Advent—Rejoice! The One Who Comes is Our Salvation

As we enter the third week of Advent, we are invited to pause and reflect on the deep joy that comes with the approaching fulfillment of God’s promises. This season of waiting prepares us not just to receive Christ, but to be transformed by him. As we consider this week’s readings, we are reminded that to experience the fullness of God’s love, we must first allow our hearts and minds to be changed. Often, that means letting go of the old to make room for something new, something much bigger and more beautiful than we could ever have imagined.

In Philippians 4:4-7, the apostle Paul calls us to rejoice always, regardless of our circumstances. This call to joy is not rooted in the fleeting happiness of the moment but in the deep and abiding peace that comes from God. Paul invites us to release our anxieties, our fears, and our old ways of thinking. In doing so, we make space for the peace of Christ to guard our hearts and minds.

There is a joy in letting go of what no longer serves us. Repentance—turning away from the old and embracing the new—brings a unique kind of joy. It’s the joy that comes when we realize that God’s dream for us is far greater than our own, and that his love has the power to transform not only our lives but the world around us.

When we allow ourselves to be changed, our perspective broadens, and we begin to see the world through the lens of God’s love. The kingdom of heaven that Jesus came to usher in is one of peace, justice, and wholeness—a kingdom where the broken are made whole, and the old is replaced with the new. This is the joy we are called to: the joy of knowing that the One who comes brings salvation and renewal to all creation.

The joy we experience in this season is not a fleeting emotion; it is a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing that God’s salvation is near. As we prepare our hearts for Christ’s arrival, we let go of what holds us back—our fears, our anxieties, our old ways of thinking—and make room for the newness of life that Christ offers.

As we light the candle today, may it remind us to let go of the old so we can embrace the new. Let us rejoice in the coming of our Savior, who brings peace beyond understanding and joy that fills our hearts as we await the fullness of God’s kingdom.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Christ leads us into the fullness of joy.

Advent—Prepare the Way

As we enter the second week of Advent, we continue our journey of preparation. This season, we are called not only to prepare our own hearts but also to be messengers of blessing to those around us. This season invites us to reflect on the peace that Christ brings and the role we play in carrying that peace into the world.

Imagine a road being prepared ahead of us. Just as ancient roads were leveled and cleared for kings and dignitaries to travel, so too are we called to prepare the way for the coming of Christ. This preparation isn’t about perfection, but about making space—clearing the obstacles of our hearts and lives so that Christ’s peace may enter and dwell within us.

In this season of Advent, our hearts are like the humble manger, waiting to receive the gift of Christ. Just as the manger, simple and unadorned, made room for the Prince of Peace, so too must we make room in our hearts. We prepare not with lavish offerings, but by opening space for Christ’s peace and blessing to dwell in us.

In Luke 1:68-79, we hear Zechariah’s prophecy, a powerful declaration of God’s faithfulness. These words speak of preparing the way before us—a way that leads to peace, forgiveness, and the light of God’s salvation. But before we walk this path, Advent calls us to pause.

In this pause, we take time to reflect on where we are, where we’ve been, and where God is leading us. Advent invites us into a season of peace, but that peace begins with a willingness to prepare our hearts—just as one would prepare a road for a coming king, or Mary prepared a manger for the birth of the Savior.

As we reflect on God’s faithfulness and promises, we are reminded that we, too, are called to be messengers of blessing. Just as the road is prepared, we are to share the peace of Christ with others—clearing the way for hope, love, and blessing to enter the world around us.

Today, as we light the Advent candle of peace, let it remind us of the peace we are called to receive and to share. Let us prepare our hearts like a manger, ready to receive Christ’s peace, and may we be messengers of blessing to a world in need of hope and light.

⁶⁸ “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
    because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
⁶⁹ He has raised up a horn^[a] of salvation for us
    in the house of his servant David
⁷⁰ (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
⁷¹ salvation from our enemies
    and from the hand of all who hate us—
⁷² to show mercy to our ancestors
    and to remember his holy covenant,
⁷³     the oath he swore to our father Abraham:
⁷⁴ to rescue us from the hand of our enemies,
    and to enable us to serve him without fear
⁷⁵     in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

⁷⁶ And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
    for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
⁷⁷ to give his people the knowledge of salvation
    through the forgiveness of their sins,
⁷⁸ because of the tender mercy of our God,
    by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
⁷⁹ to shine on those living in darkness
    and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

With this peace, we are prepared for the journey ahead.

Advent—Expectation

As we enter this first week of Advent, we come with hearts full of expectation. This is a season where we reflect on the coming of Christ, both in his humble birth and in his future return. The Lord is our righteousness, and we look toward the horizon, filled with hope, knowing that our God draws near.

Imagine standing in the darkness of early morning. The world is still, hushed, and waiting. But in the distance, the faintest light begins to break over the horizon. It’s small, almost imperceptible at first, but it grows. Slowly, the night gives way to the light of day, a new dawn that promises warmth, life, and renewal.

In the same way, Advent is a season where we stand on the edge of what’s to come, watching for the light of Christ to rise over the horizon of our world and our lives. We wait with eager hearts, not in idle passivity, but with hope-filled anticipation. The darkness is not the final word—there is a light breaking through, and that light is Jesus, the One who is our righteousness.

In today’s reading from Luke, we hear Jesus’ words about signs in the heavens, distress on the earth, and the coming of the Son of Man. It may feel like these are words of fear, but they are also words of profound hope and expectation. The world may be in turmoil, but Christ promises to come again, to restore all things, and to make everything right.

This passage invites us to lift our heads, to be watchful, because the kingdom of God is drawing near. Just as the dawn breaks over the horizon, so too does the coming of Christ bring the promise of redemption, justice, and peace.

As we light the Advent candle of hope today, let it be a reminder of the light that is steadily drawing near—the light of Christ, our righteousness. And as we wait, may our hearts be filled with expectant hope, knowing that even in the darkest moments, God’s promise is sure, and Christ is coming again.

25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

We anchor our hope in the One who draws near.

Christ the King Sunday

 Imagine knowing the end of the story before it unfolds. As we come to the end of our worship calendar for the year, we celebrate the victory that Jesus has already secured for us. His kingdom will reign forever, and this truth illuminates our path like the first light of dawn. And next week, we begin again with the anticipation of Advent, marking the start of a new liturgical cycle.

Christ the King Sunday is a significant feast that emphasizes the sovereignty and lordship of Christ over all creation. From the towering mountains to the vast oceans, all of nature proclaims his majesty.

Throughout history, kings and queens have ruled over nations, but their reigns are temporary and limited. In contrast, the reign of Christ is eternal and encompasses all of heaven and earth.

Today, on Christ the King Sunday, we celebrate the culmination of the Christian liturgical year. Throughout the seasons, Jesus is at the center of it all: entering our world in Advent, ministering to all people in Epiphany, saving us in Easter Prep, rising in glory at Easter, sending the Spirit at Pentecost, and building his church in Ordinary Time. This day marks the end of our journey through these seasons and brings us to a crowning conclusion: Jesus is King.

Our journey through the seasons, and everything in between has led us to this moment. Each season has prepared us to recognize and honor Jesus not just as our Savior, but as our King.

The Reign of Christ Sunday serves as a reminder that Jesus’ authority extends over every aspect of our lives and all of creation. He invites us to reign with him in eternity, sharing in his glorious kingdom.

Christ’s kingship is not bound by cultural or geographical boundaries. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, reigning over every nation and every people.

As we gather to worship and honor Christ the King, we are united in our recognition of his ultimate authority and our commitment to follow him. Together, we acknowledge his reign and look forward to his eternal kingdom.

As we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, let us come together in worship, lifting our voices and hearts to the One who reigns supreme over all.

Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail. So it is to be. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
Revelations 1:4b-8

Speaking Of Life 3051 | The Underdog’s Tale
Greg Williams

One of the most famous story plots in history is the tale of the underdog. From the oldest story of the slave who turns out to be royalty, to the modern sports movie about the unlikely heroes who never let go of their dreams—we resonate with those on the bottom. A narrative about a child of privilege who simply goes on to be an adult of privilege would be less interesting than a grocery list.

There has to be loss, risk—a tightrope the underdog finally makes it across into the promised land. This story resonates with all of us no matter our background.

Hanna, the mother of the prophet Samuel, was one of these biblical underdogs. She suffered from barrenness, which was a great stigma in the ancient world. When she was finally blessed with a child she sang her famous prayer:

The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn.
1 Samuel 2:4-5 (ESV)

The underdog theme, the upside down-ness of God’s miraculous work runs throughout it. The weak become the strong; the barren are pregnant; the poor are brought from the back alleys to the head table.

Throughout redemptive history, this story appears again and again. God confounds our strata of who matters, who’s important, who’s powerful. The underdog becomes the superhero.

The same kind of song is picked up centuries later by another underdog:

… he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.
Luke 1:52-53 (ESV)

This is the Magnificat, the song Mary sings early in her pregnancy with Jesus. She’s an unwed teenage mom from a country backwater—she couldn’t be more of an underdog! And she becomes the most famous woman in history, and God uses her to confound the world.

And so we see that still at work in our lives. God uses the least likely to break his kingdom into the world. How many times have we been thrown off by a child or a person with special needs and reminded of life’s fragility and beauty? How many times have we seen God speak through a person who seems to offer nothing else?

God, not only loves the underdog, but through the centuries he often plays his song of life through the least likely instruments—are we listening?

I’m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.

Speaking Of Life 3050 | Like Kin
Jeff Broadnax

When I was 18 years old, I met someone who would change my life for the better. Here’s the catch: we couldn’t have been more different as people.  John was a white man from Great Britain; I was a black kid from Cincinnati, Ohio. He was old enough to be my father, and I played more basketball in one weekend than he had his entire life. I called July 4^th Independence Day; he called it Rebellion Day. But we both loved the Proverbs and we both called Jesus, Lord.

John would regularly stand up on my behalf to tear down manmade barriers that tried to keep me from being who God destined me to be. Over the next 30 years, we would transcend cultural norms and become family despite our racial, ethnic, and generational differences.  

In America, the pandemic and political or racial tensions of recent months have made it easy to feel disconnected or fragmented from others. It’s been hard to stay connected with people close to us and even harder to connect with those who might be different. But discovering how God can help people move from fragmented to family is an important practice that we should look at more closely.

One biblical example of an outsider becoming family can be found in the book of Ruth. The story begins with the Israelite family of Elimelech and Naomi who left Judah and moved to Moab with their two sons to escape a famine. They lived there a long time; their sons grew up and decided to marry two Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth.

The relationship between Israel and Moab was complicated and broken.  Relational betrayals had left spiritual scars and historical animosity between them. These differences could have very easily created a fracture in the relationship between Naomi and her daughters-in-law.

The story takes a sad turn when the father Elimelech and the two sons become sick and die, leaving three widows and no children behind. Naomi urges the two daughters-in-law to go back to their families and remarry, and Orpah does. But Ruth insists on staying with Naomi, even leaving Moab and her family to go back to Judah with Naomi. Ruth works hard to find food for the two of them until Naomi realizes there is a distant relative named Boaz who could marry Ruth as part of Israel’s legal system to care for widows. Boaz marries Ruth, and she bears a son named Obed. Let’s read how Naomi’s friends celebrated Obed’s birth:

Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.”  
Ruth 4:14-15 (NRSV)

This son was the grandfather of King David and part of the lineage of Christ.

The foreign woman Ruth was an outsider, not part of Israel’s culture or religion, but God chose to include her in Jesus’ ancestry. In a society where sons were prized, the Israelite women praised the outsider Ruth, saying that she was better “than seven sons” (v. 15). Ruth’s love for Naomi was widely recognized and appreciated, and Ruth became like kin to Naomi, regardless of their religious and cultural differences.

This example of love and kinship between two women from different cultures can instruct us today. Because God saw fit to include an outsider in Jesus’ heritage, we understand that love transcends differences.

Family isn’t just restricted to blood relatives. Because of Christ’s Divine love, we are united into one human family.

Filled with the Spirit, may you have the heart of the Father to love one another, including the outsider, and embrace our diverse representation of the imago Dei (the image of God). 

I’m Jeff Broadnax, Speaking of Life.

Speaking Of Life 3049 | The Jesus Subtext
Greg Williams

Have you ever had a conversation in which the primary communication was not the words spoken? Maybe an exchange with an old friend where you say very little to express your relationship? Maybe a conversation with a rival in which looks and posturing were really what was “said”?

The brief exchange Jesus has with the scribe in Mark 12 is similar. The scribes ask Jesus what the greatest commandment is and Jesus responds:

Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:29-31 (ESV)

His answer connects to the central prayer faithful Jews prayed every day; it is called the Shema. But the words unspoken say a lot as well.

At least in Mark, the scribes are portrayed as Jesus’ nemesis. They are constantly harping on his behavior and ultimately are instrumental in causing his death.

And yet in this exchange, the scribe actually agrees with Jesus by saying: “You are right, Teacher…”

The conversation surprisingly takes a sharp turn away from the usual antagonistic tone. He agrees with Jesus quickly—where the subtext in most of their conversations is challenging, suddenly there is agreement.

Jesus’ reaction to this agreement is no less surprising:

And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”
Mark 12:34 (ESV)

The Lord knows just when to stop everything and watch the kingdom leaking through, even through a scribe. This conversation stands out against other similar exchanges because there is pause, there is observation, not just a disagreement or debate.

Jesus sees the change coming through this man and proves that the kingdom welcomes everyone as a matter of the heart. Unlike Israel—who at the time who was shutting non-Jews (Gentiles) out—the gospel movement welcomed all—scribes or otherwise—if that person turned even slightly toward Jesus. It was a matter of faith—not social class, not ethnicity nor heritage, that brought someone to believe and follow Christ.

So this exchange—a surprisingly positive response from a scribe excites Jesus. It’s small moments like these showing how Jesus was transforming the world then and still is today.

I’d like to think this scribe who was “not far” from the kingdom made it all the way across. Perhaps this was the beginning of his journey—a brief, patient discussion with Jesus. The same discussion he has had with you.

I’m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.

Speaking Of Life 3048 | Refuge in the Storm
Cara Garrity

Have you ever been caught in a hurricane or a tornado? It can be a harrowing experience. If you are lucky, the only experience you’ve had with these monsters is footage from the news. But these images don’t give you a good picture of the devastation occurring. That only becomes clear after the clouds depart and the sun returns. Only then can you see that everything was being mercilessly tossed about, scrambled, and shredded.

Yards have found new decorations and some houses have found new yards. Cars have mysteriously traveled on their own and park in the most unusual places. Neighbors who have never met are now intimately acquainted with each other’s belongings. The familiar landmarks that were reminders of home, have now been reduced to litter strewn across an unrecognizable landscape. Some things that once seemed secure and permanent had been exposed as weak and temporary.

Any sound advice for those caught in the path of a destructive storm will include seeking shelter in a structure that is stable enough to withstand powerful winds. Some houses that are frequented by storms have built-in, concrete safe rooms or underground storm shelters. If these are not available people are encouraged to move to the most central room in their homes. If caught outdoors in a storm it may seem instinctive to hide in a car or under a tree. But these are the last places to be.

Where do you run when the winds of devastation blow your way? And I don’t mean just the literal storms but I’m referring to the life-altering storms that we all face. Scripture has always pointed us to our one true place of safety and that is in Jesus Christ. He is the one sure rock of refuge that no storm can move. Many who have taken shelter in him call out to others to do the same.

Here’s one such example recorded in Psalm 34:

“O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor soul cried, and was heard by the LORD, and was saved from every trouble. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.” 
Psalm 34:3-8 (NRSV)

The Psalmist knew where his safety was found. If at any time you find yourself being tossed about, scrambled, and shredded in a raging storm, there is a place of safety that no storm can move. His name is Jesus. Others can attest to the fact that he is your reliable rock and solid refuge in the storm.

I’m Cara Garrity, Speaking of Life.

Speaking Of Life 3047 | Upside-Down Selfie with Jesus
Greg Williams

The selfie is the new autograph. Armed constantly with our phones, if we run into a famous person or even go to a famous place, we can snap a picture instantly. It’s better than the old, impersonal autograph. Here you are in the presence of a celebrity for a moment—with your arm around a millionaire like you are old friends.

For about a second, it’s like you’re one of them.

Like every other commodity, selfies have now become big business too. How about a selfie with Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker)? That will run you almost $200. Take a snap with Sly Stallone? That’ll be $445. It can become an expensive moment, but it’s worth it for the big fans.

James and John make a kind of “selfie request” of Jesus in Mark 10:

And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.”
Mark 10:37 (ESV)

This is a bold request; they are asking for the seats of honor, to the right and left of the king. They are hoping to bask in the presence of glory and power—to sit for a moment on near-equal footing with royalty. In a sense, to take a selfie with him.

Jesus turns the conversation on its head quickly:

But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.
Mark 10:43-44 (ESV)

As he often does, Jesus turns the dynamic of the culture—and human culture in general—on its head. If you would be great, you must be a servant. There is no vying for the center stage; there’s no elbowing your way in for a photograph with fame. Jesus calls us away from these status symbols and trappings of identity into true freedom where the last are first and the humble great.

When Jesus finally was crowned here on earth, he did have someone on his right and someone on his left. But his crown was of thorns and he was nailed to his throne, and at each side of him were criminals.

So can we take this upside-down selfie with Jesus? If we’re going to snap a pic at his side, we won’t find him at the autograph table. We’ll find him serving not being served. Taking that selfie—standing next to him in that moment—is much more costly than taking one with any celebrity, but worth every penny.

I’m Greg Williams, Speaking of Life.

Speaking Of Life 3046 | The Midas Touch
Jeff Broadnax

In Greek mythology, Midas was a king who was obsessed with riches. After doing a good deed for the god Dionysus, King Midas was granted whatever he wished as a reward. The king asked for everything he touched to turn to gold, and his wish was granted. King Midas was overjoyed! He touched sticks, rocks, flowers. All of them turned to solid gold. He went to his palace and ordered a feast to celebrate his good fortune. That’s when he realized his mistake. Every time he tried to put something in his mouth, it would turn to gold. In the myth, King Midas died of starvation. His love of wealth cost him his life. In the book of Mark, we are introduced to another man with an unhealthy attachment to riches:

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good — except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.'” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Mark 10:17-22

In the verses that follow, Jesus does not say it is wrong to have riches. However, he does say that loving riches is wrong.  Our possessions can become idols to us — things that get in the way of our relationship with God. This was the man’s problem. He was so entangled by his stuff that he missed an opportunity to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. He traded an eternal relationship with Christ for things that will fade away.

In this encounter, riches are a metaphor for anything we value above God. Some of us choose to work unnecessarily long hours just to earn confirmation through success. This is often at the cost of time with those most important to us: God, our family, and friends. Some of us are tied to our social media affirmations trying to get the most likes and views instead of getting our worth and value from God.  All of these scenarios are forms of idolatry because they get in the way of our relationship with God and other people. Therefore, we should be willing to give up anything that gets between us and Jesus.

The good news is that whatever we give up for Jesus is never really lost. The sacrifices we make for him today are repaid with interest in eternity. Out of an abundance of love, God gives us true riches like joy, peace, and grace. These things are worth far more than gold and silver. We should be willing to set aside any wealth of this world for the eternal riches that are in Jesus Christ.

Jim Elliot wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” In Christ, we are already rich with blessings. Let us not let the things of this world distract us from all we have in Jesus.

I am Jeff Broadnax, Speaking of Life.

Ordinary Time Book of Hebrews

Who would you name as the greatest of all time? It may be hard to do with the various arenas of human triumph. In the realm of sports, music, and leadership, we’ve witnessed remarkable feats of human achievement. But none can compare to Jesus, who transcends every category with unparalleled love, boundless mercy, and unmatched power.” He was able to accomplish what no other human could do.

In the book of Hebrews, Jesus is portrayed as superior to all and worthy of all worship and devotion. The author presents numerous examples to elevate Jesus’ greatness and to challenge believers to remain faithful amidst persecution.

Jesus is superior to all other messengers. While the law was given to Moses from an angel, the new commandment comes directly from Jesus, the Son of God.

Jesus is superior to Moses. While Moses built a tent, Jesus built all creation. His power and authority extend far beyond the limits of human understanding.

Jesus is compared to Israelite priests, who were from the line of Aaron. But Jesus, from the line of David, surpasses them all. He is both king and priest, ruling with justice and mercy.

Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice. While priests offered daily and yearly offerings, Jesus offered himself once for all, reconciling humanity to God and granting eternal salvation.

Jesus is God’s very Word, the eternal priest, the perfect sacrifice, and the embodiment of truth. In him, all things hold together, and through him, all things are made new.

Amidst trials and tribulations, Hebrews urges believers not to abandon Jesus, but to cling to Him as the anchor of their faith.

He is the source of strength, hope, and eternal life.”

Hebrews 1:3 reminds us: ‘[Jesus] is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.

Let us worship as we exalt Jesus Christ, – the greatest of all time in every aspect.
Let his name be praised, his glory be magnified, and his love be proclaimed to all the nations.

Amen

Speaking Of Life 3044 | How Enemies Become Friends
Cara Garrity

If you’re an animated movie fan, and I say, “To infinity and beyond!” you probably will immediately think of Buzz Lightyear from the movie Toy Story! In the movie, Buzz Lightyear was an astronaut toy character who was voiced by actor Tim Allen. If you remember the very first Toy Story, Buzz was the new toy that captured the boy Andy’s attention, leaving his old favorite, Woody the Cowboy, cast aside. Woody was understandably jealous, so at the beginning of the movie, Woody and Buzz were rivals. But it’s when they’re kidnapped by the nasty boy Sid that they realized they didn’t have to be enemies. Buzz and Woody needed to work together to escape Sid and get back to Andy. Their common goal fostered empathy and respect between the two.

The gospel of Mark reports a similar type of story where the apostles saw others outside their group casting out demons in Jesus’ name, and they might have been a little jealous. Let’s read what happened:

John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.
Mark 9:38-41 (NRSV)

Jesus points out an important lesson, not just for the disciples but for us, too. Love and kindness have their roots in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, so when they’re expressed—even by those who don’t hold similar beliefs—they’re furthering the good news of God’s love for all humanity. In this context, Jesus is addressing those who were doing good works in his name.  We might think of the many different Christian denominations who often may disagree about some theological doctrines but who still love and serve the same God.

Buzz Lightyear and Woody were united, at least at first, in their desire to get back to Andy, and as they worked together on that goal, they developed a relationship based on respect, empathy, and even love. Though some would like to restrict good works to their own understanding we’re encouraged to recognize how the Father, Son and Spirit infiltrate all aspects of creation.

When we see love and kindness at work, we can rejoice because we know God is meeting the world’s needs and affirming humanity’s value, no matter who is doing the loving or showing the kindness. May you recognize God’s love and kindness in the world today, and may you pass it along.

I’m Cara Garrity, Speaking of Life.

Speaking Of Life 3043 | An Unlikely Object Lesson
Greg Williams

I imagine that we have all witnessed the wonder, honesty, and even humor in kids as they grow and develop.

When my son Glenn was three years old, he somehow got away from the family and initially, it caused great fright and concern, but within moments we found him nestled in a corner of the lady’s cosmetic section and he was painting his face with bright red lipstick. When my mother heard this story, she reminded me that when I was the same age, she temporarily lost me in the grocery store. She discovered me in the canned vegetable aisle, and I was fixated on a can of Green Giant corn and I was mimicking the giant by repeating the advertisement jingle, “HO, HO, HO Green Giant.” What can I say?

Kids have a way of making every room—pretty much the whole world—their own.      

Have you ever tried to “kind of” welcome a child? There are no half-measures when it comes to kids. Once they arrive on the scene, they own it. The whole dynamic changes. Adults might slip in and out of the room, but kids never do.

We see one of Jesus’ interactions with children in Mark 9. The disciples have just finished arguing about who is the greatest, and Jesus gives them an unlikely object lesson:

And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” Mark 9:35-37 (ESV)

In the honor/shame culture of the ancient world, hosting a respectful person at your home brought you honor, which brought status and connections. Children weren’t worth much on the honor spectrum. Better to spend your energy and time on having a great rabbi like Jesus or a rich man to your house.

And here, right in the middle of an argument about honor, Jesus plops a child down in front of them. Runny nose, sticky fingers, constant demands—a child. And he says when you welcome this person—this person who is the least of these, whose only gift is their need—then you welcome him.

When you welcome the inconsequential that’s when you meet Jesus.

Because the presence of Christ can be a bit like that child— occasionally overturning tables, always full of wonder and forgiveness. Jesus changes the dynamic. His values change the gravity. This is what it means to welcome Jesus. He doesn’t play by our rules, he doesn’t follow our plan, but to welcome him is to welcome life.

I’m Greg Williams, Speaking of that Life.