Jesus, Lottie & Santa

Growing up in a Southern Baptist church, there were three names associated with Christmas: Jesus, Lottie Moon, & Santa -- and in that order! As I think on it, those three names and all that they represent aren't a bad way to keep Christmas in its proper perspective.

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JESUS: Salvation!

Christmas (like every other time of year) in our home centers around our Savior -- we sing hymns, read Scripture, talk about Him, etc. Just think of all Jesus gave up when He humbled Himself by leaving Heaven and coming to live among us.

There, He eternally existed; here, He was born among livestock.

There, He dwelt in splendor and majesty; here, He had no home.

There, He enjoyed sweet fellowship with the Father & Holy Spirit; here, He was despised & rejected.

There, He sat upon a throne; here, He hung upon a tree.

"Oh, the love the drew salvation's plan! Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!"

LOTTIE: Missions!
Christmas is perhaps the greatest motivation for world missions. Just as Jesus left the glories, perfections, and comforts of heaven to dwell among sinful men and women, so Christians must be willing to sacrifice money, home, family, and friends in order to tell others the good news. This Christmas season, pray for the missionaries as they share the Gospel and as they are away from family. Give generously to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering (or any missions fund) this Sunday! And consider how the Lord might be calling you to personally go to the nations -- full-time or even short-term.
Remember Jesus came to bring good news of great joy to sinful people. What are you personally doing to continue that mission?

SANTA: Childhood Memories!
Last (and least!), is the fun tradition of Santa. The jury is still out for us on what exactly to do with Ol' Saint Nick, but we both really enjoyed the thought of him bringing gifts on Christmas Eve. It seems like an innocent childhood imagination (like playing pretend and having imaginary friends), so he makes the list.

Those three names and all that they represent sum up Christmas for our family. So I give you these three names, encouraging you to remember that Jesus is the name that is above every name!

Have a lovely Christmas!

National Independence, Personal Dependence

Happy Independence Day to all my fellow citizens!!

This breaking away from Great Britain has worked out really well for us. Think of all the perks... We don't have to drive on the left side of the road... We discovered dental hygiene... And we're not stuck with the embarrassment of that royal family. Those things alone make July 4 a day to celebrate!

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One problem though: In America, we've taken the idea of independence a little too far. It has become one of our most treasured personality traits. I agree that national independence is a good thing, but I disagree that personal independence is always a good thing.

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The reality is that we need other people. Humans are not independent creatures. Think on 1 Corinthians 11:11-12 this July 4: "Woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God." Paul is arguing that husbands are dependent on their wives and wives are dependent on their husbands. Radical thoughts in our society of independence! You won't find the modern American proverbs "be your own man" and "never depend on a man" in God's Word. Instead, God created us and commands us to be dependent!

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Notice the end of 1 Co. 11:12 -"And all things are from God." Men and women are dependent upon each other; churches and pastors are dependent upon each other; employers and employees are dependent upon each other. And all of us are dependent upon God! See that? God created us to depend on Him. The trouble came in Genesis 3, where we bought the lie of personal independence. Satan told Adam & Eve, "If you'll eat this fruit, you'll be like God... you'll no longer have to depend on Him for everything!" And so foolishly believing that they would gain personal independence, they ate.

The lesson? There is no such thing as personal independence! Adam & Eve were created to depend on God, yet they opted to depend on Satan. You & I are born naturally dependent on Satan (original sin), but we can opt to start depending on God... totally relying upon Jesus Christ to forgive our sins and give us eternal life.

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So on the day when we rightly celebrate our nation's independence, can you celebrate your personal dependence on Christ, the Son of God?

Resolved

It's 2008! One thing I love about New Year's Day is that it almost forces us to reflect upon our lives and find things we would like to change in the coming year. Most of us live such hectic lives that we seldom, if ever, pause to examine ourselves. I firmly believe that our lives would be holier and happier if we took time for a little more self-examination.

A wonderful example of self-examination is the life of Jonathan Edwards (not to be confused with liberal pretty-boy, John Edwards!). Edwards' legacy stands as the first and greatest theologian produced by America. He pastored the same church for 24 years, faithfully serving and loving that congregation. Yet, perhaps his greatest achievement was the careful watch he had over his own soul. In his lifetime, Edwards made 70 resolutions... ways to fight for his holiness and happiness.

As you begin 2008, I hope some of his resolutions inspire you to fight for holiness in the coming year, realizing that the holier you are, the happier you are. With that in mind, I wish you a Happy New Year!

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God' s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

17. Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

41. Resolved, to ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could

possibly, in any respect, have done better.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, and what I might have got by them.

God In The Flesh

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of that only Son of God from the Father, full of grace and truth."

John 1:14

God became flesh and dwelt among us.

God became the sacrificial lamb and died for us.

God rose from the dead and His glory shines upon us!

Merry Christmas!

Calling All Wise Men!

A Christmas Quandary...

It's Thomas' first Christmas, and Dianna & I are wondering whether or not to buy him a gift. Just the thought of us not buying this sweet child a gift is enough for some of you to call Social Services... I know. But here's the deal:

1. We're not rich. (Quite the opposite actually)
2. The grandparents are going to smother him with gifts.
3. Don't diapers & Enfamil count for something?
4. No matter how merry we make Dec. 25, 2007, he's not going to remember any of it.

So what do you think? Should 'Baby's First Christmas' come with a gift?
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As you ponder the topic at hand, here are a few pics from the '07 Christmas photo shoot.

A Holly, Hectic Christmas

Odds are, December is going to be the busiest month of the year for you. A brief look at my calendar reminds me that I have a lot to do between now and Christmas! But have you ever thought about how the Lord wants us to manage time and handle stress?

"Look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

Ephesians 5:15-16

Don't waste this month running around in a frenzy! Make the most of your Christmas season. Try these things:

Shop, but Don't Drop
Ladies, don't spend all of your time this Christmas at the mall. Making memories with the family is much more important than buying everyone the perfect gift. Men, don't wait until the 24th to start. Pick out a good gift for your wife early this month (and ask her what constitutes a good gift!).

Make Christ-Centered Traditions
Santa is exciting. Setting up the tree is fun. Going to Grandma's is wonderful. But don't let your family fall into a Christless Christmas. Make a point to put Him in the things you do. Read Luke 2 on Christmas Eve. 'Give gifts to Jesus' by donating money to a Christian shelter or to World Missions. Pause on Christmas day and have everyone give one reason they love Jesus. Keeping Christ in mind will put both this holiday and your daily planner in perspective.

Share the Good News
"Make the best use of the time..." What other time of the year are Josh Groban and Celine Dion singing praises to Christ on light rock stations?! Use this amazing opportunity to tell your friends, your co-workers who Jesus really is. Explain the incarnation (God coming down to us) to your children. The wisest thing you can do in December is tell someone about your Savior.

Don't end your year stressed to the max. Take a little time today and put things in perspective before the month really gets into full swing. Make the best use of the holiday season... have a holly, not a hectic Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The painting above is of the Pilgrims as they set sail for the New World. It depicts the families of our forefathers gathering around their pastor, John Robinson, for a time of prayer before they depart. A man is pictured holding an opened Bible while Robinson leads the group in asking Divine guidance and protection for their journey.

This painting accurately represents the humble, godly spirit of Puritanism, which is what I love most about Thanksgiving. There’s just something about this holiday that points my heart toward God. I hope you can say the same. As you take time to look at all the good gifts in your life, recognize that they come down from the Father of lights.

I have so much to be thankful for this year.

My wife, who is my greatest help, my dearest friend, and my deepest love.
My son, who brings such joy to our lives.
My new church, who I have the privilege of serving and caring for.
My God, who has given all these good gifts to me, but gave me the greatest gift when He gave me Himself in the person of Christ Jesus.

“I give thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart.”
Psalm 138:1

You Write The Caption

Happy Halloween!

To celebrate Oct. 31st, I thought we'd have some fun at the expense of Hillary Clinton! Here's a pic I found of her decked out for Halloween. Below, you'll find my first caption. Leave a comment with yours!

Wicked Witch of the West Wing

A Preacher's Take on Halloween

This time each year I start hearing the “Halloween debate.” Should we, as Christians, take part in this holiday? Should we let our children go trick-or-treating? Should our churches host an alternative event on Halloween night? These are all valid questions in a legitimate discussion, but let’s remember a few things:

Halloween doesn’t have to be evil. Yes, there are some oddballs who try to make it a night of séances and sin. And yes, it has a sketchy history. But, honestly, how many converts has witchcraft gotten through trick-or-treating?? How many children have become Satanists as a result of dressing up on October 31st?? Pardon the sarcasm, but I trust you see my point.

Halloween is about candy… plain and simple. This holiday isn’t the tool of Satan as much as it is the tool of Sugar! When I was a kid, the last night of October wasn’t about blood & gore, or ghost stories, or even dressing up; it was all about the candy. Kids aren’t thinking about adult things like demons and black magic. They just want the sweets.

Having said all that, I do think we should approach this holiday with some ‘sanctified common sense’. Here’s what I mean:

• Pick costumes that are fun and creative as opposed to scandalous and scary. We can’t complain about the ‘evils of Halloween’ and then let our children run around as ax murderers and zombies.


• Choose appropriate decorations for your house and church events (I’ve seen some very inappropriate things even at ‘Fall Festivals’). Carve the pumpkins, put up the spider webs. But I’m not sure bloody bodies hanging from the trees qualifies as God-honoring.


• If you’re a parent or if you’re hosting a party, create your own Halloween environment. Have a contest for the funniest or most creative costume and not the scariest. Simply change the focus of your home or party.
  

So if you, as a Christian, want to celebrate Halloween, I say go for it… just save your leftover candy corn for me!

Happy South Carolina Day!

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On June 28, 1776 the British navy focused its destructive attention on one of the colonies’ most significant harbor cities…Charleston, South Carolina. All that stood to protect the South’s most cherished city was a half-built fort made of palmetto logs, guarded by only 400 troops.

The 2,000 soldiers that composed the English fleet understandably saw this as the perfect opportunity for attack. The Brits began their mighty bombardment at a range of about 400 yards. Low on powder, the leader of the SC Regiment, Col. William Moultrie, directed his men to fire slowly and accurately in reply. As the cannon balls hammered the fort, the palmetto logs proved an admirable defense, leaving little damage and few casualties.

During the battle, a shell struck the flagpole, and the blue South Carolina banner fell outside the fort. Sergeant William Jasper, risking his life, leaped down to retrieve the flag, which he secured to a makeshift staff planted in the sand.

After more than ten hours of firing, the British fleet withdrew and several weeks later sailed for New York. Their flagship received more than twenty shots and was almost wrecked, while every other ship, save one, was seriously crippled. For three years following their defeat at Charleston the British troops were ordered to leave the South unmolested.

June 28... a day to celebrate heroes, a day to celebrate freedom, a day to celebrate South Carolina.

"I salute the flag of South Carolina and pledge to the Palmetto State love, loyalty and faith."

Pinch Me. I'm Protestant.

I've lived in a part of the country with a large Catholic population for a few years now, which has forced me to rethink St. Patrick's Day. As my font color suggests, I have an agenda here. In Ireland, green has come to represent nationalism (aka Catholicism), while orange has come to represent unionists (aka Protestants). Thus, the Irish flag has green on one side, orange on the other with a white bar in the middle, symbolizing the hope for peace between the two groups. Now, read this well, my new thoughts on St. Patty's Day have nothing to do with politics in Northern Ireland. I don't support the Protestant group over the Catholic group. I think they both are in the wrong. But in America, St. Patty's is all about Irish pride, which up here means Catholic pride. I'm not Catholic and just so no one gets the wrong impression, I proudly wear orange on this fine day!

The Puritans (predominantly Scottish Presbyterians) referred to Catholicism as "antichrist." A little harsh? I don't think so. In the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith (a modified version of the Westminster Confession), the Puritans wrote that the Pope "exalts himself in the church against the Christ and above all that is called God." It's true! In Catholicism, the Pope is worshiped, he is infallible, & he is the head of the church. Yet, Colossians 1:18 says, "Christ is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." It seems to me that you've got two folks (Pope vs. Christ) competing for the same position (head of church). In that race I'm Pro-Christ and Anti-Pope; Catholics are Pro-Pope and Anti-Christ!

Also, Catholic priests "sacrifice" Christ each time the mass is taken. They believe that once the bread and wine are consecrated, they become the literal body and blood of Christ. Thus, they re-sacrifice him every time they meet. This is why Catholic churches have altars and altar boys. You sacrifice things on altars. Protestant churches do not have altars, which is why I don't like the term "altar-call." Hebrews 10:11-12 says, "And every priest [speaking of Jewish priests, but can apply to Catholics] stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God." His sacrifice is once, for all. Re-sacrificing Christ is saying that His death of the cross was insufficient! It's anti-Christ.

One last thing I'd like to point out on this St. Patty's Day soapbox is that the Pope claims the power to absolve sins, meaning he can grant forgiveness. Think back to Mark 2:1-12, where Jesus heals the paralyzed man that was brought down through the roof. Before Jesus heals him, He says, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Then the religious leaders start thinking, "Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Ah... the scribes were on to something here. They were right in that only God can forgive sins. What they were totally blind to was the fact that God was standing in front of them! So Jesus heals the man so that the scribes "may know that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins." Only Jesus Christ has the power to forgive sins. Again, we see a battle between the Pope & Christ, making him and his religion anti-Christ.
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I'm not Irish. I'm not Catholic. I'm Scots-Irish. I'm Protestant. So go ahead, pinch me.

Home for the Holidays

This painting by Norman Rockwell is one of my favorites because it captures the joy of being with family. I know a lot of people complain that this picture isn't the way a 'real' family looks, and I must admit that is mostly true. But families ought to look like this. Grandpa & Grandma should be valued and respected by their children and grandchildren. Generations of young and old should sit down at the table and laugh together. That's what family is all about.

This Christmas, Dianna and I are going to South Carolina & Georgia to spend the holiday with our family. I consider this a blessing. I look forward to playing with my niece and nephew (the 2 most precious kids on the planet...but that title is subject to change when I have my kids!). I can't wait to go spend time with Dianna's Grandy and Papa, laughing and talking with them. Family and Christmas go hand in hand, and thank God for it. This Christmas, gather your family around you and love them. Give hugs, tell jokes, and tell them how much they mean to you. Family is certainly the second greatest gift given to us at Christmas. As for the first, well, He's what Christmas is all about.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

How Wal-Mart Stole Christmas

Last night, Dianna and I watched “Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” Though this movie had been out for a few years, I had never watched it (I know… I really need to get out more). I was impressed with the movie’s message…

Consumerism isn’t the meaning of Christmas.

What a refreshing message in the midst of what has become the most materialistic holiday celebrated in America!
As Christians, we all know the real reason we celebrate Christmas is Christ’s birth, but what is the message we’re sending to our kids? Ask your children what their favorite part of Christmas is and you’ll probably hear nothing about spending time with family, going to church, or reading the story of Jesus’ birth. The kids will most likely tell you their favorite part is getting the gifts. Granted, that is a great part of Christmas. But our kids have been programmed (by us) to think of “getting” when they think of Christmas. We actually cater to their selfishness during this season! Whatever little Johnny wants, we get. No matter the cost for little Susie, we buy it.
I know that we do this out of love. We want little Johnny and Susie to be happy. But as believers in Jesus Christ, we – more than anyone – should understand that earthly treasures do not bring lasting happiness. Sure, the kids will be elated on Christmas morning, but what happens when the toys get old? I remember playing a video game for about a month and then never touching it again. What a waste!
The Grinch made a good point when he told the materialistic Whos of Whoville that all their expensive gifts eventually made their way to his cave via the garbage shoot. The Nintendo, He-man toys, and bike that Santa brought me just 15 years ago are all in a junkyard somewhere. That PlayStation3, Dora doll, and new T.V. that you’re shopping for will all be garbage in less than 20 years. That is the reality of stuff. Jesus said it this way, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth & rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:19-20).This Christmas, give gifts. That’s all fine. But put it in perspective. Don’t forget that the things you purchase will not bring your children any lasting value. Teach them to store up treasures in heaven. Teach them about God’s gift to us – the only gift that will bring us eternal happiness – the Savior who is Christ the Lord.

South Carolina's Christmas Gift to You

It's the first day of December, which in my mind marks the opening day of the Christmas season. If you haven't decorated yet, what are you waiting for? Get to it.
And might I recommend the beautiful Poinsettia.

The Poinsettia is a sub-tropical plant known for its striking red displays at Christmastime. You probably don't care about any of this. Honestly, neither do I. But the important thing about Poinsettias is that you have the great state of South Carolina to thank for them. That's right. South Carolinian Joel R. Poinsett was the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and while living south of the border, he was captivated by a beautiful red flower, which he sent home for Christmas. The rest is history.
So as you set those lovely Poinsettias on display this year, remember that it came from the finest state in the Union. It's our gift to you.

PS -- Today is my parents' 41st Anniversary! Congratulations Dad and Mom, and thanks for the example of faithfulness and love.

Now Thank We All Our God

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
This is my favorite holiday! It's better than Christmas because you don't have to buy present. It's better than Easter because you get a great meal. And it's better than Arbor Day because...well...it's Arbor Day.
But the main reason I love this holiday is because it's a time for our nation to give thanks to God. That's how it began. In 1782, Congress issued this proclamation:

IT being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in a time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in Congress assembled...Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies: and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify to their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness.

Could you see Speaker Pelosi signing that?! Thankfully, the men who founded our nation saw the need for God and how Christianity promoted the nation's well-being. Even more important than the nation's condition is your condition. Are you giving thanks to God for His goodness? Are you cheerfully obeying His laws? And are you practicing true and undefiled religion? Today, share the mercies and goodness of God with your friends and family... especially His giving of Christ to a sinful world.

May this holiday be a day of worship for you.