God Loves the WHOLE World!

John 3:1-17

1 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God." 3 Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." 4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, "You must be born from above.' 8 The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." 9 Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? 11 "Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Jesus said, “The wind blows where it chooses,” We certainly saw evidence of that this past week. What a powerful, mighty and untamable wind! The Holy Spirit is like that: powerful, mighty, untamable and uncontrollable.

Nicodemus, a Pharisee, comes to Jesus in the dark of night. Now… why would an upstanding citizen have to seek out a rabbi in the middle of the night? Why couldn’t his question wait until morning? The Gospel of John doesn’t say – but maybe he did not want the other Pharisees to see him. Or maybe he just had a question. Or maybe he just couldn’t sleep. Maybe…but it may also be that the Holy Spirit was working on Nicodemus.

Nicodemus’ last words in this passage are: “How can this be?” Jesus has him stumped. But this is not the end of Nicodemus’ story. More on him later.

In the meantime, Jesus says one of the most powerful and memorable verses in scripture: John 3:16.

Martin Luther called John 3:16 the Gospel in a nutshell. This Bible verse tells what God did – God Loved and God Gave. God loved the Word and Gave God’s son. Why: So that EVERYONE who believes in him may have eternal life.” This is a promise. This is Gospel. This is Good News.

This past week Lynn, a technician from the City of Minneapolis Waterworks department came to my house to install a new meter. My basement is kind of dark in the corner where the meter is so I stood and held a light for her while she worked. She asked me what I was busy doing, I confessed that I was writing my sermon. She then asked, “Oh, what’s the message?” When I told her that I was preaching on John 3:16&17, she said, “John 3:16?” like at the football games?

‘Yes, I said, “John 3:16. For God so loved the World…

Oh, she said, “We had a guy who had John 3:16 on a bunch of his shirts – he was always wearing it.”

I was getting excited but before I could say anything she said… “What a hypocrite! The management had to walk him to the gate. He was caught stealing.”

So… instead of extolling his witness, I ended up bemoaning with her that we are not perfect but are all sinners – and that we often fall short of being the people that God made us to be.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I always have the best thing to say to people after they leave. I wish I could have talked with her about the NEXT verse because it helps explain the more famous John 3:16. But she was busy doing her job, drilling a hole in my basement so I had to do my witnessing by holding a light for her.

But our conversation got me thinking. John 3:16 is well known – and that is good. But too often people treat it as a litmus test for belief or as a sweet saying. It’s not either of those. As Jesus explains in the next Verse, "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” God sent Jesus because God’s love is bigger and more expansive than we imagine – big enough to include the whole world..

John 3:16 is actually quite radical because, when Jesus is talking about the world -– he is not talking about God’s beautiful creation. Jesus is talking about the world he lives in, a world that is very much like the world that we are living in today, a world that is less than welcoming – even hostile to God’s message.

To make the point, one theologian suggests that we could translate John 3:16 and 17 as: “For God so loved the God-hating world, that he gave his only Son…” and “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn even this world that despises God but instead, so that the world, that rejects God, might still be saved through Christ.”1 God’s love is gracious and inclusive.

We tend to find it easier to identify differences than similarities. Remember the old children’s song: “One of these things is not like the other...” From the time we are children we are taught to distinguish between things: us and them, what’s out and what’s in, what’s the same and what’s different and that’s often what we do with people too – focus on differences.

I was at a pastor meeting last week and one of the pastors told about an event in Finland. Invitations for this event went out to a very diverse group of people and so, when they came, it wasn’t surprising that they looked quite different from one another. Some who came were dressed in executive style suits and others had torn jeans. Some were young and some were retired. As they came into the room, typically people would look around and then seek out people who “looked like them.”

When it was time to begin, the facilitator asked them to form a circle. And then he said, “Would those of you who hugged or kissed a child goodbye this morning please come to the center. They did. And as they did – they smiled at one another and recognized their commonality as parents or caregivers, a commonality that rose above their differences in clothing or age. Then he said, “Would those who love their jobs come into the center… and then those who hate their jobs… and so on.” Again and again, various people came forward and began to see the “others” in a different light. Then the facilitator said, “Would those who are bisexual come into the circle?” One person stepped into the middle of the circle. And when people realized there was only one – they gasped. But the facilitator turned to the one lone person in the middle and said, “Thank you. Thank you for the courage to stand alone.” And all the people clapped and cheered.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, God loves the WHOLE world – even the God-hating world. We, as a the body of Christ, are called to live out God’s message of love for the world, the whole world, even the God-hating world. We are called to cheer for one another in both our similarities and our differences. And, we are called to support and stand up for those who are alone, who are threatened and who are treated as “other” or “less than.”

Last month I received an email about a bomb threat had been sent to a Jewish Community Center in downtown Minneapolis. They were asking pastors for support. I signed it immediately and so did many other pastors. The leaders of the Jewish Community Center sent us each a letter back, thanking us for our support. This was an easy decision. Of course we want to stand with our brothers and sisters in the faith against hatred.

We need to stand with God’s people whenever a group of people are threatened - even if they are different from us. Whether the “other” is poor, hungry, an immigrant, a Jew or a Muslim, we are called, by Christ, to love and care for and stand up for the “other.”

But it won’t always be easy. There may be times that we don’t all agree on how to love and care for the “other.” At those times we will have to pray for the Holy Spirit to lead and direct us.

I think that’s what happened to Nicodemus. Nicodemus begins as a cautious but curious rule-abiding Pharisee. Later in the Gospel he dares to speak up, urging restraint. At the end of the Gospel, Nicodemus is at foot of the cross, caring for the body of Jesus. We don’t know the whole story of how it happens but clearly Nicodemus grows in his discipleship – and most of the growth is “off- stage.” Looks like the work of the Holy Spirit to me.

Isn’t that how it is for most of us? Some people have a great “Aha!” moment and transform their lives instantly. But for most of us… the Holy Spirit keeps tugging… keeps working on us… and we pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

That’s one of the reasons why we gather as a community in Christ each week. We come to support and encourage one another in Christian faith, to hear the Word of God and to share the things that keep us up at night. We come together because where two or more are gathered in Christ’s name, God is with us, and the Holy Spirit promises to encourage, empower and help us share God’s love and Grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Pam Stalheim Lane

1 Dr. David Lose in website:In the Meantime. Lent2A Just one more Verse  http://www.davidlose.net/2017/03/lent-2-a-just-one-more-verse/

The 10 Commandments & What they Mean for Us as Biblical Law

Peace and grace to you from God the Father, and our Lord and Savior Jesus, Christ Amen!

    Good evening, everyone. Tonight we are talking about the 10 commandments, and what they mean for us as Biblical Laws. As many of you here are parents or have had some kind of rules in your life, you will know that setting boundaries is important. They are an important part of being a parent, a friend, really any kind of relationship that you might have. Having proper boundaries for what is and is not okay is important, because it keeps others and ourselves in check, and makes sure that we can stay in relationship. Now, as Lutherans, we might be tempted to say “the Law? Boo, hiss! Why do we need that? We have Christ.” But I want to remind you that Christ came to fulfill the Law. In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus says: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. '” (Matthew 5:17-18) And if Jesus talked about it like this, you know that it is important.

So, I want to ask you something real quick: Who here is an oldest child? You might be the ones the parents set rules for. Alright, and now who is a middle child? You were probably the ones that the rules got tested on. And any youngest children? Yeah, the rules probably don't apply to you the same way they did for your sibling. At least that's my family experience. But all the same, we need rules for our households. The same is true for our relationship to God. In the beginning, those boundaries got crossed, and creation wound up in a mess. So after claiming the Israelites as God's people, God knew that there would need to be some rules so that they could continue to get along. So, let's talk about the Commandments.

    If you'd like to follow along, I invite you to join me on page 1160 of your red hymnal. Now talking about the Ten Commandments for me is a challenge, because I know that I could make this an entire Lenten session. But given that I only have a few minutes, let's see what I can do. So, first off, you will notice that the first three commandments deal with God, and the other seven deal with other humans. First, let's focus on God.  The first three commandments, 1. I am the lord your God, you shall have no other Gods before me, 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain, and 3. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Okay. These are about giving God God's place in our life. If we are able to keep these, we should be able to have a good foundation for a relationship with God. Now, there are many ways we can honor God with our worship, and they all stem from these three commandments. You see, when God first gave these commandments, the Israelites were newly out of Egypt, a nation that had many gods. And so God set up his rules to set God apart from the other gods so that the Israelites knew who and how they were to worship. And the Israelites struggled, just as people struggle today with their own worship today. But God loved the people, and knew that they needed to be taught a better way of living and worshiping.

    Next, let's talk about the other seven commandments, which are the ways in which God wants us to take care of our neighbors. We've got 4. Honor your mother and father, 5. you shall not murder, 6. you shall not commit adultery, or cheat on your partner, 7.  you shall not steal, 8. You shall not bear false witness, or lie and slander your neighbor, 9. Don't covet your neighbor's house, and 10. don't covet anything in your neighbor's house or yard, including the people. Okay. These are a bit harder, especially that one about slander during election season. These are the commandments that were set down so that we know how to help care for our neighbors. What these commandments are telling us is that our faith is not all about us as individuals. Let me say that again: Our faith is NOT all about us. The first three commandments are about how we should be in our relationship with God, and giving God's proper place, whereas the other seven are about us and our relationship with our neighbor. It's not all about us as individuals. God knew that because humans need to work together to survive, we would need a set of rules to make sure that we could stand to be around one another.

    So tonight we talk about the ten commandments. You see, as Lutherans, we have a faith that combines both law and Gospel. As Lutherans we see that there are three uses of the law. The first is that that the law helps to curb sinful nature. And while it does not stop sin, it prevents sin from completely breaking out. The second way that we use the law is like a mirror, as the law reflects how God created the human heart and life to be. And finally, the Law is used as a guide to help us towards better lives. Now, we also know that the law can't do everything, and it's through the grace that God gave us that we are able to live and love in this world and the next. And for that we can turn and say “thanks be to God. Amen!”

You are Good Enough for God to Love

If someone asked you, “Who are you?” -- how would you describe yourself?

It might depend on who was doing the asking. If you were in an airport – facing a ticket counter or a customs agent – you might declare – I’m an American.. and state your name. And then you would bring out a drivers license and passport to prove it. If you were at a family reunion, you probably would share your parents or grandparents names and look at a family tree to prove it. If you were at a job interview, you might talk about your strengths - and share your references to prove it. If you were on a computer, you would type in your password, again to prove you were who you said you were. But since you are here – and you just heard the children’s sermon – you would just as likely say, “I am a child of God!” And you would not need to “prove it” because God has declared it to be so.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Matthew answers the question of “Who is Jesus?” by beginning with Jesus’ family tree. Jesus is the answer to the covenant promised to Abraham & Sarah and to David and Bathsheba and through the prophets of the exile and the return. He’s got credentials. Matthew goes on to show how Jesus is the answer to the prophecies both old and new and is the answer to the prayers of star gazers and wise sages from the East. Again, he’s got credentials. Finally, the newest prophet, John the Baptist, baptizes Jesus and a voice from heaven comes down to say, “This is my beloved Son.” That’s better than a passport, driver’s license, passwords, references or security questions. It would seem as if Jesus would not need to “prove” who he is. After all, God has declared it to be so!

And yet, Jesus is sent out into the wilderness [Matthew 4:1-11]. In the Old Testament, the wilderness was often used as a time of testing. There’s no distractions, no internet and no social engagements. But… there is the devil, otherwise known as “Satan.”

The term “Satan” literally means “adversary” or “opposed.” We so often imagine the devil or Satan as a human-like figure or evil power figure – and in some ways it can be helpful to personify evil. But it can also be dangerous – because the power of evil is not so easily contained. And as we see from the craftiness of the serpent in Genesis and Satan in the Gospel, evil can often use things that are good – like God’s word – to try to trick or deceive. So it might be helpful to think of Satan as “anything that opposes the love of God” and tries to make us think we need something else in order to belong or to be good enough.

When the serpent approached Adam and Eve [Genesis 3:1-7], the serpent, playing the role of the one who is opposed to God’s will and God’s way – sought to separate Adam and Eve from God by tricking them into seeking their own solutions. Eat from the tree of good and evil. How easy it was for Adam and Eve -- and humans ever since-- to trust in their own power – and the seductive words of the serpent – and to mistrust God.

“Satan” tries to play upon Jesus’ human weaknesses: would he trust God or would he take charge - Would he make bread out of stones to feed himself? Would he jump off the temple to prove that the angels would save him? Would he take the power Satan offers? Jesus says no to all of Satan’s challenges… even when Satan starts quoting scripture. Instead of taking the bait, Jesus reminds Satan – the one who is opposed to God’s love -- and reminds us – to and worship God – and no one and nothing else.

Again remember that Satan is “anything that opposes the love of God” and tries to make us think we need something else in order to belong or to be good enough. For Adam and Eve it was an apple leading to wisdom. Satan tried to tempt Jesus with food when he was hungry, status and privilege which belonged to him already and the power of God – which was not Satan’s to give.

Our world has plenty of temptations too. Our consumer culture can sometimes make us feel as if we aren’t worthy or good enough just as we are. After all… what is the basis of advertising? You need this product to be better, stronger, bigger, faster. Which means… you are not good enough the way you are… you need…designer clothes, fast running shoes, the latest appliances, medicines that make you better, stronger, faster, smarter, thinner. The message is: you are not good enough… And people believe it. Too often we believe that we are not good enough, strong enough, fast enough, smart enough or thin enough.

But because God loves the world… including you -- God sent Jesus. And Jesus says to you: you don’t have to be better, stronger, faster, smarter or thinner. You are enough. God loves YOU – just as you are. God claimed YOU. God wants you to be healthy and happy and well but your health is not what makes God love you. God loves you and claims you not because of how good or bad you are – God loves you because that is the nature of God. God loves… You. – You are a beloved Child of God.

But that is not all. You belong. You belong to Christ – in whom you have been baptized. That’s WHOSE you are.

We say this in Church. We are reminded every time someone is baptized. But our identity in Christ goes beyond the walls of the church and beyond Sunday morning. I know that it is harder out there. And so sometimes we need to remind one another of who we are – and whose we are.

This past week I went to visit a member, Linda, who is struggling with dementia. Sometimes she knows who I am – and sometimes she doesn’t. On this day she remembered. And so we chatted for awhile – and I reminded her of you, the body of Christ here at Faith-Lilac Way and I told her that you were praying for her. She smiled. I read scripture to her. Again, she smiled. Then an aide came in the room. After greeting her and telling her who I was, I began to tell this aide who Linda was – how she had been active at church, a ready and capable volunteer, as sharp as they come. I told of the many responsibilities that Linda had undertaken – never wanting to take credit but always doing her part. And as I told the aide this story – I suddenly realized that Linda was listening intently. A glimpse of recognition came to her face as she remembered who she was – and whose she was.

Sometimes it is our job to not only remember whose we are – but to remind one another too. We are the body of Christ – together. And so… I would like to ask you to do something this week. Could you remind at least one person this week of who they are – and whose they are?

Let’s practice. Please repeat after me: You are a child of God. You are a child of God. And that’s good enough for God. That’s good enough for God.

And as you go beyond these walls – it’s good to remind one another – and to be reminded of who we are and whose we are. And remember – you are not alone. For Jesus walks with us too. Thanks be to God. Amen.

Ash Wednesday

Peace and grace to you all from God the Father, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!

Thank you all for coming tonight, and let me say, welcome to Lent. Lent is a season of the church that marks 40 days before Easter, and is usually observed through fasting, prayer, and repentance. Some people might even give something up or take on spiritual practices for the next forty days in order to grow closer to God. That being said, our gospel text today shows us how to do Lent right.

    As the old saying goes, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!” Typically, this expression means: If you have a great body, don’t hide it under modest attire. Show yourself off for the world to see. If you have a brilliant mind, don’t be humble and unassuming. Expose the genius within. If you have money, spend it so that people know you’re rich. Perhaps you can see the problems with the notion, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!” Yet, for some strange reason many Christians assume that this expression is also valid in the realm of faith life. It’s common for Christians to brag about how much they give, how much they pray, how much they serve, and how spiritual they are. Honestly, we’ve all been guilty of this behavior. It’s easy to be spiritually smug and let pride enter into our lives. We all want to be recognized and appreciated for the things that we do. We all want to impress people with our gifts and devotion. Yet, the Bible is clear that we must seek to impress God alone. What this means is that we must check our motives, and take a look at where are hearts are as we do the things we do.

    So, looking at our text today, Jesus starts the lesson with principle: Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them, for you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven. There, I said it. Do I need to preach the rest of this sermon? But Jesus goes more in depth about what he means by this. You see, the Pharisees and other religious leaders at the time had a bad habit of making themselves known when they were performing their religious duties. To them, it wasn't about helping others or growing closer to God. It was about looking the part. When Jesus says that they should not practice faith to be seen, he is telling them that their reward is the temporary adoration of the people watching. God will not reward them for it. They have already gotten the attention that they were seeking. Jesus speaks out against several practices in these verses. First, there's giving alms. This means that when we give to the poor, we should not shout out about how good we are. I live in a generation where there is the question “if you don't post about it on social media, did it really happen?” But what Jesus is saying in this text is that we are not to make a big deal out of our actions. The second thing that Jesus speaks out against is showing praying in public. There is a verse in Luke, about a Pharisee and a tax collector praying in public, and the Pharisee puts on a big show about how important he is. The tax collector, by comparison, stood aside and said “God have mercy on me, a sinner. Jesus gave honor to the lowly, because of their intention of getting closer to God. Jesus never knocked at the righteous, only the self-righteous.

    So, today for Ash Wednesday, we will be doing the imposition of Ashes. You may be wondering if this sign of ashes is contrary to everything I just said about making public displays of piety, but hear me out. In bible traditions, ashes were put on a person's head as a sign of mourning. The shape of the cross is to remind ourselves of our baptismal promise, and that Christ died to atone for our sin. And because we share in a baptism like Christ, we share in a death like Christ. We use the words “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return” as we make the cross to remind us of our sinfulness and mortality, and thus, our need for God. This is to start a season in which we remember what God has done for us through Jesus. So, as we journey with you this Lenten season, I would encourage you to remember the reason for why and how you worship God. And for all that God has done for us, we can turn and say “Thanks be to God.” Amen.

You are Salt and Light

The Gospel according to Matthew, the 5th chapter

Jesus said: 13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Completing God’s Law

17-18 “Don’t suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures—either God’s Law or the Prophets. I’m not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. God’s Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God’s Law will be alive and working.

19-20 “Trivialize even the smallest item in God’s Law and you will only have trivialized yourself. But take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom. Unless you do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering the kingdom.  The Message Bible

At the Luther exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts this fall, I noticed 4 hourglasses filled with sand. When I asked what they were for, the guide told us “That’s so that the preacher doesn’t preach too long. After the first one is empty, the second one is tipped over and so on. OK I said. How long is each timer? 15 minutes was the reply. Four 15 minute timers.”  You can do the math. But don’t worry, I’m not going to preach for an hour.

Shorter sermons may be why the designers of the Revised Common Lectionary – that is the group that chooses the readings for each week -- decided to  divide the reading of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount into four parts.

Last week we heard what’s called the “Beatitudes” or “Blessings.” Jesus blesses those that society doesn’t usually call blessed – those who mourn and those who are meek; those who are poor in spirit and those who seek righteousness; those who are persecuted and those who are vulnerable. We learn that Jesus gives us surprising blessings even when – or maybe especially when – we are feeling the least powerful. You are blessed.

You are blessed. That’s a great message, but Jesus is just getting started.  Jesus then tells his disciples: you are salt and you are light. Notice that he doesn’t say: “One day you will be salt” or “Someday you will be light.” No, Jesus calls his followers – and that includes me and you -- the salt of the earth and the light of the world – already.

So what does it mean to be “salt of the earth?”  This past Friday, by Governor Dayton’s command, the flags were flown at half staff in honor of four chaplains who, when their ship was bombed gave up their life jackets to save others. And then they held hands, sang hymns and went down with the ship.  One was Methodist, one was Catholic, one was Jewish and one was Baptist. But they were all “salt of the earth”.

But our actions don’t have to be that amazing or courageous to be “salt of the earth.” After all, just a little bit of salt transforms a bland meal and, in the same way, even small actions can enhance the world around you.

Jesus said, “You are light.” Again, Jesus calls you light rather than promises that you will one day be light.  You are already light.  Light can do two things: Light shines on the path for others showing them – and us -- the path, and, light exposes injustice and evil that lies hidden in darkness. Being light doesn’t have to be dramatic or a flashy big action. Shining even one little light into a dark room changes it. It makes a difference. And it’s something that you and I can do. In fact, you may already be doing it without really acknowledging that this is what you were doing.

For example, maybe you were salt and light this past week or so: by … saying a prayer… helping a neighbor….doing your work faithfully, helping a friend with homework… volunteering… smiling and saying a kind word…serving a meal at a funeral or marching for the sake of your neighbor.  You don’t all have to do the same thing – and it doesn’t have to be a big thing. Remember… it just takes a little salt to make a huge difference. With Jesus, faithful actions – no matter how small – can change the world.

Jesus calls you Salt and Light. And that is what you are. So Jesus challenges us to live into who we are. Jesus says, “Don’t hide your light under a bushel basket.”  It does no good there. As disciples, followers of Jesus, as baptized children of God, you and I are called as a people and as individuals to let your light SHINE.  

The people of Pelican Rapids did just that. They were salt of the earth for Yusuf, when he came as a refugee 20 years ago or so. Yusuf and his family – his mom and dad and six brothers and sisters – fled the war in Somalia made it to a refuge camp in Kenya where they were screened and vetted again and again by the United Nations. They were there for four years – waiting and hoping and praying for a new life somewhere – anywhere. While they were in the refugee camp – receiving scant rations and minimal health care – five of his brothers and sisters died.

Finally, the day came when they received notice – they were accepted by the United States. Again they were screened. After passing all of the screenings, they were able to fly to New York City. They were met by someone from Lutheran Social Services – LSS - and were taken to a hotel for the night. They unpacked their bags. They thought they were in their new home! But the next day, they discovered they weren’t home yet. They got on another plane and flew to Fargo, N.D. They were met by another Lutheran Social Service member. Yusuf said he remembered looking out onto the prairie land – and wondering, “Is this home?” But no, it turned out that they were then put on a bus and traveled to Pelican Rapids.

At Pelican Rapids, they were met by a group of people who said, “Welcome home.” Yusuf and his family were the first immigrants from Somalia that had come to Pelican Rapids and the people welcomed them in, as neighbors.  The next day, Yusuf started school in the sixth grade, not knowing more than five words of English. But the people of Pelican Rapids were salt and light to Yusuf and his family and helped them overcome barriers of language and culture. For example, when they did not have money for soccer team uniforms, a church opened its doors and they cooked a traditional meal as a fundraiser– and the whole neighborhood came.

Now Yusuf works for LSS seeking to be salt and light – and to help other people and congregations to be salt and light to new neighbors, just as the people of Pelican Rapids had been for him.

Perhaps you saw the story of the little 4 year old girl from Somalia that got caught in the travel ban. Four years ago, her mother received the call – just as Yusuf’s family had – that she and her daughters could go to the United States. She too had been waiting for four years. But the baby was born too soon – and so there were no papers for her. Her mother made the incredibly hard decision to leave her baby with a friend and to take her two daughters and go. As a mother, I can’t imagine having to make that choice. But after 4 years in a refugee camp in which the health and wellbeing of her daughters were at stake – remember Yusuf lost five of his six siblings during his stay in the refugee camp – perhaps the choice wasn’t so hard. She chose life for her older daughters and hope for her baby.

The media reported that the mother contacted Senators Al Franken & Amy Klobuchar and asked him to work on her behalf. What they did not report is that this mother wasn’t acting alone. She had the support of people from LSS acting as salt and light to support her and encourage her and help her.

Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” It is so easy to hide our light – and think “someone else” will be that light. But in big ways and small we CAN make a difference. We can be salt – for the hungry neighbors as we share food with through Near Foodshelf or for a hungry person by giving them an emergency packet. We can be light as we share the light in the darkness for those who are immigrants – and join LSS in asking our legislators to make fair and humane immigration laws.  We can be light as we welcome the stranger into our midst – remembering that it is Jesus we welcome whether the name is Husef or Mary or something else.  For regardless of the name,

Jesus reminds us that in serving our neighbor – in being Salt and Light for the neighbor, we are serving him.

Our challenge is to dare to let our light shine before others, to dare to “Go public” with this.  

Let us pray: Jesus, help us to be Salt – to bring out the God flavors of the world, to enhance the lives of our neighbors. And Jesus, teach us to be light, to bring out the God-colors in the world. Help us to dare to go public with this - sharing that God is not a secret to be kept but instead a joy to share. Amen.

What are you looking for?

The Gospel of John, the first chapter.

35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed ). 42 He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter ). 

Sometimes a question can change your life…

    Will you take the job? Will you marry me?

Jesus asks, “What are you looking for?” It’s not a complicated question. And most of the time… it won’t change your life.

You’ve probably been asked it – or a version of it -- a thousand times by salespeople. “What are you looking for? Or…Can I help you find something? Or… what is it that you want? And then they may try to direct you to buy another item or two or three. It happens every time I go in a certain store where I like to buy hiking socks. I just want to buy a pair of socks. But there’s a very eager salesman who offers up half the store before I leave.

What are you looking for? There’s a lot of sales folks who will try to tell you what you “need.” But while they may offer up a lot of tantalizing “stuff,” you know that you can’t buy what you are really looking for. Still… it’s easy to get distracted by all of the stuff that someone will sell you – to make you better looking, better feeling, and better than your neighbor.

But Jesus isn’t selling anything. He notices a couple of people following after him, turns around and asks them, “What are you looking for?”

What are you looking for? Or, translated another way, “what are you seeking?” What do you long for?

David Lose, one of the theologians that I love to read, suggests that we as a congregation ask that question, “What are you looking for?” “What do you long for?” Is it hope and possibility despite the overwhelming fear and despair portrayed on social media? Or is it an opportunity to make a difference? Sabbath rest in a too-busy world? Real relationships? Community?

Lose then suggests that rather than become overwhelmed with the many needs in the congregation and community, to “choose one thing to focus on in the coming year. One deep need to meet, one purpose around which to organize our efforts, one hallmark of our community to lift up that others may see who we are and what we offer and come have that need met.”

What are you looking for? I’ve been asked that question a lot lately as I’ve been talking with local service organizations. In keeping with our practice of good stewardship, in November we voted to give the first fruits of the Dorff’s generous memorial gift to an outside organization. While there are many worthy and wonderful organizations, the council opted to narrow our choices. So when asked, “What are you looking for?” I could tell them that we are looking to partner with an organization that is local, service oriented, participatory and with whom we could establish an on-going relationship.

It’s been exciting to see how many people and organizations that there are seeking to do good in our neighborhood – and that they are eager to partner with us! I don’t know about you but it’s easy for me to focus on all of the problems in the world – and in our neighborhood — but as we have been reaching out to our neighborhood, we are discovering a lot of great people doing good work! And… they would love us to partner with them.

Some of the organizations may be familiar – like NEAR Foodshelf. We’ve been supporting them financially and with volunteers for years. But hunger continues to be a problem in our neighborhood.

Plymouth Christian Youth Center is another organization that’s been around for a long time – but they continue to meet a need helping kids in North Minneapolis and they continue to need help to do it.

Other organizations are comparatively new.

Avenues for Homeless Youth in Brooklyn Park. They provide a safe place for 21 homeless youth from our neighborhood every night.

Clare House was built last year in Robbinsdale. Homeless men with Aids are given a safe place to live and to receive their medication, allowing them the opportunity to live productive lives.

Kidpack –Wildfire churches have invited us to join them in putting together backpacks of food to feed hungry kids on the weekends.

Lutheran Social Services – they have lots of programs in our neighborhood and the whole city.

At our annual meeting as we choose which of these organizations to support with an extra gift, we’ll be asking ourselves: What are we looking for?

Is this the one thing that we can focus on in the next year? Is this the way that we can meet a deep need? Is this how we can develop relationships and be a real presence in our community?

Or maybe it’s by deepening our own relationship with Christ and with one another. We will begin again with LifeGroups in a couple of weeks and Vicar James will also be beginning a new program for growing faith and life.

John’s former disciples answered Jesus’ question, “What are you looking for,” by asking a question of their own: “where are you staying?” It sounds like an odd response. But they aren’t just asking who was putting Jesus up for the night. The question is richer than the translation implies. They are not only asking, “where are you abiding, staying, dwelling? But also… Can we be with you? Their desire in following Jesus is not just to learn from a rabbi, a teacher. Their desire is to be with Jesus. They are yearning for – and seeking--- relationship…with Jesus.

And so are we. And we would love others to know Jesus too.

Pastor Deb Stehlin from the Synod office said that too often congregations seeking to grow and reach out to their neighborhoods ask: “What if we had a drum set” or “What if we had a huge Sunday school” or “What if we were the way we used to be…” She suggested instead of asking those “what if” questions, we should ask: “What is God doing in our neighborhood? And how can we be a part of it?”

That’s seeking relationship. With Jesus.

The Good News is that Jesus wants relationship too! Jesus says to his followers then – and now: Come and See.

Come and See. Jesus is inviting you to an abundant life, a life with him. And it’s not just for us. It’s an open invitation. We are not only invited but encouraged as part of Christ’s body to be one who invites too. “Come and See.” How hard is that to say? Let’s try it:

“Come and See.”

It’s not asking someone for money. It’s not demanding ideological purity or meeting some standard of belief. It’s an invitation to a possibility. For we aren’t the only ones that are seeking, yearning for wholeness, needing relationship, and wanting meaning in our lives.

What are you looking for? Maybe you don’t know. But that’s ok too. Because there is a bit of a mystery to the way that God works in our world. Neither you nor I have to have all the answers.

Still… Jesus is calling… “Come and See.” And Jesus’ call can transform, sustain and renew your life. In Jesus’ name Amen.

The Baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3:13-17

The Baptism of Jesus

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved,[a] with whom I am well pleased.”

Peace and Grace to you from God the Father, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!

So there was once a small town, and in the springtime it would rain a lot. After one such rainstorm, two brothers, little Billy and little Tommy went outside, and as kids do, were jumping in puddles. It was then that little Billy noticed that there was a pot hole that had filled with water, and seeing an opportunity, tripped his brother into it. Now, the boy's mother had seen the whole thing, and running outside she asked Billy “just what was he thinking?” “But mom,” responded Billy “we were just playing church! See? I baptize him in the name of the Father, and the Son, and in the (Make motion with hands) hole he goes! (Holy Ghost, Hole he goes).

Dear friends in Christ, we are in the season of Epiphany, the season of “A-HA!” moments in which we come to understand God and Jesus a little bit better as they are revealed to us through scripture. Today we are talking about the baptism of our Lord Jesus, what it means as a part of Jesus' ministry, and what it means for all of us today. Now, this story is depicted in three of the four Gospels,  Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and is an important part of the story of Jesus. Today we are looking at Matthew's Gospel, and one of the things that is different about this story than the others is that Matthew emphasizes the kingly nature of Jesus. Last week, our Gospel lesson was about the how the Wise men came to worship Jesus as the King of the Jews and the Messiah. So, this week, with the baptism of Jesus, you can think of this as his coronation, or when he becomes a king and starts his ministry. So, let's dive in to this story.

Now, Matthew's Gospel sets up this chapter by describing John the Baptizer. He tells the people around him, including the religious leaders, of someone who is coming who he, John, is not even worthy to carry his sandals. And then Jesus arrives, as asks John to baptize him. Now, if we look at verse fourteen (14) it says that John WOULD HAVE prevented Jesus, if he could, saying that Jesus was the one who needed to baptize him. Imagine the CEO or president of the company telling an intern on his first day “I want to do your job.” That is the sort of thought that was going through John's head. John recognizes Jesus as the one who he spoke of. This is the one whom he was unworthy to carry his sandals.

So, we have a case of a human telling God what God's place is. Let me put this another way; imagine a first time pet owner holding his new cat over the litter box and telling it “this is your place! This is where you should go!” For those of you who have had cats or other pets before, you know what that child is going to do (throw hands over shoulders). But in this case, Jesus has a good reason to go where he is going. He tells John “let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” And John relented. You see, Jesus came with a purpose. He knew that this was part of the plan. And so Jesus was baptized.

Then, as Jesus was coming up out of the water, the heavens opened up, and the Spirit of the Lord descended like a dove. A light shone on Jesus, and a voice spoke, saying “This is my Son, the Beloved, with Him I am well pleased.” I think at this point that John the Baptist was happy that he listened to Jesus and went through with the baptism. As he stood in awe and wonder of the sign that he was witnesses, he was probably trying hard, just like the others around him, to understand what God was doing at this point. So there are many celebrations and milestones in the human life; such as graduation, marriage, birthdays, and so on. What John the Baptist and the other on lookers were watching was one of these great events. It is here that Jesus is named and claimed as a child of God. A while ago, I had a friend of mine who when he was surprised he would exclaim “Jesus H. Christ!” and I would gently remind him not to use the Lord's name in vain. One time, however, I told him that Christ isn't actually Jesus's last name. You see, the title Christ comes from the Greek word Khristos, which means “anointed”.  In the old days, two types of people that were anointed were the kings and the priests. Jesus fills both roles, and with his baptism, he could now begin his work as the Messiah. After he came out of the water, the Spirit of God descended, and a voice from Heaven affirmed that this was the Son of God.  This is the starting point for all that Jesus would go on to do.

So, now we must ask ourselves, what does this mean for us? We know that in the words of the great commission, Jesus has told us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And remember that I am with you to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20) but what does baptism mean for us? In a letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul writes that because we share in baptism with Jesus, our sinful self, the fallen and broken parts of us, is dead in buried with Christ. And because we share this baptism, just as God raised Jesus, God will also raise us to new life. Because we have been united with Jesus the Christ in life, we will certainly be united with him in death. (Romans 6:1-6).  Baptism is a gateway which opens us to the presence of the Holy Spirit. Today (During the 10:30 service, during this service) we will be able to witness this great miracle with the baptism of Ruby. During this time, parents, sponsors, and all of us as a congregation will make baptismal promises for the life of the child. These promises are commitments that we are making and that God is making for a whole lifetime. Now, I'm not saying that baptism will make a person's life easy. When Jesus was baptized, it began his ministry, a ministry that ended just over three years later with a crucifixion. Jesus knew this would happen, but he did it anyways for you, and me, and all of us. And it's because of His love that we are able to be a part of the life and afterlife in faith. This life on earth will not be easy. But I do believe that when we stand united as a congregation, as a family of faith, when we combine our talents and abilities, we will have the ability to create a more trustworthy world. We will be able to be the hands and feet of God. And we will be able to be good news to a hurting and broken world. And it all starts here, at this fount.

Now, one last thing that I'd like to talk to you about can be seen in the last verse of today's Gospel reading. This is where the voice from heaven says “This is my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Now, there's some debate among scholars as to who this message was for. Was it to Jesus, affirming that he was the Son of God? Was it meant for John, letting him know that he had done the right thing and spoken truly? Or was it for the on-lookers, letting them know that God was now on earth, and that His ministry had begun? Perhaps this message was for all who were there, and also for all who now hear the message today. Dear friends in Christ, I would like to take a moment today to remember our own baptisms. For many of us, we won't remember it happening because our baptisms happened when we were infants. For others, it may be a more recent memory. Regardless, I would like you to now take a finger like this (hold up hand) and make the sign of the cross on your forehead. Dearly beloved, you are a child of God, sealed by the holy Spirit, and marked by the Cross of Christ forever. And for that we can turn and say: “Thanks be to God.” Amen.

Merry Christmas!

Dear Friends in Christ, grace and peace to you from God the Father, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!

So, just before Christmas break, a college professor gave his students a test. It was only four questions, but it was still a challenge for some of them. One of his students came in unprepared, and while he got through the first three questions, the professor knew that he was stumped on the last one. With one minute remaining in class the student wrote “only God knows, Merry Christmas.” on the final answer. The when the professor graded the paper and handed it back to the student, the student saw that the professor wrote “God gets %100, but you only get %75.” You see, for all we might think that we know, there is still more that we can learn or discover, especially about God and Jesus. And it is the surprise and the unknowing that is a part of the divine mystery. You might be able to imagine the response from the friends and family of Mary when she broke the news to them. Then try explaining that not only is the there a child to be expected, but THE child, who God has promised throughout history, who going to be born of a virgin. And now the day has come. A day on which we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. And as we reflect on this day, very much in the words of Christmas Carol “what child is this?” we ponder who Jesus is. It is because of this day that cathedrals have been built, great novels have been written, and even wars have temporarily ceased. So, trying to say what this day means in one sermon is too big of a challenge even for me. If you want to know what this day Jesus mean for all of us, you'll have to come back next week. And the next, and the next.

So, looking at our Gospel text for the day, we notice that there is there is a suspicious lack of certain “Christmas” elements. I think it's fair to say that we are most familiar with Christmas story as viewed by the gospels of Matthew and Luke, which give us historical details, telling us all about shepherds and angels and Mary and Joseph and wise men and hillsides and mangers and the Christ Child, Bethlehem. But here in the first chapter of John, we find one of the most important accounts of Christmas. John presents to us the story of Christmas without ever mentioning Bethlehem, without ever mentioning Mary, without ever mentioning Joseph, without ever mentioning an inn or a manger or shepherds or angels or any of those things. But really, this is the story behind the scenes. This is the story that couldn't be seen if you were on the hillside and heard the angels with their proclamation. This is the story that you couldn't know if you stood by the manger and looked at the child and His father and mother, you would have to have a revelation from God to know this element of the story. It is the reality of Christmas not seen historically but seen theologically, that is, in light of everything else that happens in the bible. And it answers the question: who is this child born in Bethlehem? John's gospel takes us into the very mind of God. He takes us into eternity. We leave time and we go out of the world for this for a while, to find out the real message of Christmas. But it is a perspective that we must have if we are to understand at all.

So, I would like to give you a special peek behind the veil at how I usually do sermon writing. I can't just sit down and start typing. I have to take the time to read the gospel lesson, look at the original Greek for interesting words, and then I have to read what others write about the bible topic I'm speaking on. So, please bear with me a moment, there were things I found out about the text that I find interesting, and I want to share something with you all. There is a special way that this text was written, and has what we call “Chiastic Structure”. If that sounds like a fancy term, don't worry, I'll explain it. Take either your fingers or arm and make an “X” shape like this: (Make X shape). Congratulations! You have just learned the Greek letter Chi. So, if you look at the shape of the letter, you'll see that it starts out broadly, but then crosses over in the center. How this relates to the text is that  with John's writing, there are similar words or phrases at the beginning and end, and other similarities that match up throughout the text, going towards the center. If you were to take this text, you take the top (place one hand up) and the bottom (place other hand down) and go like this (move hands together to meet in the middle) and find the big point of the text. It works really well when preaching, because you know what the main point to focus on. Add a couple of stories and bad jokes, and hey, I've got a sermon. So, just so you know, I'm getting to the main point, but I have to go though the rest to make this point stand out.

So, you'll notice that the reading begins and ends with God. John echoes the words of Genesis, saying that In the beginning, here's what God did. And we see in John's text that Jesus was with God when God created the heavens and the earth. Now, we like to think of Jesus's starting point when He was born in the manger in Bethlehem, but what we read here is that Jesus was so much more involved before he was born on earth. We also read that it is because Jesus is close to God's heart that we are able to know God, because Jesus has made God known to us. These verses are important because we find that Jesus was not created, and is beyond eternity. He was there in the beginning with God, and he knew God while He was on Earth, and then He was with God again after He ascended into heaven.

Alright, now look at verses 3 and 17. Both of these verse talk about what Jesus has done, saying that all creation, all the plants, animals, and people, came into being because of God and Jesus. It also tells us that while the Law was given through Moses, Grace and Truth came to us through Jesus. So, while God spoke with Abraham, Jacob, and Moses, we know that because Jesus, who knew God, knew how to better tell of God's blessings. There have been many prophets throughout history who have spoken the truth into a broken and hurting world, but now God has come to speak so that the world might really know God. The main blessing that is received is mentioned, saying that we would receive grace upon grace. What we know now is that these would be later described as eternal life.

Continuing the story, we hear about the world that Jesus was coming into. Looking at 9-10 and 14, we see that Jesus, the light of the world, was coming to dwell in the world with us, as one of us. It's a good thing that Jesus did not come as a lion, a tree, or something else. It would have been so much harder to understand God in any of these forms. But Jesus came to us as a person, fully human while still being fully God. But even being a person was difficult. Our passage tells us that even though Jesus came into His own word, the world did not know him. While still coming into what was his own, his own people did not accept him. Now, there are several ways that this can be interpreted. Looking at verse 13, there are three ways, being born of blood, which means how people are born into a family or clan, born of the will of the flesh, which are code words for being entered into a church family, like how the Jews used circumcision, and finally by being born of the will of Man. This means adoption into a family. However, none of these can achieve the family that Jesus sought for all humans. Those who are “born of God” goes beyond any race, or gender, or age, but includes everyone. Jesus faced divisions in his day, just like we do now. But what this is saying is that Jesus came to create a family of believers.

Okay, at this point I have to say thank you. I've been working towards this point, and you all have been very patient. Here's the point of this Christmas story: Look at verse 12. To all who receive him, to all who believe his name, he gives the power to become the children of God. The center of this Chiasm, this X that I was talking about earlier, is that God came down to earth so that we may become Children of God, and experience the fullness of life. That is why we celebrate Christmas this, and every year, is because God so love us, so loved a broken and hurting world, that God would come down as one of us to be with us, to help us know God, and ultimately to make us part of the family of God. I love the story of the nativity, and when I think about the birth of Christ, it's usually my go-to when I want to tell the story. But there is so much more going on behind the scenes that we sometimes miss in all of the Christmas decoration and preparation. John's gospel reminds us that while the birth story of Jesus is beautiful, there is so much more happening because of what God is doing in the world. God coming down in flesh is incredible, but what is even more so is the idea that God did it for you. And for you, and you, and you, and heck, even for me.

This has been an interesting year for me as I have lived and changed throughout the past few months. There have been many events that have made this past year stand out, but I think the ones that I remember most stem from being in this church. Never before have I been so openly welcomed by a church. You brought me in, and have been teaching me, leading me, guiding me, and even help correct me when I stumble. And as I participate in this family of God, I've come to a conclusion that this is a congregation that doesn't just keep “Christ in Christmas”, but one that keeps Christ in December 24, March 15th, and September 28. Do you know why those days are important? Because they're days. Regular, average days is when and how we can and do show that we are a family of God, open to the needs of our neighbors. It's every gift we give, expecting nothing back. It's every kindness we do, each simple little act. And so it's good that we remember that just as soon as we've discovered, the things we do in life will always end up touching others. I have learn that love changes people. It was first Christ's love that came down for us, to make us children of God, and that love has spread out, just like how one candle lights another. Christmas is a reminder of that love, and helps to spread it to others. And for that, we can turn and say “Thanks be to God.” Amen. Merry Christmas!

Come to the Manger

We got going later than we expected. Car trouble. Need I say more? When we finally got going, rush hour traffic heading north had long since ended and I was excited and a little nervous about my first trip to the boundary waters. It was pitch dark by the time we got to the road hugging the north shore. But suddenly, brilliant colors danced across the sky – yellows and greens, reds and blues. Northern lights. I had never seen them before. The sight was so brilliant - jaw dropping – amazing. We pulled off the road to a gas station so we could get out of the car. Overcome with excitement, I told some people, other travelers, who were there about the lights. They looked up – but saw nothing- the stations lights were too bright. They were from the south and looked at us as if we were maybe a bit crazy. Undeterred, we took off down the road again, pulled off in a wide spot on the shoulder and marveled at the lights dancing across the sky. It was a Holy moment.

For those of you who have had the good fortune to see Northern Lights, you know the awe-inspiring delight they can bring. But as beautiful as they are, I imagine that they are nothing compared to what the shepherds saw on the hills outside of Bethlehem. They not only saw bright lights, they saw angels.

They were terrified.

Even though Renaissance painters portray them reclining on pastures playing a lute, in real life, shepherds were known to be a bit rougher – more like the bandits that they protected their sheep from than a whimsical Renaissance man. They were the outsiders – they slept outside, they smelled like the sheep they tended and they did not go to temple.

Seeing an angel – a messenger of God – shining more brightly than anything that they had ever seen before – naturally made them think they were in trouble. Big trouble.

But the angel surprises them saying, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." And then…another surprise – the angel invites them to the manger.

While all of this awe-inspiring glory was happening on the hillside… the savior was being born in a very un-awe-inspiring stable. Mary and Joseph had traveled a long way – between 70 to 90 miles, depending on the route. Tradition has it that Mary rode on a donkey – the Bible doesn’t say. But whether she rode a donkey or they walked, I imagine that it was a long and exhausting trip. It probably took a couple of weeks – she was 9 months pregnant after all – and that would explain why, when they arrived in Bethlehem, the rooms were all taken. Without a cell phone – or really any phone, fax or mail, Joseph couldn’t exactly call ahead to make a reservation. It must have been disheartening. But then… a space was found – a very humble space… but Mary probably didn’t much care at that point. Childbirth has a way of focusing one’s attention to the task at hand.

Mary and Joseph were practical people – they were peasants after all – and not too proud. And so… when Jesus was born in the stable, the nearby manger probably looked sturdy enough to be a handy substitute for a crib. And so Mary laid the little vulnerable baby in the manger just as the angels declared --even though that baby was born to be the Savior of the world.

The shepherds came – and, like the shepherds, you are invited too. Come to the manger. Come to see Jesus.

For Jesus, God’s Son, was born as a vulnerable little baby just like you and like me so that he could embody God’s great love.… for you… and for you…. And for you…. And for me…

And for John.

I recently met John – and before we could sit down his story tumbled out of his lips. John has had a tough rough life. His dad was in organized crime. But when he asked John to be part of it, he ran away – at age 11. He joined the army, fought in wars, took on shrapnel and watched his friends die. He came home to discover his daughter was being abused. He shot the man and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. 30 years is a long time – and in that time he became even tougher – watching his back all the time. He was a tough guy. As he told me the story… I was thinking… I wouldn’t mess with him. And yet…God did. For while John was busy being tough and showing everyone else just how tough he was, God sent some messengers to him…most people would call them Christians or church people, not angels… but the message was the same. They brought Good News of great joy that Jesus Christ came for him, to be his Savior. He didn’t have to fight and be the tough guy any more – and he wasn’t alone anymore either. He now belonged to the community of Christ.

John found help and community in the church when he was behind bars. But when John got out of prison, he wondered… would the church still welcome him, still help him? And so, when he saw the church doors, he came on in – and he was welcomed.

Tonight, whether you, like John, are seeking help and community, or, like the shepherds, are full of joy and amazement or, like Joseph and Mary, are exhausted from the journey, or some mixture of these things or even if you feel something else all-together… one thing is true: God’s love is for you. As the angel declared to the shepherds, this is “good news of great joy for all the people.” All the people – not just the shepherds and not just the people of the day – this good news is for all people – then and now. And this is why tonight we come to the manger to celebrate God’s gift of love, Jesus. Because Jesus, God’s gift of love, Jesus, the Savior, was sent for all people, including outsider shepherds, peasants like Mary and Joseph, converted Christians like John, lifelong Christians like me and for you –whatever your path has been.

A favorite writer of mine, Madeleine L'Engle, said it well in her poem, “First Coming”

God did not wait till the world was ready,
Till ...nations were at peace.
God came when the heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.

God did not wait for the perfect time.
God came when the need was deep and great.
God dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine.

God did not wait till hearts were pure.
In joy God came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame
God came, the Light that would not go out.
God came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.

We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
God came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!

So come. Come to the manger. And as you come – sing songs of joy - for this is “good news of great joy for all the people.”

In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Pamela Stalheim Lane
December 24, 2016

Discipleship Starts with Showing Up

The Gospel according to Luke the 23rd chapter.

33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 [Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35 And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!" 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" 38 There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43 He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

Today’s Gospel lesson feels a bit out of place. After all, it’s Christ the King Sunday – should be a celebration, right? But instead we get the passion story of Jesus, King of the Jews, on a cross. But it’s not a mistake.

In Luke, “Jesus is King” is proclaimed by surprising sources. The Romans placed the inscription “This is the King of the Jews” over Jesus head – not as a statement of faith – but as a warning and a mockery. One bandit also mocks Jesus saying, “IF you are the King of the Jews, save yourself – and us!”

And Jesus does. Jesus saves. But not by calling down fire from heaven, or using supernatural powers to free himself and the bandits. Instead, Jesus prays for his enemies, forgives those who have persecuted him and, in response to the bandit who somehow knows that Jesus is not only innocent but also is indeed the Son of God, Jesus says, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

Today. Throughout Luke’s Gospel, we hear the proclamation of the saving act of God. The angels declared to the shepherds, “ to you is born this day, TODAY, in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” And throughout the Gospel Jesus proclaims health, healing, hope and salvation to lepers, blind, crippled men and women not for some future time… but “today”.

And so, the story of Jesus praying, forgiving and saving is current – the message is for TODAY.

The challenge for us is Luther’s question: “What does this mean?”

Well… as Woody Allen once said, “eighty percent of life is showing up.”

In today’s Gospel, Luke shares that as the leaders are scoffing and the soldiers are casting lots for Jesus’ clothing, “the people stood by, watching.” Later, after Jesus’ death, Luke also reports that not only did the people mourn, “But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.” Certainly they felt pretty helpless. There was nothing that they could “do” to stop the crucifixion… but while the disciples went into hiding, these ordinary people showed up. And because they did – they knew where to find Jesus after the resurrection.

Showing up may be the first step in discipleship.

Showing up isn’t always easy. When I agreed to be a police chaplain, Police Chief Franzen warned me – it’s never convenient. It’s often an interruption. But it is deeply appreciated by the families and the officers when a chaplain comes. He’s right. It’s rarely convenient – especially when it happens in the wee hours of the morning. But when I answer a police call, I am a physical reminder that Christ is present. I bring the Word of God. I pray. But mostly – it’s just about showing up.

Just showing up. It doesn’t seem like much. But when Philando Castile died, people gathered at Luther Seminary and at a church in St. Paul to pray, to light candles, to be present together. It didn’t “do” anything – but somehow it was important to just “show up.”

The week after the police officers were shot in Dallas, Texas, I had a routine Police Chaplain meeting scheduled. It was a busy week – but I was glad I went because I was the only chaplain who showed up. Police officers are pretty tough crew and don’t like to let anything under their skin – that’s their training. So they didn’t share too much about the fact that other police officers had been targeted. They just shook their heads and complained of their frustration at not being able to hire good cops. 100 applicants for 2 positions… and they were only able to hire one. Again – I didn’t do anything remarkable – but it was important to just “show up” and listen.

Pastor Morrie Wee - the former pastor at Advent Lutheran – has just returned from a year in Germany as an exchange pastor. He reminded me of the story of Nikolas church in Leipzig – another story of people just showing up.

Leipzig is in Eastern Germany. During the cold war, the city suffered – as all Eastern Germany cities did – from the repression of freedom, the spying by the “Stasi” the military police who encouraged and paid neighbors to spy on and rat on neighbors and the suppression of Christianity. Professed Christians did not get good jobs and Christian youth were not allowed to attend universities. Not surprisingly, the percentage of Christians dropped to being only about 14% of the population.

Despite this, a group gathered at Nikolai church for prayer for peace every Sunday night. They prayed and lit candles. At one point the group dwindled to 5 people – and three of them were pastors. At that point, one of them said, “What’s the point?! This is useless.” But another said, “No, this is what we should do. I’m going to continue – even if I’m all alone.” So they kept praying. They kept showing up. They did this for years.

Then one day, in 1986, when the peace movement was getting active, the government declared that people could no longer gather together. But… they did not extend this prohibition to going church.

Word spread that people were welcome at Nikolai church at the peace prayers. People came. Prayers for peace continued, more candles were lit, and the peace activists met in the back pew as prayers filled the sanctuary. At first the atheist leaders did not feel at all threatened by people lighting candles. They assumed there was no power in prayer. When they figured out what people were doing, they tried to infiltrate the church – they sent their officers to sit in all the pews. But the people came anyway – and lit candles and prayed. The numbers grew. Night after night the numbers kept multiplying until the numbers were so large that it equaled the population of the city. The leaders finally told their soldiers to shoot at any disturbance. But the soldiers recognized their neighbors – and did not shoot. The leaders called it a miracle. And they don’t use that word lightly. But it started with disciples, followers of Jesus, just showing up, praying, and lighting a candle.

Today German Christians are again gathering for prayer and lighting candles. This time it is in reaction to an anti-migrant, anti-Muslim group that is promoting hate speech. Every time that the hate group marches – the Christian peace group marches, peacefully, holding candles – just so that the world, through the media, can see that there is another voice, another option than hate.

It began as just showing up so that another way other than hate and exclusion could be offered. But now this group is inviting people of good will to take a simple action: “light a candle and put it in your window every Sunday evening as a sign of humanity in our country.”

This invitation reminded me of our baptismal charge, “Let your light so shine that others may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.” It also made me wonder: maybe this sign of peace and love for all of humanity doesn’t have to be limited to Germany. There is too much hatred and exclusion in our country. Churches should not have graffiti sprayed on them because they have black or gay parishioners, black mothers should not fear for their sons every night and police should not be targeted when they are doing their jobs protecting the people; God’s children should be able to live together in peace. And so…tonight, there will be a light in my window and I will say a prayer of peace and care for all people in our country and around the world. I invite you to do the same.

After all, if a little prayer and five candles could be the beginning of the end of the Wall in Berlin – what could happen now if we light a candle and join our prayers to others for Christ’s love and forgiveness and blessing for all of humanity?

I’m glad you showed up today because you never know what impact “just showing up” can have. After all, your showing up allows you to hear again the Good News of Jesus. Your showing up bears witness to the truth. Your showing up encourages your neighbor in the next pew who may be hurting. And, finally, showing up allows you to receive Christ’s blessing.

Faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: May Jesus Christ our King bless you and keep you and encourage you to show up to bear witness as shining lights proclaiming the love of Christ. In Jesus’ name.

Set Free to Live a Life of Love

John 8:31-36
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”

Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

“Are you free?”

If I hadn’t just read this scripture, my initial response would be similar to the Jewish followers of Jesus, “Of course I’m free!”

But… this week, my life intersected with a number of people who don’t seem free at all.

On Tuesday at the Robbinsdale Chamber gathering, I heard the story of homeless youth in our community. There is a shelter in Brooklyn Park – and they don’t have enough beds for youth under age 21. Each of these homeless youth has their own story – but they all yearn to be free.

On Wednesday night before classes, a young man, Patrick stopped by the church. He asked to use the phone. A volunteer pointed out the phone in the library. He apparently called a friend – who came by looking for him. The friend told us – Patrick is in a whole lot of trouble, can you help me find him? We searched. No Patrick. At our Adult class, Life Groups, we prayed for Patrick – that the right people would find him. The next day, we found drug syringes in the bathroom. Patrick – those drugs will not set you free.

Thursday I went to a class for pastors at Central Lutheran downtown and enjoyed a fabulous lunch. It was too much food – so I wrapped up half of the sandwich and the cookie for another time. As I went to get my coat, I saw a woman, sitting by the door with two bags of supplies from Central’s foodshelf. She greeted me and when I greeted her she poured out her story – and asked for a ride. I maybe could have helped her. But from my work downtown with homeless people – I knew that it probably was more than just a ride that she needed. So – probably more to appease my guilt than to help her - I gave her the other half of my lunch. It soothed my conscience a bit - but it didn’t set her free.

There were more stories – this week, last week. A woman suffering from depression, a man suffering from addiction, a woman with anxiety, an elderly man feeling lonely and isolated, a young adult over-loaded with debt. None of these problems can be solved by simply “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” or by applying more drugs or money.

Were any of these people free? Judging from their stories, it’s easy to see that none of these people are free. But they aren’t the only ones.

When Jesus says, “the truth will make you free” Jesus is speaking about a freedom that moves beyond our political, economic, or financial situations. For when Jesus says, “everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin,” Jesus is talking about your soul, your spirit.

Sin isn’t a word that’s used much in public discourse today. That’s not because people are so much better behaved now than in Jesus’ day. But when Jesus talks about “sin” – he’s not just talking about breaking commandments or rules. Instead of picking one greatest commandment, Jesus told his followers two: love God and love the neighbor as yourself. So “sin” is anything that gets in the way of love.

What gets in the way of love? We do – or at least our reputation does. And that’s the Reformation that the church needs today in order to BE Christ’s body.

Somehow, we as “the church” have gotten the reputation of being the place where you have to act as if you’ve got it all together. Somehow we as “the church” are seen as judgmental, as “holier than thou.”

Jesus did not come for those that are “holier than thou.” Jesus came for sinners – for people that fall short, for people who are broken, for people who are hurting, for people who have suffered from addictions, for people who have been bullied, for people who have felt lonely, for people who are in need of love and care. People like you and me and the neighbor outside our doors who doesn’t think that he would belong.

I used to work downtown Minneapolis. Suburban churches would come and bring food – and then stay for the meal. One day a church group of working professionals came straight from work -- some of them were still dressed in suits and ties. But the “regulars” were not real impressed with the fine clothes. One kind of tough-looking man, John, had a bit of a chip on his shoulder and he accepted his plate in silence – refusing to look at the well-dressed do-gooders. But one of the men, Jim, noticed him – and stopped at his table. Jim said to him, “I like your pendant. It matches mine.” Jim reached under his dress shirt to pull out his AA pendant. John, surprised, pulled out the chair next to him and said, “Have a seat, brother.”

The church – Christ’s body – is a bunch of broken people. Luckily I don’t have to look far. For we are all broken people – it doesn’t matter how or in what way. We are all “sinners” in need of Jesus. And Jesus, because of Jesus’ great love for us – all of us broken people - came to set us free – warts and all.

That’s what Jesus does. Jesus Christ frees us FROM our sin – that is everything that would keep us from living a life of love and frees us FOR living our lives in love. From sin. For love. And since Jesus does it, you can count on it. As Jesus says, “if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

The question then, is how do we live into this relationship with Christ? How do we learn to live into a life based on love and not fear, kindness and not hate, graciousness and not judgment?

Jesus said, “Meno.” It’s a Greek word that looks rather ordinary in today’s Gospel. It’s translated as: “Continue.” But “Meno” is a beautiful word that also means remain, live into, abide. So what Jesus is saying is: “Continue/ Remain/ Abide/ Live into my Word.

Live into my Word by reading Scriptures. That is why we are gathered together today to hear God’s word. That is why today, in keeping their baptismal promises, parents placed in Rylee and Lydia’s hands the Word of God so that they too can read and learn and know God’s love.

But that’s not all. The Word of God is more than Scripture, it’s more than the words written on the page.

The Word of God – is Jesus. As we read In the Gospel of John, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word WAS God.” So the Word of God is Jesus.

And, as we gather in community to ponder the Word of God in scripture and what Jesus, the Word of God, is speaking to us, we also hear the Word of God preached through words – and shown through deeds. The Word of God is proclaimed as we gather for a meal of bread and wine and as we gather(ed) for a breakfast served through acts of love and kindness. For the Word of God is ACTIVE and needs to not only be heard but also to be lived out by you and me. For we are Christ’s broken body. We are Christ’s hands and feet and we are called to live out Christ in words and acts of love.

Sometimes we will fail. Sometimes we will try to look like we have it all together. Sometimes I would like to pretend that I have it all together. But I don’t – and neither do you.

But the good news is that even when we think we have made a mess of it all, Jesus says, “You are forgiven – and free by God’s grace.” That’s the Good News. Christ comes again to forgive us, heal us and set us free. Thanks be to God! Amen.

Pastor Pamela Stalheim Lane
Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran Church
October 30, 2016