I'm taking Christ out of Christmas

I see it posted everywhere. "Keep Christ in Christmas." I have echoed the sentiments of others who raise their voices to keep Christ in the holiday that celebrates his birth. But when I think about the implications of the statement, it is really the LAST thing I want to do.

Yes, I want to continue to honor the name of Jesus. And as a Christian, I am bothered that the world we live in goes to great extent to omit his name and mention during the Christmas season. I have a problem with the secular world trying to de- Christ Christmas. "Happy Holiday" has become the norm, lest we offend. So while I stand with my brothers and sisters in Christ who are offended that he is left out of their mentions, I want to say again-- I'm taking Christ out of Christmas.

The very term Christmas means a festival, or celebration of Christ. And I get that. We should celebrate him throughout the year, not just at Christmas time. The problem is that we want to keep him in something he wants to get out of. We box Jesus into our narrow minded theology, we box him into our cultures and creeds, and we box him into our own prejudices. Jesus is ok with many believers as long as he doesn't intrude into the world they live. As long as he doesn't interrupt their schedule or affect their choices.

Church, its time to get him out of the box. He isn't in a manger any more. He is the King of Glory, residing in the hearts of those who trust him. He is the Alpha and Omega. He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.

Here's one preacher who is for taking Christ out of Christmas!

Apple Cider

I changed the order of our midweek service somewhat tonight. We redirected our chairs toward the Christmas tree, in a half circular setting that provided more intimacy as it brought us closer together. At the close of the teaching, I asked for people to share whatever stories might be on their hearts about Christmas. Memories were shared by those in attendance. Some cried as they told of loved ones gone on. Some told of what Christmas means to them. We laughed with some and cried with others as we listened. I promised myself as I listened that I would not forget those who told of the pain of facing a Christmas without a loved one.

In the midst of the sharing, one story leaped out. It was from a young lady, who was visiting. (I'll call her Cindy, not her real name) Cindy told of how she loves to go every year to her grandmother's house. She told of how her grandmother hangs apples on the Christmas tree. And grandma makes apple cider. Cindy said that she loves her grandma's apple cider.

As she shared with us, her excitement was contagious. As I looked in her eyes, I found myself wanting some apple cider. And I don't like apple cider at all. At least I don't think I do. It has been a while since I have tasted it. I am now wondering, thinking, pondering... I'm about to run out somewhere and buy some!

Sitting at home now, two hours later, I think about her story. And I think of how I want my relationship with Christ to be like Cindy's grandma's Christmas tree and apple cider. I want others to be excited to come to the church I pastor, hear the message I preach, love on the Jesus I love. I want them to be ready and eager to come back. I want them to know that grandma's house, I mean Jesus' house, has doors that are open any time.

Cindy sold me on apple cider. Going to go get me some!

The Power of Communication

These days have presented incredible opportunities to reach the harvest fields of the world via the internet. My blog has had recent visitors from across the US, and Norway, Netherlands, Indonesia, and the D.R. Entry points have been from FB, Twitter, church website, google, yahoo, and other search engines. From a little corner of the world we can reach the world!

Social networks such as Twitter and Facebook can be great resources for furthering the advancement of the gospel. I purposely mix up sharing my faith with family and fun posts. I find that if I can first connect with people, I am provided a platform that may not exist otherwise.

I encourage pastors and leaders to take advantage. Being an expert writer or communicator is not a prerequisite (I certainly am not). Just be yourself, be real, and communicate. I follow and friend some of the great leaders and communicators of our nation, and I am inspired by their posts. I also follow some who, like me, are just a local pastor in a small town church. But their message is just as great! So, get to it. Begin writing, blogging, sharing.

Salesman are using these resources to expand their sales. Let's use them to expand the kingdom!

Decision on Decisions

After answering questions and having to make the 999,999th decision of the year, I have decided to make no more decisions. Effective immediately, all decisions are postponed or ignored until January 2, 2010. All questions will be answered with answers such as "huh?, I don't know," or just plain dumb looks. My brain is on overload and needs rest. Decisions as to what kind of cake I want are not included in the decision eliminating process.

If I forget and make a decision or answer a question, I am not liable for the consequences thereof. Yes and no really means nothing during this time.

The decision to postpone, eliminate, or just plain ignore decisions results in my 1,000,000 decision. I am now taking a nap. If you have a major crisis, you may contact my youth pastor or worship leader. These guys never have to make a decision and are just waiting for you.

If you have read this far, I hope you understand I am light heartedly joking. Most pastors can relate to overload at this time of year. I am open and available to those who need me, at all times.

Blessings,
Pastor Ronnie

The Christmas Card

I recognized the handwriting on the envelope immediately, as I pulled the mail from the box. It was a Christmas card. The beautiful writing addressed to my wife and I was from my mom. She always hand writes all the names and addresses. Mom has never used a computer. But unlike me, you can read her writing.

I walked slowly back across the road and to the house. I hesitated at the thought of opening the card. I knew it would be a Christmas card. She has faithfully sent them out through the years. But this would be the first year...

With tears in my eyes, I read the beautiful poem and Christmas wish. And I read the signature below, "Love, Mom." You see, this is the first Christmas card I have ever received from P.O. Box 182 without two names on it. Daddy passed away in March. His name is missing.

There's a lot of joy around the Robbins' house this year. Trish and I are staying busy. Loving God, loving our church, loving our family. But there's a couple of missing spots. Those who know us know this, and I pray will forgive me for feeling the need to write about it again. Sometimes when I feel like crying, it seems to be good therapy just to put it in words. I have been hesitant to do so because of my daughter, Tina. Her husband, Michael passed away in July. Both Dad and Michael passed away due to cancer. Tina, like mom, has some good days and some bad. But mom doesn't read my blogs. Tina does. So I try to keep my thoughts to a minimum.

You never know when just a simple thing will trigger a memory. Like a Christmas card. And we are not alone in facing a Christmas with pain and adversity. I know many of you are facing some things that make this a difficult time for you. My prayers are that the Lord will give you his divine strength. And I pray you will be surrounded by family and friends who will help you.

The kids

Pumped about all the activities going on around the church. Going tomorrow night with the kids to Hollywild to see the Christmas lights. I love interacting with the little ones, and seeing the reaction to their faces as their eyes light up at the beautiful sights.

Praying everyone is blessed this Christmas season.

Blessings!

Christmas Town at New Harvest Church

Work has been ongoing for the past couple of weeks on Christmas lights and decorations, both inside and outside. We have always decorated the inside, and had a few outside decorations. Several weeks back I got the vision to make various scenes and put up an extensive amount of lights. We are calling it Christmas Town. The project will actually be one of several stages, and this year will begin the first phase. We are almost through with the process now.

I underestimated the time it would take, and the funds needed to complete the project. But we just about finished the process for this year. About one more work day/night, and we should be finished, barring unforeseen problems. I overloaded two areas tonight while working, and will need to check them out. I am hoping it is only a fuse, otherwise, we will have to replace some lights and wiring. I also want to go back and install timers in every area.

I hope in the future to build upon the work and have a Bethlehem area, where various scenes would appear as it were in the time of Jesus' birth.

I'll be putting up some pics shortly.