2011.6.13 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, Vinita, Oklahoma.

 

Most people in the Western World, whether religious or not, know that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25.

 

Fewer realize that the Resurrection of Jesus is celebrated at Easter, a holiday which coincides with the Jewish Festival of Passover, a time when Jews celebrate Israel's freedom from Egyptian slavery.

 

Fewer still know that Pentecost, a Jewish Festival commorating the giving of the Law to Moses, falls 55 days after Passover, or the Christian's Easter.

 

It was on the first Pentecost, after the Resurrection of Jesus, that the Holy Spirit filled the minds and hearts of a small band of 120 followers of Jesus.  These early Christians had "The MESSAGE" of God's love for all creation, as recorded in the four gospels.  Now, they were enlisted in "The MOVEMENT" to communicate the MESSAGE to all nations.  You can read about the start of the "MOVEMENT"

which we know as the Church, in Acts, Chapter 2.

 

The MESSAGE and the MOVEMENT are inseparable, both created by God.

 

The next time you nibble on those tasty candies, which are called "M and M's", think about the amazing impact the Christian Message and Movement have upon the world, and give thanks to God.

 

With blessings and in friendship,

Richard

2010.12.13 Monday Morning!

Best wishes for a MERRY CHRISTMAS from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.

 

Christmas is a time for lights.  Beautiful lights are shining in every city and village.  Lights are an important part of Christmas, symbols of the Christmas story:

    The true light that enlightens every person has come

     into the world in the birth of Jesus.  In him was life,

     and the life was light for all people.  His light shines

     in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

                                            (Will you read John 1:1-18, please?)

 

The mood of despair, however, is familiar in our dark patches.  Immense problems face our nation and the world;  war, an economic recession, unemployment, hunger, home foreclosures, terrorism.

 

And, there are personal difficulties:  problems within families and among friends, jobs that no longer give satisfaction, loss of health, unexpected death of a loved one.

 

I understand how people may feel abandoned by God.  Sometimes I ask myself "Is there really a God who cares?"

 

Then the light of Christmas comes with the assurance that in smooth and rough places "God is with us".  None of us is alone.  Confident of that helps disperse times of darkness.  I haven't  answers to the many questions that bother me, but of this I am sure; God is with me and helps me carry on with courage and strength.

 

My thoughts and prayers are with friends for whom 2010 has been a shattering year.

 

Richard.

2010.12.06 Monday Morning!

Top of the morning from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Vinita, Oklahoma.

 

Do me a favor this week?  Will you read a story found in Matthew 25:1-13?  You may think it is an odd request for this Advent season, but, like all Bible stories it is a guide from which we can receive ancient wisdom into our life.

 

Five of the maidens discovered they could not borrow oil for their flickering lamps.  There are things in life we cannot borrow, and faith is one of them.  We can't live off the spiritual capital of someone else.

 

The birth of Jesus is an opportunity to rekindle connection to "God with us", and to the responsibilities those three little words place upon us.

 

God needs our services.  By our little and big acts at this season - by writing cards and notes to friends from the past, by visiting a shut-in, by phoning a lonely person, we affirm our contact to "God with us."  We become God's instruments of love and friendship.

 

Share the depth of your spiritual capital.

 

Cheers,

Richard

 

2009.12.21 Monday Morning!

MERRY CHRISTMAS from Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Oklahoma.

It is a good thing at Christmas to listen again to the message that heralded the birth of Jesus: "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy!"

Please don't identify your Christian faith with gloom and doom! Don't be fooled by hyper religious (fanatics?) who are negative and critical of all who disagree with them.

The birth of Jesus sounded an anthem not a dirge. Christianity is not a long list of negatives. Keep your sense of humor and do what is right. I know a few agnostics who live closer to the spirit of Christ than some of the ultra pious folk in churches who believe the proof of their goodness is in direct proportion to the number of their inhibitions.

The Christian gospel is not negative. Even in these difficult days of war and economic woes, bring your radiant faith out of the shadows. God will give you the thrill of Christmas: God still is with you; rejoice, the Son of God has come to us.

Enjoy!

Richard