The Truth Is the Light

Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., Columnist

Based on Biblical Texts: Matthew 2:2, Luke 2:11: Asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.”

Joys, bells ringing, angels singing, all because a child was born. A time of sharing, people caring, all because a child was born.

There has been no other event in the history of the world that has changed the world, like the birth of Jesus. This event caused a whirlwind of activity.

This event caused a few far-eastern magi to leave their luxurious mansions and travel miles across a barren desert by camel. The wise men traveled without navigational aid except for a low-hanging star in the east. Although they questioned the star’s appearance among themselves, they concluded that it was God’s method of directing them to the place where his only begotten Son had been born. An agreement seemed to have been made to sleep by day and travel by night so that the star could be their guide. These three kings, with countries to run, traveled a great distance to find the king of kings.

This event captured the attention of a group of shepherds (apparently working the third shift) while all the other people in the area were enjoying the comfort of their beds. However, their apparent misfortune turned into good fortune as they looked up, and suddenly, an angel came out of the sky and stood right in their midst. The angel, noticing that they were startled, said to them. “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

The shepherds’ fortune turned for the better when just as suddenly as this one angel had appeared, they looked up, and a mass choir of angels joined the angel, saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (Luke 2:14) This event caused the shepherds to forget about their sheep and, without anyone’s permission, leave their post to travel to Bethlehem.

Because of this event almost 2000 years ago, we still gather to share in that same celebration. All over the world, we plan special worship services all because of this event.

This event has moved thousands of missionaries, beginning with the Apostle Paul, to travel to the uttermost parts of the earth, proclaiming the message of salvation. Missionaries have traveled, leaving all comforts behind, heading to uncivilized areas of the world, at great risk to their health and safety, inspired by this event.

Without a doubt, no other event in history has changed the course of civilization like the birth of Jesus Christ.

Who is this who has precipitated such a wave of change? He came through the lineage of David, springing from the root of Jesse through the house of Boaz. He is a conquering lion from the tribe of Judah, a descendant of Jacob, an offspring of Isaac, and the seed of Abraham. He is God’s only begotten Son, the only person conceived by the Holy Ghost. He was born of a virgin and is the only son to be born who was the same age as his father and older than his mother.

Who is this who has precipitated such a wave of change? He is the blind man’s sight and the crippled man’s crutch. He is the sick man’s doctor, the troubled man’s lawyer, the hungry man’s bread, and the thirsty man’s water.

We are in line for a great celebration this Christmas morning, and all because there has been no other event in the history of the world that has changed the world like the birth of Jesus. So much of our world exists because of him.

None of us saw Jesus when he was born in a manger in

Who said Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees?

The 300-leaf Tree of Life pictured above is a classic design that allows for a wide range of presentation shapes and accommodates a large number of donor names. This carefully crafted Tree of Life can provide the perfect way to:

• Recognize contributors to a building fund or fund-raising campaign

• Honor contributors to an endowment fund

• Salute individuals or groups for outstanding service or achievements

• Create a tasteful memorial

• The Tree of Life is so successful because the donor’s personalized message will be on display forever

Its leaves are miniature brass plaques that we custom engrave for mounting on sculpted plexiglass backgrounds. The result is elegant and economical.

Denial’s Costly Benefit

Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, Columnist

I recall co-leading a retreat in the Rocky Mountains for young people caught in varying life spirals. One of the workshops that both mentors and mentees attended focused on financial literacy. The instructor used an example that resonated with all in attendance. She talked about paying down a $2000.00 credit card balance at 18% interest (unheard of in these times) by remitting a monthly minimum of $10.00. She went on to say it would take 37 years to pay off the debt. Whatever the $2000.00 purchased, the credit extended was a costly benefit.

I want to talk about another costly benefit that seemingly has nothing to do with a credit card–denial. Most of us, at some point in life, may have experienced denial. Just so we are clear, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, denial is “a defense mechanism in which confrontation with a personal problem or with reality is avoided by denying the existence of the problem or reality.” Denial helps us cope by not coping with catastrophic events like an unexpected death, a spouse’s infidelity, sudden illness, financial stress, betrayal, or the like.

It is easy to look at people in denial and see what appears to be a lack of fortitude, intelligence, or veracity. Yet, the same person casting aspersions on the individual in denial may deny that he or she was ever in denial. How can this be? I have a theory that once we escape denial’s grip, we find clever ways to deny that we were ever held. Think about the last time you talked with someone about the role denial played in your life. Let’s face it; talking about denial can resurface old hurts one would rather keep buried in the graveyard of the past. With that said, I hope you will not allow denial to hinder a deeper conversation on this subject.

I have to admit that right about now, I wish a different topic had dropped in my spirit, but I realize a key partner of denial, as stated in the definition, is avoidance (which I am good at, so I will press forward). As I think about times I have denied reality, a rush of pain, shame, and helplessness comes over me. I find myself right back at that crushing moment I wished never happened. Denial and suppressed reality are real— as real as the trauma that triggered the denial response in the first place.

“If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

Do you recall a time in your life that evoked a denial response? If you do, then it becomes clear why denial is a taboo subject. Denial may give a short-term benefit, but long-term exposure can exact a high cost. While one is in denial, there can be no denying that precious time is still moving. In fact, sometimes, the problem that triggers denial can become more intense over time if not recognized and addressed.

Going back to the credit card example, are you still paying a high cost for a past benefit afforded by denial. If so, it may be time to fight the fight you have avoided. Finding closure may very well be finding the strength to walk away. Beloved, know that you are not weak, strange, or different if you have succumbed to denial—all it means is that you are human. Is it time to stop personal installment payments for Denial’s Costly Benefit?