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Hello from the Year 2030. I know it’s hard right now. Life seems confusing and disoriented. And, it's normal coming out of a global pandemic to feel as if everything is shaken up as if our plans for the future were disrupted by something out of our control. Of course, that's exactly what happened... even for the church. While you don't know what is going to happen, let me tell you that I’m so proud of the young adults who began gathering together as a Life Group on February 3rd at 6:30pm. What did this Young Adult Life Group begin doing?
I know you think the group is pretty small. And since you can’t see, touch, feel, or smell what God is doing right now, it’s really difficult to see where this is all going. And yes, the adulting that will happen in the group will be messy and confusing. But, don’t get discouraged. This is normal. And it's all worth it because in just 7 years...
The unconditional love of Jesus has become unavoidable where these once-young-adults live, work, and play through their word and deed… all because a few of them got connected in a Life Group. But don't take my word for it... take God's Word for it. Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins, They will raise up the former devastations; And they will repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations. (Isaiah 61:4) So if you're wondering if it’s worth encouraging an 18-29 year old to be a part of the new Young Adult Life Group starting February 3rd - the Year 2030 says, “absolutely”. We still love you. The Year 2030 I’ve been learning a lot about loneliness.It is no secret that the Global Pandemic has exposed what US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy said in a 2017 Harvard Business Review article, is the most common human ailment: loneliness. While heart disease or diabetes are the most pervasive physical illnesses in America; loneliness is by far the most prevalent disease wreaking havoc in the mental, physical, and spiritual lives of people, today. Loneliness is by far the most prevalent disease wreaking havoc in the mental, physical, and spiritual lives of people, today. In his book, Together, Dr. Murthy notes that Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad discovered that lonely people are 50 percent more likely to die prematurely. Additionally, they have a greater risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, dementia, depression, and anxiety. Her research demonstrates that loneliness has the same effect on the body, mind, and spirit as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day and a greater effect than obesity, excess alcohol consumption, and lack of exercise. Dr. Murthy poses the question, what if the real issue is loneliness? What if the real issue is loneliness? It might surprise you that I often feel lonely. Don’t get me wrong. I have (in my opinion), the best wife in the world. She's my best friend. We have three wonderful kids. We enjoy life together. Our ministry team, leaders, and church are incredible. I have good and faithful friends. And there is no shortage of people around me. I even have a fantastic therapist. One of our Life Group guidelines is, “no fixing”. This also applies to most of life. :) On my best days, it is really hard for me to admit to myself, “I’m lonely”. On my better days, I keep busy enough to not really think about it. And on my worst days, I resign to the fact that loneliness is part of being a pastor - which is a lie from the pit of hell. Over the years, I’ve been told, “you can’t be lonely. You’re an extrovert”. I’ve been the recipient of statements like, “you’re such a people-person. How can you ever be lonely?”. And my personal favorite goes something like this: why don’t you confess your sin of loneliness, repent of your self-isolation, and know that God is always with you. Insert “Shake My Head” (smh) gif. One of our Life Group guidelines is, “no fixing”. This also applies to most of life. According to a December 21, 2021 article in the New York Times, one way to begin moving beyond our loneliness is by volunteering to serve. The article went on to share that Val Walker, author of 400 Friends and No One to Call: Breaking Through the Isolation and Building Community says, “Volunteering is one of the best, most certain ways we can find a purpose and meaning in our life”. Perhaps those of us who experience loneliness - both extroverts and introverts - don’t necessarily need more people in our lives… we need deeper connection. Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943) helps me understand that connection is vital to all of life. And while there are many scripture passages that affirm we have a forever connection with our very best friend, Jesus (we call that faith!), that is often too abstract to embrace - even for the most spiritual of us. Even communion, the tangible body and blood of Jesus with the bread and wine, is quite the mystery. I need something tangible. Flesh and blood. Here and now. Thinking about it some more, Jesus has given me something tangible to help with my human loneliness (and yours): each other. I need concrete human connection… and you do, too Perhaps those of us who experience loneliness - both extroverts and introverts - don’t necessarily need more people in our lives… we need deeper connection. And this is one of a few reasons why I need this Midwinter Shindig. Perhaps there are others like me who need to be part of something bigger than ourselves. To enjoy being together and to give our time in the interest of others. And Jesus gives it all to us. Like in the Garden of Eden, God gives people to people to enjoy connection. And that’s what heaven will be like, too. Ultimate connection. In the meantime, it’s the invitation to “be Jesus” to one another… especially when it may be hard for us to admit our own loneliness to ourselves. You can join me as a Shindig Volunteer to help make the event happen, or seriously... just show up… because sometimes we just need to be together. Before I get serious, I said that I would share what I learned about shindigs. Thanks to Google, I discovered that besides being a “large, lively party, especially one celebrating something” (Oxford Languages), it has its roots in a Scottish game like hockey called, “shinty” (etymonline.com). There might not be much to celebrate right now when it comes to the Kraken, but there is plenty to celebrate when it comes to just being together. So, grab your mask and come make new friends… catch up with old ones… and let’s have some boot scootin’ fun! I also learned that ‘merrymaking’ happens at shindigs… I’m not sure what that all will entail - but it sounds like a whole lot of fun!  Alright, onto the rest of this week’s post. In honor of MLK Day 2022 coupled with my conviction that racial diversity is close to God’s heart, I want to share some of my thoughts about how we as a church can become more racially diverse (like our local community). At the end of the post, I will offer a few ways for each of us to help shatter the status quo and better engage our neighbors and new ways of living. Here’s the truth: we live in an increasingly racially diverse community. According to US News and World Report, the student body served by Franklin Pierce School District is 31% White, 30.5% Hispanic/Latino, 15.8% multi-racial, 13% Asian or Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian, or Alaska Native, and 9.7% Black. Now, those stats are from 2017 or so, but I'm guessing we're just as diverse - if not more, today. I’ve often thought about how can a larger church like Our Savior be so homogeneous while immersed in such a beautiful multi-racial community. If you're interested to hear where I'm at with this, I’m happy to grab lunch or coffee with you sometime. My treat. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what I think. Regardless of how we got here, there are ways we can work together to become more racially diverse like our local community. Thought #1: Becoming a more racially diverse church is about Jesus, not politics. Considering today’s talking points on the right and left sides of the aisle, it’s easy to hold racial diversity hostage in the prison of politics. Simply put, politics divide people. And because race and diversity has been in the political hopper for quite some time, I understand how the lines get blurred. We must remember that for a Jesus follower, racial diversity is a matter of the heart and mission of Jesus. Jesus’ heart is for all people. Jesus’ mission is to go into all of the world (Mark 16:15) and to every nation (Matthew 28:19-20) to be and share the good news of freedom and salvation. The mission of God has always been and will always be for every culture, class, and race. The gospel, which is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16-17), is the hope of the world - not politics. And, as Jesus’ partners on His mission to gather all people back to His heart, we desire to see a racially diverse church. If our practice of pursuing racial diversity (or not) as a church becomes more about a political alignment than about Jesus, we have lost the gospel. Bottom Line: Keep Jesus in the center of “why” we want to become more racially diverse as a church. . . and let the news networks fight about the politics of race. Keep Jesus in the center of “why” we want to become more racially diverse as a church. . . and let the news networks fight about the politics of race. Thought #2: We can grow in our racial diversity by considering racial distinctions. Sometimes… okay, maybe most of the time, how we do church is tied to our stories. Jack Miezrow in his capstone book, Transformative Dimensions of Adult Learning says that we are all caught up in our own histories. This is true as both individuals and institutions. As a person, what I find valuable in my past is what I continue to do in the present and plan to continue doing in the future. The same is true with a church. Historically, much of Lutheran tradition goes through Germany or Scandinavia (Norway or Sweden). It's not bad. . . it just does. I mean, after all, Martin Luther was European. It wasn't like he had a choice in choosing his race or ethnicity. At the same time, racial identity and idolized ethnic pride has caused some tensions over the years - especially in the land of the free and home of the brave. For example, in 1911, Lutheran churches divided over whether to begin worshiping in English which gave rise to the “English District”. In the midwest, several churches celebrate Oktoberfest, a German fall festival featuring beer while their neighbors spoke Spanish, Hindi, and Mandarin. In communities rooted in Nordic traditions, Lutherans continue to share Lutefisk dinners around the Christmas holiday while Somolians, Ethiopians, and Afgans became the dominant population. My point is that tradition is often times grounded in racial and ethnic distinctions. And while tradition is certainly not a bad thing, it's easy to forget that in a multi-racial community, one people group doesn't own the block on tradition. The goal must become creating equity and promoting equality when it comes to understanding and celebrating cultural traditions and dare enough to create new traditions together where all races and ethnicities can embrace something new and different, yet intrinsically familiar to everybody... which takes hard work, a lot of faux pas, a ton of vulnerability, and a whole lot of time. This doesn't happen in a year or two... it happens over decades and generations. Reflecting on our own traditions makes me think about the role tradition plays in the ministry of Jesus. It seems to me that tradition for tradition's sake is not helpful; however, tradition that helps people see less of us and more of Jesus is much more valuable. I remember hearing about a church who wanted to reach their growing Latinx community. So, they decided to post flyers around the neighborhood inviting their neighbors to an Oktoberfest complete with beer, brats, a polka band, and the chicken dance. They wondered why nobody showed up. Christmas (an entire season of tradition!) reminds us that Jesus came and "tabernacled" among us. Jesus surrendered his heavenly home to step into a foreign and different way of life. He learned what it meant to be human and at the cross and empty tomb, Jesus brings equity and equality between God and His creation. Philippians 2 describes the Jesus way as one of surrendering our way or traditions and lifting up others’ for the sake of our shared unity with God through Jesus. Reflection Question: What traditions does our community celebrate that may not look like ours? How can we learn about and be present with them in their celebrations? What traditions does our community celebrate that may not look like ours? How can we learn about and be present with them in their celebrations? Thought #3: Increasing racial diversity begins outside of the worship service. I used to think the ultimate expression of racial diversity and unity was a worship service. You may have had similar thoughts of every race, class, and language in the same room singing the same songs worshiping the same God in the same ways. Then in 2012, I was introduced to a new principle (which is really an ancient one): What happens in the home is celebrated in the worship gathering and what is celebrated in the worship gathering happens in the home. That is to say that if we want to grow in our home prayer life, model it in church. If we want people to grow in praying with others in church/public, then grow our personal prayer lives at home. I believe the same principle is true when it comes to racial diversity. If we want to see a more racially diverse worshiping body, then let’s become more racially diverse in our weekly lives outside of worship. And if we want to become more racially diverse where we live, work, and play, let’s find a place where we can gather with other people groups at least once a week. Think About This: Where can you go in your local community that is already racially diverse? Where can you go in your local community that is already racially diverse? And now, as promised, here are three ways you can help shatter the status quo and better engage our neighbors and new ways of living.
How else can you engage your racially diverse community? Drop me an email and let me know. When you’re reading the Bible, have you ever found yourself thinking or saying, “I’m so confused!”? Adam Grant in his book, Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know writes: “I need time for my confusion. Confusion can be a cue that there’s new territory to be explored or a fresh puzzle to be solved." Adam’s voice gives us all hope that while the Bible, Jesus, and spiritual things, in general can be really confusing, that there is so much to be explored and discovered. I need time for my confusion. Confusion can be a cue that there’s new territory to be explored or a fresh puzzle to be solved." - Adam Grant (Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know) This week, I’m sharing three ways to explore and discover God’s Word - the Bible. And then let you choose how best you will grow deeper and wider in your understanding of Jesus - the star of the entire Bible. Fill Your Toolbox Studying the Bible by yourself is good for your own self-care and personal development. Working out and good nutrition can help care for your physical body. Sudoku puzzles can help care for your brain. Close friendships can help care for your heart. And, your time with Jesus and His Word can help cares for your soul.
Find and Join a Bible Study, starting next week. Bible Studies help us grow deeper and wider in your understanding of Jesus. Bible studies are courses taught throughout the year on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings to help people grow in their knowledge and understanding of Jesus.
Find and Connect in a Life Group Life Groups are the main way we are in relationship with God together beyond worship and where we make disciples. Life Groups of all ages and types gather weekly to share, listen, laugh, pray, and celebrate on the journey of following Jesus and joining his mission together. Click here to find and connect in a Life Group today. Let’s be honest, the Bible will always be humanly confusing because it’s God’s Word (not our word!). But, don’t let that intimidate or stop you.
Start these three habits and you'll be well on your way to growing deeper and wider in your understanding of Jesus and His love and plans for you, this year! Hi Friends, As we close out 2021, I want you to know that our church is in an incredible position to unleash the unconditional love of Jesus in our communities and with people everywhere. Let’s take a moment to celebrate what God has done since July 1…
And, here’s an early Christmas present for us…
Thank you to the countless volunteers, contractors, and staff who helped make these improvements happen! All of this is the fruit of God at work in and through you and your investment of time and dollars. At the end of November, we had received 99.2% of our projected income so far this fiscal year. Meanwhile, we only spent 93.4% of what we anticipated. Thank you for your ongoing faithfulness to Jesus, His church, and His mission! As we enter into a new year, we proudly “welcome home” Pierce College’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Community and other Community Groups (AA, NA, Al-Anon).
Here are a few other dates to mark on your calendar:
Who will you invite to join you as we love God, love people, and live like Jesus in 2022? I can’t wait for them to grow with you as together we experience the unconditional love of Jesus. Merry Christmas! Pastor Tim P.S.: If you would like to give a year-end gift, IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution, or other tax-deductible donation to support Jesus’ mission and ministry at and through Our Savior, make sure we receive it by December 31 so that it can appear on your 2021 Giving Statement. Have questions or need help? Contact our Director of Operations, Nora Gass at [email protected]. A reflection on the recent midwest tornadoes and how to help... from Pastor Tim & Pastor Matt This past weekend, at least 27 tornadoes rolled over 200 miles through Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky. As we continue to learn about the massive destruction and loss of human life in places either foreign or familiar, it is normal to feel the entire spectrum of human emotions. It is normal to feel the entire spectrum of human emotions. First things, first. There has been an incredible response of local church and first-responders to the needs of those directly affected by last weekend's tornadoes. From search and rescues to food and from comfort dogs to clean-up, people are being the hands and feet of Jesus in the midst of tragedy. We can first go to God in prayer. Ask Him that people's light would shine through relief efforts, simple words, and the presence of ordinary people coming together for help and healing. Why? So that all may see it and give glory to God (John 8:12). Lutheran Church Charities is a national disaster relief organization. They have deployed people to assess damage for work, chainsaw, debris removal, and ministering to those in need through the local church. If you would like to:
Go directly to Lutheran Church Charities at www.lutheranchurchcharities.org. Want to Talk? If you would like to talk to somebody, our ministry team and care ministers are here for you. Please reach out to the church office to schedule an appointment. From search and rescues to food and from comfort dogs to clean-up, people are being the hands and feet of Jesus in the midst of tragedy. It is OK to ask questions and seek understanding. When horrific things happen, it is normal for us to seek understanding.
In fact, an early church leader, Augustine says that faith seeks understanding. In other words, seeking understanding is not a demonstration of a lack of faith. In fact, it is the opposite. We seek to understand events that are out of our control and do not seem aligned to who we know God to be because we already have a relationship with God. That’s why circumstances like the recent tornados can stir up questions, doubts, and emotions. In a way, seeking to understand these events with God in mind is a clear demonstration of our faith in Jesus, not the lack of it. Into the Unknown. Oftentimes, we feel the gap between what we know about God from the Scriptures, what we expect from God based on our relationship with Jesus, and our lived human experience. When we are in this “gap”, we are in the unknown and therefore, seek understanding. Let’s focus a moment on the three responses already shared (above). When we are in this “gap”, we are in the unknown and therefore, seek understanding. 1. How could God allow this to happen? God is described as both a Loving Creator and an Almighty Ruler of All Creation. The Philosopher, Aristotle would describe God as the Immovable Mover. Let’s reframe the question. Who said that God allowed this to happen? What if the tornadoes happened because everything on this side of heaven from humanity to creation is broken? And what if part of that brokenness is that weather wreaks havoc on people, places, and things? And just like we need to deal with our own human brokenness, we need to deal with the brokenness of weather patterns? It’s not that God isn’t in control of all things and still doesn’t silent the winds and the rains… it’s that the nature of weather is broken. And just like we live in the “now and not yet”, simultaneously completely broken and completely forgiven, our weather is also in a “now and not yet” reality - simultaneously producing destructive storms and restorative precipitation and sunshine to nourish creation. We can be confident of one thing: there are no tornadoes, death, or destruction in heaven. Who said that God allowed this to happen? 2. I know God allowed this to happen, but I don’t know why. For all the modern world’s research, science, and advancements, our human understanding of God remains extremely limited. These tools are great gifts and do an amazing job of describing how situations, phenomena, and wonders of our world occur. However, they rarely satisfy our curiosity to understand “why”. We are reminded of Paul writing to the church in Corinth about a “thorn in his side” that God allowed and didn’t remove despite him pleading multiple times. The oft-quoted words God spoke to Paul - “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9) - remind us of important truths when facing trials, evil, and brokenness.
For all the modern world’s research, science, and advancements, our human understanding of God remains extremely limited. 3. I’m angry at God, but trusting Him at the same time. The anger is real. As people shaped by the Western American value of personal responsibility, we can be honest and admit that we tend to look for somebody to blame because the one who causes the inconvenience, pain, and suffering is also responsible to fix it. It’s fair to ask the question, “who is to blame?”. So, let’s listen to Jesus’ answer… His answer is always better than our own. Jesus had someone ask him who is responsible for a man’s inconvenience, pain, and suffering? Because whoever it is, they’re responsible to fix it. Jesus’ response: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:3-5). In other words, there is no blame. Instead, look for Jesus. Let’s listen to Jesus’ answer… His answer is always better than our own. The Best Place to Be is With Jesus. When disaster strikes - whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, we want clarity. What is wrong? How do we make it right - right now. Martin Luther says it best, “When you look around and wonder whether God cares, you must always hurry to the cross and you must see Him there.” Jesus is always in the middle of pain and suffering. At the cross, Jesus righted the wrongs for all times, in all places, for all people. If we want to know where Jesus is working, look for pain and suffering. If we want to join Jesus on His mission, look for pain and suffering. In these moments:
And by doing so, you let your light shine so that people will see your good deeds and join you in giving glory to God (John 8:12). When you look around and wonder whether God cares, you must always hurry to the cross and you must see Him there. How Can I Help?
Lutheran Church Charities, a national disaster relief organization, will be deploying to assess damage for work, chainsaw, debris removal, and ministering to those in need through the local church. Additionally, Lutheran Church Charities have deployed comfort dogs and ministers to the Edwardsville, Illinois area. They will be helping create a safe and spiritual environment for the communities affected by the damaged Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, to share love and compassion to the victims, and assist in helping first responders process their grief. You can help by making a donation directly to Lutheran Church Charities at www.lutheranchurchcharities.org. You can also pray for the families affected by the tornadoes to experience the unconditional love of Jesus through the hands, feet, and voices of ordinary people. And seriously… We are always here for you if you want to talk. Love you much. Pastor Tim and Pastor Matt Advent is all about Jesus’ arrival - at both Christmastime and at the end of all human time. And, this week, we want to orient our hearts to look for and see “Jesus-things”. Here’s the point: Look for what God is looking for and maybe we’ll begin to see Jesus’ “advent” in a whole new way. Let’s start with the obvious: you don’t need to go very far to see the shadows of Christmas.
The many things we cherish are, no doubt, shadows of the arrival of Jesus at Christmastime. Now, you can call me a “Scrooge” when I say this: while all of these shadows are good and helpful, I have not yet found a place in the Bible where Christmas lights, rich food, holiday trees and ornaments, candy canes, or presents are pointing the way to Jesus. They’re all very much a cultural expression of an ancient truth. Again - they’re helpful… they’re just not in the Bible. So, as we turn the corner in our Advent journey to focus on the hope that Jesus brings, let’s take a moment and look at five Jesus-things God looks for… and if it’s good enough for God - it’s probably good enough for us, too. Look for what God is looking for and maybe we’ll begin to see Jesus’ “advent” in a whole new way. Here we go... Humble Servanthood - Luke 1:48 says that when Jesus arrives as a baby, God looks for humility and a servant’s heart. Beyonce is right when she said, “God is God and I am not”. That’s humility. And servanthood is joyfully responding to the work of God through praising the One who is God and loving the people and creation God gives to us. In fact, Luke 1:52 actually says when Jesus arrives, that God replaces the arrogant and prideful people with those who are humble servants. This is true both at Christmas and at the end of human time. How is my heart feeling about God being God and me not being God? Am I OK with that? Is there something I need to change in my thinking or feeling that will allow me to be OK with this truth? “God is God and I am not”. A fear of God - In Luke 1:50, God looks for those who demonstrate a reverent honor and respect toward what God can do - namely, give them mercy. Mercy is receiving undeserved favor. God looks for the undeserving and makes them deserving of His unconditional love, forgiveness, and power. It’s like a Christmas present. It’s yours… but you need to freely receive it and own it. The ironic thing is that the more aware we become of God’s mercy given to us in Jesus, we develop a deeper honor and respect for God. Let that sit on your mind for a while and see where it leads you. How much do I need God’s unconditional and undeserved mercy? Am I in awe of this, or do I take it for granted? Lord, forgive me when I don’t honor and respect this gift! The more aware we become of God’s mercy given to us in Jesus, we develop a deeper honor and respect for God. The proud - Yes - Luke 1:51 does seem to say that God looks for the proud. When God sees them, He doesn’t bury them in guilt, shame, or cancel them like we ordinarily would want to do (hello, social media?). Rather God sees them (that’s grace!) and He allows them to be scattered in their own thoughts, pride, and arrogance. Let’s be honest, sometimes we discount the work God is already doing in the lives of people and think that we must be the power behind the life change. That’s not how God works. God convicts us by showing us our “scattered mindedness”. I’m reminded of Peter’s words, “Lord, to who else would we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). For the proud, the words of Joel 2:13 resonate: “Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful. Slow to anger and abounding in unconditional love”. Where in my life am I proud? May I return to you in all areas of my life… make me more like Jesus. You alone have the words of eternal life. “Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful. Slow to anger and abounding in unconditional love” Hungry people - Luke 1:53 lifts up the hungry in body and spirit. Where are the hungry bellies and souls around you? Let’s follow Jesus’ example when He feeds people on the mountaintops and valleys, front rooms and backrooms with His teaching, His healing, bread and wine, and the loaves and fish that is passed around with the Zacchaeus' (Luke 19) and Nicodemouses (John 3) in our lives. Am I “hungry” for you? Do I want more of your Word? Do I crave more of your presence? Or, do I starve myself by relying on my own body weight to sustain me throughout the day? Where are the hungry bellies and souls around you? Rich people - It seems as if God looks for rich people and empties their bank accounts. Now before we think of socialism or go all Robin Hood, let’s look at what Jesus actually does. Jesus never “robs” people. Jesus never “takes from Peter to pay Paul”. Instead, Jesus says things like, “give to Caesar what is Caesar's and God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). We also see rich people walking away from Jesus (Matthew 19:22 and Mark 10:22). They aren’t walking away because Jesus sent them away, but rather Jesus’ way of living meant that they had to part with their hard earned or inherited riches. . . not because they "have" to - but because they "get" to. They were sad because they so wanted to follow Jesus, but they also wanted to part with something that became part of their identity. For you, does your wealth shape your lifestyle of following Jesus? Or, does your lifestyle of following Jesus shape what you do with your wealth? By the way, I’m just pointing out what Mary, Jesus’ mother sees when Jesus arrives in her tummy. Check out her song in Luke 1:46-55. Jesus’ way of living meant that you must part with your hard earned or inherited riches... not because you "have" to - rather, because you "get" to. Here’s the point: If it’s good enough for God to look for - it’s good enough for me, too.
Keep looking for the things God is looking for and maybe we’ll begin to see Jesus’ arrival in a whole new way. Jesus has come. Jesus is risen. Jesus will come again. God’s voice is best heard in silence. I think about Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-13. A boy named Elijah is trying to listen for God’s voice. Interestingly enough, he doesn’t hear God speak in wind, earthquake, or fire. Instead, Elijah hears God speak in the silence of a gentle whisper. If you’re like me, you’re always listening to something. We listen to the loud winds of the news feeds and media. We listen to the traumatic earthquakes happening in people’s lives and in our culture. We listen to the foray of fires in our workplaces and relationships. We don’t need to necessarily listen to anything sinister to find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, cluttered, and busy listening to everything else in life - other than Jesus. God’s voice is best heard in silence. Think about it with me…
God sends us silent moments everyday as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ first advent (Christmas) to declutter our thoughts, stills our heart’s rat race of a rhythm, and gives us confidence in whose and who we are. The question is, do we take, open, and use God’s gift of silence? Slow Down and Stop. Sit and be still. Listen and Seek to Understand. My desire to embrace silence in the midst of the winds, earthquakes, and fires around me is really a “heart-thing” than a “schedule-thing”. The question is, do we take, open, and use God’s gift of silence? Roman Catholic Pastor, Thomas Keating once said that silence is the expression of our intent to surrender our will to God’s presence and action. If I were completely honest with you, it’s easy to choose busyness to feel productive and worth something to others. I listen to the voices in my own head instead of seeking the voice of the One whose second advent is coming soon (Revelation 21:5) and who says I am loved and accepted for who I am, not for what I do. The bottom line question (for me, and perhaps you, too) is this: do I want to hear Jesus’ voice more than anything else? If not - then Jesus’ voice will always be second to the noise and clutter of preparing to celebrate Jesus’ first advent (Christmas). But, if I do want to hear Jesus’ voice more than anything else, then slowing down and stopping, sitting and being still, and listening for Jesus’ voice will always be a priority until Jesus’ second advent (His Return). Do I want to hear Jesus’ voice more than anything else? For me, in my current season of life, finding an entire hour or even 30 minutes of uninterrupted silence is almost impossible. And, while I also have my own devotional rhythm, that’s more of a “work pattern” than a personal habit. (That’s part of the reality of the pastor-life… personal devotional life can quickly run dry because you’re always reading the Bible, devotional books, and in prayer for others as “your job”… I’m happy to unpack it more sometime, if you’d like.) So, here’s what I do… you can join me, if you wish! I remember this because our area code is 2-5-3.
In his book What’s Wrong with the World, G.K. Chesterton said, “Anything worth doing is worth doing badly [at first]”. This was clunky at first. But, over a short period of time, it has become something I can’t live without. The goal is to consciously and consistently experience God’s gift of silence in order to listen for the voice of Jesus at some point everyday - not to all become silent monks. And, how better to prepare for Jesus’ first and second advent (Christmas and His Return) than by getting to know His voice and following Him wherever He leads us? After all, Jesus Himself is the best Christmas gift we could ever receive. Anything worth doing is worth doing badly [at first]. Where will you find your consistent silent moments each day to say, “Lord, speak, I’m listening.”?
Advent.
I’ll be the first one to admit that it is a “churchy” word. You probably don’t hear it outside of “church world”. Afterall, the word, “advent” has its roots in the Roman Catholic tradition derived from the Latin word, “adventus” which literally means “coming”. Putting “advent” in its right place, it is a “churchy” word that is often connected to getting ready for the coming of Jesus at Christmastime. So, we plan parties, decorate homes, prepare for church services, and listen to carols. But, whether you grew up with the word, “advent” or you’re just learning about it - I want to invite you to consider how the first Christians thought about and practiced advent. They didn’t see advent as manger scenes, charcuterie boards, Amazon lists, and Pentatonix on Spotify, but rather looking for Jesus to return (Matthew 24:36, John 14:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, Revelation 22:7). Simply put, advent was about their hearts - not about their calendar. They practiced silence. Diligently looking. Waiting well. So, over the next three weeks of blogs, I’m going to help us dive into silence, looking, and waiting… not for Jesus in a manger, but for Jesus coming back and making all things new (Revelation 21:5). So, share this blog with family and friends as we rest in silence to hear God speak through prayer. Look diligently for ordinary things that point to Jesus’ presence today and his coming in the future. And, wait well as we are patient - not jumping to conclusions, but resting in God’s Word. Sure, in this season of “advent”, let’s continue to get ready for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. Hang lights. Sing carols. Go to church. Let’s also prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus - whenever that will be. Jesus has come. Jesus is risen. Jesus will come again. Reflection Questions
From time to time, we all find ourselves in a hot mess. . . especially during the Christmas holidays. The truth is, God didn’t create us or redeem us to be a hot mess. God has created us in His image (Genesis 1-2) which means that we are more complex than we could ever imagine. We have emotions that feel brokenness and wholeness. We have curious minds that wonder and seek understanding (“why?”). We have lives that ache and long for connection. So, in all of this beautiful complexity that we can humanity, here are three things God gives us permission to do when you’re in a hot mess this holiday season (and anytime!). You have permission to ugly cry. It’s OK for ugly tears and laughing until your side hurts to co-exist. Take a note from Joy and Sadness, themselves. God gives us both joy and sadness to feel and to own. So, cry away. Your tears are given by God to express your sadness just as much as your giggles are given by God to express your joy. You have permission to care for yourself. I was recently reminded that in moments of crisis and trauma, before tending to others, you must first care for yourself. Here is what caring for yourself might look like:
Bethany Dearborn Hiser says “taking care of ourselves is essential for our well-being as beloved children of God, allowing us to be effective and resilient, loving people instead of using those we serve to support or enhance our own sense of worth”. You can check out Bethany’s entire article from Christianity Today, here. You have permission to find your way back to Jesus. Between the hot messes and ugly tears combined with all the feels, it’s easy to lose sight of Jesus. The good news is that Jesus has never lost sight of you. These five responses may help you as you find your way back to Jesus:
What have you found helpful when you're in a hot mess during the Christmas holiday season? Let me know at [email protected]. |
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Pastor Tim Meet Pastor TimTim Bayer has served as Our Savior's Lead Pastor since September 2019. He also serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Concordia University - Irvine, a National Leadership Facilitator and Resource, and with the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Archives
June 2025
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