Thursday, December 31, 2009
Facebook | Victor Chatham: Christmas Seven
Facebook | Victor Chatham: Christmas Seven: "Rain distorted the light as it overtook the dark of night. A bit of joint pain reminded me I was getting older as I drove through the rain. The march of life was highlighted by the storm as I looked for a place dry and warm. My little house was a welcoming place as it offered comfort and grace. Watching a late movie laying in bed many thoughts paraded themselves in my head. God was with me through the night as I battled some sickness and the covers; I was sure that the angels round me hovered. I awakened weary from the night’s fight; I was neither in hell or heaven; I had awakened to the joy and promise of Christmas Seven."
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Christmas Six
For Dorothy and Frank
The news of the world rushes headlong into the night and many toss and tumble waiting morning light. For those who toss and tumble there comes no comfort in the news as there is no changing of views. Perhaps comfort can come as one looks around and listens to voices of newer sounds. Like my old daddy I am still trying to “figure it out” while staying away from those who “know” what life is all about. The sound of hope can be heard in the voice of a younger one who says, “My job is very fulfilling…” comfort comes in a spirit still willing. A young man, just yesterday, spoke of the wisdom of “being awake” and I rejoiced that he spoke for God’s sake. Wisdom comes not only from our mothers and fathers; it comes from generations of their offspring who still know how to dance and sing. There is comfort to be found when all of life’s memories crash in on a day and gives us more than pause along the way. Listen to the young men and women, even the boys and girls as we are reminded that God sent a baby to save the world.
The news of the world rushes headlong into the night and many toss and tumble waiting morning light. For those who toss and tumble there comes no comfort in the news as there is no changing of views. Perhaps comfort can come as one looks around and listens to voices of newer sounds. Like my old daddy I am still trying to “figure it out” while staying away from those who “know” what life is all about. The sound of hope can be heard in the voice of a younger one who says, “My job is very fulfilling…” comfort comes in a spirit still willing. A young man, just yesterday, spoke of the wisdom of “being awake” and I rejoiced that he spoke for God’s sake. Wisdom comes not only from our mothers and fathers; it comes from generations of their offspring who still know how to dance and sing. There is comfort to be found when all of life’s memories crash in on a day and gives us more than pause along the way. Listen to the young men and women, even the boys and girls as we are reminded that God sent a baby to save the world.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Christmas Five
The profit motive has ceased for this season so the Christmas bells no longer ring. Our notions of faith still proclaim the wonder of the gifts Christ brings. The wrapping paper and tree needles have been cleaned off the floor. Still in the faithful heart we sing of the babe we come to adore. The ill fitting gifts have been returned. More of Christ grace can in each day be experienced and learned. The radio stations have quieted the season’s joyful sound but that does not stop the joy of Christ coming round. The secular cities will soon remove their “Christmas” lights while the love of God still shines bright. So continue, on day five of Christmas, as you did Christmas day to start to allow the Christ child to reign in your heart.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Christmas Four
Numbers 6:22-27 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.
I stood in a line making slow progress and observed people who had been blessed. Some of them did not know my name because I did not look the same. It was the way of life and not at all strange how all our lives had changed. Our stories were told as we stood in line waiting another soul to console. All of us the same yet different stood waiting to bless the best we could our friend in his distress. Our community came from sharing God’s blessing in a particular place and as a community we were sharing God’s grace. In Christ and his birth the Lord God blessed all the earth.
I stood in a line making slow progress and observed people who had been blessed. Some of them did not know my name because I did not look the same. It was the way of life and not at all strange how all our lives had changed. Our stories were told as we stood in line waiting another soul to console. All of us the same yet different stood waiting to bless the best we could our friend in his distress. Our community came from sharing God’s blessing in a particular place and as a community we were sharing God’s grace. In Christ and his birth the Lord God blessed all the earth.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Christmas Three
“Did you have a good Christmas” said the little boy as he bicycled by. “Yes, thank you” said I. He asked his question as if Christmas was in the past; just a day not a season that last. Today is Christmas day three and does not have to end with “after Christmas sales” for you and me. Christmas, like new toys, can last for more than a day and bring us great joy. As he rode his bike there was joy on the face of the young lad; as we continue Christmas to celebrate we can be more than glad. When we continue Christmas for days we can make it about the Bethlehem babe and the great difference he has made.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas
Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Christmas Eve at a little cement block church in the “middle of no where” yet somehow they all got there. Candles burned in the window bright as the people greeted each other with delight. “The peace of the Lord be with you” they heard as they sat in the pews; they responded “and also with you.” The pastor prayed for the joyful, the glad, the struggling and those in pain as the people sat heads bowed as they listened to his words and the falling rain. The children were asked to one day repeat the story of Christmas that had been read; they agreed they would as they nodded their heads. All were reminded that God always is more than able as we remembered God’s mighty acts at Christ’s table. We sang “Joy to the World” as we went into the dark night joyfully following the Christ Candle light!
VRC
Christmas Eve at a little cement block church in the “middle of no where” yet somehow they all got there. Candles burned in the window bright as the people greeted each other with delight. “The peace of the Lord be with you” they heard as they sat in the pews; they responded “and also with you.” The pastor prayed for the joyful, the glad, the struggling and those in pain as the people sat heads bowed as they listened to his words and the falling rain. The children were asked to one day repeat the story of Christmas that had been read; they agreed they would as they nodded their heads. All were reminded that God always is more than able as we remembered God’s mighty acts at Christ’s table. We sang “Joy to the World” as we went into the dark night joyfully following the Christ Candle light!
VRC
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