Most of America’s TV’s will be tuned to one of several bowl games this Sunday and Monday. Imagine the following scene taking place during one of the big games.
Eileen walks into the den, stands squarely in front of the TV at which Hank is staring, and says to him, “Excuse me, but we need to talk.” Trying to watch the next breathtaking play in the game, Hank asks a question that only proves how completely he has missed the point: “What do we need to talk ABOUT, sweetheart?”
Eileen has no trouble discerning where Hank’s mind really is. This is the man to whom she has pledged her heart, given her love and opened her soul, and there he sits, craning his neck to look around her at TV the screen, totally oblivious to their need. Fact is, it doesn’t matter what they need to talk ABOUT. They just need to talk, plain and simple; because communication is the raw material of relationships.
And so, as Hank stares past her at the big game, Eileen shrugs her shoulders, walks away to her room, and cries herself to sleep on the bed.
Hank? Heck, there’s less than a quarter-and-a-half left in the game. There’ll be plenty of time to talk later. Besides, what did Eileen want to talk ABOUT anyway?
Get a clue, Hank! At least you could have made a date to talk later. The subject matter is unimportant. What counts is the face-to-face, heart-to-heart sharing of one another’s lives. The whole purpose of communication is not simply distributing information but developing intimacy. Intimacy, not just information.
That’s also why we communicate with God. Christianity is a relationship with God, a relationship that, just like Hank and Eileen’s, either thrives on communication or suffers without it.
When people in relationships fail to communicate, they have problems. That applies whether it’s a business relationship or a personal one, a close relationship or a casual one. The health of the relationship is always determined by the condition of the communication.
We can’t really know people, or God, merely by being in their presence. It takes conversation, actually sharing thoughts and fears, goals and dreams.
Christians are meant to converse like that with God. We address Him in the language of prayer, and He addresses us in the language of Scripture.
This means that a daily quiet time in which you listen to God by reading His Word, and speak your innermost thoughts to Him in prayer, is more than just a religious exercise. It’s the very essence of maintaining your connection to Him. It’s what keeps you alive.
God is standing before you now, right in front of your TV, your stereo, your car, your house, and your job, and He’s saying, “Excuse me, but we need to talk.” What you talk about is not as important as the fact that you speak to Him and He speaks to you.
Do you have the time for God? Or is that game really more important than He is?
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
WHAT KIDS REALLY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
When adults go Christmas shopping for the kids and youth in their lives, what do they have on their gift lists? DVD’s of a couple recent smash movies? An iPod? A computer game or two? Maybe a gift certificate to a tattoo parlor? More toys, preferably high-tech?
You might be surprised to learn that what most kids and youth really want is more time with their parents and more spiritual meaning in their lives. That’s what sociologist Christian Smith says in his recent book “Soul Searching.” Based upon extensive interviews with hundreds of youth of all ages and stages from across the nation, the book is full of surprises for the parents and grandparents of America’s current generation of youth and children.
Here are a couple of these surprises that are relevant to the Christmas story.
Far from being religion-bashing iconoclasts (as the media often paints them), today’s young people generally have a deep interest in the beliefs of their parents and grandparents. What puzzles them about the faith of their forebears is why their parents and grandparents haven’t taught them about it. As one young person I talked to stated it, “My parents spend a lot of time at church, but we’ve never actually had a conversation about why it’s so important.”
Hmmmmm.
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus, it’s a great opportunity to have some meaningful interaction about Who Jesus is, why He came, and what it means to us. Families will be gathering, and there will plenty of intergenerational situations. We need to redeem the time and ask some conversation-starter questions. Gently raise the topic with your children and grandchildren.
One thing my family has always done on Christmas morning is read the Christmas story. You’ll find it in the following passages: Matthew 1:18-25 gives a brief overview of Jesus' birth; Luke 1:26-38 describes how Mary became the mother of Jesus; Luke 2:1-20 tells how Jesus was born; and John 1:1-14 explains why He was born.
If you don’t have time to read all these passages, choose the first 14 verses of Luke 2. Then ask the children what they think it means for them. Then listen!
The second surprise is this: if today’s kids aren’t taught their parents’ and grandparents’ faith, they will come up with their own version of a religious worldview. They are not secular people. They want a faith-driven way of living. If we don’t teach them our faith, they’ll find one from somewhere else. And we may not like what they find.
Christmas therefore reminds us that what our children and grandchildren really want is meaningful relationships with us and a living faith in the Savior we claim to believe in. To be sure they receive this from us, we have to be intentional about spending time with them, on their terms, to share Jesus with them!
Tell the truth to your children this weekend. Give them Jesus for Christmas.
You might be surprised to learn that what most kids and youth really want is more time with their parents and more spiritual meaning in their lives. That’s what sociologist Christian Smith says in his recent book “Soul Searching.” Based upon extensive interviews with hundreds of youth of all ages and stages from across the nation, the book is full of surprises for the parents and grandparents of America’s current generation of youth and children.
Here are a couple of these surprises that are relevant to the Christmas story.
Far from being religion-bashing iconoclasts (as the media often paints them), today’s young people generally have a deep interest in the beliefs of their parents and grandparents. What puzzles them about the faith of their forebears is why their parents and grandparents haven’t taught them about it. As one young person I talked to stated it, “My parents spend a lot of time at church, but we’ve never actually had a conversation about why it’s so important.”
Hmmmmm.
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus, it’s a great opportunity to have some meaningful interaction about Who Jesus is, why He came, and what it means to us. Families will be gathering, and there will plenty of intergenerational situations. We need to redeem the time and ask some conversation-starter questions. Gently raise the topic with your children and grandchildren.
One thing my family has always done on Christmas morning is read the Christmas story. You’ll find it in the following passages: Matthew 1:18-25 gives a brief overview of Jesus' birth; Luke 1:26-38 describes how Mary became the mother of Jesus; Luke 2:1-20 tells how Jesus was born; and John 1:1-14 explains why He was born.
If you don’t have time to read all these passages, choose the first 14 verses of Luke 2. Then ask the children what they think it means for them. Then listen!
The second surprise is this: if today’s kids aren’t taught their parents’ and grandparents’ faith, they will come up with their own version of a religious worldview. They are not secular people. They want a faith-driven way of living. If we don’t teach them our faith, they’ll find one from somewhere else. And we may not like what they find.
Christmas therefore reminds us that what our children and grandchildren really want is meaningful relationships with us and a living faith in the Savior we claim to believe in. To be sure they receive this from us, we have to be intentional about spending time with them, on their terms, to share Jesus with them!
Tell the truth to your children this weekend. Give them Jesus for Christmas.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Christmas Quiz, part 2
Here is the second half of the Christmas Quiz we started last week. How did you do on part 1?
The correct answers with scripture references are at the end, so don’t peak until you’ve marked your answers. Remember to answer according to what you think the Bible says, because it is our only accurate source for the truth about Christmas.
11. When the shepherds finished their visit to Jesus, what did they do?
A. They just settled down for a long winter's nap.
B. They met the little drummer boy.
C. They asked Herod for further information.
D. They saw three ships come sailing in.
E. They had an impromptu worship service.
F. None of the above
12. Who saw the star in the east?
A. The Shepherds
B. Mary and Joseph
C. Three kings of orient
D. Herod
E. Both A and C
F. None of the above
13. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem to do what?
A. Inform Herod about Jesus.
B. Ask about the star they saw.
C. Find out where the king of the Jews was to be born
D. Get some Christmas gifts for Jesus.
E. Buy gas.
F. None of the above
14. What were the names of the wise men?
A. Crosby, Stills and Nash
B. Peter, Paul and Mary
C. Larry, Moe and Curly
D. Caspar, Melchior and Belthasar
E. Winkin', Blinkin' and Nod
F. No one knows
15. The wise men brought their gifts to Jesus while He was in . . .
A. A manger.
B. A stable.
C. A house.
D. A Holiday Inn.
E. A good mood.
F. None of the above.
16. What gifts did the wise men bring to Jesus?
A. Silver and gold
B. A coat of many colors
C. Myrrh, gold and frankincense
D. A pillow to lay His head on
E. Gold, incense and mirth
F. None of the above
17. How many wise men came to see Jesus?
A. Seven
B. Five
C. Twelve
D. A multitude
E. Three
F. No one knows
18. Why did Joseph take baby Jesus to Egypt?
A. To show Him the pyramids.
B. To teach Him the wisdom of the pharaohs
C. To put him in a basket in the Nile.
D. Because an angel told him to do so in a dream.
E. To register for a census and be taxed.
F. None of the above.
19. Who tried to have Jesus killed shortly after the visit of the Wise Men?
A. Pontius Pilate
B. Herod
C. The Pharisees
D. The Saducees
E. The Zealots
F. None of the above
20. What is the best way I can celebrate the birth of Jesus?
A. Give lots of presents
B. Get lots of presents
C. Go to lots of parties
D. Eat lots of turkey
E. Watch lots of football
F. Believe that Jesus is God's Son, and receive Him as my own Lord and Savior
CORRECT ANSWERS & SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
11. E; Luke 2:16-20
12. F; Matthew 2:1 They weren’t “kings.”
13. C; Matthew 2:1-2
14. F; Matthew 2:1 Scripture does not mention their names
15. C; Matthew 2:11a
16. C; Matthew 2:11b
17. F; Matthew 2:11b There were three gifts. The number of Wise Men is unknown.
18. D; Matthew 2:13
19. B; Matthew 2:7-16
20. F; John 1:11-12
The correct answers with scripture references are at the end, so don’t peak until you’ve marked your answers. Remember to answer according to what you think the Bible says, because it is our only accurate source for the truth about Christmas.
11. When the shepherds finished their visit to Jesus, what did they do?
A. They just settled down for a long winter's nap.
B. They met the little drummer boy.
C. They asked Herod for further information.
D. They saw three ships come sailing in.
E. They had an impromptu worship service.
F. None of the above
12. Who saw the star in the east?
A. The Shepherds
B. Mary and Joseph
C. Three kings of orient
D. Herod
E. Both A and C
F. None of the above
13. The wise men stopped in Jerusalem to do what?
A. Inform Herod about Jesus.
B. Ask about the star they saw.
C. Find out where the king of the Jews was to be born
D. Get some Christmas gifts for Jesus.
E. Buy gas.
F. None of the above
14. What were the names of the wise men?
A. Crosby, Stills and Nash
B. Peter, Paul and Mary
C. Larry, Moe and Curly
D. Caspar, Melchior and Belthasar
E. Winkin', Blinkin' and Nod
F. No one knows
15. The wise men brought their gifts to Jesus while He was in . . .
A. A manger.
B. A stable.
C. A house.
D. A Holiday Inn.
E. A good mood.
F. None of the above.
16. What gifts did the wise men bring to Jesus?
A. Silver and gold
B. A coat of many colors
C. Myrrh, gold and frankincense
D. A pillow to lay His head on
E. Gold, incense and mirth
F. None of the above
17. How many wise men came to see Jesus?
A. Seven
B. Five
C. Twelve
D. A multitude
E. Three
F. No one knows
18. Why did Joseph take baby Jesus to Egypt?
A. To show Him the pyramids.
B. To teach Him the wisdom of the pharaohs
C. To put him in a basket in the Nile.
D. Because an angel told him to do so in a dream.
E. To register for a census and be taxed.
F. None of the above.
19. Who tried to have Jesus killed shortly after the visit of the Wise Men?
A. Pontius Pilate
B. Herod
C. The Pharisees
D. The Saducees
E. The Zealots
F. None of the above
20. What is the best way I can celebrate the birth of Jesus?
A. Give lots of presents
B. Get lots of presents
C. Go to lots of parties
D. Eat lots of turkey
E. Watch lots of football
F. Believe that Jesus is God's Son, and receive Him as my own Lord and Savior
CORRECT ANSWERS & SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
11. E; Luke 2:16-20
12. F; Matthew 2:1 They weren’t “kings.”
13. C; Matthew 2:1-2
14. F; Matthew 2:1 Scripture does not mention their names
15. C; Matthew 2:11a
16. C; Matthew 2:11b
17. F; Matthew 2:11b There were three gifts. The number of Wise Men is unknown.
18. D; Matthew 2:13
19. B; Matthew 2:7-16
20. F; John 1:11-12
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Christmas Quiz, part 1
Apparently some folks out there artually read this article (for which I want to say, “Thank you very much!”), because after last week’s piece that included three questions from a “Christmas Quiz” we’ve done at my church, I’ve had several requests for the entire quiz. So, here is the first half of it. The rest will be in next week.
The correct answers with scripture references are at the end, so don’t peak until you’ve marked your answers. Try to answer according to what you think the Bible says, because it is our only accurate source for the truth about Christmas, but answer before you look it up.
Let’s learn to separate Christmas myth from Christmas truth!
1. Joseph and Mary were from where?
A. Bethlehem
B. Jerusalem
C. Nazareth
D. Egypt
E. Spain
F. Atlantis
2. When Joseph found out Mary was pregnant, what happened?
A. Joseph went to Solomon for advice.
B. Joseph wanted to end the engagement.
C. Mary left town for three months.
D. God told them to go to Bethlehem.
E. Joseph told Mary to get an abortion.
F. Both B and C
3. Who told Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem?
A. No one
B. God
C. Caesar Augustus
D. An angel
E. Mary's mother
F. Herod
4. Why did Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem?
A. To get married
B. For a vacation
C. To escape from Herod
D. To register in a census and pay taxes
E. To visit Mary's cousin Elizabeth
F. To look for work in a larger town
5. What did the innkeeper say to Mary and Joseph?
A. "There is no room in the inn."
B. "I have a stable you can use."
C. "Come back after the Christmas rush."
D. "You hicks can sleep in the barn."
E. "Go away, kids. You bother me."
F. No one really knows.
6. Which animals does the Bible say were present at Jesus' birth?
A. Cows, sheep and goats.
B. Cows, donkeys and sheep
C. Sheep and goats only
D. Unspecified farm animals
E. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
F. None of the above
7. When the angels came to the shepherds, what were they singing?
A. "Glory to God in the highest"
B. "Peace on earth, good will to men"
C. "White Christmas"
D. "Fear not, I bring you good tidings of great joy"
E. "R – E – S – P – E – C – T"
F. None of the above
8. When the angels came to the shepherds, what were they playing?
A. Gin rummy
B. Harps of gold
C. Little drums
D. Trumpets
E. Lutes and lyres
F. None of the above
9. What sign were the shepherds told to look for?
A. One that said, "This way to baby Jesus."
B. A star over Bethlehem
C. A baby that doesn't cry
D. A house with a Christmas tree
E. A baby in a stable
F. A baby in a manger
10.The baby Jesus cried . . .
A. because He had to sleep on hay.
B. seldom or never.
C. when the doctor spanked Him.
D. probably just like other babies.
E. because the cows scared Him.
F. when the little drummer boy started banging on his drum.
Here are the correct answers with scripture references:
1. C (Luke 1:26-27)
2. F (Matthew 1:18-19; Luke 1:35-39,56)
3. C (Luke 2:1,5-6)
4. D (Luke 2:5)
5. F (Luke 2:7)
6. F (Luke 2:16)
7. F (Luke 2:13 – the key word is "singing." They spoke, not sang.)
8. F (Luke 2:13-15)
9. F (Luke 2:12)
10. D (Hebrews 2:14; Philippians 2:6-8)
How many did you get right? If you know the truth, the truth shall set you free!
Ten more next week.
The correct answers with scripture references are at the end, so don’t peak until you’ve marked your answers. Try to answer according to what you think the Bible says, because it is our only accurate source for the truth about Christmas, but answer before you look it up.
Let’s learn to separate Christmas myth from Christmas truth!
1. Joseph and Mary were from where?
A. Bethlehem
B. Jerusalem
C. Nazareth
D. Egypt
E. Spain
F. Atlantis
2. When Joseph found out Mary was pregnant, what happened?
A. Joseph went to Solomon for advice.
B. Joseph wanted to end the engagement.
C. Mary left town for three months.
D. God told them to go to Bethlehem.
E. Joseph told Mary to get an abortion.
F. Both B and C
3. Who told Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem?
A. No one
B. God
C. Caesar Augustus
D. An angel
E. Mary's mother
F. Herod
4. Why did Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem?
A. To get married
B. For a vacation
C. To escape from Herod
D. To register in a census and pay taxes
E. To visit Mary's cousin Elizabeth
F. To look for work in a larger town
5. What did the innkeeper say to Mary and Joseph?
A. "There is no room in the inn."
B. "I have a stable you can use."
C. "Come back after the Christmas rush."
D. "You hicks can sleep in the barn."
E. "Go away, kids. You bother me."
F. No one really knows.
6. Which animals does the Bible say were present at Jesus' birth?
A. Cows, sheep and goats.
B. Cows, donkeys and sheep
C. Sheep and goats only
D. Unspecified farm animals
E. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
F. None of the above
7. When the angels came to the shepherds, what were they singing?
A. "Glory to God in the highest"
B. "Peace on earth, good will to men"
C. "White Christmas"
D. "Fear not, I bring you good tidings of great joy"
E. "R – E – S – P – E – C – T"
F. None of the above
8. When the angels came to the shepherds, what were they playing?
A. Gin rummy
B. Harps of gold
C. Little drums
D. Trumpets
E. Lutes and lyres
F. None of the above
9. What sign were the shepherds told to look for?
A. One that said, "This way to baby Jesus."
B. A star over Bethlehem
C. A baby that doesn't cry
D. A house with a Christmas tree
E. A baby in a stable
F. A baby in a manger
10.The baby Jesus cried . . .
A. because He had to sleep on hay.
B. seldom or never.
C. when the doctor spanked Him.
D. probably just like other babies.
E. because the cows scared Him.
F. when the little drummer boy started banging on his drum.
Here are the correct answers with scripture references:
1. C (Luke 1:26-27)
2. F (Matthew 1:18-19; Luke 1:35-39,56)
3. C (Luke 2:1,5-6)
4. D (Luke 2:5)
5. F (Luke 2:7)
6. F (Luke 2:16)
7. F (Luke 2:13 – the key word is "singing." They spoke, not sang.)
8. F (Luke 2:13-15)
9. F (Luke 2:12)
10. D (Hebrews 2:14; Philippians 2:6-8)
How many did you get right? If you know the truth, the truth shall set you free!
Ten more next week.
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