Month: December 2008

Today is a revisit of a “Christmas Classic” from Christmas past. How does a blog become a classic?

1) It is your blog, your site, you pay the server charge and you can call it whatever you want
2) You have no time to write today

Enjoy! And Merry Christmas!

One of my contributions with this modest little blog is to continually ask the tough questions.

While listening to  “Away in a Manger” on the all Christmas radio station my inquiring mind kicked in. You likely know verse three of the song.

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

As I listened an important series of difficult and probing inquiries popped into my head. What noise, exactly, were the cattle making when they started lowing? Was this normal cow talk? Did lowing just sound more intelligent than mooing for the lyric writer or is lowing a more godly cow sound? And then the most important question came to mind. What is wrong with me?

I can’t answer the last question but I can help with the others. Lowing is defined at dictionary.com as “the characteristic sound uttered by cattle; a moo”.  

So little baby Jesus was awakened by the characteristic sound uttered by a cow. That would not have flowed well in the lyric.

The cattle were making characteristics cow sounds
The poor baby wakes

So I understand using lowing in the song. The next part of the lyric is disturbing to those of us who are parents. If any of the babies who grew up in our household were awakened by cattle lowing they would be squalling (the characteristic sound uttered by a ticked off baby; a scream).  During the course of my intrepid investigating I discovered that this verse was not original to the song. It was added in the early 1900’s by a Methodist minister named John T. McFarland for a children’s program. While verse three is not a part of the original Christmas carol canon it does create an image of Jesus that we need to rethink.

I remember as a child singing “Away in a Manger” and picturing the baby Jesus with this beatific smile on his face and a little halo hovering over his head. In my imagination the animals were swaying and singing like the campfire scene from the movie “Three Amigos”.  I pictured Mary and Joseph as awed spectators as the baby Jesus acknowledged the shepherds and welcomed them to his place (remember…the earlier lyrics told us he didn’t have a crib). My images of the baby Jesus were indeed childish. But I wonder if we don’t carry a little of that flawed perspective into our adult Christian journey (like Ricky Bobby in the movie Talladega Nights…you bad Christians know what I am talking about).

This Christmas why not take a little time to think about the implications of the incarnation. That nice little theological word is used to denote when the second person of the Trinity assumed human form in the person of Jesus Christ and became both fully God and fully man. C.S. Lewis called the incarnation “the Grand Miracle.” He wrote: “The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation…. Every other miracle prepares for this, or exhibits this, or results from this…. It was the central event in the history of the Earth–the very thing that the whole story has been about” (from Miracles, chapter 14).

By a miracle that passes human comprehension, the Creator entered His creation, the Eternal entered time, God became human–in order to die and rise again for the salvation of all people. “He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity; down further still … (to) the womb … down to the very roots and sea-bed of the Nature He has created. But He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him” (Miracles, C.S. Lewis).

Take a moment to meditate on the mystery of that. Fully God and fully man. I am sure the little Lord Jesus would have had the normal response to being awakened by any cow noise…lowing or other. His swaddling clothes had to be changed just like any baby. Chuck Swindoll described Him as diety in diapers.

How does that affect me this Christmas? Because God became flesh I can believe that He understands the frailties of my flesh. Because the Creator understands His creation I am sure that God understood my pain, frustration and loneliness before Jesus came to Bethleham. But it is difficult for me to relate to an invisible God. That is the miracle of God becoming man. I can relate to Jesus because He has walked in my sandals. Joni and I were always appreciative and blessed when people expressed love and care while she was battling breast cancer. But when a breast cancer survivor expressed that love it connected on a different level. They had been there, felt the fear, fought the tiring battle and traveled the long road. That is the sovereign genious of the incarnation. We can relate to God in flesh in a way that is different. When I suffer I know that Jesus understands. He has been there. When I am lonely or feeling betrayed I can know (in my finite ability) He understands. When I am joyful and laughing He understands. By becoming like me I can believe that Jesus can empathize with me on a different level. Because I know He gets it then I also get it. God loves me and Jesus has my back.

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.   I John 2

Jesus became our advocate and our path to salvation when He arrived on earth. The miracle in the manger was not Jesus ignoring stupid cows making noise. The miracle was God becoming flesh.

One of the bummers about getting older is that you seem to go to a lot of funerals. It is always a sad time but I have to tell you that some funerals are a lot better than others. Of course for a Christian it is always a comfort to know that the departed had put their trust in Jesus as their Savior. But even that factor does not always make a funeral seem uplifting even in the sadness of loss. I was thinking about that yesterday as I drove home from still yet another memorial service. This service left me with a smile and feeling inspired even though I knew that many would miss this man tremendously. This particular service was for a man I did not know personally. I am a friend of one of his sons and family. So I went and listened to what others had to say about a man I did not know myself.

I knew from the obituary that he was a man of some accomplishment. I knew that he had done pretty well financially. But those things were hardly mentioned by friends and family. I reflected during my drive home on the themes that I heard from everyone about this man. That he was a man who fiercely and loyally loved his family and friends. A man who was giving. A man who was devoted to his wife and even in his last days referred to her as his “lover”. A man who loved life and lived it robustly. A man who loved to sing and shared his gift with others. A man who loved to give and spent his life giving. A man who was happy and made others happy that encountered him. A man who loved Jesus and meant it.

As I thought about what I had heard the riddle of why some funerals are better was answered for me. When you know a life is well lived you feel sadness but no regret that opportunities were lost. A life well lived shows the rest of us what matters. And clearly what matters is not just accomplishment or gain. A life well lived is invested in faith, family and friends. A life well lived values others and changes them. A life well lived serves others and affirms them.

One other thing I learned about going to a memorial service of a life well lived is that it is hard to get a parking place. People are able to clear their schedules for a person who made them feel valued, alive and special.

I hope I am investing in a life that will be evaluated as well-lived. Charlie Williams of Garland, Texas did not make news when he passed away this week. But he did make a difference with a life well lived. And I pray that I can follow his example.

(This is a no time to write day. So I am recycling a gently read post from Christmas past. Hope you enjoy.)

When I was a kid the holidays politely waited their turn in line. Thanksgiving would take the baton from Halloween and then pass it along to Christmas.  Now the Holidays clamor for attention like a spoiled child at the mall. I have been receiving Christmas catalogs for weeks and the stores were filled with Christmas displays by Halloween. By the way, you will note that I am a proud user of the term Christmas for the December 25th event that is known on the federal calendar as Christmas Day.  That was a bonus mini-rant. No charge.

Last year I wrote about what I wanted for Christmas. I started with a list of things I really, really wanted.

1. Everything at the Bose store
2. The coolest new phone 
3. Several pounds of books
4. Dozens of DVD’s

Then I listed everything I really, really needed.

1. Uhhhhh….
2. Uhhhhh….
3. Uhhhhh….

Yep. I didn’t need a single thing for Christmas. I give bags of clothing I no longer wear to charities every year. We have more stuff in our house than we can figure out how to store. My phone does, unfortunately, still receive calls. I have more books than I can read and more DVD’s than I have time to watch. I still want the stuff from the Bose store but Jesus never said this journey would be easy.

So my request to my Sons and the stunning Mrs.Burchett was a bit different. Pool the money you would have spent on me and go to the website of World Vision.  Then click on the Gift Catalog and give a gift to people who really, really do need things. There you can find a need for whatever stirs your heart, from animals to education to fresh water provision. Nothing would make me happier. Here is just a sampling from the catalog.

• For just $75 you can buy a goat for a family and provide year round milk and cheese
• How about building a fish pond stocked with tilapia to provide food and income opportunities for a village? The cost is $200.
• Like more exotic animals? Your Christmas money can provide an alpaca ($360) or a camel ($685) to a struggling family.
• For $50 you can contribute safe water to an African school or for $100 you can help dig a deep well
• Want to help out children in the United States? A gift of $25 will fill a backpack and $500 provides essentials to a needy child.
• You can contribute to rescue young girls from the sex trade industry or a little over $100 will give pre-natal care for women who have no hope of that basic need.
• Help build a health clinic or pay for eye surgery for a child that has no hope to learn without the procedure.
• Give the gift of musical education, sports, and other educational needs
• How about offering new hope to children with disabilities by giving a wheelchair or prosthetic limbs to war victims?
• Feed and care for widows and children affected by the HIV/AIDS plague in Africa.

Can you read that list and not feel just a little sheepish (not the type available for $105) about our lack of sacrificial giving as Christians in this country? Here is some research from a very annoying and convicting organization called empty tomb, inc. They are also a very important ministry that God has raised up to be a Nathan to our comfortable and consumer Christianity. Here is how America spends some of it’s resources.

In 2003 American consumers spent $53.6 billion buying jewelry and watches, a 5.1% increase over previous year.
U.S. Consumers spent more than $24.3 billion on candy (2002) and, on average, consumers made $84.34 worth of candy purchases.
We spent $64 billion on soft drinks in 2003. In 2000 Americans spent $13 billion a year on chocolate in all its forms (I know…it just got personal for many of you).
In 2000 American toy sales reached $23 billion.
How about $38 billion spent on state lotteries? 
Americans spend 600 million on teeth whitening each year.
We  spend over 300 million on Botox to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

God help us to see the world with His heart. The good news? We can make a real difference. And the time to start is now. Again, according to empty tomb, inc we have the potential to literally change the world in the name of Jesus. Here is the analysis of the empty tomb organization.

As described in our research, church member giving is declining as a portion of income, and is currently around 2.59%. 

If Americans who identify with the historically Christian church increased their giving to an average of 10% of income, there could be an additional $156 billion given to the church. If 60% of this amount were made available to expand overseas missions activity, that number would mean an additional $94 billion available for overseas missions.

One source estimates that $70-$80 billion would impact the worst of world poverty and $5 billion could end most of the 11 million under-5, global, annual child deaths. Also, $7 billion would be sufficient for global primary education for all children.

You should be aware, that there could also be $31.22 billion more a year for domestic outreach. And this all on top of our current church activates. 

In the gospel of Matthew Jesus talks about the final judgment.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

  “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

It takes so little sacrifice to make a difference. But it will take the whole body of Christ to really impact this globe. A few years ago I gave up a daily beverage at an omnipresent coffee franchise. That freed up enough money to sponsor a little girl in Guatemala. In response to my request my sons and wife made me the happy recipient of a goat and a pig that went to families in need somewhere. I will not know this side of eternity how God used my Christmas gift. But I bet it was more useful than the motorized cooler that goes 14 miles per hour to deliver cold beverages to somewhere for some reason. Are you kidding me?

I often encounter people who say God is judging America because of this sin or that sin. I always tell them I don’t know if that is true. But I do tell them that I suspect that God would more likely judge this country because of the incredible wealth and influence His people have squandered. You can make a difference this Christmas. One coat or goat or can of beans at a time.

Merry Christmas!

P.S. World Vision is just one of many Christian charities that receive a top rating from independent ranking companies. You may have your own favorite. Would you pray about doing something this Christmas? Who knows what good you can do by giving up something you don’t really need.

I rarely suggest that anything I write is a must read. There is a simple reason for that. Most of what I write is not. Today is the exception not because of my writing skill but because of the subject of this article. I have been deeply touched, moved and a little shamed by the story of an amazing little boy from Lynnwood, Washington.

KOMO News in Seattle reported the original story on November 7th.

When Brenden Foster was first diagnosed with leukemia, he and his mom began a new tradition. Every night they list three positive things that happened during the day, and they have to share a laugh. A chuckle will do, Brenden said, but a fake laugh will never do.

In the last days of his life, it was a homeless camp, namely Nickelsville, that captured the boy’s heart.

“I was coming back from one of my clinic appointments and I saw this big thing of homeless people, and then I thought I should just get them something,” he said. “They’re probably starving, so give them a chance,” said Brenden.

Brenden is too ill to leave his bed and feed the homeless. But Brenden’s wish will not go unfulfilled.

One week later KOMO updated what had now become a international story of inspiration and love.

The local boy whose dying wish to feed the homeless inspired thousands across the world has taken a turn for the worse. Brenden Foster is growing weaker, but his message is growing stronger. His body is failing, his skin yellowing. His mother is trying to decide on the wording for his grave marker.

“B-Man is his nickname, or Mr. B. But most people call him B-Man,” said Wendy Foster.

The end is near, and Brenden has one question for God. “Why at so young an age? I could have done more. But if it has to be now, it has to be now,” he said.

It’s easy to imagine all he could have accomplished after seeing what the 11 year old has achieved in his final days. Brenden’s dying wish to help the homeless has touched hearts from Saudi Arabia to South Carolina. Many of them left voice messages for their new hero.

“We collected over 20,000 cans of food and donated it to a local food bank in your honor,” said a woman named Nina. A Vietnam vet from Kentucky who lost his leg in the war wants me to give Brenden his Purple Heart for bravery.

Brenden’s message inspired Daniel Chairez, a 12-year-old boy in California who is also battling leukemia. “He really inspired me because he’s not afraid. And he wants to help people and he’s not selfish,” he said. Daniel says he wants to pick up where Brenden leaves off and help the homeless.

“I think that’s very great,” Brenden said.

  Courtesy KOMO News, Seattle

On November 20th Brenden was able to attend a food drive organized on his behalf to feed the homeless and fulfill his dying desire. Brenden urges others to follow their dreams. “Mine already came true,” he said. Achieving Brenden’s wish makes his mom proud. But the thought of losing him has been devastating her and the expected costs of his funeral frightening her. “We don’t know how we’re going to pay for it,” said Wendy. Worry no more, Wendy. The Seattle Seahawks saw the KOMO News story and asked how they can help. The Seahawks players have decided to pay for the funeral of beloved Brenden Foster, the one little boy who has touched so many lives.

“He’s always thought about others. Never complained about having to go through this, ever,” said his mother, Wendy Foster. “It’s devastating, but I find great peace in knowing we’ve had our time together and that we will see each other again,” said Wendy.

“I had a great time and until my time has come, I’m gonna keep having a good time,” he said.

On the morning of November 21^st, one day after seeing his food drive come to pass, Brenden passed away in his mother’s arms. I remembered the words of Jesus as the “adults” were arguing over who would be the “greatest” in heaven.

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 18, NLT)

I am sure that Brenden entered the Kingdom of Heaven as one of the greatest. His life demonstrated exactly what Jesus was teaching. Becoming like a child is not about acting childish. Jesus asked us to model that childlike humility and belief that things that are wrong can and should be made right. The childlike faith to allow God to love you and let that love flow out to others.

Instead of looking at the homeless with disdain or fear Brenden looked at them with a heart to help. Instead of feeling uncomfortable and looking away he looked those unfortunate souls squarely in the eye and said how can I help? I am humbled by his example. Would you join me in doing something out of your comfort zone this Christmas to help others? Sure, things may not be as good as other years but I would imagine most of us are in a better place than where Brenden was when his heart reached out to help others.

Do something special this Christmas in the memory of this special young man. And you can imagine that on the streets of heaven a newly arrived saint will be saying “I think that’s very great”. Thank you Brenden for putting this year in perspective. Your example will live on.