What Bliss is This: The Charlie Brown Christmas Challenge

December 16, 2023December 17, 2023Leave a comment

Written 12/11/11; revied 12/16/23

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” (Isaiah 52:7)

WHAT BLISS IS THIS?

Every Christmas, seasonal charisma arouses that magical popery of jollity and goodwill. Amidst the hurrying and scurrying, many people tap into a higher ‘cheer gear’ once December dawns, knowing the most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner. Snowflakes emerge on coke cans, polar bears dance in dreams, sounds of silver bells fill the air, popular television channels kick off countdowns, and old friendships reconnect as the surrounding world decks itself with adornment. As days grow colder, the warmth of binding bonds contribute to what is often associated as good tidings. But what exactly is a good tiding? And how do we adequately answer this if we possess topical bliss, plastic like some of our materialistic ambitions?

Whatever the case, losing sight on what drives our ebullience during Christmas is far too easy given our focus can be lost in holiday hustle and bustle. I know for me, I can’t encounter peace without intentionally entering into (or choosing) joy first; hence, why I will see the Prince of Peace whenever I need a stir not even a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha can buy and align to God through spontaneous worship, stillness, declaring the truth of His Word, even random acts of kindness depending on the situation.

Bottom line: By applying the right heart/mindsets in light of Christmas, we can discover some rejuvenating truths that augment season’s joy and boost boldness heading into a new year.

THE WAY FROM THE MANGER

For believers, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, salvation’s inception, and the adoption to sonship (Galatians 4:4-5, ESV). It is a time to commemorate God’s ultimate gift, who would become the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the divine pathway, which begun in a Bethlehem stable and ended at a cross at Calvary, the tomb, and the right hand of God (Hebrews 12:2, ESV). From the beginning, God foresaw the incarnation as the bridge to a new covenant relationship with His children; however, He knew the blueprints would require His son bearing flesh and humanity’s sin as part of the process of redeeming them. Thus, the purest celebration of Christmas is an honoring tribute to the greatest act of selfless love with “good tidings of great joy” the proper response as recipients of grace.

Bottom line: What is the right response exactly? To share the good news, mirroring God’s love to all men (1 John 4:9-11, ESV).

GOOD GRIEF! THE CHARLIE BROWN CHALLENGE

How well have we kept the manger and cross integrated into our execution of goodwill? As some of us have seen, cultural bents often reduces them to spontaneous acts of short-lived compassion. So how do we righteously respond to such subtle sucking of holy verve?

Let’s think about Charlie Brown for just a minute. For all the verbal abuse Charlie Brown endured in “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, he had the right approach in his search for the true meaning of Christmas. As the show progresses, Charlie Brown becomes increasingly convinced commercialism ruins Christmas. Yet, before he figures out what Christmas is all about, he has to first realize what it isn’t about: Money, Santa Clause, self-centered wanting, etc. Eventually, the light bulb ignites for Charlie Brown as he realizes commercialism isn’t the only issue congesting Christmas spirit but rather religion overriding opportunities in which goodness can manifest.

Bottom line: Dare to pray for the Charlie Brown’s of the world adrift on a sea of holiday motions, who accomplish much goodness by way of action, yet remain numb to the broad significance of those actions. The unsung hero in Charlie Brown Christmas saw past the capped perspectives of his peers: Christmas isn’t about being filled or finding meaning through what’s temporary, but sharing what’s everlasting with one another.

That said, the Charlie Brown Challenge is simple – that we may be unified as a people who know why they give of themselves. May commercialism and customs not overcome us to the point our ‘love barometer’ stops working. May our donations and offerings accompany our compassion and stem more from heart than wallet. And may we, with boldness and without hindrance (Acts 28:31, ESV), “proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns, for this is why [we were made]” (Luke 4:42-44, ESV) and accordingly, how we should celebrate Christmas.

Cover graphic creds: Wallpaper Cave

3 Underrated Life Lessons from ‘Elf’

December 11, 2023December 12, 2023Leave a comment

Originally written 12/25/15; revised 12/11/23

Every Christmas, I somehow, some way find myself taking in another round of ‘Elf‘. After all, you leave your TV on long enough during December, it’s bound to happen. Although the movie isn’t exactly my cup of tea, I’d be a cotton-headed ninny muggins if I said there weren’t any truths tucked within the movie’s many memorable moments.

Thus, in the spirit of modern day parables, here are three life lessons inspired by Elf quotes worth eating up this holiday season…

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Jovie: “It IS a crappy cup of coffee.”Buddy: “No, it’s the world’s BEST cup of coffee.”

Believing the best isn’t always easy. I know for me, I’d rather ‘get real’ with what’s in front of me than entertain what’s outside of me. Yet, I also know, while honest assessment is certainly a fair practice, when it becomes boxed in by circumstances, opportunities to shine hope into them can be missed.

In the case of Buddy the Elf, his innocent ignorance, though awkward, opens the door for humility…

…not only for the coffee shop to step up to its potential, but for Jovie to believe it could happen.

Accordingly, I can appreciate how Buddy, though delusional, speaks life into what could be, rather than reduce an entire identity to one subpar sip.

Bottom line: While there’s a time to be honest, a time to be transparent, there’s never a time to doubt, even if the best is out of sight, out of mind. ————————————————————————————————————————————————

2. Buddy: “Deb, you have such a pretty face, you should be on a Christmas card.”

Like point #1, showing encouragement isn’t always easy either. Political incorrectness, missing the punch-line, poor delivery mechanics, futile grudges…

…honestly, it’s crazy the excuses we tolerate all for the sake of not looking (or sounding) like a moron.

But with Buddy, not only do you find a model of self-security, but you also see what happens when driven joy and childlike faith collide in a relational context. Despite his lack of filter, Buddy ultimately reminds us it’s better to encourage as a function of determined giving as opposed to convenient action.

Bottom line: If you have something good to say, don’t just say it…give it.————————————————————————————————————————————————

3. Buddy: “SANTA! OH MY GOD! SANTA’S COMING! I KNOW HIM! I KNOW HIM!”

I’ve often wondered why so many wear their faith like a security blanket, only to ditch it when the ‘heat’ is turned up.

It’s like…we have no problem investing in eternal insurance…but also have no problem catering to indifference whenever the ‘rubber meets the road’.

But truth is: when we ‘selah’ on simply Jesus and the joy set before us, it makes perfect sense to get excited and share that enthusiasm with those around us; hence, why Buddy’s reaction here is so priceless given it captures the true spirit of Christmas and reminds us how we’re to celebrate God’s past, present, and future faithfulness.

For when we consider the fact Jesus is coming again, to once more redeem humanity from depravity, we ultimately set ourselves up to trust Christ in a way that fuels an eagerness for that coming.

Bottom line: Stand up, be proud…live your faith out loud…

‘…cause seriously…we have the privilege of knowing the King of Kings & Lord of Lords. How freakin’ awesome is that!?!

Graphic cover creds: Giphy

Black Whole: The Importance of Letting God Fill Your Voids

November 25, 2023November 25, 2023Leave a comment

A crisp autumn evening is being tucked away with coos as I type this.

Lord knows I need the positive vibes given how bittersweet a month it’s been, not to mention its placement amid an extremely uncomfortable season. Like recent years, Lys & I have been holding on for dear life of late though on this side of Jubilee, the desperation has been different, dare I say, next level.

No question, the ultimate theme of 2023 has been simultaneous grieving and hopeful anticipation. To go from losing a daughter to gaining one in less than 11 months, that’s..*sigh*…that’s insanity at its finest and most glorious. At least for what can be known this side of heaven.

Still, going back to this time last year, I couldn’t have possibly imagined the first full year of what has become a new era within the Fry family journey. The trials and testings, the depth of depressions, the resilience faith has compelled us to, I mean, you’re talking about a year I can’t wait to recap in 5-6 weeks once the New Year comes into greater focus.

For now, I want to offer some perspective to the broken heart along with some zest and zeal to the fatigued.

While it’s true, there will be times when you’re heard, understood, treated fairly, etc., there are other times you’re not supposed to be. As hard as that is to receive, especially during challenging circumstances, it’s a peace-inducing reality when you think about it. For even when you’re run into the ground as part of one’s abuse of the plow, there is a joy to take hold – one that makes little sense at first but becomes more powerful when you say ‘yes’ to it.

For instance, there have been moments in recent months when I’ve felt stuck on an island, crying out into the void, wondering who might hear if I supplicate loud enough. In those instances, the mind craves certain thoughts to be taken captive alongside the white noise and dead silence.

But then God shows up, meets me in the turbulence, and sweetly reminds me, ‘Son, I see the holes you’re walking on. I am here. Let me be and fill your void!‘

And instantly, I’m okay again – a calibrated vessel with the Staples button resounding within: Well then…that was easy.

Now, hear me: I’m not trying to belittle whatever chaos you’re walking through. I’m just looking to charge your spirit. If you’re coming out of a stretch in which you’ve been a fish out of water, don’t just desire water; rather, believe there’s a river with your name on it. You may feel helpless in the immediate flopping on terrain you weren’t designed for, but this doesn’t mean you have to lose heart in light of where you’re going.

Which brings me back to why I’m writing this: If you’re running on empty today, if you’re feeling abandoned or overlooked, let God be, fill, even shape your void! For in this transaction, you allow your Creator to be the receiver of your lack, your fear, your heart to belong and be known. You see, far too often, we ask God to remove our voids and repair our deficits. I recall a specific situation in which I told God, “If you can just make a bridge for me here, I’ll be sure to walk on it.’

However, as I now know, if I’m trusting God’s thoughts and ways as higher (Isaiah 55:8-9), then the pragmatic move is to follow His leading regardless of direction. Like me, you may think you need a bridge when what you really need is a bypass, a nudge, an about-face, heck, even a jump into a boat going under it. Point is: The same reason you’re not alone is the same reason you can take heart when you feel stuck, lost, or misused. As I’ve said before, the best scenic routes in life are often detours. Accordingly, don’t be surprised if your ‘yes’ to God increases the probability of them. After all, we were made to fully rely on God in all things, including our voids as painful they may be. Why not dare to see God in them as we pray and cast our cares and embrace His goodness?

As the prophet continues in v. 10-11:

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth…giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.“

Selah.

Graphic cover creds: Wallpapers.com

Marketplace Ministry Origins: A SOAP Study on Mark 6

November 5, 2023November 6, 2023Leave a comment

If you’re a longtime follower, you know it’s been a while since my last vocational post. Thus, I figured for today we’d travel back in time to 2016 when I first started to explore Jesus’ cleansing of the temple (Luke 19:45-48). To guide our discussion, I’ll once again we taking a SOAP Bible study approach to help us synchronize revelation.

Get ready, set…

Scripture: “When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored to the shore. And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.”

Observations: Taking a bird’s eye view at Mark 6, we soon realize there’s much going on in this passage. While author ‘Q’ is renowned for his truncated style, this doesn’t undermine the literal and figurative ground covered in this chapter.

After Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth, we note he is intentionally mobile starting in v. 7 where we find a Great Commission preview in the sending out of the 12 disciples. Verses later, we find a surprisingly long account of John the Baptist’s death (No offense, John, I think your 16 verses could have been cut in half and we would have been fine) followed by the feeding of the 5,000 and walking on water accounts (v. 30-52). Honestly, it’s almost like author ‘Q’ is creating this Gospel popery, an EP of Jesus’ greatest hits for future generations to share. For most, the chapter concludes in v. 52 once Jesus has calmed the storm; however, in terms of time lapse, there’s still over half the book to go.

Enter v. 53, where we find Jesus passing over into Gennesaret* and setting the stage for one of the most overlooked segments in Scripture (I.e. v. 54-56). To best understand the significance of this excerpt, we must first take note of the setting. Having crossed the Sea of Galilee from Bethsaida, we find our Ocean’s 13 crew in an exhausted state, more from past pitstops than the 9.8 km sail. Upon porting, we note the crowd instantly recognized him, which may be a subtle detail to some but bears emphasis when we zoom out.

For before Jesus’ presence could be seen, it was often first felt.
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Even when oral tradition and word of mouth were the only vehicles, the awareness of Christ’s authority kept increasing. Just imagine if social media existed 2,000 years ago. Jesus would have needed 12 bodyguards in addition to the 12 disciples!

Either way, with corporate cognizance ignited, the hustle put into rounding the sick and afflicted makes sense. After all, the Isaiah 53 prophecies were compelled to verify in light of the Messiah. No wonder there was such an initial reaction considering the anticipation was manifesting off the heels of past divinations.

Contrasting the comps of this passage, I can appreciate the conclusion in Matthew’s account:

“…and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.” (v. 36)

A safe and sound finale, it’s no surprise author ‘Q’ takes a similar approach lacing the climax and resolution with one swoop; however, while he maintains the same canon, we’re gifted a slight wrinkle in v. 56. See if you can find it…

“...And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.”

Pause. Did you catch that? Where did they lay the sick again? The marketplace, you say?

Indeed, from city to country, the social fulcrum was corporate Israel!

Ya’ll, that is crazy and completely mind-boggling. Just think if that were to happen today, how much culture shock this would cause on social and vocational levels. As much as the church would be expected to help in these situations, would it yield some responsibilities to non-religious epicenters?

While the answer there is a blog for another day, when we consider the ending of Mark 6, we must understand the temple and outer peripheries where marketplace extended were social hotspots. In fact, if you analyze the places Jesus roamed during His ministry, the temple/marketplace tandem topped the chart! As we transition into potential applications, one must wonder what today’s “marketplace” looks like…

Application: Outside the sanctuary, where would Jesus be hanging out if he came back today? Bars, clubs, cafes, and transport hubs come to mind. Per your comment adds below, I’m sure there are many others. Regardless, I can’t help but marvel knowing the workplace was at one point in history the nerve center for where Jesus did ‘business’. Put another way…

The brunt of Jesus’ labor occurred not in the synagogue, but in the highest concentrations of people and their transactions.
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This speaks to me on several fronts. For starters, the modern tendency is to endure work, be it a basic necessity or worse, a necessary evil, on route to finding Jesus anywhere else. We may reference Christ a few times throughout the day, mostly internal. But for the most part, we’re pressing through the office part of our day to get to the good stuff.

However, in Jesus’ time, the black and white lines of today didn’t apply as He constantly referenced the Father within His itinerary. In past posts, I’ve talked about the intentionality of Christ and how it manifests administratively, to planning, leadership development, and time management among other criteria. Interestingly, when you layer Mark 6 with Matthew 14 and Luke 9, we find the Spirit-yielding logistics of Jesus’ mission as the backbone of His greatest works. As much as we tout the miraculously, we must also acknowledge the leadership of His lordship from delegation to per diem.

Secondly, Jesus never advised His disciples outside of what He’d already established as best practice. Whatever He asked the disciples to do, He had already done and was doing alongside them. Could one argue Jesus was the great middle-manager in history? Absolutely. However, unlike some we may know in real life, Jesus did not direct apart from His directive. To that which Jesus was on mission, so were His disciples on co-mission. And the encouragement for us is two-fold:

Just as Jesus established the marketplace as a place of freedom where teachings and miracles occurred, so, too, did He empower His disciples to do the same in rural areas.
Just as Jesus intended the marketplace to serve as an apostolic arm, so, too, must we embrace this corporate call in current times.

Granted, I understand how thousands of years have made certain external factors a case of apples and oranges. Still, I can only imagine what could happen if more marketplace ministers today served as compassionate conduits of Christ’s desire to heal, as ambassadors reconciling others through the ministry of prayer and availability! Whatever changes in our midst starts from within and I implore you, my friends, to not segregate the sacred from secular at work but live your faith transparently. Do not literally hide God’s Word in your heart in so masking the evidence of sanctification. Rather, love on purpose so others may find your company as an extension of safety to where requests are exchanged and prayer has more runway.

I’m telling you, even a few mindful tweaks can have deep, far-reaching impact. Follow the Gospel model set forth by Jesus and His Spirit will awaken you as you yield and abide.

Prayer:

Footnotes

*The name Gennesaret is associated with the area mentioned in two NT references (Matthew 14:22; Mark 6:45). After feeding the 5,000, Jesus’ disciples crossed over the Sea of Galilee to Bethsaida (6:45), then crossed back again (6:53) and came to land at Gennesaret. Sometimes, however, the name is not restricted to the district, for Luke speaks of the lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1), referring to the Sea of Galilee

Graphic creds: Tenor