Christmas is for children, we say.
And, who doesn’t enjoy the look of joy and excitement on the face of a child on Christmas morning!
Of course what we celebrate with children on Christmas morning has very little, or nothing at all, to do with the stories of our faith.
Even the nativity story we all know so well is an amalgam of many diverse stories melded together nowhere in our sacred texts.
As a pastor for some 45 years, I have labored for a more educated understanding of the basic truths that underlie the stories we know so well.
At the end of the day, Christmas is important to us not primarily for children; but, because it is primarily a story for adults.
Take a look at the very earliest writings we have –
the letters of Paul and some of the writings that were found in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Nag Hammadi and other places in the desert country of Egypt and Syria and Palestine,
and the very earliest Gospel in our Bible:
the Gospel of Mark – which was published around the year 70.
We actually have several texts now that were published during these early years – during the first 75 years or so after Jesus was killed.
And, look as we may, it is obvious that none of these texts say anything at all about the birth of Jesus.
It just was not important to them.
Yes, Jesus was a pivotal figure in their history,
yes, Jesus was a pivotal figure in their faith,
yes, Jesus was a pivotal figure in their life experience – in their understanding of who they were and what they to do.
Clearly, they each articulate a faith that in Jesus, they saw God incarnate – God in the flesh –
for them, Jesus was Emmanuel – God with us.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Monday, December 21, 2015
The Christmas Stories Are Stories of Theophanies
Advent is a time the church concentrates on preparing for Christmas.
Christmas is so important to our faith.
It is so basic to our understanding of God and Jesus.
Without Christmas – and the stories that are told about it –
the rest of our faith would be nonsense.
I really like Advent and Christmas and Epiphany.
It gives us a chance to get down to the raw basics and to hear stories that impact our faith and how it gets expressed in our lives.
The Christmas stories are stories of theophanies – encounters with the holy – culminating in the ultimate theophany: Emmanuel! –
the incarnation of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
the Creator of all that is,
the great Jehovah, into our very lives.
The Christmas stores are stories of cracks that occurred in the cosmic egg that traditionally separates the holy from the mundane –
cracks through which people were able to glimpse the divine,
cracks through which people encountered the holy.
Traditionally, during this Advent season our churches purposefully focus on these encounters with the holy from days gone by – through the stories we hear and the stories we tell.
Through our telling and hearing these stores again, this Christmas, maybe, just maybe, you and I can encounter the Holy.
Oh, I am convinced that we do encounter the holy just as we hear they did in days of yore.
It’s just that usually, we don’t recognize it when it happens.
Even when the very skies open and the celestial voices sing, we are prone to ignore it –
perhaps because we are so preoccupied with enhancing our own display.
The stories of our faith are good stories.
And, they have lasted through the years because they speak of truth – truth that ring to the heart of all who hear them.
But, if we let them remain as stories of people of another time, of days gone by, we do them – and we do us – a disservice.
For, they are true.
And they speak to our reality.
This year I invite you on a quest to encounter the holy.
I am convinced that we can.
I know that we do.
Let us take this time before Christmas to sharpen our senses and to hone our skills so that, like the people in our Christmas stories, we can point to times the holy breaks through in our lives,
to recognize it when it happens,
and to celebrate when it does.
So, in church each week we will be looking for the breakthroughs in the stories of our faith and in the days of our lives.
We will pay attention to the messengers of the Lord that come to us – is they did to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds.
Our stories tell us to be alert to our dreams and heed them as Joseph and Simeon and the Magi did;
to listen for the celestial song – the music of the spheres – as the shepherds heard;
to see what happens when hospitality is practiced – remembering the Innkeeper and the Table of The Lord;
and, to learn to celebrate the incarnation – Emmanuel! – Christmas Day and every day.
May you encounter the holy this Christmas.
Christmas is so important to our faith.
It is so basic to our understanding of God and Jesus.
Without Christmas – and the stories that are told about it –
the rest of our faith would be nonsense.
I really like Advent and Christmas and Epiphany.
It gives us a chance to get down to the raw basics and to hear stories that impact our faith and how it gets expressed in our lives.
The Christmas stories are stories of theophanies – encounters with the holy – culminating in the ultimate theophany: Emmanuel! –
the incarnation of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
the Creator of all that is,
the great Jehovah, into our very lives.
The Christmas stores are stories of cracks that occurred in the cosmic egg that traditionally separates the holy from the mundane –
cracks through which people were able to glimpse the divine,
cracks through which people encountered the holy.
Traditionally, during this Advent season our churches purposefully focus on these encounters with the holy from days gone by – through the stories we hear and the stories we tell.
Through our telling and hearing these stores again, this Christmas, maybe, just maybe, you and I can encounter the Holy.
Oh, I am convinced that we do encounter the holy just as we hear they did in days of yore.
It’s just that usually, we don’t recognize it when it happens.
Even when the very skies open and the celestial voices sing, we are prone to ignore it –
perhaps because we are so preoccupied with enhancing our own display.
The stories of our faith are good stories.
And, they have lasted through the years because they speak of truth – truth that ring to the heart of all who hear them.
But, if we let them remain as stories of people of another time, of days gone by, we do them – and we do us – a disservice.
For, they are true.
And they speak to our reality.
This year I invite you on a quest to encounter the holy.
I am convinced that we can.
I know that we do.
Let us take this time before Christmas to sharpen our senses and to hone our skills so that, like the people in our Christmas stories, we can point to times the holy breaks through in our lives,
to recognize it when it happens,
and to celebrate when it does.
So, in church each week we will be looking for the breakthroughs in the stories of our faith and in the days of our lives.
We will pay attention to the messengers of the Lord that come to us – is they did to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds.
Our stories tell us to be alert to our dreams and heed them as Joseph and Simeon and the Magi did;
to listen for the celestial song – the music of the spheres – as the shepherds heard;
to see what happens when hospitality is practiced – remembering the Innkeeper and the Table of The Lord;
and, to learn to celebrate the incarnation – Emmanuel! – Christmas Day and every day.
May you encounter the holy this Christmas.
Sunday, December 20, 2015
All Our Religious Experience Is for Naught Unless We Know and Experience Emmanuel – God With Us.
For many of us, Christmas can be a confusing time, can’t it?
Bright lights, crowded stores, parties and obligations to keep track of, ads for this and ads for that – there is much that vies for attention, isn’t there?
In the midst of all of the busyness, it is difficult to know which way to turn.
We may want to experience the joy and peace of the season, and yet we often don’t know were to begin.
Within the ever-present cacophony of the world around us, our church tries to focus attention on the real reason for the season.
Especially these days, I think, we are called to be alert, to watch out, to look around, to keep hoping, and to be proactive in welcoming Emmanuel.
For indeed, all our religious experience is for naught unless we know and experience Emmanuel – God With Us.
That’s what Christmas is all about.
That’s what we affirm.
That’s what we celebrate.
This year, promise yourself to take time periodically to read the stories of Emmanuel:
the stories of John the Baptist,
the story of Mary the mother of Jesus, the story of Joseph, the stories of the birth of Jesus,
the story of the wise men, the story of the shepherds,
the story of old Simeon,
the story of old Anna.
Once again, I ask, where are these stories being told today?
Not on TV.
Not in school.
Not in many family gatherings.
It is so important to make church a part of our schedule – especially at this time of year. [Perhaps there should be a rule: no opening of presents until after the Christmas Eve Candlelight service of stories and songs.]
Children need to hear these stories.
Adults need to hear these stories.
We all need to hear these stories.
Churches all over the country will be telling the story with song.
We will be telling the story with words.
We will be telling the story with prayer.
We will be telling the story with communion.
We will be telling the story with visual symbols.
We will be telling the story with graphic symbols.
We will telling the story with candlelight.
We will be telling the story in a hundred ways.
Yes, we affirm Emmanuel!
We celebrate Emmanuel!
Our God is with us!
Don’t miss his presence this year!
See you in church –
and bring someone with you.
Bright lights, crowded stores, parties and obligations to keep track of, ads for this and ads for that – there is much that vies for attention, isn’t there?
In the midst of all of the busyness, it is difficult to know which way to turn.
We may want to experience the joy and peace of the season, and yet we often don’t know were to begin.
Within the ever-present cacophony of the world around us, our church tries to focus attention on the real reason for the season.
Especially these days, I think, we are called to be alert, to watch out, to look around, to keep hoping, and to be proactive in welcoming Emmanuel.
For indeed, all our religious experience is for naught unless we know and experience Emmanuel – God With Us.
That’s what Christmas is all about.
That’s what we affirm.
That’s what we celebrate.
This year, promise yourself to take time periodically to read the stories of Emmanuel:
the stories of John the Baptist,
the story of Mary the mother of Jesus, the story of Joseph, the stories of the birth of Jesus,
the story of the wise men, the story of the shepherds,
the story of old Simeon,
the story of old Anna.
Once again, I ask, where are these stories being told today?
Not on TV.
Not in school.
Not in many family gatherings.
It is so important to make church a part of our schedule – especially at this time of year. [Perhaps there should be a rule: no opening of presents until after the Christmas Eve Candlelight service of stories and songs.]
Children need to hear these stories.
Adults need to hear these stories.
We all need to hear these stories.
Churches all over the country will be telling the story with song.
We will be telling the story with words.
We will be telling the story with prayer.
We will be telling the story with communion.
We will be telling the story with visual symbols.
We will be telling the story with graphic symbols.
We will telling the story with candlelight.
We will be telling the story in a hundred ways.
Yes, we affirm Emmanuel!
We celebrate Emmanuel!
Our God is with us!
Don’t miss his presence this year!
See you in church –
and bring someone with you.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Christmas Not Primarily About the Birth of A Baby
The Christmas we -- and the world around us -- celebrates really has little to do with the Christmas that is so much a part of our faith history.
It may surprise you to know that for over 300 years nobody celebrated the birthday of Jesus.
The stories and pictures that you and I value about the birth of Jesus and all the events around that — simply were not important to the early Christians.
For 300 years they did not worship a baby.
They worshiped an adult "Emmanuel" —
through which they kept having encounters with the holy.
These encounters were important to them.
It was the basis of their new faith.
In most cultures in the world, Christmas is not primarily a day for children.
In fact, throughout our faith history Christmas is for adults.
Although the early believers simply did not celebrate the birthday of Jesus, there is ample evidence that Christians have always recognized and celebrated the specialness of Jesus — universally called the Christ — and identified in Matthew as Emmanuel — God With Us.
Especially in these days and times, I think it would do us well to look at how those earliest Christians celebrated Emmanuel —
and look for clues as how you and I can have the very best Christmas ever this year,
celebrating the Presence of Christ, God With Us, Emmanuel.
It may surprise you to know that for over 300 years nobody celebrated the birthday of Jesus.
The stories and pictures that you and I value about the birth of Jesus and all the events around that — simply were not important to the early Christians.
For 300 years they did not worship a baby.
They worshiped an adult "Emmanuel" —
through which they kept having encounters with the holy.
These encounters were important to them.
It was the basis of their new faith.
In most cultures in the world, Christmas is not primarily a day for children.
In fact, throughout our faith history Christmas is for adults.
Although the early believers simply did not celebrate the birthday of Jesus, there is ample evidence that Christians have always recognized and celebrated the specialness of Jesus — universally called the Christ — and identified in Matthew as Emmanuel — God With Us.
Especially in these days and times, I think it would do us well to look at how those earliest Christians celebrated Emmanuel —
and look for clues as how you and I can have the very best Christmas ever this year,
celebrating the Presence of Christ, God With Us, Emmanuel.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
The Single Most Powerful Voice to Inspire the Colonists Was the Pulpit .
Clergymen surveyed the events swirling around them, and by 1775 liberals and evangelicals, Congregationalists and Presbyterians,
men and women –
all saw in British actions grounds for armed resistance.
In fact, not only was it right for colonists to resist British "tyranny,"
to hear the preachers, it would actually be sinful not to pick up guns.
They latched on to Parliament's 1766 Declaratory Act, which stated that Parliament had sovereignty over the colonies "in all cases whatsoever."
You see, for the ministers, this phrase took on the air of blasphemy.
These were fighting words – not only because they violated principles of representative government but even more because they violated the logic of their fundamental Presbyterian belief of sola Scriptura ("Scripture alone"),
and God's exclusive claim to sovereignty "in all cases whatsoever."
You see, from the first colonial settlements, Americans – especially New England Americans – were accustomed to constraining all power and granting absolute authority to no mere human being.
For Presbyterian and Reformed colonists, these ideas were tied up with their historic, covenant theology.
At stake was the preservation of their identity as a covenant people.
Not only did Parliament's claims of control “in all things whatsoever” represent tyranny, they also represented idolatry.
For colonists to honor those claims would be tantamount to forsaking God and abdicating their national covenant pledge to "have no other gods" before them.
So, to the question as to who determines whether government is "moral and religious",
In the Revolutionary era, the answer was simple: the individual.
The political and religious connotations were so closely intertwined that it was virtually impossible for colonists to separate them.
Throughout all the colonies, the preachers goaded, consoled, and impelled colonists forward in the cause of independence.
The pulpit served as the single most powerful voice to inspire the colonists.
For most American ministers and many in their congregations, the religious dimension of the war was precisely the point of revolution.
Would our faith be so strong
that if we were confronted with a proclamation of someone declaring sovereignty over us in all cases whatsoever, would we be moved to do anything about it?
Well, we are here today, so we can thank God that there were some who were moved to proclaim that God has exclusive claim to sovereignty in all cases whatsoever.
And, there can be no mere human beings who have absolute authority over us.
And, so let us rememeber that there was a time when religious beliefs greatly affected political and social issues.
men and women –
all saw in British actions grounds for armed resistance.
In fact, not only was it right for colonists to resist British "tyranny,"
to hear the preachers, it would actually be sinful not to pick up guns.
They latched on to Parliament's 1766 Declaratory Act, which stated that Parliament had sovereignty over the colonies "in all cases whatsoever."
You see, for the ministers, this phrase took on the air of blasphemy.
These were fighting words – not only because they violated principles of representative government but even more because they violated the logic of their fundamental Presbyterian belief of sola Scriptura ("Scripture alone"),
and God's exclusive claim to sovereignty "in all cases whatsoever."
You see, from the first colonial settlements, Americans – especially New England Americans – were accustomed to constraining all power and granting absolute authority to no mere human being.
For Presbyterian and Reformed colonists, these ideas were tied up with their historic, covenant theology.
At stake was the preservation of their identity as a covenant people.
Not only did Parliament's claims of control “in all things whatsoever” represent tyranny, they also represented idolatry.
For colonists to honor those claims would be tantamount to forsaking God and abdicating their national covenant pledge to "have no other gods" before them.
So, to the question as to who determines whether government is "moral and religious",
In the Revolutionary era, the answer was simple: the individual.
The political and religious connotations were so closely intertwined that it was virtually impossible for colonists to separate them.
Throughout all the colonies, the preachers goaded, consoled, and impelled colonists forward in the cause of independence.
The pulpit served as the single most powerful voice to inspire the colonists.
For most American ministers and many in their congregations, the religious dimension of the war was precisely the point of revolution.
Would our faith be so strong
that if we were confronted with a proclamation of someone declaring sovereignty over us in all cases whatsoever, would we be moved to do anything about it?
Well, we are here today, so we can thank God that there were some who were moved to proclaim that God has exclusive claim to sovereignty in all cases whatsoever.
And, there can be no mere human beings who have absolute authority over us.
And, so let us rememeber that there was a time when religious beliefs greatly affected political and social issues.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Lest We Forget: The Role of the Preacher in the American Revolution
Folks in colonial America heard sermons more than any other form of communication.
The colonial preacher was prophet,
newspaper,
video,
Internet,
community college,
and social therapist all wrapped in one.
Their influence on all aspects of life in those days was so great, that even contemporary television and personal computers pale in comparison.
Day after day,
week after week,
ministers drew the people into a rhetorical world that was more compelling and more immediate than the physical settlements surrounding them.
Sermons taught not only the way to personal salvation in Christ,
but also the way to temporal and national prosperity for God's chosen people.
Events were perceived not from the mundane, human vantage point
but from God's perspective.
The vast majority of colonists were Presbyterian
to whom things were not as they might appear at ground level:
all events, no matter how mundane or seemingly random, were parts of a larger pattern of meaning, part of God's providential design.
The outlines of this pattern were contained in Scripture and interpreted by discerning pastors.
Colonial congregations saw themselves as the "New Israel,"
endowed with a sacred mission that destined them as lead actors in the last triumphant chapter in redemption history.
The colonial preacher was prophet,
newspaper,
video,
Internet,
community college,
and social therapist all wrapped in one.
Their influence on all aspects of life in those days was so great, that even contemporary television and personal computers pale in comparison.
Day after day,
week after week,
ministers drew the people into a rhetorical world that was more compelling and more immediate than the physical settlements surrounding them.
Sermons taught not only the way to personal salvation in Christ,
but also the way to temporal and national prosperity for God's chosen people.
Events were perceived not from the mundane, human vantage point
but from God's perspective.
The vast majority of colonists were Presbyterian
to whom things were not as they might appear at ground level:
all events, no matter how mundane or seemingly random, were parts of a larger pattern of meaning, part of God's providential design.
The outlines of this pattern were contained in Scripture and interpreted by discerning pastors.
Colonial congregations saw themselves as the "New Israel,"
endowed with a sacred mission that destined them as lead actors in the last triumphant chapter in redemption history.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
The American Revolution Was a Religious Event
Later this week we in the United States of America will celebrate our 239th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
It is significant for us to remember, many historians agree that when understood in its own times,
the American Revolution was first and foremost a religious event.
At the forefront of the revolution were the preachers.
Think about the influence of the preachers:
Over the span of the colonial era, American ministers delivered approximately 8 million sermons, each lasting one to one-and-a-half hours.
The average 70-year-old colonial churchgoer would have listened to some 7,000 sermons in his or her lifetime, totaling nearly 10,000 hours of concentrated listening.
No matter what denomination,
folks in colonial America heard sermons more than any other form of communication.
It is significant for us to remember, many historians agree that when understood in its own times,
the American Revolution was first and foremost a religious event.
At the forefront of the revolution were the preachers.
Think about the influence of the preachers:
Over the span of the colonial era, American ministers delivered approximately 8 million sermons, each lasting one to one-and-a-half hours.
The average 70-year-old colonial churchgoer would have listened to some 7,000 sermons in his or her lifetime, totaling nearly 10,000 hours of concentrated listening.
No matter what denomination,
folks in colonial America heard sermons more than any other form of communication.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Why We Should Remember Palm Sunday and the Parade
The parade into Jerusalem turned into one
of the most significant events in the lives of the
first century Christians.
Today we remember Palm Sunday --
the beginning of the week that was –
Jesus' entrance into the city of Jerusalem.
According to Mark and Matthew this was the first time Jesus ever went to the big city.
Up until now, his entire ministry, his entire life,
had been spent out in the hinterlands, in Jabip,
in little rural communities within walking distance of one another in the countryside known as Galilee.
But, now he went to Jerusalem --
the capital city --
the only big city --
the center of commerce for the whole region --
but, more importantly, the sacred city,
the home of the Temple,
the Holy See of the Jewish faith,
the center of all Judaism.
And here comes Jesus – the country-boy,
the itinerant preacher,
a man on a mission –
and a small rag tag band of his followers,
all simple county-folk,
all probably approaching the big city for the first time in their lives.
No doubt there was excitement in the air –
and a lot of fear and apprehension.
They all had heard stories about the city.
How you had to watch yourself at every turn.
They did things differently in the city.
They knew not about city ways, city customs, about city life.
His closest followers tried to talk Jesus out of going:
We've been fairly successful getting the word out around the country-side.
There is still much to be done among our kind of people.
Why rock the boat?
Why move into Jerusalem now?
Why not stay where we are a little longer?
But, Jesus was on a mission.
It was like he was obsessed –
he was drawn to the city –
he had to go.
In spite of the warnings, Jesus approached the city.
Today, we come here and we remember the parade.
It is right for us take time each year to remember, and to be reminded of, the parade.
One preacher asserts that it is the longest running parade in history!
Our parade is older, and far more meaningful, than the Mummer’s parade.
Our parade is older, and far more meaningful than Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Our parade is older, and far more meaningful than the St. Patrick’s Day parade, the Columbus Day parade, and any “other-Day” parade you can think of.
Our parade could be the original “ticker-tape” parade –
the original million man march –
the original demonstration march.
Parades seem to have a way of stirring up emotions and releasing us from inhibitions, don’t they?
(I believe that is one of the main motivating factors for those who participate in the Mummers Day Parade each year.)
It's what we see in Marti Gras parades.
And it's what we see happening in our scripture reading today.
Contrary to some of the movies you have seen,
not every one in Jerusalem participated in the parade that day.
To be sure, most people didn't know anything was going on – or hadn't a clue what it was about if they did see it happening.
It would have been not unlike a demonstration on Broad Street that ties up traffic during rush hour some times.
Unless you were there, and encountered the crowds, you wouldn't even have known what had happened.
And even if you were there, chances are you wouldn't have had a clue as what they were protesting, or celebrating.
But, the parade into Jerusalem turned into one
of the most significant events in the lives of the
first century Christians.
This parade was extremely significant to the Gospel writers and the early church.
It is one of very few events all four gospels describe.
In fact, I can think of no other event in the life of Jesus that occurs in all four gospels –
all four gospels speak of Jesus entering into Jerusalem riding on the back of a donkey
and being ushered through the streets by a parade of folks dancing and singing and carrying on.
It was an important event.
It was a significant event.
It was a meaningful event.
It was an event worth remembering for those early Christians.
I believe that it is an event worth remembering for us, as well.
I think it is important for us to remember Palm Sunday for three reasons:
As they did in Jerusalem that day, it is right and important for us to recognize the Christ that comes in to our busy lives, (even – and maybe especially – when we are not expecting it);
and
As they did in Jerusalem that day, it is right and important for us to take a public stand and give public witness to our faith;
and
As they did in Jerusalem that day, it is right and important for us to party – to celebrate the presence of Christ.
It was Palm Sunday, and the mother’s 3-year old son had to stay home from church because of strep throat. When the rest of the family came back from church carrying the palm branches, the little boy asked what they were for.
His mother explained, “Well, people held them over their heads and waved as Jesus walked by.”
The boy fumed:
“Wouldn’t you know it. The one Sunday I don’t go, and Jesus shows up.”
The city was crowded on that day.
It was the high holy festival of Passover.
In those days there were no Synagogues in the towns around Galilee – so everyone had to go to the Temple in Jerusalem for proper observance of the holy day.
Jerusalem was the largest city for hundreds of miles – it was a cosmopolitan place populated by people from all corners of the world –
from all walks of life –
and filled to overflowing with tourists –
visitors –
pilgrims –
there for the festival.
The narrow streets were crowded with the hustle and bustle of people going from here to there and back again.
And, every once in a while, someone important would come through.
Horses and chariots were used to make a hole in the crowd and move VIPs through the throngs. Oftentimes the VIPs would have entourages moving through the crowds with them and people would have to stand back and make a way for them go through.
So, there were many mini-parades like this through the streets of the city every day of the year – and even more so this day.
And, so the Gospel writers tell us that Jesus entered the city that day with his entourage –
in many ways mocking the VIP parades.
Now, when I think about this story, I think if I were writing the script it would be somewhat different.
I would have Jesus coming in riding on a blazing white stallion, (you know?), kicking up a cloud of dust as He rode along.
The people he passed would be in awe of such a beautiful animal –
but they would be even more awestruck by the man who was riding it.
As Jesus passed by, you could hear the people say,
"Who was that masked man?"
You see, there were bad guys on the loose and Jesus had a job to do.
As he rode into Jerusalem he would quickly size up the situation and form a plan to capture the ring leader of the trouble makers:
Diablo, the Evil One.
There would be a short fight, (like at the OK Corral) but the outcome would never be in doubt.
Jesus easily defeats Diablo.
He handcuffs the devil and throws him in jail.
As a large crowd of people gathers to see what the commotion was all about, Jesus mounts his horse and pulls on the reins.
His pure white stallion stands on its hind legs, neighing loudly, and pawing the air with itsfront legs.
When it stands as tall as it could stand, Jesus leans forward in the saddle.
Holding the reins with one hand while lifting his white hat in the air with the other,
he shouts with a loud voice, "Hi Ho Silver,
the Lone Savior."
As Jesus road off into the sunset, the music begins
to play softly gets louder and louder.
(The William Tell Overture).
{Adapted from "Not the Lone Ranger, But the Lone Savior," by Roger Griffith}
Well, you know, it really must have seemed rather comic-like to some, when the long-awaited Messiah entered the city –
even though it was all happening according to what the Hebrew Scriptures had said –
the Messiah would come lowly and humble,
on the back of a donkey.
While the image should have brought people's minds to the teachings, which one would expect them to recall,
just like us –
in the midst of things happening around us –
they probably did not make the connection,
at least not immediately.
The disciples of Jesus seem to be somewhat confused in the whole thing themselves.
It was, however, a well thought out, pre-planned event, at least on the part of Jesus.
It was in no way a haphazard plan, was it?
It was meant to be an exact representation, which would convey a precise message to all who would see it – hear about it.
We are reminded, nevertheless, that it really did not make all that much sense,
nor was it understood, until after Easter!
While the hosannas and hoopla that accompanied Jesus as he made his way into Jerusalem on the spindly donkey colt may have seemed spontaneous, today’s text from Mark suggests that he knew exactly what he was doing,
and his entourage even knew exactly what was expected of them.
* Jesus set the stage by calling for the scripturally prescribed animal.
* The disciples acted with complete and immediate obedience – a sure sign that they knew something was up.
* And, apparently, at least some in the City that day seeing Jesus approach, already accompanied by his own disciples and by those he had previously healed and taught, knew what they were seeing.
* Observant Jews, pious travelers on their way into Jerusalem for Passover, had also heard stories of this man Jesus.
Now, as he appeared mounted on the donkey colt, some of the people brought their long-established traditions, their long-held hopes, to life.
They joyfully joined in the moment,
celebrating the symbolic arrival of a messianic figure,
a prophet as foretold,
with the cries and obeisance deserved by such a dignitary.
They recognized and celebrated the presence of Christ in their midst – even as they had pressing business at hand to attend to.
As we remember and attempt to recreate the moment Jesus processed into Jerusalem,
we reveal a vital truth about ourselves to our friends and neighbors.
This truth is, we are Christians.
Our faith has feet.
This parade is part of a vital heritage,
a history of sacrifice and service,
of triumph and love.
It is up to each new generation of believers to keep the story of this moment alive so that Jesus himself lives on in the church.
So, today, we celebrate and remember.
But where does it go from there?
Does our marching have a destination?
If all we do at the conclusion of Palm Sunday is hunker down and hide our identity,
then like those folks that welcomed him with shouts in Jerusalem,
we too are abandoning Jesus the moment he gets off the donkey.
How can we justify going back to life as usual when we have just shouted in the arrival and recognition of the Christos Praesence – the presence of God right there in their midst?
How can we become true participants in the longest running parade in history — the Jesus parade?
It seems to me that the essence of a parade is a party atmosphere and party spirit.
And the faith question for each of us today is:
Can your spirit party even when everything around you is falling down and coming apart?
Can you trust Jesus enough to party through the jeers as well as the cheers?
Can you wave palm branches and sing hosannas in good times – and in bad times,
in the midst of sorrows as well as celebrations,
on Good Friday as well as No-Name Saturday
and Easter morning.
Today, we need to remember there really should be one membership requirement for all those who would join the Jesus parade:
Do you promise to party and celebrate the God who became one of us in good times and bad, for better and for worse?
Any church that remembers and celebrates the parade of others in time past, as they waved tree parts in the air, singing at the top of their lungs, and carrying on so
should also require all its congregation, as part of their membership vows, to sign a party agreement form: you get kicked out if you can’t/won’t party.
What is making us a hardened-heart, stiff-necked people?
What is making us closed-eared, stone-faced, frostbitten?
What is sapping our joy?
What is shutting down our parade?
What is sending us scuttling home to hide?
I think the message for us is that we need to keep the party going
and to keep the parade moving – in good times and bad.
It’s a matter of faith.
It’s a matter of faith affirmation.
It’s a matter of affirming in the face of the whole world around us that Christ is head of our life – come what may, no matter what.
You can’t join the Jesus parade and not celebrate.
When you join the Jesus parade, you party.
You wave your hands and dance for joy –
not just when life is going your way –
but even when that Perfect Storm called Good Friday hits with all its might.
Palm Sunday reminds us to party on people –
in good times and in bad.
Christ is here.
Celebrate!
Hozanna!
Amen!
The Congregation of Christ Pesbyterian Church of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, USA (RIP) heard this sermon on Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011
of the most significant events in the lives of the
first century Christians.
Today we remember Palm Sunday --
the beginning of the week that was –
Jesus' entrance into the city of Jerusalem.
According to Mark and Matthew this was the first time Jesus ever went to the big city.
Up until now, his entire ministry, his entire life,
had been spent out in the hinterlands, in Jabip,
in little rural communities within walking distance of one another in the countryside known as Galilee.
But, now he went to Jerusalem --
the capital city --
the only big city --
the center of commerce for the whole region --
but, more importantly, the sacred city,
the home of the Temple,
the Holy See of the Jewish faith,
the center of all Judaism.
And here comes Jesus – the country-boy,
the itinerant preacher,
a man on a mission –
and a small rag tag band of his followers,
all simple county-folk,
all probably approaching the big city for the first time in their lives.
No doubt there was excitement in the air –
and a lot of fear and apprehension.
They all had heard stories about the city.
How you had to watch yourself at every turn.
They did things differently in the city.
They knew not about city ways, city customs, about city life.
His closest followers tried to talk Jesus out of going:
We've been fairly successful getting the word out around the country-side.
There is still much to be done among our kind of people.
Why rock the boat?
Why move into Jerusalem now?
Why not stay where we are a little longer?
But, Jesus was on a mission.
It was like he was obsessed –
he was drawn to the city –
he had to go.
In spite of the warnings, Jesus approached the city.
Today, we come here and we remember the parade.
It is right for us take time each year to remember, and to be reminded of, the parade.
One preacher asserts that it is the longest running parade in history!
Our parade is older, and far more meaningful, than the Mummer’s parade.
Our parade is older, and far more meaningful than Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
Our parade is older, and far more meaningful than the St. Patrick’s Day parade, the Columbus Day parade, and any “other-Day” parade you can think of.
Our parade could be the original “ticker-tape” parade –
the original million man march –
the original demonstration march.
Parades seem to have a way of stirring up emotions and releasing us from inhibitions, don’t they?
(I believe that is one of the main motivating factors for those who participate in the Mummers Day Parade each year.)
It's what we see in Marti Gras parades.
And it's what we see happening in our scripture reading today.
Contrary to some of the movies you have seen,
not every one in Jerusalem participated in the parade that day.
To be sure, most people didn't know anything was going on – or hadn't a clue what it was about if they did see it happening.
It would have been not unlike a demonstration on Broad Street that ties up traffic during rush hour some times.
Unless you were there, and encountered the crowds, you wouldn't even have known what had happened.
And even if you were there, chances are you wouldn't have had a clue as what they were protesting, or celebrating.
But, the parade into Jerusalem turned into one
of the most significant events in the lives of the
first century Christians.
This parade was extremely significant to the Gospel writers and the early church.
It is one of very few events all four gospels describe.
In fact, I can think of no other event in the life of Jesus that occurs in all four gospels –
all four gospels speak of Jesus entering into Jerusalem riding on the back of a donkey
and being ushered through the streets by a parade of folks dancing and singing and carrying on.
It was an important event.
It was a significant event.
It was a meaningful event.
It was an event worth remembering for those early Christians.
I believe that it is an event worth remembering for us, as well.
I think it is important for us to remember Palm Sunday for three reasons:
As they did in Jerusalem that day, it is right and important for us to recognize the Christ that comes in to our busy lives, (even – and maybe especially – when we are not expecting it);
and
As they did in Jerusalem that day, it is right and important for us to take a public stand and give public witness to our faith;
and
As they did in Jerusalem that day, it is right and important for us to party – to celebrate the presence of Christ.
It was Palm Sunday, and the mother’s 3-year old son had to stay home from church because of strep throat. When the rest of the family came back from church carrying the palm branches, the little boy asked what they were for.
His mother explained, “Well, people held them over their heads and waved as Jesus walked by.”
The boy fumed:
“Wouldn’t you know it. The one Sunday I don’t go, and Jesus shows up.”
The city was crowded on that day.
It was the high holy festival of Passover.
In those days there were no Synagogues in the towns around Galilee – so everyone had to go to the Temple in Jerusalem for proper observance of the holy day.
Jerusalem was the largest city for hundreds of miles – it was a cosmopolitan place populated by people from all corners of the world –
from all walks of life –
and filled to overflowing with tourists –
visitors –
pilgrims –
there for the festival.
The narrow streets were crowded with the hustle and bustle of people going from here to there and back again.
And, every once in a while, someone important would come through.
Horses and chariots were used to make a hole in the crowd and move VIPs through the throngs. Oftentimes the VIPs would have entourages moving through the crowds with them and people would have to stand back and make a way for them go through.
So, there were many mini-parades like this through the streets of the city every day of the year – and even more so this day.
And, so the Gospel writers tell us that Jesus entered the city that day with his entourage –
in many ways mocking the VIP parades.
Now, when I think about this story, I think if I were writing the script it would be somewhat different.
I would have Jesus coming in riding on a blazing white stallion, (you know?), kicking up a cloud of dust as He rode along.
The people he passed would be in awe of such a beautiful animal –
but they would be even more awestruck by the man who was riding it.
As Jesus passed by, you could hear the people say,
"Who was that masked man?"
You see, there were bad guys on the loose and Jesus had a job to do.
As he rode into Jerusalem he would quickly size up the situation and form a plan to capture the ring leader of the trouble makers:
Diablo, the Evil One.
There would be a short fight, (like at the OK Corral) but the outcome would never be in doubt.
Jesus easily defeats Diablo.
He handcuffs the devil and throws him in jail.
As a large crowd of people gathers to see what the commotion was all about, Jesus mounts his horse and pulls on the reins.
His pure white stallion stands on its hind legs, neighing loudly, and pawing the air with itsfront legs.
When it stands as tall as it could stand, Jesus leans forward in the saddle.
Holding the reins with one hand while lifting his white hat in the air with the other,
he shouts with a loud voice, "Hi Ho Silver,
the Lone Savior."
As Jesus road off into the sunset, the music begins
to play softly gets louder and louder.
(The William Tell Overture).
{Adapted from "Not the Lone Ranger, But the Lone Savior," by Roger Griffith}
Well, you know, it really must have seemed rather comic-like to some, when the long-awaited Messiah entered the city –
even though it was all happening according to what the Hebrew Scriptures had said –
the Messiah would come lowly and humble,
on the back of a donkey.
While the image should have brought people's minds to the teachings, which one would expect them to recall,
just like us –
in the midst of things happening around us –
they probably did not make the connection,
at least not immediately.
The disciples of Jesus seem to be somewhat confused in the whole thing themselves.
It was, however, a well thought out, pre-planned event, at least on the part of Jesus.
It was in no way a haphazard plan, was it?
It was meant to be an exact representation, which would convey a precise message to all who would see it – hear about it.
We are reminded, nevertheless, that it really did not make all that much sense,
nor was it understood, until after Easter!
While the hosannas and hoopla that accompanied Jesus as he made his way into Jerusalem on the spindly donkey colt may have seemed spontaneous, today’s text from Mark suggests that he knew exactly what he was doing,
and his entourage even knew exactly what was expected of them.
* Jesus set the stage by calling for the scripturally prescribed animal.
* The disciples acted with complete and immediate obedience – a sure sign that they knew something was up.
* And, apparently, at least some in the City that day seeing Jesus approach, already accompanied by his own disciples and by those he had previously healed and taught, knew what they were seeing.
* Observant Jews, pious travelers on their way into Jerusalem for Passover, had also heard stories of this man Jesus.
Now, as he appeared mounted on the donkey colt, some of the people brought their long-established traditions, their long-held hopes, to life.
They joyfully joined in the moment,
celebrating the symbolic arrival of a messianic figure,
a prophet as foretold,
with the cries and obeisance deserved by such a dignitary.
They recognized and celebrated the presence of Christ in their midst – even as they had pressing business at hand to attend to.
As we remember and attempt to recreate the moment Jesus processed into Jerusalem,
we reveal a vital truth about ourselves to our friends and neighbors.
This truth is, we are Christians.
Our faith has feet.
This parade is part of a vital heritage,
a history of sacrifice and service,
of triumph and love.
It is up to each new generation of believers to keep the story of this moment alive so that Jesus himself lives on in the church.
So, today, we celebrate and remember.
But where does it go from there?
Does our marching have a destination?
If all we do at the conclusion of Palm Sunday is hunker down and hide our identity,
then like those folks that welcomed him with shouts in Jerusalem,
we too are abandoning Jesus the moment he gets off the donkey.
How can we justify going back to life as usual when we have just shouted in the arrival and recognition of the Christos Praesence – the presence of God right there in their midst?
How can we become true participants in the longest running parade in history — the Jesus parade?
It seems to me that the essence of a parade is a party atmosphere and party spirit.
And the faith question for each of us today is:
Can your spirit party even when everything around you is falling down and coming apart?
Can you trust Jesus enough to party through the jeers as well as the cheers?
Can you wave palm branches and sing hosannas in good times – and in bad times,
in the midst of sorrows as well as celebrations,
on Good Friday as well as No-Name Saturday
and Easter morning.
Today, we need to remember there really should be one membership requirement for all those who would join the Jesus parade:
Do you promise to party and celebrate the God who became one of us in good times and bad, for better and for worse?
Any church that remembers and celebrates the parade of others in time past, as they waved tree parts in the air, singing at the top of their lungs, and carrying on so
should also require all its congregation, as part of their membership vows, to sign a party agreement form: you get kicked out if you can’t/won’t party.
What is making us a hardened-heart, stiff-necked people?
What is making us closed-eared, stone-faced, frostbitten?
What is sapping our joy?
What is shutting down our parade?
What is sending us scuttling home to hide?
I think the message for us is that we need to keep the party going
and to keep the parade moving – in good times and bad.
It’s a matter of faith.
It’s a matter of faith affirmation.
It’s a matter of affirming in the face of the whole world around us that Christ is head of our life – come what may, no matter what.
You can’t join the Jesus parade and not celebrate.
When you join the Jesus parade, you party.
You wave your hands and dance for joy –
not just when life is going your way –
but even when that Perfect Storm called Good Friday hits with all its might.
Palm Sunday reminds us to party on people –
in good times and in bad.
Christ is here.
Celebrate!
Hozanna!
Amen!
The Congregation of Christ Pesbyterian Church of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, USA (RIP) heard this sermon on Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011
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