Luke 2 — We read that because of us a child is born. We were the reason for the season. What? Why would you say that? All the coffee cups and posters say Jesus is the reason for the season? Yes but John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that (or for this reason) that ALL who believe in Him shall have eternal life. Luke 19:10 tells us that He came to seek and save…  First a Son, then a Savior.

Ponder this in your heart today . . . .

He didn’t come to a mosque, a synagogue or a temple. He came to a holiday party of a much different kind. The high and lofty, the low and hungry would all have equal access ….and irritate sociologists till the end of time.

Bound in cloths, little Houdini did not share His eternal secret of escape. For He was busy resting, enjoying quality time with family, He wore no superhero cape. Called “The Beginning and the End,” this plan was in the middle, to save those from the tyranny of the urgent, God chose a babe to reveal this riddle. His greatest ministry then was REST as His little blankets would unfold. God once again gathering the FAMILY, the greatest reconciliation ever told.

The gathering of the faithful, the snuggling against the breast, all had ceased from their labors for this was the season to meet their long awaited REST. Crying, cooing, burping, great works they watched on their knees, little did Mary and Joseph know this one would reach the least of these. While many may seek miracles, hear sermons, or have the cross on their mind, God restarted their second chance so the prodigals’ long lost hope,… they would now be able to find.

When we gather at the manger, where simple animals share their food, could it be that God still calls us to multiply, be fruitful and know that He alone is good? Is the real reason for Christmas looking in our Saviors face, seeing things His way, through His Word and understanding everlasting grace? While many seek out Facebook of such a different kind, is the real reason for the season knowing we were always before God’s face and on God’s heart and in His mind?

“First things first” the marriage counselors say, yet do any of the evangelists proclaim this was one of Jesus’ greatest days? The day he was still, loving and being adored, could this be the greatest accomplishment of our Savior, Redeemer and Lord? To calmly trust in His father, to posture Himself under the omniscience of His watchful eye, was this His first, obedient act even before His time to die?

Creation made, then suspended we waited for second Adam in swaddling cloths to arrive, could this be the promise of salvation, to save and sustain one such as I? To be loved and to be –loving, is the first act of our infant King, to bring a world together just to worship God and rest was a small, yet profoundly amazing thing.

Pausing to be with family and neighbors, to see a smile, to hear a cry; may not seem like the “big stuff” until we remember the original reason why. Jesus came to be with us, not just for show or ministry, He came to give us rest, heal us of our loneliness, and lovingly reconnect the ultimate, sacred Family Tree.       

                                           Renae Roche ©2015. 

That’s a Leon

One of the earliest names of God is seen in Genesis 49.  Jacob is blessing Joseph and says:

“By the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob
    (from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel),
²⁵ by the God of your father who will help you,
    by the Almighty who will bless you
    with blessings of heaven above, ….”

God is known by many attributes and titles but this earliest one tells us that Jacob knew this Shepherd was a God who comes near, a God who shows up to help, an Almighty who blesses and Jacob was aware somehow that blessings – they come from Heaven above.

Fast forward several generations.

This  occurrence will be at the beginning of the New Covenant writings. Shepherds, working under the cover of stars and darkness. Sheep are everywhere and then …. A sign appears in the sky. Why Shepherds? Shepherds are people of action. While sheep are resting by the still waters, Shepherds are running around making sure the setting is conducive to rest. They are less emotional types and more protective types. One pastor recently pointed out that shepherds were low on the social rung and not even allowed to testify in court. I’m not sure why but they were hired hands so they could not be impartial while owing a debt to a wealthy farmer. Their loyalty had to be with the sheep. They probably were not very tactful as they their time in conversation with fluffy friends.

Sheep were often people’s pets, not just sources of wool, meat or milk. They represented wealth because each flock could have up to 100 sheep in it. Shepherding was not for the faint-hearted. According to the International Standard Bible Dictionary (ISBD) shepherding was not done in isolation as relatives stepped in to help and under-shepherds were hired to support the whole process. It took a group of people to navigate all the things that needed to be done.

These rough shepherds could gut a sheep or help birth a lamb and be home for supper. They often looked down at the grass to make sure it was edible; they looked down at the path to make sure it was free of holes and rocks. They looked down at the water to make sure it was still. They were paid to notice the idiosyncrasies of each lamb. They didn’t wear snake skin shoes. No one stood up when they walked in the room. Herding, feeding, shearing and grazing were their daily activities. They were a messy bunch, not perfect in any sense. Although they had times to rest when the sheep did, they were people of continual work.  It makes one wonder, why didn’t God first show a sign to the wise men? Or even the priests? They were fancy, cultured and educated, wore great hats…

Maybe God wanted to be there for the ones who did a job He loved.  Maybe watching and waiting was God’s main goal for His flock rather than being just being wise.

Maybe “wise” is watching and waiting. Seems opposite of what the culture teaches us today.

Rough hands, tender hearts. Sheep have to be constantly monitored. Their horns are resources – they hold oil. There were no plastic companies producing containers or Tupperware back then.  They used hollowed out sheep horns. Horns were also used for instruments of worship. Without these elements, the religious life would suffer. But the use of these horns as “resources” would come at a cost, a cost the shepherds would see firsthand. Shepherds were necessary, uncelebrated, hardworking and faithful.

One Christmas when I was in high school someone gave me a stuffed puppy. He had on a Santa hat with his name printed on the top. I was so thrilled to get that thing. “Hey look this dog – his name is Leon.” They just thought it was what I chose to name him. We laughed when we realized later that I had read it too fast – it said NOEL. In my excitement, I had read it backwards.

There are many things this season that are just backwards – the calendar, the festival, and the traditions. We celebrate a melting pot of things in December. This nativity setting also has a mixture of prophecies, cultures and expectations. We see an unbelievably awesome sign being shown to those who no one would ever believe. That seems backwards. But God believed them and they continued to work whether people clapped or didn’t. Backwards is — dumb sheep and uneducated shepherds receiving the wisest message ever told about the wisest person who ever lived. That’s trust. It’s wise being defined as “those who follow the Shepherd” and dumb being defined as “those who refuse”. That’s fried ice! It’s a mobile station! That’s a Leon.

It’s also people in church wearing their Temple attire but not aware of the God watching over the Temple. It’s priests praying to a God they no longer trust. Control and trust are opposite things.  It’s people sacrificing greatly but never enjoying the sacrifice or the one they present it to. We heard recently of a national leader who took his own life. He went from minister to murderer and the cost of his sacrifice was exponential for his family. His sacrifice had become greater in his eyes than the One he sacrificed to. When did the flow of John 15 cease in his life and did anyone notice? He decided the permanent solution was wiser than the prayer of repentance for getting disconnected. That’s a Leon. It’s backwards – opposite of God’s heart and will for someone’s life.  If you are headed in that direction, slow down, meditate on John 10:10 and call someone today. That thinking is backwards and opposite of the meaning of Noel – Christmas when Emmanuel HIMSELF came to be with us and help us. He gave His whole life so you would not be alone – what a gift!

We can look at something for so long that all we see is a blur and our focus gets on our work instead of the finished work of Christ. 

Ministry as an outflow of abiding brings joy. Ministry that hurts family or ministers – that’s a Leon. It’s backwards. It looks right at first glance but it is opposite of the loving God who wants to bless, help and pour out His heart from Heaven. Business as usual does not equal God’s blessings. Seeking Him and seeing Him does.

While all the regular folk were singing to God that night the Shepherds were enjoying a Royal concert out in the field. They had front row seats because these were the guests of the Prince being born. Maybe God was looking to display His sign to the church folks? Maybe He couldn’t find a single robed believer who would look up? “Gabriel, try that hill over there”. “Those guys aren’t too busy to look for Me”. They may seem like stargazers to you, but they are AVAILABLE to ME. I’m looking for vessels to carry this message to Mary and Joseph – nothing fancy required. In fact, it’s critical nothing extra is added. Just meat and potatoes style.  (Maybe God also suggested they send a wool comforter and lambs bottle with them. Mary might need some help – a Messianic baby shower. Scripture does not say this but compassion certainly does.)

When we can’t see God, when we can’t feel Him, when we can’t hear him….  We can always rely on His compassion and unfailing love, it is who He is. So where do we see or hear Him  in the fields that night? Maybe God opened the portal of Heaven for the angels to sing because God had listened to the Shepherds sweet songs night after night. God is most definitely a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Isaiah 65:24 says, “Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear.

The wise men would not get to see the sign or baby until much later. So why shepherds abiding in the field? Maybe because:

 God sent Jesus not to impress us, but to save us. 

He was going to entrust His little lamb, His only son into the hands of a very cruel world. These sheep fields contained the best lambs in the world. Maybe God hoped His little lamb would get world class care, tender songs and that this bunch would see the value of this lamb. They were also the finest lambs in the world, known for their black shiny coats and perfection for sacrifice. Being born in this geographical location was no accident. It was prophecy.

Were these tough, rough shepherds who saw the sign in the sky the first ones to confirm to Mary the destiny of her son? Did the pieces of the puzzle of Joseph’s dreams make sense when they came and told them about their occupation? Did the shepherds know they were prophetic messengers? The Angels singing in the sky alerted the Shepherds. The babe in the manger alerts us that there’s a new Voice in town, better than all other idols or talents – One we need to hear. (Hebrews 1). We can’t afford to get these things backward– His values, directions or signs.

Christmas is not a celebration for just presents and good cheer. It’s a time or remembrance, a reminder that Heaven is near. It is a clarion call to look for the windows of Heaven to once again open, for those waiting to draw near. For those listening, watching and waiting…  for those wise enough to look  UP and follow…. Soon and very soon we ARE going to see the King!  

When I was in college I interned at a large church in Minnesota. I was the only female intern at that time and I felt the pressure of doing a good job. My supervisor was a seasoned pastor and I wanted to please him and the congregation.  I started out working with the toddlers and they were so much fun. Around Christmas time I was testing out the waters to see if we could do a Christmas play with this age group, so I read the story and we were going to “act” it out. Everyone had their roles and we did the scenes one at a time. Then it got overwhelming for the children and one kid started flying around the room making jet noises. Zoom, zoom, zoom…   He was promptly instructed to “sit down” as there were no jets in the manger scene. One girl came to his defense – “yes there were– they were big angels flying around keeping things safe.” Ugh. “Did these kids not get the message I had something to prove? ” “Who can lead a Christmas play with a little boy flying around?”

The week before another little boy kept yelling Jews!  I said , “yes they were Jewish” and planned on telling him the theological implications of their interaction in the new land when my patient helper said “no, he wants more jew-sss (Juice).” Hours in the library had made me a little  too focused. Now this same kid wanted to ask about the religion of the three wise men. ” No,” I fussed, “we are not going to discuss the wise men and their personal lives” – where did that even come from? Before I could turn around another little girl came in “oinking” and her brother was in tow, also oinking. She oinked her way right through the shepherds and snuggled her and her brother right by the donkey. This delighted the little jet plane pilot who proceeded to fly around the room – again. The representative Mary and Joseph started to interact with the donkey and shepherds and they all promptly made room for the little pigs right by the manger – right by plastic baby Jesus wrapped in a raggedy blue cloth.

The room was hot, my Christmas sweater was itchy, and time was winding down as the next service was soon to begin. My helper had gone to help another class and my future in ministry looked very bleak. I could not pull this off – these small people had no sense of order, personal boundaries or decorum. They were very short sighted when it came to the theological message of Christmas. It was hopeless.

I must have requested order more loudly than I realized because they all abruptly sat down. In apologetic tones I let them know in a concise well informed, educated and trained manner – there were “no pigs at the manger scene”. “No, no pigs. “  “Have you ever seen one on a card, in a play, on television?” The little curly haired blond girl replied, “There were no parts for my little brother and he wants to be in the play.” The children, as if on cue responded –” we want everyone to be in the play”. These sweet children knew the message this little baby brought – the message that God loved the whole world and came for ALL, not just the rich, pretty or talented. Maybe there was a little pig nearby on that day? My mind raced as I rehearsed previous plays, ancient regulations, dietary laws, bacon…

 Exasperated, I just didn’t know anymore, but the message this sister had for her little brother touched my heart –“don’t leave him out, we’re together”.  It would serve as a barometer test when I viewed all other ministers and ministries – do they include or exclude? In a brief Sunday school hour I had learned more from these small little people with jelly on their faces (and Bible and clothes) than I had from my professors all week. (Yes, snack time was also a fiasco that day).   God had sent his message in a very small package – a group of toddlers. He’s done that before – a surprise baby for Sarah, a baby in a basket in the Reeds and – a miracle baby in a manger, so this looks like a pattern with Him.

1 Corinthians 1:27-30   (ESV)

²⁷ But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; ²⁸ God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, ²⁹ so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. ³⁰ And because of Him, you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption…

Who were the “others”  included in that original Christmas story? You know the “them” that aren’t the “us”.  Unbelieved, smelly, rough shepherds. A young woman who messed up her engagement and family system. A betrayed, older father wondering why his dreams at night were stranger than the reality of his days.  Angels that some still believe today don’t exist. A donkey who slowly, methodically and faithfully carried the Message God sent to the world while everyone else was fighting about the temple, taxes and treasures. The little girl may not have had all the pieces of the story correct but she recognized that everyone should play a part and somehow this baby made that important.

That frazzled morning we gathered around the plastic baby Jesus (if I remember correctly it was missing a limb), we danced a little jig singing happy birthday and everyone got to rejoice in their parts –“What’s that light?” “Glory to God in the highest, moo, hee-haw — OINK!”  Angels and jets were flying around the room together, children were giggling and it was the best Christmas play I’ve probably ever seen. Did we get to do it on the big platform? No, for several reasons, but I know for sure it was seen.  

After the commotion, we sat on the carpet and I thought I would “pull the story together” for them. “Children, you know the story of the baby in the manger well, but what is Jesus doing now, since He is all grown up?”  Yes, I confess I planned on putting off my embarrassed  persona and put on my “ I’m a wise minister”  hat. That may be why Paul said he had to die daily!  There’s just so much flesh in us on any given day. The same little blonde girl raised her hand, “I know what Jesus is doing right now”. My mind flashed to more pig theology, more extrabiblical nonsense, more fears of “why is this woman teaching you these things, this will be the thing that gets me in trouble in my internship …  no, no, stop! Before I could call on a different student she blurted out, “He’s wallpapering.”  (Silence, then giggles).

Fearing missing her point again , I paused.  I’m a first year Bible college student, surely I can fix this? Adults all know He is opening scrolls, doing holy stuff. What do I say? Where does she get this stuff? “No, no… the Lord of Lords is planning on coming back in glory.” Then a couple more kids chimed in, “yes that is what he is doing. He’s wallpapering. We learned that in Sunday School. “There were only a few minutes left and I was hard pressed to explain things. This precious little girl noted my confused face and gently explained, “see, He is wallpapering my room right now – He knows I’m coming. He is preparing a place for me, for you, for us and He wants it to be very beautiful because He has been waiting for us for a very long time.” The  children started describing what they thought He was working on for them and I was very grateful some previous teacher had invested in those kids because this weary, tired, broke college student needed to know that there was more to life than what she felt and saw on that day. See I had been preparing for Jesus, I had been giving Him my best and on that day I was spent. I had been working to please my parents, my pastor, my church.

Then, God broke through.  “I’m preparing a place for YOU.” “I’m looking for YOU”. “I’m excited to have you come to my house and share in my joy.” He loved me MUCH more than I could ever love Him. I had lost sight of that in the midst of pressures, ministry and even joy.

The manger scene became real to me that Christmas. It wasn’t just about the actors or scenes in a play – it was about a baby who came to rescue ME. This same child who had no place ready or prepared for Him would prepare a place for those who accepted His invitation to come to His home (see the REST for you page). This story was about being loved and about that love reaching everyone. The most excellent and impressive work to be done in that church was not in my skill or wisdom but represented in that makeshift manger by that baby would could only receive ONE thing from me – love. That’s all babies know but that’s all they need to know.

Theology is complicated for those who choose to make it so but the sent baby – came to love. The resurrected baby – wants our love. Those nearest that baby – show that love to others.

This Christmas, don’t be a heaven hog – share the incredible Joy that whosoever comes to Him, He will not cast out.  Don’t exclude people from a Christ who came, died and rose so they could hear about His love. 

Do become like these little Christmas pigs – hungry and desperately wanting to draw near this One who is preparing a place for all those who love Him. Bring someone with you. He wants you!  He wants to refresh, delight and love on You!  You are precious to Him and those many rooms aren’t just a story – right now they are being beautifully designed and arranged for your arrival. There is room for you inn God’s heart and home.

Come, they told me, ba rumpa babum. A newborn King to see ……  

Renae Roche 2017 

Tis the Season for Christmas movies and reruns.  We especially love the older ones but didn’t realize how much our culture has changed. It is strange to have to explain moonshine or rotary phones while watching holiday favorites. Many of these golden oldies contain violence, yelling parents, addictions and more.  After watching Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer, one of the boys pointed out Rudolph was bullied. He turned to his little brother and processed how that affects self-esteem. As a kid I just remember the shiny nose!  Things have changed a lot. Santa sadly has some moments of racism and sexism. I’m wondering if people are more sensitive or if as a culture we are just becoming more aware of what is not acceptable behavior. As kids we never noticed it because we couldn’t wait to get to the good part…  Santa coming with presents!  Santa was coming to reward the “nice” boys and girls. Nice was defined as compliant.

One young boy that may not have been on the nice list early on was Pierre. He just did not want to do what the rest of his family liked to do. They had plans for him but he was listening to the beat of a different drummer so to speak. It got so intense that age 15 he ran off and joined the French Royal Navy. His family was very upset. He wanted to explore, test out ideas, and learn new things. He did not want to be involved in the business that his family enjoyed. He was kind of an outcast. The ship he got on had many sailors who got scurvy and various other diseases. Pierre learned on that ship how to treat their problems, especially those with dental disease.  Instead of just extracting the bad teeth, he wanted to fix them. He went on to be the “father of modern dentistry” and pushed for regulations of dental surgeons to have training and education before operating on people. Good idea!

Fast forward to 1964 when Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer movie was made. One of the lead characters is a little guy named Hermie and everyone wants him to make toys. He hates it and insists on being a dentist much to everyone’s scorn. The other elves and even choir leader chide him and bully him.  What would have happened if he had followed his dream and instructed them on the dangers of all that Christmas candy in Santa’s workshop? Those little elves might have survived their candy cane tooth decay and lived! It is a fascinating example of strength based leadership as this little elf naturally does what he is created to do and balks at the system that tries to make him behave like the herd.

Rudolph fascinates me. The reindeer don’t know that they need him – but the audience does. One bright reindeer alone cannot carry Santa; we all know that – it takes a team. (OK so we get the movie but Christians, churches, businesses, government systems) still insist on doing things alone or with only one party. Hmm? Maybe adults aren’t smarter than children. Rudolph does not want to wear the plastic black nose to cover his shine. He doesn’t want to stop glowing and “blend in” with the normal folk. So Rudolph decides to buck the system (it’s ok to laugh, its Christmas). It ends up that he has just enough light to brighten not only his path, but those bullying him and …. The big man himself, Santa. Just a side note, I’m guessing Santa is not too up on health issues and is possibly pre-diabetic, just saying. Then they distribute toys to all the  little girls and boys and the viewing audience recognizes that it never was just about their gifts, their struggles or their competitive power plays – it was about going out into the world to share the Christmas Spirit. It sounds close to something I heard in a seminary once.

Do you remember that old Psalm people bring out on Easter or when someone dies?  It’s all about a Shepherd gently leading his sheep? It doesn’t talk about following other sheep. Psalm 23 is a psalm of gratefulness for leadership. I’ve never noticed until watching Rudolph the other night that the recipient in Psalm 23, gets all the provision, but at what price to the leader? He enters dark places, fights off wolves and predators, has to reign in those who stray, feed the little suckers and stay awake while they sleep. Tough stuff.

The rod and staff that many fear is to just goad or correct them, is much more than that. It is also used to hang a shepherds ‘lantern. Fully lit, that lantern guides the shepherd so he can lead the sheep by still waters, through dark valleys and to the manger so they can pig out on Christmas nuggets. That light is lifted high so the little sheep hooves can see where to go and not stumble. The lambs poke along but increase in speed to keep up with the light. The training for that shepherd is different than the sheep that walk along beside them. Some have to risk all, go ahead, and lead the way so others can see where to follow.

Maybe Rudolph is a pastor in the making? His unique DNA, gifting, strengths and even weaknesses will carry his weak little legs far. What is difficult to see now is how he will be used in the “then”. The parts others believed were a disability or hindrance, what annoyed or irritated them, was the very thing that would be used to “light up the night”. Baby you’re a firework! His design was for their benefit as much as his.

Back to Pierre the sailor turned dentist for a moment. We wonder what that cost his mom and dad for us to be comfortable in a dentist chair today? The journey…   one day Pierre Fauchard, the father of modern dentistry would promote and invent lights positioned on the dental chair so a person’s mouth would be lit up to make surgery safer. Good idea Pierre!  Thank you. Aaaaagh…..What pain did his family go through when he said, ‘see ya later? Sorry to make waves but I’m following my call to be a salty dog.” He needed his light to shine, even though at the time he did not understand how, when or why. He followed the drumbeat he heard.

Through the rugged hills and valleys, across the dusty terrain Mary and Joseph trotted to Bethlehem, leaving friends, family and the comfort of home so the light within her could be birthed …. The One who would become The Light of the world. It cost something. Popularity, finances, friendship, security. When that baby opened his eyes for the first time – a Star was born and Heaven got a glimpse through a different lens of a world that had grown very dark.

Grace comes in many frames, gifts and even occupations. It’s never one size fits all.

Where are the Rudolph’s of this generation and what is God preparing them to do that we cannot now see? What irritations, weaknesses, genders, national identities or disabilities are we judging instead of embracing? Who are the Rudolph’s before us and are we valuing their contribution while we submit our gifts and talents to be part of a greater team? Where is God calling us to let our light shine? What is the impact of the absence of that light if we disobey?

Gentle Shepherd, lead us and use us in this season…..

¹² Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for HIS good pleasure.

¹⁴ Do all things without grumbling or disputing, ¹⁵ that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Philippians 2 ESV

May God’s light shine brightly in you this  day in full strength for His glory! R

Renae Roche 2017

My favorite Christmas song throughout childhood was “little drummer boy”. I loved the noise the drums made. I’m not sure if I was musical or just liked to irritate my family but the drums thrilled me. I never believed they visited the manger scene however – everyone knows drums are too noisy for babies.

There were some loud noises in the media this week as another beloved song (Jingle Bells) was smacked down for inappropriate history.  A professor – from Boston, where knowledge is thought to be well, more knowledgeable– gave us the background for this song which was traditionally used for Thanksgiving. She merely shared the history and the political meat grinder got her – from both sides. It was still more interesting news than which senator berated who and what people thought of Melania’s shoes.  I say any woman who can wear stilettos and have that much class deserves to be first lady. All day fashion in the public eye is pretty equal to dealing with terrorists. Anyway, Fox news wrote a response to the article and quoted a Twitter user: “Jingle Bells is racist, White Christmas is racist, Baby it’s Cold Outside is sexist. What the “*%$#” happened to the America I grew up in where people didn’t wake up every day trying to find something to be offended by?” [1]

Whether its taxes, Russians or pie, people are grumpy this time of year. Our house is not exempt from this holiday hangry spirit. Just last week I got out the crockpot, feeling full of love, wanting to bless my children. It was almost midnight when I created an exquisite fruity oatmeal breakfast surprise. (I guess I got distracted when out on the front lawn there arose such a clatter.)  It was going to be sumptuous – berries, blueberries, etc. with oatmeal, cinnamon, butter. All through the night it scented our house and reminded me of my lasting love for my kids. When morning came I served it up, smiling at my husband and nodding in self-affirming delight. I just might be the mom of the year I secretly thought. Then came the comments. One mustered up the nerve to state it was warm. One named it “abomination”. That was not what I expected or anticipated. It was kind of like getting socks for Christmas when you are anticipating a grand toy. After I took a bite I realized that my frozen Ziploc smoothie contents thrown in while sugarplums danced in their heads, had been mistaken for orange/apple/veggie and it was pretty close to awful. Abomination was accurate.

History.com tells us of another “out there” Christmas anomaly. One year (1965) near Christmas, the Gemini 6 space team saw a UFO. It was not what they were expecting in that clear blue sky.  They called back to earth and then astronaut Wally Schirra started playing “Jingle Bells” on his harmonica and shook some bells, giving the hope for all below to think Santa was near. It made people look UP.

‘Tis the season for all kinds of things. Everyone is expecting something, hoping for presents, people, places that somehow never seem to turn out just like they want them. While are eyes are fixed here below there are multiple opportunities to get frustrated. The twitter guy was pretty accurate when he said there were plenty of reasons for people to get offended. Bills, relatives, paper cuts, sugar overload just to name a few.

I do want to point out that the researcher from History.com was incorrect that Jingle Bells was the first song broadcast from outer space. Luke 1:14 tells us of Angels coming to announce the birth of Christ and that must have been even wilder as multiple angels were singing:

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth PEACE
among those with whom He is pleased!”

This little baby would change everything and give us lasting hope and promise for peace. Mother Mary we are told “wrapped him in swaddling cloths” and laid him in a manger. Young, inexperienced, weary, despised, yet she chose to do the right thing. “Let it be to me Lord, according to your will.”  She covered his shivering, naked, little body. Then Jesus died for our sins and clothed us in His very own righteousness. “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” We could have been permanently abandoned to sin and deaths dark stain. We could have been destined to the devils shame dirge for eternity, but instead we were covered, wrapped, enshrouded in lavish love. We received God’s compassion. In the background that Song of all songs continues to play for those who are listening….

This Christmas we have an option – continue in our “abominable ways” hoping no one notices or we can surrender to Christ and ask for His robes of righteousness and garments of praise. (See the HOPE FOR YOU page for more information).  We can also be like astronaut Wally Schirra and bring praise into circumstances, giving hope, directing people upward. What if we became like Jesus instead of the abominable snowman this season and did as Peter exhorted:

8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 (ESV).

Here’s to being blessed instead of offended! Truly Happy Holidays.   Renae

[1] Park, Caleb. ‘Jingle Bells’ rooted in racism, Boston University Professor says.” Fox News accessed 12/19/17

Renae Roche December 2017

One of my favorite holiday movies is ELF.

I love the part where he confronts Santa and tells him he smells like “meat and cheese” and he sits on a throne of lies. Elf is so naïve and sweet, filled with true holiday spirit. We can smell if something isn’t quite right and especially at this time of year when things are wrapped, bows attached and carols are humming, it gets a little difficult to know what is fake and what is real. Before we can land on anything quite theological, the season has changed and we are wondering if the sleds we purchased last year will see any snow. It’s a whirlwind.

That’s why this movie reaches hearts I believe. We hear Elf cry out, “do I fit in?”  He wants to know why he is different than all the other elves and what his destiny should look like. What is the unheard story and why was it never told?  He attempts to work, sleep and play like everybody else but realizes he is VERY different. Over and over, he does what all the other elves do and they placate him trying to make him feel o.k. but never encourage him to step out and do what he was meant to do. The whole workshop tries to fit him into their image until it just doesn’t work anymore. He is bigger than his pigeonhole, bigger than others dreams for him, bigger than his adopted dads hopes. He searches to discover  Gods design vs. peoples opinions. 

Elf also struggles with finding his real dad. Is he wanted, loved, worth the attention he craves?  A birth family has great influence on one’s self-esteem.

These basic needs are hilariously displayed while Will Ferrel dances through New York, eats already chewed gum and gets attacked by a furry raccoon. These needs are core to being human. The added syrup on spaghetti and sugary goodness distract us from the truth that we all struggle with these themes at one time or another.

Because of that smelly manger and foreign baby we are now confident that:

1. God made us accepted in the beloved.

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us (accepted us) in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love⁵ he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.  Ephesians 1.

Because of that first blended, imperfect family, moving forward in spite of the critics, we now celebrate that:

2.  God welcomed us into His family and lavishly loves us.

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love⁵ he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— ⁶ to the praise of his glorious Agrace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Yes this was written twice because in the same passage, we can read that our core needs can be met in Christ.

Santa baby is a fun song but this Jesus baby – He changes lives! That’s real news for real people.   Rejoice – elf no longer has to sit on the shelf!  The accepted, chosen ones have purpose, meaning and work to do!

Renae Roche 2017