God's Oil Change: From Mourning To Gladness
Children's sermon
Illustration
Preaching
Sermon
Worship
Object:
(Originally published December 14, 2008)
Even though it's been over a week now since the attacks, the terrorist assault on Mumbai (aka Bombay) is still dominating the news, especially as tensions in India remain at a fever pitch. It's been an extremely traumatic time, particularly for Indians -- there have been repeated references to the event as India's 9/11 -- and it raises again the scary specter of innocent bystanders being victimized by suicidal terrorists. When combined with the ongoing global economic crisis, it seems we are living in very dark and troubled world at a time of year when many people are celebrating visions of peace on earth, or at least looking for a positive message of hope. In the next installment of The Immediate Word, team member George Reed looks to the words of the prophet Isaiah proclaiming freedom for the oppressed and comfort for those who mourn -- and suggests that while we may be living in dark and foreboding times, there is a Light and a Hope to come in the Word made flesh. Steve McCutchan wrote the response. There are illustrations, a worship resource, and a children's sermon also included.
God's Oil Change: From Mourning to Gladness
by George Reed
I still get butterflies when I fly commercially, but I have finally gotten to the point since 9/11 where I can look up at a jetliner flying overhead and not feel anxious. Now terrorists have again attacked a major financial center -- only this time in Mumbai, India. The already tense relations between India and Pakistan are being stretched with talk of Pakistanis, if not the government, being involved in plotting and carrying out the attacks. The news media reminds us of the potential "atomic" nature of a conflict between India and Pakistan. In an interview, Newsweek columnist (and Mumbai native) Fareed Zakaria suggests that all the terrorist training in the region has probably released "a classic Frankenstein monster." It is out on its own, and no one can control it.
Once again the news is full of those who are mourning the death of loved ones who are victims of the political agenda of zealots willing to go to any lengths for their cause. These events call to mind the almost daily smaller attacks and those around us who mourn for many reasons.
With the news so bleak, what do we in the church have to say to the world and to ourselves? Where is the good news in the midst of all the darkness? What does God think about all this, anyway? This week we will look at the prophet Isaiah's words to those in exile and mourning, and seek to understand the word of the Lord for us in these events.
THE WORLD
The terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India have been called their 9/11 for good reasons. They were terrorist attacks launched without warning on civilian targets in the financial center of the country. From the taking of the trawler and slitting the throat of a crew member until all the attackers were either killed or captured, the attacks were carried out to cause as much damage, death and terror as possible. Once again a country is reeling with the stark reality of violence and death. Like others, the Indian population is looking for someone to blame and to wreak revenge upon. Hotels, restaurants, train stations and, even, a charitable hospital for women and children were considered proper targets by the attackers.
We in America can certainly relate from the viewpoint of having suffered as well. Although it seemed that every congregation had some connection to the towers with someone who was there or, thankfully, was not or has become involved in the military actions taken since then, we also have a connection with those who mourn their losses for we have all been there. Mourning is not something reserved only for those who suffer from the hands of terrorism. Many in our congregations come to the holiday season with the acute pain of mourning the death of a loved one. Many are suffering the loss of security as savings, pensions, jobs and health benefits are falling around us. These losses bring us to a point of mourning, as well.
THE WORD
The prophet Isaiah in speaking to the exiled people of God, offered a perspective that God was acting to change things. The Spirit of God comes upon the prophet for the purpose of "comforting all who mourn... to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning." The proclamation is that in spite of what things may look like, God desires to heal. No matter how strong the forces of evil may be our God comes to bring salvation to all who suffer.
God comes to bring vengeance not in the way of retribution but in the way of redeeming the situation; not, even, in destroying the perpetrator of injustice but in bringing them into the fold of God. God is the lover of justice who comes not to destroy but to rebuild with us our lives, our world, our hopes and dreams.
The psalmist is both remembering the past ways in which God has acted and proclaiming the coming salvation of God.
Paul reminds the folks of Thessalonika and us that God is always able to bring us joy when we align ourselves rightly with God's purposes. Through prayer and an attitude of gratitude we participate in the work of the Spirit as God redeems the times.
John the Baptist has the brashness to come and proclaim in the midst of occupation and having had no word from the Lord for so long, that God is coming and, indeed, is already here doing a new and wondrous thing to save the people.
CRAFTING THE SERMON
From the attacks at Mumbai to the members of the congregation struggling with their own dark times, one will have no trouble calling the remembrance that the world can be a very dark place. There is plenty of evil and plenty of sad happenstances that cause us to feel the sadness of mourning whether for lost lives or for a life that is lost in meaninglessness; whether for attacks from terrorists or from economic troubles. This is a perfect time to set the stage for the light to overcome the darkness. Later, we will do that with the Light that comes into the world but this Sunday we can offer another light of God that is sent to us, namely, hope.
As we offer our people the assurance that God is the God of salvation who brings us hope, we need to recall that many folks, in and out of our congregations, have had their hopes pinned to some extent on other things than the actions of God. Although the economic losses people are facing are tragic they are also facing a loss of meaning in their lives. Those jobs, those pensions, those health benefits were all ways that we were told we were important and amounted to something. Now when they are taken away it seems that we are not valued at all or, at least, not so highly.
The word of hope comes to us because we are not measuring things by the actions and words of others but by the actions and words of God who proclaims that we are worth saving, that we are worth sending the Messiah to set things straight.
Listening to the Wilderness
By Steve McCutchan
The story of John the Baptist is a story of the word of God coming to us from the fringe of our lives. The center of religion in Israel was Jerusalem, the temple, and the religious leaders. This would have been where people would have expected to hear the word of God proclaimed. But it was in their encounter with the wilderness that they heard God's word proclaimed. "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness" (John 1:23). Wilderness's have a tendency to strip us of our pretensions and recall for us what is important in life.
Recall Israel's first experience in the wilderness as it is captured in both Exodus and Deuteronomy. The Hebrews had complained for years about their painful conditions in Egypt. They cried out for freedom. Then suddenly they were free of the constraints of Egypt only to discover that they didn't know how to survive in freedom. They were urban dwellers. What did they know about living in the wilderness? Now they grumbled for the good old days of slavery in Egypt where at least they had enough to eat. But God stripped them of the security of slavery so that they might discover again that "One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" (Deuteronomy 8:3).
Too often we expect God to come to us at the points of our strength and places where we are in control and comfortable. Yet God's voice is often that which speaks in the desert of our lives and of our society. The danger of our current problems, I think, is that we can easily slip into hoping to return to the conditions prior to our current series of crisis. Like the Hebrews, the memory of our previous slavery does not seem so bad. If we could just return to a time when greed and use of violence to dominate our neighbor prevailed, maybe everything would be comfortable.
Consider Paul's words in our lesson from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24. "Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Especially in our current circumstances, we want to respond, "Life is not always good." Paul continues: "Give thanks in all circumstances," and we want to challenge that we are not thankful for everything. But that is why Paul admonishes us to "pray constantly."
It is not that life is always rosy or that "positive thinking" conquers all. Rather it is that God is sovereign and can redeem any circumstance. We are to rejoice in the sovereignty of God in the darkest of circumstances and give thanks for God's redeeming power exactly where we least see it. The only way we can prevent ourselves from being defeated by the tragic in life is to stay in contact with the transcendent. It is precisely because life is not always positive that we need to rejoice and give thanks to God in every circumstance.
Have we become too self-complacent in our lives? Without realizing it, have we become slaves to greed and dependent on the use of arms to protect us? Do we need to be stripped of any illusion of invincibility to learn again that one does not live by bread alone nor is one protected by either affluency or military might?
Call to mind a dark moment in your life that you can now give thanks for because out of that circumstance God worked a good result. Let that memory give you strength for the future. Advent is a time to listen to the wilderness and expect the birth of God's presence.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Before Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain into the vast unknown, it was believed that the world ended not far beyond Gibraltar. Indeed, disbelief was expressed in the Spanish Royal motto that read, Ne Plus Ultra, meaning "There is no more beyond here." However, when Columbus returned from the New World and his discoveries, the Royal motto was meaningless. Thus, Queen Isabella simply eliminated the first word. Thus, the Royal motto became, Plus Ultra, meaning "There is plenty more beyond."
Columbus' discovery demonstrated that new frontiers are always possible. In a similar light, John F. Kennedy awakened the world to the possibility of "new frontiers," not necessarily geographical but social, political, and spiritual. Yes, there is plenty more beyond.
* * *
Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. People grow old by deserting their ideals and hope. Old age wrinkles the skin, but abandoning our dreams and hope wrinkles the soul. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear, and despair destroy the spirit and what lies inside us. Whether we are 17 or 71 there must be in every person's heart the love of wonder, the sweet amazement of the stars, the undaunted challenge of events, and the hope for things to come. We are as young as our faith or as old as our doubts, as young as our self-confidence, as old as our fears, as young as our hope, as old as our despair.
* * *
There is a story told about two famous Italian sculptors, Donatello and Michelangelo. One day Donatello received delivery of a huge block of marble. After examining it carefully, he rejected the stone because it was flawed with cracks. However, rather than remove the marble back to the quarry, the workman decided to deliver it to Michelangelo. After all, he was known to be a little absent-minded. He might not realize he had not ordered this huge block of marble. When Michelangelo inspected the stone, he saw the same cracks and flaws as did Donatello, but he also saw a personal challenge. So Michelangelo accepted the marble that Donatello had rejected. He proceeded to carve from this seemingly useless block of marble what is considered to be one of the world's greatest art treasures -- the statue "David."
* * *
Bright spots of hope in this difficult world include the generous gift ($1 million) of Earl Stafford, inviting folk from the margins of society to be present for the inauguration of our first African-American president. His gift not only lights a candle of hope for those he invites, but has also provided jobs in remodeling the host hotel.
* * *
Reconciliation -- a sign of hope and peace, out of the wilderness. As the US economy lays victim to unrestrained greed and ineptitude, an unexpected olive branch was seen in the UAW negotiations. The union accepted concessions to ease the financial pressure within the company, especially seen in the CEOs and CFOs.
* * *
Another sign of life coming from the wilderness: "Make It Right NOLA" has brought some cutting edge technology to New Orleans, converting the devastated housing of the marginalized portion of the church to state-of-the-art green models. More can be learned about this Brad Pitt at makeitrightNOLA.com.
WORSHIP RESOURCE
Call to Worship
Leader: When we found ourselves restored by God
People: We were like those who dream.
Leader: God has filled our mouths with laughter
People: And has brought us to shout for joy.
Leader: Restore our fortunes, O God of us all.
People: Let those who have wept now rejoice.
OR
Leader: The Spirit of God is upon us.
People: God has anointed us to bring good news
Leader: to bind up the broken hearted,
People: to proclaim liberty to the captives,
Leader: release to the prisoners,
People: and comfort to those who mourn.
OR
Leader: Come, let us hear what God has to say to us.
People: What word could God have in times like this?
Leader: Let us listen to how God spoke through Isaiah in bad times.
People: What did God say to the people of God back then?
Leader: God sent Isaiah to comfort all who mourn.
People: That is the good news we need from God this day.
Hymns and Songs:
"Come, Ye Disconsolate"
UMH 510
AAHH 421
NNBH 264
CH 5021
"Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen"
UMH 520
"Thou Hidden Source Of Calm Repose"
UMH 153
"I Will Trust In The Lord"
UMH 464
AAHH 391
NNBH 285
NCH 416
"Leaning On The Everlasting Arms"
UMH 133
AAHH 371
NNBH 262
NCH 471
CH 560
"Stand By Me"
UMH 512
NNBH 318
CH 629
"Out Of The Depths I Cry To You"
UMH 515
H82 666
PH 240
NNBH 207
NCH 483
CH 510
LBW 295
"I Know Whom I Have Believed"
UMH 714
"All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded"
UMH 132
"All My Hope On God Is Founded"
H82 665
NCH 408
CH 88
"All I Need Is You"
CCB 100
"On Eagle's Wings"
Renew 112
"I Call You Faithful"
CCB 70
"Through It All"
CCB 61
Music Resources Key:
UMH United Methodist Hymnal
H82 The Hymnal 1982
PH Presbyterian Hymnal
NNBH The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH The New Century Hymnal
CH Chalice Hymnal
LBW Lutheran Book of Worship
CCB Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day/Collect
O God who has never forsaken your people in any time of trouble: Grant us the faith to hear your words of comfort in this time of mourning for those who are lost and for dreams that are crushed; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
God, we have come to trust in you. You are the faithful One who has never forsaken your people. We hear the news of the world and it seems so dark and bleak. We doubt if we have the faith to trust that you are with us in these times. We mourn those killed in terror attacks, those taken by disease and for our dreams that lie shattered at our feet. Comfort us with your Spirit that we may find our hope, once again, in you. Amen.
OR
God of justice and righteousness, in these days of violence and death help us to find our hope in you as the One who is faithful and kind. Help us to offer to you our tear stained faces that you may wipe them clean with your spirit of joy. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Leader: God has been faithful and has called us to hope in the purposes and intents of our God. Let us confess to God and before one another how we have failed to keep our eyes on our God.
People: We confess to you, our faithful God, and before our sisters and brothers that we have sinned. We have not kept ourselves focused on what God is doing and how God is calling us to be a part of God's claiming all creation. We have let the circumstances of life overwhelm us. We look at the way in which evil seems to abound everywhere and we think there is no redemption for it. We have failed to remember that God has not given up on saving us all. Forgive us and pour out your Spirit upon us that we may believe and act. Amen.
Leader: God desires the salvation of all creation and that includes us. Know that the love and grace of God is abundant and available for you and for all creation. You are the beloved of God.
Prayers of the People
We bring you our worship and praise, O God, because you desire it. Your majesty and glory are beyond our comprehension and we have no way to adequately voice our adoration. But as a parent is blessed by the smallest words of appreciation from a child so you are pleased with our sincere but inadequate praises.
(The following paragraph may be used if a separate prayer of confessions has not been used.)
We confess to you, our faithful God, and before our sisters and brothers that we have sinned. We have not kept ourselves focused on what God is doing and how God is calling us to be a part of God's claiming all creation. We have let the circumstances of life overwhelm us. We look at the way in which evil seems to abound everywhere and we think there is no redemption for it. We have failed to remember that God has not given up on saving us all. Forgive us and pour out your Spirit upon us that we may believe and act.
We give you thanks for the way in which you come to redeem all our times. In the midst of tragedy and trouble, you stand with us holding us and weeping with us and for us. No matter what life brings to us you are there to help us find our way to you and your kingdom.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We bring to you those who are on our hearts and all who suffer this day. There is much to overwhelm us and cause us to give up hope. By the power of your presence help us all to hope again in that glorious day when Christ shall stand among us and all will be a part of your glorious reign.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
All these things we ask in the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ who taught us to pray together saying:
Our Father....Amen.
(Or if the Our Father is not used at this point in the service)
All this we ask in the Name of the Blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
CHILDREN'S SERMON
The Red Carpet
Object: a long strip of red fabric/plastic spread out so it is crooked and wrinkled
I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, "Make straight the way of the Lord." (v. 23)
Good morning, boys and girls! How many of you have ever heard of a red carpet? (allow answers) What is a red carpet? (allow answers) Sometimes on television they show the red carpet. Movie stars walk on this red carpet to get into a building or a party. Usually, only people who are very special get a red carpet. It means you're a star!
In our lesson, John the Baptist says: "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord.' " John came before Jesus to tell people to get that red carpet ready! Before John the Baptist, Jesus' red carpet looked like this (point to the carpet), all crumpled up and wrinkled. Is that any way to treat a star's red carpet? Jesus isn't just any star -- Jesus is the king!
A king is more important than a movie star or a pop star! Jesus is the king, so John the Baptist's job was to get his way -- his red carpet -- ready. John the Baptist did this by baptizing people and telling them the good news that Jesus was on his way.
What would you do if somebody told you a king was coming? (allow answers) Would you be excited? It would be hard to wait for a king, wouldn't it? (allow answers) We are in the season of Advent. We are waiting for the king to come. John the Baptist is talking to us! "Make straight the way of the Lord." How can we act to show that we are ready for the king to come? (allow answers) Do you know the Christmas song that says, "He'll know if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness' sake"? (allow answers) Who is that song talking about? (allow answers) That song talks about Santa Claus. But it could also be talking about Jesus!
Jesus knows if you've been good or bad, and he wants you to be good! When you do nice things for other people and act the way Jesus wants you to act, you are "making straight the way of the Lord." Don't we want Jesus to have a straight way? (allow answers) Do you see this red carpet -- it's all tangled and wrinkly. Do we want Jesus to have to walk on that kind of carpet? (allow answers) No! Then, we have some work to do! I need you all to help me make Jesus' red carpet smooth. We want this red carpet to be fit for a king! (have children help smooth out the carpet) By smoothing out this carpet, we are preparing for Jesus to be born on Christmas. Hallelujah! Amen.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Immediate Word, December 14, 2008, issue.
Copyright 2008 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to The Immediate Word service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons and in worship and classroom settings only. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 517 South Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45804.
Even though it's been over a week now since the attacks, the terrorist assault on Mumbai (aka Bombay) is still dominating the news, especially as tensions in India remain at a fever pitch. It's been an extremely traumatic time, particularly for Indians -- there have been repeated references to the event as India's 9/11 -- and it raises again the scary specter of innocent bystanders being victimized by suicidal terrorists. When combined with the ongoing global economic crisis, it seems we are living in very dark and troubled world at a time of year when many people are celebrating visions of peace on earth, or at least looking for a positive message of hope. In the next installment of The Immediate Word, team member George Reed looks to the words of the prophet Isaiah proclaiming freedom for the oppressed and comfort for those who mourn -- and suggests that while we may be living in dark and foreboding times, there is a Light and a Hope to come in the Word made flesh. Steve McCutchan wrote the response. There are illustrations, a worship resource, and a children's sermon also included.
God's Oil Change: From Mourning to Gladness
by George Reed
I still get butterflies when I fly commercially, but I have finally gotten to the point since 9/11 where I can look up at a jetliner flying overhead and not feel anxious. Now terrorists have again attacked a major financial center -- only this time in Mumbai, India. The already tense relations between India and Pakistan are being stretched with talk of Pakistanis, if not the government, being involved in plotting and carrying out the attacks. The news media reminds us of the potential "atomic" nature of a conflict between India and Pakistan. In an interview, Newsweek columnist (and Mumbai native) Fareed Zakaria suggests that all the terrorist training in the region has probably released "a classic Frankenstein monster." It is out on its own, and no one can control it.
Once again the news is full of those who are mourning the death of loved ones who are victims of the political agenda of zealots willing to go to any lengths for their cause. These events call to mind the almost daily smaller attacks and those around us who mourn for many reasons.
With the news so bleak, what do we in the church have to say to the world and to ourselves? Where is the good news in the midst of all the darkness? What does God think about all this, anyway? This week we will look at the prophet Isaiah's words to those in exile and mourning, and seek to understand the word of the Lord for us in these events.
THE WORLD
The terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India have been called their 9/11 for good reasons. They were terrorist attacks launched without warning on civilian targets in the financial center of the country. From the taking of the trawler and slitting the throat of a crew member until all the attackers were either killed or captured, the attacks were carried out to cause as much damage, death and terror as possible. Once again a country is reeling with the stark reality of violence and death. Like others, the Indian population is looking for someone to blame and to wreak revenge upon. Hotels, restaurants, train stations and, even, a charitable hospital for women and children were considered proper targets by the attackers.
We in America can certainly relate from the viewpoint of having suffered as well. Although it seemed that every congregation had some connection to the towers with someone who was there or, thankfully, was not or has become involved in the military actions taken since then, we also have a connection with those who mourn their losses for we have all been there. Mourning is not something reserved only for those who suffer from the hands of terrorism. Many in our congregations come to the holiday season with the acute pain of mourning the death of a loved one. Many are suffering the loss of security as savings, pensions, jobs and health benefits are falling around us. These losses bring us to a point of mourning, as well.
THE WORD
The prophet Isaiah in speaking to the exiled people of God, offered a perspective that God was acting to change things. The Spirit of God comes upon the prophet for the purpose of "comforting all who mourn... to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning." The proclamation is that in spite of what things may look like, God desires to heal. No matter how strong the forces of evil may be our God comes to bring salvation to all who suffer.
God comes to bring vengeance not in the way of retribution but in the way of redeeming the situation; not, even, in destroying the perpetrator of injustice but in bringing them into the fold of God. God is the lover of justice who comes not to destroy but to rebuild with us our lives, our world, our hopes and dreams.
The psalmist is both remembering the past ways in which God has acted and proclaiming the coming salvation of God.
Paul reminds the folks of Thessalonika and us that God is always able to bring us joy when we align ourselves rightly with God's purposes. Through prayer and an attitude of gratitude we participate in the work of the Spirit as God redeems the times.
John the Baptist has the brashness to come and proclaim in the midst of occupation and having had no word from the Lord for so long, that God is coming and, indeed, is already here doing a new and wondrous thing to save the people.
CRAFTING THE SERMON
From the attacks at Mumbai to the members of the congregation struggling with their own dark times, one will have no trouble calling the remembrance that the world can be a very dark place. There is plenty of evil and plenty of sad happenstances that cause us to feel the sadness of mourning whether for lost lives or for a life that is lost in meaninglessness; whether for attacks from terrorists or from economic troubles. This is a perfect time to set the stage for the light to overcome the darkness. Later, we will do that with the Light that comes into the world but this Sunday we can offer another light of God that is sent to us, namely, hope.
As we offer our people the assurance that God is the God of salvation who brings us hope, we need to recall that many folks, in and out of our congregations, have had their hopes pinned to some extent on other things than the actions of God. Although the economic losses people are facing are tragic they are also facing a loss of meaning in their lives. Those jobs, those pensions, those health benefits were all ways that we were told we were important and amounted to something. Now when they are taken away it seems that we are not valued at all or, at least, not so highly.
The word of hope comes to us because we are not measuring things by the actions and words of others but by the actions and words of God who proclaims that we are worth saving, that we are worth sending the Messiah to set things straight.
Listening to the Wilderness
By Steve McCutchan
The story of John the Baptist is a story of the word of God coming to us from the fringe of our lives. The center of religion in Israel was Jerusalem, the temple, and the religious leaders. This would have been where people would have expected to hear the word of God proclaimed. But it was in their encounter with the wilderness that they heard God's word proclaimed. "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness" (John 1:23). Wilderness's have a tendency to strip us of our pretensions and recall for us what is important in life.
Recall Israel's first experience in the wilderness as it is captured in both Exodus and Deuteronomy. The Hebrews had complained for years about their painful conditions in Egypt. They cried out for freedom. Then suddenly they were free of the constraints of Egypt only to discover that they didn't know how to survive in freedom. They were urban dwellers. What did they know about living in the wilderness? Now they grumbled for the good old days of slavery in Egypt where at least they had enough to eat. But God stripped them of the security of slavery so that they might discover again that "One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord" (Deuteronomy 8:3).
Too often we expect God to come to us at the points of our strength and places where we are in control and comfortable. Yet God's voice is often that which speaks in the desert of our lives and of our society. The danger of our current problems, I think, is that we can easily slip into hoping to return to the conditions prior to our current series of crisis. Like the Hebrews, the memory of our previous slavery does not seem so bad. If we could just return to a time when greed and use of violence to dominate our neighbor prevailed, maybe everything would be comfortable.
Consider Paul's words in our lesson from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24. "Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Especially in our current circumstances, we want to respond, "Life is not always good." Paul continues: "Give thanks in all circumstances," and we want to challenge that we are not thankful for everything. But that is why Paul admonishes us to "pray constantly."
It is not that life is always rosy or that "positive thinking" conquers all. Rather it is that God is sovereign and can redeem any circumstance. We are to rejoice in the sovereignty of God in the darkest of circumstances and give thanks for God's redeeming power exactly where we least see it. The only way we can prevent ourselves from being defeated by the tragic in life is to stay in contact with the transcendent. It is precisely because life is not always positive that we need to rejoice and give thanks to God in every circumstance.
Have we become too self-complacent in our lives? Without realizing it, have we become slaves to greed and dependent on the use of arms to protect us? Do we need to be stripped of any illusion of invincibility to learn again that one does not live by bread alone nor is one protected by either affluency or military might?
Call to mind a dark moment in your life that you can now give thanks for because out of that circumstance God worked a good result. Let that memory give you strength for the future. Advent is a time to listen to the wilderness and expect the birth of God's presence.
ILLUSTRATIONS
Before Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain into the vast unknown, it was believed that the world ended not far beyond Gibraltar. Indeed, disbelief was expressed in the Spanish Royal motto that read, Ne Plus Ultra, meaning "There is no more beyond here." However, when Columbus returned from the New World and his discoveries, the Royal motto was meaningless. Thus, Queen Isabella simply eliminated the first word. Thus, the Royal motto became, Plus Ultra, meaning "There is plenty more beyond."
Columbus' discovery demonstrated that new frontiers are always possible. In a similar light, John F. Kennedy awakened the world to the possibility of "new frontiers," not necessarily geographical but social, political, and spiritual. Yes, there is plenty more beyond.
* * *
Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. People grow old by deserting their ideals and hope. Old age wrinkles the skin, but abandoning our dreams and hope wrinkles the soul. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear, and despair destroy the spirit and what lies inside us. Whether we are 17 or 71 there must be in every person's heart the love of wonder, the sweet amazement of the stars, the undaunted challenge of events, and the hope for things to come. We are as young as our faith or as old as our doubts, as young as our self-confidence, as old as our fears, as young as our hope, as old as our despair.
* * *
There is a story told about two famous Italian sculptors, Donatello and Michelangelo. One day Donatello received delivery of a huge block of marble. After examining it carefully, he rejected the stone because it was flawed with cracks. However, rather than remove the marble back to the quarry, the workman decided to deliver it to Michelangelo. After all, he was known to be a little absent-minded. He might not realize he had not ordered this huge block of marble. When Michelangelo inspected the stone, he saw the same cracks and flaws as did Donatello, but he also saw a personal challenge. So Michelangelo accepted the marble that Donatello had rejected. He proceeded to carve from this seemingly useless block of marble what is considered to be one of the world's greatest art treasures -- the statue "David."
* * *
Bright spots of hope in this difficult world include the generous gift ($1 million) of Earl Stafford, inviting folk from the margins of society to be present for the inauguration of our first African-American president. His gift not only lights a candle of hope for those he invites, but has also provided jobs in remodeling the host hotel.
* * *
Reconciliation -- a sign of hope and peace, out of the wilderness. As the US economy lays victim to unrestrained greed and ineptitude, an unexpected olive branch was seen in the UAW negotiations. The union accepted concessions to ease the financial pressure within the company, especially seen in the CEOs and CFOs.
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Another sign of life coming from the wilderness: "Make It Right NOLA" has brought some cutting edge technology to New Orleans, converting the devastated housing of the marginalized portion of the church to state-of-the-art green models. More can be learned about this Brad Pitt at makeitrightNOLA.com.
WORSHIP RESOURCE
Call to Worship
Leader: When we found ourselves restored by God
People: We were like those who dream.
Leader: God has filled our mouths with laughter
People: And has brought us to shout for joy.
Leader: Restore our fortunes, O God of us all.
People: Let those who have wept now rejoice.
OR
Leader: The Spirit of God is upon us.
People: God has anointed us to bring good news
Leader: to bind up the broken hearted,
People: to proclaim liberty to the captives,
Leader: release to the prisoners,
People: and comfort to those who mourn.
OR
Leader: Come, let us hear what God has to say to us.
People: What word could God have in times like this?
Leader: Let us listen to how God spoke through Isaiah in bad times.
People: What did God say to the people of God back then?
Leader: God sent Isaiah to comfort all who mourn.
People: That is the good news we need from God this day.
Hymns and Songs:
"Come, Ye Disconsolate"
UMH 510
AAHH 421
NNBH 264
CH 5021
"Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen"
UMH 520
"Thou Hidden Source Of Calm Repose"
UMH 153
"I Will Trust In The Lord"
UMH 464
AAHH 391
NNBH 285
NCH 416
"Leaning On The Everlasting Arms"
UMH 133
AAHH 371
NNBH 262
NCH 471
CH 560
"Stand By Me"
UMH 512
NNBH 318
CH 629
"Out Of The Depths I Cry To You"
UMH 515
H82 666
PH 240
NNBH 207
NCH 483
CH 510
LBW 295
"I Know Whom I Have Believed"
UMH 714
"All My Hope Is Firmly Grounded"
UMH 132
"All My Hope On God Is Founded"
H82 665
NCH 408
CH 88
"All I Need Is You"
CCB 100
"On Eagle's Wings"
Renew 112
"I Call You Faithful"
CCB 70
"Through It All"
CCB 61
Music Resources Key:
UMH United Methodist Hymnal
H82 The Hymnal 1982
PH Presbyterian Hymnal
NNBH The New National Baptist Hymnal
NCH The New Century Hymnal
CH Chalice Hymnal
LBW Lutheran Book of Worship
CCB Cokesbury Chorus Book
Renew Renew! Songs & Hymns for Blended Worship
Prayer for the Day/Collect
O God who has never forsaken your people in any time of trouble: Grant us the faith to hear your words of comfort in this time of mourning for those who are lost and for dreams that are crushed; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
OR
God, we have come to trust in you. You are the faithful One who has never forsaken your people. We hear the news of the world and it seems so dark and bleak. We doubt if we have the faith to trust that you are with us in these times. We mourn those killed in terror attacks, those taken by disease and for our dreams that lie shattered at our feet. Comfort us with your Spirit that we may find our hope, once again, in you. Amen.
OR
God of justice and righteousness, in these days of violence and death help us to find our hope in you as the One who is faithful and kind. Help us to offer to you our tear stained faces that you may wipe them clean with your spirit of joy. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Leader: God has been faithful and has called us to hope in the purposes and intents of our God. Let us confess to God and before one another how we have failed to keep our eyes on our God.
People: We confess to you, our faithful God, and before our sisters and brothers that we have sinned. We have not kept ourselves focused on what God is doing and how God is calling us to be a part of God's claiming all creation. We have let the circumstances of life overwhelm us. We look at the way in which evil seems to abound everywhere and we think there is no redemption for it. We have failed to remember that God has not given up on saving us all. Forgive us and pour out your Spirit upon us that we may believe and act. Amen.
Leader: God desires the salvation of all creation and that includes us. Know that the love and grace of God is abundant and available for you and for all creation. You are the beloved of God.
Prayers of the People
We bring you our worship and praise, O God, because you desire it. Your majesty and glory are beyond our comprehension and we have no way to adequately voice our adoration. But as a parent is blessed by the smallest words of appreciation from a child so you are pleased with our sincere but inadequate praises.
(The following paragraph may be used if a separate prayer of confessions has not been used.)
We confess to you, our faithful God, and before our sisters and brothers that we have sinned. We have not kept ourselves focused on what God is doing and how God is calling us to be a part of God's claiming all creation. We have let the circumstances of life overwhelm us. We look at the way in which evil seems to abound everywhere and we think there is no redemption for it. We have failed to remember that God has not given up on saving us all. Forgive us and pour out your Spirit upon us that we may believe and act.
We give you thanks for the way in which you come to redeem all our times. In the midst of tragedy and trouble, you stand with us holding us and weeping with us and for us. No matter what life brings to us you are there to help us find our way to you and your kingdom.
(Other thanksgivings may be offered.)
We bring to you those who are on our hearts and all who suffer this day. There is much to overwhelm us and cause us to give up hope. By the power of your presence help us all to hope again in that glorious day when Christ shall stand among us and all will be a part of your glorious reign.
(Other intercessions may be offered.)
All these things we ask in the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ who taught us to pray together saying:
Our Father....Amen.
(Or if the Our Father is not used at this point in the service)
All this we ask in the Name of the Blessed and Holy Trinity. Amen.
CHILDREN'S SERMON
The Red Carpet
Object: a long strip of red fabric/plastic spread out so it is crooked and wrinkled
I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, "Make straight the way of the Lord." (v. 23)
Good morning, boys and girls! How many of you have ever heard of a red carpet? (allow answers) What is a red carpet? (allow answers) Sometimes on television they show the red carpet. Movie stars walk on this red carpet to get into a building or a party. Usually, only people who are very special get a red carpet. It means you're a star!
In our lesson, John the Baptist says: "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord.' " John came before Jesus to tell people to get that red carpet ready! Before John the Baptist, Jesus' red carpet looked like this (point to the carpet), all crumpled up and wrinkled. Is that any way to treat a star's red carpet? Jesus isn't just any star -- Jesus is the king!
A king is more important than a movie star or a pop star! Jesus is the king, so John the Baptist's job was to get his way -- his red carpet -- ready. John the Baptist did this by baptizing people and telling them the good news that Jesus was on his way.
What would you do if somebody told you a king was coming? (allow answers) Would you be excited? It would be hard to wait for a king, wouldn't it? (allow answers) We are in the season of Advent. We are waiting for the king to come. John the Baptist is talking to us! "Make straight the way of the Lord." How can we act to show that we are ready for the king to come? (allow answers) Do you know the Christmas song that says, "He'll know if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness' sake"? (allow answers) Who is that song talking about? (allow answers) That song talks about Santa Claus. But it could also be talking about Jesus!
Jesus knows if you've been good or bad, and he wants you to be good! When you do nice things for other people and act the way Jesus wants you to act, you are "making straight the way of the Lord." Don't we want Jesus to have a straight way? (allow answers) Do you see this red carpet -- it's all tangled and wrinkly. Do we want Jesus to have to walk on that kind of carpet? (allow answers) No! Then, we have some work to do! I need you all to help me make Jesus' red carpet smooth. We want this red carpet to be fit for a king! (have children help smooth out the carpet) By smoothing out this carpet, we are preparing for Jesus to be born on Christmas. Hallelujah! Amen.
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The Immediate Word, December 14, 2008, issue.
Copyright 2008 by CSS Publishing Company, Inc., Lima, Ohio.
All rights reserved. Subscribers to The Immediate Word service may print and use this material as it was intended in sermons and in worship and classroom settings only. No additional permission is required from the publisher for such use by subscribers only. Inquiries should be addressed to permissions@csspub.com or to Permissions, CSS Publishing Company, Inc., 517 South Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45804.
