Author Archives: Steve

Why Does Christmas Bother Me?

For some reason Christmas’, starting a couple of years ago, have really been bothering me.  One of the things I’ve learned about myself is that I have the strength of Restoration and Consistency, which means I like to concentrate on those things that need work and make sure all levels are on the same playing field.  It also means that I sometimes push down those things that rise too far, those things that keep the balance unlevel.

It could also do with the fact that a few summers ago, I went on a mission trip to Mexico to help build a “home” (more like sheds to us Americans).  These people used whatever they could just to have shelter.  They still had to have water trucked in and most had outdoor toilet facilities.  It could also have to do with that since my wife and I got married, we really haven’t had much money and are use to opening 1 or 2 or zero presents at Christmas. And that’s the way we liked it.  We also have the rest of the year to get ourselves in financial trouble the way it is .

What gets to me the most is to hear so many people get bent out of shape over throwing Christmas parties, having to do all this shopping, complain how they got this and that and not this and that, complain how much money they spend, complain how they don’t have money to spoil everyone (a.k.a. put themselves on a worship table of “look how awesome I am for you…”), this charity and that charity asking for money during this season more than using the other 340 days of the year to get our awareness of the need.

This year, my family has asked for our family members to just get our kids two gifts (I can’t remember more than several gifts I received my entire childhood) and then to consider a donation to the charity of our choice.  This year we are visited those in the elderly home who will not get visits on Christmas day and bring them some cool things like slippers, body lotions, and small house plants.  Did you know that this season of this year specifically is the lowest attendance of all time for elderly home visits?

I don’t say all this to say, “look at me, I care about people more than you do.”  There are people doing stuff like this more than me every year, every day of the year, I’m sure about that.  I’m sure you can jump all over my thinking behind all this with the kids and even challenge me that I only do good for others around Christmas time.  I hope my kids see and understand that they are extremely blessed already year round and we need to put our eyes open to those in need year round, but even more specifically during this already heightened season of expecting cheer, joy, peace and emotions of feeling alone or left out.  I hope I grow more passionate about making myself and the world around us aware that the playing field is far from level.

Does any of that bother you as well?

Just Tell It Like It Is Doc.

Ever found out some news that didn’t sound so great? After Jesus’ birth on earth, his parents take him into the temple according to the Law of the Old Testament.  While there, an elderly man, who was righteous and devoted to God named Simeon, spoke of Jesus’ greatness to come to Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ parents.

The end of his speaking he says this: “Listen carefully: This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected. Indeed, as a result of him the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed– and a sword will pierce your own soul as well!” (Luke 2:34-35).

As we look back on this, we can see the significance of this statement.  Jesus’ coming was the redemption for all people, but it was not without completely dividing the old order of things for Judiasm and being hated by many and being murdered in a public spectacle.  Jesus was not very well liked by his brothers either.  For Mary and Joseph, this great news of Jesus’ arrival also brought some great parental distress.

In 20/20 hindsight, as Mary saw Jesus sacrificed on a wooden cross, with a crown of thorns on his head, blood dripping from open brutalizations, she felt that sword that would “pierce her own soul as well.”

Sometimes we need people in our lives to just tell it like it is, to warn us of the pain and suffering we will endure that comes with these moments of great rejoicing.

I’m sure Mary wasn’t comfortable with Simeon saying those things.  And in the end, perhaps she wish she never knew what he said (as though it came true because he spoke of them). But I would have to believe that experiencing great sufferings without expecting them, makes it hurt even more.

Do you have people like this in your life? Are you being called to be that person to someone else?

Can’t Know A Book By…

Ever heard someone say “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover.”? The same thing is true about wisdom and foolishness.  Many times on first look, it’s hard to make the judgment call.

In Proverbs 9, there is this comparison between wisdom and folly.  In particular is verse 3 with 14 and verse 4 with verse 16.

“She has sent out her female servants; she calls out on the highest places of the city. ‘Whoever is naive, let him turn in here,’” Proverbs 9:3,4

“So she sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, ‘Whoever is simple, let him turn in here,’ she says to those who lack understanding,” Proverbs 9:14, 16.

Both find the best avenues to let their messages be heard.  Wisdom must go where folly proclaims and wisdom must be on guard because folly goes where wisdom goes to steal its followers.  Both cry out to those who are simple, naive and both offer a solution for one’s lack of understanding.

The key is to watch for those clues of enticement as well as one’s reaction to the first taste of “understanding.”  Read the rest of the chapter to see what clues and reactions help define what is wisdom and what is folly.