A different kind of Advent

After the earthquake on September 19, thousands in our city had to abandon their residences. This apartment building, right across the street from our neighborhood, left more than a few people homeless. In fact, many who left this building have been camping out in the park behind it.

This past weekend, 2 1/2 months after the quake, workers scaled the building and began tearing down the upper portion with sledge hammers. Today, some heavy duty machinery continued the work.

Please continue to pray for Mexico City. Many buildings in our area remain uninhabitable but have yet to be demolished (or repaired). Which equates to thousands of residents unable to return to their homes or their businesses. A sad state of affairs especially at this time of year.

Yesterday began the season of Advent - the season of waiting and hoping. We light our advent candles in patient but hopeful longing for the light of the world to shine in our midst. We make ready our hearts in hopeful anticipation to welcome the Christ child into our homes. But for many in our city, it'll be a different kind of Advent. A different season of longing.

As we prepare for the holidays in the days and weeks to come, will you join us as we remember in prayer and serve our displaced neighbors who also wait and hope for a brighter future and a secure home?

Almighty God, give all of us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.*



*Tickle, Phyllis. Christmastide: Prayers for Advent Through Epiphany from The Divine Hours (p. 10). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

God will come

Mexico City Missive ~ Winter Newsletter 2016

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Isaiah 35: 3-4

In a time of great trouble, Isaiah encourages Israel to wait for God. Be strong, he says. Do not fear. God will come. Intrigued by her plight, we get caught up in the story. We wait with Israel in her sorrow, anguish, and even in her embarrassment over her predicament. Israel trusted the wrong advisers, made a pact with the wrong leaders, and neglected her responsibility toward the marginalized. As the people of God confront their own fickleness, irresponsibility, and infidelity we wait with them as they wait for God. Hold steady, the prophet declares.

God will come.

With reckless abandon and confident prose, Isaiah prophesies of a time of redemption, hope, healing, and joy. It won't always be like this, Isaiah assures them. God will come. The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the lame will leap, and the mute will shout for joy (35: 6). That's not all. In a climate fit solely for predators, waters and streams will burst forth producing a lush garden fit especially for God's people (35:7). Encourage one another in hopeful surrender.

God will come.

Is Israel ready for a new exodus? Are we? When God comes, Isaiah promises, he will provide a highway for the rescued (35: 8). A road uncluttered by the ravenous, the wicked, and the unsuited; a Way dedicated to the redeemed, the holy, and the humbled (35: 9). The sorrow and sighing that accompanied judgment will flee as gladness and joy overtake the people of God (35: 10). Are we ready for this new day? I am. Take heart, friends. Soon Advent longing will end and Christmas morn will dawn. On that day, we will awake, arise, breathe deep, and rejoice!

Behold, the Lord is come.

Stuart & Wendy

serving in mexico city

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An Advent Prayer

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play

And mild and sweet their songs repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

I love this season of anticipation and joy; of Christmas carols and kids pageants. I love connecting with friends and family who share warm wishes of good cheer as well as photos of their holiday gatherings on social media. Early in the season, silly issues tried to mar the holiday spirit (red coffee cups, anyone?). Yet recently, other more serious matters have since taken center stage. Extreme violence, racist posturing, and xenophobic chatter have dominated social media. Sadly, I finally understand the words by poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

Still, I can't help but remember Isaiah's prophetic message of peace has been pealing through the ages since he foretold of the coming Prince of Peace. At our Savior's birth, the heavenly host quieted the shepherds announcing peace to all the earth. On a mountainside so long ago, Jesus blessed the peacemakers calling them children of God. Even in the deafening cacophony of fear and hate, I can choose to join my voice with heaven's proclamation this holy season to share God's message of hope and peace.

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, goodwill to men

Saint Francis once prayed, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” Alone, my small voice and unassuming presence can't change the world or the great city of 25 million that Stuart and I live in. But I can change the atmosphere around me by carefully choosing my words and my actions to allow God's peace to be heard and known. Better still, why don't we all lift our voices together with the prophet Isaiah, the heavenly host, even Jesus himself this holy season and become God's instruments of peace by choosing to overcome hatred with love; despair with hope; and darkness with light.

Then ringing singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men

Merry Christmas 

Stuart & Wendy

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP)

Printable PDF: Christmas.Winter 2015

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Do Not Be Afraid

Contrary to a popular Facebook meme, the Bible does not say 365 times, “do not be afraid.” Although, it certainly says it often enough we should take notice. Yet, as popular as that meme has been, ironically no one has shared it in the wake of last week's events. Instead, I've seen numerous articles and opinions shared by friends and colleagues alike encouraging just the opposite. It's as if they want everyone else to be as scared as they are.

I get it. Recent world events remind us all once again that insidious evil lurks among us. We want to protect our families. We want to trust our government is doing their best. We want to feel safe and secure, but we feel vulnerable instead. At a time like this I need to hear Jesus say, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14.27).

Yet, when suicide bombers target funerals (Baghdad), public markets (Beirut), and popular tourist attractions (Paris) it's difficult to immediately recall and meditate on the words of Jesus. Yet we must.

“Never again!” challenges the previous generation. And we promised, did we not, to never again turn our back on such evil and atrocity? We remember and honor those, like Corrie ten Boom and her family, who risked their lives to harbor the refugees of their day. Each and every one of those people had to consider the possibility that the enemy could infiltrate their homes when they opened their doors. They counted the cost (and many paid the price) and still they chose the way of Jesus. They chose love over fear. They chose courage over despair. And history remembers them as heroes.

How does history remember those who closed their doors and refused to help?

How will history remember us?

The fact that the world can be a scary, violent place should not take us by surprise. Jesus warned, “In this world you will have trouble.” But then he quickly adds, “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

As we enter the season of Advent, it seems especially appropriate to consider and meditate on the numerous times the Bible emphatically declares, “Do not be afraid,” throughout the Christmas story.

But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John” (Luke 1:13).

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God” (Luke 1.30).

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20).

As a baby, Jesus entered into a scary and violent world. As a toddler, his family sought refuge in a foreign land to escape the murderous Herod. I imagine fear constantly tried to seduce Mary throughout her son's life and ministry. Fear certainly had many opportunities to rear its ugly head and incapacitate her. Yet, we know Mary remained vigilant to the angel's message, “Do not be afraid,” for we see her standing courageously to the very end at the foot of Jesus' cross.

Make no mistake, fear is seductive. It feeds on insecurity and self-preservation. It limits our capacity to live freely and to love fully. But John tells us, “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4.18).

I agree with Jen Hatmaker, the last thing the world needs is “a bunch of scared, overwhelmed Christians wringing their hands and resorting to cliches. This world needs strong, convinced, courageous people who really believe God and are prepared to follow Him into every dark place.” (Read more here.)

I know we live in a scary, violent world, but I also know we can overcome fear and evil with radical love, generosity of spirit, Christ-inspired compassion, and with our heads held high and our mouths declaring God's truth to bring light and life to a dark and weary world.

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord!” 

(Luke 2:10, 11)

Opening the Door

my advent endeavor

Years ago, I gave my parents a beautifully illustrated Advent book. Every page features a door you can open to reveal a scene from the Christmas story. In fact, all through my childhood we enjoyed a variety of Advent calendars that counted down the days until the birth of Christ. Sometimes, my mom would buy one of the more elaborate calendars that sweetened the anticipation with a piece of chocolate. Each year, I still purchase an Advent calendar, and with childlike anticipation I (or one of my kids) open a door to each day's secret surprise.

Recently, at my request, a friend opened up her heart and revealed to me a precious part of her soul; the secret behind her life-affirming personality and positive attitude. I've been contemplating her gracious response ever since, but one idea in particular has captivated my attention. Every day my friend makes a choice, especially in the face of challenging circumstances or difficult relationships, to open the door to grace.

So I've been wondering, as I open the doors on my Advent calendar this season, how can I purposefully open the door to grace for the people in my life?

Perhaps ...

I can give you the benefit of the doubt. I don't have to automatically assume the worst about you. Maybe you're having a bad day or someone you love is ill or you just lost your job. You don't owe me an explanation. Today, I will open the door to grace and give you the benefit of the doubt.

I can offer my opinions without framing them as facts. As much as I like to believe I adhere to considerably logical opinions, I still need to frame them honestly. Although, I may have a right to my opinion, I do not have a right to express them haphazardly. Therefore, I will open the door to grace and buffer my thoughts with, “In my opinion.”

I can really listen to you. I can consider thoughtfully what you are actually saying. I won't pretend like I'm listening just so I can make a defense. I will wait my turn and not interrupt. I can understand and respect your ideas even if they differ with mine. Today, I will open the door to grace and give you my full attention.

I can give you a compliment without making a negative comparison. “I love your creative use of vibrant, expressive colors. I feel so alive when I view your art,” is a great compliment. “You are so much better than that other guy who dabbles in depressing themes. He needs art lessons or counseling or something,” is not. Therefore, I will open the door to grace by building you up without pulling someone else down.

I can look you in the eye and express something positive or encouraging. Even if I don't know you. I can choose to say, “Thanks for your time,” “I appreciate your effort,” “I loved how you expressed yourself,” “That's a great question,” “I'm so glad you told me that,” or “You are worth it,” depending on the situation. Today, I will open the door to grace by responding with positive affirmations or encouraging words.

The season of Advent reminds us that with the birth of Christ, God opened the door to grace for us. Perhaps, then we can open the door to grace for each other as well. 

If you would like to partner with us to proclaim release to the captives of drug addiction and to set at liberty those who are oppressed by the sex trade, please consider a one-time gift or recurring monthly commitment. 

We can make a difference together!

Printable PDF (Fall 2014)

*Photo property of Angela Forker. Used with permission.

Missionary Monday . . . We wait for him

For God alone my soul in silence waits; truly, my hope is in him. Psalm 62.6

Waiting, waiting, waiting.

Been doing that a lot this past month. Maybe I should say this past year. Now that I think about it, I've spent a lot of time waiting these last ten years.

In 2003, the Assemblies of God officially commissioned Stuart and I as missionaries. We traveled extensively and worked exhaustively as we waited (impatiently) for 18 months until we arrived in Jamaica on July 4, 2005.

Since then we have traveled to Costa Rica to work on learning Spanish to prepare for ministry in Mexico. Missionary colleagues promised us that magic moment when our brain would “click” and we would exclaim, “¡Aha, podemos entender español!”

Um, still waiting on that click.

God is no stranger to waiting, though. Thousands of years God waited, but when the right time came, he sent his Son, born of a woman ... (Galatians 4.4).

Through the season of Advent, our family lit candles as we waited to celebrate his birth.

We lit one Advent candle to remind us that the prophets foretold of his appearing (Isaiah 9.6). We lit two candles to remind us he was born a man in Bethlehem (Luke 2.4-7). We lit three candles to recognize that we like the shepherds must come to Christ, believe in him, and tell the good news to others (Luke 2.8-12). We lit four candles to anticipate Christ's second appearing and focus on his salvation (Luke 2.13-14).

Advent is the season of anticipation.
Of longing.
Of waiting.

But some things are worth the wait.

Merry Christmas,
Stuart & Wendy

Christmas newsletter

A weary world rejoices . . .

I must admit, these last few months of 2012 have left me a bit weary. Families who have lost loved ones, close friends who have moved away, and a few personal struggles have darkened my days. And then the tragedy at Sandy Hook, a town only about an hour's drive from my hometown in Connecticut, rocked our nation. In fact, today I found out that two administrators and two teachers who died at Sandy Hook were graduates of my Alma mater (Southern Connecticut State University). With this news my world got a little smaller and my heart ached a little more.

When Advent began a few weeks ago, I did not expect these feelings of woe. Although the season of Advent is about recognizing the dark world in which we live, it also anticipates the light that is about to descend into our world. But with each passing week, and with each subsequent candle, I did not feel any brighter. That is until last night, when my daughter sang O Holy Night at her school's Christmas program.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining, 'til he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn . . .

Indeed we live in a weary world, but hope makes all the difference. To every parent who has lost a child, and for every child who has lost a parent; for every heart-breaking goodbye, and in every tragic circumstance – may hope break into the darkness and illuminate our world. In trying times, hope anchors our souls. In the darkest of days, hope anticipates a brighter future. In a distorted world, hope transforms our perspective.

Hope descended into a manger 2,000 years ago and a weary world rejoiced over his birth. Hope dropped into my heart last night as my daughter sang, and I rejoiced in my Savior's advent. If you are feeling weary this season, may the light of the world pierce your darkness and may you awaken to a new and glorious morn.

Merry Christmas.

Stuart & Wendy

O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Fall on your knees,
Oh, hear the angels voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night,
O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand;
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend;
He knows our need,
Our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!

Finding Her Place

Did you know that the last time we see Mary, the mother of Jesus is in the book of Acts? They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. ~Acts 1:14

"With this brief reference to Mary we realize that neither the sword that threatened her nor her own inability to understand Jesus prevented her from being one of those gathered in the upper room. These are the faithful ones, continuing to hold on to the promises of God. Obedient to the word of Christ. Mary, who began in Luke's gospel as a servant, appears here also as a disciple. This is the last we see or hear of Mary in the history of the church, but she is the only person who is present both at the prologue of the gospel and the prologue of the church."

Scars

These last few weeks, we have been looking at the birth and life of Jesus through the eyes of his mother Mary. In the Gospels, the last place we find Mary in the life of her son Jesus was at his cross. I can only imagine her heartache at that moment.

Treasuring the Wonders of God (part 2)

I began these Advent reflections as a way to witness the birth of Christ from a unique perspective. Divinely called and uniquely gifted, Mary gives us a front row seat to the most spectacular birth on record. Indeed, she was the only person who witnessed the life of God's only Son from the cradle to the cross. And therefore, as a mother, I appreciate her point of view like no other.

Treasuring the Wonders of God

Mary's pregnancy and birth were different in many respects. Like any other expectant woman, I'm sure Mary prepared and planned for the day she would give birth. Maybe Joseph saw to the furnishing of the home, while Mary asked a female relative to help her when the time came. But whatever plans they made, they were rudely interrupted by a decree from Caesar Augustus.

Carrying the Promise to Full Term

Mary was a very young woman, possibly no older than 15, when the angel Gabriel gave her a life changing message: Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. ~Luke 1:30-31 

Although surprised by the news, Mary wholeheartedly submitted to the will of God. However, when Mary submitted to God's will, she was also submitting to the possible shame a premarital pregnancy would bring her. Nevertheless, despite the potential gossip, despite the possible rejection of friends, despite how Joseph might react to the news, Mary submitted herself to God. By her own confession in verse 38, she was first and foremost a servant of the Lord. Without complete understanding, yet with complete trust, Mary prepared herself to carry the promise of God to full term.

Through a Mother's Eyes

So, last Sunday I preached the longest sermon of my life. Apparently, I have no concept of time when I preach in Spanish :) Fortunately, though, we also have a very gracious church and an equally gracious pastor.
Another fortunate happenstance is that I have enough material to share with you these next few weeks of Advent.

When I was a child, I remember attending church on the first Sunday of Advent and bringing home the Advent wreath to celebrate the season. It is a tradition we continue with our family today. If you are not familiar with this tradition, every night we light a candle that represents a part of the Christmas story. Each week, we light one more candle until Christmas day when we celebrate the light of the world Jesus.

I loved this tradition as a child. Although it was fun to talk about Santa and sing about Rudolph, I always knew that Christmas was really about Jesus. And the Advent season helped our family to prepare for this wondrous celebration. Therefore, as I considered my message for Sunday, I had Christmas on my mind. I read the Christmas story in Gospel of Luke and studied the early life of Jesus once again, and I wondered . . .  what was it like for Jesus to grow up in his home? Did he get along with his siblings? Was he popular as a child; did he have a lot of friends? Was he a good student; did he complete his homework on time?

When I read the stories of the Bible, I like to place myself into the text, to view life and events through the eyes of those who experienced it first hand. And I realized through reading again the life of Christ there was only one person who was there from the cradle to the cross. And it is through her eyes these next few weeks, that I wish to tell the story of Christ.

Although, I have no desire to exaggerate the importance of Mary, neither do I wish to ignore her. She is, in fact a part of the Christmas story and the life of Christ. But as the story of Christ progresses, we see that she, like John the Baptist, must decrease, and Jesus must increase. As we watch Jesus grow up, leave home, begin his ministry, fulfill his purpose, and reveal his true identity, we also watch Mary slowly lose her influence and prominence in the life of her son, yet eventually find her true identity in the family of God.

As a woman, as a mother, and as a believer I find her perspective unique and interesting. As I read the story of God's son once again through the eyes of Mary, I was reminded of some personal events in my life as a mom that I would to share with you as well. It is a great responsibility to be a parent. We have no idea what it means to be a mom or dad, until we are one. Children are a joy and a privilege, but they come with a few surprises as well.

Many years ago, our son needed surgery when he was an infant. Stuart and I still remember the moment we had to place our son in the care of someone else. We had to trust that the doctors and nurses would take care of him, that they would protect him, and that they would bring him back to us when the surgery was completed.

Much in the same way, many years ago, God placed his son in the hands of a young couple. He trusted them to care for him, to raise him in a faithful Jewish home, and to guide him until he was ready to depart and then be placed back into the hands of the Father.

Next time: Carrying the Promise to Full Term

The Carpenter's Son - the home movie

Light the Christ Candle

Lesson: Light all previous candles plus the white candle. This is the Christ candle. With it, we recognize that Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, is born this day.

Prayer: O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture: Luke 2:15-20

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Song: Joy to the World

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found,

Far as the curse is found,

Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Escape to Egypt

The Wise Men

Light Four Advent Candles

Lesson: Today we light all four colored candles. Today’s candle is the Angel’s candle. Angels foretold the advent of Christ’s birth as well as his second coming. With the lighting of this fourth candle, we anticipate Christ’s second advent and focus on his salvation.

Prayer: Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Scripture: Luke 2:13-14

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing  

Hark the herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled”
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
“Christ is born in Bethlehem”
Hark! The herald angels sing
“Glory to the newborn King!”

The Shepherds