The following is from my sister, Marie Freeman. This is a paraphrase of what her Pastor began his Christmas series with.
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Now, imagine it was your birthday party and everyone was in attendance. The house was decorated with lights, banners, & everything. Everyone who that came brought gifts… gifts for everyone except for you. Your presence was never acknowledged, your name never spoken, no one cared what you had to say, or that you were even there. But this was a celebration for you. This is what Christmas has come to mean in America. Now, there is nothing wrong with the exchanging of gifts, or decorating of a tree. But may we not forget it is to celebrate the birth of our Savior who came with a purpose, has priority, and is ever present.
The following was written by our friend, Carissa Stewart.
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“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law” ~Galatians 4:4
The Christian faith is characterized by paradox. We believe that God is One and yet Three; Omnipotent yet Self-limiting; Immutable yet answers prayer. Not least among these mysteries is the fact that 2,000 years ago the eternally preexistent Word was born to a virgin. He didn’t just ‘appear’ to be human as the Docetists claimed; nor was he merely man by nature and God by adoption as Paul of Samosata (A.D. 200-275) taught. Rather “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (1 John 1:14). This in itself is a wondrous event: the creature gives birth to the Creator! Thus Mary may rightly be called Theotokos, Mother of God, not in the eternal sense but in light of the Incarnation. She was not only the mother of the man Jesus but also of the divine Word as they are one and the same person. Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully Man. Why is this important? Because if God was born, God could also die, which is exactly what we believe happened on the cross at calvary! Praise be to God!
The events surrounding the conception of this child are dubious. It’s a scandal!
The parents of this child are far from home, forced to travel at the whim of Caesar for the purpose of a census.
Those who travel to see the child for themselves are forced to return another way, to avoid the one who would seek to kill the child.
The one who, out of his paranoia, rage, and insecurity, would order the execution of every male child two years old or under.
This devastation is precisely the point that God chose as his entry point into human history. In Galatians, Paul tells us that “when the time had fully come, God sent his son…” It was no accident. God meant for the incarnation to take place at this point, and no other.
Human history is a glorious mess. The incarnation is about God stepping into that mess, not avoiding it. It is in the midst of the mess, that “we beheld his glory, the glory of the one and only, who came from the father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
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Disclaimer: I like the Christmas holiday as much as the next guy. I have many wonderful memories surrounding this holiday. I am not opposed to gift giving, lame/generic Santa Claus movies, sledding, hot cocoa, trimming the tree, opening presents, or anything of the like. What I am opposed to is the sentimentality that sanitizes the actual Christmas event (Jesus being born). That is all that I am trying to say in this post…
The Bible opens with affirmation that there is a Creator who intentionally engaged in the act of creation. God fashioned an orderly universe where plants produce after their own kind, where night and day can be relied on, etc.
Unfortunately, human beings opted for independence. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, they were essentially saying that they wanted their jurisdiction to extend beyond what God had intended.
The orderly universe that God had created was marred. Tainted. Corrupted. Contaminated. Like a train thrown off the tracks, so this orderly universe began to spiral out of control.
Consider a few verses here:
Genesis 1:1 tells us that “In the beginning, God created…”
Matthew 1:1 starts with the phrase “Book of the Generations of Jesus Christ…” (this phrase, in the Greek, also occurs in Genesis 2:4 and Genesis 5:1)
Mark 1:1 opens with “the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ…”
John 1:1 opens with “In the beginning was the word…”
That “In the beginning” phrase should sound familiar. It’s the phrase that starts the whole Bible. The Word in John 1, if you read on, is Jesus.
It is almost like the Gospel writers are telling us that the coming of Jesus is an act of creation, just like “in the beginning.”
So, Advent is like a new beginning for the creation. In the same way that God created ‘in the beginning’ he is now going to re-create.
Christmas is coming. It’s official. There is nothing between us and December 25, except a seemingly insurmountable shopping list and endless preparations.
There is no shortage of reminders. in the busyness of shopping, the flickering of lights, the wide variety of Christmas movies available for all of our watching pleasure. We’ll make cookies. We’ll eat cookies. We’ll connect with friends and family. We’ll eat cookies. We’ll decorate trees. We’ll blow the dust off songs that haven’t been heard since last year. We’ll share stories. We’ll remember, and we’ll talk about those memories. It is a great time of year, and I am truly excited about it this year.
One of the things that I like about holidays (and different seasons) is the opportunity they provide for reflection and renewal. They are a wonderful chance to “reset” our trajectory. Even in the midst of shopping and other responsibilities, we can take time to think about where we are. And where we are going…
In the week leading up to Christmas, this space will be devoted to short reflections on the significance of this holiday: the Maker stepping into the made. the Singer stepping into the song. the Painter stepping into the painting. the Creator stepping into the creation.
Books that I am bound and determined to finish in 2010!!
(4) The Triune Creator by Colin Gunton
My primary interest here is the philosophical one. In the bits that I have read, it traces thought on where the universe came from through both the Jewish (Biblical) and Greco-Roman philosophical lens. This interests me greatly for some reason.
(5) Reel Spirituality by Robert Johnston Johnston starts by describing an awakening scenario where he was invited by a friend to screen a movie. What was revealed through the discussion following the film was that people, at pretty fundamental levels, want to articulate their beliefs. Johnston, at least in what I have read so far, feels that this is an immense opportunity for followers of Jesus to begin conversation over these matters.
(6)Pensees by Blaise Pascal (I have been reading it off and on in James Houston’s “The Mind on Fire”)
Every time I try, something deters me. I bought the book right before I left for Ethiopia a year and a half ago. I actually started reading it on my first night in Ethiopia (in an unrelated story, the saddest, longest, loneliest night of my entire life). I got sidetracked by, well, teaching in Ethiopia!! I picked it back up later that summer. Sidetracked yet again. Well, I’d like to finish it.
(1) A Fine-tuned Universe by Alister McGrath
McGrath holds a Doctorate in Molecular Biophysics as well as a Doctorate in Theology. Why do I care about this? Because it is a rare mix of some expertise in both fields that this book addresses. I am interested in books where expertise in multiple areas converges and the expertise in each area sheds light on the other. For example, Jeremy Begbie is a professor of theology, but also a trained musician. I am far more satisfied listening to him speak on either subject than a musician who took a single theology class in college, or a theologian who knows little or nothing of music.
I am looking forward to getting and reading this book some time before the end of January.
(2) Exodus by, um, God
I make a habit each year of studying two books of the Bible in depth, in addition to other Bible reading. Last year was John’s Gospel and Revelation (I will be carrying John’s Gospel into the first part of 2010, Revelation took me a loooooong time). This year, I am going with Exodus for the first part of the year. I chose Exodus for two reasons:Reason #1. I think that the themes raised in Exodus continue through the rest of the Bible (bondage, liberation, God revealing himself, deliverance, sin, redemption, etc.). In some ways, I think Exodus is the most important book for understanding the big themes of the Bible.
Reason #2. I am beginning to atrophy when it comes to an in-depth understanding of the Old Testament. Alongside the text itself, I am going to take a shot at Tremper Longman’s How to Read Exodus and Douglas Stuart’s commentary on Exodus (New American Commentary).
(3) reJesus by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch
This book was recommended by a friend. Frost is a professor of evangelism and missions. Hirsch is a director of a missions training organization. All that I have heard of this book so far indicates that it is a profoundly challenging book (in the way of provoking people out of apathy). From the section I have read on Amazon, it is about personal renewal and a reawakening of the church’s mission, based on the example of Jesus. My hopes may be too high, but I am looking forward to it nonetheless.
Scroll down to yesterday’s entry for Part one.
(6) ‘The Divine Commodity’ by Skye Jethani
I came across this one in my reading of Leadership Journal (of which Jethani is an editor). There are a lot of great insights as to how we should think about our consumer culture and how it impacts our view of the world and the way we do church. Romans 12:2 pops to mind: “Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world [don't just blindly do what the rest of the world does], but be transformed by the renewing of your mind [and this involve more than just buying a collection of Christian CDs and learning cute phrases about God].”
There are many helpful insights here for those who want to think about these issues. We certainly do not have to agree with everything in order to derive insight from a book.
(7) Why Good Arguments Often Fail by James Sire
I love ideas and I love trying to communicate them clearly. I also love to communicate (emphasis on COmmunicate) ideas in the context of community (emphasis on COmmunity). That means I love to hash out ideas with other people (I make an assertion, they challenge it, I adapt, I challenge theirs, they adapt, and finally we arrive at some sort of consensus (or at least we arrive at a thoughtful position that has been tested)). I have some great conversation partners in this regard.
Anyway, Sire’s book is helpful in thinking through fallacies that undermine the credibility of an argument (poisoning the well, hasty generalizations, argument against the man, sentiment, false analogy, and others). This one may be overly analytical for some, but I (and others) have found it to be helpful as we think about how we communicate and ponder whether or not there are elements in our assertions that would prevent those assertions from holding water.
(8) Through a Screen Darkly by Jeffrey Overstreet
Yet another book chosen with “thoughtful/critical engagement with the culture” in mind. Jeff is a Christian film critic. If you are looking for a “no Christian should watch R-rated movies” or “Hollywood is going to hell” or “we need to be making more ‘Christian’ movies to drown out the influence of negative (presumably ‘un-Christian’) media” then this book is likely not for you. Film is a powerful medium. It evokes responses. Jeff explores things like violence, humor, heroism, underdogs, isolation, and others.
I know that movies are a touchy subject with most Christians. On one extreme are those who think that any non-Christian movie should be avoided. Thus, we should only watch Fireproof, Facing the Giants, the Left Behind movies, and the Love Comes Softly series. On the other extreme are those who think they can just watch whatever they want and God is fundamentally OK with that. So, we can flood our minds with all manner of junk. This isn’t the place to enter into this discussion, but I am thankful for having had the opportunity to nuance my position on movies (what I watch, what I don’t watch, and why). It beats mindless adherence to convenient positions that require no thought, no tension, and no conflict. Romans 12:2 pops to mind, again.
(9) The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
Does God really expect us to grow and change? Isn’t the Gospel just a “Get Out of Jail Free” card that I get to present to God when I die and he has to let me into heaven? I mean, I prayed a prayer. I am all set, right?
Willard would assert that we could be like Jesus. He would (and did) write that the Spiritual Disciplines (those things that Jesus himself engaged in during his life on earth) are the things that we can imitate in order to adopt Jesus’ way of life. The writing on the disciplines themselves was not particularly memorable, but Willard’s overall theological framework (that we can actually be transformed into the image of Christ) was (and is) compelling. It will offer you an ‘excuse-less’ Christianity. Wait, where’s everyone going??? 
MONDAY: Books on my list for 2010
There were many great (and good) books that were a part of my 2009. They each gave good food for thought. Some were catalyst for change. A few transformed the way I think.
I understand that this is becoming an increasingly less literate society where people are seldom (if ever) interested in reading a book from beginning to end, but I hope that you are somehow and somewhere finding outlets where you can engage ideas that provoke you. These books are listed in no particular order.
1) ‘Flickering Pixels: How Technology Shapes Your Faith’ by Shane Hipps
Advertising executive turned Mennonite minister, Shane Hipps explores the effect that technological innovation has on people. This is not limited to iPods, cellular phones, blackberries, etc., but reflects on the way technological advances and innovation throughout history (printing press, telephone, etc.) have had a profound effect on the way that we hear, how we process information, and how we communicate.
2) ‘Culture Making’ by Andy Crouch
This book probably had the most effect on me. In particular, oddly enough, how I view my role as a parent. Crouch skillfully walks through the basic postures that Christians have toward culture (copying, critiquing, consuming, condemning…). The basic premise of the book is that Christians need to create culture. Very insightful, this book could serve as a nice introduction to the issues surrounding the Christ/Culture conversation. As for my parenting, this book brought right to the fore of my thinking that I need to be creating a climate where our core values as a family are modeled and lived out.
3) ‘unChristian’ by Gabe Lyons and Andy Kinnaman
Say what you will about the Barna Group, their research, etc. but this book has some insights that need to be engaged. Maybe I care too much because it is my age bracket (the 18-30-ish crowd) who are leaving. Whatever the case may be, it is important that Christians at least begin to wrestle with how we are perceived by the outside world.
Judgmental, hypocritical, too political, homophobic. We could go on. At the end of the day, we will have to live with some of these perceptions (we do, after all, adhere to exclusive religious claims), but it is at least helpful to become conversant with these ideas.
4) ‘Everyday Theology’ by Kevin Vanhoozer (ed.)
It seems like it has been a million years since I read this one, but this book is a collection of essays by Vanhoozer and some of his graduate students. It is very helpful in terms of learning to be a critical (by this I mean discerning, thoughtful) processor of information.
The initial essay alone is worth the effort to read. Vanhoozer lays out his methodology, defines terms, etc. The remainder of the essays are ‘case studies’ of Vanhoozer’s methodology (exploring topics like blogging, Eminem,
I will, at some point this year, be interested in picking up another book from this “Cultural Exegesis” series.
5) ‘Word Pictures’ by Brian Godawa
Godawa is a screenwriter, but also a pretty astute apologist/theologian. What was particularly interesting in this book was the exploration of Scripture and how the Bible is far less ‘propositional’ than our church life and theology is. The basic premise is that we live in a society where people are more in tune with image than they are with propositional statements. We need to communicate in a way that they are going to understand.
More tomorrow, I am out of space here…
Today’s installment of Folks @ Faith will feature the musical virtuoso, the bassist and occasional drummer for the praise team, and all around good guy Dick Maynard.
*How and when did you start at FBC?
My wife and I came to FBC I believe in the summer of 2007 we actually were invited by Carol Tack to attend a service, from the very first visit I knew I was home.
*Best car you ever owned?
The one I’m currently driving……2001 Nissan Frontier
*What’s cookin’ in the iPod?
Just Loaded “Crazy Love” audiobook and W.O.W. 2010
*What’s your favorite food?
That depends on the season, I.E. summer Hot Dogs winter Homemade Chilly oh ya and Whoopie Pies
*Any hidden talent(s) that noone knows about?
I’ve done some pretty nice oil paintings
*If you could have one thing said about you (i.e. like at your retirement dinner, or something like that), what would you want it to be?
That I loved Christ and could always be counted on to touch hearts with with my songs.
*Read any good books lately?
Crazy Love, Dangerous Act of Worship and The Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth book.
*Pick one: Great concert, Great movie, or Great book…
Steven Curtis Chapman & Michael W. Smith in the same concert………………….Priceless
*Concert that you have attended that would most surprise us?
Foreigner at the Orpheum in B-town
*Coke or Pepsi?
Moxie
*DD or Starbucks?
America runs on Dunkins
*If you could summarize what God is teaching you right now in a single sentence, what would that be?
Give more than you take.
*Favorite CD (or record, 45, or 8-track, depending on when you were “with it”)?
Bob Carlisle “The Hope Of A Man”
*What book has made the most significant impact on you?
I was never much of a reader until recently but this Crazy Love book is hitting me right between the eyes!!
*3 movies you would take with you to a deserted island (where you would spend the rest of your days)?
No time for movies too busy Praying!!
*3 books you would take with you to a deserted island (where you would spend the rest of your days)?
The Bible, The Bible in large print, and the Bible in Extra Large Bold Type
*Favorite book of the Bible?
Job
*Favorite verse?
Romans 12:2
