THE BIRTH OF JESUS
ecma tells the story from the gospel of luke A PUBLICATION OF THE ELLIS COUNTY MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE
DECEMBER
2011
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DECEMBER 2011
ONE is the official publication of the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance, which guides its mission, content and theme. It is printed by The Hays Daily News.
Dear ONE Reader
Volume 4, Issue 12
W
ell, this is the final time that I will write the welcome to ONE as the president of the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance. During the past two years, I have had the privilege of leading an organization that is dedicated to helping those in need, both physically and spiritually. I have seen many people benefit from the ECMA through financial assistance as well as ecma president community worship services and events. It has been a huge blessing for me to be a part of this ecumenical group that strives to be united as the body of Christ in Ellis County. I would venture that most communities in the nation do not have a ministerial alliance that is as active and inclusive as we are in Ellis County. This is not to be a point of pride, but rather a testament to the fact that, collectively, we believe that what matters is the Gospel of Jesus Christ: That Jesus died on the cross for our sins and was raised again on the third day. When we can focus on the Gospel — the most important part of any Christian faith — we are able to come together as one body to worship our Lord and savior. It has been exciting for me to witness firsthand how this community comes together in this way. My heart’s desire is that the community will continue to come together as the one body of Christ, continuing to serve one another, love one another and worship together. I have confidence that under the leadership of president-elect Wes Oakley, vice president-elect Jerre Nolte, Jane Vanek, secretary, and Steve Johnson, treasurer, and of ECMA, our community will continue to work together for the glory of God. It truly has been a blessing serving the community as president, and I am so thankful for all of the people with whom I was able to get to know and minister during these past two years. May God bless each of you as we keep moving forward, together, for the glory of God.
ONE advisory board
Kevin Daniels
Pastor KEVIN DANIELS Hays Christian Church rev.kevin.daniels@gmail.com
Pastor Lesley Radius Trinty Lutheran Church www.trinityhays.org
Pastor KYLE ERMOIAN Celebration Community Church kyle@celebratejesus.org
Father MIKE SCULLY St. Fidelis Catholic Church frmikescully@yahoo.com
STEVE JOHNSON United Methodist Campus Center umcmfhs@yahoo.com
The columns in ONE represent the views of the author.
ONE and the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance encourage submission from ECMA congregations. Photographs, stories, testimonies and other submissions should be directed toward your church leaders or sent via email to one@dailynews.net. The ECMA advisory board will choose appropriate and timely submissions for publication.
The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance board will meet at 10 a.m. Dec. 14 at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Inside
Page 3............................................................. The story begins —”THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAH” By Father Mike Scully Page 7............................................................................................................... “THE BIRTH OF JESUS By Father Barnabus Eichor Page 9..............................................................................................................BIBLE READING PLAN By Pastor Steve Dinkel
St. Joseph’s FOOD PANTRY OPEN: 9 a.m. to noon the first and third Saturdays of each month at St. Joseph’s Parish Service Center, 210 W. 13th Upcoming dates: Dec. 3 & 17; Jan. 7 & 21; Feb. 4 & 18
Page 13.................................................................................................................. “ANNA SEES JESUS” By Pastor Berniece Ludlum Page 15....................... The final chapter — “JESUS GROWS IN THE GRACE OF THE LORD” By Steve Johnson ON THE COVER: A telling of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
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The prophecy of Isaiah Mike Scully
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life as we all do as a small child, but who would grow to be the Redeemer of the world he had entered. Cynics, however, see a different story. They look at this world God has entered and ask the question, “Is God really with us?� That world has been scarred and marred by war and hatred and ill-will from the day God supposedly came; the world is torn by strife and discord often caused by so-called people dedicated to God; our individual lives are often nothing but painfilled journeys that end in death. Where is God, the cynic will ask, in all of that? People of faith, of course, see the same things cynics do — they would be blind if they did not. But they recognize something else. They recognize the original problem of Ahaz who refused to listen to God.
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he prophecy of Isaiah made famous false piety, because he already had made by Matthew the evangelist did not up his mind, and he simply did not want originally have a spiritual setting. to listen to anyone, even a spokesperson Ahaz was a Hebrew king who lived in the for God. Angrily, Isaiah then told him 700s BC, and a person he would give him a sign preoccupied with anyway and he proceeded to keeping Israel intact. speak the famous prophecy He did not have the which Matthew quotes in father army he needed, and his Gospel as the sign of the he was about to go to coming Messiah. the nation of Assyria, Isaiah probably had in a traditional enemy of mind a more immediate Israel, for help. Isaiah told him that what happening, but Matthew interpreted the he was thinking was a mistake, that Asprophecy to mean the incarnation of God syria was the real problem. He said further into our world. As he phrased it, the son Ahaz should ask for a sign from God as to be born would be Immanuel, meaning proof that what he said was true. literally, “With us is God.� Ahaz answered with false piety that he Christians long have accepted the could not do it because he was not worthy words to be true, namely that God did of addressing the one true God. It was indeed come into our world, beginning his
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People of faith realize they must listen to God who speaks to us in many different ways, but primarily in the words of the Gospel, that is, in the words and actions of the God-man Jesus Christ. He is Immanuel — God with us who came with a message to be learned and acted upon. People of faith believe with all their hearts the virgin has conceived and has given birth to God who is with us. They also know they must listen to that God. Indeed, as they listen, they see that they themselves must become Immanuel — God with us — to the world who does not believe.
Father Mike Scully is from St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays.
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Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, And bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 KJV
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The angel visits Mary
he’s just a young woman, an ordinary young woman. She lives in Nazareth of Galilee, an obscure little village tucked away in the hills. Most likely she’s still a teenager. For certain she’s a virgin. And she’s engaged to be married. Marriage happens early in Nazareth. Her name is Mary. And her fiancé is Joseph, from the house of David. Mary has most likely never left her hometown. She probably knows nothing about the world beyond Nazareth. But Mary thinks she knows exactly what lies down the road. She will marry Joseph, bake his bread, bear his children, and live out the ordinary life of the village of Nazareth. Or so she imagines. But God has other ideas. Extraordinary ideas. God wills to bring His salvation into the world — in the form of an infant child whose name will be Jesus. And for Jesus, this infant-sized salvation venture, God needs an agent, a body, in this case a mother’s womb. Be not afraid. Mary is a virgin. Her — an immediate, wholewomb is available. So hearted, whole-bodied God sends an extraordiresponse. The life Mary pastor nary messenger, an anthought she knew is gone gel to break into Mary’s forever. Mary no longer everyday world and to can see what lies down the interrupt her ordinary road. But Mary opens her life forever. heart and her body to God We are told Mary was “confused and for a future God only knows: And Mary disturbed.” Who wouldn’t be? But the being the God honoring woman that she angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary.” is says yes. “I am the Lord’s servant. May Fear can be confusing, disturbing, overeverything you have said about me come whelming, paralyzing. So it should not true.” be surprising that one of the most often As we journey toward the celebration repeated commands in Scripture is “Don’t of the birth of Jesus at Christmas, we too be afraid!” In older translations, it is must be open to the call of God upon our sometimes translated, “Fear not!” Fear of lives. We too as the Lord’s servants will be the unknown, fear of complications, fear challenged to live outside of the predictof death and dying, fear of a circumstance, able, safe existence we have prepared for fear of the incomprehensible and a host ourselves to faithfully follow the fruit of of other fears can come crashing in on us. Mary’s womb, the Savior of the world, But the words that follow allow for some the Lord of our lives, Jesus, into a most comfort. “You have found favor with God.” uncertain future. As you do, don’t be It’s a message Mary never could have afraid because you too have found favor imagined in her wildest dreams. It’s a with God. message she cannot fully understand. But Kyle Ermoian is the founding and senior pastor of Celebration Community Church. this is a message that calls for response
Kyle Ermoian
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:26-38 NLT
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Mary visits Elizabeth T he hill country in a city of Judah can be somewhat desolate. The desert sands reach the base of the rocky hills, known as the Rift Valley. As far as the eye can see there is little separation between rocks and hills. In ancient times, travel in this area of Judah was either on foot, or, if one could afford it, on the back of a mule or camel. With very little vegetation in the earth, the dweller in the hill country would have provided a way of living by small degrees of agriculture. It was rare anyone would have gained economic prominence in life by this way of living, however. In this region, many lived at or below recognized poverty levels. The area was known, however, as a “land of promise” because it was near the tip of the Fertile lost, alone or as though we are the least in Crescent, an area of great produce and society. promise. On the other hand, some of us do not Even with the vague description of Mary’s final destination, the region is where feel isolated and alone, but rather, out of sorts because of all of our Mary went “with haste” activity. To some degree or to visit her relatives — another, we have gotten into Zechariah and Elizapastor a routine of active gatherbeth. ing with family and friends, Worthy of note, as overwhelmed with work, to Mary’s departure to overextended with civic the “hill country,” is her and community action that humble acquiescence we too sense feelings of hopelessness or to the will of God. Mary did not hesitate helplessness. to move on after the angel of the Lord deTo these ends, joy and the promise of parted from her presence. hope seem far removed from us. Some of us The power of Mary’s faith carried her lose our way or our faith during these days to meet Zechariah and greet Elizabeth. before the celebration of Christ’s birth. The power of Mary’s faith brought joy and What we need is a dose of the joy of livpromise to Elizabeth. The power of Mary’s faith is available to ing Elizabeth experienced. As we reflect on Mary’s departure “with modern readers and hearers of the birth of haste” to her relatives, Zechariah and Jesus. Elizabeth, be invited to tap into the power Geographically speaking, residents of of faith that Mary’s example provided. With Ellis County probably do not frequently humbleness and without hesitation she describe our region to others as a desolate believed. place to live. Yet, some of us might feel we live in The Rev. Jerre W. Nolte is senior pastor isolation, desolation or even in desperation. at First United Methodist Church, 305 West Seventh, Still others from our community have been (785) 625-3408. alienated by word and deed. Some of us feel
Jerre Nolte
Have news? Send it to one@dailynews.net
The “hill country” where Elizabeth and Mary met.
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for you. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” Luke 1:39-45 RSV
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Mary’s song of ‘God-news’ H ow many young unwed teenagers would consider the news of pregnancy good fortune as Mary did? One would think Mary’s first reaction, upon receiving the news of her pregnancy from the Angel Gabriel, would be to wonder what Joseph would think and do. Legally, during that time, Joseph could have stoned Mary for what might seem to be “unfaithful actions.” Instead, we find Mary praising God and thanking God for the opportunity to be the mother of Jesus. Mary remembered that in all things God is merciful. Mary remembered God is holy and God takes care of God’s creations. Mary also wanted to share what only she could see as “God-news.” Mary trusted that God knew what God was doing and that all of the things she could not explain God could if God chose. What does Mary’s response teach us when we come up against unexpected situations? How might we respond to news that shocks us, changes our lives’ plans, and Mary and Elizabeth stretches us beyond what we think we can do or survive? What would our hearts say if benevolent. No matter where we are in the we received unexpected news like Mary did? unexpected, there God is with God’s care for God’s creation. My prayer is we will Mary, the mother of Jehave the same spirit as sus, taught us many things Mary had as unexpected about what it means to be things happen in our pastor chosen by God to live a life lives. My prayer is we will many others might quessee God in the midst of tion. Mary, most of all, the unexpected and we taught us about the pure will have the strength joy of being a child of God chosen to be a to remember God is forever merciful and
Lesley Radius
witness to God’s love, mercy and grace. Throughout this Christmas season and beyond, may Mary’s example of trust, joy and hope in God teach us how we are called to live as Christians who proclaim with the angels, “Christ, our Savior is born this night in Bethlehem.” Alleluia.
The Rev. Lesley Radius, www.trinityhays.org, is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church.
And Mary said, I’m bursting with God-news; I’m dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened — I’m the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others. His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him. He bared his arm and showed his strength, scattered the bluffing braggarts. He knocked tyrants off their high horses, pulled victims out of the mud. The starving poor sat down to a banquet; the callous rich were left out in the cold. He embraced his chosen child, Israel; he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high. It’s exactly what he promised, beginning with Abraham and right up to now. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months and then went back to her own home. Luke 1:46-56 The Message
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A
The birth of Jesus
little more than 2,000 years ago, the ancient world saw something it had never seen before. A little more than 2,000 years ago, the ancient world saw a few days, weeks, maybe a few months of peace. For 700 years, the empires of the ancient world — Rome, Babylon, Persia, Parthia — had been in constant warfare. At the time of Christ’s birth, these empires were exhausted from 700 years of constant warfare, their armies so weakened they were barely enough to defend the land the empires possessed, and they all were ruined financially. After 700 years of warfare, the eastern boundary of the Roman empire would be what it always had been — the Euphrates river. And now Rome’s military was spent and Rome’s coffers close to empty. The emperors took their armies home and agreements — both official and unofficial — were made between the kings and emperors that for now, no wars of aggression would be fought — no one could afford it. The ancient world never had seen anything like it, and it would not last long. Into this strange, mysterious and unimaginable moment of peace, the King of Peace would be born. Herod knew the prophecies and stories about the coming of the great King Messiah. Herod also knew that with the restoration of Israel, it was time for that King to come out of the House of David. So Herod set out to find and destroy this threat to his power because power was all Herod ever wanted. Herod only could have been enraged when three kings from the Persian empire arrived — not to see him, but to find this great king. Herod’s
St. Fidelis Food Bank
A Nativity scene.
hands were tied; he could do nothing to from the house David, who would be like these three kings as much as he, no doubt, no other king. This king was all the Jews wanted to. Herod could in exile had ever talked not drag Rome into a about or had hoped for, war with the east; Rome and the prophets of the did not war, and Herod Jews, while mysterious, father knew full well he served always had been right. at Augustus Caesar’s Outside at night, a pleasure. (Although an shepherd, whose life angel of the Lord would was nothing but a daily warn the wise men to avoid Herod on struggle for survival in a war-torn world, their way home — madmen are madmen perhaps found it strange, even eerie that and a human peace is not a lasting peace.) there was no sound of a war going on; The three wise men also knew the there were no sounds of soldiers coming, prophecies and stories of this great king no screaming, no weeping. It was a silent
Barnabus Eichor
The St. Fidelis Church Food Bank, 601 10th St., Victoria, is an ongoing effort to feed the hungry as Jesus requested. It supplies non-perishable as well as perishable foods. Supplies are limited to what we can receive from the state of Kansas and donations. If you or anyone you know — friends, family or neighbors — would benefit from the Food Bank, contact the parish office at (785) 735-2777. If any parishioner or organization would like to contribute to the food bank, bring donations to the parish office during office hours or call to schedule a convenient time.
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Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to enroll themselves, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; to enroll himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child. And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7 ASV
night. For a moment, he could rest; for a moment, his life was not threatened ... for a moment. In this moment of peace, he could look up to the heavens and ask: “In all this madness is there any hope?” Not that he thought for a moment the heavens would answer to a poor simple shepherd, but the Heavens did answer him: “You have nothing to fear. I come to proclaim good news to you, tidings of great joy to be shared by the whole people. This day in David’s city a savior has been born to you, the Messiah and Lord.”
Father Barnabas Eichor O.F.M. Cap. is the parochial vicar of St. Joseph Parish in Hays. He can be reached at Barnabas2cap@yahoo.com.
ONE will take a look at re-imaging worship in the new year. Have ideas? Send them to one@dailynews.net
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That night, some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and they became very frightened. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all the people. Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord. This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” Then a very large group of angels from heaven joined the first angel, praising God and saying: “Give glory to God in heaven, and on earth let there be peace among the people who please God.” Luke 2:8-14 NCV
The angels appear to the shepherds
E
verything about the night he came was ordinary. Nondescript shepherds out in a field near Bethlehem tending sheep. These were men and boys at the lowest level of the Jewish social strata, often dishonest and unclean, according to the standards of the law. Not the sort of audience one would expect to receive a heavenly visitor. The winter night sky was ordinary,
normal for that time of year — crisp, clear, sparkling stars against a dark velvety backdrop. It was not the kind of night to stay awake and pastor watch for any surprises, but a night to huddle in a blanket on a mattress of grass. The sheep — regular, wooly, lumpy sheep — ordinary animals with no pedigree, sleeping the night away under the watchful eye of several shepherds whose
Ken Ediger
job it was to stay awake. Nothing about this scene grabs attention. It was a night like too many others, ordinary, common, earthly. But God could contain his excitement no longer. He had a birth announcement to make. Suddenly, the night sky burst with brightness. The shepherds, startled from their slumber rubbed their eyes, blinded by the brilliance of the heavenly visitor. The blazing glory of the Lord encompassed shepherds, sheep, trees and rocks,
bringing sharp clarity to the once dark and shadowy scene. The sight was extraordinary enough, but the words spoken by the angelic visitor were breathtaking. “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all the people. Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord. This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” See ANGELS, E9
When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who had heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. Luke 2:15-20 NASB
The shepherds respond “But Mary treasured all these things, was not enough to swallow, now a bunch pondering them in her heart.” of shepherds from the fields have come his young woman has had quite to tell her that her son was going to be the adventure their savior. Could this be thus far — a true? Could this child who miraculous concept, has just felt the cold air of intern angels randomly dropthis world already be the ping in on her, and a prophesized Messiah who visit with her cousin would come and free Israel in which Elizabeth’s from captivity like the kings baby jumped for joy at of old? Madison Funk, a confirmation student at St. John Lutheran Church, Ellis, poses as the baby growing in Mary’s womb. If this See RESPOND, E9 Mary.
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Erik Grayvold
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SCRIPTURE: Bible reading plan
ANGELS, from E8
D
ear Reading Plan reader: You are almost to the finish line. You will have read the books of poetry and wisdom in the Old Testament and the entire New Testament by Dec. 31. Remember, Matthew 13 teaches us God’s word is a seed the Holy Spirit plants in our hearts. pastor As the word of God grows in us, we are transformed. My prayer is that there have been many seeds of God’s word planted in each of you this past year. December has an interesting combination of readings. In the Old Testament, there is a book called the Song of Songs or the Songs of Solomon (the title depends on the translation you are reading). Disputed authorship could have something to do with the title; however, the symbolic content is important to read and understand. The idea of covenant love in marriage is a reoccurring theme throughout the book. “The Song is a constant goad to drifting marriages with its challenge to seek for openness, growth and joyous relationship” (Spirit Filled Life Bible introduction). Marriage is a cornerstone institution for understanding the relationship the church has
This divine, angelic, sleep-interrupting presence on earth was not cause to cower in fear. Rather, it was good news and cause for deep joy. And the joy was not the sort that could be contained by these few, it was to reach beyond all racial and national boundaries. The news? God the Father dispatched his angelic messenger to declare his son’s earthly birth. Born that night was an earthly son like no other. He is identified as savior, Lord and Christ — that is he is deliverer, master and anointed king. As unbelievable as it might seem, the one with authority over salvation spent his first nights not in the palace but in the tent village of Bethlehem among simple people such as shepherds. And just before a rousing chorus of heavenly messengers filled the sky with glorious song, the angelic herald issued the most remarkable invitation. Ordinary was summoned to extraordinary. Human was beckoned to behold the divine. Common was invited to experience the uncommon. Earthy shepherds were called to become part of heaven’s presence on earth. And so it is today. God comes into common, everyday life and invites all who will to participate in life with him. His call is to come in faith to Jesus who is savior, Lord and Christ. And the night is ordinary no more.
Steve Dinkel
with Christ. The basis of marriage is a mutual love for each other. God loves His church intimately, and we never should forget that. This book illustrates that love. In the New Testament, we are reading one of the most disputed and misinterpreted books in the entire collection: Revelation. It isn’t a book just about end-times, it is a book that reveals Jesus Christ. He is the Victor, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords (19:16). This book describes the new heaven and earth (21). It communicates the traps the enemy has set for the church in chapters 1 through 3, and how we are to respond. These writings communicate the necessary actions for us to stay on track until he comes. This is an important book full of imagery. Let the Holy Spirit encourage you as you read.
See READING, E10
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Drawing by Meredith Martin, freshman at Hays High School and member of North Oak Community Church.
Ken Ediger is the lead pastor of North Oak Community Church. Contact him at kediger@northoak.net.
RESPOND, from E8 I wonder if these words brought a sudden chill down Mary’s spine. She treasured all these things, bringing them all into her heart and pondered them. What would it mean for her child to be the Messiah? So many people already had died at the hands of the Roman invaders, and now these shepherds were talking about how this child later would be putting himself in harm’s way for the sake of his people. I can’t help but wonder if there was a small measure of fear in Mary’s heart as she pondered. We know the full story that
one day this man, God incarnate, would find himself on a cross between two criminals and dying a traitor’s death, and maybe in this moment, Mary started to see what this could mean for her and her son. She saw that one day she would have to watch this child suffer, possibly even die, if what the shepherds said was true. Many mothers know this reality, to watch their child die at the hands of cruel oppressors. I do not even mean places far away from here, but even right here in our own backyards. Addiction, hunger and joblessness all can be, in their own
ways, cruel oppressors which bring about a physical death. While working in a jail, the mother of one of my high school clients spoke about how her son’s abuse of alcohol made him do violent and horrible things to people around him and even those he loved. This mother was at a loss on what to do to help her child overcome his addictions as he fell into a deep depression because his actions put him behind bars. The thing is this child of Mary’s would one day suffer and die, but it would not be this child’s end. This child was God
incarnate, who became human to meet us in our sin and conquer sin and death for all people of all times. This was the one child who truly would save the world from itself and pave the way to everlasting life by bringing for the kingdom of God. A mother’s fear one day will come true, only to be changed to joy as that child comes from the dead, thus conquering death forever and for all of creation.
Erik Grayvold is the intern of Prairie Faith Shared Ministries and serves St. John Lutheran of Ellis and Emanuel Lutheran of Ogallah.He can be reached at sjlcellis@gbta.net.
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On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:21-24 NIV
Jesus presented in the temple READING,
“Jesus fulfilled the Law.” (Matthew 5:17) n this passage, Luke relates two separate but related events in fulfillment of Leviticus 12 — Jesus’ naming and circumcision, according to the law of Moses, as with all Jewish male children — and then Mary’s ceremonial purification sacrifice, more than two months after Jesus’ birth, along with Jesus’ consecration to God. Reared by obedient Jewish parents, Jesus fulfilled the law of God from infancy. “Jesus” was not a family name for either Joseph or Mary. Mary and Joseph affirmed their son’s identity as God’s son, by giving him the name God chose for him. In his circumcision, Jesus was identified with God’s chosen people — as they are, in their sinfulness and need for redemption, and as the people through whom salvation would come to the world. Joseph and Mary were poor. They could not afford a lamb to sacrifice, so only two doves had to suffice to fulfill the requirements of the law. When one asks what are the qualifications for the earthly parents of God’s son, we see it is chiefly born children is tied intimately to the their obedient worshipful lives. Passover, to atonement for sin, and finally They come to the temple in Jerusalem, to Jesus’ identity as “the Lamb of God not only for Mary’s ceremonial purificawho takes away the sins of the world.” In tion after childbirth, but also to conseChrist’s redemption as an infant, we see crate their first-born the promise of redempto the service of God. tion for all through him. Though unmentioned Jesus’ presentation in in Luke, Jesus’ consethe temple as an infant pastor cration also involved foreshadows his triumhis redemption. phal entry and cleansing Since God took of the temple on Palm the first-born of every Sunday, his atoning death, family and animal in Egypt, but passed his resurrection, his ascension and his over the first-born children of Israel — on final return in glory. account of the blood of a sacrificial lamb Jesus was, is and always will be a son painted on the doorposts of their houses of Abraham, a son of David, a Jew. (In this — every first-born of Israel belonged to respect, all forms of anti-Semitism are, at God, and so had to be redeemed (Numroot, also anti-Christ, and an expression bers 3:45-51). The redemption of firstof that same hatred of God who choses
I
Jerry Foust
A stained glass window in St. Michael’s Cathedral, Toronto.
from E9
I also recommend reading this book from a study Bible. The notes communicate the history and context of many of the images John communicates. As we conclude this year, I want to thank you for reading through the Bible with me. I’m always encouraged someone tells me they are reading along with the plan. The reading plan for next year will come from the Community Bible Experience project. If you want to get a jumpstart on 2012, check out www.biblica.com. The amazing thing about reading God’s word through each year is it continues to grow in you. It is the only book like it, God-breathed, God-inspired and God-imparted. Have a merry Christmas, a happy new year, and I’m looking forward to reading the Bible with you again soon.
Steve Dinkel is pastor of Liberty Fellowship, libertyis.com, or libertyis@ruraltel.net.
his people.) We gentile believers are grafted into Israel through Christ — not the other way around (Romans 11:16-18). In his humble birth, in his circumcision and dedication at the temple — as in his baptism, life, suffering, death, resurrection, ascension and in his longed for return — Jesus identifies himself with sinners like us, fulfills the law we could not fulfill, redeems us and delivers us from the penalty, power and ultimately the presence of sin. “For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) Jerry Foust is interim pastor at First Presbyterian Church. He has served a broad spectrum of congregations for the past 30 years.
DECEMBER Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec.
OLD NEW 1...... Song of Sol. 1......... Rev. 1 2...... Song of Sol. 2......... Rev. 2 5...... Song of Sol. 3......... Rev. 3 6...... Song of Sol. 4......... Rev. 4 7...... Song of Sol. 5......... Rev. 5 8...... Song of Sol. 6......... Rev. 6 9...... Song of Sol. 7......... Rev. 7 12.... Song of Sol. 8......... Rev. 8 13................................... Rev. 9 14................................... Rev. 10 15................................... Rev. 11 16.................................... Rev. 12 19................................... Rev. 13 20................................... Rev. 14 21................................... Rev. 15 22................................... Rev. 16 23................................... Rev. 17 26................................... Rev. 18 27................................... Rev. 19 28................................... Rev. 20 29................................... Rev. 21 30................................... Rev. 22
St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church
2901 E. 13th, Hays, Kansas, Parish Offices: (785) 628-1446 Fax: (785) 623-4207, website: www.heartlandparishes.org Rev. Daryl Olmstead Rectory: 656-0336
Mass Schedule: Saturday at 5 PM Sunday at 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM Daily Mass - Wednesday, and Friday at 7:30 AM Reconciliation: Saturday at 4:00 PM Immaculate Conception — Dec. 8 7:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve 5:00 p.m. Family Mass 11:00 p.m. Mass Christmas Day — 9:00 a.m.
St. Joseph’s
Advent Evening Vespers with Benediction
Join us for Advent Vespers each Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. during Advent in the church. Take 30 minutes out of your day and join us for scripture, sung prayer, and meditation in front of the Blessed Sacrament as we prepare for His coming. 22nd ANNUAL NATIONAL NIGHT OF PRAYER FOR LIFE “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us” — John 1:14
As soon as the Holy Spirit overshadowed the womb of the Virgin Mother, God immediately became one of the human family. In like manner when a child is conceived in his mother’s womb, he becomes one of us. This little human being now dwells among us. So that the world may Understand the truth. COME PRAY WITH US! DECEMBER 8/9 St. Joseph Church 9:00 p.m. Thursday to 1:00 a.m. Friday National Hour of United is 12:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. (EST)
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In Jerusalem lived a man named Simeon who was a good man and godly. He was waiting for the time when God would take away Israel’s sorrow, and the Holy Spirit was in him. Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he saw the Christ promised by the Lord. The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. When Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple to do what the law said they must do, Simeon took the baby in his arms and thanked God: “Now, Lord, you can let me, your servant, die in peace as you said. With my own eyes I have seen your salvation, which you prepared before all people. It is a light for the non-Jewish people to see and honor for your people, the Israelites.” Luke 2:25-32 NCV
Simeon sees Jesus “You are not prepared to truly live until siah. He might have grown a bit weary of you are prepared to die.” — Anonymous heart because the older he got, the more ow many people this Christmas he understood; he did not have that much season are looking to see good longer to see the promise before he died. things with their eyes and experiOne day, after a long, long wait, the ence contentment of heart? Sadly, many spirit of God — the same God who had will see nothing but heartache, distress promised Simeon he would see the Mesand increased anxiety in their lives. They siah before he died — led Simeon to the might think and say, “The promise of temple. Our heavenly Father watches being content during the celebration of over his word to perform it in our lives. Christmas has once It just so happened, on again left me empty on the very same day, God the inside.” led Mary and Joseph with pastor We have all, at one their newborn son (the time or another, looked Messiah) to the temple for that illusive someas well. Simeon took the thing that would bring baby in his arms and gave some contentment to thanks to God as God had our lives only to realize what we thought kept his word to a man who was “good would make our hearts content, failed — and godly.” it did not last. On the inside of his being, Simeon Simeon was such a man; he was, as knew, this was the Messiah, the very one Scripture says, a “good man and godly,” God promised he would see and said, and was waiting patiently to see the Mes- “Now I can die in peace.” That is good siah. God, by his spirit, had told Simeon news to all of us, and the celebration of he would not die before he saw the Christ Christ’s birth is a yearly reminder that we promised by the Lord. The Bible is not too, if we choose to see Jesus, can see him clear on the age of Simeon. Some theoas he truly is. We can receive him into logians believed him to be elderly and our heart, and find the peace and conothers, middle aged. Yet one thing is clear tentment no other person or thing can — Simeon was looking for something to provide. set his eyes on before he died. Our loving heavenly Father wants all The reason he was looking was of humanity to see Jesus and open their simple. God spoke to him and said, and hearts to the greatest gift ever given, his I paraphrase, “Simeon you will see the only begotten Son. Then, we can expeMessiah before you die.” Simeon, though rience the true meaning of Christmas he had a promise from God, probably year-round. experienced an emptiness of heart while Wes Oakley is senior pastor at Westview Church. he was waiting to see this Jesus, our Mes-
H
Wes Oakley
Drawing by Timmy L. Parker, Fort Hays State University student.
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And Joseph and his mother were wondering at the things spoken concerning him, and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, “Lo, this one is set for the falling and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against — (and also thine own soul shall a sword pass through) — that the reasonings of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:33-35 YLT
Simeon’s blessing
M
other of Sorrows is one of the titles by which the Virgin Mary is known. This is the object of much devotion, which is based on the event of Jesus’ presentation in the temple on the 40th day following his birth. There, Simeon foretells the sorrow Mary will experience. He predicts a sword will “pierce her soul,” or in other versions, “her heart.” It is surprising such graphic imagery is directed toward a mother on the joyous occasion of her infant son’s
presentation to God. Simeon’s surprising words bear spiritual significance. Of course, every mother knows pains and tears accompany the joy of birthing and raising a child. Mary is like any other mother in that sense. Mary’s child, however, is unlike any other. Simeon says her child is “set for the falling and rising again of
many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against.” This means her child is the long awaited Messiah promised in the Scriptures. Mary’s child is God in the flesh, whose birth is heralded by the glad tidings of holy angels. Her child is born to redeem a fallen human race. This is glorious, and yet there is
Scott Watford
this talk of his mother’s sorrow. This is because Jesus will be the savior of the world by offering himself on the altar of the cross as the sacrifice that reconciles God and humanity. Mary will stand at the foot of the cross. She will see her child hanging there beaten, crowned with thorns and pierced. A sword indeed will pierce her own heart as well. The shadow of the cross falls across the scene. See BLESSING, E14
There was also a prophet named Anna. She was the daughter of Penuel from the tribe of Asher. Anna was very old. After getting married, she lived with her husband seven years. Then she was a widow until she was 84. She never left the temple. She worshipped night and day, praying and going without eating. Anna came up to Jesus’ family at that very moment. She gave thanks to God. And she spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the time when Jerusalem would be set free. Luke 2:36-38 NIRV
Anna sees Jesus
E
very one of us knows the excitement of faith allowed her to see the Christ where most hoping, wishing and praying for the perpeople only saw a boy. fect Christmas gift. While the gifts on our The Scripture says she never left the temple. wish list tend to be things that She worshipped night and day, one day will break, wear out, praying and going without eator fail us, Anna was hoping, ing. She was an old woman, yet pastor trusting, believing and praying she continued to live her life as a for the one gift that will last sacrifice to God. Most of us give for eternity. The Scriptures are up when we do not quickly refull of people who had to be ceive the answer we are searchpatient to receive the deeping for or we question God’s est desires of their hearts, but the story of Anna motives and plans. Anna must have felt like that. stands out to me because it is a story of faith, of She must have felt like she might die before her perseverance, and ultimately a story of receiving prayers were answered. Yet, she worshipped God, and sharing. therefore, she poured herself out to Him and People were searching the world for the intimately communed with him. She persevered Messiah in prophets, kings and soldiers. They be- in spite of her circumstances. lieved it had to be someone powerful that could Anna had no guarantees she would live long deliver them from their circumstances. But Anna enough or that God would grant her the gift of waited patiently in the temple watching for a tiny seeing the Messiah. See ANNA, E14 child who would reflect the power of God. Her
Berniece Ludlum
Drawing by Dennis Schiel.
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BLESSING,
Mission auction is Dec. 10
from E13
The eighth-annual Community Mission Auction will be at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at Celebration Community Church. Items will be auctioned to raise money for community need-meeting organizations. The Community Mission Auction provides local businesses and individuals the opportunity to partner by donating products, services and gift certificates while others can bid on these items. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For more information, call (785) 625-5483 or email kyle@celebratejesus.org.
However, the terrible reality of Jesus’ suffering and death will bring about the glorious reality of resurrection and redemption. The sword that pierces Mary’s heart is a bitter experience that has a sweet resolution. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, gives a beautiful example of embracing suffering in hope of redemption through Jesus. Christians all around the world imitate Mary’s example in uniting their suffering with Jesus’ suffering in the belief it will prove redemptive. Evidence this is possible is not hard to find. There are many people who say suffering has brought them closer to Jesus and deepened their compassion for their fellow human beings. Lives often are transformed through suffering. The emphasis is not on suffering at this time of year. The emphasis is on joyful celebration. Talk of suffering seems as surprising now as when baby Jesus was presented in the temple. Many, however, are suffering this time of year. The poor, the sick, the grieving, the hurting and the dying do not disappear at Christmas. Suffering is part of being human. Suffering is transformed into joy through faith in Jesus, whose birth is celebrated. This is comprehended only in the shadow of the cross. Without the cross, there is no resurrection and no redemption. Without the cross, the real joy, meaning and purpose of the celebration of Christmas is lost.
Prairie Land Food
Scott Watford is pastoral associate at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church. He can be reached at (785) 628-1446. Drawing by Jorge Vasquez, staff member at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church.
ANNA, from E13 The Scripture says she came up to Jesus’ family, gave thanks to God and began to tell everyone about the child. No one told her this was the Messiah. It was God who spoke that truth to her heart. It was as though the perfect gift had been unwrapped and presented to her. However, it was not a gift that was meant for her alone; it is a gift meant for each and every one of us.
Friends, the perfect gift, the one that will change your life, the one that will never break or wear out or let you down will not be unwrapped on Christmas morning. I believe if we really took time like Anna did to worship God and to pray to him, we would realize “THE Perfect Gift” our heart longs for is Him. Having more of Jesus in our lives will satisfy our soul, will bring us joy, will
strengthen us and will transform our lives and our circumstances. It might not change our storms but it absolutely will change how we weather them. I pray this Christmas our eyes will be open to Christ, our hearts open to receive his love, and our voices open to sharing with others “THE Perfect Gift.”
Berniece Ludlum is associate pastor of First United Methodist Church.
Prairie Pak: $26 (includes meats, fruits and veggies) Meat only: $14 (includes the meat in the regular Prairie Pak) Fruit & Veggie: $12 (includes the fruit and vegetables in the regular Prairie Pak) Specials: Four different specials are offered each month. Meat, Fruit & Veggie and Specials Paks can be purchased with or without the Prairie Pak, giving you more flexibility when ordering; there is no limit. Order date: Dec. 5. Order locally and pay with check, cash or EBT food stamps. Or you can order online at www.prairieland food.com and pay with your debit card or check. Pick-up: 11 a.m. to noon, Dec. 17, Liberty Fellowship, 120 W. Ninth, Hays, and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at St. Mary’s Gym, Ellis. For more information, call Liberty Fellowship at (785) 625-6245 or Linda Hagan (800) 298-1989. Volunteer hours no longer are required to be documented. All that is asked is for individuals to complete the volunteer portion of their receipt by helping others.
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Jesus grows in the grace of the Lord
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e know little about the childhood of Jesus. The gospels go from “The child grew and became strong” to his trip to Jerusalem with his parents at about age 12 — nearly a man in those days. Yet children can teach us a thing or two about God’s son. Twenty-plus years ago I was a first-grade teacher in Hutchinson. One year, a parent made it clear he expected his child to become “full of wisdom” with the pronouncement that “You know, first graders can learn any concept that adults can; you just have to present it correctly.” I politely agreed with him without having any idea what he meant. But a few days later in math, I decided to teach my class the concept of infinite. I defined infinite as simply more than you could count. All semester, whenever we were waiting in line, I would ask: “How many stars in the sky?” or “How many grains of sand on a beach?” And my students would dutifully reply, “Infinite!” Each December, the music teacher put together a holiday program featuring secu-
lar and religious songs. One year, the first graders were singing “Frosty the Snowman” and “Silent Night.” I don’t remember if the two first-grade classes always had music at the same time, but I do know that a week before the program they were together because in the middle of singing “Silent Night,” the music teacher threw her hands up and cried out, “No, no, no. Someone is singing it wrong!” First she had just Mrs. Brummett’s class sing. It was beautiful and perfect. Then she had just my class sing. And there was the problem. At least half of my students were singing: Silent night, holy night, All is calm, all is bright. Round yon virgin mother and child, Holy Infinite tender and mild … The music teacher was not impressed. I know that musically and literally, my students were singing it wrong. But theologically, they had it right, and showed more wisdom than most adults do. Jesus is infinite; not in the sense of more than you can count, but rather, that he always has been and always will be. The
Steve Johnson
When Joseph and Mary had finished doing all that was required by the law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee.The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God’s blessings were upon him. Luke 2:3940 GNT
Drawing by Holly Litfin, Fort Hays State University student from Quinter.
birth of Jesus means nothing without his God’s blessings were upon him” and he was death, and the death of Jesus means nothing infinite. without his resurrection. You might even try singing Silent Night As you journey through this Christmas the way I still do. season, most of the songs you hear, and Steve Johnson is executive cards you read, will be about the Baby director of United Methodist Campus Ministry. Contact him Jesus. Don’t forget that as he “grew and at umcmfhs@yahoo.com. became strong; he was full of wisdom, and
THE STORY OF JESUS: The greatest gift of all
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n the past few pages, we have read so that we might have eternal life. about the miraculous birth of the When Jesus was born, he was not Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth. We born in some glorious way; he was born have read, starting with the prophamongst animals. ecy in Isaiah, all the way Fathom for a mothrough Jesus’ growth as ment how you would a child. It has been good choose to enter the to be reminded of the ecma president world. If you could journey Jesus has taken have controlled all of in order to become like the variables of your one of us. birth, what would you Sometimes, however, have chosen? we read through these faFor me, I always miliar stories and we gloss over the ab- wanted to have been born a prince of a solutely amazing miracle that this was. mighty ruling monarchy. That sounds God — the one who created the heaven quite ridiculous when you put it on paper and the earth — took the form of a baby — and I’ll give you a moment to stop the and was born like one of us, his creation laughter — but think about it. Who in
Kevin Daniels
their right mind would choose to be born in a barn? Would anyone choose to have the waft of manure be the first thing you smell? Yet throughout Jesus’ birth, life, death and ultimate resurrection, God had a plan; and that’s what it’s really all about. The story of Jesus, coming as the promised Messiah, is fundamental to our Christian faith. Yet, too often, we get distracted by the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season and don’t stop to marvel at the miracle of Jesus. Jesus died on the cross, taking on the sins of the world, so those who call on his name might have eternal life. That’s the essence of the Gospel; that’s the true significance of Christmas. With-
out Christmas, without the Nativity story, there can be no Easter. If God had not become like one of us, then there would be no one to pay the price for our sins and we all would be destined for eternal damnation. Thankfully, God loves us so much he willingly sacrificed himself for our sins so we might live forever with him and all those who call on his name. As you open presents, travel to be with family, sing Christmas carols and drink egg nog, don’t let the miracle of God becoming like one of us pass you by. Jesus is truly the greatest gift of all.
Kevin Daniels is pastor of Hays Christian Church. rev.kevin.daniels@gmail.com.
Sponsoring Churches of ONE
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
(ELCA) Lesley M. Radius, Pastor 2703 Fort St. 785-625-2044 Sunday 10:15 a.m. (Holy Communion is Celebrated Every Sunday) Fellowship Following Worship www.trinityhays.org