Classic Reflections

Three of my favorite Christmas classic stories were part of our Christmas Eve service Wednesday night. The first was “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry. It is a story that reminds me to be willing to give unselfishly, to be more excited about giving than receiving and to learn to appreciate the giver more than the gift.

The second of the classic stories that we heard Christmas Eve was “A Cup of Christmas Tea” by Tom Hegg. This great story makes me want to go knock on the door of every person that has been a part of my experiences of Christmas. We visited the nursing home yesterday and seeing so few cars in the parking lot made me realize there are many who celebrated Christmas alone. Now in the days following Christmas, it would be a great time to let people tell their stories. Each life is a classic story.

The Christmas Eve service was capped with the greatest story ever told. It is the true Christmas story found in the Bible in Matthew and Luke. It was a time of warmth as the candle light spread through the room and the sounds of “Silent Night” filled our hearts. For a few minutes we left the hustle and bustle of commercial Christmas and spent some time of worship at the manger.

“Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift”

- 2 Corinthians 9:15

The Options

“Unto us a Son is Given.”

What a wonderful gift we have been given by our heavenly Father. The option for eternal life is the great choice for man. How tragic it is that many reject the option and choose this temporary life as their focus when the heaven option is available.

Merry Christmas !!!!!

Agreeing with God

Every year, one of my prayer requests at Christmas is that I might find a perspective of Christmas to ponder for a life lesson. This year I have been appreciating one of the quotes of Mary after she was told by the angel about her selection as the mother of the Christ child. It had to be an amazing moment as the angel talked with her explaining the situation. Normally when looking for Mary’s response we look at the Magificat in Luke 1:46-47:

"Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!...”

But prior to that she made a statement that I need to make everyday.

Luke 1:38 Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true."

It is really one of those statements that doesn’t need saying because everything that God says is going to happen, will happen. There are things that God says that He wants to happen that may not happen ,such as His desire for everyone to come to faith and be saved. We know that because of free will, man can choose to reject God’s offer and indeed many do reject it. But the things that God says will come to pass, are a done deal for our lives.

When I pray like Mary did and say, “Be it unto me as you have said.”, I am hearing myself accept God’s sovereignty and agreeing with God. Any time I agree with God , He does something in my heart. Those heart “operations” are key to my quality of life and my expectations for eternity.

May we all enter into agreement with God this Christmas

Treasures in the corners

As a child one of the most exciting days of the year was the opening of the box of Christmas decorations because it meant a very special day was getting close. I have never been very good at throwing things away. Consequently, there are boxes full of “valuable” stuff surrounding me. I have uncovered some treasures in my effort to unclutter my life in preparation for this Christmas. Some of the items that may seem like “clutter” have significant value when itemized while being unvalued as part of a pile in the corner. Some of them have heritage value in that they are a significant tile from the mosaic that has made up my life thus far. Other things have symbolic value in that they represent or make me think about something important to me. For example,

Cassette tapes with the voices of loved ones. I wish I had recorded more of my grandparents sharing times. I am blessed to still have those voices in my minds ears even though they were not caught on tape.

Slides, movies, videos and pictures of people, events and places. It is amazing how our minds can transform us back and allow us to almost hear and smell Christmases of the past.

I have my grandma Berge’s letter opener that I made for her. She undoubtedly used it to excitedly open letters that contained news of family. Many times those letters were the only real contact she had with some of her loved ones. I still remember which buffet drawer she kept it in and for me to have it on my shelf is an honor.

I even have my first grade report card where my teacher reported to my parents that I was having a struggle with organization and neatness. I have large items and small items and precious little time to ponder them.

I feel very blessed today.

Christmas Past

It has been a wonderful Christmas season and it’s an opportunity today to apply the Christmas joy to the day after, where the world goes back to normal (whatever that is), and now must decide if their hearts have been changed by the spirit of Christmas present.
Christmas 2007 now moves to the annals of “Christmas Past”. Christmas Eve in Minnesota was filled with a wonderful time of sharing childhood memories. It was fun to hear about what Christmas was like for my mother when she was a child. We all laughed together, we ate Christmas bread, drank hot cider from the pot that belonged to our great grandmother, we learned new facts that we had never known and we capped it off with the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible and a family prayer. I believe that my heart has been positively challenged to appreciate the willingness of God to humbly come to earth and accomplish our salvation. Praise God for His unspeakable gift!

Intertwined in song through the ages

The Holly tree is fascinating since it is as though God has decorated His own Christmas tree. It was said to be a favorite of George Washington, and more than a dozen Hollies planted by him are still in standing today. It is also widely known as the basic raw material for Christmas wreaths. I am thankful for this beautiful part of God’s creation. But where is the ivy? The song “The Holly and the Ivy” only mentions ivy in the title. I did some research on this and found that it is a common occurrence to have an ivy vine wrapping around a holly tree.
I can imagine carolers in the 1500’s singing this song:

The holly and the ivy when they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown

Oh, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir

The holly bears a blossom as white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to be our sweet savior

Oh, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir

The holly bears a berry as red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to do poor sinners good

Oh, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir

The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ on Christmas Day in the morn

Oh, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir

The holly bears a bark as bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to redeem us all

Oh, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ, sweet singing in the choir

Holly and Ivy will be intertwined through the ages not only in forest but also in song.

Deep and Crisp and Even

I awoke singing another old Christmas song this morning. I am not sure why the mind operates in such odd modes but Good King Wenceslas was in my thoughts. I began to wonder why he was considered good and why this is even a Christmas song since it doesn’t mention the Nativity at all. I found a website “Carols.org” that had this to say:

“The words to the carol "Good King Wenceslas" were written by John Mason Neale and published in 1853, the music originates in Finland 300 years earlier. This Christmas carol is unusual as there is no reference in the lyrics to the nativity. Good King Wenceslas was the king of Bohemia in the 10th century. Good King Wenceslas was a Catholic and was martyred following his assassination by his brother Boleslaw and his supporters, his Saint's Day is September 28th, and he is the Patron Saint of the Czech Republic. St. Stephen's feast day was celebrated on 26th December which is why this song is sung as a Christmas carol.”

Since there is no greater love than to lay down your life, the feast of St. Steven becomes a significant Christmas event.


“One of the oldest folk-songs of Sweden, "Saint Stephen was Riding" (Staffansvisa) is sung at Christmastide in honor of St. Stephen, telling the delightful "Miracle of the Cock." According to this story, Herod would not believe Stephen when he was told that "One greater than thou has been born this holy night." The proof of his words came when a roasted cock rose up out of the gravy and crowed as he had crowed at the break of day. "The "Staffan" of the song has the features of two entirely different personalities, those of the deacon, St. Stephen of Jerusalem, whose feast is celebrated on December 26 and therefore closely connected with Christmas, and those of the eleventh century missionary, Staffan, who traveled far in the north. The latter was killed by pagans; and an unbroken foal brought his body to Norrala, where a chapel was built over his grave. In all Germanic lands he became the patron of health and of horses, and being confused with St. Stephen of Jerusalem he shares in his honors on December 26, such as the 'Stephen-Cup,' drunk to good health, and horseback rides around churches and through villages."2 With St. Stephen as their teacher the children learn quickly that as Christ came to us on Christmas Day so we must follow in the footsteps of the holy martyrs in our way to God. Psalm 62, used on the feast of St. Stephen, is the first lesson which the young de

Thus we have acon teaches the children: "O God, Thou art my God: earnestly do I seek Thee, My soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh longs for Thee, like a dry and thirsty land, without water. So do I gaze upon Thee in the sanctuary, to see Thy might and Thy glory...." Antiphon: My soul cleaves to Thee, because my flesh was stoned for Thee, my God. (Lauds for the feast of St. Stephen, 3rd Psalm and Antiphon)”

Below is some more I found about the song:

"Good King Wenceslas" is a popular Christmas carol about a king who goes out to give alms to a poor peasant on St. Stephen's Day (December 26), the day after Christmas. In the journey, his page gives up the struggle against the cold weather and is aided by the king who provides the miracle of the warmth that’s needed in his footprints in the snow."

Now, Lets all sing together:

Good King Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even;
Brightly shone the moon that night, tho' the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight gath'ring winter fuel.
"Hither, page, and stand by me, if thou know'st it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he? Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence, underneath the mountain;
Right against the forest fence, by Saint Agnes' fountain."
"Bring me flesh, and bring me wine, bring me pine logs hither:
Thou and I will see him dine, when we bear them thither."
Page and monarch, forth they went, forth they went together;
Through the rude wind's wild lament and the bitter weather.
"Sire, the night is darker now, and the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how, I can go no longer."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page. Tread thou in them boldly:
Thou shalt find the winter's rage freeze thy blood less coldly."
In his master's steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.

Three Ships in a land locked town

In my search for Christmas carols that have stood the test of time, I found an old Victorian carol that we sang as children. I think the reason it was so popular is that is has a repetitive beat and tells the story with clarity. “I saw three ships” or as it is sometimes called, “On Christmas day in the morning”, tells of three something, obviously not real ships as Bethlehem has no seaport, arriving to worship the Christ Child. Most people who study it feel it refers to the arrival of the three wise men with their three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Bible does not tell us there were three kings but the traditional story does. The song is simple and fun. We can enjoy it for what it stands for but may never really know all that the writer, William Sandys , meant the ships to represent. It is hard not to smile while you sing this one. Go ahead! Be a child again. Take someone’s hand and skip around the room while you sing. (Don’t forget to move your head from side to side as you sing.)

I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?
And what was in those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?

The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,
On Christmas Day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
O they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.


And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;
Then let us all rejoice again,
On Christmas Day in the morning.

Ivory Palaces

Christmas is a beautiful unique time. Last year my preaching theme through the advent season was, “Suddenly, Bethlehem!” Covering prophesies about the little town of Bethlehem and the excitement of the events of that first Christmas. We looked at the Luke story and spent time with Zechariah, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Mary, Joseph, the inn keeper and, of course, Jesus, we experienced angels, shepherds and wisemen. We intertwined drama and special music with preaching to make it all come alive.

This year I am preaching about the things that Jesus endured and how we are called to endure. It is worth it to hang in there and keep proclaiming why we celebrate Christmas.

This coming Sunday , like last year, , we will have the annual “Christmas SPAW”
(Service of Praise and Worship) in the December 23rd morning service. A wonderful mixture of testimonies and music to make the Christmas story come alive.

A Christmas Hymn:

My Lord has garments so wondrous fine,
And myrrh their texture fills;
Its fragrance reached to this heart of mine
With joy my being thrills.

Out of the ivory palaces,
Into a world of woe,
Only His great eternal love
Made my Savior go.

His life had also its sorrows sore,
For aloes had a part;
And when I think of the cross He bore,
My eyes with teardrops start.

Out of the ivory palaces,
Into a world of woe,
Only His great eternal love
Made my Savior go.

His garments too were in cassia dipped,
With healing in a touch;
Each time my feet in some sin have slipped,
He took me from its clutch.

Out of the ivory palaces,
Into a world of woe,
Only His great eternal love
Made my Savior go.

In garments glorious He will come,
To open wide the door;
And I shall enter my heav’nly home,
To dwell forevermore.
Out of the ivory palaces,
Into a world of woe,
Only His great eternal love
Made my Savior go.

Take your place in the Christmas story today.

The Wonder of Hope

The following thoughts are from yesterday’s sermon regarding “Hope”, the light at the end of the tunnel. The concept is translated well in “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis. Many have written about the concepts found in these chronicles. I recommend you start with the first book “The Magicians Nephew” and follow that with “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” and you will be hooked to read the rest.

In this series of fantasy stories, Lewis introduces us to four children who find their way into a wondrous land through the back of a magical wardrobe in their uncle’s house. It is called Narnia and it is a kingdom where animals talk and where Kings and Queens govern from tower-filled castles.

When the children first enter this land they discover that it is under the control of the wicked White Witch who rules with an iron fist and a cold heart. One of the children, Lucy, meets a faun named Mr. Tumnus. He describes the White Witch to Lucy by saying, “Why it is she that has got all of Narnia under her thumb. It’s she that makes it always winter. Always winter and...NEVER CHRISTMAS; think of that!” “...always winter....and never Christmas...”
That can really be a dismal thought. Has life ever seemed that way to you?.....like one long winter of cold, snow-covered ground, trees with leaf-less branches, constantly clouded skies....with no Christmas....nothing to look forward to....no light of hope?

All people thirst for hope in life. It is what keeps us going. When we are trapped in a tunnel of misery, hope points to the light at the end. When we are over-worked and exhausted, hope give us fresh energy. When we are tempted to quit, hope keeps us going. When we lose our way and confusion blurs the destination, hope dulls the edge of panic. When life forces us to sit back and wait, hope give us the patience to trust. As Charles Swindoll says, “When life hurts and dreams fade, nothing helps like hope.” Webster defines hope as, “Desire accompanied by expectation of, or belief in, fulfillment.”

Hope is a “Vital Expectation!” We need it to survive. Without it, prisoners of war languish and die. Students get discouraged and drop out of school. Without this expectation, addicts return to their habits. Marriage partners decide to divorce. Inventors, artists, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and even preachers, lose their creativity. You see, hope isn’t merely a nice option that helps us temporarily clear a hurdle that we encounter on life’s road. Hope is essential to our survival.

Christmas reminds us that hopes can come true.

Life is NOT always “winter”. In The Chronicles of Narnia Jesus Christ is represented by a huge lion named ASLAN. And at the beginning of the chronicles it is always winter in Narnia because ASLAN has not been seen in the land for generations. But when ASLAN comes (and He does....about a third of the way through the first book) Christmas comes and spring begins again. Father Christmas appears and he brings gifts to the children, tools they will need in their fight against the White Witch and as he is driving his sleigh away he cries, “Merry Christmas! And long live the TRUE King!”

In this story C. S. Lewis reminds us why Christmas is so special. At this time of year we celebrate the truth that there is hope! The True King has been born!

Happy Reading!

A Five Hundred Year Old Christmas Carol

In searching for old Christmas carols, I ran across this ancient carol from the 1500’s. I wrote about it in a blog a year ago but I think it's worth another look.


From Christmasse Carolles, Wynkyn de Worde, 1521.

1. In this time of Christmas,
Betwixt an ox and an ass,
A maiden delivered was
Of Christ, her dear Son dear.

2. The husband of Mary(Saint)
Joseph stood her by,
And said he was ready
To serve her if need were.

3. When she her dear Son see,
She set Him on her knee,
And sang, 'Hither to me,
Come buss Thy mother dear."

4. On her lap she Him laid,
And with her pap He played,
And ever sang the maid:
"Come buss Thy mother dear."

5. With lips culling (His),
His mouth oft she did kiss,
And said: "Sweetheart mine,
I pray You, make good cheer."

6. To this Child let us pray,
That born was on this day,
Of Mary, the mild may,
To grant us all good cheer.

There’s nothing like a 500 year old hymn to start your day. I have found that a little culture of this sort puts me in a more “Proper” mood as I appreciate simplicity a bit more. It puts me in the mood to read the Dickens “A Christmas Carol” again. Here is what Dickens wrote about his book:

“I have endeavoured in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it.”

Their faithful Friend and Servant,

C. D.
December, 1843.

I wonder if he had any idea of the impact it would have through the centuries.