Well, it’s that time again. I know many of you have wondered where my blogs have been. I have been recovering from my second total knee replacement (left side, this time) surgery. I feel like it is important for me to focus on my recovery and rehab so that I can be fully recovered and get back to being at my post in ministry at 100%. Thank you for you kind understanding, and willingness to allow me to take the time I need to be back at my best for God and the Church!

I also want to take this time to express our sincere appreciation for all the calls, cards, visits, prayers and all the meals that have come from our beloved church family! Susi and I cannot thank you enough for your many wonderful expressions of kindness and love towards us during this time. We are definitely feeling loved! We have the best church family around! We love and appreciate each one of you very much!

Since I’ve been out of my study these weeks, there have been several incidents that have made headlines across our country, that have stirred a lot of feelings and emotions, that have swayed in several directions. I felt I needed to say something about this, and I decided I would include a few words here, in this format to speak to these issues.

I felt some words that our Board of General Superintendents of our church said recently certainly say what is on my heart. “All of these news headlines, of riots and protests, etc. remind us that we live in a world divided by many political, ethnic, racial, and cultural issues. Images of hatred and violence illustrate these divisions that lead to alienation, strife ad brokenness.”

The prophet Isaiah has a vision of God’s people traveling through a very difficult wilderness. Their road went through a desert with valleys, hills, curves, and rough spots. Isaiah 40:1 states: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” The prophet goes on to promise the coming of a Messiah who will care for us. He uses this powerful imagery, in verse 11: “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.”

The Father sent His Son to live among us and be Immanuel, “God with us.” He came to provide the way for our salvation and reconciliation to God and fellow human beings. This gospel message is for all people and makes us one at the foot of the Cross! Galatians 3:28 says: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This declaration calls for ALL followers of Christ to come together in love.”

I agree that we are ambassadors of this gospel, and that in our world we best reflect the example of Christ and the ones who live out the vision of Isaiah when we:

  • Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
  • Mourn with those who mourn.
  • Comfort people wherever we find them.
  • Feel the pain of those who are hurting.
  • Seek to alleviate that pain whenever possible.
  • Be slow to speak and quick to listen to the positions of others.
  • Seek to understand the situations of others.
  • Show dignity and respect to everyone.
  • Break down walls that separate.
  • Build bridges that connect.
  • Follow in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace.
  • Extend grace and mercy to others as God has extended it to us.
  • Pray for wisdom and direction to better reflect the example of Christ to others.

May God help us all to stand for peace, healing and reconciliation.

Since this falls right in line with our series and discussion on the “Grace Walk” I want to also include some words of a song that I’ve heard again recently. These words come from a song from a new CD of the group Mercy Me. In particular, the song entitled “Welcome To The New.”

”Got to live right, just stay in line. You’ve heard it all at least a million times. And like me, you believed it.

“They said it wasn’t works, but trying harder wouldn’t hurt. It sounds so crazy now, but back then you couldn’t see it. But now here you are, eyes open wide. It’s like you’re seeing GRACE in a brand new light. For the first time, let us be the first to welcome you.

“Welcome to the life you thought was too good to be true. Welcome to the new. You broke your back, kept all the rules, jumped through the hoops to make God approve of you. Oh, tell me was it worth it?

“The whole time you were spinning plates, did you stop to think that maybe He is okay with just you. There’s no need to join the circus, look at you, shiny and new. Look at you; you got the proof of purchase. You were purchased, ‘cause you’re worth it. Look at you, finding your groove. Don’t you dare think that you’re not worth it. ‘Cause you’re worth it. Yes, you’re worth it!”

I found this quote from Treasures From Heaven, “The true meaning of Christmas was never found under a tree, but was nailed to it!”

I trust you are experiencing this Christmas Grace during this most wonderful Advent season!