Today is Holy Innocents' Day.
The celebration of the Christmas season have focused on the joy it brings to the world. But the joy is misdirected to the emotions of laughter and fun. If such is joy, then the grieving this season is misplaced. Yet, during this season of joy some of us grieve the loss of their loved ones. Such is the case of my friend who lost his wife on the eve of Christmas. And I see many more grieve as I make my rounds in the hospital. But grieving is nothing new on Christmas. Matthew reminds us of what the prophet Jeremiah said, "A voice is heard in Ramah,weeping and great mourning,Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted,because they are no more.” Yes! There was weeping and grieving even in the first Christmas. But, yes, there is still joy. Because the Immanuel allowed for humans to be reconciled with their God so that the innocent children and the many more people who died will have Eternal Life. And so cry... we grieve... but because of the baby born on Christmas we are still joyful!
... somewhere between these two schools of thought, they intersect...
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The King of Fairies and mermaids
Last night; I was telling my 4 year old daughter Neya the Christmas story. We were at the part where the Three Kings were following the Star of Bethlehem to see the newborn king; Jesus; who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and everybody else when she excitedly commented "Daddy; he is also the King of fairies and mermaids." I replied "Yes! Jesus is also the King of all prince and princesses." And then Neya stood up and exclaimed " I am a Princess and Ading Ken is a Prince but Jesus is our King. Even you Dad; Jesus is your King!"
I could not say more. That was both a reminder who is the king of the world and the king of our lives. That there was the Gospel message that night!
I could not say more. That was both a reminder who is the king of the world and the king of our lives. That there was the Gospel message that night!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Fourth Sunday of Advent 2010 Reflections
“Celebrating Christmas in the Hospital” (Adapted from Hail the Heaven Born by GKBaker)
Advent is the season of preparation, anticipation and expectation of the coming Messiah, how do we, as people in the hospital, make ready?
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
Key Verse: he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him (v.24)
Focus of the Lesson:
Matthew tells the story of two people who gave in to the will of God while putting aside their personal honor and glory. The mystery and majesty of God’s preferred future is shown before us, inviting us to move out of our preferred comfort zones and into the will of God.
Goals in study:
1. To see how God uses unusual and unconventional means for his purpose
2. To understand what “God above all” means
3. To realize how we are instrument of God’s perfect plan
Introduction:
What is your plan for your future? What is God’s plan for you? Are your plans aligned? Often, we map out plans for ourselves without consulting God. Joseph reminds us of the proper attitude this Advent. As we prepare for the coming of the king, our hearts and our desires including our plans should be one with God. Is our work in the hospital according to God’s plan? Or are we doing it for our personal honor and glory? Joseph set aside his own personal honor and glory to put God first. As we prepare this Advent, let us learn from this lesson.
The key phrase in the scripture lesson is “he did what… the Lord commanded him.”
Interpreting the Scripture:
1. Why does Matthew need to set things straight?
2. How did Joseph respond to the situation
3. What does it mean for Joseph to set aside his pride
Sharing the Scriptures:
1. How do Mary and Joseph inspire your faith and obedience to God?
2. How do Joseph’s actions speak to you about honoring God over your personal needs and desires?
Advent is the season of preparation, anticipation and expectation of the coming Messiah, how do we, as people in the hospital, make ready?
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
Key Verse: he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him (v.24)
Focus of the Lesson:
Matthew tells the story of two people who gave in to the will of God while putting aside their personal honor and glory. The mystery and majesty of God’s preferred future is shown before us, inviting us to move out of our preferred comfort zones and into the will of God.
Goals in study:
1. To see how God uses unusual and unconventional means for his purpose
2. To understand what “God above all” means
3. To realize how we are instrument of God’s perfect plan
Introduction:
What is your plan for your future? What is God’s plan for you? Are your plans aligned? Often, we map out plans for ourselves without consulting God. Joseph reminds us of the proper attitude this Advent. As we prepare for the coming of the king, our hearts and our desires including our plans should be one with God. Is our work in the hospital according to God’s plan? Or are we doing it for our personal honor and glory? Joseph set aside his own personal honor and glory to put God first. As we prepare this Advent, let us learn from this lesson.
The key phrase in the scripture lesson is “he did what… the Lord commanded him.”
Interpreting the Scripture:
1. Why does Matthew need to set things straight?
2. How did Joseph respond to the situation
3. What does it mean for Joseph to set aside his pride
Sharing the Scriptures:
1. How do Mary and Joseph inspire your faith and obedience to God?
2. How do Joseph’s actions speak to you about honoring God over your personal needs and desires?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Third Sunday of Advent 2010 Reflections
What is Christmas? What do we expect? What are we supposed to look for?
“Celebrating Christmas in the Hospital” (Adapted from Hail the Heaven Born by GKBaker)
Advent is the season of preparation, anticipation and expectation of the coming Messiah, how do we, as people in the hospital, make ready?
Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11
Key Verse: “Go tell John, what you hear and see” (v.4)
Focus of the Lesson:
We have preconceived notions about what Jesus is and what Jesus does. And we prefer a Jesus that conforms to our specifications. We expect and WANT that kind of Jesus this Christmas. Yet, we get something unexpected.
Goals in study:
1. To learn from the experience (expectation) of John the Baptist
2. To consider what it means to “Tell John what you hear and see”
3. To see “Christ” – mas differently
Introduction:
Where is God? Can you see God? Can you hear God? People continue to search for God. The Christmas season is a time for the religious and even the non-religious to find what is “missing in their lives.” People keeps seeking for that something that make sense out of everything else in their lives, on what gives them joy. But after all the gifts have been opened, it seems that they never saw what they are looking for. First, we may not really know what we are looking for. Next, maybe we are looking at the wrong places. Matthew speaks of what people see and hear with the coming of Jesus.
The key phrase in the scripture lesson is “what (do) you hear and see.”
Interpreting the Scripture:
1. John the Baptist was sure that Jesus was the Messiah, why did he send for investigators?
2. What the Bible say about Jesus vs what we want Jesus to be
3. What to tell people about what we heard and saw this Advent
Sharing the Scriptures:
1. Who is Jesus and what is he doing in the world?
2. In what ways does Jesus’ response to John help you broaden your perceptions?
3. How can the patients see Christ-mas in me?
“Celebrating Christmas in the Hospital” (Adapted from Hail the Heaven Born by GKBaker)
Advent is the season of preparation, anticipation and expectation of the coming Messiah, how do we, as people in the hospital, make ready?
Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11
Key Verse: “Go tell John, what you hear and see” (v.4)
Focus of the Lesson:
We have preconceived notions about what Jesus is and what Jesus does. And we prefer a Jesus that conforms to our specifications. We expect and WANT that kind of Jesus this Christmas. Yet, we get something unexpected.
Goals in study:
1. To learn from the experience (expectation) of John the Baptist
2. To consider what it means to “Tell John what you hear and see”
3. To see “Christ” – mas differently
Introduction:
Where is God? Can you see God? Can you hear God? People continue to search for God. The Christmas season is a time for the religious and even the non-religious to find what is “missing in their lives.” People keeps seeking for that something that make sense out of everything else in their lives, on what gives them joy. But after all the gifts have been opened, it seems that they never saw what they are looking for. First, we may not really know what we are looking for. Next, maybe we are looking at the wrong places. Matthew speaks of what people see and hear with the coming of Jesus.
The key phrase in the scripture lesson is “what (do) you hear and see.”
Interpreting the Scripture:
1. John the Baptist was sure that Jesus was the Messiah, why did he send for investigators?
2. What the Bible say about Jesus vs what we want Jesus to be
3. What to tell people about what we heard and saw this Advent
Sharing the Scriptures:
1. Who is Jesus and what is he doing in the world?
2. In what ways does Jesus’ response to John help you broaden your perceptions?
3. How can the patients see Christ-mas in me?
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Second Sunday of Advent 2010 Reflections
“Celebrating Christmas in the Hospital” (Adapted from Hail the Heaven Born by GKBaker)
Advent is the season of preparation, anticipation and expectation of the coming Messiah, how do we, as people in the hospital, make ready?
Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12
Key Verse: “Bear fruit worthy of repentance” (v.8)
Focus of the Lesson:
Christmas is not just the birth of an innocent baby Jesus. The sermon of John the Baptist reminds us that the baby born is a “Righteous Judge” who will separate the chaff from the wheat.
Goals in study:
1. To examine the imagery of John the Baptist vs Christmas
2. To consider what it means to “bear fruit”
3. To respond to the prophet’s call
Introduction:
As we anticipate Christmas in this Advent season, we see many symbols and signs pointing to Christmas. We see lanterns, Christmas lights, Christmas trees, nativity scenes, angels singing and gifts. The season is full of images that points to joy, cheerfulness, goodwill and love. But there is another side to the Christmas story that we often forget. John the Baptist has a different message than how we usually understand Christmas. He was preaching and preparing the people about the coming of the Messiah who will judge and make us accountable.
The key word in the scripture lesson is “bear fruit.”
Interpreting the Scripture:
1. The picture and the message of John the Baptist vs our traditional Christmas images
2. Confessing our sins and bearing fruit
3. The sermon message of John and the message of Advent
Sharing the Scriptures:
1. What family traditions do you observe during Advent and Christmas?
2. How does John’s sermon challenge you to see the incarnation differently?
3. How will you respond to the prophet’s call to repent and bear fruits worthy of repentance?
Advent is the season of preparation, anticipation and expectation of the coming Messiah, how do we, as people in the hospital, make ready?
Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12
Key Verse: “Bear fruit worthy of repentance” (v.8)
Focus of the Lesson:
Christmas is not just the birth of an innocent baby Jesus. The sermon of John the Baptist reminds us that the baby born is a “Righteous Judge” who will separate the chaff from the wheat.
Goals in study:
1. To examine the imagery of John the Baptist vs Christmas
2. To consider what it means to “bear fruit”
3. To respond to the prophet’s call
Introduction:
As we anticipate Christmas in this Advent season, we see many symbols and signs pointing to Christmas. We see lanterns, Christmas lights, Christmas trees, nativity scenes, angels singing and gifts. The season is full of images that points to joy, cheerfulness, goodwill and love. But there is another side to the Christmas story that we often forget. John the Baptist has a different message than how we usually understand Christmas. He was preaching and preparing the people about the coming of the Messiah who will judge and make us accountable.
The key word in the scripture lesson is “bear fruit.”
Interpreting the Scripture:
1. The picture and the message of John the Baptist vs our traditional Christmas images
2. Confessing our sins and bearing fruit
3. The sermon message of John and the message of Advent
Sharing the Scriptures:
1. What family traditions do you observe during Advent and Christmas?
2. How does John’s sermon challenge you to see the incarnation differently?
3. How will you respond to the prophet’s call to repent and bear fruits worthy of repentance?
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