Christmas on Location - Global

Living in Arizona, I thought I’d seen it all. My first Christmas, I was delighted to watch neighbors bathe their homes, cars and businesses in multicolor lights. Why let 80 degree weather deflate the Christmas spirit? Just be extra careful when you decorate your cactus.

A December trip to Disney’s EPCOT offered a quick lesson in Holiday traditions. As we strolled around the “world” we visited with Père Noël, La Befana, Father Christmas, Julenissen, and St. Boniface. Each storyteller shared the legends and celebrations of the host country.

A few years ago, we vacationed in Mexico during December. Once again, our eyes were opened to some new traditions. Here the palm trees and beach side resorts we’re done up in a mix of festive styles. Our biggest surprise came at a local mall. Beside the bikini shops and T-shirt stores sat a majestic life-size manger display, or Nacimiento. With the overwhelming scent of coconut oil, we had momentarily forgotten it was Christmas. It’s a joy to see that our friends to the south were not afraid to keep a visible reminder that Jesus is the “reason for the season.” As we admired the display, we suddenly realized something was missing, the Baby Jesus! Had he been stolen? As the week progressed, we searched each manger in vain for clues to the missing messiah.

With research we discovered the depth and beauty of the Mexican Navidad experience. Festivities begin on December 16th with the Posadas, nine days of celebrations re-enacting the quest for lodging in Bethlehem, and continue until the Epiphany and Candlemas in early February. Central to the celebration is the nativity scene, the principal holiday decoration in Mexican homes. These elaborate structures are never fully complete until Christmas Eve when the newborn Baby Jesus is finally laid in the manger bed.

Exploring these traditions, I am inspired to display my faith this Christmas in a more public way. Although “Skippy,” our 3' inflatable penguin, is cute and welcoming, he does little to spread the true meaning of Christmas. This year, through my decor and my demeanor, I hope to fully express the joy that God sent to us through Christ.

Pay it Forward

I didn’t deserve her kindness. She had “hired” me to be her assistant: to help her serve and host an elegant fund-raising event for the American Heart Association. At fourteen years old, I lacked the poise and refinement for such an event. But she saw something in me I didn’t yet recognize and took me under her wing.

Her table was set with fine china and antique stemware. As we prepared for the guests to arrive, she described the provenance of her favorite antiques, how they had been handed down through generations to arrive safely on her table. I was awed by the history. The set of dishes my grandmother has passed down had been collected piece by piece from the ACME supermarket. I was out of my league.

The guests enjoyed an elegant afternoon and Mrs. Brown was pleased with the amount she had raised for her cause. The atmosphere was much more relaxed as we cleared tables and washed dishes. I was careless. I picked up too many goblets at one time and the fragile glass shattered. I was horrified. How would I break the news? Mrs. Brown had taken a chance on me, believed me worthy of her trust.

If she was angry or disappointed, she never shared it with me. Sensing my fear, she came along side me and gave me a gentle hug of reassurance. Everything would be okay.

How can you repay that sort of kindness? I didn’t deserve her forgiveness nor her reassurance. She gave me a gift that day: a lesson I have carried with me ever since. She taught me that even when things seem really bad, put them in light of what’s really important in life. There’s tremendous power in a dose of perspective.

A few years ago there was a movie that floated the idea of a noble experiment. Pay it forward. If someone has done something extraordinary for you, don’t pay them back, pay it forward. Give or help or serve or forgive someone else.

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion - how can God’s love be in that person. Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” (1 John 3:16-18 NLT).

God’s gift to us is too huge. Our sins are forgiven, our transgression wiped clean. His love for us is unconditional. We can’t return that favor. Besides, God isn’t looking for repayment. Our offering is not payback.

He wants us to pay it forward. Take a chance on someone. Forgive those who have wronged us. Mirror His love and reach out to those in need. Share our treasures even when our account balance is low.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.” (1Peter 5:1-3).

In the words of Rick Warren, "ultimately, it will be the donation of your life that will count far more than the duration.”

A Risk Worth Taking

There is a man I know. I’ve known him since he was a small boy. He has overcome many obstacles and taken many risks on the way to becoming the man he is today. Looking at a man’s life, it’s easy to see that risk taking is not always good. There are risks taken on a dare or to please peers or risks taken out in rebellion. We’ve all made mistakes that we regret.

Last year, Stephen Kapusta took a bold risk in the name of the Lord. In his passion to unite local churches in his community of Celebration, Florida, he dreamed big. The Lord led him to plan and promote a fall festival bringing together the seven churches of various denominations in his town. There were skeptics who warned he would never overcome the infighting. There were critics who minimized his vision and passion. He gave endlessly of his time and energy to accomplish the goal, not his goal but a mission and purpose from God to unite the community and celebrate together the gift of God’s love. The cost of this event was immense. His budget spiraled and eventually reached $34,000. With donations barely trickling into his website, how would he pull off the event? He took a huge risk and a leap of faith and leveraged the equity in his house as collateral for the funds he needed. He literally “bet the house.”

We all take risks in our lives. Life on our planet is inherently risky. Beyond the everyday chances we take flying in a plane or crossing the street or investing for retirement, there are risks we take that have eternal significance.

There are families that courageously open their home to a foster child. Putting aside their uncertainties and worries, these families place their trust in God. They rely on God to provide the patience and compassion to unite their families in His love.

We take risks at work. A woman offering products samples in the market last week turned bravely and sweetly to my daughter to affirm, “never forget how much Jesus loves you.” Was this against store policy? How did she know we would graciously accept her blessing? She didn’t, but she willingly took the risk in the name of Jesus Christ.

In the words of John Ortberg, “greatness is never achieved through indecision.” As we step out in our faith, we put or values into action. Opportunities abound to serve, support, and share of your gifts and talents.

I’ve taken many risks in my life. I’ve made some poor decisions. Yet, as I look back on my life, the risks not taken haunt me the most. I wish I had been brave enough to talk to that girl who was getting too thin. I regret that fear of conflict kept me from addressing a cousin struggling with addiction. Now it is too late.

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body.” (Philippians 1:20). I would rather take a risk in God’s name than spend any more of my life with regret for opportunities lost.

As for the Fall Faith Festival, God always provides. More than 2,500 community members came together to celebrate and share the joy they have in Christ. In the end, when the donations were tallied, they had raised $34,500. By the grace of God, they had a surplus of $500 to use toward this years festival, which was renamed, Faith Forward. It’s a valuable reminder to all that when we accept risks in the name of the Lord, our faith will always move us forward.

Give with a Cheerful Heart

It starts earlier each year. Halloween wasn’t over yet and the local radio station had switched to Christmas music. “There are 46 shopping days until Christmas”, the ads remind. Catalogues crowd my mailbox. The children have started their lists and so have I.

Some friends with an eye toward simplicity have mentioned “opting out” of Christmas this year. Books like "Simplify your Life", suggest that we stop sending cards and gifts for loved ones. Think of the time you’ll save and the peace you’ll have with your new streamlined life.

My mother rejects this notion. She fully embraces the joy of sharing. “It’s all about the kids” is her mantra. She indulges the grandchildren with toys and gadgets. Even when our family didn’t have much, Christmas overflowed with abundant love and affection. There were handmade ornaments and homemade gifts from the kitchen. She taught us to give generously from the heart.

My kids have learned at an early age that the best gifts are simple, handmade gifts: the kind made with love and gobs of glue. These one-of-a-kind treasures delight our hearts and revive our memories as we unpack our decorations each year. The crowning glory of our tree may look like it is made of tin foil and cardboard, but it is built of pure love.

My brother has always been a generous gift giver. He embodies the sentiment that it is better to give than to receive. His exuberance with giving means you rarely wait until your birthday or Christmas day to receive your gift. He would explode if he was forced to wait that long. He gets immense pleasure watching someone unwrap his gift. “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Imagine the joy God receives witnessing such unbridled generosity.

As I make my list and think about the gifts I prepare this time of year, I will follow the apostle Paul’s advice. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion.” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

I think of the blessings God has sent to our family. He has lavished us in love, forgiveness and mercy. He has lifted us up when we were down and strengthened us when we were weak. He has loved us even when we seemed unlovable. Most of all, God sent us a gift too wonderful for words, the gift of His son, Jesus.

I pray our giving will reflect all the blessings we have received. I pray we will be effective stewards off all God’s gifts. Regardless of what the news reports suggest about our economy, we still have much to give: gifts of love, forgiveness, compassion and mercy.

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion - how can God’s love be in that person? Dear Children, let’s not merely say that we love one another; let us show the truth by our actions.” (1 John 3:16-18 NLT).

An End and a New Beginning

From my desk I can see the American flag on my porch fluttering in the breeze. Today is a good day to fly your flag. I’m ready to forget about red states and blue states and show my colors as an American. I celebrate the glory of the United States: red, white and blue united together.

The election season has finally ended. The voting has concluded. It has been a long year of emotion and commotion. How do we set aside our differences? How do we move forward?

I was witness to many prayers yesterday surrounding the election and the future of our country. Seeing the election results, it’s clear that for every 53 citizens that are pleased with the outcome, there are 46 that are disappointed. As the numbers demonstrate, there were a lot of unanswered prayers.

“Forget about what’s happened. Don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I am about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out, don’t you see it?“ (Isaiah 43:18-19 from The Message).

Proverbs 3:5-6 directs you to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

God has an awesome plan. At this moment, it may be hard to imagine how recent events fit into his plan. Why waste time and energy wondering “why?” It’s time to look forward and trust in God. Through the Holy Spirit we are encouraged to seek unity among His followers. He will grant us the endurance to join together to do His work.

Join together to pray for our country and our new leaders. You are invited to a prayer service on Thursday, November 13, at 6:30 pm at Hales Corners Lutheran Church. There will be time for reflection and mediation as well as a time to praise the Lord for his blessings. Lift your voice with David Kaap and the Celebration Singers.

Spice Things Up

My mom makes the most decadent side dish with her holiday meals. She cooks carrots in butter and powdered sugar and a touch of brandy. They taste as sweet as candy. It’s the only way my sister Beverly will eat carrots.

Some people are picky eaters. It’s a real challenge to get them to try new things. I know a young boy who only eats yellow foods: french fries, grilled cheese, cereal, apple sauce, mac ‘n cheese, chicken nuggets and corn. Technically he has all the food groups covered, yet his parents would like to see him branch out and expand his diet.

Experts suggest that parents expose their children to a new food numerous times before giving up hope. I’ve gone to great lengths to lure my kids into trying new vegetables. I’ve sweetened green beans with sugar, disguised broccoli in cheese sauce, and hidden zucchini by shredding in into spaghetti sauce. In a moment of inspiration (or temporary insanity) I created animal faces out of fruits and veggies in an attempt to weaken their defenses and tempt them with “cuteness.”

“Yuck!” “It’s too spicy!” “This tastes funny.” I keep trying because good nutrition is vital to physical health. I know that I feel so much better when I eat well and I want the same for them.

It’s the same way with spiritual health. It may take several introductions and multiple exposures to church, a small group, or a fellowship activity to arouse interest in your friends and neighbors. If we give up hope, they may never come to know the richness and flavor of a life of faith.

“Make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6).

My life is sweeter, my relationships are healthier, and my faith is more robust through my walk with Jesus.

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never goo hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty’.” (John 6:35).