First Candle: HOPE
HOPE
Advent 2022
First Candle
Then Elijah walked for a whole day into the desert. He sat down under a bush and asked to die. (1 Kings 19:4)
Hope Lost
When Elijah asked to die it was not a loss of faith. Instead it was a loss of hope from a host of pressing challenges. Mark Manson defines hope as a need for something to look forward to, and for Elijah the only thing ahead was further disappointment. Before asking God for death he had done daunting tasks; he had stopped the rain, killed the prophets of Baal, and caused the rains to fall again. He wanted Israel’s king to repent and leave idolatry, but the end result was an angry queen and running away to save his life.
In short despite his works, Elijah’s hopes were dashed. There was nothing to look forward to, and all ahead seemed bleak. The horizon had no sun, and would welcome him with darkness. So, with a bleak outlook he asked the Lord to put him out of his misery.
“I have had enough, Lord,” he prayed. “Let me die. I am no better than my ancestors.”
Many of us who live today know Elijah’s feelings all too well, and some of us have even prayed a dismal prayer like his. Though we are not prophets we have worked with great aspirations, and the end result was a disappointment that darkened our horizon.
In 2016 my wife and I faced a dark disappointment, where a child that we were expecting was suddenly lost to us. Our joy from looking forward was quickly exchanged for grief, and our bright outlook was replaced by one that was dark and clouded by pain. Like Elijah our hopes had been dashed leaving us discouraged, and in the wake of a present suffering we felt like giving up. Nevertheless, a need remained for something to look forward to, and this was the heart of the prophet’s prayer while asking God for death.
Hope Restored
Though Elijah’s petition was gloomy, it was really a cry for hope. It was asking for something better to look forward to than troubles that clouded his vision. For him that something better was the freedom and rest of heaven, but God reached out and answered his prayer with the common and ordinary of earth.
Elijah saw near his head a loaf baked over coals and a jar of water, so he ate and drank. Then he went back to sleep. Later the Lord’s angel came to him a second time. The angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat. If you don’t, the journey will be too hard for you.
One Jewish proverb says that worries are best washed down with soup, and I believe that the same is true when hopes are dashed and lost. What restores our hope is the simple gifts that we encounter every day; things that the prophet Elijah received from the angel in the wilderness. His cries were answered with food, drink, and someone’s presence, and this is what awaited him as he slept after receiving them. These common simple things were something to look forward to, and they grounded him, replenished his faith, and strengthened him to carry on.
Hope For Advent
Each year we begin the Advent season by lighting a candle for hope, and seeking relief from troubles in our lives and the world around us. We look forward to something or someone that is better, and that is Christ Whose birth we remember and Whose return we await with joy. Though the wonders of heaven surrounded His birth in Bethlehem, He came to us through the common and ordinary of earth. In fact, He continues to come to us in this way, for we experience Him the most in simple things that we encounter each day.
We experience Jesus through food like the bread we buy or make, and this is the point of the bread we break while celebrating Communion. We experience Jesus through places like our homes, schools, and offices, and this is the point of the sanctuaries we build for worship services. Lastly we experience Him through relationships and community, and this is the point of our gatherings and times of connection and fellowship.
Indeed we meet the Lord through the common and ordinary. Simple things that we look forward to and encounter each day. And during the Advent season we enjoy them with intention, and watch as God restores our hope and gives us a brighter vision. A vision of a world restored by grace and love from heaven, and an outlook that replenishes our faith and strengthens us to carry on.
The images featured in this post are by Scotty J. Williams.
Telling Better Stories: Black Theology from an Inside Perspective
Telling Better Stories: Black Theology from an Inside Perspective
An article for the Zeitschrift für Missionswissenschaft (ZMiss)
2022
Earlier this year I was invited to write an article in English for the Zeitschrift für Missionswissenschaft (ZMiss). This is a Missiology Journal that focuses on Intercultural Theology, and the subject of its 2022 edition is, “Rassismus und Rassismuskritik [Racism and Critiquing Racism]“.
I highly recommend this edition which has some wonderful contributions by theologians working in the areas of racial justice and reconciliation. My contribution is an in-depth introduction to Black American Theology, and the future of Black American religious thought. Here is the abstract.
Black Theology was created to speak to Black Americans as they faced a nihilistic threat from various forms of oppression. It was meant to give them a sense of meaning, hope, and love, through a vision of a God Who was present with them as a co-sufferer and co-celebrant. Nevertheless, the question remains if Black Theology can speak beyond its context, and offer meaning, hope, and love to other groups facing oppression. Furthermore, is it only for the benefit of the oppressed, or can it also be of benefit to those who are oppressors? This article gives an in-depth view of Black theology from an inside perspective, or the view of a Black American theologian whose faith was shaped by it. It explores the African roots, practices, and goals of Black Theology, and also shows how it speaks to freedom struggles beyond its original context. Finally, it shows how Black Theology seeks a dual liberation, or the freedom and transformation of the oppressed and oppressors.
Unfortunately, the article cannot be shared on my website at this time. Nevertheless, those who wish to read it can purchase this year’s edition of ZMiss by clicking on the button below.
The image featured in this post is by Scotty J. Williams.
Timi Will Wake Up
Timi Will Wake Up
A conversation with my son about death and resurrection
Christ the King Sunday 2022
For this year’s Christ the King Sunday I was not scheduled to preach or give a spiritual input. Instead I planned on a nice walk with my son to a castle that we often visit in the countryside. As we approached Schloss Dottenwil he began to speak of Timi, an old cat that his grandparents had buried a few days ago.
Recently Ian has learned about death and had short talks with his mother about it, so I used our walk as an opportunity to help better his understanding. What came about was a delightful dialogue in English and Swiss German that felt like a number of children’s messages that I have given over the years.
Though not a sermon our conversation was a preaching moment, where the reality of death was engaged and the hope of the resurrection was proclaimed. I call it, “Timi Will Wake Up”.
Timi Will Wake Up
IAN: Baba, de Timi esch gstorbe (Timi has died).
ME: Yes, he is gone. Do you miss him?
IAN: [silence with a blank stare]
ME: Who else has died? Can you remember?
IAN: Urgrosspapa, Urgrossmama, Urgrossvati….ond Mr. Caleb, er esch ou gstorbe. (Great-grandpa, Great-grandma, Great-grandpa….and Mr. Caleb, he is also dead).
ME: Yes, they are all dead like Timi. Do you know what that means?
IAN: Hmmm?
ME: It means that they are in a sleep called death. It is like when you take a nap or go to bed at night, but you do not wake up at home.
IAN: Where?
ME: Mama and I think that you wake up where Jesus is. So Timi, Urgrosspapa, Urgrossmama, Urgrossvati, and Mr. Caleb woke up where Jesus is.
IAN: Ok Baba.
We look at a harvested corn field and talk about combines for a few minutes.
ME: Do you know what today is son?
Ian: Nei (No).
ME: It is Christ the King Sunday, Baba’s favorite holiday! Can you say Christ the King?
IAN: Christ the King!
ME: Perfect! And today we celebrate that Jesus is our King! Do you remember what a king is?
IAN: Kindergarten? [one of his books is called, “The King of Kindergarten“]
ME: A king is someone that everybody has to obey. Even Mamas and Babas have to obey.
IAN: WHOW!
ME: So Jesus is our king and everybody has to obey Him. Even Mama and Baba have to obey Him.
IAN: WHOW!
ME: Yep, we do. He is the king of everything, so everything has to obey him.
Ian points to silos, tractors, trees, horses, goats, and houses asking if they have to obey Jesus.
ME: Yes! Everything you see has to obey Jesus.
IAN: Ond s’Güllefass (And the manure taker)?
ME: [laughing] Indeed, that has to obey Jesus too. And you know what else?
IAN: What?
ME: Death has to obey Jesus. And one day Jesus will tell death to let everyone who is gstorbe wake up.
IAN: At home?
ME: Mhmmm. So Timi, Urgrosspapa, Urgrossmama, Urgrossvati, and Mr. Caleb will wake up at home again. Anyone who is gstorbe will wake up.
IAN: [silence with a pondering gaze]
ME: Remember that Jesus is our King, and everything has to obey Him. Ok?
IAN: Ok Baba.
ME: And death has to obey Him.
IAN: Ok Baba.
ME: Who is King?
IAN: Jesus. And Timi will wake up!
ME: Amen!
The images featured in this post are by Barbara Basler.
A prayer for Christ the King Sunday
A Prayer for Christ the King Sunday
2022
Today is Christ the King Sunday where Christians around the world celebrate the true kingship of Jesus as the Sovereign Ruler over all things. It is also the end of another Church year before the season of Advent where we remember the First Coming of Jesus by looking forward to His Second Coming.
Just as those in the Old Testament awaited the arrival of a promised King, we who live today also await His arrival and express our longings with songs of joy. One song that I sing after waking up each Christ the King Sunday is called “Alleluia, Sing To Jesus!” Last year I sang this hymn with uncertainty while closing a Church that deary loved, but this year I sing it with gratitude for where the Lord has brought me since then.
Happy Christ the King Sunday to all, and here is my prayer for this year’s celebration!
O Christ, Who rules all things and Whose name is above every name, we acknowledge You as King and celebrate Your reign with gratitude and joy. Forgive us for taking the scepter and throne that rightly belong to You, and for the many ways that we use power to exalt ourselves instead of serving others. We confess that we are are not the true sovereigns of this world and its nations, but subjects under Your gracious care and called to keep Your law of love. May Your Kingdom be more than an aspiration and idea in our hearts and minds, and more than something mentioned in our songs, sermons, and prayers. May it be a reality displayed in our lives, that draws those we encounter unto You and makes this world better. To You be all blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor and power and might, forever and ever. Amen.
The image featured in this post is by Scotty J. Williams.
Sermon: Le champ de la grâce (Field of grace)
Le champ de la grâce (Field of grace)
A Sermon on the Parable of the Weeds
Espace Bethesda-Auch, France
November 13, 2022
Though Christians are called to protect the Church, they are not called to cleanse it. In this sermon on the Parable of the Weeds I look at how the Church is a mixed field of grace and transformation. Many thanks to the people of Espace Bethesda for inviting me to proclaim God’s Word among and with you.
The image featured in this post is by Valentin Potenti of Master’s Commission Auch.
The Christians We Need: Parables For A Post-Christian World
On November 11 and 12 of 2022 I gave four lectures at a conference in France for Master’s Commission Auch. These lectures are a study of four Parables from Jesus to encourage young Christians living in post-Christian Western contexts. They also feature the stories of four well-known believers, two of which are feature in Chris Armstrong’s, Patron Saints for Postmoderns.
To read each lecture, click on the buttons below.
Glaube, Liebe, Black Joy!- SRF Interview (Podcast)
Glaube, Liebe, Black Joy!
An interview with SRF
For this year’s Reformation Sunday, SRF featured an interview with me on their Perspectives Podcast. Many thanks to Dorothee Adrian for a wonder chat about faith, love, and Black joy!
Kürbislaternen Predigt (Jack-o'-lantern Sermon)
Kürbislaternen Predigt (Jack-o'-lantern Sermon)
Reformation Day satire.
Protestant Jack-O’lanterns
Though my family and I have no issues with Halloween, we choose to celebrate Reformation Day. After all, we are Protestants and our tradition was born on October 31st.
In 1517 Martin Luther protested the sale of Indulgences, and changed the face of the Western Church through an ordinary act. He wrote a series of Theses, like most professors of his day, and nailed them to a Church door that was a communal bulletin board.
Here I stand, I can do no other.
-Martin Luther
One tradition that I created for Reformation Day is putting jack-o’lanterns and comical captions in famous scenes of the Reformers. Last year I put one in a painting of the Marburg Colloquy where Luther and Ulrich Zwingli hashed out their theological differences.
On this day we Protestants remember when Luther and Zwingli argued over what Jesus said about jack-o’lanterns.
This year I jack-‘onlanternized a painting of Luther preaching at the Wartburg in 1521. During that time he was hidden away from Catholic authorities, grew a beard, and was disguised a knight named Junker-Jörg. He also managed to translate the Bible from koine Greek into early Modern German, and helped to lay the foundations for modern High German.
Here is this year’s Reformation scene and comical caption
Today is we Protestants remember Martin Luther’s famous “Kürbislaternen Predigt” at the Wartburg. .
Faith, like light, should always be simple and unbending.
-Martin Luther
Takeaways
After seeing Luther preaching to nobles with a jack-‘o-lantern, a colleague asked what his sermon points might be. I suppose that he might have left his hearers with these takeaways:
- The world is in darkness.
- Christ is the light.
- Christians are called to bring the light to the world.
- Sometimes Christians are called to bring the light in ways that are strange and even comical to the world.
Though not a real sermon, I believe that this is what Luther would have taught, and this will be on my heart and mind as I celebrate the Reformation. I pray that all Christians, regardless of their traditions, would bring the light that this world needs, and do so in ways that give others hope, joy, and laughter.
Happy Reformation Day and God bless!
What to do and what not to do when you don't celebrate Halloween
What to do and what not to do when you don't celebrate Halloween
Tips for the nonobservant.
Halloween is a day that is surrounded by much debate. Here are three helpful tips for those, and especially Christians, not joining the festivities.
1. Don’t Explain
Growing up in a Baptist home that did not celebrate Halloween, I was always asked why I had no costume and did not go trick-or-treating. The answer I was told to give was that I was a Christian and could not take part in celebrations that honored the devil. Though I wished to offend no one I often came off as condescending, and it brought a lot of unnecessary trouble with others. A better answer would have been, “My family just doesn’t celebrate”, and to leave it there plain and simple without the extra trappings. I learned this from non-religious friends who did not celebrate Halloween, and most people would respond with an “OK” and move on.
You do not need to explain your non-observance. Just keep things plain and simple, and most people will respect you.
2. Don’t Promote Fear
Sometimes non-observance is equated with negativity, and those who sit out are wrongly deemed as spoiling the fun. The congregation that I attended growing up encouraged its members to be “Halloween killjoys”, and to point out its dangers that others might get saved. One danger was bad people poisoning candy, a concern that came in response to the death of Timothy O’Bryan in 1974. His father killed him with cyanide laced pixy stick, and since then numerous scary urban legends have come about. While explaining my non-observance I would share these horrid myths, and take the joy from classmates who were only trying to have fun.
Of course, one should always err on the side of caution with Halloween, or any other holiday, but this can done without stoking people’s fears. A better thing to do would be wishing the observant a good day, and actively promoting joy. For example, there are people who do not give out candy, but give nice greetings to trick-or-treaters that come to their door. There are also non-observers who volunteer to check candy, and show that the well-being of children in their community is a top priority.
You do not need to promote fear. Just wish people a good day while showing kindness and care.
3. Don’t Limit Yourself
In addition to Halloween, October 31st has many other celebrations from India’s National Unity Day to National Knock Knock Joke Day. For us Protestants October 31st is Reformation Day, where we remember the birth of our tradition through Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. On this day we a hosts of joyful traditions that we keep, and there are even parties with food, games, and carving pumpkins with Luther’s seal. My point is that there are many other fun things to observe besides Halloween, and they are not made up alternatives like “Hallelujah Night” for disgruntled Christian kids.
You do not need to limit yourself to sitting out and/or feeling left out. Just celebrate the other things that make October 31st so wonderful.
I hope that these three tips are helpful, and for the nonobservant I wish you a joyful October 31st as you stay home or do something else. And for those who are observant I wish you a Happy Halloween and safety as you trick-or-treat and enjoy the festivities.
The images featured in this post are by Pexels, Brenkee, and Michael_Luenen of pixabay.com and are free for public use.
The Devil hates blackberries
The Devil hates blackberries
Thoughts on Michaelmas
According to some Church traditions, the Devil hates blackberries. Why? Because they remind him that he has lost.
War in Heaven
In its final book, Revelation, the Bible tells the story of a woman who faces an angry dragon that wants to eat her child. She flees to the wilderness where she hides for many days, and while laying low the dragon makes a full assault on heaven. With an army of rebel angels he aims to take the throne of God, but is stopped by Michael the Archangel and flung down to earth. After this, some Christians believe that he landed on a thorny blackberry bush, and was so enraged that he cursed, burned, stamped, spat, and even peed on it.
Whether or not the bush story happened, it has led to a feast called Michaelmas, and customs that have shaped the faith of countless people for centuries. Some believe that after the feast all blackberries become poisonous, and will bring curses and bad luck for anyone who eats them.
Growing up in a Baptist Church I was unaware of Michaelmas, but after learning of it as an adult I began to observe it. This year I am making a pie that is traditionally eaten on this day , and yes it will contain the infamous berries that made the Devil rage. To be clear, I am less prone to believe extra-biblical legends, but this story still conveys a message that I think is very important.
What was most humiliating for Satan was that life on earth continued.
Shame on Earth
Though evil is a harsh reality that should not be taken lightly, it does not have the final word or determine our destiny. Furthermore, we don’t just have a dream of evil being defeated someday. In truth, it has already happened and perhaps its presence on earth is a sign of this. Like the dragon in Revelation, evil has been beaten and expelled from heaven, and here below it rages among us deeply humiliated. And what brings it shame is not the extraordinary and miraculous, but common things like blackberries that we find in daily life.
Despite their delicious fruit, blackberry bushes are considered a noxious weed. They are often an invasive plant that grows rapidly in forests and parks. Last summer, while biking around the Bodensee with my family, I was amazed by the prevalence of them everywhere we went. I was also grateful for the abundance of them, I love blackberries, and I happily ate my fill. In short, I found a delight in the common and the ordinary, and this is what brings evil shame as it works around our world.
Looking back to legend after his fall from heaven, what was most humiliating for Satan was that life on earth continued. It didn’t matter how much he cursed, burned, stomped, spat, or peed. The plant that welcomed his arrival with thorns continued to grow and thrive as we do.
Our role is not to get the better of or shame the Devil.
Reminding the Devil
Our lives are not just a string of suffering and grief. They are a mix of brokenness and beauty where every pain is matched with a joy. And that joy is available to us each day in common things, which invite us to celebrate that the forces of against are vanquished. Yes, we will and should grieve when evil comes, but we can also laugh with the knowledge that it is a beaten enemy.
There are many messages that Michaelmas gives, but its most important message is that our role is not to get the better of or shame the Devil. Our role is to remind him that he has been defeated, and we do so by living with an enjoyment of the common and the ordinary. Today I will remind the Devil by savoring a delicious pie, and recall the story that it symbolizes with gratitude and gladness.
The images featured in this post are by gunthersimmermacher and ulleo of pixabay.com and is free for public use.