January 3, 2025 — the Tenth day of Christmas

“Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,  make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.” Isaiah 40:1-4

“Can I give you a hug?” Sounds like a strange question. But in 21^st century America it can be tricky to maneuver our way to providing comfort to someone. Why do I say that? Well, with so many people worried about maintaining personal space, it is important to ask permission before going in for a hug. Have you ever wondered what you should do to comfort someone and worried that you might do the wrong thing? I have. But I would like to encourage you to seek that permission – because asking permission is always better than doing nothing.

Do something. Be present. Say something. Listen. Hug. It may not come out perfectly, it may not be the perfect thing, but most of the time doing something is better than doing nothing. In doing or saying or being or listening or hugging, you are telling that other person that you really do care. After all, we can all use a little help from our friends.

Pastor Dave

January 2, 2025 – the Ninth day of Christmas

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.” Matthew 16:13-20

When I see people acting rude and inconsiderate, I feel less of a person. There is no reason for people to act mean-spirited toward one another – whether it is because of political differences, family arguments, or religious disagreements. I mentioned in a sermon a week ago that I hate to go to the bank anymore. So often I overhear conversations between bank tellers and customers – and the customers are rude and accusatory, and most of the time the mistake has been made by the customer not the bank. And the teller is just an employee trying to earn some money or make a living.

When Jesus asks his disciples “But who do you say I am?”, he is giving them a chance to share their opinion about his ministry. There are many different ways the disciples could have approached answering Jesus’ question. They could have gone negative. They could have talked about how rude the Pharisees and other religious leaders have treated him. They could have reminded Jesus how the demons have railed against his identity. But instead of going negative, they found the good, comparing him to Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets – the giants of the Old Testament.

Having an altar call is not part of our Lutheran tradition, but seeking opportunities to share our faith story or living out the tenets of the Christian faith is something we should be doing every day – especially if we overhear someone being mean-spirited or rude.

Jesus has asked each one of us to share the good news, but it often will not come easily or immediately. But the more we practice, the easier it will become. In those moments, try to be present and trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to give you the words you need.

Pastor Dave