by June Friesen
As I have been preparing myself for the ending of 2022 I have contemplated the things I have done, the memories I have made that I treasure, and the memories made that I may not treasure so much. In recent times it is hard sometimes to believe all the things one has experienced as real. It can also be rather daunting to think about the things that may be in the future. When Jesus was with His disciples He no doubt realized that He had a very brief time to impart to them Who He really was and what it was that He was really going to do for the benefit of all of humanity. I contemplated what it might be that many if not most of us would like to embrace and hold close in the year ahead of us. And I was reminded of the words of Jesus in John 14 as He was preparing the disciples for the time when He would no longer be visibly with them. I begin with verse 23 as for me it really describes our world today.
John 14:24-27 23-24 “Because a loveless world,” said Jesus, “is a sightless world. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we’ll move right into the neighborhood! Not loving me means not keeping my words. The message you are hearing isn’t mine. It’s the message of the Father who sent me.
25-27 “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.
Yes, Jesus realized that the disciples would no doubt be rather puzzled, bereft and fearful the moment His physical presence would no longer be with them – there would only be a spiritual presence, the kind that you and I have in today’s world. So He assured them they would not be altogether alone but rather His spiritual presence would continue with them through the Holy Spirit. That Spirit is also the Spirit that lives here in this atmosphere, around us and within us trying to reassure us that God cares and He is what we need to know real love, joy and peace. So for you and I today I offer these words which kind of share the struggle we may find at times in our spirits. I will give a gift/exercise at the end that will allow God to endue you with a fresh presence of His Spirit.
The Gift of Peace
Peace?
What is this thing that you are talking about?
Peace – you tell me that there is to be a quietness?
Where is it that you find this quietness?
Certainly it is no where in this world –
Look at all the loneliness –
Look at all the sadness –
See all the tear-stained faces –
Never mind the tears still rolling down many faces.
Look at all the chaos –
Look at all the confusion –
See the people running to and fro –
Wondering where they should go.
Look at all the frustration –
Look at all the franticness –
People crashing and clashing –
People dashing and bashing.
Look at all the running
Hither and thither
Here and there
Directionless it seems.
Sirens are wailing from time to time –
Fighter planes practice flights overhead –
Crisis noises arising when one least expects it –
Oh Lord – I ask, “Where is peace?”
Certainly this world seems to be lacking
Peacefulness in many avenues –
So is it really possible to actually
Embrace and/or create some peace.
Or is it that peace is defined differently
By God and humanity –
Does God have one definition in His plan
And humanity has yet to truly know His plan.
The struggle of peace –
The confusion of peace –
The presence of peace –
The gift of peace – ……
The struggle of peace in this world is for sure real
As everywhere one looks even outside one’s own door
There is pain of all kinds –
Someone has lost a loved one, a job, or their ability to care for themselves,
There is pain of all kinds –
Loneliness, dementia, terminal illness, and more –
Yes, the pain faced in this world is real.
Someone has lost their home –
Shelter for themselves and family is impossible
As their paycheck or social security does not meet the bills.
Another has lost their health
And is unable to care for their daily needs –
Where does one go as all facilities are so expensive –
And so they wander the streets in a daze.
Another has lost a loved one tragically –
Doesn’t really want to live another day –
Painful sobs rack their body
As the tears seem to flow unceasingly.
So I ask – where oh where is this gift of peace?
And- how do you define this gift of peace?
And if our definitions are different –
How is it possible that we can both have peace?
Let me share a few thoughts on peace –
Peaceful is the night when all is quiet
The stars are twinkling
The moon is shining
And one can hear their own heart beat.
Peaceful is the night when there is safety –
No sirens or loud crashes –
No screams or clashes of voices –
Peace is in caring so others are not hurt and broken.
Peaceful is the night when there is
No growling empty stomachs –
No forlorn and empty eyes staring –
Peace is seeking to find help for the needy.
Peace is the night when there is sharing –
Reaching out a hand to comfort –
Reaching out to dry a tear –
Embracing another with a warm, peaceful embrace.
Yes, peace is definitely an almost forgotten gift in the world today –
There is so much clamor for the things that this world offers at this time –
The gifts, the parties, the gatherings, the festivities and so much more
And in the hearts of most the peace is often obscured and sadly in many even forgotten.
In the moment right now – what are you thinking?
Where do you find yourself?
Centered on yourself and what is important to you today?
Or will you be focused on others to help them have a better day?
Today I offer to you an opportunity to make a choice –
Yes, I am going to encourage each of us to take a moment or two
To ponder and maybe even realize that peace has somehow
Gone away in the craziness – or at least gotten lost for the moment.
Take a moment right now –
Sit down or just relax standing where you are –
Breathe and feel the breath enter your body –
Stop – hold that breath
And imagine it coursing through your lungs
And out into your arms and legs
And into your fingers and toes –
Now – it has nurtured your body once more with life energy.
Now – exhale slowly –
Imagine the air returning from your fingertips and toes –
Through your feet and your hands
Into your legs and your arms
Back into your lungs and out into the world –
And in that moment say
“God grant peace to all”
Amen.
(repeat this exercise as often as needed throughout your day, week and/or year)
All writing and photos by June Friesen. Scriptures is from The Message Translation.
Following The Star Into the New Year
In January we celebrate Epiphany and the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus. Like them, many of us feel we are on a long journey following a star that is sometimes bright and shining, sometimes completely hidden yet still guiding us towards Christ. 2022 taught us important lessons that will shape the coming year. We sense God wants to do something new in our lives and we want to follow in the right direction.
Join Lilly Lewin and Christine Sine online Saturday, January 7th 2023 from 9:30 am PT to 12:30pm PT as they help us reflect on the past year and take time to hope, dream and pray for the year ahead. We will engage in some fun practices like chalking the door and interact with each other in ways that strengthen our faith and draw us closer to God.
Click here to register! We are once again offering several price points to aid those who are students or in economic hardship.
by Christine Sine
Welcome to 2023 and the chance to start with fresh intentions and visions for the future. This year I am not making resolutions. Instead I am setting intentions. “Setting intentions is powerful when done properly” says AnnaMarie Houlis in How to Set Intentions “It is more than setting goals – it is about being purposeful in pursuing your desire… an invitation to step into your preferred story especially when your intentions solidly align with your values.” She then goes on to say “When setting intentions, it is like laying foundations for what you would like to have, feel and experience, providing you with the opportunity to actively participate in your life the way you want to live it”
As I reflected on AnneMarie’s words, I realized that for me intentions are far more powerful and necessary than goal setting . Goal setting is about what I want to do, intention setting is about who I want to be and who I think God wants me to be. A I look ahead the most important thing in my life is growing into the person that God wants me to be and I need to remind myself continually of who I perceive that person to be. Intentions help me to focus on the inner work God is doing within me.
Here is the process I developed during my retreat time last week. I will talk about this more in our retreat Following the Star on Saturday so I hope you can join us.
- Ask yourself “What kind of life do you want in 2023. We often set goals that increase our busyness and often set us up for disappointment and failure. When we think about the kind of life we want we focus more on values and relationships which are really far more imprint than tasks.
- What values do you want to undergird your intentions? Writing down the values that are the centre of our lives is often a good reality check for the dreams and goals we set. Love for God and family, concern for others and care for God’s creation are the values that came to my mind as I thought about this.
- What limitations might stop you fulfilling your dreams and intentions? In a couple of weeks I will turn 72 and I realize that the intentions I set for 2023 need to take this reality into account. I move slower than I did when I was 20 and have less energy which definitely affects what I will be capable of in 2023.
- Keep it simple. We are much more likely to remember and stick to guidelines that are simple.
- Revisit frequently for refocusing and encouragement. One of the reasons I love going on quarterly retreats is that I read through notes from the last couple of retreats and remind myself of my intentions for the future. It helps me get back on track and refocus on God’s intentions for me. I have also made these into a card that will sit on my desk at least for the first few months of the year.
Someone suggested that 2023 is a year of sevens. (2+2+3=7) Now I am not into numerology, but setting seven intentions for 2023 certainly seemed like a good idea. So here are mine. As you will see they are inspired by Joyce Rupp’s beautiful New Year’s prayer. I would love to hear what you come up with.
- Strengthen my spiritual practices.
- Live in awe and wonder.
- Seek regular intellectual stimulation.
- Dream and be creative.
- Take time to retreat.
- Build relationships and connections.
- Relax in the presence of unanswerable questions and unknowable mysteries.
Following The Star Into the New Year
In January we celebrate Epiphany and the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus. Like them, many of us feel we are on a long journey following a star that is sometimes bright and shining, sometimes completely hidden yet still guiding us towards Christ. 2022 taught us important lessons that will shape the coming year. We sense God wants to do something new in our lives and we want to follow in the right direction.
Join Lilly Lewin and Christine Sine online Saturday, January 7th 2023 from 9:30 am PT to 12:30pm PT as they help us reflect on the past year and take time to hope, dream and pray for the year ahead. We will engage in some fun practices like chalking the door and interact with each other in ways that strengthen our faith and draw us closer to God.
Click here to register! We are once again offering several price points to aid those who are students or in economic hardship.
A happy New Year’s Eve everyone. In the midst of your celebrations take time to read this prayer and contemplate the year ahead.
This morning I read out this beautiful prayer to my husband. He commented that there was a lot in it that he needed to process. I agree. Take some time as you begin the new year to reflect on this prayer and all it asks of us
Faithful Companion,
In this new year we pray:
to live deeply, with purpose,
to live freely, with detachment,
to live wisely, with humility,
to live justly, with compassion,
to live longingly, with fidelity,
to live mindfully, with awareness,
to live gracefully, with generosity,
to live fully, with enthusiasm.
Help us to hold this vision
and to daily renew it in our hearts,
becoming ever more one with you,
our truest Selves.
Amen.
(Sr. Joyce Rupp, Out of the Ordinary Prayers, Poems, and Reflections for Every Season. Notre Dame, Ind.: Ave Maria Press, 2010, p. 144.)
New Year’s resolutions. I have long wondered over the idea. One decides they will start the New Year healthily, then comes the New Year’s Day football game with chicken wings, ribs, fries, and all the munchies possible. To say nothing of the left-over Christmas cookies.
And the stress which sets in over public declarations, that seemed like a perfectly good idea to make sure one has accountability partners to keep one on track. Now we are sneaking that “one” cookie as we try to avoid their gaze. Add on the guilt of failure. Can’t say any of it was ever very appealing to me. I know myself far too well to set myself up for failure.
Why not start considering the Holy Spirit as our accountability partner and base any resolutions on progress, not perfection, with scripture as our guide? This year I want to start here: “Before you do anything, put your trust totally in God and not in yourself. Then every plan (resolution?) you make will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3 TPT).
Sounds better already, don’t you think? I know I will never meet the level of perfection my all too human pride demands of me here on earth; however, I can wake each day and commit my efforts to the Lord and do the very best I can. For specific goals, I can then turn to the source again.
Instead of focusing on all my past failed attempts, I can follow the example of Paul: “I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose that Jesus Christ had called me to fulfill and wants me to discover” (Philippians 3:12).
Wow! The energy that is infused in that declaration! I can get very excited about joining in the adventure Paul is outlining here. In context, I know that Paul has just spoken of his past perfect “righteousness” and forsaken it as nothing when compared to “…the delight of experiencing Jesus Christ as my Lord” (Philippians 3:7). This is an all-encompassing invitation. One I can apply to any area of my life as I commit my days to the Lord.
And how much more doable then, my pursuits will be in the here and now regardless of life’s rollercoaster ride? I consider James 4 one of the most practical chapters in the New Testament when it comes to examining my life and directing it. James speaks of the origin of most of our personal conflicts and quarrels as being our fight to have our own way of getting what we want. Good to remember, just in case we decide that forgiveness and peacemaking should be one of our resolutions.
Rather than making set-in-stone goals for white-knuckle resolutions, as far as work goes for instance, James 4 reminds us in verse 14 that “…you don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring. For your fleeting life is but a warm breath of air that is visible in the cold only for a moment then vanishes! Instead, you should say, ‘our tomorrows are in the Lord’s hands and if he is willing we will live life to its fullest and do this or that.’ “
Knowing all our tomorrows are in God’s hands and that again, if we commit ALL our ways to him, he will make clear our paths, removes the stress of accomplishment to the greatest degree our humanity permits. All is ours for the asking. We just need to have our motives committed to the Lord. Of course, we note it was James 4:2 that also gave us the too often condensed: “you have not because you ask not,” leaving out that right motive caveat.
Our resolutions will only be as good as the foundation we base them on. Say you notice that you have been a bit inclined to run off at the mouth. Consider the reminder in Job 23:12 that says what goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them. Then the resolution will have a bit more meat to it. Perhaps just a prayer that you take a breath before speaking to consider if it is true, necessary, and kind.
When it comes to the mouth, other great scriptures guide us: “Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue” (Matthew 6:7). “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Psalm 120:2). From the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus himself tells us: “…but just let your words ring true. A simple yes or no will suffice…” (Matthew 5:36-37).
And so, I am brought back to my original popular resolution to lose weight. Maybe I could be more convinced by meditating on: “Don’t you know that your bodies belong to Christ as his body parts.” “Have you forgotten that your body is now the sacred temple of the Spirit of Holiness, who lives in you? You don’t belong to yourself any longer, for the gift of God, the Holy Spirit lives inside your sanctuary. You were God’s expensive purchase, paid for with tears of blood, so by all means, then, use your body to bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 6:15, 19-20).
Ah yes … I’ll have the salad!
Kathie Hempel
Following The Star Into the New Year
In January we celebrate Epiphany and the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus. Like them, many of us feel we are on a long journey following a star that is sometimes bright and shining, sometimes completely hidden yet still guiding us towards Christ. 2022 taught us important lessons that will shape the coming year. We sense God wants to do something new in our lives and we want to follow in the right direction.
Join Lilly Lewin and Christine Sine online Saturday, January 7th 2023 from 9:30 am PT to 12:30pm PT as they help us reflect on the past year and take time to hope, dream and pray for the year ahead. We will engage in some fun practices like chalking the door and interact with each other in ways that strengthen our faith and draw us closer to God.
Click here to register! We are once again offering several price points to aid those who are students or in economic hardship.
- We all have dreams and aspirations for the future but need the support and encouragement of others to move us forward. This retreat will help you solidify your dreams and plan creatively for the future.
- We need creative prompts like Lilly and Christine provide to stir our imaginations and help us discern the path ahead. God often speaks through this type of exercise.
- Especially at the beginning of the year, we need to take time to pause, draw breath and refocus on God. We have just come through the busiest season of the year and we all need time and this retreat will provided a much needed pause for all of us to reset our spiritual disciplines.
The Birth of Jesus
2 1-5 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.
6-7 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
An Event for Everyone
8-12 There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.
19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told! LUKE 2 THE MESSAGE
READ THE STORY AGAIN
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. LUKE 2: 1-20 NIV
NOW USE ART to help you connect and reflect on The Story…choose one or two links or take time over the next week to look at all of them.
Slide Show to go with the Lectionary Readings
The Nativity in Art from the National Gallery in London (slides)
The Christmas Story in the Art of the National Gallery in DC (long video)
The Christmas Story in Student Art from Australia (slides)
Story of Christmas told in Sand by Artist Joe Castillio (short video)
Nativity art from around the World
What do you notice? What image strikes you? What are you wondering about as you look at the art and recall the story of Jesus’s birth?
What is the Holy Spirit speaking to you about today? Through the scripture, through the art?
Talk to Jesus about where you are and about the GIFT you need this Christmas. RECEIVE THE GIFT OF GOD WITH US!
Adoration of the child
Poem submitted by Elaine Breckenridge
Advent
I live my Advent in the womb of Mary.
And on one night when a great star swings free
from its high mooring and walks down the sky
to be the dot above the Christus i,
I shall be born of her by blessed grace.
I wait in Mary-darkness, faith’s walled place,
with hope’s expectance of nativity.
I know for long she carried me and fed me,
guarded and loved me, though I could not see.
But only now, with inward jubilee,
I come upon earth’s most amazing knowledge:
someone is hidden in this dark with me.
–Jessica Powers
1905-1988
Following The Star Into the New Year
In January we celebrate Epiphany and the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus. Like them, many of us feel we are on a long journey following a star that is sometimes bright and shining, sometimes completely hidden yet still guiding us towards Christ. 2022 taught us important lessons that will shape the coming year. We sense God wants to do something new in our lives and we want to follow in the right direction.
Join Lilly Lewin and Christine Sine online Saturday, January 7th 2023 from 9:30 am PT to 12:30pm PT as they help us reflect on the past year and take time to hope, dream and pray for the year ahead. We will engage in some fun practices like chalking the door and interact with each other in ways that strengthen our faith and draw us closer to God.
Click here to register! We are once again offering several price points to aid those who are students or in economic hardship.
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