sing Silent Night at the end of the service with a soft glowing light.

Christmas is truly the season of lights. Jesus promises us in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

Have a blessed Christmas,

Pastor Paul

Easter Sunday Changed History

April 2021

Easter is the highlight of the year for Christians around the world. Let’s review some of the key things that took place on that historic Sunday.

Two people you might not know in the Bible are Joanna and Susanna. Luke 23:55-24:1 records how they brought spices to anoint Jesus’ body in the tomb. Mary Magdalene, the other Mary and Salome purchased additional spices. They were not anticipating Jesus’ resurrection.

Roman guards protected the tomb so that no one would take Jesus’ body. Before the women arrived at the tomb, there was a great earthquake. An angel appeared and freighted the guards. The angel entered the tomb as the guards ran away.

The guards reported what happened to the religious leaders who paid a large sum of money to have the guards tell people that the disciples stole Jesus’ body. The religious leaders assured the guards that they would use their influence to keep them from getting into trouble with the Roman authorities.

Mary Magdalene, the other Mary and Salome discussed how they were going to roll away the stone as they were walking to Jesus’ tomb. When they arrived, they were amazed that the tomb was open and that there were no Roman guards present.

Mary Magdalene immediately concluded that someone had stolen Jesus’ body. She runs off to tell Peter and John what happened.

Joanna and Susanna arrive. Mary Magdalene reports her experience to Peter and John. When they arrive at the tomb, John hesitates to enter but Peter rushes into the tomb. They see the burial clothes lying to the side.

When Mary Magdalene returns to the tomb, she is alone. Imagine how she felt as we read these words from John’s Gospel Chapter 20:14-18.

“Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni! (which means teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord” – and that he has said these things to her.”

The Easter account is truly miraculous. It assures us that we always have hope. Andrew Murray said it very well. “What is the difference between a dead Christ, whom the women went to anoint, and a living Christ? A dead Christ, I must do everything for; a living Christ does everything for me.”

With God’s blessings,

Pastor Paul

Starting a New Year with Romans

January 2021

As we enter the New Year of 2021, we are optimistic about eventually returning to in-person worship and the outreach and fellowship activities that we all enjoy. A vaccine is being produced, but it will take months to distribute it.

We will continue our online worship services even after the COVID crises is over. We will also likely continue our book studies through Zoom because it seems most people are able to participate in the evenings and because we have members who go away during the winter.

Our next book study will begin on Tuesday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. We will be studying the Book of Romans by reading N.T. Wright’s commentary entitled, “Paul for Everyone, Romans Part 1, Chapters 1-8.”

Romans is regarded as the clearest presentation of Christian theology in the Bible. The first 11 chapters deal with doctrine while the remaining 5 chapters address the practical application of those doctrines. The idea conveyed is that our beliefs are to match how we live. Know what you believe and model your behavior based on those beliefs that are most important to you.

Paul wrote Romans in AD 57. Nero was a very young emperor at just 16 years old. The oppressive persecutions of Christians would take place later in Nero’s reign in AD 64 following a catastrophic fire that destroyed much of Rome. Christians were falsely blamed for the destruction.

It is interesting how Paul begins Romans. He greets 26 different people by name. He made an intentional effort to make his letter personal. People would have felt honored hearing their named mentioned as the letter was read out loud.

One thing we have learned from 2020 was the importance of finding ways to connect with each other in personal ways. During the last year, creative methods were found. I will always remember the caravan of cars that drove through the parking lot to wish Martha R. “Happy Birthday.”

One of my favorite quotes from Romans is from Chapter 8:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I hope you will join us for our online discussions on one of the most informative, interesting, and inspiring books of the Bible.

With God’s blessings,

Pastor Paul

Advent and Christmas

December 2020

Advent and Christmas this year will be unlike any we have experienced. While some things will be different, we can still rejoice and reflect on the time-honored traditions.

Each Sunday we will light a candle on the Advent wreath. This year the wreath will be on the Lord’s Table. We remember how the round shape of the wreath symbolizes God’s never ending love for us through Jesus Christ. The green garland, the evergreens, represents eternal life. Even in the winter there is life.

The candles provide light in the midst of darkness. Each candle on the Advent wreath is symbolic. Three of the candles are purple, the color of royalty. The first week we light the candle of Hope. In Isaiah 40:31 we read, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not go weary; they will walk and not be faint.” The first candle is also called the Prophet’s candle. The Old Testament prophets spoke encouraging words of hope.

Second is the candle of Faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the confidence in the things we hope for and assurance in what we do not see.” Jesus taught that all things are possible through faith.

Third, we have the pink candle of Joy. Philippians 4:4 is often read when this candle is lit. “Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again, rejoice! There is great joy at the birth of Jesus. This is also known as the Shepherd’s Candle.

The fourth candle symbolizes Peace. When the angels appeared to the Shepherds they proclaimed, “Peace on Earth.” Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace. Jesus blesses us with inner peace and shows us how to have peace with each other.

The last candle is in the center. It is white and known as the Christ Candle. It is lit on Christmas Eve. “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

The name Jesus means Savior. It has a past, present and future meaning. Jesus saved us on the cross. Jesus saves us every day by providing our lives with meaning and hope. Jesus will save us in the future as we are guaranteed citizenship in Heaven.

This year we can especially appreciate the true meaning of Advent and Christmas.

With God’s blessings,

Pastor Paul

Giving Thanks

November 20202

The COVID-19 Virus has been tragic in many ways. The death toll in the United States has reached about 220,000. This year Thanksgiving will look very different for many people. We might not be able to see our loved ones in person. Many families will have virtual Thanksgiving celebrations. Hopefully, by this time next year there will be a vaccine.

Even in the midst of the challenges we are facing, we can still give thanks. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated during great hardships. The Pilgrim settlers began celebrating Thanksgiving during their second winter in America in December 1621.

44 of the original 102 colonists died in the Pilgrim’s first winter. Their food ration was at one point five kernels of corn apiece. Just at the right time, a trading vessel arrived and the Pilgrims traded beaver pelts for grain. Fortunately, the following summer brought a good crop.

Governor Willman Bradford declared December 1, 1621 as a day to be set aside for gratitude with feasting and prayer. 80 Indians joined the colonist. They brought wild turkeys and venison. The first Thanksgiving lasted three days with games, sermons, prayers and songs of praise.

Modern Thanksgivings tend to emphasize the feasting but the giving thanks to God is also especially important. The COVID crises has caused us to appreciate many things and people we might have taken for granted.

Fred Rogers, known as Mr. Rogers said, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Many people have been helpful during this pandemic.

We can thank God for healthcare workers, medical professionals, and first responders. We appreciate farmers, truck drivers, cashiers, and grocery workers who stock the shelves with food. Being in quarantine deepens are gratitude for family and friends.

Scripture tells us in Psalm 9:1, “I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart, I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds.”

Thanksgiving 2020 may look differently this year. However, like every Thanksgiving, we can count our blessings. We can share words of appreciation for each other and for God.

With God’s blessings,

Pastor Paul

Worshipful Living

October 2020

Many of us have not worshiped in church for months because of the COVID virus. I respect people’s decision to stay as safe as possible. Worship takes place beyond the church building.

Let’s consider how worship can be a way of life. When we wake up in the morning, we can thank God for the gift of the day. A positive way to begin the day is by quoting Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Reading a daily devotional and or a small passage from the Bible helps us get off to a good start.

As we go about our day, we can appreciate God’s blessings. Notice all the beauty around you. Think about how God causes all things to grow. Look up at the blue sky. Live every day with awe and wonder about who God is. Give thanks to our Creator God. Praise God throughout the day and listen for God’s word to you.

We can worship God even in the midst of life’s daily challenges. When Martin Luther, the famous German theologian started feeling discouraged he reminded himself of who he was. Luther would put his thumb on his forehead like a minister does when baptizing a baby and say to himself, ‘I am baptized and I am sealed and washed in God’s word. I am not alone. There is still hope.’

Seeing ourselves as God’s children gives us a worshipful attitude. Seeing others as created in God’s image, precious and beloved to God is equally important. Recognizing the image of God in others helps us recognize God at work in the world. This can be a pathway to peace in the midst of a world that often communicates with disrespect.

Jesus said “But when you pray, go into your closet and lock the door.” I must admit I have not done a lot of praying in my closet. However, while we are preparing for the day it is a good idea to speak with God. Julian of Norwich said that “Jesus is our clothing.” When we get ready in the morning, we can imagine ourselves putting on the armor of God. Colossians 3:12 says, “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Being generous is a wonderful way to worship the Lord. Be generous with your time by being fully present to people. Be generous with your words by offering words of encouragement. Put to good use the gifts God has given you to create a legacy of kindness.

Even if you are not worshiping in the church building, it is important to have a Sabbath, a day of rest and worship. Connect with God and connect with others. With God’s blessings,

Pastor Paul