Faith
Christmas Upside-down
Senseless, untimely deaths.
Inexplicable illnesses.
Life-altering diagnoses.
Strained relationships.
Financial distress.
Loneliness and depression.
Weariness and fear.
All juxtaposed against the holiday that’s supposed to be happy.
Approaching Christmas in December seems to press on the tender, raw places in our lives. We’re more aware of our loved ones’ absences because we’re rightly accustomed to gathering with them to celebrate. The world around us seems to go merrily on its way while we bear our burdens. Somehow, facing such difficult circumstances during December seems more unjust. Read More
They say it’s His birthday…
If Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus (and it does), how can we give a gift to Him?
At first the answer may not seem obvious, but with a little searching of the scriptures, Jesus tells us exactly what’s on His birthday list this year… and every year:
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
— Matthew 25:37-40 ESV
When we feed or clothe a stranger, or visit someone in the hospital or prison, we have blessed the King. As I mentioned in last week’s post, I’m not bothered by the gift-giving at Christmas. But I do hope that we give with a sense of purpose: to honor Him.
Perhaps this Christmas consider giving to someone in need—an individual or to an organization that meets the needs of individuals—as a way to give to Jesus. For example, our family loves cycling, so one year we donated money to purchase a bicycle for an itinerant pastor in Africa through a para-church organization. Another year we specifically outfitted a child who couldn’t afford clothing that met his school’s dress code.
No gift has thrilled me as much to give as the ones I’ve given to Him in such a way.
I like to think He enjoys ‘opening’ them, too.
I share these stories as examples of ways to give in this fashion, not to have our deeds seen by men. I’d love to hear your ideas and stories so that all of us can be similarly inspired. Will you consider sharing in the comments?
Tied up with Strings: Getting, Giving and Gifts
It’s a line from a song in one of my favorite movies, The Sound of Music. Though it’s not the intended meaning, I can’t help thinking it aptly describes much of ‘giving’ that goes on at Christmas…
“Brown paper packages tied up with strings…”
When we turn the page on the calendar from November to December, we simultaneously shift from being thankful for all God has given us to setting out to acquire more. (Though we’re shopping to give to others, most of our purchases end up under our very own roofs, don’t they?) Read More
In the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit… and Versace?
I found it scandalizing. And confusing. And sad.
I recently saw a video clip of a woman offering tips on how to make an adult baptism stylish. I struggled to understand why a baptism needed to be stylish and was concerned that the point of baptism—an outward expression of faith in Jesus Christ—had been missed.
I still feel the main purpose behind baptism was lacking in the clip, but I am reticent to judge harshly the faith of a person I ‘know’ only through a 90 second spot. As I reflected further, it occurred to me how often baptism and styles of worship are sources of division in the church. Perhaps that’s because, at least to some degree, we’re all missing the point? Read More
GIVEAWAY!
December 1 is just 12 days away! In the spirit of anticipation, enter my 12 Days until Advent GIVEAWAY. While the church calendar begins Advent on December 2, Advent with the Word begins on December 1. If you already have your copy, enter to win now. If you haven’t got one yet, it’s not too late — order today!
Enter this drawing to receive all three of these gifts:
- A $50 Amazon gift card for you
- A signed copy of Advent with the Word sent to a friend of your choosing
- $250 donated to World Vision
Two easy steps to enter:
- Share the link to this post and write a brief status about the book. Say anything you’d like, but be sure to include where you bought it, how you heard about it, or why you were interested in it.
- Tag Kirsten Holmberg 8|28 in the status (must be a fan to win). Winner will be drawn randomly from the names of those who tagged Kirsten Holmberg 8|28 on 12/1/2012.
Christmas can be different this year.
Purchase online at Lulu.com or Amazon.com.
Fold ’em
My four children were all between the ages of two and five.
Simply venturing out into the world required the equipment (and courage) of Seal Team 6. Armed with diaper bags, snacks, toys, books and what little remaining patience I could muster, I’d run only the most critical errands. I’d select the grocery cart that resembled a Hummer, buckle everybody in and try not to take out entire end-cap displays as I whipped around corners. Read More
Feet
I’ve spent the week walking in Job’s sandals as I prepared to teach his story to two classrooms of high schoolers. (Check out Launch Ministries Christian release time Bible classes.) It’s a tough book to immerse one’s self in, so I’ve been on the hunt for some levity. Perhaps you, too, will get a giggle out of this snippet of my life from days gone by. (If you need another laugh, check out one of my most popular posts ever here.)
My second daughter has two different sized feet. Yes, this is common, but hers are dramatically different sizes. Prior to moving to Boise where Nordstrom is conspicuously absent, I was willing to shell out the extra bucks to buy her shoes there because they’ll sell you two different sized shoes as one pair — as long as the feet measure more than 1.5 sizes different. And hers did. Read More
Where else can I go?
Following God is anything but easy.
Every day seems to bring news of tragic events. In recent days, it’s struck closer to my circles in the forms of the kidnapping and murder of an elementary student, and the suicide of an eighth grader. I looked at my own eighth grader through tear-filled eyes, thankful for her every breath. I recalled the scare we had this time last year with my younger daughter and was moved again to gratitude. The happenings of the last week have touched me deeply because of their proximity, but injustices the world over paralyze me with their enormity and pervasiveness. Evil seems rampant and I’m tempted to question both the goodness and power of God. Read More
Sidewalk-chalk Sermon
Children bring to life their surroundings.
I love watching kids ride circles endlessly on their bikes around the cul-de-sac. I’m tickled when our basketball hoop gets lots of attention and I enjoy the late night squeals of kids on a trampoline. Today, I smiled when I saw chalk had decorated a driveway and adjacent sidewalk as I walked down the street. Reluctant to tread on the artistic renditions, I stepped to walk on the side as I passed. Then I slowed and finally stopped to take it in.
Name that Dollar
What if every dollar we earned had a name on it?
In the sixth chapter of 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, Jen Hatmaker defined consumerism as spending money on our own desires. Charity, by contrast, she depicted as a river of dollars selflessly sent towards the needs of others.
As I considered the benefits of a spending fast, I realized how utterly disconnected I am from my money. Yes, I budget our money and search carefully for high value purchases as a matter of stewardship. I pay for my goods and services with a debit card, not credit. But the simple fact that I lay plastic on the counter, not cash, has created an imperceptible buffer between me and the monies I spend. I sign the little sheet of slick, white register tape for the sum of my purchase without the effort — or thought — of counting out the dollars necessary to complete the transaction. Read More