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December 17, 2024 – 7 Days Until My Head Explodes, Or Devotions to Prepare Us For Christ’s Coming

“Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One whom the prophets foretold — Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.…” John 1:44-46

Do you see the shoes on this ornament? Those are extraordinary shoes, right? Cranky Reverend thinks these are the shoes Dorothy should have been wearing. Perhaps the shoes are a counter-balance to the hat – or the fact that this poor fellow (or lady) has the body shape of a star – standing on flamingo legs. Of course, according to this Cranky Reverend, this looks more like an elf being crucified? No matter, there is so much about this ornament that is wrong, wrong, wrong.

Here we have the conversation between Philip and Nathanael. Philip, after being called by Jesus, first goes to tell Nathanael about his experience with Jesus. We do not know any of the conversation between them except for Nathanael’s comment about what good can come out of Nazareth. That actually sounds like something CR would say: “What good can come out of Millersburg? Well actually, CR comes from Millersburg – perhaps making CR’s point.” It may sound like a negative comment, but Philip’s response is very ordinary and matter-of-fact: “Come and See.” We can learn a lot from this short exchange.

First and foremost, Philip becomes the first evangelist, going forward to share what has happened to him in his encounter with Jesus. And, even in the face of severe rejection, Philip persists with compelling words – come and find out for yourself. It doesn’t take a lot of fancy words to invite people to come and experience the good news of Jesus Christ. Simple words of invitation will do – and may speak volumes to those who just need a simple invitation.

And secondly, the invitation is just the beginning. Once we have invited people to come to church with us to come and see Jesus, we have to allow them to take the next step – actually becoming involved in the ministries of the church.

Following Jesus is one thing – becoming a disciple takes courage. It is important for the health of the congregation that people not only feel welcome to visit, but welcome to stay and become involved in the life of the church.

Pastor Dave

December 16, 2024 – 8 Days Until My Head Explodes, Or
Devotions to Prepare Us For Christ’s Coming

“Now a discussion about purification arose between John’s disciples and a Jew. They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” John answered, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:25-30

No, no, no, no…..Cranky Reverend has a decree that we do not have butterfly Christmas ornaments on the Christmas tree. Christmas is not about butterflies — it is about elves, reindeer, gold, myrrh, the baby Jesus, snow — as well as out-of-control consumerism and never ending bills in the Spring. Never has CR watched a Christmas show about the time the butterflies saved Christmas.

John says, “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.” John has the right perspective in his relationship with Jesus Christ – Jesus must be bigger than he. There are many today who, I believe, try to assert themselves as being bigger than Jesus Christ. John Lennon once stated that the Beatles were bigger than Jesus Christ. The gospel of John states that John came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe in him. This light is the true light, that enlightens everyone, and allows us to have a clearer understanding of our relationship with G-d.

Even this Cranky Reverend knows Jesus must increase in our lives and become bigger and more important in our everyday experience while everything should decrease in importance. For many individuals, this is a message that falls flat at their feet because they are unwilling to be in the right relationship with Jesus – believing that they are bigger than life itself. In this Advent season, let us remember our true place in relationship with Jesus Christ.

Pastor Dave