What values do you pass on at Christmas?

I guess that I should not be surprised that it is Advent.  It comes every year.  It is a time of preparation.  In fact, that is the one of the key words of Advent -- Prepare.  And, we are all about preparing

For those in the retail world, the time of preparation begins long, long before Thanksgiving.  In fact, almost as long as I can remember someone has been distraught about the stores "pushing Christmas too early, like before Halloween..  

Actually, I am not upset by the early emphasis on Christmas.  (Notice I said Christmas and not the holidays!)  I believe that the emphasis on Christmas and its commercial opportunity really provides an opening for the church to really bear witness to the reason for the season.  It is the celebration of the coming of our Savior.  What a great event!  It provides us with a chance to provide an alternative to the buy, buy, buy promotions of the secular world.  After all, we have something that lasts much longer and is more durable -- God's Love.

The interesting thing to me  is that too often we as a Christian Community  hook our wagons to the retail world.  We by-pass really preparing ourselves for the coming of the Christ Child in favor of making our schedules busier in order to get the shopping done, the gifts wrapped, the house decorated, and the meal prepared.  In many churches, Santa's coming is as prevalent as the coming of the Christ (or at least it seems to provide more excitement).

And this year, as happens every so often, Christmas Day services in many congregations will be cut back because Christmas falls on Sunday.  Now I am not against family traditions and celebrations.  They are important.  I embrace them.  These traditions pass on our values and our heritage.  So, in our house there is never a question about what happens on Sunday - even when it is Christmas.  Fran and I, even if we are hired to be at services, would we in  church worshiping at the appointed hour because that's what Christmas is for us -- a celebration of the coming of God into our world.  As Mike Slaughter put is so well, "It's not your birthday!"

So, as Christmas get's closer, think and reflect on what your Christmas Day activities really pass on to your family.  Is it about recognizing and celebrating that God continues to come and be present with us, or it is about food and gift exchanges?

Why not join us for worship on Christmas Eve at 7 and on Christmas Day at 10am?

Grace and peace for a blessed Christmas.

Denny. 

Where does all our money go?

Is it difficult to keep money in your pocket?  It is for me.  As a matter of fact, for a while, I didn't carry more cash with me than I needed to -- it would mysteriously disappear.  Well, many families I talk with aren't much different.  Money seems to go through their wallets (or maybe hands) like water and they don't really know where it goes.

Several years ago, I decided to track my cash.  Although, I am somewhat tedious about keeping track of my checkbook and debit card expenses, cash was a different story.  So, for about three weeks I recorded every cent I spent.  What a revelation!! 

My money wasn't leaving my wallet in large amounts.  It was going in one and two dollar increments.  It was a real eye opener.

So, if you are always broke, why not take some time to keep track of it for a couple of weeks.  What you will learn about yourself and your spending could change your life.

Is there any real security out there?

Living with economic situations as tenuous as they are is at least challenging!  All you have to do look at the stock market closings for the last week.  They look like a roller coaster ride. (And I get the same feeling watching them that I do taking that first long drop on a ride.)  Jobless claims are down, but millions of people are still out of work.  The price of oil goes up, and so does the anxiety of everyone who stops at the gas pump and has a memory. 
So, what's in store for us.  I don't know, but I know that if you want to keep your anxiety under control, you had better get a handle on your debt and stop borrowing to get a little joy that will cost you for years.  The problem with debt is that it robs you of resources you need to live.  It creates worry, and undermines your sense of peace and well being. 
Don't misunderstand me, I am not suggesting that accumulating a vast fortune is the goal, but I do think that many of us are paying a heavy price for not saving.  And that price is our emotional and frequently our marital peace.
While real peace finally comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, scriptures are not silent on the roll of money and  the source of real peace.
Over the next days, weeks, and months, I will use this blog to address the opportunities that face us as manage the resources we have, and provide some suggestions for dealing with the issues.
Blessings.
Denny