Christmas Approaching

"A Hallelujah Christmas" by Cloverton from Ross Wooten on Vimeo.

Christmas is about family and time spent with loved ones. Here's a video of the holiday season years ago with family members. My sister and brother (Susan & Dennis) loved to joke around and we still do to this day! My wife (Holly who is on the sofa) were married right out of high school.  We came home "on leave"  while I was a medical corpsman at the Air Force Academy working in the hospital emergency room  (some 37 years ago). My plan was to register at the university the following summer, but it was really only a dream based on a few years of saving for college and living on the GI bill.

God has a way of guiding us through the years. Our daughter was less than 2 years old when this video was taken. It's a rare look at my grandfather (Louie Sukup), mom (Adella White) and in-laws (Vic and June Honeck).

I remember the last scene of this segment, it was 5AM we were leaving to drive back to Colorado in our Ford Maverick. My mother-in-law is still in her bathrobe and she made coffee to warm us up. It was a cold winter morning and a sad time; we just wanted to move back home.

The Lord has a way of revealing the total picture of what we saw so dimly years ago. Holly and I  are blessed today with 8 grandchildren and we about 20 miles from campus. Susan and Dennis lives in Arizona, we "face time" often on our iPads. My daughter lives in Texas and her children come up every summer to swim in the lake behind our house.

Do look forward to the joy of the holiday season and if you are going through hard times right now, don't lose heart! God loves us and reveals the bigger picture in time, today is just a fleeting moment in history.

Legacy For the Next Generation

I joined the Air Force in 1973 while still in high school. At the time I was working at a $2.60 hour job. Neither my father nor my grandfather had finished high school, at least I would do that.

The world was changing when I inherited it. Vietnam was winding down; Richard Nixon was impeached. But, there was opportunity. I could still buy three gallons of gasoline for a dollar bill and some guy with a greasy shirt pumped it. He also checked under the hood.

Life was good. A pizza and a movie were a casual night out. A new Ford Mustang when I graduated from Sheffield-Chapin. The economy was good.

Fast forward 40 years.

My grandson Charlie visits a veteran memorial in the park and finds a different future. I wonder what choices he will make in his lifetime. Will our country be at war? Will he get a college education like his mom and dad?

Doses of reality set in as I ponder these questions. Think about our legacy to the next generation for a moment.  Will he will pay taxes for our mistakes?  Billions of dollars went to banks that made unsecured, risky loans to businesses and individuals who falsified their income. A war we couldn't afford. Medicare fraud.  We subsidize housing for people who could pay rent. We pay out unemployment benefits for years to people who could move to a new city and find a job. Congress debates over sexual orientation.

One crisis after another; flooding, fires and tornadoes. Terrorism in Boston, a gun fight at a house of worship. Student loans to for profit schools that mainly purchase commercials during daytime television. We subsidize the oil industry get a spill in return. Antibiotics are poured into animal feeds and we get infections in people we can't treat.  An epidemic of diabetes and heart disease.

So what does Charlie inherit from this generation? It is not too late for us to act responsibly. We can make his future brighter.

Christian Narcissism

Тhe myth of Narcissus is an old and varied tale, one story depicts Narcissus gazing at his own reflection (becoming transfixed by his beauty). A painting created by Italian Baroque master Caravaggio, painted circa 1597-1599 conveys a bit of the concept: the figure of Narcissus is enamored with his own reflection, surrounded by darkness, so that he sees nothing of the world around him. However, to be clear the nacissist is an individual who is described as being excessively preoccupied with issues of personal adequacy, power, prestige and vanity.

So has narcissism crept into evangelical christianity? My non-religious friends are quick to point out spiritual insincerity and narcissitic thinking in my own thinking. In fact, I wonder if my even having a blog is a narcissit activity? I don't know. In any case, I am grateful for the feedback from wherever it comes really. It is important to listen to critics of the faith and to be challenged in our thinking.


Normally, we think of TV preachers as "narcissist" when all they are interested in is money. This encampasses a number of organizations and generally include the distribution of various books and video tapes that promote personal benefit in exchange for giving a large gift. One minisistry in the 1980s was a husband and wife televangelist team Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. They promised donors a lavish hotel room for a week if they gave at a certain dollar level.

But, is a spriritual narcissism popularity surfacing in christianity? Is it affecting the church? Is it blinding our leaders? Is it paralyzing our call to service? 

Sometimes narcissim invades my own thinking. I come to church and sit there thinking, why doesn't the pastor shake my hand after the service? Or,  I critique the music or the sermon and wonder why it didn't fit my needs. Why do I have to sit next to this loud child, isn't he disturbing my worship experience?

So, I've discovered that even in evangelical Christianity, it is invading us subconciously. OK, I know we need to have self-esteem and self-control. Those are biblical concepts.  And... we do need to personalize the gospel and have a personal identity for what the cross means. But, sometimes it goes too far.

Consider how it has crept into the contemporary christian music industry with lyrics from the music group FFH:

One of these days I'm gonna see the hands
That took the nails for me
One of these days I'm gonna hold the keys
To the mansion built for me
One of these days I'm gonna walk the streets of gold
That were paved for me

I guess this song is catchy and indeed I enjoy the melody. In fact, I've even purchased this group's music and CDs and do believe the total message of this group is a positive one of Christianity. But,  is it indeed true that paradise was only created for me? Isn't that what some proponents of Islam also teach....  that in paradise one will die and be surrounded 72 virgins?  

A quick view of the new testament reveals some interesting contradictions to what we've come to accept in Evangelical circles. Didn't Jesus say.. “I did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many;” “Whoever wants to be first must become last;” “Whoever wants to be great among must become the slave of all;” and then bowed in submission to the Father and said, “Not my will, but yours.”

What do you think? Are Christians becoming absorbed in the culture of narcissism?

Knowing Him in Secret

Nicodemus knew Jesus was some sort of prophet, or at least a catalyst for morality. He was perplexed by what to do with this information so he followed his teaching secretly. To acknowledge any impact of his theology publicly would be embarrassing.

Nicodemus was a skeptic of sorts, not willing to take action on this new instruction from this young country preacher, but at least willing to go and see what he has to say.

There is a reason for a night time consultation. A clandestine meeting would not be seen by the others in the Sanhedrin (the ruling council in the synagogue), so Nicodemus isn't taking much of a risk.

A low impact encounter, that was all he wanted. To warm himself by the fire, watch the flames in the night air, and sip a cup of hot cocoa with Jesus. Isn't that what we all want? A comfy little religion, an unchallengeable sermon in the third row from the back, a private audience with a few sleeping disciples scattered around?

He has reached the conclusion, in his private thoughts, that Jesus would certainly agree that a little chat with him would benefit both of them. To Nicodemus, a quick little visit was all he needed. Maybe he could come once a week, discuss the latest teaching for 30 minutes or so, go back home. The little sessions would be fun! He could write a homily for Saturday worship with the inspiration of his young friend.

After all, Nicodemus was an old man. He was entering the senior years of his career and everyone respected him. Tenure in academia has it rewards, one of which is to embrace brave, revolutionary commentary.

As an elder rabbi, he is shocked to see that Jesus is excited by his visit!

Jesus' face lights up as he approaches. "Why Nicodemus, you came my old friend. All along, I've wanted you to come. Even if you are ashamed to meet me in daylight. It is OK, you came."

Nicodemus is saddened by his motives, Jesus saw right through him.. He feels the pull of his words, his compassion. All his life he loved people, but never had he been so welcoming to another person. So why was Jesus so anxious for him to come?

"Only you can even remotely understand what I am about to say, the others will get it after class. Since you want a little one on one, here it is."

The wrinkled rabbi trembles.

"This whole thing about why I came, Nicodemus, why you are here tonight. It is about a new, everlasting life. You don't think that, but it is true. In fact, it was probably lurking in your mind the entire time, you didn't know it, but it is there. To turn back the hands of time, to understand, means to start life over again, like a newborn."

His old mind is playing tricks on him. Did he say something about "we" and "our" just a minute ago? He isn't seeing double. There is only one young man sitting across from him.

"We bear witness to these things, so it is important to clear this up tonight. In order to receive insight into life, eternal life, to clearly understand why I am here, you need to gasp for air again like when the midwife slapped your bottom."

How can this be? The years flash before him. He spent decades reading and studying the scriptures, he worked hard to sit on the high council. A newborn, what?

Nicodemus ponders the premise, entertains the notion. He has an open mind, he prides himself in being willing to listen to others.

Not now though, this is to hard. In fact, it seems like foolishness really. But, maybe in another secret meeting. He'll find out more. He walks back home for now, stumbling along the path at night. How can he sleep after hearing these words?

King of The Dunghill

This is the time of year when we return from the holiday vacation and get back in the daily grind. In the last few days there's been some serious mistakes I've personally made, mostly in the area of ungratefulness to those around me and also in the area of my work at the University. The dunghill of academia.

Speaking of dunghills, I was reading about David this morning.  The "bible" David. He was a scrawny teenager at the time, the little "pouty brat" according to his brothers.

The bible "David" had brothers similar to me as I was the eldest in our family of six.  Today my brother (who is also David) are really close. It wasn't always that way. Back in the 60s we had to share a bedroom. We drew an imaginary line between our twin beds and I looked him straight in the eye one day, "don't you dare cross it, bro!"

As the story goes, the bible David was sent to the Israeli front lines to deliver a picnic lunch for his brothers.

David wasn't old enough to go to war or be a soldier. He was a shepherd. In the scheme of life, he was the lowest ranking shepherd. He probably stepped in sheep "poop" lots of times. It was a mundane task, "keep the sheep here" his dad would say. It was a boring job.

In my mind, David was sort of like the actor Michael J Fox in "Back to the Future."  He was looking for adventure!

So, as the story goes, one day a lion stops by for a lamb chop. God whispers in his ear. "Go after that lion, I'll protect you."

David reaches for a stone and places it in his slingshot. "Why not, what have I got to lose?"

Most teens wouldn't do what David did. I wasn't too excited as a teenager when dad asked me to wash the car, mow the lawn or take out the garbage.

Fast forward a few months.

David shows up with his sack of cheese burgers and fries for his brothers. There's this loud verbal exchange going on between the Philistines and the Hebrew soldiers.

"God doesn't exist, you peons! You are idiot chickens. Israel doesn't exist, you are not a nation and you crossed our borders.... scram ... I am warning you... we will send in terrorists to blow you up if you don't stop."

David hears this and wonders, why doesn't somebody do something about this? As the story goes, Goliath was a big man. Some scholars estimate his height about 9 feet. In those days, it seems there were some big people. Not obese people, BIG PEOPLE.

King Saul has offered a prize to anyone who would fight Goliath. Saul feels a tug on his robe. He looks down and sees David.

Can you imagine what does through Saul's mind? Here is the commander of all the Israeli military. The great general who doesn't know what to do. 

His brothers weigh in. "Send him home, our dad will be so ticked off and .. besides... these cheesburgers don't have pickles and onions on them. Where's the ketchup?"

Saul knows he doesn't have too many options. Maybe David could go in.  He could try and protect this kid if he's going to go out. The best armour on David is placed on him. He is a scrawny teen can barely walk around.

This whole situation calls for modern warfare, doesn't it? Ballastic missles or nuclear warheads!

David goes to the stream and collects 5 smooth stones.

Today, some bible scholars assign great theological meaning to these five stones. I don't see it that way. I think it was more practical. Goliath had 4 brothers and he knew they would be the first men to attack after their brother was slaughtered.

You know the rest of the story. If you don't ..... call up your childhood Sunday school teacher.

Anyway, I got to thinking. I need to appreciate the dunghill more and maybe I need to have excitement when I undertake the simple tasks in life. Make it an adventure! Is there some boring thing you do everyday? Stop and listen. Is there a small, quiet voice  whispering in your ear to go about it differently?

Mary, was it one of Herod's soldiers?

It really doesn't matter what your position is on the ancient Christmas story, ok? Over the years, I've learned the importance of this historical account isn't about me.  On the contrary, whatever your mental process is on this "story" be it skeptic, rationalist, agnostic or atheist, this account exists and stands firmly in the conviction of many people. I would venture to say the vast majority of anyone subscribing to a "religion" have a position on what happened 2000 years ago. Their perspectives may surprise you. Islam and Christianity are actually unified on the account, that this young girl, Mary, was a virgin. There is nothing else shared between Islam and Christianity, but I have a deep respect for the beliefs of my Muslim friends. The other major religion, Judaism, is of the opinion that the key character in our story was a Semite and somewhat of a deluded victim of extreme poverty. To many Jews, Mary was the mother of a misguided rabbi. Nevertheless, this "ancient superstition" stands.

We all know the story, most likely because we are influenced by it in some way. We may not admit it, but we are influenced by it. In fact,

Some time ago, I wrote a similar perspective on this topic entitled  "Was that Jewish Peasant Girl Lying? " and I wonder if you would be a patient reader and allow me to propose some other perspectives on my first narrative?

First of all, these traditions about the first Christmas could be entirely false or this could be a infallible account of actual events. Also, it could be an embellishment of a story. It doesn't matter that a prophet, hundreds of years earlier,  talked about a virgin birth of the Messiah (see Isaiah 7:14). Maybe Isaiah was mistaken though, probably that old text could be translated "young girl" and not a virgin. Or maybe it was translated and copied wrong, written after the account of these things (we should mention here the Isaiah papyrus known as the Dead Sea Scrolls).

Who was this teenage girl, Mary? Did she even exist?  Where did this story come up about being a virgin?

 

At the outset, as you come to this story there are angels. In our minds, there may or may not have been angelic visitations - most of us fall into one of those two camps. In our current culture we may dismiss these heavenly visitors, but in the text there were two such visitations. One to the father of the man who would later become "John The Baptist" (a rather extreme fundamentalist in the Baptist-sense) and this young teen girl.

On Zechariah, he was a Hebrew disbeliever. Now, if you are a disbeliever in Mary's account, please ponder Zechariah skepticism for a moment. It doesn't matter what the angel says to him, he doesn't believe it. A  very religious man and a priest going about this act of religiosity, he was interrupted in one of the most important duties assigned to ancient priests of his day - the annual rite of offering a sacrifice to atone for the sins of the people.  The angel is saying his "older wife - Elizabeth" will have a son.

For the record, the Qur'an references and Elizabeth, Zachariah and John the Baptist as exalted doers of good. In essence, Islam recognizes the angelic visitation to Zachariah.

Anyway, Zechariah chokes. He's never heard a voice in the sanctuary before. He is scared and maybe not thinking correctly. It is usually quiet in here, this is a sacred place.  All he says is, "how can this be?" Folks, my wife and I are similar in age, both in our mid-50s. We have been married 34 years, raised 3 daughters and now have 6 grandchildren. I could easily cut this guy a break, most likely I would have the same response. However, the angel rebuffs him. Zechariah is not to speak until the baby is born.

Now we have Mary. Same angel, but a more preposterous claim. I'd  be the first person to dismiss the possibility of a virgin birth. After all, how can a woman become pregnant when she has never had sexual intercourse? She plainly asks the angel this very question. An explanation is given.

At this point, the jury is out. What will Mary say to this angel?

I've wondered through the years, what ran threw her head at that precise moment in time.

She can hear her father going ballistic when she presents the urine strip test results to her family.

"Mary, was it one of Herod's soldiers?"

Or, he might be thinking "that Joseph.. he has ruined the reputation of our family."

 
She is a scared young girl, but replies to the angel "let it be done according to your word."

Let's be clear here, ok? Mary was not raped by a man or by a spiritual  being or a "Holy Spirit" or whatever else we can conjure up. What happened to her was by her consent.

Did she immediately tell her family or Joseph about this visitation? I don't know. It isn't clear. They did find out though, either by her explanation or by the obvious shape of her physical appearance. The bible text does say that she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth's house. This visit was purposeful. Elizabeth is obviously pregnant by this time. This woman also validates any doubts Mary would have about her own spiritual journey in this matter.

Now, for the record, I don't deify Mary. She was a person just like you and I. She is an example of faith in a faithless age, both then and now.

If you are interested in what I am writing about here, can I encourage you to read the original text account of these things?  Read Luke 1:1-45.