Luke 2:10-12
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
John 8:12
12 Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.”
Merry Christmas to all!
Being from Florida you would think that having a Christmas Eve service outside would be perfect, but trust me it was cold. As the sun was setting it was amazing to hear the carols and watch the stars paint the sky as if it were a majestic masterpiece.
Before service started we were given candles. As we lit the candles though we found it a challenge to keep them lit as the light breeze found those unlikely candidates to snuff out the candles.
So as I am listening to the pastor in the 50 degree brisk Florida sky I thought, is this what it was like when Christ was born? Was the sky as brilliant as the Florida sky before me? Was it this cold as the breeze was biting through? So many questions kept going through my head.
So as I am still listening to the pastor, my attention shifted back to the candle. Wait a second, on this day a single light has come! His name is Jesus. He came in such a humble way, born in a barn, a mess all around with smells certainly not fit for a king. But being a young couple you make do with what you have.
As I thought about this single candle now lit in my hand bringing warmth and light, how much of an impact does my one candle have? I scanned around to see several hundred people, some with their candles lit, others with theirs not and yet others struggling to light and keep their candles lit.
Then I thought about John 8. Could it be a single light that cannot be extinguished be born on a night like tonight, in the cold and darkness? Yes a Savior which is Christ the Lord!
As Christ came He has ignited hundreds, thousands and even millions over generations. But as our candles are lit we always find that little breeze trying to snuff out our light and drag us back into the cold darkness. Some of us find another flickering flame to reignite us. Some find themselves as being the flickering light that lights others. Then there are those who allow the winds of this world to blow out our flames.
As we reflect on Christmas may I say......a Savior is born and He is the Light of the world!
So I ask, what condition is your candle? Are you that burning flame? Maybe you are the one who needs to be relit or have allowed the cares of this world to wipe out your flame. Regardless your condition, there is a light that can fire you up! He was born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord! He is the Light of the world!
CAL
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Sunday, December 22, 2013
The Three Wisemen
December 22, 2013
Proverbs 17:17
“Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.”
As I woke up this morning I could not help but think about some of my friends. Moreover I had to thank God about the Three Wisemen God had so strategically added to my life.
I know you may be thinking that this is a little peculiar of a post to share for Christmas, as I did, but as I gave it a little more thought I found it is most appropriate when you look at the bigger picture. The three men I am about to mention are men who may not know I am talking about them and may not even realize the impact they have had on my life. Please understand these are men who have been beside me through thick and thin, seen me in my worst as well as my best and have been added in those times of need at the right time. They are men who did not undermine the role of my parents but have enhanced my life in a different facet of my journey.
As I sat back trying to remember how I met these three wisemen I had a hard time remembering how they were brought into my life. But as God reminded me I realize over time that their entrance into my life was God ordained.
Let me introduce you to the Three Wisemen.
“The Wiseman From the North:”
During my college years at Ohio State no one impacted my life more than Jerry and Melanie Emrich. Jerry was a kind and compassionate man who loved God, his family and helping others.
As a 21 year old college student you start to wise up, after thinking you have all the answers. You then have an epiphany and realize that not only are there other people out there that know more than you but understand how to love you in a way that not even you can understand how to love yourself.
Jerry and Melanie had a passion for youth and young adults. They actually dedicated their time to create a place for teens and collage students to get together on the weekends to just have something to do and build relationships.
As I watched Jerry and Melanie’s love for God I found it challenging me in ways that I could not imagine. From the times we would open the Klub, to the times we would join them for a bible study in their home I knew God was moving. Jerry would not start anything though without prayer and was always followed up by music.
In 1998 the unexpected happened. I was just recently married and living in the Chicago area when I got the call from one of my best friends. It was about Jerry. He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer after not feeling good and being rushed to the hospital. A short time later he passed away.
The feeling I had was like the air being let out of a balloon. “God how could this happen? What is going on?”
Now almost 15 years later I know God’s goodness lives on through his children and grandchildren. I see the foundation that he laid in his son and two daughters and see the blessings God had in store touching the lives Jerry had touched and must say that he was a wise man.
Every once and a while I will go searching through my file cabinet for something. As luck has it I will come across the picture I have of Jerry and Melanie and thank God for the impact they had on my life.
“The Wiseman From the West:”
When you start a new church as a young couple with four little children, you look for others you can gravitate toward that you will jell with. Sometimes you look for people of your same age bracket and other times you look for someone who can mentor you and enrich your life. This was the Wiseman from the West.
David was not always from Texas. In fact he was from the western suburbs of Chicago and after I moved to Florida he and his wife at the time set off to Texas.
David always intrigued me for so many reasons. He is a father and patriarch to a large family. He has had his share of ups and downs and as a result has grown closer to God. As I have watched my friend over the past almost 13 years I have seen a man who has walked with God unwavered.
About five years ago when things took a dive for me in my marriage and career, he was there covering me and walking me through those times. At the onset when I met Dave I never thought that one of the only couples I had hung out with would now become a vital life line in a time of adversity.
He has been there through the thick and thin and has given me advice that very few had the insight to do. He has heard my tears, my frustration and my joys. He has known when to speak and has known when to be silent.
One of the things I remember the most, and will never forget is when Dave and his wife came over to my house and made an impact on my children. It was Valentines Day and was the birthday of my oldest son as well as his own birthday. After my son had opened up all of his gifts, he gave thought to what he had and wanted to do. After a few minutes my son decided that he needed to share his gifts with Dave seeing that it was his birthday as well, and gave him a bear he received for his birthday.
Now as almost a decade and a half have passed, I know that Dave and I will remain friends. It is that love for God and continuous passion for seeking God in all matters. It is that iron sharpening iron.
“The Wiseman From the South:”
Southern boys are so much different then we northern boys. They have life experiences that are far different and more colorful than you can image. The Wiseman from the South is not only a colorful character but a man of many stories.
About eight years ago when I met Phil I never thought that we would have the long standing relationship we have today. When I tried to think about how we met, I almost forgot and had to wrack my brain.
I was November of 2006 and I had just lost my job. After being in Florida for just short of two years and having to take care of my family I had to think quickly in order to recover and get back on my feet. My church was in the process of building a new facility and wanted me to be on the board. As I went to the first meeting I was introduced to a team of architects which included Phil.
Phil and I became very good friends as we entered into a strong working relationship. He had asked me to come and work with him as I had my business to do the drawings for the church. Later he decided to hire me on when he saw my business struggling and latter I closed the doors of my business.
As time went on Phil and Karen had gotten to know my family and I and took a great liking to what was going on. He had taken a great interest and has become an inspiration to the person I am today.
When my wife left me taking my four children, Phil was there. He had seen me when I was homeless, unemployed, destitute and hurting. He had seen me in my trials, successes and failures. He had given me a place to stay when I had no place to go, fed me when I was hungry and talked to me when I was lonely.
During my recovery process through all the pain, Phil and Karen stood by my side. They had encouraged me to write and loved to listen to the stories and things I had to say. It became helpful seeing the encouragement of a professional architect and English major.
After the passing of his wife Karen almost a year ago I have seen him struggle. I know the loss requires me to step up as a friend and cover him in prayer and be there for him in his times of need as he had been there for me.
Looking at these Three Wisemen I will say that the impact that they have had in my life is something that can never be replaced, bought or earned. These are three men I will say that they are immeasurable and could not be replaced.
As I look to the future God has set before me, I pray that He continues that good work in me and allows me to have the attributes these men have portrayed. May He, one day, use me to impact others in the same fashion they have in my life.
Just as the Three Wisemen came to Christ’s birth, it was those men had a future impact on the life of our Savior. As Christmas is but a few days away, I encourage you to think about the Three Wisemen in your life. Maybe it is the one who had the heart of gold from the North who gave his life impacting yours and being a light to the world. Then again it may be the Wiseman from the West who has been like Frankincense bringing healing through the pain. Or like the Wiseman from the South, like Myrrh, seeing death beset your life and breathing life and hope back into your situation.
Regardless the journey, regardless the pain; remember those close to you and more over the Savior who has committed to stick closer to you than a brother. He came to give you life and give it more abundantly. – John 10:10
CAL
Proverbs 17:17
“Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.”
As I woke up this morning I could not help but think about some of my friends. Moreover I had to thank God about the Three Wisemen God had so strategically added to my life.
I know you may be thinking that this is a little peculiar of a post to share for Christmas, as I did, but as I gave it a little more thought I found it is most appropriate when you look at the bigger picture. The three men I am about to mention are men who may not know I am talking about them and may not even realize the impact they have had on my life. Please understand these are men who have been beside me through thick and thin, seen me in my worst as well as my best and have been added in those times of need at the right time. They are men who did not undermine the role of my parents but have enhanced my life in a different facet of my journey.
As I sat back trying to remember how I met these three wisemen I had a hard time remembering how they were brought into my life. But as God reminded me I realize over time that their entrance into my life was God ordained.
Let me introduce you to the Three Wisemen.
“The Wiseman From the North:”
During my college years at Ohio State no one impacted my life more than Jerry and Melanie Emrich. Jerry was a kind and compassionate man who loved God, his family and helping others.
As a 21 year old college student you start to wise up, after thinking you have all the answers. You then have an epiphany and realize that not only are there other people out there that know more than you but understand how to love you in a way that not even you can understand how to love yourself.
Jerry and Melanie had a passion for youth and young adults. They actually dedicated their time to create a place for teens and collage students to get together on the weekends to just have something to do and build relationships.
As I watched Jerry and Melanie’s love for God I found it challenging me in ways that I could not imagine. From the times we would open the Klub, to the times we would join them for a bible study in their home I knew God was moving. Jerry would not start anything though without prayer and was always followed up by music.
In 1998 the unexpected happened. I was just recently married and living in the Chicago area when I got the call from one of my best friends. It was about Jerry. He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer after not feeling good and being rushed to the hospital. A short time later he passed away.
The feeling I had was like the air being let out of a balloon. “God how could this happen? What is going on?”
Now almost 15 years later I know God’s goodness lives on through his children and grandchildren. I see the foundation that he laid in his son and two daughters and see the blessings God had in store touching the lives Jerry had touched and must say that he was a wise man.
Every once and a while I will go searching through my file cabinet for something. As luck has it I will come across the picture I have of Jerry and Melanie and thank God for the impact they had on my life.
“The Wiseman From the West:”
When you start a new church as a young couple with four little children, you look for others you can gravitate toward that you will jell with. Sometimes you look for people of your same age bracket and other times you look for someone who can mentor you and enrich your life. This was the Wiseman from the West.
David was not always from Texas. In fact he was from the western suburbs of Chicago and after I moved to Florida he and his wife at the time set off to Texas.
David always intrigued me for so many reasons. He is a father and patriarch to a large family. He has had his share of ups and downs and as a result has grown closer to God. As I have watched my friend over the past almost 13 years I have seen a man who has walked with God unwavered.
About five years ago when things took a dive for me in my marriage and career, he was there covering me and walking me through those times. At the onset when I met Dave I never thought that one of the only couples I had hung out with would now become a vital life line in a time of adversity.
He has been there through the thick and thin and has given me advice that very few had the insight to do. He has heard my tears, my frustration and my joys. He has known when to speak and has known when to be silent.
One of the things I remember the most, and will never forget is when Dave and his wife came over to my house and made an impact on my children. It was Valentines Day and was the birthday of my oldest son as well as his own birthday. After my son had opened up all of his gifts, he gave thought to what he had and wanted to do. After a few minutes my son decided that he needed to share his gifts with Dave seeing that it was his birthday as well, and gave him a bear he received for his birthday.
Now as almost a decade and a half have passed, I know that Dave and I will remain friends. It is that love for God and continuous passion for seeking God in all matters. It is that iron sharpening iron.
“The Wiseman From the South:”
Southern boys are so much different then we northern boys. They have life experiences that are far different and more colorful than you can image. The Wiseman from the South is not only a colorful character but a man of many stories.
About eight years ago when I met Phil I never thought that we would have the long standing relationship we have today. When I tried to think about how we met, I almost forgot and had to wrack my brain.
I was November of 2006 and I had just lost my job. After being in Florida for just short of two years and having to take care of my family I had to think quickly in order to recover and get back on my feet. My church was in the process of building a new facility and wanted me to be on the board. As I went to the first meeting I was introduced to a team of architects which included Phil.
Phil and I became very good friends as we entered into a strong working relationship. He had asked me to come and work with him as I had my business to do the drawings for the church. Later he decided to hire me on when he saw my business struggling and latter I closed the doors of my business.
As time went on Phil and Karen had gotten to know my family and I and took a great liking to what was going on. He had taken a great interest and has become an inspiration to the person I am today.
When my wife left me taking my four children, Phil was there. He had seen me when I was homeless, unemployed, destitute and hurting. He had seen me in my trials, successes and failures. He had given me a place to stay when I had no place to go, fed me when I was hungry and talked to me when I was lonely.
During my recovery process through all the pain, Phil and Karen stood by my side. They had encouraged me to write and loved to listen to the stories and things I had to say. It became helpful seeing the encouragement of a professional architect and English major.
After the passing of his wife Karen almost a year ago I have seen him struggle. I know the loss requires me to step up as a friend and cover him in prayer and be there for him in his times of need as he had been there for me.
Looking at these Three Wisemen I will say that the impact that they have had in my life is something that can never be replaced, bought or earned. These are three men I will say that they are immeasurable and could not be replaced.
As I look to the future God has set before me, I pray that He continues that good work in me and allows me to have the attributes these men have portrayed. May He, one day, use me to impact others in the same fashion they have in my life.
Just as the Three Wisemen came to Christ’s birth, it was those men had a future impact on the life of our Savior. As Christmas is but a few days away, I encourage you to think about the Three Wisemen in your life. Maybe it is the one who had the heart of gold from the North who gave his life impacting yours and being a light to the world. Then again it may be the Wiseman from the West who has been like Frankincense bringing healing through the pain. Or like the Wiseman from the South, like Myrrh, seeing death beset your life and breathing life and hope back into your situation.
Regardless the journey, regardless the pain; remember those close to you and more over the Savior who has committed to stick closer to you than a brother. He came to give you life and give it more abundantly. – John 10:10
CAL
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