Advent Peace, Part 1: Peace in our hearts

 

Advent 1 (Sunday, Nov 26)

It turns out that changing gears on a bike is simpler than changing gears in life.

But changing gears we must, for life is filled with situations that demand that we recalibrate.  These forced recalibrations often rob us of our inner peace.  This season of Advent we will reflect on peace and Christ as our peace, beginning with peace in our hearts.

The angel’s visit to Zechariah (Luke 2:5-20), foretelling both the birth of John (  the Baptist) but also Jesus, reveals about how God works peace in us amid seasons of recalibration.  In this story, and in our lives, God invites us into silent reflection, not simply on our sins, but on God’s faithfulness, power and mercy.

The Gospel According to Barbie (the Movie)

Christ the King Sunday (November 19, 2022)

In Matthew 25, Jesus separates sheep and goats (vs 31-46); the sheep, who are righteous, go to eternal life; the goats go to damnation.  Within the passage, Jesus tells the righteous that what they did “to the least of these” they did to him.  The passage serves as prod to help our neighbor in need; it also unnerves us with the final sense of judgment.

Is there anything but law and judgment here? Well, actually, there is plenty of good news!

To get at why this passage contains so much good news, Pastor Rob begins with a reflection on this year’s Barbie move and the scene in which Barbie cries for the first time.  There is heartache in this world; there is also beauty.   Where is Jesus in the midst of this and what is Jesus doing about the heartache, both in the present and in the ultimate?

I found this image on “Emily Writes”‘ blog about the movie.

What Would Jesus Dare

 

Sunday, November 12

Of the many fashion trends that come back into style, recently “WWJD” bracelets are fashionable again.  Given to teens by parents and youth workers, the hope is that teems will remember to refrain from certain activities by recalling to mind the teachings of Jesus.  But maybe we should embrace the youthful willingness to try new things, in addition to teaching them to avoid temptation. 

Living in faith, as it turns out, means taking risks amid life’s uncertainties.  In that light, Pastor Rob suggests changing “WWJD” from “What Would Jesus Do?” to “What Would Jesus Dare?”

A reflection on the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), taking risks and God’s generosity.

Apokatastatis

 

November 5, 2023 (All Saints Sunday)

What food would you want to eat with a beloved person in your life who has died? We all have those foods and those memories with those dear to us who have joined the church eternal.

We tend to think about heaven as a place where our soul or spiritual substance goes.  It turns out though, this isn’t really what the Bible teaches.  Working with Revelation 7:9-17, Pastor Rob offers that what God intends is an “apokatastatis”, that is, a restoration and renewal of all things in Jesus Christ.

This restoration includes our bodies!  Which means, of course, we can dream of eating our favorite cookies with our beloved ones.