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The annual Santa Claus parade was always well attended. There wasn’t much to do in the small town where I grew up and community events were always a big hit. In a rural community, there was no shortage of tractors to pull floats down our short main street. Different farmers or businesses would sponsor the floats. Pretty well everyone, including churches, was represented. The main guest, Santa, was the last visitor who always gave out candy. Mostly, I just remember how cold it can be in late November. My hands still feel frozen just thinking about it. Do you know where the Bible talks about a parade?Historians have found that parades are a very old activity. Some have suggested that parades began with men returning from a hunting trip. They would march through the village showing off the game they had killed. Most often parades were associated with a military victory, proud soldiers returning from a campaign. As part of the spectacle, they marched their captives and slaves in front of the crowds as an act of humiliation. The parade in the Bible? The Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a military parade to describe what Christ has done for us. “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-15) The phrase at the end, “he made a public spectacle of them” is a reference to military parades. Jesus went to war with sin and evil, his weapon was the cross and he was victorious. He has defeated the powers of sin and death, parading them in public so that all can see.  The Message Bible puts it this way, “He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.” As the Christmas season approaches, advertisers work endlessly to get us to spend our money on the secular version of this celebration. There isn’t much to celebrate about Santa Claus bringing presents. Our hope is in Jesus, the one who was victorious. His coming to earth signaled the beginning of the end for his enemy. He alone is the one who defeated the powers of sin and death. We can trust him. Keep your eyes focused on that and don’t be distracted by all the advertising out there.

The story is told of a woman who had finished shopping and returned to her car. She found four men sitting inside the car. She dropped her shopping bags, drew a handgun, and screamed, “I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car.” The men did not wait for a second invitation – they got out and ran like crazy. The woman, somewhat shaken, loaded her shopping bags and then got into the car. But no matter how hard she tried, she could not get her key into the ignition. Finally, it dawned on her: her car was parked four or five spaces away! She loaded her grocery bags into her own car and then drove to the police station to turn herself in. The desk sergeant to whom she told the story nearly fell off his chair laughing. He pointed to the other end of the counter, where four men were reporting a carjacking by an old woman with thick glasses and curly white hair, less than five feet tall, and carrying a large handgun. No charges were filed. (Story from www.ministry127.com) Making mistakes in life is a given. We all do it. Not everyone is so quick to admit to making an error. Our pride often keeps us from confessing our wrongs even when we know we need to. The Living Bible puts Proverbs 28:13 this way, “A person who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if that person confesses and forsakes those mistakes, another chance is given.” Part of our Christian discipleship is learning to admit our mistakes and our sins. We can often gain wisdom from our failures. But we have to face up to it. Confession is good for the soul, and it keeps us growing.

Embarrassing yourself in public can really take you down a notch or two. As someone who does a lot of public speaking, I have had my fair share of mistakes that have left me red-faced with no one to blame but myself. But the feelings are different when someone else embarrasses you in public. Your pride and sense of honour are at stake. The need for revenge or retaliation seems to be an instant reaction. I wonder how many fights and wars have been started because of someone’s wounded pride. We too easily pay lip service to the teachings of Jesus. When everything is going well and we are feeling great, we believe in all of Jesus’ teaching. When we are insulted, ignored, or deceived, our old fleshly nature can reappear.  We look for ways to justify our reaction and response. A slap on the cheek is an act of disrespect in most cultures and it is expected that the victim should defend themselves. But Jesus teaches, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.’” (Matthew 5:38-39) Our immediate desire is to place qualifications around such words. We start to say, “What Jesus really meant was…” because to not defend ourselves or to accept the insult without remark is far too painful. What is Jesus really saying in a passage like this? Is he asking us to be a doormat? Not likely. But he is telling us to check ourselves and our attitude. He is teaching us that negative reactions and revenge aren’t the best way to solve problems.  In fact, seeking revenge is a surefire way to keep things escalating. Christian love calls for a different response. When we look at some of the conflicts in our world, we wonder why cooler heads can’t seem to prevail. It’s easy to look at situations we aren’t directly involved in and call for peace. But turning the other cheek is difficult. Being a follower of Jesus means that we seek peace in our daily interactions, even when we are insulted and disrespected. That’s hard to do and requires us to be yielded to the control of the Holy Spirit. Start each morning with a prayer that your temper and tongue will be guided by the Spirit and not the flesh. It just might start to change some of your relationships for the better.

One of the privileges of living in Europe is exploring many old cities. I find it fascinating to see the old walls that once defined the limits of a city. Even if the walls are gone it is common to see an old city gate still standing. Some gates were real works of art while others were simpler and focused on function. In medieval times, the walls were built for protection and security. But they could also be used to control the population and collect taxes and custom duties. The bigger and thicker the walls, the wealthier and supposedly safer the city was. A city with broken walls and gates was considered a tragedy in biblical times. It signified that something terrible had happened. The people were no longer safe and free but now exposed to danger and subject to the enemy. The prophets in the Old Testament looked forward to a time of peace when there would be no need for walls. With the advent of airplanes and modern technologies, city walls no longer keep people safe. This year we are again witnessing the horrors of war and how cities can so easily be destroyed. It is beyond our comprehension to understand what people in war must be going through. Yet war has been a part of all human history. It is the visible appearance of evil at work. We long for that time of peace that the prophets spoke of. Isaiah describes it like this:No longer will violence be heard in your land,    nor ruin or destruction within your borders,but you will call your walls Salvation    and your gates Praise.The sun will no more be your light by day,    nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,for the Lord will be your everlasting light,    and your God will be your glory. (Isaiah 60:18-19) As Christians, our hope for this day rests with the return of Christ. We are closer than ever. Yet while we wait, we need to be caring for those who suffer, crying with those who mourn and weeping for those who have lost everything. Let’s continue to work and pray for peace until ‘no longer will violence be heard in your land.’

You know you’re getting older when: -Everything hurts, and what doesn’t hurt, doesn’t work -You feel like the morning after, and you haven’t been anywhere -Your children begin to look middle-aged -You decide to procrastinate but never get around to it -Your knees buckle and your belt won’t -You look forward to a dull evening at home The list could go on and on. It’s easy to make fun of getting older, but growing older is part of life that isn’t always so fun. Physical problems and decline are one thing, but many people feel forgotten and ignored in later life. The world moves fast and discards anyone who can’t keep up. The Bible puts value on aging and the wisdom that can come from a long life. “A gray head is a crown of glory.” (Proverbs 16:31) We are counselled to respect our elders and acknowledge the fruit of their lives. To grow old, or older, in our world is a gift that many people don’t receive. One of the needs I often hear expressed is the need for mentors. Many younger Christians are looking for role models and guides as they navigate work and life. As we grow older, we develop a reservoir of experiences and abilities that help us understand what is essential and important in life. Our example can make a significant impact. If we are open to hearing from one another, both young and old can greatly benefit. It’s time to work more closely together rather than assume someone doesn’t have much to offer. Aging can be hard to accept. Remember God’s promises:I will be your God throughout your lifetime—    until your hair is white with age.I made you, and I will care for you.    I will carry you along and save you. (Isaiah 46:4) 

“But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another.” (1 Corinthians 7:7) Last week I wrote about marriage and mentioned that marriage might not be for everyone. Sometimes, in the church setting, life seems to revolve too much around married couples and families. That’s a pity because the Bible affirms the place of single adults in the church and the role they play. The world often seems conflicted about marriage and single life. Secular society sees marriage as an outdated and unnecessary institution but remains fixated on pairing up and telling stories of finding true love. Many adults, both in the church and outside, will never marry. Some are content with the situation and others long to find that partner. Paul says that it is better to remain single if you can, it’s a gift. He saw an opportunity for single individuals to serve the kingdom with their life. Married people also serve but in a different way. We need both in the church. As church communities, we need to do a better job of making sure that unmarried people feel included in our fellowship. This means being intentional about inviting single adults into our homes and small groups. Checking to make sure they have support when going through times of crisis or challenge. Remembering birthdays and celebrating new jobs or promotions.Great diversity exists among single members. One might be an unmarried man in his twenties or a woman in her fifties caring for aging parents. Some have never married, and others are divorced or widowed.  The church is to be the family of God. Both married and unmarried people are in it. We must see everyone and ensure they feel included in this new family tied together in Jesus. Whether married or single, we are stewards of the relationships that God gives us. We are to care about others more than ourselves. Let’s make sure our circle of care includes those who aren’t just like us.

A little shout out to my parents, today they celebrate 59 years of marriage. It’s a great accomplishment in a world that often questions the value of marriage. I always find it funny when I hear comments like ‘marriage is just a piece of paper.’ Those people haven’t really understood the nature and reality of a marriage that stands the test of time. Marriage is so much more than just a piece of paper. When the Pharisees pressed Jesus on the issue of marriage and commitment he replied: “Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh?’” (Matthew 19:4-5) Christians believe marriage to be a God-created institution that is not only good for individuals, but is also the cornerstone of social stability and family. It is based on promises and life-long commitments, not feelings although feelings are important. Marriage requires a great deal of self-sacrifice and willingness to think about others. I believe it is one way in which we work out our discipleship and learn to bear the fruit of the spirit. We are more fully formed as humans when submitting to one another. It’s a place for intimacy and being known. Finally, marriage illustrates the relationship between Christ and his church. It’s true that marriage can fall below the ideals we hold, and many marriages come to an end for a variety of reasons. God’s grace and mercy is extended to those who face such disappointments and difficulties. Marriage isn’t the path for everyone. The bible also affirms single life. But marriage remains something to be valued and treasured, even if we don’t always like some of the limitations and challenges. It’s so much more than a simple piece of paper. It’s a way of life that changes us and develops us, affecting all those around us. So, for those of you working on your marriage, whether 5 months or 59 years – way to go, keep working at it! Celebrate all the moments along the way, knowing God takes joy in your union. 

A young father was taking time to teach his son about what a Christian should be like. The kind of character and behavior they should show. The father got a stab that he never forgot when the brief talk was over. The little boy asked, “Dad, have I ever met one of these Christians?” Children have a fantastic way of getting straight to the point, sometimes painfully so. They can see through the illusions that adults so often create. Their use of honest questions can make us uncomfortable. Throughout his ministry, Jesus had a way of elevating people whom the rest of society didn’t usually see, including children. When parents brought their children to him, the disciples – ever concerned with being important – sought to send them away. Jesus took the opportunity to teach the importance of children to the kingdom. “‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”  And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.’ (Matthew 19:14-15) It was a simple act. It took only a few minutes but, in that moment, Jesus bestowed incredible value upon children throughout all generations. How often are children considered to be a bother or a problem by adults doing important stuff? Value to God isn’t based on age or productivity. Children aren’t the future of the church; they are a vital part of the church. They are rich gifts, given to remind us that we too are children of our heavenly father. They have much to teach us about simple faith and trust. Sometimes, adults get too busy to acknowledge children. Make it a practice to let them know you see them and care for them. Learn the names of some children in the church or neighborhood. Give thanks for the young lives full of potential. Take a moment to let them know God loves them and so do you. “For the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” 

It wasn’t until I took driver’s education that I found out what a blind spot was. A blind spot is an area around your car that you can’t see by checking in your mirrors or looking ahead. You need to turn your head slightly to the left or right to make sure there is nothing in your way. The one thing I remember most from driver’s ed class is to make sure and do a shoulder check. I’m glad I got into the habit because it saved me from an accident last week. Blind spots also apply to other areas in our life. Those hidden things about us that others might see but we can’t. We might think that we are being kind and generous but aren’t aware of how we are really coming across. There are plenty of examples of people who think they can sing but when auditioning on reality television discover they weren’t so gifted. Sometimes we are aware of our blind spots, but we choose to ignore them because it’s just easier than making a change in life. If we want to do a quick ‘shoulder check’ on our hidden weaknesses we have three sources of help. Friends and family. We can ask those closest to us, the ones we feel safe with, if there are areas in our life where we might be lacking self-awareness. This isn’t fun but can be helpful. “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6) Scripture. When we open our hearts to letting the scriptures really search us, we can be caught off guard by seeing some unpleasant things in our life. God works through his word to help us see more clearly. “Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.” (Isaiah 35:5) The Holy Spirit. This is part of the Spirit’s work, to examine our heart. The Psalmist prayed: Search me, God, and know my heart;    test me and know my anxious thoughts.See if there is any offensive way in me,    and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24) I’ve found that God answers those kinds of prayers more regularly than I would like. It usually means I need to confess and make changes. Failure to check your blind spot can be dangerous to you and to others on the road. Failure to examine your life can have similar consequences. Thankfully we don’t have to just take our chances.

A preacher got himself in trouble last week over some comments on social media. His remarks were unwise and drew a lot of attention to him and his ministry. When people started looking at him a little closer, they discovered that his church had an attendance of about fifty people, but he referred to himself as ‘an apostle’ and ‘father to the nations’. There’s nothing wrong with pastoring a small congregation but calling yourself ‘father to the nations’ is a little grandiose.   I have never quite understood people who feel it necessary to go overboard when describing their accomplishments. Confidence and self-awareness are good traits, but humility is often lacking in our world.   The Apostle Paul (a real apostle) had it with self-promoting false teachers and apostles who were influencing the church at Corinth. Their claims to power and greatness were all based on the wrong measurement. Paul refused to play the game of comparison. He knew what God had called him to do. He knew his limits and more than that, he knew when to acknowledge his weaknesses. In powerful words against false teachers, he writes: “Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!  We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13, NLT) His opponents were commending themselves on how important they were. Boasting about their impact on the world. Yet, Paul says God doesn’t measure one’s ministry based on what is happening somewhere else. God wants us to be faithful in the spot where he has placed us. Are you serving God and being faithful to him, right where you are today? Don’t go looking to compare or measure your spiritual growth or service with other people. That is unhelpful. If you are being faithful and serving in the place where God has put you, then he’ll take care of you. There won’t be any need for empty boasting. Just a great sense of success.