Rescuing Christmas. . . From Whom?

A lot of us seem to be concerned about Christmas. More specifically, we seem to be deeply concerned about how other people treat Christmas. Great offense is taken and spirits are troubled when people, businesses, and governments replace "Merry Christmas" with the generic phrase "Happy Holidays," giving rise to warnings about the secularization of Christmas. Those who want to fight those battles are certainly free to do so, and I respect their motives and intentions. Personally, however, I think there is a greater issue of concern when it comes to the secularization of Christmas: our own behavior, attitudes, and priorities as Christians.

On one level, I expect the world around me to secularize Christmas. After all, if someone is not living in a relationship with Jesus, they're probably going to treat Christmas as a general holiday rather than a sacred event. As the followers of Jesus, however, it falls to us to live out and bear witness to the true significance of Christmas. It's at that point that I believe we need to express some serious concern. While we've been busy pointing the finger at the secular world and how they observe or fail to observe Christmas, we have turned a blind eye to the secularized spirit that so often governs our own observance.

The season of Advent should be for us a time of genuine worship, prayer, and reflection that renews and awakens our hearts, fills us again with the wonder of God's love, deepens our gratitude for the God who is truly "with us," brings our attention to His Kingdom at work in this world, and challenges us to lay down our lives in a spirit of sacrificial love. Too often, though, this is not the reality of my Christmas observance. Rather than a time of worship and spiritual renewal, Advent becomes a month shaped and directed by the culture around me, filled with busyness and distraction, planning and spending. In our intent to celebrate the season, we too easily and frequently set aside those things that bring our attention to God, sacrificing time in the Word and in prayer for the surface matters of the holiday. And so, we enter the new year like so many of those around us: tired, overfed, and in debt.

Who is it, exactly, that is responsible for the secularization of Christmas? It's easy to say that secular people are to blame, but perhaps it's really those of us who should know better and are simply blind to our own secular habits. Before we criticize the world around us for its treatment of Christmas, perhaps it would be in order to honestly evaluate our own observance. We might find that, in spirit and priority, we're not really all that different from those we criticize - only the title has been changed.

A Renewed Sense of Thanksgiving

As I sat in church last Sunday, I experienced one of those moments that we treasure, a moment when God draws close and speaks to us in a way that is desperately needed. We were singing about our God being "indescribable" and "uncontainable" when the reality of His greatness suddenly took hold of my heart, giving me a deep sense of peace and joy. In that extraordinary moment, the Spirit bore witness to my spirit that our God is bigger than the boxes we so often use to define Him, that He is so much more than our preconceived, predictable, and comfortable notions, and that He is far beyond our frail and limited comprehension. It was an encounter that I personally needed, a reminder that arrived at a critical time, and it's giving shape to my expression of Thanksgiving this week.

I am thankful for a God who is great beyond my comprehension and is never defined by our human paradigms and structures.

I am thankful for a Creator so incredible that through His Word this world of life, beauty, and mystery was spoken into existence.

I am grateful for a Father who loves so deeply and fully that He was willing to risk rejection for the sake of true relationship.

I am thankful for a God who loves so completely that He was willing to restore a sinful and broken world through His own sacrifice.

I am thankful for a Father who is abundant in mercy and delights in forgiveness.

I am thankful for a God who extends to me patience beyond measure in spite of my seemingly endless weaknesses and struggles.

I am thankful for a God who is constant in His heart and character, even when I am not.

I am thankful for a God who understands that I don't always understand and is faithful to me all the same.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. (Psalm 118:1)

The Issue With Taking Issue

I have come to understand that sometimes the issue is not the issue. I'm sure others could express the meaning of that statement in a more coherent and sensible way, but stay with me here. The point is, we have the ability to make a big deal out of some issue or event, when in fact our real concern and motivation is something else entirely. We're even pretty good at fooling ourselves, turning a blind eye to the true motivations behind what we do and say.

Take, for example, the disciples of John the Baptist and their discussion in John 3:22-30. They got into a big argument with someone over the nature of ceremonial washing, but the details of that theological debate are not shared with us. In fact, the very next verse has these disciples returning to John the Baptist and complaining that Jesus was now baptizing and everyone was going to him. Wait a second - what happened to that pressing theological debate about ceremonial washing? Where is the resolution to this monumental issue that brought on such an argument?

Is it possible that the reasons and particulars of this debate are not shared with us because they were not the real issues driving these disciples? Maybe the real issue behind this public argument was actually the concern they shared with John: people were now going to Jesus, and they were not on center stage anymore. You know, one of the easiest ways to get back in the spotlight is to get involved in some public controversy or argument. Could it be that some of John's disciples, threatened by Jesus' rising popularity, stirred up a controversy in order to bring attention back to themselves? That's not to say there weren't some genuine theological issues being debated, but was that the genuine motivation? In other words, was the issue of the debate really the issue, or was it more about their need for attention and position?

I realize I cannot make that judgment with certainty. After all, half the time I can't figure out people here and now, let alone someone that lived centuries ago. However, I believe the question is worth raising, and I believe that because I know myself. To be honest, there have been times when I have taken issue with something or someone, and my real concern was far more personal and self-centered in nature. Debates and crusades over some grand cause can easily provide cover for my need for attention and importance; small issues can grow into great controversy when my ego is the secret motivation.

You can't help but notice that we spend a lot of time in our churches debating matters of all sorts. There are always those on a crusade for some great cause or against some great conspiracy. At times we seem to live for controversy and conflict. And of course, we justify it all as necessary because of the importance of the issues involved. Now I don't question the fact that many of these issues are valid and important, but at the same time, I can't help but wonder if they are always the real issue. Are there times when the conflicts and crusades are actually attempts to fulfill our need for attention, when the controversies are secretly motivated by our desire to control, when the debates are fueled by our desire for importance? For my part, I must admit that there have been times when the answer is "yes."

I doubt that I am alone. So, as the followers of Jesus, let's pray together for a greater awareness and sensitivity to the truth that the issue is not always the issue, and may a spirit of honesty and humility prevail in His Church.

Some Thoughts On Being Right

I like to be right.

It feels good when I am.

In fact, it feels so good that I want to be right all the time. Therein lies the problem.

Being right about some fact or issue, and having others acknowledge that I am right, too often becomes my only priority, blinding me to the essential matters of character and attitude. It can quickly take the form of an idol, something I give myself to so completely that I neglect things far more significant. Winning the debate can sometimes become more important than people and relationships; having my view and opinion prevail can take precedence over Christlikeness.

God is teaching me the dangers of my unhealthy need to always be right about everything:

My need to be right does not allow for confession and apologies. Since such things, by their very nature, admit to being wrong, my driving desire to be right will not allow them. Instead, I seek refuge in excuses and rationalizations. The need to always be right depends greatly on a spirit of denial and deception.

My need to be right does not allow me to truly listen to others, especially my critics. Unwilling to face the possibility that others might understand something better, or have a valid point that is contrary to my own, I choose not to hear what they are saying. I listen only for the purpose of responding or arguing, and not for the sake of that person. My intense desire to be right leads me to devalue and disrespect others.

My need to be right can propel me into hurtful, destructive behaviors and attitudes. In my effort to win, I can lose sight of love, mercy, and grace. Like Peter in the garden, I begin to swing my sword in defense of what is right and true, oblivious to the damage it causes. Being right becomes my justification for hurtful words, unloving attacks, and a spirit of division. Jesus did not excuse Peter's behavior because he was on the right side - he told Peter to put the sword away. Jesus tells me the same thing, but the desire to be proven right can cause spiritual deafness.

My need to be right hinders my growth as a follower of Jesus. Growth is dependent upon a confession of need, the admission that I do not have it all together and have it all figured out. The desire to always be right is not comfortable with such confessions; it leads instead to a spiritual pride and arrogance that denies any need for further understanding, change, or growth.

Some of you may defensively jump to the conclusion that I am promoting some kind of relativistic, "every way is true" approach to spirituality. Relax - that's not the point. Jesus is the truth, and seeking to know and understand the truth revealed in Him is essential. However, my self-focused need to be right about everything, and to be seen as right by everyone else, is something entirely different. Distinguishing between the two can be difficult, but it is necessary. As a follower of Jesus, the call on my life is bigger than being factually right - it's about being like Him. When I lose sight of that, I can quickly find myself being wrong, even when I'm right.

A Post-Election Mandate

After months of campaigning and millions of dollars spent, the votes have been cast and counted, bringing to a close another election season. We have now entered into the period of reflection and response, with all of its analysis, opinions, and reactions. Obviously, the responses vary greatly, depending on which candidates and issues you voted for. Some are elated, while others are defeated; some are hopeful, while others are disappointed; some see a bright, sunny day ahead, while other believe the sky is falling. Then there are always those who, either through disinterest or disillusionment, have disconnected from the whole process and seem to go on their way completely unaffected by such matters.

Regardless of where you fall in this spectrum, there is one reaction that is necessary for the followers of Jesus, one response that should rise above all the others. Let's remember the words of Paul and Peter:

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. (I Timothy 2:1-2)

For the Lord's sake, respect all human authority - whether the king as head of state or the officials he has appointed. (I Peter 2:13-14a)

These words are not contingent on who we voted for or what party the candidate belongs to. We are not released from this response because we are disappointed in who was elected. There is no escape clause when we disagree with their decisions. This is to be the reaction of God's people - period. We pray and intercede for those in authority because it is the response of love and
grace. We will give respect to those in authority because we are called to reflect the character of Christ. In all things, we are to walk in grace, kindness, and mercy; in everything, we are to love and pray for others, wanting God's best for everyone. The words of Paul and Peter remind us that the realm of politics does not give us a free pass - we're still supposed to be like Jesus.

Throughout the election process, we have often appealed to the authority of Scripture in discussing and debating various social issues. May we remember that these words about respecting and praying for those in authority are just as inspired and authoritative as the passages we have quoted to others. We cannot be selective in our observation of Biblical values. Demonstrations of disrespect and a lack of love will do nothing but make all of our other arguments ring hollow. Whatever you might feel about the election and its outcome, there is one reaction that must rise to the surface: we will love, respect, and pray for others, whether we voted for them or not. The way of Jesus does not change, even in an election year.

Come November 5. . .

At this point in election season, I typically grow tired of it all. The incessant ads begin to annoy me, the minute-by-minute polls wear me out, and the constant “expert” analysis on TV and radio becomes nothing more than white noise. It’s not that I don’t care, or don’t want to be involved in the process – I just have a limited attention span and want to get on with it, already. And to be honest, I think another reason I grow weary at the end is the message of fear and pessimism that becomes so increasingly common at this stage. Both sides try to make the case that we cannot let the other side win, because if they do, all will be lost and the world, as we know it, will end.

What’s both interesting and troubling to me is how Christians and Christian organizations allow themselves to become driven by fear and begin to rely on the same fear-based message. A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from a well-known organization stating that if certain individuals win this election:

America as we have known it will no longer exist. This country that we love, founded on Judeo-Christian values, will cease to exist and will be replaced by a secular state hostile to Christianity. This “city set on a hill” which our forefathers founded, will go dark. The damage will be deep and long lasting. It cannot be turned around in the next election, or the one after that, or by any election in the future. The damage will be permanent.

Yikes - that’s some bleak and scary stuff. In my reaction to that statement and its view of faith and politics, I in no way want to seem judgmental, demeaning, or dismissive toward those who share these sentiments. I do not question their heart, their faith, their motives, or their integrity. I also have no intention of making a political statement, endorsement, or prediction of any kind. My concern is with the approach and the perceived attitude conveyed by statements such as this. Personally, I struggle with the followers of Jesus resorting to fear and casting a shadow of hopelessness. With all respect, I choose not to follow in that path, and here are my reasons:

• The true "city set on a hill" is not equivalent to or dependent upon any earthly nation or government. The Body of Christ is called to be the "city set on a hill," and that city will not "go dark" because of any election on this earth. Come November 5, regardless of who has won and who has lost, the followers of Jesus will still be here, and they will continue to love and serve as light in the darkness. Throughout the history of the Church, no ruler or government has ever been able to stop the movement of God's Kingdom, and they never will.


• The true hope for our world is not found in governments, courts, or legislation, but the transforming love and grace of God. The systems of this world do not have the power to change hearts, restore lives, and heal families. Our God is the One who gives life, restores the broken, heals the hurting, and makes all things new. Come November 5, regardless of who has won and who has lost, our God will still be living, present, and active in our world. On that day, and for all days to come, He will continue to carry out His gracious work of redemption in and through people like us.


• The true call placed on our lives is to pick up the cross and follow Jesus for the sake of His Kingdom. To be motivated by the fear of a "secular state hostile to Christianity" suggests a self-concern that misses the mark of our call. It implies that our concern and efforts are aimed at our own comfort and security within society; it hints at the possibility that we cannot bear the thought of living from the margins of society rather than the comfortable mainstream. Jesus did not call us to fight for a comfortable position in the culture, the avoidance of personal insult and persecution, or the backing of the government; He called us to lay down our lives, to know that we are blessed when we face rejection and persecution for His sake, and to trust that there is an all-surpassing power from God at work in these jars of clay. Come November 5, regardless of who has won and who has lost, our call will remain the same, and the power of God's Spirit will continue to uphold and enable those who are willing to follow. The purposes of His Kingdom will always be accomplished by the way of the cross, the path of love and sacrifice, and not by the power or means of earthly nations.

While I recognize the significance of these decisions, and I realize our need for prayerful involvement, I have also come to believe that God's Kingdom must not be equated with the political business of this world. I will earnestly pray and vote my conscience, and I trust you will do the same. But through it all, may we remember that God's position and purpose are not dependent on the elections of any earthly nation, including ours. Despite the rhetoric that seems to suggest otherwise, He is not on the ballot - He will still be God come November 5.

Good Intentions; Wrong Approach - Part III

Okay - allow me one more post on this whole matter of being salt and light in the world, and then I promise to move on. On second thought, promise might be too strong - I'll try to move on. How's that?

Beyond the issue of being versus simply doing, there is an essential quality and reality about salt and light that we have, by and large, neglected. We have too easily overlooked the fact that salt and light must be present to make a difference. A light in one room does not impact the room down the hall with its door closed. Salt in a container does not impact food on the table. To make any difference in the environment, to have any hope of bringing transformation, salt and light must be present and engaged. Nothing is changed or achieved through isolation.

It seems to me that our dependence on the world's means and systems of operation has not led us to a greater or more transformational presence in the world; in fact, it may have enhanced our isolation. Our political activism, our boycotts and protests, have given us the sense that we are involved. While this is true in one sense, there is a profound difference between being involved in the systems of this world and being present as salt and light. What Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 was that the world should "see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven." He didn't say they need to see our involvement, our activism, our protest, or our arguments - they need to see our good deeds, the acts of love, mercy, and compassion that flow from the grace of God and draw attention to Him. To be salt and light is to be a present, living reflection of Christ's love and grace to such a degree that people are attracted to the kingdom of God.

I suspect we have allowed involvement to supplant true presence. I can sign a petition without ever connecting to my neighbor. I can vote a certain way without ever serving those around me. I can forward emails about a cause, but never demonstrate love to someone that is hurting. I can easily boycott a company, but never draw someone to Christ. We convince ourselves that we are acting as salt and light, even while we fail to live out a loving and grace-filled presence among those in need. We are simply taking shots from a distance.

Am I saying that such involvement is wrong? No, I'm saying that it's insufficient and cannot fulfill our purpose. We are called to be a positive, grace-filled presence in the world that draws attention to our loving, grace-filled Savior. To be salt and light requires us to move beyond the comfort and safety of our circles, to step into our world as a reflection of Jesus, to invest in others with a spirit of love and sacrifice. The fact is, politics and protest are easy - ministry is hard work. Arguments and boycotts are simple - truly being present with those in need can get messy. Petitions and email campaigns are no sweat - laying down our lives in service is costly. We have too often opted for the easier path, exchanging true presence in our world for involvement in worldly systems that are inadequate for our mission.

Perhaps there is a deeper issue here that we do not want to face. Why do we often substitute a reliance on the world's methods and systems for the loving, serving, and engaging presence we are called to be? Here's a thought - maybe we want the government, courts, corporations, and schools to enforce our values for us so we don't have face being light in the darkness. If the systems of the world support our ideas, then the "rules" will keep everyone in line so we don't have to go out and engage our neighbors. If the government and courts uphold what we believe is right, then we can maintain the illusion that we are a part of a Christian nation, allowing us to live comfortably in our isolated circles. Maybe our real concern in so many of these efforts is not the building of the kingdom, but our own level of comfort in society. To be present as salt and light in a world that is dark and broken can be uncomfortable; it's a lot easier if the government enforces the rules for us.

The problem is, our mission is not to win arguments and force changes in behavior. We are called to bring others into a transforming relationship with Jesus, and the means and methods of this world will never be able to do that. Jesus never once indicated that the kingdoms and governments of this world were the pathway to building His kingdom. Those in the early church had no expectation of the government or courts supporting them or upholding their values, and yet they changed the world. If we are to change our world, you and I have to move beyond taking shots from a distance, stop relying on the systems of this world, and quit isolating ourselves in comfortable circles. The Jesus we claim to follow is the one who came into this world and lived among us in love, mercy, and sacrifice. To be salt and light is to do the same.