Built into the end of the year, the closing of one calendar year and turning the page to begin a new year, is the process of reflecting.  For the past number of days, I have been doing just that, asking myself, 'where is my heart and mind focused as we continue our journey into 2019'?

For me there are three thoughts that have dominated my time of reflecting; thoughts that flow out of a core belief and an identified sense of purpose for this season of my life.

A rich part of my Christian experience is knowing that there is a God, that we are in a covenant relationship, that He loves me and wants to break into my life and lead it in ways that are consistent with His purposes, and in a way that will cause me to flourish as the man He has created to be.  For me, I have to continually cycle back to this core belief to recalibrate my heart; it is the very foundation of my relationship with God.  And in a strange but wonderful way, it has sustained me and renewed me for the past 40+ years.

As well as cycling back to this core belief, I have also been reflecting on what I have identified as  my purpose during this season of my life -- a three-fold purposes that flows out of the covenant relationship I have with  God and the values that guide my life of faith:  to learn to live in, to rest more fully in the presence of God and to align my life and service accordingly, living as a beloved child of God and a worshipper of the King; to be faithful to His calling in my life, participating fully in His Kingdom / His Church, faithfully proclaiming and living  out the truth of God in my sphere of influence, serving and giving and seeking to do good and bless others as God gives opportunity; and to be a blessing to those in my relational world, especially those closest  to me, to cheer them on and give to them a legacy of faith and trust. 

I find myself dwelling on the words of David in Psalm 23:  The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
(Psalm 23:1-3)  In these words I seek after more of God's presence and to learn to rest in Him, the One who sees and cares.  I need continually to be reminded, I am the beloved of God.

As one who has struggled with a sense of restlessness, the words of the Apostle Paul speak to me as we enter a New Year:  I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.  (Philippians 4:11-13)  The truth is, none of us know what 2019 will bring; some of our friends are facing days of uncertainty; we would all do well to learn what is to be content, to abide more fully with our Lord.

I continued to be challenged by Paul's words to the believers in Rome:  We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.  (Romans 12:6-8)  I live with an awareness of my responsibility to be faithful to His calling in my life and also of just how weak and frail I am in my own strength.  The words of Jesus continue to speak to me:  apart from me you can do nothing.  (John 15:5)

You have heard me say time again, we have so much opportunity to do good.  We have been given so much and the New Year brings with it incredible opportunities to bless others.  Paul writes:  Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.  (1 Timothy 6:17-19)   May we be found faithful in doing good!

There is one final reflection I want to share with you as we enter a New Year.  It's a thought that was impressed upon my heart as new Christian, as 17-year-old, and now I as I journey through my 60th year, continues to bring perspective to my life.  Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  (Colossians 3:1-2)  There is much in this life to enjoy and our Father has invited us to live life to the fullest, but always with one eye on eternity--may that be our experience as we walk into a New Year and continue our journey together at Valley.

Happy New Year, friends!

'Home for Christmas'...it is a sentiment that has been captured by poets and song writers and on the a big screen.  But it's more than just sentimentality; there is something within us that draws toward home at this time of year.  We will fly across country or drive for hours, through ice and snow if necessary, just to be home for the holidays.

This Christmas, for the first time in four years, all of our kids are home; a reality that we once took for granted.  But things have changed, our three children live in three different provinces, two of them are married, all of them have jobs and homes and dogs, so planning trips 'back home' is far more complicated than it used to be.  There really is a special joy this year in knowing they're all here. 

Over the past few days they've been afforded the opportunity to break free from their 'adult world' and just be kids again--catching up on their sleep; playing games, watching movies, sharing activities together, laughter, lots of laughter around the table and of course cheering on the Bruins!  This evening we will gather with our church family; the Christmas Eve service has always been part of our tradition. 

Tomorrow morning, I will wake up before everyone else, turn on the Christmas lights and fireplace and recreate the wonder of Christmas mornings past.  The smell of Janice's cinnamon buns will fill the air and one by one they will make their way to the living room.  As we always do, they will open the stockings, we'll pause to read the Christmas story from Luke chapter two, share a traditional pancake breakfast and then open our gifts--pausing to realize how very blessed we are as a family.  We'll gather one more time around the table for dinner; seeking to just enjoy the moment because it won't be long until the moment is past and we have part ways once again. 

Some of you will share in the joy of being with your family and friends this Christmas; others will celebrate more quietly on your own.  For some of our friends at Valley, there will be this year 'an empty chair' at the table; we especially remember those who are no longer with us and give thanks for the journey we have shared with them and we'll say a prayer for those for whom this Christmas just isn't the same.

And in all of our Christmas celebrations we do well to stop and reflect on the wonder and beauty of THE Christmas story; to allow our hearts and minds to take us back to Bethlehem and the joy of the angelic announcement:  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  (Luke 2:10-11)  To know that God is a work in our world and in our lives; that He has provided a way for us to be reconciled to Himself and to know His grace and love is truly the greatest gift of all.

May you enjoy the blessings of this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; may you be blessed with the company of family and friends or in the quietness of your home; and may each of us bow our heads in worship as we confess:  Thanks be to  God for his indescribable gift! ( 2 Corinthians 9:15)

To our church family at Valley; to all of our family and friends, from our homes to yours, 'Merry Christmas'!

Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey.  (Genesis 22:3)  What if Abraham had not continued?

Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”  (Exodus 3:2)  What if Moses had not stopped?

‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’ (Joshua 3:8)  What if Joshua and priests had not stepped in the river?

...with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.  (1 Samuel 17:40)   What if David had not gone out to face Goliath?

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.  (Luke 2:15)  What if the shepherds had not gone to Bethlehem?

The Bible is filled with stories of those who fully embraced the moment before them, who turned aside and chose to live in the present, to seize the opportunity and in so doing, to experience the blessing of God.

As we approach Christmas we find ourselves once again being drawn into the frenzied pace that is part of our North American holiday culture.  There is a hurried-ness build into the season in which we find ourselves moving from one gathering to the next and scurrying at home to plan and prepare so that everything is 'just right'.  I suppose these things are not necessarily of concern, unless, unless we fail to slow down long enough to simply enjoy the moment and those with whom we share the moment; unless they draw us away from the which is most important -- being in that place where God can meet with us in any moment.

We often talk about living in the moment, being fully present, not taking anything granted but living each day with an awareness of what God is doing today, living for Him and enjoying the fullness of life around us.  But do we really live that way?  So often, my mind races ahead and I wonder why is it so hard to be present with those I love and care for and to fully engage in the moment; am I missing out on what God is doing because I'm too busy looking ahead; am I not picking up on His leadings and promptings because I have my own agenda?

Solomon reminds us...We should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now.  (Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 - The Message)  I love the way Peterson captures this text, 'make the most'...'God deals out joy in the present'. 

Jesus said...do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  (Matthew 6:34)

Isaiah writes...do not dwell on the past (Isaiah 43:18) and the writer of Hebrews tells us...be content with what you have.  (Hebrews 13:5)

The example of Abraham and Moses, Joshua, David and the shepherds all remind us of the need to open ourselves up to what God is doing today, in this moment.  As we continue to move through the Christmas season and into a New Year, may we make time for those that matter most to us, taking in each moment shared as a gift from God. May we have eyes to see and ears to listen that we might be a blessing to those who cross our paths.  And may we make time to slow down, to listen, to be in that place where God has our full attention that He might lead us to receive all that He has for us each and every moment. 

My friends at Valley, this Christmas may we truly learn what it means to live in the moment.

The image was both disheartening and somewhat disturbing. I'm not sure why my attention was drawn to a young man, who, at first glance, appeared to be simply putting something into the garbage can of a local fast-food restaurant.  But as I watched he took out a cup, walked into the establishment and refilled the cup and quietly sat down--he seemed glad to be out of the cold for a few moments.  There was something about his countenance that made me sense this young man was in some way troubled.

In what I felt was a prompting from the Spirit I found myself moving toward him and asking, "could I get something to eat?"  There was an expression of gratitude in his voice as he quietly accepted my offer; "it's been hard to find work and I am hungry, thank you." 

I purchased a meal and brought it to him; he was very appreciative.  I asked him if he had a place to stay and told me he was crashing at buddy's house and was hoping a job lead would work out for him.  He put out his hand to shake mine and quietly said 'thank you' again.  I said, "I'm glad I could help, I'll pray that things work out for you." 

As I sat in the car, reflecting on what had just taken place, I wondered how often stories like this are repeated across our nation, in small towns and big cities; there are so many hurting people.  I realized too in that moment, how very blessed I am. I was going back to warm home with food in the fridge and clothes in the closet; I have all I need and so much more.  And, I was brought to the place again, where I had to confess, God has been so very good to me; all that I have is a gift from Him.

As we move through the Christmas season, may each of us be aware of the blessings we have been given; may we have eyes to see and hears listen, that we might be agents of blessing in a hurting world; may we look for opportunities to do good. 

Jesus said...I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink;  I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me. '

“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’  (Matthew 25:42-45 - NKJV)

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.  (Galatians 6:10)