Moving Forward

It’s now time to get down to some serious resolution thinking for the coming year, but before we do that we need to have a glance over our shoulders to see where we came from, and what has happened to affect our lives. Everyone, without exception, can see the past. It can be pleasant, and a great memory maker which will be relived time and again in the future. Or it can be a year which we wish we could forget, and perhaps forever be painful. The common characteristic for both bad and good things which happen to us, is that they will never be fully forgotten, no matter how hard we try.

However, the past can also be used as a measure of what we could and should do in the future. The coming year doesn’t have to be a repeat of the past one. Even good years can be made better, with God’s help. Making our next year better than the last, needs God’s help even more to guide and help us make our best decisions. So, as we stand on the threshold of this coming year, we can make it better than where we stand now.

Making resolutions can be a repetitive thing, re-making last years’ hopes all over again, so why not be different this year and include God in your thinking? Ask for His help in deciding which changes are realistic, and can be achieved, and not just pipe dreams. Maybe some resolutions can be seen as a ‘wish list’ instead of those things we are prepared to work at to make happen. That’s where our faith, and the reality of our relationship with God comes in.

For me it comes down to a heart felt and sincere prayer for help to make the next year different and better than before, but only made possible with God as my helper. That sincere prayer will stop me from making silly resolutions I can’t possibly keep, and allow me to be a better person as I lean on my Saviour, who is after all, an all powerful source of help.

Happy New Year as you move forward into 2012!

Pondering

Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned... (Luke 2:19,20a).

The shepherds went back to work, and the stable was quiet. Mary and Joseph are left to themselves again. Have you ever wondered what was going through their minds? The clue is that Mary ‘pondered’, probably turning over in her mind the events of the past few months, culminating in the birth of her baby boy, and in her eyes, the most beautiful son in the world. She didn’t know all that lay ahead, and for any parent, that can be a blessing, but she was sure of her past. She had been visited by heaven itself, and was sure of His place in history.

It’s a good thing to ponder, and especially after the bustle of Christmas, and before the New Year. Your house may be quiet, and visiting family all gone home, so you have some time to think. This is a good time to ponder about anything and everything that affects you and your family. It’s not quite New Year, when we traditionally make those dreaded resolutions, but we can start to form our thoughts for what you want to happen next!

Mary pondered, and so should we. Mary was secure in her experience of God’s hand on her life, and we should be too. There is no better way to face the unknown, than with the certainty that God steps into the ‘fog’ with us, and has our hand. Mary’s life was never smooth, but she stayed secure in her conviction that her son was a very special visitor, and she was privileged to be His mum. She was there from the beginning, right to the end. She was the best example of a Mum we can have in this life, and worthy to be respected. And the world’s greatest story ever told, began when Mary pondered. So, while you can, as it is quiet, and with God’s help, get pondering!

(In memory of Godly mums past, and present, with thanks)

The Loner, the Lonely

Christmas is a jolly and happy time where we all have a perfect dinner, with perfect friends and a perfect family. That’s what we see all around us, on TV, in the movies, and in the shop window displays. This a time for people in minimal units of two. Couples and family units, but not on your own. It isn’t portrayed that way, and it’s not supposed to be like that.

I suggest there are two kinds of ‘singles’ out there at this time of year, each trying to melt into the background, but perhaps feeling a bit conspicuous. It is good to get them straight in your minds, because they are quite different groups of people.

The ‘loner’ is usually that way by choice. The reasons can vary, but they are ok with being on their own, as long as you don’t disturb their world by thinking you can help or change them by including them in your festivities. They will fully enjoy the evening, and enter into the meal, games and fun. However, chances are they will leave the party the same way they entered, still a loner, and content to be so. The Christmas get together will not trigger anything to make them want to be a different person. The loner is not lonely.

The ‘lonely’ on the other hand are usually in this condition through circumstance, some self made, and some not. Widows, orphans, military wives spring readily to mind, but that is not a complete list. You will know someone in that category yourself, or you may be one yourself. An invitation is a struggle to accept. Entering into the spirit of the party does not come easy, and they will often be there, but their thoughts are elsewhere. Strangely, this group of people will probably love Christmas, know the real reason for the season, and have many happy memories tucked away, but these same memories may possibly be the same reasons they cannot fully enjoy the festivities now. The lonely by nature are not loners, but may feel like it, especially at Christmas. Also, the lonely would wish their state to be temporary, but on the other hand, the loner would be content to stay as they are.

The good news is that both types can be treated in similar ways. With care and understanding. You will know people who obviously fall into each category, and all you have to do is treat them with Christian love, while accepting they look at the season through different eyes. Age is no restriction, and there will be folks in these groups from their teens through to older age. Some will even withdraw to their ‘own place’ to deal with that synthetic part of the season, and even be relieved when it is over. Beware of the lonely smilers, as these are the hardest to recognise, and so may slip under the net of your awareness. If you can’t understand this place, I am glad, because it means you are not in this number. So, be glad and enter into the Christmas season fully, and unreservedly. This is a special time, and always will be, in one way or another. So from me to you, have a Blessed and Happy Christmas!

Christmas 1981

I came across this old article recently, and thought I would share it. In memory of Margaret, and apologies to Karen and Heather. (First published in an IBM periodical.)

American’s Bible Belt, from David McLean, Raleigh, North Carolina.

We were looking forward to spending our first Christmas here in the Bible Belt of America, and my wife Margaret, two daughters Karen and Heather and I were very interested to see if there would be any differences in the way it was celebrated.

Getting into the Christmas spirit starts early. As soon as Thanksgiving weekend is over at the end of November, the stores very quickly become like large scale Santa’s Grottos. Carols and festive music are played over public address systems, and sung by choirs assembled in the indoor shopping malls, and Santa Claus in a corner of each store to lure children and their parents. Even the houses and apartments get caught up with the idea that there is something special about the 25th December. Little Santas appear in gardens, and in some cases his reindeer too, all kept bright and warm with a 100 watt bulb! Some houses even have lights strung around the eaves and in each window.

It is not too difficult to get caught up in the seasonal fever, and our children not only enjoyed the traditional Christmas Day, but the lead up to the event with all the tinsel attractions provided as reminders to the season.

Unfortunately, it is easy to forget the real meaning and reason for Christmas, even in the Bible Belt, and for that reason it could be considered little different from home. This season is the celebration of the birth of a baby, who in the course of His life, death and resurrection changed the course of history, and many people’s lives.

Therefore for us, the church played a major part of the season, not only in attendance, but in participation by Karen and Heather in a musical presentation of events around the birth of this Saviour of the World.

Christmas Day was spent in the manner traditional to both countries. An early rise to watch the children open their presents which were placed under the Christmas Tree, and the rest of the day taken up with family games using the presents just opened, and of course the traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings to make it a meal to remember for some time to come.

Somehow, even with all the glitter and tinsel of the festivities, on Christmas Day the real atmosphere and spirit of Christmas is there to be enjoyed by all who will accept and recognise the true meaning of the season, and that is true wherever you may spend it.

God Particle

The scientists are at it again. They have tried to limit God to a particle, better known as the ‘Higgs Boson’, which apparently is the physicist’s holy grail to the building blocks of everything we became, and everything else in the universe, occurring immediately after the theoretical ‘big bang’. Wow, what a mouthful! And what a lot to swallow for a Christian, who believes fundamentally in God, and His creative nature. Apparently this particle can also move faster than the speed of light... slightly.

This presently unproven theory gives the atheist something to grasp in their quest to prove once and for all that they are right. The only problem for me is, who put the Higgs Boson particle there? Does it just appear from nothing, or will they start looking for something else which made it appear? I sometimes think we are too ‘clever’ for our own good, and this is one such example. For me, this discovery does not disprove the existence of God. How can it? Since (not if) God is the source of all living things, why is it not also the source of this badly named ‘God Particle’? What about the verse in John 1:2-4 “He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind”.

My faith is left unchanged with this recent scientific news ‘breakthrough’, and I cannot see how it can disprove the very nature and being of our God, and therefore the reality of His Son Jesus Christ, who is the baby in the manger, and the whole and only ‘reason for the season’ of Christmas. Maybe then we should rename the new particle, the ‘Higgs Bozo’!

Pop/Rock

During youthful years of all generations, we all listened to the pop and rock songs and music of the day, and I stand guilty as charged. However, I think there is, and has always been a ‘dark’ side to the industry, and I can even relate to popular music from the late ‘50s onwards.

At this time of life, I no longer listen to, or even enjoy, modern pop or rock music, so do not follow this industry closely. However, there have been some cases recently where the music industry has shocked us with content of a graphic sexual, and violent nature which have hit the headlines. The past 40 years have seen a great change in what our young people listen to, and use as a backdrop to their lives. Like it or not, all music has an influence, and that can be for good or evil. Again, like it or not, these pop idols are role models to many who want to be just like them. Some will copy them to the detriment of their moral, and yes even physical beings. That’s a lot of negative influence over body and soul, and to me that’s a scary thought.

It transpires that the music industry is now being asked to regulate their output in the same way as the movie business, and introduce a censored age rating system. This would especially affect the music video releases, and I think this is long overdue. If you have chanced across any of the music channels on TV, you will have seen the scantly clad, cavorting men and women who sing and dance to devilish lyrics in a manner which leaves nothing to the imagination. How much further can this moral slide go, without intervention by government legislation, or by God Himself? Of course, this behaviour already happens in UK prime time TV on shows like ‘X Factor’ and ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. Both of these programmes have a list of complaints made against them weekly, for this reason specifically.

So, what can concerned Christian parents, grandparents, or teachers do? I think we can be more alert and aware of the content of the music being churned out, and listened to by our young charges, and take steps to make sure the offending programmes are not watched, nor music and lyrics listened to, in our homes at least. I know it is not considered progressive or PC, but why not trash the CDs/DVDs, and regulate the TV channels through the parental controls already available? Can’t do that? Too authoritarian? Well maybe, just maybe, those are the same channels and music we like to watch and listen to ourselves. What would that say about our own double standards, and more importantly, what would that say to our youth, and their moral compass? Are we guilty of saying one thing, and doing another? Is the moral failing of our youth partly our fault? If so, my own older generation has a lot to answer for! Which ‘rock’ do you base your life on?

Christmas Spirit

Christmas is not always what it seems. The TV and movie industries portray it as a happy, fun loving time of year, where we give and get more presents than we know what to do with, and everybody loves everybody else. Programs recorded for the season in July, show a lovely spirit of generosity and love. Right? Have you been out shopping, or driving around looking for a parking space recently. Whether you are in charge of a shopping trolley, or a car, the same thing applies. It’s every man or woman for themselves!

But what is the reason for the season? I can picture a lowly stable, where a loving Mum and Dad placed their new born son in a feeding trough and couldn’t see past just how lovely their baby looked. Like his Dad? Like his Mum? Whose eyes, or whose nose? They looked beyond their surroundings at their child, and wondered at his future. It may not have been the palace, but it didn’t matter, because this was their oasis, their haven of peace and quiet, away from the noise and bustle of the census crowds milling about outside, buying and selling, and jostling in the alleyways. Ok, so I am just an old romantic, and I don’t apologise for that, but I prefer my image of the first Christmas morning, to the commercial business it has become today.

While we are at it, spare a thought for those who find this time of year difficult because of mounting debt, family upheavals, and sad memories to keep at bay. These good folks are not helped at all by our modern attempt at artificial happiness, but they can be lifted up by the baby in the feeding trough. After all, that same baby grew up and became the Saviour of the world. Our baby, our redeemer! Now that really is something to get excited about, and to celebrate. So from an old romantic, as you find the reason for the season in your heart, have a Blessed and Happy Christmas!

Language

TV comedy star Sir David Jason has hit out at the amount of sex and swearing that children are exposed to on modern television. His comments follow a BBC executive’s claim that crude language is acceptable in comedies because they are designed to cause offence and make viewers “flinch”. Sir David, who played Del Boy Trotter in the classic BBC comedy Only Fools and Horses, said he finds it impossible to protect his ten-year-old daughter Sophie from sexual content and swearing on television.
Stripping

In an interview for the Christmas Radio Times, the actor said: “I try to protect what she sees on television, but you can’t. “Take the adverts. I was watching SpongeBob, a favourite cartoon of ours, but suddenly a scent advert came on with this girl stripping off as she walks towards the camera. “It’s done for mums but they forget a lot of girls are watching these powerful images.”

Boundaries
Sir David, 71, slammed modern-day comedians, saying, “Today they push down the barriers. Take the F word. It’s become commonplace.” The actor added: “There wasn’t much on the telly the other night so with Sophie and her friend we watched Laurel and Hardy, made in the 1930s, and these kids laughed like drains. “That’s humour – doing what funny people have done since comedy began without being edgy and pushing boundaries.”

Flinch
Caroline Thomson, the BBC’s chief operating officer, told a conference last week: “Yes. I watch comedy shows and flinch. But I think sometimes that is one of the points of comedy.” The BBC chief commented that there was an “enormous inter-generational difference about what is acceptable”. She added: “It is very tricky because language that will give you offence, won’t give me offence. And language which gives me serious offence won’t give my son offence.”

Swearing
But Vivienne Pattison, director of Mediawatch UK, said the comments proved Miss Thomson was “out of step with her audience”. She added: “Ofcom do research every year asking if there is too much swearing on TV. “And more than 50 per cent of viewers say there is too much. “The idea that bad language in comedy is good – it’s not big, it’s not clever and it’s not funny.”

High School Alcohol

The latest report on the drinking habits of our young high school students makes for heartbreaking reading. It seems that there are some 11 year olds who drink more than an adult. The reports of regular drunkenness in early teens at weekends is staggering (literally!). The report has been conducted by a reputable study group, so is reliable, and covers England and Wales. The Scottish schools can not smirk, as I believe we are just as bad. But why? What has caused the epidemic of alcohol abuse in schools? Added to this, another report issued in December, says that admissions to hospital for alcohol induced liver disease in Northern England has increased by 100% since 2002! Did you catch that figure? It’s not a mistake, and tells a story of heartache and heartbreak in families across our nation. What went wrong?

How about these are suggestions? Just my own thoughts:

1. We as a society have succeeded in convincing ourselves that there is no morality, and you can do what you want, as long as it feels right, and you think it harms no one.

2. The church no longer has any influence in society, again because we have convinced ourselves that we are a progressive, secular and modern society, without any need for morality.

3. Adults have not been able to provide a good and decent set of role models. The role models of choice for teenagers are celebrities, footballers, and stars. Using these lifestyles as role models is asking for trouble, and a recipe for moral disaster. You only have to watch the news, or read the newspapers

4. Figures of traditional authority are held in distrust and ridicule. School teachers have had their authority removed, and now cannot discipline wrongdoing, even for serious incidents.

5. Parents are afraid to discipline their children for fear of being reported. So, kids have found that they have a very wide tolerance of wrongdoing. So much so, that they can get away with just about anything if they want to, and they know it.

Who has allowed this to happen? Answer, you and me, by letting our moral standards slip, because we bought into the idea that some so called clever-clogs and educated deceivers must know best. They have made sure we forfeited our birthright and blessing, just like Jacob for a mess of lentils. So, what did you expect of our young charges, or our national love affair with alcohol? It’s not all their fault, so why should we sound surprised?

I think it is time for churches to step up to the challenge, and teach and preach and live alcoholic abstinence. That idea will get me into trouble, probably from those who will say predictably: “I know how to drink responsibly”, or “Don’t lump me in with those people, because I am better than that”, or “The church has no right to preach abstinence, or tell us what to do”, or “Let me decide for myself when it is time to change my drinking habits”, or even “The Bible doesn’t tell me NOT to drink alcohol”. All of these arguments will be voiced by christians, and non christians alike. After all, the Bible doesn’t tell me not to drink, just to be careful how to use it, and what about Jesus’ miracle at Cana? These points may be valid, but neither can we ignore those passages which give dire warnings against the use of alcohol. Neither does the Bible give any direct commandment against things like, polygamy, smoking, gambling, movies to watch, and even abortion, but we do use the spirit of God’s Word to make our choices, not the letter of the law. That is using God’s Grace, and certainly not legalism! At the end of the day, it may depend on just where you place your own responsible Scriptural interpretation and lifestyle example to those who are watching, like our youth. That takes us back to where we started! I have refrained from quoting Scripture for each of these choices, but how about thinking on a related verse found in 1 Corinthians 8:9: Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

I think it is time for our church(es) to accept the challenge of abstinence, and step out of its comfort zone, and show some leadership. Our nation needs leadership. Of course it might involve us changing our own habits, and doing something different for the greater good of the weaker brother or sister. Now that is a Scriptural concept, and Christ like. Right?  

Unlike

It is the start of Advent, and a time of celebration for all who embrace the Christian faith, and the miracle of the Saviour’s birth. After all it is called ‘CHRISTmas’, and should be savoured and protected from the onslaught of the secular world who want to reduce it to a holiday season where Santa rules, and receiving presents is the only expectation.

I am not surprised that there are those outside the church who like the idea of a Christmas without Christ, and so make it Xmas. That works for them, and is the overwhelming way Christmas is now written. What I am surprised about however, are those ‘christians’ (small ‘c’) who are happy to poke fun at the event from the sidelines, in the hope of been seen as progressive, modern, free thinking, and profound. Other main religions protect their faith as important, and significant enough to die for their beliefs, but these other people? They are the fifth column within the church who do no good to the overall cause of the great commission, or the sacred and holy birth we celebrate as truth.

I have found facebook to be a great way to keep in touch with like minded friends and share some common harmless fun, but in doing this you also come across some comments which are not only a surprise, but shocking, offensive and even close to heresy. Facebook has a ‘like’ button, but does not have an ‘unlike’ button, and I for one think there should be. The Advent season has started and we will be served up a diet of comments and argument about its irrelevance by the non christian community, but please, can we refrain from joining the masses? Can we stand up for our season? We are in danger of losing CHRISTmas to the secularists, so please don’t help them by peddling watered down parallel nativities. Replacing the baby Jesus, or any of the nativity characters by other people or objects only shows a lack of sincerity and depth. The fact is that christians who do this are only trying to be noticed, and are leading an unsuspecting, advancing fifth column. I see this as the most significant danger, and it comes from within our own ranks. Am I being over sensitive or do you think I have a point? Should I/we be worried?