Happy Friday,
Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me?
Jesus, John 14
When the disciples asked Jesus to show them the Father, he essentially said, “Are you kidding me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” As we move through Advent, let’s not simply marvel that God showed up, let’s note that he looked like Jesus. As D.A. Carson wrote: “Do you want to know what the character of God is like? Study Jesus. Do you want to know what the holiness of God is like? Study Jesus. Do you want to know what the wrath of God is like? Study Jesus. Do you want to know what the forgiveness of God is like? Study Jesus. Do you want to know what the glory of God is like? Study Jesus all the way to that wretched cross. Study Jesus.”
Advent Questions: Amidst the controversies that roil December – does Die Hard qualify as a Christmas movie? Is Jim Carey’s Grinch better than the cartoon original? Should we say “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings?” – I’d like to suggest we focus on more important matters, such as the drama surrounding the virgin birth. In this 2006 sermon I do my best to explain the importance and comfort of this doctrine.
Duh: I could start a regular entry under the heading “Duh,” using it to chronicle the obvious things I’ve missed in the past. (In most instances, Sheri tried to explain said item to me years ago.) This week’s Duh is that the Gospel is on display in Cinderella. I am referencing the part where a poor, broken, oppressed and helpless young woman is pursued and rescued by a powerful prince. (Note: Apparently every culture has a Cinderella story. Pretty Woman is one of the more prominent 20th century renditions.)
A Meme Worth Sharing: I have resisted passing along memes, but for this one I will make an exception.
Without Comment: 1) The number of Americans between the ages of 24 and 54 who are now living alone is approaching 40%; 2) The JESUS film – which has been viewed over 8 billion times – has now been translated into 2,014 languages; 3) Joe Rogan had the most popular podcast for the third year in a row; 4) The Department of Defense reports that China – which they identify as “the most consequential challenge to America’s national security” – has 400 operational nuclear warheads and is on track to have 1,500 by 2035; 5) The three most “unfaithful” cities in America – i.e., the three cities where affairs are most common – are Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston; 6) Cigarette smoking among U.S. adults has reached a new low; 7) Between 2000 and 2019, the number of public school students climbed by 7.6%; teachers by 8.7% and district administrators by 87.6%; 8) The potency of street cannabis has jumped from 4 to 15 percent since the 1990s; 9) According to the National Energy Association, roughly 20 million households in the U.S. — one out of six homes — are behind on their utility bills.
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Beauty: Looking for a question to steer a Christmas dinner party conversation in a more thoughtful direction? How about asking, “When was the last time you were stunned by beauty?” Those of us who are “experience rich but wonder poor” need to be reminded to be on the look out for beauty. (Note: The phrase “experience rich but wonder poor” is from Dr. Taylor Worley, the Wheaton professor leading the Lakelight Institute class on the Arts and Spiritual Formation.)
Quotes Worth Requoting: 1) This quote – which is from Angela Merkel’s father who was a Lutheran pastor – is being passed along by Bono, whose book (and book tour) are getting rave reviews. “Never appear to be more than you are and always be more than you appear.” 2) Time doesn’t take any time off. Augustine
Reindeer Tribe: Brad Coleman – the Christ Church Highland Park campus pastor – has reconnected with a group of Southern Cal friends for their annual tradition of writing and recording original Christmas music. You can watch this video of Reindeer Tribe recording from a previous year, or go here to access all their music. (FYI: Last year’s theme was Motown. This year will feature classic Nashville from the 60s.)
Coming in 2023: Though I am not a prophet (nor the son of one) – nor can I hope to be as accurate in my predictions about the future as Matt Groening has been in The Simpsons – I’m quite sure ‘23 will bring stories about: 1) Cyber security threats; 2) Ethical and legal issues concerning drones; 3) A rise in the use of facial recognition software, including in churches (though not Christ Church); 4) 6G in general (and 6G tensions with China in particular); 5) Polyamory; 6) The dramatic rise of home schooling; 7) Contentious discussions about both free speech and freedom of religion; 8) Contentious school board elections; 9) The continued loss of trust in American institutions; and 10) The ongoing debate about what we should take away from the COVID-pandemic-vaccine-Fauci events of the last 24 months.
Coach Prime: After quickly and dramatically turning around Jackson State’s football program, Deion Sanders – AKA “Neon Deion,” “Prime Time” and now “Coach Prime” – has accepted the head coaching job for the University of Colorado Buffaloes. Sanders – who excelled as both a defensive back and punt returner in the NFL, while also playing outfield for the Atlanta Braves – has been a media celebrity since setting the record for the 40 in the NFL Combine. (Legend has it that he posted the fastest time running forward and then got the third fastest time while running it backwards.) In this video you can listen to the fifteen minute speech he gave upon meeting the Colorado players for the first time. It’s full of comments that make me wince, but which also make me want to suit up. (And FWIW, I still have four years of eligibility left.)
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Have You Had a Second Conversion?: I’m not Pentecostal, but I regularly observe secondary conversions. I’m talking about the shift that happens when people realize that God does not exist for their benefit, but that they exist for his. Have you had that conversion?
Did Your Favorite Show Make the List? I was drawn in by this article which ranked the 50 best TV theme songs. My guesses all made the list – e.g., Cheers at 13; Friends at 8, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood at 3 and Gilligan’s Island tied for 2nd.
Closing Prayer: Lord, I bring the poverty of my soul to be transformed by your beauty; the wildness of my passions to be tamed by your love; the stubbornness of my will to be conformed by your commandments; and the yearnings of my heart to be renewed by your grace; both now and forever. Amen. Catherine of Genoa – 1447-1510