And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped Him snugly in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.Luke 2:4-7 (NLT)

This year has brought unprecedented challenges to our lives, particularly the terrifying experience of a global pandemic.  For months we have feared for our wellbeing and for the health of our family and friends.  Finances were hit hard, kids had to be homeschooled, and facemasks became part of everyday fashion.  So, after all of the ups and downs of 2020, it’s probably not surprising that many of us are hoping and searching for more stability during the upcoming Christmas season. 

Unfortunately, Christmastime rarely seems to be all that stable. No matter how much effort we put into preparing for our holiday celebrations, problems invariably arise.  For instance, someone gets sick. Grandpa is cranky. The cat goes missing. That special gift you ordered never arrives.  The gravy is lumpy. A pipe upstairs breaks, sending water into the kitchen.  The list of challenges could go on and on.

Far too often our plans for a holiday filled with peace and calm have fallen short of our expectations.  Many of us also have sad experiences that occurred at Christmastime—like in 1992 when my dad died on December 22^nd.  That kind of loss and any other trauma hits us hard, especially when it happens during a celebratory season.

Maybe we shouldn’t be so astonished that the holidays aren’t the most stable of times since the first Christmas was rather chaotic too.  The verses in Luke above remind us that Joseph and a very-pregnant Mary had to journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  No doubt because other travelers impacted local lodging, the couple couldn’t find a single room available after their long trip.  Instead, they were offered a stable—a place where animals were sheltered and fed. This messy, noisy, and fetid environment would become the delivery room for God’s Son, Jesus.  A manger, or feeding trough, became Jesus’ crib after Mary had wrapped Him in some simple strips of cloth.

As if these unstable circumstances weren’t challenging enough, some unexpected guests decided to stop by.  Angels had appeared nearby to tell a group of shepherds about Jesus’ birth.  Then “when the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’”  They did just that: “They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger” (Luke 2:15-16).  Whatever private moments the new parents had together were suddenly interrupted by visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the precious gift they’d just received.  Although Scripture doesn’t record the details, it’s possible other people may have popped by too since “after seeing Him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child” (verses 17).

 That first Christmas was far from a calm, peaceful experience—and it probably didn’t live up to either of the parents’ expectations. Whatever vision Mary might have had for labor and delivery, we can assume it didn’t include a dingy, dirty environment that would soon be invaded by total strangers.  If Joseph had planned for a safe, secure setting to temporarily house his new family, that idea went right out the stable door. But this wasn’t about them, was it?  God had a plan for His Son—one that would be real and raw and inclusive of people who needed His presence. To God, that chaotic scene was the perfect place to showcase Jesus.  Actually, this “stable” Christmas served as the commencement of Jesus’ mission, as Philippians 2:6-7 aptly points out:

Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges;
    He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being when He appeared in human form.

This is the message of Christmas:  Jesus came to serve and sacrifice.  There’s no clearer picture of that than His leaving the wonders of Heaven in order to take on human form.  Perfection decided to live among imperfection, starting with that first night spent in a stable. 

Like Jesus, we are called to serve and sacrifice too. This isn’t always easy, but as the Apostle Paul reminds us, “since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering” (Romans 8:17).  As members of God’s forever family, we have the privilege to live and work among the very people Jesus came to save.  And there is no better time than Christmas to “tell others about Christ . . . (because) we want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ” (Colossians 1:28).

As you prepare for the upcoming holy days, would you consider what your version of a “stable” Christmas could look like in 2020?  It might be quite different than what you initially envisioned, but this is a year of different, so why not go with that theme?  Whatever your plans, make sure Jesus is in the midst of the mess and mayhem. That way you can stay focused on the Savior who provides stability during every season of life.

Everyone at Sonkist Ministries wishes you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas season—and many blessings in the New Year! If you’d like to connect with us, please visit www.sonkist.com.

Thought for the Season

“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today…” Luke 2:10-11

When the cashier finished sharing her story, I immediately recalled Dickens’ famous words:  “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”  What had just transpired was literally the tale of two completely different pumpkins. Let me back up a bit and provide you with a full picture of this painfully human moment.

Last autumn, I entered a local Target with a short list of items my family needed.  As is often the case, I found a few additional “treats” to take home.  One of those treats was a large box of pumpkin-flavored cereal. Everyone in my family enjoys pumpkin, so I was elated to discover a new product for them.  ‘They’ll be so excited to try this,’ I thought to myself as I cheerfully headed to the checkout area.

 While loading groceries and other goodies I’d gathered onto the conveyor belt, the cashier asked how my day was going.  I promptly replied, “Great!  I’m really excited that I found this cereal.  My family members love pumpkin, especially during the fall season. They like everything from pumpkin-spiced lattes to pumpkin pie.  I can’t wait for them to taste this cereal!”

 As the cashier continued to scan items, she replied matter-of-factly, “My family doesn’t eat pumpkin—ever. You see, my dad’s brother died when he was young because he ate a batch of tainted pumpkin-pie filling.  No one in my family has eaten pumpkin since then.” 

My jaw didn’t drop, but it might as well have.  I stared at the woman, who had finished ringing up my items.  “I’m so sorry,” were the only words I managed to blurt out.  She smiled warmly and said, “Oh, you don’t have to be sorry.  It’s just part of my family history.”  I felt like I should say something more, but  I wasn’t sure what else to add.  As she handed me the receipt, I finally said, “I’m very sorry to hear about your uncle. Thank you for your help today.”

On my way out of the store, it seemed like the wind had been knocked out of me.  Yet that “tale of two pumpkins” moment would change my perspective about people from that day forward.  In fact, even as I walked to my car I watched a weary mother with three kids climbing on and off of her overflowing basket and thought about other concerns she might be carrying.  Then I spotted an older man, cane in hand, crossing the parking lot.  I wondered, ‘What’s life been like for him?’   Even once I had loaded the bags in my car, I sat and thought more about that store employee.  What other difficulties might she be dealing with today? And while I considered these thoughts, I prayed for all of those people, particularly that the Lord would meet their needs in some special way.

This is exactly the type of perspective that Christians are called to have:  empathizing with others the way the Lord does.  In Romans 12:15, the Apostle Paul puts it this way:   ^“Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.” It’s not that being happy, even about pumpkin-flavored cereal, is wrong—quite the opposite.  Believers should have lots of reasons to be joyful!  But we are also encouraged to be sensitive to others and mindful of the sufferings of those around us.

 As a fervent follower of Jesus, Peter transformed his perspective over time and began to focus his passion toward other people in his life.  Look at some of the wisdom he shared with  early Christians that applies to us in 2020:

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing. (I Peter 3:8-9)

I like the way the Apostle Peter reminds us that good deeds like empathizing, being kindhearted, and loving others are important components of our calling as members of God’s forever family. These characteristics set His followers apart in a world where natural instincts trend toward self-focus and selfish behavior.  Indeed, our world isn’t much different than the one Dickens described over 160 years ago:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

The season in which you and I find ourselves requires a renewed resolve if we really want to live up to God’s calling.  People around us are carrying countless burdens.  Many probably can’t even imagine that something better could happen to them in the here and now—let alone for all eternity.  But we know the Truth and can share that wisdom.  We should joyfully live out our faith while sensitively interacting with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.  And we can certainly be light in a time of darkness, offering hope to replace despair.

My “tale of two pumpkins” moment helped me gain fresh insight about the needs of others, and I want to keep that perspective in the upcoming seasons of life.  May the same be true for you.  As autumn leaves change color and cool, crisp breezes great you in the days ahead, enjoy the blessings the Lord has bestowed on you while looking for opportunities to reach out to others who desperately need your compassion, kindness, and love.

Many blessings to you and your family this Fall from all of us at Sonkist Ministries.

Thought of the Season

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Philippians 2:3-4

Watching the famous Rose Parade on New Year’s Day of 2020, I remember being inspired by its theme, The Power of Hope. After the ups and downs of 2019, it felt like all of us could use more hope in our lives.

Little did I know how true that thought would turn out to be.

In February and early March, news sources began featuring stories about an illness that was spreading at an alarming rate. Soon reports about the increasing number of deaths from this new disease not only escalated anxiety but also expanded health recommendations. Before long, rarely used terms became part of everyday vocabulary:  social distancing, coronavirus, and pandemic.

Most of us remember those days in late winter, praying for others stranded on cruise ships and in countries far away. By the time spring arrived, we had added family members and friends to our prayer list.  Time for such petitions became much more prevalent as we found ourselves at home under “shelter in place” mandates.

Over the past few months, I have had lots of time to ponder the theme of hope I’d been so excited about on January 1^st.  In fact, during this COVID-19 crisis, hope could have seemed nothing more than an elusive fantasy—but because of my faith, I knew hope had not gone anywhere.  You see, hope doesn’t march down the boulevard on a bright sunny day, and it does not need throngs of people welcoming its presence.  Hope doesn’t’ come and go.  Hope is here and now, forever and for always.  How do I know?  Because hope begins and ends with the Creator of all things, just as the Apostle Paul so beautifully explained to Christians centuries ago: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 8:13).

Notice that Paul’s prayer for believers confirms who God truly is—our source of hope.  This verse also provides those of us living in 2020 with a simple formula for finding more and more of it, no matter what may be going on in our lives or in the world around us:

Trust in God + the Holy Spirit’s power = Joy, Peace, and Confident Hope

I don’t know about you, but I certainly could use more joy, peace, and confident hope in my life right now.  But in order for any of us to receive these amazing blessings, we must analyze our level of trust God.  This type of trust is really what faith is all about, as Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”  In other words, our faith is intricately connected to what we hope for and experiencing a “confident hope” depends upon our complete trust in the Lord.

It is crucial to understand that faith requires action on our part, and faith must also be maintained over time.  The Apostle Peter explained why this is important:  “So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”  (II Peter 3:17-18).  Bad experiences and unscrupulous people are a reality of life on Earth, but our efforts to grow and develop our faith can counteract such negative forces. Indeed, it is during difficult times that I find it necessary to dig deeply into the Word and be encouraged by truths found in songs like this one:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand.
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

As you look over these few stanzas, you will note that once again we are called into action in order to develop our faith.  We are asked to choose the source of our hope.  We must decide if Jesus is the foundation of our faith—or not. 

This faith-based, hopeful approach to life is of paramount importance in witnessing to others too. Here’s the way Peter explained it:  “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence”  (I Peter 3:15-16, NASB).  This “hope that is in you” refers to faith:  our trust in God, His promise of eternal life because of what Jesus did on the cross, and the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives.

Maintaining this hopeful spirit isn’t easy, especially in the midst of a crisis like we’ve been experiencing.  Yet it is in unsettling times that our faith can increase exponentially.  Striving to expand our trust in God is essential work, and so is reaching out into our world to offer others a glimpse of the “Source of Hope.”  Here are some ways people have put this kind of hopeful spirit into practice during the past few months:

1. “Pass it on” movements in drive-thru restaurants: I’m not sure who starts these each day, but at a local Starbucks, the employees have shared how customers pay for others’ orders for almost two hours at a time. Similar acts of kindness have popped up everywhere as individuals strive to encourage people around them.
2. Virtual visits: With social distancing, people have become increasingly creative in how they connect with others, especially the elderly. One inspiring story occurred outside a nursing home in Kentucky where handlers brought horses to “visit” residents at their windows just to brighten their day.
3. Church on wheels: A body of believers in southern California decided to rally church members to collect non-perishable goods for a local food bank and do a “drive-by drop off” at various sites.This food drive ended up becoming the largest ever in the food bank’s history, and church members spread God’s love while remaining safely inside their vehicles.
4. Adopt a child: Despite the increasing number of unemployed and underemployed, Compassion International experienced an amazing Mother’s Day weekend. Almost 1000 children from Ecuador were sponsored through one church alone. These kids will receive monthly support that includes materials to help encourage their walk with Jesus.

These examples of people reaching out to others are encouraging, spreading hope in a world that needs much more of it. They are also signs that the Source of Hope is alive and well, at work around us while we await eternity.  And while we wait, let’s continue to place complete confidence in the Lord—He truly is our only hope.

All of us at Sonkist Ministries hope you and your family have a peaceful, joy-filled summer season.

  Thought of the Summer

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

Psalm 62:5-8

As parents, we struggled with the same dilemma most moms and dads do—dealing with the tears our little ones shed when we leave them.  It’s heart-wrenching, even if you are dropping your children off to spend time with grandma and grandpa or with that great Sunday School teacher at church.  Recently, I watched tears stream down our granddaughter’s face as she clutched her mom who uttered those oft-recited words, “I’ll come back.”

Babies and toddlers ultimately get over separation anxiety and soon learn that parents do indeed return for them.  Harper experienced the fulfillment of her mother’s promise just a few hours later, and the smile that spread across her face when her mom came back was priceless.  This leaving and returning process is a crucial life lesson because, eventually, those kids will grow up and have to offer similar reassurances to their children one day. 

But imagine the uncertainty of that initial experience when no relational equity has been established in the “return policy.” This is a challenge faced at some point by all kids, and it has become a reality for each of God’s children.  How so?  Because long ago when the disciples were gathered for the last time, Jesus made a pledge to return for His followers.  Just like a loving parent, He not only promised to return but also explained the reason for His departure:

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
 (John 14:1-3, New Living Translation)

Like children, the disciples had lots of questions about this strange statement. Acting as the group spokesman, Thomas said: “No, we don’t know, Lord … we have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (verse 5).That’s when Jesus provided them with more details, including reminders about all the experiences the disciples had been part of during His ministry.  Finally, as any caring parent does, Jesus reiterated His promise: “Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again . . . I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe” (verses 28a, 29).

Yet, it has been a long wait—and in these troubling times, believers seem more eager than ever to have this particular promise fulfilled.  Christians in the early church felt a similar longing. In fact, the apostle Peter wrote this reminder about the lengthy delay:

Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”
(II Peter 3:3-5)

Christians in Peter’s day probably had people in their lives sneering and jeering at their hope in Christ’s return, not unlike the experiences many of us have today—and our kids will no doubt have in the future.  So, why the prolonged wait?  Why hasn’t Jesus come back yet?  A few verses later, Peter explained the situation this way: 

Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change. 
(II Peter 3:8-9, The Message Bible)

God’s patience regarding this promise is for those yet-to-be-saved individuals around the world and in all our lives. He’s giving everyone—loved ones, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.—time to understand this amazing promise:

“For this is how God loved the world: He gaveHis one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life”
(John 3:16).  

While the wait for Jesus’ return may seem like an eternity, it’s because of the significance of eternal life that He patiently awaits.  God doesn’t want anyone to lose the opportunity to join His forever family—and, with His help,  believers can be part of that salvation process.  That’s why we need to keep sharing—and keep caring.  And may we cling to all His promises, trusting that “Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever” (I Thessalonians 5:10).

Many blessings to you this Spring from all of us at Sonkist Ministries.

Thought of the Season

No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.  Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live.
John 14:18-19

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven,
    and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
Luke 2:13-14

In the novel A Christmas Carol we find a cantankerous character named Ebenezer Scrooge.  This miserable man loathed the very thought of Christmas, so much so that when a caroler outside his door cheerfully sang out “ ‘God bless you, merry gentlemen! May nothing you dismay!’, Scrooge seized the ruler with such energy of action that the singer fled in terror, leaving the keyhole to the fog and even more congenial frost.”

Charles Dickens wrote this story to confront the extremes in English society during the 1840s.  The poor were now destitute; many were starving.  The wealthy carried on with their posh living, callous to the needs of individuals around them.  Those in government appeared to be unable or unwilling to change the deteriorating conditions.  So, even though the holiday season was upon them, the spirit of Christmas seemed nonexistent.

Although he penned this book long ago, many today feel as dismayed as Dickens due to current trends in society.  Impoverishment, insensitivity, and ineffectiveness still abound. Many people seem stymied with no north star to guide them.  Others are struggling with loneliness and loss.  And there are some who, like old Ebenezer, observe individuals celebrating this season and wonder: “Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry?”

 The explanation for why any individual can celebrate at Christmas is the same reason given to shepherds over two millennia ago:

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (Luke 2:9-11)

 What right does anyone have to be merry?  What reason could possibly exist to rejoice? Because Christ Jesus came to earth to save “all people.”   For a world that desperately needs both comfort and joy, there’s no other message that could be more meaningful.  Indeed, many of us sing a version of the song Dickens included in his “holy-day” tale which conveys this truth:

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Savior
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy!

 Those tidings of comfort and joy were first sung by a host of angels just after Jesus’ birth.  That heavenly army  simply couldn’t hold back its praise: “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” For Christians—those who have had the fog of despair lifted and the frost of sin driven from their hearts—refocusing on our real status should be transformative.  Circumstances may be hard, but Christ is here to help.  Life may not have given us all that we desired, but eternity awaits where we’ll experience more than we ever dreamed about.

As Dickens hoped, the Christmas season can also be a time when we focus on the needs of those around us. After all, there are many “Ebenezers” in our lives who need to hear about the One who loves them and can become their everlasting source of comfort and joy. Oh, may this ring true to every believer around the world.  Let each of us sing out our own carol of Christmas, sharing the incredible news that Jesus saves!

Now to the Lord sing praises
All you within this place
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface
O tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy!

All of us at Sonkist Ministries pray this season of celebration brings much comfort and joy to you and your loved ones!

Thought of the Season

Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations.

Psalm 57:8-9