Sweet Words from Maine

Christmas Light

A Light in the Storm, Prospect Harbor, Maine

Christmas is a season of lights. Flickering candles brighten darkened windows and warm mantels. Artificial lights decorate trees and yards and parks with colorful displays. Brilliantly lit stars are everywhere. The world seems warmer, kinder, and brighter as goodwill, generosity, and cheerful expressions of love reflect the spirit of Christ’s advent, that wondrous moment when “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world^”

In that amazing, inexplicable miracle, God’s transcendent love was poured out on floundering, weary humanity. “The light of the world” lay swaddled in a manger in the dark recessess of a Bethlehem stable. Jesus “became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:9-14) The long awaited Messiah had been born. Now there was more than a glimmer of hope for a discouraged, suffering world.

The good news first came in a frightening burst of light as an angel delivered a startling message “of great joy for all people” to some tired Shepherds as they watched over their sheep in the dark fields of Bethlehem. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ” And suddenly their was a heavenly host singing and praising God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Although at its deepest level Jesus’ advent reveals humanity’s desperate need for a merciful, grace filled redemptive way forward to reconciliation with God, he has never received full acceptance as the Savior of the world. Centuries of evil forces and moral rebellion, of angry and jealous men, of distracting and detracting religions, of sufferings and injustices, and of doubt filled minds and disbelieving hearts have threatened to devalue, discredit, blur, obscure and obliterate him. Yet regardless of how unpopular he may be or how drawn away from him we become, his light constantly shines even through the worst circumstances or the most aggressive unbelief. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5) Perhaps the first written Christmas carol expresses that. “Jesus Light of All Nations” was supposedly penned after Constantine recognized Christianity and halted its persecution.

Christmas carols may be simple but soul touching in and of themselves. Others are majestic and particularly beautiful when their back stories are known. Not long after the loss of his beloved wife, H.W.Longfellow spent several weeks looking for his son who had been wounded and was septic from an infection sustained in the Civil War. On Christmas day 1864, from a grieving , anxious heart and in troubling circumstances, he penned hope through his anguish:

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!

In a time of personal tragedy and huge national division, the Person of Christmas held the answer of peace on earth and God’s good will for humanity. There is no other legitimate answer. Just as God gave physical laws governing physical light and life, men’s souls are governed by spiritual laws which give spiritual light and life.

The Gospel continues to enlighten and change lives. It “is the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2Corinthians 4:6) The cost of our salvation, the marvelous grace of God, and the glory and determination and enduring, patient love of God will be forever visible not only in the tender face of a baby but in Christ’s bloodied face distorted in agony for us on the cross.

Christmas is the beginning of a beautiful but epically sad and tragic human journey. However, Jesus could never have been spent his life with more meaningful and selfless purpose—that of being God’s love. God’s love entered time to walk life’ journey with us. Jesus’ life remains crucial to humanity’s outcome. His light takes us from darkness to eternal hope.

He can deservedly and truthfully claim: “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 ) That includes the promise that even though one will experience physical death one will have eternal life if one chooses to live and believe in him.

What better reason could there be for a Merry Christmas?

Joy All the Time?

Sunset, Sorrento, Maine,

We all experience brief times when words cannot do justice to what we internally experience. A breathtaking mountain summit vista, the monotonous crashing of surf, a whip-o-will’s twilight call, a warm fire shared with a friend or book, a beautiful symphony, the weird laughter of loons echoing through a still, dark night, or an awesome sunset may evoke a surprising, unexplained, physical sensation springing from a deep inner sense of “beyondness.”

In those moments we become aware that life is sacred, that our comos is ordered and filled with meaning. Our spirits touch something beyond ourselves, something grander and more magnificent, something beyond awe, something longed for and meaningful but beyond explanation-a taste of joy.

In our search for “beyondness”, we may find ourselves stuck in a desperate, dysfunctional, misguided pursuit of a happiness which eludes us. We struggle for wealth or power, prestige, and status thinking that they will fulfill us. As we search, we may even break moral codes or find ourselves facing addictions or the depressing disappointment of meaningless achievements.

Although impossible to define and difficult to describe, joy is deeper, stronger, and more persistent than happiness, which is fragile, brief and situational. Joy isn’t lessened by adversity because it rests in meaning and purpose not circumstances. In Scripture it is best defined by a relationship with God, Nehemiah reminded a suffering Jewish nation that “The Joy of the lord is your strength.” (Ne 8:10)

Jesus lived and taught that. Despite what it cost him, Christ joyfully endured the cross because he loved us and lived within the will and plan of His heavenly Father. (Hebrews 12:2). He came to repair human brokenness, to reconcile mankind to God, and to restore our joy. He showed us that joy is found in loving relationships: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15:9-12

The Apostle Paul’s life exemplified that joy which is very evident in his letter written to the Philippians from his prison cell. He found God’s grace sufficient and cause for continuous gratitude. The present day Persecuted Church demonstrates that as well as it fully embraces a joyful faith despite mistreatment, ostracization, and even torture.

The fullness of joy, the subtle, persistent background against which life can be lived with hope, is not the result of cause and effect but is sourced in love. Jesus, whose birth was announced with the fact that he would bring joy to all people, is evidence that God loves us and gives us peace, contentment, wonder, assurance, gratitude, and a place within His kingdom.

You make known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence. (Psalm 16:11)

Optimistic?All the Time?

Undaunted by fog and inclement weather, the captain of this sailing vessel has confidently hoisted his sails; his ship is underway despite minimal visibility and the hidden danger of unseen harbor islands, shoals, and lobster boats. Undoubtedly, the captain’s knowledge, skill, and experiences contribute to his optimism.

In today’s world, division, negativity, and depression frequently diminish our sense of optimism. However, Scripture has this great word— “hope.” It is a concept which echos throughout Biblical historical events as far back as man’s fall in Genesis. It is based on the character of God and conveys the idea that we can have a confident expectation for a good outcome.

Some champions of faith lived pressured but undaunted by circumstances. Joshua echoed Moses’ confidence as Israel faced hostilities in the land promised them: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) (Deuteronomy 31) Jeremiah proclaimed God’s goodness when God’s children faced trouble: ” For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Nahum assured them that “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7) And Hebrews 11 contains a compilation of both important and ordinary men and women who lived extraordinarily courageous, powerful lives of faith. There are patriarchs, judges, kings, prophets, notables and nonentities whose faith was costly but confident. They held to the promises of God even when logic failed and they faced difficulties, doubts, fear, distain, mockery and martyrdom.

Although fully aware of his own fate, Jesus encouraged and comforted the broken hearted and championed the oppressed. In spite of tragic suffering, he joyfully fulfilled God’s singular, burdensome, trial ridden course for him. Even while nailed and dying on a criminal’s cross and paying the agonizing, horrendous price for humanity’s sins, he not only promised Paradise to the criminal who was dying beside him and who had professed confidence in him but he also declared that the requirements for humanity’s redemption had been satisfied. It was finished. There would be no condemnation for those who would believe. Could there be a greater confidence than that? He had accomplished what he had promised Nicodemus:“ God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) Could there be a greater optimistic outlook for dying humanity than that? Eternal “hope”!

Abuse, poverty, lack of opportunity, suffering, grief, opposition, and impossibilities pull us inward. However, hope draws us away from ourselves and our problems and connects us with God. The Psalmist captured that concept: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.” (Psalm 42:5)

Hope is a supreme confidence in God’s character, in His love for us, in His redemption, and in His presence with us. No matter how dire the situation , no matter how far astray the wandering, no matter how evil the heart, God is present when we hurt, loves the troubled soul, willingly redeems the repentant heart, and transforms the mind.

Despite questions and uncertainties, we can hoist our sails with praise every morning and confidently cling to the “riggin’s” – to God’s principles, promises, and loving providence. “We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.” (Ps 33:20-22)

Whose Footprints?

This is the time of year in Maine when one is more likely to see footprints in the snow rather than in the sand. However, any footprint is a reminder of Henry W. Longfellow’s words: “ We can make our lives sublime/ And, departing, leave behind us/Footprints on the sands of time.” (from A Psalm of Life)

Men and women of determined mind have impacted culture for good or for evil ever since Adam and Eve. Although we may have outgrown our childhood superheroes, we continue to be inspired by the strong character, generous hearts, and courageous living of those who work for personal and common good. We value determination, endurance, and conviction especially when they involve sacrifice or an effort to rally others to achieve good and even great things.

However, history has also proven that our loyalties and affections may be naively captivated by evil scoundrels, by antiheroes of the worse kind, who can deceive and manipulate us into the most depraved depths of inhumanity and who leave terrible, indelible marks on psyches and societies. Careful discernment about what we believe or whom we esteem and choose to follow is crucial to personal and national wellbeing. We are always in danger of being misled by cultural delusions that accompany prestige, power, success or celebrity. And we can easily center our world views around the many respected voices of humanistic and religious ideologies.

Of all the distinctive, influential, and crucial historical voices the most pivotal is that of Jesus Christ, a poor, humble, itinerant Jewish Rabbi whose teachings and powers were initially ignored or denied or disparaged by the religious elite. Few recommended or promoted him during his life time; those who did were maligned or persecuted. He received no accolades, no royal recognition, no Nobel Peace prizes; Incredibly his miracles, including raising the dead, were dismissed. So, what validates his importance?

Jesus’ name and teachings continue to turn political, religious and spiritual worlds upside down. But more importantly, after several thousand years, Jesus’ words still impact individuals. The Apostle John told his readers “… whoever keeps (Christ’s) word, in him truly the love of God is perfected…and (you) ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (1 John 2:5-6) The Apostle Peter took that idea to a very practical and uncomfortable level: “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” (1Peter 2:21-25)

Walking through the Gospels with Jesus is transformative as we listen to his thoughts on organized religion and as he addresses large crowds, teaches small groups, and mentors individuals. We become an audience to discussions with skeptics and seekers and to interviews with humble sinners and arrogant religious intellectuals. We witness healing of bodies and the changed souls of men and women at all levels of society. Peter knew the spiritual healing Christ gives and testified that “He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.” (1Peter 2:24)

So, why is Jesus still important?

An old hymn, Footsteps of Jesus, gives us a clue: “Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling, /’Come, follow Me!’/ And we see where Thy footprints falling/ lead us to Thee.” (M. Slade 1871) Christ leads us out of our personal muck onto solid ground. He takes the hopeless, the helpless, and the faithless on an unending journey to love, forgiveness, redemption, and hope, and to the promise of a glorious day of life forever.

Thankful in All Things? Really?

Fog Bank and Breaking Sun, Sullivan, Maine

Sometimes it is difficult to be thankful. Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes we become battered, beaten down, and immobilized. Sometimes the way ahead becomes too heavy, dark, and obscured by uncertainties, difficulties. impossibilities, disappointments, fear, or grief. Sometimes we are enshrouded and overwhelmed with despair. Yet, God promises hope and strength in our despair and weakened states. He does not minimize but understands our angst and has so much compassion that He gave His son to redeem us and our circumstances.

When we turn our pain filled faces, furrowed brows, fear filled thoughts, and empty hearts away from our troubles and seek the light of His face, the reality of His love shines through the murkiness. Scripture conveys the idea that God is invested in us, is constantly aware of us, cares about us, and can be found in our circumstance. It is crucial that we remember Him and His mighty redemptive acts on our behalf.

Thankfulness is a running Biblical theme. Joshua gave Israel that hope when he told them: ^“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) Christ gave that same assurance and comfort to his disciples: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”( Matthew 28:20) When speaking at Athens, the Apostle Paul proclaimed that God “is actually not far from each one of us, for In him we live and move and have our being..” (Acts 17:27-28 (ESV) The Psalmist reminds us that “This is the day the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it.” King David exhorted his people to^“Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered.. (1 Chronicles 16:11-12) And the Apostle Paul urges us to “ give thanks in all circumstances.”

Gratitude is hardly the first thought we have when facing difficulties or injustices. The Apostle Peter addresses that idea with the early Christians as they suffered persecution. He encouraged them to be watchful, to stand firm in the faith, and to not become ensnared by anxiety but to cast their anxieties on God because He cared for them: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:7-11)

As our Sovereign, God is for us. He gives us good things. Through Christ He experienced all the temptations and trials known to man. He remembers that we are but fragile souls wrapped in bits of dust and promises to help us deal with our complexities, anxieties, and confusion. Turning toward Him brings us to the light and warmth of our Creator’s grace and love. Even in dark times, we can trust His character as He shepherds us above the valley mists to still waters and green pastures while we sing the Psalmist’s song: “Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good.” His mercies are new everyday. They bring assurance, strength, comfort, peace and joy even in the midst of tumult.

Be Thankful in All Circumstances? Really?

Fog Bank and Breaking Sun… Sullivan, Maine

Change

Most of us no longer work the family farm or commute to work in the mills. Our society is no longer primarily agrarian or industrial. However, a strange, pandemic induced twist has sent many workers back to work on “the farm” where trade tools are now computers rather than hay rakes and garden hoes.

Social values are also changing. As we become more affluent, cosmopolitan and liberal, we tend to exaggerate and elevate our desires into purposes and to think in relative terms rather than holding tightly to high moral standards. We seek fulfillment in easy living, special recognition, mega-mansions, expensive entertainment, sex wherever and with whom we want, and guarantees that we are not only free to do and have anything we want but that society should work for us to attain it.

Speaking to Solomon, King David gave this counsel: “My son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. (1 Chronicles 28:9 (NLT2)

That truth is both reassuring and disturbing. Where does God fit into our plans and thoughts? In our search for meaning and wholeness, we often resist God and the principles He designed to give us the best possible life. Our understanding of the world may change, but God’s purposes and the deep needs of our spirits will never be any different. That discovery of purpose is all about our souls and not about our material, sensual lives. It is more about humility and selflessness than self exultation.

Because we have become distorted images of what He created us to be, God has made a way for our restoration. In His wisdom, love, and grace, He meets the need of our fragile, fickle, stubborn, proud, poorly focused, broken, imperfect souls which are embodied in dust. He safe guards them by accepting the consequences of our waywardness through Christ’s redemptive work on our behalf and by forgiving us when we choose Him.

We may be ambiguous about being made in God’s image…but God is not. He has done everything possible to restore us to the image we are intended to be. Our repentance and His restorative power makes all the difference!

Considering Him and His life principles will transform the desires of our hearts.

Creation Knows!

“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you;
or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. (Job: 7-10)

For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made…(Romans 1:20)

The Beauty of the Earth

For the beauty of the earth
For the beauty of the skies
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our joyful hymn of praise

For the beauty of each hour
Of the day and of the night
Hill and vale and tree and flower
Sun and moon and stars of light
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our joyful hymn of praise

For the joy of human love
Brother, sister, parent, child
Friends on earth, and friends above
For all gentle thoughts and mild
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our joyful hymn of praise

For each perfect gift of thine
To our race so freely given
Graces human and divine
Flowers of earth and buds of heaven
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our joyful hymn of praise
This our joyful hymn of praise

Several stanzas from “For the Beauty of the Earth” , written by Folliot Pierpoint in 1864 when he was 29 years old.

Whose Pleasure?

Hidden behind these beautiful mountains ranges, expansive heavens, flowing rivers, color filled, forested valleys, and rolling hills lie ages of unraveled mysteries which challenge us to consider the unique design of our planet and how this vast universe transcends understanding while hinting that it is the place where we have always belonged.

Scripture’s statements about God’s creativity are amazing and reassuring but can also be startling and even mildly disconcerting at times . The King James Version says God “created all things for his pleasure.” Another version says He created what He “pleased.” (Revelations 4:10 NLT2)

Those should be comforting statements because what pleases God is good. However, to willful, self centered, authority-resistant humans who believe in self determination and concentrate on personal desires, such a doctrine is cringeworthy. It can appear to reveal a controlling, egotistical god whose creation is woefully flawed! That perception is often predicated upon the human experience of suffering and evil. So, tension arises between God’s capabilities, sovereign purposes, the concept of free will, and the sacred revelations of God’s flawless, holy, loving , just, omniscient, authoritative character.

Tension between these ideas lessens a bit if one considers that God acts within the confines of His holy, just, and loving character but also within an individual’s will, choices, and circumstances (good or evil) to accomplish His ultimate purpose of redemption and restoration of all creation! Perhaps the greatest example of the interaction of divine love and human evil is found in Christ’s sacrificial death for humanity’s salvation. He was crucified through the evil intents of men but for our ultimate benefit. That onerous and unspeakable provided hope for mankind.

Although there are many things which please God, there is one prerequisite. Faith! “without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists.” (Hebrews 11:6) We are free to seek or not seek God. However, we cannot please Him by any means, efforts, or methods apart from belief.

Eden was ours before it became “Paradise Lost” due to our brokenness and unholy imperfections. However, God wants us to regain what was lost. So he fixed our brokenness by paying the consequences of our sins and thereby accepting us into his kingdom through Christ’s perfection and redemptive work. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.” (Ephesians 1:7-8)

His grace plus our faith equate to a restored relationship with God. Jesus said that it pleases God to give us His Kingdom! “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom,” which the Apostle Paul reminds us is not a matter of eating and drinking but is a spiritual Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy. It is a place of spiritual rest and protection. (Ephesians 2:8-9) (Luke 12:31-32)(Romans 14:17)

God has created us so that we may experience His pleasure. Everything that is good and perfect flows from His grace . Most importantly, He has given us Himself so that we might know the deep pleasures of peace and eternal hope.