New Year's Eve

I can’t believe that 2005 is about to pass. I celebrate much of what has been and give thanks for God’s grace in those times that have been a challenge. In addition to the birth of a new grandchild, I have enjoyed two other new things in my life this year. Six months ago I began this blog. It has given me an opportunity to share information and some of my thoughts with friends, family and First Church members. This type of journaling has been an exercise in observing and responding to what is happening around me. In many ways, I have discovered it to be a spiritual discipline as it has nurtured my faith in real ways. Also, comments from others have given me further understanding of a variety of topics. The other new thing for me in 2005 has been regular workouts at Pepper Geddings with Ron at 6:00 am. This was inspired by elevated blood pressure and the threat of medication. The doctor and I are pleased with my efforts….120/70 without medication! Blogging and exercising will continue into 2006 and even another grandchild will be born in March.

Like most folks I know, I will begin the new year with strong resolve to be more disciplined in several areas of my life. With thoughts about keeping a neater desk and setting aside reading days, I look forward to this new beginning.

Trains

When Ron and I celebrated our first Christmas, we discovered that trains were important to our Christmas tradition. For Ron, this meant assembling an old Lionel train with a steam engine and a variety of cars under the Christmas tree. For me, it meant remembering train trips from Ohio to my grandparents in New York for some very special Christmas experiences. Although not theological, trains have become a symbol of Christmas in our home.

This year we have been able to carry forth this tradition. The old model train is entertaining our grandchildren. Although they did not travel by train, we are trying to make their Christmas an experience at our home one only grandparents can provide. In these few days, they have our patient attention and an extra dose of love. All of this is part of building what we hope are very special relationships….ones that don’t run off the track. May trains and what they have meant to us always be part of our Christmas.

There are some good directives to grandparenting through several sources. A Google search will reveal several including some good information from AARP. I also have enjoyed a book by Betty Cloyd about spiritual guidance by grandparents. This is available in our church library.

A Year Later

News coverage today reminds us of one year ago when the world was shocked by the loss of lives and the destruction caused by the tsunami that struck southeast Asia. It is good to know that the United Methodist Church continues to be present in the rebuilding of this area as evidenced by this report. The meditations that were written last year in response to this event are quite appropriate to use as prayer and reflection today. Through our faith we know that in life and death God's love and grace protect. May it be so for those who are rebuilding their lives.

Joy of Christmas

After a wonderful worship experience with an overflowing congregation, we enjoyed a fun filled day with the three grandchildren. Truly a Merry Christmas!

There's a Song in the Air

I need to sing and hear the songs of Christmas. My spirit longs to hear the words of joy, peace, love and hope. I enjoy joining with the confident voices that sing enthusiastically the familiar carols. I anticipate the eloquent choral presentations of this music. Emmanuel comes with compassion and joy. My prayer is that my heart be touched so deeply that all my days may be a part of the Holy.

Winter Solstice

For many during this season of joy, this shortest day is followed by the longest night when someone is missing from the family circle and there is an empty place at the table. The night is so very dark. This is the time we need to hear these words from Jesus: "I am the light of the world; anyone who follows me will not be walking in the dark but will have the light of life." John 8

Scarlett and Jane conducted A Service of Hope and Healing today for those who find themselves in this dark place. It was so helpful to those who attended. Some of the words of the closing hymn, Hymn of Promise were very comforting and lingering:

"...in the cold and snow of winter there's a spring that waits to be,
...there's a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
...from the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. "

Nativity Sets

One of the first things to be done as we prepare for Christmas at our home is to unpack the wooden nativity set that we have had since our sons were small boys. This small hand-carved olive wood set from the Holy Land always has a special place, one that allows little eyes to see and little hands to touch. (This year that means Annaka, William and Jack.) This simple crèche helps tell the story again and again. Just when we afraid that we know this birth story too well and its significance does not touch us as it usually has done in the past, this visual representation catches our attention. We watch little hearts and minds carefully play out the story and claim it as part of their faith story. We treasure such things in our hearts and know that God speaks to us still.

Over the years I have collected a variety of other nativity sets and enjoy displaying them during Advent. Most of them have little monetary value, but each one brings me to the manger in a special way. From crystal to tin, they remind me of the variety of people and faith experiences that have made my life richer and fuller. They offer hope that the Light will shine in darkness and the darkness will not overcome it. They proclaim that even now unto us a Child is born.

Shepherd's Child Party

These pictures tell the story. For five years children from the Myrtle Beach community have known what it means to experience the joy of Christmas through the generosity of folks at First UMC. Organized by Ron and Jackie, this party is one of several efforts of First UMC to reach out to children who need to know the love of God. Church members buy gifts and youth provide filled stockings to children selected by the Myrtle Beach school teachers and counselors. Yesterday, fifty children were treated to hamburgers, fries and lots of fun at Johnny Rockets at Broadway at the Beach. Then they arrived at First UMC to hear the real Christmas story as told by Big Tom and to meet Santa Claus who gave them their gifts. May each child remember that those who know Jesus Christ shared Christmas with them.

Christmas Cards

I am in my usual pre-Christmas tight spot. No Christmas cards have been sent and I really want to do it. I love to receive Christmas cards. I enjoy sending such cards. Both are such wonderful moments of remembering. As Hallmark reminds us, this act is an expression of caring. Of course, the cards I treasure the most are those that have a personal note or a picture. They renew that mutual understanding of our special relationship and say what is important to both of us. So it is time, the ritual of addressing, writing, stuffing, licking and stamping must begin for these relationships are too precious to ignore. I am blessed.

Claiming the Promise

“Where is the Promised One, the One who will save and heal?” Each day this question continues to be asked by those seeking a new way of life. Some have journeyed a long time, looking for Christ in many places but not finding him. They have never been shown Christ by one of his followers. They need the healing and hope and the peace of God.

God wants to live in and through us. In Matthew we are told that we are the light of the world. When we claim the name of Jesus in its fullness, we can offer a hope to the seekers we meet that will bring a healing and peace that only God can give. In this time of Advent, we sense that we are the children of the promise and reach out to others in a very intentional way. However, will this commitment to others continue into the new year?

Chronicles of Narnia

Can't wait to see Chronicles of Narnia, but events of the season are keeping me from it this weekend. However, I am assuming that I will see it as will many others in our church during the next few weeks. Thought it might be interesting to start the New Year with a discussion of this film. Youth and adults who have read or seen Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, are invited to share in a discussion about it on January 1 at 9:45 am in the Wesley Fellowship Hall. Lots of articles are being written to give insight into this movie including the United Methodist website. I already have a youth and an adult who are going to help lead our discussion. I am excited about the intergenerational possibilities for this session.

Christmas on Sunday

I have been reading/hearing that some of the mega churches are not having worship services on Sunday, Dec. 25th. Their large paid and volunteer staffs are not available for the worship productions that they have each week. Some others have said such decisions underscore the fact that such churches are being built by consumers and not by disciples. In this season of much discussion of bowing to a secular culture, the cynical would add this to the "holiday" debate. This event does give us some understanding of the emerging church as defined by these churches and their leadership.

Although I have been surprised at these Christmas worship decisions, I wonder if we (First UMC) are at a much different place? We have wrestled all year with this matter and have chosen like many churches to have only one service knowing many of our folk will be content to worship on Christmas Eve only. I don't know that there is a "right answer" for this dilemna, but I do know that it does ask some questions:

What is the role of Sunday worship?
When are we to lead and when are we to follow the secular world?
What kind of message does this send to non-churched?

Christmas Bible Quiz

I am enjoying leading JESUS IN THE GOSPELS this year. Although I feel fairly confident in my understanding of the Gospels, I find that I am a bit rusty on the details. Which story is in which Gospel? The who, what and when really are important parts of the message. When I share this Christmas quiz with others, I discover that I am not the only one who needs to periodically review the facts. Last week the Confirmation class took the challenge.

The biblical Christmas story appears only in Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 2:1-21. Do you know the story? Try answering these questions:

1. Mary rode on what animal on the journey to Bethlehem?
2. How soon after they arrived in Bethlehem was born?
3. In what sort of building or cave was Jesus born?
4. What animals were gathered about the manger?
5. How many Wise Men brought their gifts to Jesus?
6. How did the star compare in brightness with other stars?
7. Did Joseph meet the Wise Men?
8. What was the name of the angel who appeared to Joseph in a dream?
9. Was Jesus born in the winter?
10. Why was the child called Jesus?

This quiz was originally in the Virginia United Methodist Advocate.



Scroll down for answers






Answers 1-9 are not found in either Gospel. Read the texts again and see what they do say.

10. He was called Jesus “for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)

In addition to re-reading the Bible, there are several websites and software programs that can help us learn/review Bible facts. This one is helping me remember the details.

Gentle Thought

In this season of reflection this quote has caught my attention:

"People are like stained - glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within."

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Hurricane Aid

As we continue to read about the restoration efforts in the aftermath of this year's hurricane season it is interesting to have folks in our midst who have experienced this firsthand. Recently, First UMC had mission teams that went to Florida and Mississippi. In this picture, Carolyn and Alicia are removing damaged drywall in preparation for rebuilding. Members of both of these teams want to continue these efforts and plan to return in the near future. This kind of ministry helps define who we are as a church. May we always reach out to the hurts of others whether in Myrtle Beach, the Gulf or any place that hope is needed.

Getting Ready for Christmas

For the past week I have ignored the boxes of Christmas decorations that have cluttered my home. Somehow I have not been able to get started decorating. Ron has put the lights in the windows and the outside decorations in place. As I arrive home each evening, I have enjoyed their welcome. But, I have procrastinated with my part of this annual task.

Then, I read the on-line Upper Room Advent Reflections for December 2 in which Elizabeth J. Canham writes:

"Let go!" says God. "That was then; this is now. Walk with me on the sacred ground of the present moment, and you will find me in some unexpected places."

With this came a moment of truth for me. When I unfold the tissue paper that protects precious ornaments, memories are also revealed. Wonderful memories of days gone by often give me an attack of melancholy and I yearn for past Christmases. From childhood days to those of Robert and Daniel, thoughts of events, places and people flood around me and I sometimes allow this to sadden me. Why? Perhaps this year’s Christmas will not offer the joy and hope as times past. Perhaps the story is so familiar that I can’t believe there is anything new to be told.

I believe in some ways waiting for Christmas seems always to call us into the soul's dark night and the heart's deep winter. It is a call to let go of what has been so that God can begin to prepare us to live in expectation and anticipation of today and tomorrow. Come, Lord Jesus!

World AIDS Day

A number of years ago when churches across the state were choosing to be in ministry with AIDS patients by forming care teams, I stepped out of my comfort zone and became a member of such a team. Needs of a patient were assessed and we tried to meet them in whatever way we could for what then would be a short period of time. We stood at the graves of several of our new friends and remembered their stories and knew that they had become part of us. So, it is with great interest and sadness that I read the news releases on this day. We have failed to be the leaders in addressing this health issue. We could have done so much more. This commentary from the General Board of Missions reminds us not to place blame, but to extend God's grace through our actions. I need to be on the "care team" once more for AIDS patients and their families.