Why a Traditional Christmas? Part 2

 

Word #1: Prepare

We have talked about some of the things that we think about when it comes to getting ready for Christmas. Chances are, the places in your house where you place your snowman knick knacks, your snow globes, and your Christmas tree are occupied by other decorations during the rest of the year. So, in order to have space to put your Christmas stuff out, you have to get the other stuff out of the way.

In our Scripture for this morning, we are told that John the Baptist is the one whom Isaiah spoke about when he told there would be a voice calling in the desert in 40:3.
A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

When we look at the word prepare closely in the Hebrew, we find that it refers to a clearing out. We are to clear out a way for the Lord in the wilderness and make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.

In the ancient Near East the custom of sending representatives ahead to prepare the way for the visit of a monarch was common. Sometimes, they would even do work on the road to make it as professional as possible. They wanted to make a road that was worthy of their King, and sometimes, that involved removing fallen trees or filling in holes to make the path as good as possible.

But, what is Isaiah referring to by telling us to make our paths straight? We get that answer a few chapters earlier.

In Isaiah 26:7, we are told, “The way of the righteous is smooth: O Upright One, make the path of the righteous level.” So, in order to prepare a smooth path for the Lord, we must be righteous. This means that we must clear out the sin and the stumbling blocks in our lives that make it impossible for God to come and be in our lives. By telling us to prepare, John the Baptist is saying that the King is coming, so we must make sure we are ready to receive Him. How do we do this? We begin the process of spiritual and behavioral change. More tomorrow...you are loved!

 

Why a Traditional Christmas Part 1

I was in Wal-Mart a few months ago with a mission. It was the end of the summer season, so I went to the lawn and garden section to check out the sales on all the stuff you use to keep your yard and property looking nice. I wanted to see what else I could find a bargain on. As I entered into the lawn and garden section of the store, I noticed that they had already started putting out the Halloween decorations. It was nearing the end of September, so this was to be expected; however, I was soon to discover that Halloween was not the only holiday they were ready for. After two aisles of vampires, jack-o-lanterns, and ghosts, I ran smack dab into Frosty, Rudolph, Santa, and the rest of the Christmas gang. I looked at Amy and asked, “Do they really have Christmas stuff out already?” hoping that she would pinch me and I would wake up from a nightmare. Sure enough, Wal-Mart was ready for Christmas in September. It won’t be long until you walk in there to buy sparklers for the Fourth of July and you will have to walk past the giant inflatable snow globe to get them.

The rule of thumb in my household is that we don’t start getting ready for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. I like to take my holiday’s one at a time. I am not holding anything against those who have been ready for months, but you may have a problem.

You may be addicted to Christmas which can result in Christmasitis. I have come up with a test which can help you determine if you have contracted this disease. Give yourself a point for every question you answer yes to.

1. Do you have more than five giant inflatable lawn decorations?
2. Did you buy any of this year’s Christmas presents at the after Christmas sales last year?
3. Do you leave your Christmas lights up all year and try to pass them off as lights to celebrate other holidays? Not sure we are redneck enough here.
4. Have you ever bought an artificial tree because real ones don’t last for three months?
5. Do you rent or own a shed or storage unit because you have more Christmas decorations than your house can hold?

 

On a more serious note: Are you ready for Christmas?

Normally when this question is asked we can point to a number of things to gauge our readiness. Do we have our tree out and decorated? Are all the decorations and lights hung? Is our shopping completed? Did we send out our Christmas cards? Do we have everything wrapped? As we go through the season, if you are a organizational freak you have a list you check off everything that gets done.

However, this is not what I am referring to when I ask the question, “Are you ready for Christmas?” I am referring to the spiritual aspects of the season.

This is simple…why do we need to go back to a traditional Christmas? The answer is even simpler…we must stay focused on what is truly biblical the spiritual aspects of the season. You’re going to think I’m a little crazy but I’m going to share with you why John the Baptist is so important to the Christmas message. Matthew gives us an incredible picture of John the Baptist who comes before Jesus Christ and gives the people a message to get ready for the coming Messiah in (Matthew 3:1-10.)

"In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the desert of Judea, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, and make straight paths for him. John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Now I know this isn’t the Christmas story, not yet anyway. I want to take a look at what this man of God told the people of Israel to do to get ready for the coming of the Lord. There are four key words that are spoken in this passage. We must heed these words if we wish to fully prepare for Him at Christmastime. More tomorrow...you are loved!

The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer

'On behalf of a man he pleads with God...' Job 16:21 NIV

The Bible says: 'So Joshua fought the Amalekites...and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses' hands grew tired...Aaron and Hur held his hands up...So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army...' (Exodus 17:10-13 NIV)

This story illustrates the power of intercessory prayer. Far from the crowd, but seen by the eye of God, are men and women who 'hold up the hands' of ministries in prayer. We have several in our church you probably don't even know about. Most of them like it that way. But intercessory prayer isn't just for a few? God is looking for more of you to take up the mantle of praying for others. The importance of Men and Women praying for a pastor and his family in enormous. Look at Charles Finney, who had an intercessor called Abel Clary who travelled with him wherever he went. Finney wrote, 'Mr. Clary continued as long as I did, and he did not leave until after I had left. He never appeared in public, but he gave himself wholly to prayer.' Finney may have impacted nations, but he didn't do it alone. I can say the same thing, there are those holding up our ministry in prayer, and without them, I couldn't do it. Job writes, 'My intercessor is my friend...on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend.' (Job 16:20-21 NIV) The ministry of intercessory prayer is: (1) A ministry of identification in which you stand with others. (2) A ministry of which calls you away from the pleasures and comforts of life. (3) A ministry of authority, for your prayers move the hand of God on behalf of others. Today the God Who said, 'I sought for a man among them, who would...stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land...' (Ezekiel 22:30 NKJV), is looking for intercessors. You can be one of them! You are loved...

Reach Outside Your Comfort Zone (2)

'...How can they hear, unless someone tells them?' Romans 10:14 CEV

Author John Ortberg says: "Never rule anybody out." How very true are those words. Jesus reached out to tax collectors, lepers, sinners and Gentiles, and they shocked the religious establishment by saying yes...Maybe there's somebody in your world who's so far from God you've written them off...a relative who ridicules your faith...an acquaintance who's resisted for years...somebody so steeped in sin you think there's no hope? Never say no for another person...you don't know when their heart will soften or how God's Spirit will work.

How about putting yourself in the other person's shoes. Blocks from our church is a mosque. Ever thought how intimidating it is to go into a place of worship as a stranger not knowing the customs. When you invite someone to church, they're much more likely to go if you go together. Then have a coffee together and talk about what took place.

Be the hands and feet of Jesus. Jewish law prohibited lepers from having contact with non-lepers. But when a leper approached Jesus, He reached out and touched the man who hadn't been touched in years (Mark 1:40-45). Was Jesus infected by his leprosy? No, He infected the leper with the Gospel, because Jesus was more contagious with God's power than the leper was with his disease.

Be a contagious Christian who infects others with God's love. Look at your hands. How often do you extend them to someone far from God? His Kingdom has been spread the same way for two thousand years: by believers who reach out and bring people to Christ! I hope you will this Christmas season...you are loved!

Remember it's Christmas sweater Sunday ugly or not this week.

CFW Partners

 

 

Less than One month until Christmas.  Our team is praying for you as you share and show  the love and life of Christ.  What an incredible thought to think that God is With Us.  That he came to us because we were unable to come to him   That he is amongst us.  May our church be famous for being amongst those who are untouchable, unlovable, and unlikely.  

Here is glimpse at what is happening at CFW...

 

• Love
• We are taking a break from our missional-living series imitating Christ. We will continue the series Journey Ephesians in February. In January we will take a look at what stewardship is in the life of a believer. As always, I would love to hear your feedback on what we do well, what we can improve on, and what tangible steps we might take to get to that point.  
• This was another record month for us (attendance-wise).  New guests coming in every Sunday. Pray for us this upcoming Sunday.  We will maximize this big day by beginning a new four week series on Why a Traditional Christmas. It's Christmas sweater Sunday ugly or not. So wear something festive as we have some fun this Christmas season.  
• Grow 
• Our Big Give to close out 2013 (all five weeks of the month) We would love to see our giving exceed the last few months levels. There are necessary bills that need to paid as we end out 2013, and we need all who call CFW home to do there part. (Thanks for supporting John Shane last Sunday.)  Keeping this facility awesome is one way to show our guests who we are and what we are about.  I also believe, that even during this financial struggle that we find ourselves in, that we will be reminded that what we have is not ours.  To not hold tightly to what we have even when we believe that we need it.
• January will be the start of our Winter/Spring Trimester.  I will share more details as part of my January update. Please be in prayer with us as we begin preparations for going to two services this winter. Two services would allow better flexibility for everyone as we go to traditional first service and a contemporary second service. More details to come soon. But please be in prayer with us as we believe God to help us reach our community for Christ.    
• Serve 
• This month we are again making preparations to help a family with presents this Christmas. If you would like to help please send me an email. We will have more details soon on family size, kids, etc.. I'm excited for your heart to serve God in reaching our community that is in need. I'm looking forward to how we can make a impact this Christmas season.   

You can continue to pray with us and support us in several ways.  This financial challenge continues to shape us and sharpen us.  We need grace and wisdom to navigate the storm with integrity and understanding.  Thank you again for believing in us and trusting us.  We are truly grateful.  Merry Christmas!

Reach Outside Your Comfort Zone (1)

'...How can they hear, unless someone tells them?' Romans 10:14 CEV

Many years ago a friend of mine shared this amazing story...'While visiting my parents I needed a haircut, so I went to where my mom goes. As the owner Jim trimmed my hair, we started talking about spiritual things. The more we talked...the more he cut. I ended up with very short hair, but our conversation about Jesus was worth it. Later, when I suggested to my mom that she invite Jim and his wife to church, she said, No way they'd be interested...they lead a pretty wild life. I don't know two people further from God. Nevertheless...the next time she went to the salon, she shot up a silent prayer: God, I don't think these people are interested in You. So if You want me to say anything...make something happen. Just then Jim's wife said, I understand you're in a group that discusses spiritual things. We'd like to come. Pam and Jim...eventually prayed with my folks and gave their lives to Christ - all because of a conversation that developed over a series of haircuts.' This kind of reaction rarely happens. Most Christians spend virtually all their time with other Christians...But when it comes to important matters...people listen to people they trust...especially about spiritual matters. Paul says, "How can people have faith in the Lord...if they have never heard about Him? And...unless someone tells them?" If people are going be reached for Christ, for the most part, it'll happen through you. The Christmas season is starting and what a better time to share the love of Christ then now! So, cultivate a relationship with somebody who works at a restaurant you frequent, or the people at your gym. Invite the neighbors over for dinner...follow Christ's example and befriend people who don't know God...it will not only change your life, but theirs as well. You are loved!

This Sunday is the first part of our Christmas series "Why a Traditional Christmas?" For fun I'm asking everyone to wear there favorite Christmas sweater, ugly or not...I hope you will join us as we have some fun together this Christmas season... 

Be Clear and Orderly

'Ezra...brought the Law before...all who could hear with understanding...' Nehemiah 8:2 NKJV

You will accomplish more through others than you will ever accomplish alone. But you'll only do it if you're able to give clear direction. The story's told of a coach who always communicated his goal to his runners before the race. Just before the starter's gun sounded he would say, 'Stay to your left, and get back here as soon as you can.' It doesn't get any clearer than that! Think of this, 'A dream is a better future in need of an architect who will show others how to make it a reality.' So you must be an architect. You must identify the dream and be able to draw it, not only for your benefit but also for the benefit of others. If you create a fuzzy picture, people will follow you in a fuzzy way. Lack of clarity hinders initiative, inhibits persistence, and undermines follow-through. People don't give their best to something they don't understand. They don't stay on course for something they cannot see. Nobody becomes motivated by something they kinda, sorta, believe in. The Bible says, 'Let all things be done decently and in order.' (1 Corinthians 14:40 NKJV) God is a God of order, and He honors our efforts when they are carried out in a clear and orderly way. God instructed the prophet Habakkuk, 'Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.' (Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV)
 
So I want to set a vision! Something we have alluded to but haven't set in stone is the vision for a second service this winter. We have been praying about going to two services, the first one a more traditional service and the second one continuing what we have been doing. This month we will be letting you know more about worship styles, Children's church schedules, greeter, and hospitality responsibilities. I'll be emailing you soon for a general meeting that will give more direct information on your responsibilities in your area of ministry; such as children's church or hospitality. I hope you will begin to pray for our church as we seek to be effective in reaching our community for Christ. Questions give me a call...you are loved!