Oregon Synod Book of Faith devotion for February 5, 2012

“I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some.  I do it for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.”  (I Corinthians 9:22-3)

All things to all people? Now, those words make me uneasy. As a church leader and recovering people-pleaser, I’m well-acquainted with the temptation to make myself over to suit others or maintain harmony. Can that be what the famously irascible St. Paul is talking about?

Not on your life. This is not about waffling or compromise. Instead, Paul is taking an intentional stance to further Christ’s gospel. Rather than being haughty or standoffish, Paul goes out of his way to identify with both Jews and Gentiles, to build bridges instead of walls, so all kinds of people can hear and receive God’s good news.  Paul’s witness is bold, but it is also generous, considerate and tactful.  He focuses on encouraging those new to faith (see I Cor 8:9-13).

In our predominately secular Pacific Northwest, it can be tempting for Christians to turn chameleon and just blend in with our surroundings. A young woman told me that when friends learned she was going to church on Sundays, they reacted with surprise, like she’d announced she was taking up some exotic hobby like windsurfing (mind you, this is Portland, not Hood River!). It would certainly be easier to just blend in with the wallpaper than try to express what our faith means to us.

But what good is an invisible witness?  We can use a dose of Paul’s daring, outgoing Spirit. For the sake of the gospel, we will balance boldness and tact, clarity and generosity. We will put ourselves out there, while also remembering clearly who we are.

We are beloved children of God, forgiven and cherished forever in Christ.  We are called disciples, entrusted with the good news this whole creation is yearning for.  Strong in this beautiful identity, we reach out in every way we can, so that through us Christ might by all means save this world, and we may share in the blessings.

In Christ,

The Rev. Melinda Wagner, First Immanuel Lutheran Church, Portland, Oregon

I Corinthians 9:19-23

¹⁹For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them.²⁰To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law.²¹To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law.²²To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some.²³I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

Book of Faith Devotions for February 19, 2012

Today’s Scripture:  Mark 9:1-9 (the Message)

¹ Then Jesus drove it home by saying, “This isn’t pie in the sky by and by. Some of you who are standing here are going to see it happen, see the kingdom of God arrive in full force.”

 ^2-4Six days later, three of them did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them. Elijah, along with Moses, came into view, in deep conversation with Jesus.

 ^5-6Peter interrupted, “Rabbi, this is a great moment! Let’s build three memorials— one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah.” He blurted this out without thinking, stunned as they all were by what they were seeing.

 ⁷Just then a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep in the cloud, a voice: “This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him.”

 ⁸The next minute the disciples were looking around, rubbing their eyes, seeing nothing but Jesus, only Jesus.

 ^9-10Coming down the mountain, Jesus swore them to secrecy. “Don’t tell a soul what you saw. After the Son of Man rises from the dead, you’re free to talk.” They puzzled over that, wondering what on earth “rising from the dead” meant.

I used to live at high altitude, where the air is so thin that you get winded quickly during exercise. The sun is so bright that many cars have tinted windows and people wear sunglasses year round. At that altitude, you are often reminded of how much closer you are to heavenly radiance.

When the disciples witnessed the Transfiguration, they glimpsed how close they were to heaven in Christ’s presence. That high mountain vision revealed the thinness of the divide between God and humanity, with Jesus at the meeting point between Creator and creatures. They saw Jesus fully drenched in the love, power and kingdom of God, and they saw the grandeur of what God wishes to give to all of us—a life caught up in God’s all-loving presence and influence. (See Tom Wright’s Mark for Everyone for wonderful insights.)

How could Peter, James and John forget something like that?  Seeing Jesus fully illuminated with God’s power, how could they not spend every day in absolute awe, wonder and devotion before him? But the truth is, people forget. Even with Jesus right there beside them, they forget.

We forget, too. Many of us have had experiences when we knew for sure that God’s love is alive, real, and radiant. We have learned through the church’s witness that Jesus truly is God’s Son. How do we integrate this revelation into the everydayness of our lives?

Truth is, we are close to heavenly radiance every day. We are drenched in the love of God and bathed in the presence of Christ. We are fully immersed in God’s kingdom, now.

Blessings on your day,
The Rev. Melinda Wagner, First Immanuel Lutheran Church, Portland, Oregon

Book of Faith Devotions – February 12, 2012

Today’s scripture: Mark 1:40-45

 ⁴⁰A man with leprosy came to Jesus begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.”⁴¹Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” ⁴²Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. ⁴³After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, ⁴⁴saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”⁴⁵But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

Mothers of young children know all about “clean and unclean.” Today my kids are grimy most of the time, but when they were very small I carried with me every kind of baby wipe and germ-killing product imaginable. I remember being fanatically delighted when grocery stores started offering antibacterial cloths to wipe down the grocery cart handles before you put the toddler in.  I defended that “clean and unclean” boundary with zeal.

In Jesus’ day, the boundary between clean and unclean was also zealously defended, and the man with leprosy was stuck on the wrong side, condemned to keep a prescribed distance from healthy people till the day he died.  That’s why what Jesus did was so shocking.

Jesus touched the man with leprosy, risking his own contamination. Onlookers surely gasped, and his mother must have been horrified.  But Jesus reached out his ungloved, un-Purexed hand and intentionally touched the man – to show that Jesus wasn’t afraid of this disease. To show that making someone whole mattered more than religious taboo. To show that God’s power was able to make this man clean and give him back his life.  To show that this outcast was “clean” in God’s eyes and had value, worth, dignity.  To show what price Jesus was willing to pay, putting his own safety on the line in order to set God’s healing power loose in creation. 

Christ’s ministry was all about that daring, compassionate, restoring touch.  Today Christ’s touch is for us, drawing us into the awesome reality of God’s forgiveness which heals the breach between us and God and unites us with all humanity.  Today Christ’s touch also yearns to be extended through us, reminding us that ministry in Christ’s name is not about staying safe but about getting one’s hands dirty.  It’s about crossing over boundaries and venturing into areas that are more gray than black-and-white.  It’s about holding onto the truth of divine healing, even where no cure is possible. It’s about touching others and being touched by the comforting, challenging hand of Christ which makes us all whole. 

May God’s hand be upon you today in all your challenges, relationships and tasks.  May you know what is it to be truly whole and blessed, accepted in God’s healing love. And living in the blessing of Christ, may you reach out your hand to bless.

Peace to you,
The Rev. Melinda Wagner, First Immanuel Lutheran Church, Portland

Book of Faith Devotions – January 29, 2012

January 29, 2012  The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Mark 1:21-28  (The Message)

^21-22Then they entered Capernaum. When the Sabbath arrived, Jesus lost no time in getting to the meeting place. He spent the day there teaching. They were surprised at his teaching—so forthright, so confident—not quibbling and quoting like the religion scholars.

^23-24Suddenly, while still in the meeting place, he was interrupted by a man who was deeply disturbed and yelling out, “What business do you have here with us, Jesus? Nazarene! I know what you’re up to! You’re the Holy One of God, and you’ve come to destroy us!”

^25-26Jesus shut him up: “Quiet! Get out of him!” The afflicting spirit threw the man into spasms, protesting loudly—and got out.

^27-28Everyone there was incredulous, buzzing with curiosity. “What’s going on here? A new teaching that does what it says? He shuts up defiling, demonic spirits and sends them packing!” News of this traveled fast and was soon all over Galilee.

 

If I only had a brain…Every time I go to a graduation and it is time for the presentation of the diplomas, the following scene from the 1939 version of The Wizard of Oz runs through my mind.

Wizard of Oz:  “They have one thing you haven’t got:  a diploma.  Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Universitatus Committeatum E Pluribus Unum, I hereby confer upon you the honorary degree of ThD.

Scarecrow:  “ThD?”

Wizard of Oz:  “That’s…Doctor of Thinkology.”

Scarecrow:  “…Oh Joy!  Rapture!  I’ve got a brain.  How can I ever thank you enough?”

A diploma can do all that?  Of course the scene is tongue in cheek.  We know that a lot of work, time, and resources are poured into a diploma.  Many recent college graduates expected that the degree they received would be their passport to a job and a future career in their field of study.  Instead, they found themselves walking across the dais and smack dab into The Great Recession.  Many are unemployed or underemployed.  Others, if they can find work, are finding it necessary to work outside their chosen field.  Still others stay in school, hoping that by the time they receive yet another sheepskin, the situation will have improved.  That diploma, although important, is not sufficient these days to get them a job.  It’s tough out there!  We earnestly pray that it gets better for them soon.

The job market isn’t the only thing that’s tough out there.  At this time in our history, the Church is well aware of the struggles of the world and, from time to time we wonder if we are equipped to help.  If we only had younger people.  If we only had more resources.  If we only had different music.  If we only had better marketing.  If we only had more brains, heart, and courage too.

And then we are reminded of the one thing that we have got.  Jesus.  Nazarene.  The Holy One of God.  Christ has always been with his Church.  We forget that we already have everything we need to make demons tremble and to astonish the world.  In the words of the Scarecrow, “Oh joy!  Rapture!”

The Rev. Craig Johnson, Christ Lutheran Church, Aurora

Book of Faith Devotions – January 22, 2012

January 22, 2012   Third Sunday after Epiphany

Psalm 62:5-12  (NRSV)

5        For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.

6        He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

7        On God rests my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.

8        Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.  Selah

9        Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.

10    Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

11    Once God has spoken; twice I have heard this; that power belongs to God,

12    And steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.  For you repay to all according to their work.

One evening this last summer, I heard my front door bell ring.  Standing at the door, wearing slight grins, were my friends Eric and Regina.  “We’ve been down on the river and we found a present for you.”  They led me to the back of their SUV and proudly presented me with…a really big rock!  “It’s just the right size,” Eric assured me.  I was still confused.  He explained, “It’s exactly the same size as the Portland Stone at the Portland Highland Games.  The one they lift and throw for distance.  I brought the bathroom scale down to the river and weighed it.  Now you have something to practice with.”

A little background…I turn 50 in a year and a half.  I have made a list of some things I want to do during my fiftieth year to celebrate.  Upon hearing that there was a “50 and over” category at Highland Games events, and that not a lot of people enter in that category, I off handedly remarked that it might be fun to try it once.  Embarrass myself a little.  Maybe get a participants ribbon.  Eric and Regina are both accomplished Highland Games athletes.  They loved the idea and they are determined to help me make it happen.

In Scotland, Eric assures me, it is common for each clan or family to have a “family stone”.  A rock that has been in the family and that guests are invited to come and lift.  Usually after they have lifted a few pints of their favorite adult beverage.  “You now have the Johnson Family Stone”.

It is a unique gift that I both treasure and frankly, fear a little.  It weighs 96 pounds!  What was I thinking?  I have stepped up my lifting at the gym and have practiced a little with my stone.  Suffice it to say that I do not have high expectations.

Psalm 62 is talking about a very different kind of rock.  “On God rests my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.”  The temptation to put our trust in our own strength and/or ability is quite alluring.  But again, the psalmist reminds us, “Those of low estate are but a breath, those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.”  We are not to put our trust in our own strength, or clan, or riches.  God alone is worthy of our trust.  The rest are “but a breath”.  The Psalmist reminds us that God’s power and love are the ultimate reality.  The rest is a delusion.

The Rev. Craig Johnson, Christ Lutheran Church, Aurora

Book of Faith Devotions – January 15, 2012

January 15, 2012   Second Sunday after Epiphany

John 1:43-51  (The Message)

^43-44The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. When he got there, he ran across Philip and said, “Come, follow me.” (Philip’s hometown was Bethsaida, the same as Andrew and Peter.)

^45-46Philip went and found Nathanael and told him, “We’ve found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets. It’s Jesus, Joseph’s son, the one from Nazareth!” Nathanael said, “Nazareth? You’ve got to be kidding.”

But Philip said, “Come, see for yourself.”

⁴⁷When Jesus saw him coming he said, “There’s a real Israelite, not a false bone in his body.”

⁴⁸Nathanael said, “Where did you get that idea? You don’t know me.”

Jesus answered, “One day, long before Philip called you here, I saw you under the fig tree.”

⁴⁹Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi! You are the Son of God, the King of Israel!”

^50-51Jesus said, “You’ve become a believer simply because I say I saw you one day sitting under the fig tree? You haven’t seen anything yet! Before this is over you’re going to see heaven open and God’s angels descending to the Son of Man and ascending again.”

They are a “thirty something couple” with four young children and a passion for loving the poor in the name of Jesus.  For a year they traveled around the country in an old RV (Big Buster) they converted to run on used vegetable oil, visiting feeding ministries from coast to coast.  When they returned to their home in Hubbard, Oregon, they decided to convert their garage into a food pantry, invite donations, and share with anyone who was hungry.  “Jubilee Food Pantry” they call it.  They have done this every Tuesday afternoon for a year and a half.  They have a great story.  When people ask about the ministry out of their garage, they invite people to “come and see for yourself”.

In their travels, they made it to Philadelphia and got to see Shane Claiborne’s Simple Way ministry first hand.  They started receiving “Consp!re:  Food, Feast, and Table”, a magazine that Simple Way helps publish.  Consp!re doesn’t have subscribers.  They have “conspirators”.  In November of 2011, Consp!re sponsored “Gather ‘Round”s- evenings that embraced the sacredness and joy of the dinner table, bringing people together to “plot goodness”.  This young family agreed to host a “Gather ‘Round” for people in the Portland area who had signed on through the magazine’s website.  It felt like one part internet dating, one part community organizing, and one part church pot luck.  They invited me as well.  “Come and see what other people who love Jesus and the poor are up to.”  Plotting goodness?  It did sound a little conspiratorial.  I brought coleslaw.

It was a great evening.  I met organic farmers, staff from the Union Gospel mission, foster parents, goat herders, environmental expedition counselors and a host of other folks with a passion for food, Jesus, and serving the poor.  Most had never been to Hubbard before.  Everyone shared their story around the table.  Not only was a lot of goodness plotted, it was encouraging to see that a lot of goodness was already going on.  Even the Brussels sprouts were good!

Come and see for yourself.  The body of Christ is alive, well, and plotting goodness in a garage in Hubbard and in all kinds of other unexpected places.

The Rev. Craig Johnson, Christ Lutheran Church, Aurora

Book of Faith Devotions – January 8, 2012

January 8, 2012   Baptism of Our Lord

 

Mark 1:4-11  (The Message)

 

^4-6John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of sins. People thronged to him from Judea and Jerusalem and, as they confessed their sins, were baptized by him in the Jordan River into a changed life. John wore a camel-hair habit, tied at the waist with a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild field honey.

^7-8As he preached he said, “The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life. I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out.”

^9-11At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.”

 

In the 1970’s, I remember seeing advertisements for The Bedazzler on TV.  It was a simple tool, ordered through the mail or over the phone, that allowed the user to fasten rhinestones, metal studs, and patches to clothes and accessories.  The result?  Imagine a 1970’s Elvis costume.  For $19.95 (plus shipping and handling) you could make your own, ordinary stuff sparkle and shine like the Las Vegas Strip.  If you wanted to stand out from the crowd, your every day outfits could be “bedazzled”!  I was a little too self-conscious as a kid for that kind of personal expression.  I found that the work of The Bedazzler was better left to others who could handle the extra attention.

Even though we know better theologically, it is easy to fall into the trap of believing that the Holy Spirit is a limited offer, available only to certain “bedazzled” Christians.  To believe or act as if there is a standard Baptism, and then a “Baptism 2.0” that includes the “Holy Spirit Package”.  But the words of John The Baptist remind us that what Jesus brings is truly a holy baptism of the Holy Spirit, continually changing us “from the inside out”.  This Spirit is not available only to some, those who shine brightly or who have attained a certain level of spiritual achievement.  The Holy Spirit is freely bestowed upon every Christian at every baptism.  The work of the Spirit begins at the font and continues for our whole lives.  This is the Spirit’s work, not ours, though we are often tempted to claim some or all of it as our own.

At many baptisms, our sponsors read to us these words to us from Matthew 5:16;  “Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”  It is the season of Epiphany.  Go and bedazzle with the light of God.

The Rev. Craig Johnson, Christ Lutheran Church, Aurora

Book of Faith Devotions – January 1, 2012

^{January 1, 2012  Name of Jesus}

^{Luke 2:15-21  (The Message)}

^15-18As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

 ^19-20Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!

 ²¹When the eighth day arrived, the day of circumcision, the child was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived.

I read the invitation to a colleague’s installation service with some bewilderment.  Next to the date for the service it read, “The Octave of St. James.”  An Octave ?  As always, when in need of enlightenment regarding things ecclesiastical, I reached for my Oxford Dictionary of The Christian Church.  Apparently, an Octave refers to the eighth day after a feast, including the festival day itself.  The “Name of Jesus”, observed every January 1^st, is also known as “The Octave of Christmas.”

Jesus, like most Jewish males of the time, was formally named on the eighth day of his life as a part of his circumcision rite.  This covenantal act, going back to the time of Abraham, was performed on the eighth day, even if it fell on a Sabbath, as a sign of God’s faithfulness. The eighth day is significant for Christians as well.  Every Sunday for two thousand years, Christians have gathered together on the eighth day, not simply to mark a new week, but to commemorate the day of resurrection and to remember the new creation that we have become in the waters of baptism.  Many traditional baptismal fonts are octagonal in shape in reference to this.

Our culture claims every January 1^st as a day for resolutions and new beginnings.  Built right into our liturgical calendar, the church has a day to embrace the new beginning that we receive when the name of “Jesus” is splashed upon us.  Maybe in addition to claiming New Year’s Day, we should reclaim the octagonal shape as well.  Instead of being the shape of a “Stop” sign, we would see it anew as a baptismal symbol.  A Go sign, if you will.   After all, Jesus himself has said, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The Rev. Craig Johnson, Christ Lutheran Church, Aurora

Book of Faith Devotions for December 25, 2011

CHRISTMAS DAY: Luke 2:1-14, (15-20) NRSV

1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see–I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

Real days, real people, real politics, real pain. Advent is over and Christmas is here. I don’t know why this is a surprise. The prophets told us. God promised. John the Baptizer points to the ongoing reality in every Gospel. We’ve heard the story before!

But now? Right now? Here? Really?

In theory baptism and Holy Communion are supposed to be those magical moments when all that Jesus was and did breaks into our here and now. And it’s true. I believe that. Christmas is a little bit that way as well, though. People take that extra moment to say “hi.” We notice the less fortunate and maybe buy mittens or milk for those who need them. Wars used to stop, at least for a moment, while people prayed and gave glory to God. Even stop lights blink a bright red and green.

I wish you joy and happiness as you celebrate Christmas this year, hopefully with friends and family, but the most important words in this wonderful story for me are “this day.”

It is not “that day” which is so important. It is “this day!” It is “this day” with its own brand of real people, real politics and real pain that must always remain front and center for us. Yes, were it not for “that day” “this day” would be much different. We need to stop, to give thanks, to celebrate and sing of Sabbath rest. I agree! Yet, it is also because of “that day” that “this day” is supposed to be much different.  And now that Advent is over this is what should occupy our hopes and dreams forever more.

Tomorrow has been born into the waiting arms of today. All that is to be has begun to break into our here and now. Real days, real people, real politics, real pain. Jesus came to engage these very things. How about you?

Bishop Dave Brauer-Rieke
Oregon Synod – ELCA

Book of Faith Devotions for December 18, 2011

ADVENT 4: Luke 1:26-38

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Now we’re getting to it. Enough of the wild-haired John the Baptizer of Advent who called people to attention as the adult Jesus steps out on to center stage. Let’s get to Christmas. Where’s the baby?

Funny who asks what questions. Israel had been “waiting for the baby” – well, really the Messiah – for centuries. Mary and Joseph were undoubtedly among the poor who prayed for hope and new life on a daily basis. But now that the baby was on the way Mary’s question is different. “How did that happen?!”

People have such an amazing capacity to ignore or deflect what is right before their eyes. Bless you , Mary, but “how” is not really the question. “That” is the question and it’s all you need to concern yourself with right now. It’s Advent. The birth of tomorrow will come and Jesus will be right at the center of it. And ready or not, you’re going to be at the center of it all, too.

Bishop Dave Brauer-Rieke
Oregon Synod – ELCA