Christmas Imperfect

This is a busy time of year.  I have church services to prepare, people to see, and presents to buy.  All in all, I spend a lot of time trying to make Christmas perfect…  However, I was drawn to the Christmas story this week, not as a story of perfection, but as a story of people who found hope in imperfection…

Mary became pregnant before she was legally married.  In that day and age, this was a crime Mary could have been killed for, but she found hope instead.  Mary and Joseph were also ordered to go to Bethlehem to be registered for a tax to the emperor.  Soon after this, the young family had to flee to Egypt to escape a jealous and insane King who ruled over Israel.  This was a terribly imperfect time, but somehow hope showed up.

A young family trying to find hope in a crazy world...

As I look at the world today, I see so much pain in places like Syria.  Wars seem to go on without ceasing, and there doesn’t seem to be much hope for peace.  However, I am drawn back to that first Christmas story.  We are called to believe God is with us – even when things don’t go our way.  Today, it is my prayer that you find hope.  May you believe God loves you, and may you know that God goes with you wherever your journey takes you. 

Blessings!

PB

Christmas Joy!

There is something I love about this time of year.  I love the lights. I love the people, and I love the spirit that’s in the air.  I am also experiencing the joy of sharing this season with my own child.  My little boy is just 1 year old, but he is already sensing the excitement.  When we walk into our living room, he will rush over to the outlet try to plug in the Christmas Tree.  (I understand having a child rush to a power outlet may not be a good thing, but it’s fun to see the enthusiasm.) Seeing Christmas through his eyes has helped renew my excitement for the season.  It is wonderful seeing people share love and grace as we live out the Good News. 

Where are you at this season?  Are you living with a childlike faith... or are you living in a time of brokenness or loss?  It is my hope that you would believe in Love this season.  May you understand that you are not alone, and may you be a light in the darkness.

Blessings!

PB

Blessings!

How much time do you think you spend each day complaining?  Personally, I know I can devote way too much energy into grumbling about other people or events, and looking back, that’s not really how I want to spend my time.  Last week, we celebrated Thanksgiving.  My wife and I decided to take a quick trip up to see some of her family who live near Lake Tahoe.  It was an amazing trip, but it took a lot of work to make it happen.  We had to deal with a rambunctious little boy on the 8 hour drive to the lake.  We had to scrounge up all the snow gear for a 1 year old, and we had to convince our little guy to actually keep the gear on once he was outside.  All of that could have easily turned into something to complain about.  However when we saw the joy in our son’s eyes, it all became worth it.  It reminded me what a gift it is to live life with a childlike hope and faith. 

When you don't have a sled the lid of a trash can works great! 

I have so much to be grateful for.  Last week at Community Lutheran Church, we handed out Blessing Jars that were made by the youth group.  We each have opportunities to cherish our blessings every day.  If we’re not careful, it can become easy to spend all our time complaining about some pretty minor stuff.  However, you are blessed to be who you are!  I hope we can call take a little time each day to appreciate that!

Blessings!

PB