Theology Blog

A while back, I decided to do a preaching series on the Minor Prophets. My goal of course is to go through the whole Bible over several years. I thought these books would be a good place to start with an overview of the ones I have selected as well as looking at some specific verses. Its been an interesting journey already. I have learned the prophets really don’t stop being prophets and their voice and message, if truly prophetic never stops being prophetic. I have found myself twice now writing and preparing to preach a difficult sermon. They are oddly relevant in a way that I had not expected. In fact, so far, preaching them and doing them in the context in which I serve has been a fulfillment of the purpose of these books that I mostly chose at random. This leads me to another thought about the role of the Holy Spirit in our theology. I do not assume I am any more special, theological or spiritual than most people. I have found recently that I have seen the work of the Holy Spirit more. Its not that the Holy Spirit is doing more, but I am more open to the Holy Spirit and most importantly I am looking for the Holy Spirit in the simple and the profound. It all comes back to the message of the prophets. The prophets have much to say to us individually, as leaders and yet also speak deeply to our theology. So often we look at the message for what we want, need, think we need to share or think that we see in others. The truth is we must look for what God has and trust that as a result this message will have tremendous benefit to ourselves and to others. There is plenty of room for prophets in our thinking and our theology today and they and their message are much needed.

In the midst of life, ministry, ALS bucket challenges, beheadings, Israel & Palestine and the start of football season, there is something I just cannot get my mind off of: Ferguson. Ferguson is getting a lot of press, but not a lot of conversation. The dynamics of what has and continues to happen in Ferguson, MO are deeply complex. It is hard to sort through all of the information, spin and emotion.

The truth is that what happened in Ferguson is a tragedy. A young man is dead. A police officer is the one who shot him. Loss is always painful. It is often more painful when the victim is so young and the circumstances are so painful. My heart breaks. I do not have words, and the words I hear around me are not words of healing, but words of anger, defense and judgment.

It is natural to want to know the truth in a situation like this one. We want the truth so badly that we piece it together in hopes it will bring closure, but instead we find emotionally charged, often inflammatory partial truth. Truth matters, but people matter more. Answers may be necessary, and only love can triumph. This is a tragedy. We desire justice and truth, but neither will fully come. All parties and perspectives will not be satisfied. We will never know exactly what happened. Any justice that comes will fall short of expectations. It looks and feels like a great battle and a potential war zone. There is a lot of passion being expressed: passion for justice, for answers and much more. Lines are being drawn, and sides are being taken. Those with a more liberal perspective use the situation to illustrate what they already believe. Those with a more conservative perspective also use the situation to illustrate what they believe. More hate speech, more judgment, and more division.

My heart is saddened by all the inflammatory language expressed around this situation. I am disturbed to listen and watch as so many good, Christian people recite a perspective that is anything but gracious. I am disappointed in the people of faith who sound more like the talking heads on television than the representatives of Christ and his Kingdom. I hear a lot of politics and no theology.

There lies in this situation, in my humble opinion, a theological tragedy. It is something that is being missed completely in Ferguson and perhaps even more so in the Christian church in the United States, especially the white Christian church. I have yet to hear much, if any, conversation about reconciliation. No one is talking about reconciliation. Maybe it is because it does not make for good media. Maybe it is because we don’t want it. Maybe it is because we are in denial that it is needed. Maybe we don’t believe it is possible. I believe that whatever the reason, all these excuses fail. This situation requires reconciliation. Reconciliation between the participants of the actual incident and their families. Reconciliation of a community. Reconciliation between the authorities and the people. Racial reconciliation. Something terrible has happened and a young man is dead. It is time for us adults, especially those of us who profess to follow Christ to rise above this horrible situation and the toxic responses by all parties that have resulted. It is time for us to look for, be a part of and help bring about reconciliation. I believe God can make something good of this tragedy and that will happen when we all come together and make reconciliation a priority.

So much sadness. So much pain. It’s a tragedy. The good news is that we can look to and trust God to take this difficult situation and redeem it. We as the church should look for and be a part of this redemption. May we have a heart of grace, the eyes of acceptance and the priority of reconciliation.

I have the privilege of teaching theology, ministry and other courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Many of these courses require learning, understanding and evaluating different theological perspectives and traditions. Many times students are asked to look at theology and practices that are different than their own. Many times this is enlightening, but it is also challenging. One of the most challenging things can be finding the good in theology, traditions and perspectives that you disagree with. The truth is that God, through the power of the Holy Spirit can speak to us through all things. So often, even the most flawed theology has the ability to teach us. When we look for the good in others and other traditions, perspectives and theologies we learn and create unity. Theology is important and it matters significantly. Having a theology that we can believe, defend and live out is of great value, but this value is diminished when we fail to see the good in those who think differently than we do. Unity is important to the church and we have much that unites us. So often we focus on what divides us and use that to tear each other down instead of build one another up. We must learn from one another, respect one another, see the good in one another and focus on what unites rather than on what divides.

An article on Missions for Connections Magazine…

The word mission gets a lot of buzz these days, and has enough meanings for a year’s worth of Connections magazine issues. Whether talking about mission trips, missionaries, mission statements, being missional, the mission of the church, the mission of spreading the Word or other definitions, it is good we are using the word. The church has been internal for far too long.
Mission by nature must be external (yet can have some internal qualities). Mission requires some sense of going and the church has been satisfied with staying. It is one thing to talk about mission, but it is another thing to live it. Mission is not something for the church—or even the world—alone, and while it is communal in nature, it is individual as well. Mission can also be a reality in our families, and some of the strongest, most Christ-centered families I know are mission- minded.
What does it mean to be a mission-minded family? If we consider some of the uses of the word mission in the con- text of family (regardless of family make up), we find some life-giving, Kingdom of God truths that can change our own lives, our families and the world.
The common corporate use of mission that has become a part of the church is the “mission statement.” The mission statement is meant to communicate our core focus, to keep us focused and to ensure we have a goal in mind that not only shapes our outcomes, but the way in which we operate. While mission statements have been overplayed in the church for a long time, they can be helpful. They are most helpful if they are authentic and when prayerfully considered as they reflect the church and the local community. Mission statements are only useful if they are known and practiced and become a part of the process and DNA of a church.
Mission statements are not limited to churches or corporations, however. I have my own personal mission statement: “to help others experience transformation in Jesus Christ.” Our family has a mission statement: “to be a genuine, missional family committed to God’s Kingdom.” Neither is perfect, but the work that went into them and our continued examination of these mission statements shape and impact how we operate. So often we wander and become victims of our circumstances instead of embracing the truth that God has great things in store for us.
Mission is also defined in terms of service. Whether a mis- sion trip, service project, organization, initiative or some other form of service, mission often refers to serving others, particularly those in need. The truth is, every family should serve together, in their church and in their community. Finding individual niches based on gifting, schedule and passion—as well as serving together as a family—can be transformative.
As our own children get older, we look forward to building mini-mission trips into each of our family vacations. As we embrace the blessing of time off and resources to travel, we want to take time to serve those who have neither. So many mission and service organizations today welcome family service that the opportunities are not hard to find. Need has certainly not decreased, so if you cannot find a service opportunity, create one.
Mission is also seen as spreading the Word of God, evangelism or sharing the Good News of Jesus. The Mormons are most well known for their season of mission, where many Mormon youth and young adults go door-to-door to share the message of their religion.
The best way to spread the message of our Christian faith is by our actions, but we should not be afraid to use our words. Our families can make sharing our faith with those we en- counter a priority, and we can do it effectively without being overbearing. It starts with talking together about our own faith.
The latest trend with the word mission is the use of the word missional. This word has several definitions, but at its purest core, it means to be mission-minded and to live life in a way that is focused on the mission of Christ. It is truly a way of being, a Kingdom of God mindset.
My desire is for our family to be truly missional. My hope is that each of us as individuals and we as a family are focused on Christ and the bringing about of His Kingdom. This means focusing on serving others in love rather than isolating our- selves. It means sharing the love of Christ without words so people will see the love of Christ and invite the Word of God into their lives.
So often our Christianity is cultural rather than transformative. One of the greatest ways to build a strong and healthy family is to reject a cultural approach to Christianity. When we give our lives as parents, children, individuals and families to Christ in service to the world, the Kingdom of God may become more of a reality.
Mission can have so many meanings, most of them life-giving and life-changing. Anytime we choose to step outside of our selves—our wishes, needs, opinions and desires—and serve others, great things happen. The abundant life promised in Jesus is found in love and service to others and to the world.
This is not just the action of individuals or of the church; it can and should be the action of our families as well. One of the most significant factors impacting the longevity of faith in our children and youth is missions and service (along with talking about their faith). Choosing to be a mission-minded family is a gift: a gift to the church, to the world, to our families and to the faith of the individuals we love deeply—especially our children and youth.
Our culture is perhaps more open to and in need of service than it has been since the Great Depression. We have an opportunity to not only make a difference, but to do it by becoming the individuals, churches and families God has created and called us to be.

Lately I have found myself thinking about, discussing and arguing about Christian art. I put both words in separate quotes as a way to be both sarcastic and make a point that the two together are in fact rare, especially when quality is factored into the equation. Art, for the purposes of this rant, I mean blog, includes all classically understood forms of art as well as film, music and literature. So often, something that is truly artistic is not at all intentionally Christian. That said, it is my belief that whether Christian or not, the Holy Spirit can speak to us through all art and is the one who redeems all things. The Christian subculture has a tendency to try to create a lot of Christian art, but its quality is rarely good. Truth be told, many times its theology is just as superficial and poorly done. It seems to me that much of what is being produced and sold today is as theologically sound as that which is being produced by culture. That’s not to say that culture is better than Christianity, but it seems in our attempt to compete with mainstream culture or create our own safe subculture, we have let go of theological reflection. We reject many things produced by society as bad etc, and blindly accept that which is labeled Christian when it is often as Biblically solid as the other. This is of great concern to me. I see many Christians getting far more excited about “Christian” movies, books and music than they ever would about the Scriptures, the church or service. While it is ok for these things to motivate and encourage us, we must filter them. We must reflect theologically about them. They cannot be our meat, nor can they be our water, sun or nutrients. Its all dessert. The truth is that anything can point us to Christ if we look, pray and reflect theologically and carefully, unfortunately our lens when it comes to culture blinds us, as does our lens to the Christian subculture and all it produces. What we miss out on is the opportunity for growth and to see the Spirit speaking to us in every moment of our lives.

Why I love Lent

I am an extrovert. I am also a verbal processor. I get my energy from being around people and I need to talk things out. I have more words than I (or others) even know what to do with. Lent, when fully embraced is a very reflective season. Lent is by far my favorite church season, but for reasons that continue to even surprise me.
The 40 days leading up to Easter (not counting Sundays) begin with the powerful observance known as Ash Wednesday. It is certainly not the most upbeat of church days, yet it is a critical start to the important season of Lent. For me, Ash Wednesday is one of my favorite days of the church year as it causes me to carefully reflect on my own humanity, the suffering of Christ and the suffering around me. It is a stark start to the season of Lent that can be hard for someone such as myself who loves to focus on the positive. In Lent, we reflect on the life of Christ as well as his death. In Lent, we must examine, reflect on and embrace suffering. While our natural instinct is to avoid suffering, as Christ followers we are called to ‘take up our cross’ and embrace suffering. One of the yearly reminders Lent brings is a need to reflect on our own theology of suffering or lack of. The church in the United States today often struggles to embrace a healthy, Biblical understanding of suffering. This reflection is always powerful for me as I consider my own theology and attitude towards it. As I reflect on the suffering of Christ, the cross, resurrection and new life I am promised in Christ take on greater meaning. Lent enhances the indescribable power of Easter.
The spiritual disciplines are a great gift to Christ followers. Disciplines are tools that become habits that enhance our ability to focus on God rather than our own needs and desires. Much like brushing our teeth, showering, and exercise, they can maintain and enhance our health and general attitude. Without them we can survive, but it is not pretty. One of the most helpful disciplines is that of solitude. It certainly does not come naturally to those with my personality, yet it is critical to my spiritual health. Though I am a verbal processing extrovert, I need regular solitude. For a variety of reasons, Lent is always a season that renews, enhances and provides great opportunity and focus for solitude in my own life. Jesus himself often withdrew from the crowds (and the disciples) for prayer and solitude.
The focus that can come as a part of the season of Lent can be transformative. I have found each Lent has brought me great transformation regardless of my practices, needs or goals. Each Lent I seek to give something up in order to focus more on Christ. If I give up chocolate for example, I take time to pray and reflect every time I see or want to eat chocolate. Yet, Lent is more than just giving something up. For me, it has been critical to add something to enhance my spiritual life during Lent. Many of these practices have continued regularly or irregularly outside of that particular Lent. It has become a habit to find a Lenten devotional to assist in my reflection as I seek to journey to the cross with Christ.
Lent is deep, rich and powerful. In a time when many have lost sight of or do not even know about church seasons, Lent provides the necessary reflection to enhance our life with Christ. It truly is a gift and while difficult at times, is especially essential to verbal processing extroverts such as myself.

The issue of gay marriage continues to dominate the conversation in the church and culture. While I have my own thoughts on the issue, I have tried to stay away from it. While it matters, I think there are things we need to focus our energy on more and I sincerely believe we need to learn to respect our differences on this issue. As I reflected on the issue some, I thought about some the of key factors that I believe are shaping the debate around this issue. For what its worth, here are my thoughts on those factors…

1. Fear- The truth is the fear is a huge part of what shapes this conversation and debate. Whether it’s the fears of those who are opposed to gay marriage or those who are for it, so much of the argument boils down to our own fears. Its unfortunate because its not an issue worth being afraid of, whether its because we are afraid of what might happen or afraid of being left out, neither of these fears are healthy.
2. Equality/Rights- This really is an issue of equality and rights. Personally, I think this is one area where government should legislate morality within reason. The government should guarantee reasonable equality and rights to all people. The church should also support the idea of equality in rights, even if it does not agree with the person or lifestyle. We cannot have it both ways. We cannot force the church to give up its rights, nor can we force individuals to do so. If the church interferes on the issue of rights, it should be willing to give up its own rights, which is a dangerous and slippery slope.
3. Worth- Much of this issue boils down to worth, the worth of individuals in spite of their way of living and the worth of the church and its principles. We ought to value the worth of all people as we are all created in the image of God, even if we have sin (and we all do). We ought to value the worth and beliefs of the church, even if we disagree because we are all created in the image of God and are capable of expressing God’s love.
4. View of Scripture- The difference of views related to this issue, especially in the church boils down to the view of scripture that one holds. How seriously one sees scripture, its authority and its message. The spectrum is wide and passionate. How we view Scripture in the church and as Christ followers impacts our view on this issue greatly, but it should not be an excuse to be ungracious to those who differ from us, because no matter how one looks at Scripture, that cannot be justified.
5. Government & the Church- The role of the government as well as the church are at the heart of this issue as well. I have long advocated for the separation of church and state for the benefit of both. Our founding fathers were right and the government wants to change the influence of the church and the church seems to want to run the government. If the church were to get back to doing what Christ called it to do and be, then the government would probably do a better job of doing what it is supposed to do. I am not sure it is beneficial to either and certainly to the people of our great nation for the government to tell the church what it can and cannot do and vice versa. Again, its hypocritical to expect to have it both ways. Not only is it hypocritical, its unwise, lacks humility and ultimately will not be effective.
6. Beliefs- In addition to these issues, what one believes and how one is allowed to practice, proclaim and impose those beliefs on others is a core issue in this debate.

Churches and Denominations as Theological Homes

One thing that we have in abundance in the United States and beyond is choice. We often have more choices than we can absorb, whether the number of options for dining out, the number of items on a restaurants items, snacks in the grocery stores, flavors of beverages and much more. We are most certainly consumers and are used to having a lot of choices. We have the ability to choose something we like and to reject or avoid something that we do not. This is one of the gifts and intended results of freedom and capitalism. We have choice. The same mentality that we apply to selecting a restaurant is also often applied to our church choice. While I argue this is a personal, practical and theological error, that is not the point of this blog (maybe another blog).

Within Christianity, and most certainly more so in the United States we have a wide variety of choices of churches. Not only are their a wide variety of church choices, but there are also a variety of denominational choices, so many that we have had to create the term non-denominational to both make a statement and perhaps because we are running out of names for our denominations. I did not grow up in the church. I have attended and served non-denominational, Methodist, Episcopalian and Lutheran churches. I attended a Baptist school and an non-denominational, but mostly Presbyterian seminary. Needless to say, I have seen and experienced a lot of different things in these different settings. In the end, I chose to become an ordained Lutheran pastor, but even within my own Lutheran tradition, there are at least 5 major types of Lutherans. It can certainly be confusing, seems unnecessary at times and is slightly embarrassing to explain at times.

No church, tradition or denomination is perfect. In fact, there is no way that I or anyone else can find a church, denomination or tradition that you agree with 100%. I am not sure whether or not the quantity of choices we have when it comes to churches and denominations is healthy, but it is reality.

What are we to do with all of these choices? First, we have to choose. Second, we must commit. The real problem with our choices is our failure to commit and treating our churches like a restaurant that is out to serve, please and feed us. This is not only unbiblical, its unhealthy. Ultimately, I made the choice to commit to the Lutheran tradition. I did not choose it because it was the best, nor did I choose it because it is perfect. The truth is, I do not agree with every Lutheran theological principle or practice, but I do agree with the vast majority of my tradition. The things I do not agree with are things that I can live with, honor, and embrace in the midst of my disagreement and still maintain a strong sense of integrity.

The truth is that our denominations are our theological homes. We are born into and/or choose that which God calls us to and which fits us best, even when we do not fully agree. We must commit to it though, because we need community. Every home I have owned has had special meaning to me. None of them have been perfect, but each of them were places I could live in in the midst of the things I did not like. Some of the things I have and do not like about my home are things I can change, others are not. The same is true with our denominations. There are some things we love, and others we do not. Of the things we do not like, some we can change and some we cannot. Our denominations and traditions should not be about competition or an assumption of perfection and correctness. Our denominations are simply our theological homes, imperfect as they are, they are just that, home. We chose, commit to, invest, and live in our theological homes just as we do our own.

Below is an article on Evangelism published in Connections Magazine…

Family and the “E” Word…

by Marcus J Carlson

Nothing can strike fear in the hearts of Lutherans and Lutheran churches quite like the word evangelism. Let’s be honest: most Lutheran churches are not only failing when it comes to evangelism, we are afraid of it, do not know what it means or ignore it completely. We often hide behind the word “disciples” in the great commission, believing somehow that evangelism and discipleship are not only separate, but that they are two different tings all together. Our definitions, theology and understandings around the term evangelism need to be addressed. For many churches it is something that is ignored. For others the term evangelism has come to mean ‘marketing.’ Not only do both of these approaches fail, but they point us to perhaps the greatest reason our churches are in decline. It is in fact impossible to grow any church without reaching and sharing the good news with the lost. Part of growing disciples is training, equipping and encouraging followers of Jesus to bring the good news to their families, neighborhoods, larger communities and the world.

When I reflect on evangelism in the church at large, in Biblical Lutheran churches, in my own church and in my own life, I find more questions, challenges and failures than answers. In thinking about the theme of evangelism for this issue of Connections, I also had to reflect on evangelism in the context of the family. Certainly as someone who has given over a decade and a half to children, youth, young adult, parent and family ministry, I know that most evangelism happens to those under 20 and that much of church growth has and has to come from young families and those under 30. It’s the area where the larger church lacks. This group is both the present and the future of the church and quite frankly our churches are aging at an alarming rate and those under 40 are not connecting to the church or leaving the church in numbers that are undeniable and much more dramatic than in the past. While young people do seem to leave the church for a season, the generations under 40 are doing so in greater numbers, are not returning and are much larger in number than we realize. Pointing to the problem, the challenges and the failures of the church in this area are easy, but finding lasting, healthy, theologically and Biblically sound solutions is a much greater challenge.

Compounding this problem have been the unhealthy solutions that we have chased in our desperation to reach the younger generation. Focusing on attendance, entertainment and style instead of substance have not yielded the results we have wished and have weakened our presentation of the gospel and created an image of following Jesus that is far too consumeristic and shallow. Instead of looking at the challenges we face in terms of reaching younger generations as well as evangelism with discernment and trust in the Holy Spirit, we have instead embraced fear and found ourselves either reacting or ignoring evangelism, placing blame on circumstances rather than examining our own hearts as leaders and our priorities as the church. Needless to say, there is a reason to be concerned and discouraged, yet this generation and this season also represents the greatest opportunity the church of Jesus Christ has had in a long time.

There is a greater need and desire for the authentic, Christ-centered, mission oriented church of Jesus Christ now than in recent memory. As our culture become increasingly confused, chaotic, divided and broken, the need for Jesus and the church is only going to grow. The craving for authentic community, meaningful relationships, genuine discipleship, relevant and challenging truth among those under 40 is immense. The passion for relationship, service and meaning is monumental. There is not only great need, but great desire. The church already has all of the tools and answers needed to address the challenges the church faces, the needs of the world and the desires of the those who want to experience authentic community.

Enter the family. While over 50% of children born to mothers under 30 are being born into single-parent situations, the family in its various, imperfect forms represents the greatest tool for evangelism in our churches and culture today.

One of the things that my mother always complained (and still complains about), particularly during my high school and college years was her lack of name. She was never Mrs. Carlson, Debby or Debby Carlson, rather she was only known as “Marcus’ Mother.” I shudder as I write and re-read that statement, knowing my own personality. Any of you who are or have been parents can resonate with this. I had always laughed a bit when my mother complained about it, but then I experienced it for myself for the first time. “You must be Micah’s dad.” I did not know how to react. I appreciated being recognized. I felt slighted for having my identity stripped from me. I was reminded of the great call and joy of being a father. I rejoiced that my son was known and valued. I was afraid, knowing that while my son was a great child, he is not perfect. I grew anxious about my own reputation as I recalled how much in fact is genetic. All this ran through my mind with this one simple, innocuous and innocent comment.

Upon further theological reflection, I discovered something. Rather than fear, evaluate or attempt to control this new identity as Micah’s dad or Abby’s father, I should not only embrace it, but I should also consider how the Holy Spirit might desire to use it for the kingdom. I should learn to trust God in a way that transforms me personally as well as my family. You see, we delight when our children make us look good and we mourn when they do things that embarrass us. While these feelings are normal, they are in fact selfish. If we are to be the light of the world, this means we must all be the light of Christ, individuals, churches as well as families. What if I were to look at my family differently? What if I were not only to look at them as my primary ministry calling, but also look at my family as a ministry to the world? How would I function differently as a husband, father and pastor if I were to choose to help my family as well as other families become a vehicle for evangelism?

I am not talking about getting my kids to hand out tracts, hold signs at football games or on street corners, nor am I suggesting that our families spend our vacations going door to door to convert people or promote our churches. So often when people tell me how wonderful my children are, how lucky I am to be married to Jessica, or what a great family I have, I think of that in two ways; the way God has blessed me, and in terms of my own self. Recently, I have come to realize that perhaps I should look at this as a Kingdom opportunity. What if we were to view our families (our own, those we care about and the families in our church) as the vehicle for evangelism in our church, community and world? Instead offering the obligatory ‘thank you,’ blushing and patting myself on the back when I receive a compliment about my family, what if I were to look at that moment as a moment of ministry? So often, I look to my own life and the ministry of the church as the only means of evangelism. While both are important means of evangelism, what would it look like if I also saw the relationships, life and operation of my family at home, in the church and in the world as a means of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ? What would I do, say and be that would make that possible?

The world is ripe for the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our families should experience and dispense this good news, not just in our words, but in our actions and our very existence.

An article on Anticipation for Connections Magazine…

Anticipate

by Marcus J Carlson

When I think about Advent, three key terms come to mind as we prepare for the coming of the Christ child: waiting, expectation and anticipation. It is certainly a season of preparation. As a church and a culture, we are distracted by earthly preparations like shopping, decorating, backing and wrapping instead of the kingdom preparation. Our goal should be preparing our hearts to celebrating the birth of Jesus, God’s only begotten son who came to earth to point us to God, show us life, save us and guide us to the abundant life God desires for each of us. It is also a season of waiting. As a father of two children, I think of how they eagerly wait for Christmas morning. I also remember the waiting that we experienced during Jessica’s pregnancy with both kids. I can only imagine Mary and Joseph’s experience. As advent leads up to Christmas, it is also a season of expectation, knowing that Christmas will come whether we are ready or not. There are certain aspects of the advent season leading up to Christmas we can expect with great consistency, and hopefully our expectation is characterized by joy.

Advent is also to be a season of anticipation, not only anticipating the Christ child, but also reminding us that we can and should anticipate the coming of God into our lives each day. When it comes to our lives, our churches and our families, I think we have failed and continue to fail as it relates to anticipation. Our failure to anticipate is a theological and spiritual issue. As our culture grows more cynical, I have found that the church has modeled our culture in this way and many others. We often anticipate the worst in our lives, our families, our churches and the world. A colleague and good friend who once also used to be my supervisor once challenged my own cynical mindset in telling me that I should ‘always assume a yes.’ In other words, always assume the best in people, the best in situations and assume a positive posture and response. At first this idea seemed a bit fluffy and overly optimistic, but in time I have found that it has been extremely helpful in my life. It has changed how I see people and situations without blinding me to challenges and difficult realities. It has changed my attitude in responding to different people and situations. It also has caused me to be more open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The challenge is that we often fail to anticipate God’s work in our lives and relationships. We fail to assume a yes with one another, but also with God. We fail to remember the power of God’s grace as well as God’s miraculously redeeming power. In this way, we fail to be an advent people. In advent and Christmas we remember and celebrating the coming of God’s only son to earth, the coming of a king and savior in the form of a humble and innocent baby, born in controversy and in the midst of livestock. Simply put, we forget Emmanuel, God with us. One of the great miracles of Christmas is that God came to earth to be with the people he created out of love. God is still with us, and advent and Christmas are meant to remind us of the great power of Christ coming to earth. We fail to anticipate Christ coming into the world, not just in this season, but also in every season of life. God is with us. God comes to us. We can and should anticipate the work of God in our lives and in the world. It is already here and already happening. If we can anticipate that Christ is with us, assuming a “yes” knowing that God is for us and wants to redeem all things, then I suspect our own relationship with God, our lives, our families, our churches and the world may begin to look very differently to us. Instead of assuming the worst, we can assume Christ will redeem and at the very least will have our hearts and minds focused on Christ instead of the circumstances that surround us.

In the end, our anticipation is not a matter of hope. It is a matter of trust. It is knowing that the essence of faith is trust and that we can and should trust the God of the universe, anticipating his coming to us in all seasons and circumstances. As we think about what it means to model a Godly life and faith to our children, we cannot possibly do so without the help of Christ and without anticipating that God is with us and will be with our children. One of the ways we teach and model this to our own children is found in a simple practice at dinner together as a family. It has become so much a part of our lives that our kids ask to do it when we have company, when we are eating out, or even over a fast food meal in the car while traveling. At dinner we engage in a time of sharing of our highs, our lows and our holies. We share the high part of our day, the best thing that happened. We share a low part of our day, if we had one, a moment or experience that was challenging or frustrating. We then finish by sharing a holy moment, a moment where we saw or thought about God. It has taught each of us the discipline of looking for God in our everyday life and anticipating that God is with us. Some very simple yet profound moments are shared by our 6 and 8 year old over dinner as we bring our holy moments to the table. One night our daughter shared that her holy was meeting a friend in a wheelchair because she knew that even though that person was in the wheelchair, God was with them. Our son once shared that his holy moment was when a friend insulted him during a football game at recess; he reminded each of us that even though it hurt his feelings he knew that God was with him. In each of these cases, our children’s perspective on life, relationships and God was altered by simply forming the habit of looking for God, of anticipating that Christ has come and continues to come to them in the most simple and most profound moments of life.

The gift of Christmas is that we can anticipate that God is with us and desires to bring his life, grace, mercy, forgiveness and redemption to us over and over again. Advent and Christmas are a time of anticipating Jesus Christ born in a manger so that we might be saved. This Christ child came to save, but also came to demonstrate the love of God who seeks to be a part of our lives and redeem each and every moment, experience and relationship that we have. Anticipate, for Emmanuel, God is with us.