John Wertz, Blacksburg, VA

Warm-up Question

When someone is baptized, the pastor uses the individual’s full name. Share your full name and a story about how your name was chosen or what your name means.

No Filter Needed

There is no doubt that digital platforms allow individuals with similar interests to find one another, help family and friends to share memories and stories, and connect individuals who might otherwise be isolated   Yet, society is still discovering how to create digital spaces which foster healthy and authentic interactions. In many cases, life in the digital world is viewed through a filter which either crafts a perfect online image—free from conflict, sadness, or imperfection— or automatically “perfects” the appearance of the individuals or places in the picture.  

In September 2021, a group called ParentsTogether surveyed 200 young people ages 13-21 on their use of beauty filters on social media.  The results paint a troubling picture of how filters alter the way that young people see themselves. 

Here are a few of the findings:

• “61% of teens say using beauty filters makes them feel worse about how they look in real life.” (pg. 2)
• “Teens who spend the most time online (18+ hours per week) are nearly twice as likely to dislike their appearance as teens who spend the least time on social media per week (less than 8 hours per week).” (pg. 2)
• “72% of teens think their friends use beauty filters most of the time.” (pg. 1)

One individual in the survey reported, “There’s no feeling worse than when I open my camera to take a picture, and the skin smoothing feature is pre-enabled, and I think I look great, only to notice that a filter is on, remove the filter and suddenly feel that by contrast I am absolutely hideous.” (p. 3)

Digital spaces are certainly not the sole cause of distorted self-image and poor mental health, but as this survey makes clear, the way individuals both present themselves and feel pressured to present themselves in digital spaces can have a negative impact on one’s self-image and mental health.

Given the reality that it is nearly impossible to exist in the world today without a digital presence, it is important for all of us to be aware of the filters we are using as we present ourselves to the world and to recognize the filters we encounter. While “filter awareness”won’t eliminate the impacts of filters, it can open the door to meaningful conversations and encourage more authentic interactions in the digital space. 

Discussion Questions

1. What digital spaces do you find the most engaging and why?
2. How does the survey on filters match with your life experiences?

Isaiah 42:1-9

Acts 10:34-43

Matthew 3:13-17

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year A at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

As Jesus comes up out of the water following his baptism by John, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven affirms God’s relationship with Jesus with one carefully worded sentence:  “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased”(Matt 3:17). 

Imagine how different this story would be if the voice had said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, and I love you dearly, but I really think you need to change some things about yourself.” Had the voice from heaven said those words, we might think God’s expressions of love are merely a mechanism to express criticism.

 Imagine how different this story would be if the voice had said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am often pleased because he can do some really excellent things.” Had the voice from heaven said those words, we might think that God’s love is limited to certain occasions or only connected to positive accomplishments.

Imagine how different this story would be if the voice had said, “This is my Son, the beloved, and once he signs this agreement to obey me unto death, then I will love him forever.” Had the voice from heaven said those words, we might think that God’s love is a part of a conditional agreement, to be given out only once certain requirements have been met.

Thankfully, the voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased”(Matt 3:17), reminding us that in the waters of baptism, God’s love is freely given with no strings attached.

In a world filled with conditions, strings, and filters; where we may hear, “I love you, but…” and  not nearly enough people hear someone affirm them for who they are, God speaks good news at Jesus’ baptism. God blesses Jesus, and through Jesus, looks at each of us and says, “I love you! I see you! With you I am well pleased!”

Discussion Questions

• Share a story you have been told about your baptism or a story you remember from a baptism.
• In the first part of the sentence, the voice from heaven says, “This is my son, the Beloved.” What does “being beloved” look like to you?
• In the second part of the sentence, the voice from heaven says, “with whom I am well pleased.” How would you show someone that you were ‘well pleased’ with them?

Activity Suggestions

Make a list of ways you could provide affirmation to someone else (i.e., handwritten notes, text, etc.). Pick one person in your congregation or in your life and use an approach from the list to share your affirmation with that person.

Closing Prayer

Loving God, in the waters of baptism you name us as your beloved children and shower us with your love. Help to know that no matter how we see ourselves, you see us fully and love us completely.  Am

There is no Faith Lens for January 1.   Instead, a collage of images, thoughts, and texts on which to reflect during the week after Christmas Day:

“Freedom isn’t free.” (Bumpersticker for a charity serving wounded veterans)

“At the end of last year [2021], more than 450 million children – or one in six – were living in a conflict zone, the highest number in 20 years. A record 36,5 million children were displaced from their homes as a result of conflict, violence and other crises.” (United Nations Report)

“When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men.Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:
‘A voice was heard in Ramah,
wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.’”
–(Appointed lesson for the Commemoration of  the Holy Innocents)–

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Brenda N. Henry, Carnegie, PA

Warm-up Questions

• Holidays are often seen as a time for merriment and happiness. However, not everyone is experiencing those feelings. What are some other emotions that you are/can experience during this Christmas season (i.e. frustration, sadness, loneliness)? 
• What are some resources that are available (in your school, in your church, in your community) to help with these feelings?

When Christmas Feels Blue

On Tuesday, December 13^th, 2022, Stephen “tWitch” Boss – a dancer, musician, and DJ – died at the age of 40, from a self-inflected gunshot wound – suicide. 

The consistent theme in the news reports and social media posts is shock. tWitch seemed to have everything going right for him. He had a good career. He was married with three children. He and his wife had just celebrated their ninth anniversary three days before. The reports all described him as happy, full of light, a generous and caring person. So why did he take his life? His family and friends said he was his usual self in the days leading up to his death. The only indication that perhaps something was amiss came from his wife on the day he died.  She contacted the police with concerns that tWitch was missing and his most recent behavior was unusual. He was later found dead in a hotel room. 

This story caught me off guard. It is hard enough to process news reports of senseless shootings in schools, grocery stores, and nightclubs. Learning that someone was experiencing so much pain that death seemed to be the only answer is heartbreaking. 

Though the news is filled with speculation, we will never know the true reason why Stephen took his life. Stephen’s suicide is certainly a reminder that not everyone who looks well is doing well. Even in this seasons of Advent and Christmas, there are those whose loneliness, grief, depression, and vulnerability lead them to thoughts of suicide. Unfortunately, some people are successful. We do not learn until too late the extent of their pain.

Discussion Questions

• Do you know of someone who died because of suicide? How did you learn? What kind of help did you get to deal with this loss?
• Are there others whom you are missing this Christmas? What are some of the ways that you can remember how important they are to you?
• Do you have a safe person(s) to share your feelings with? 

Nativity of Our Lord

Isaiah 62:6-12

Titus 3:4-7

Luke 2:1-20

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

The birth of the baby Jesus is good news. It is a proclamation 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.” At least these are the words we find in the gospel of Luke. The angel informs the shepherds that the promised Messiah, the long-awaited Savior, is here. And in keeping with this good news, there is singing and praising by the multitude of the heavenly host.  Another translation:  a heavenly choir starts singing. 

It is no wonder that many interpret Christmas as a time for merriment and cheers. All around me the stores are filled with glitter, bright garlands, and red bows. And of course, Christmas lights adorn houses, buildings, and streets. The “more the merrier” seems to be the emphasis. However, not all experience this merriment. The story of tWitch is a sobering reminder. 

Our scripture passage also points to more than merriment. The first part of the angel’s proclamation begins with “Do not be afraid.” These words come before the proclamation of great joy. Why is that? Luke tells us that upon seeing the angel, the shepherds are terrified. So before the shepherds can receive the good news message, the angel first attends to the shepherds’ feelings.

Sometimes our feelings are not readily noticeable. When Mary first encounters the angel Luke tells us she was perplexed. (Luke 1:29) Matthew’s account suggests that Joseph kept his thoughts to himself about her pregnancy to protect her. (Matthew 1:19) Again, the angel attends to their feelings. “Do not be afraid” the angel tells Mary when she learns she is to be the mother of Jesus. (Luke 1:30) “Do not be afraid” are the angel’s words to Joseph when he learns she is pregnant and it is not his child. (Matthew 1:20)  “Do not be afraid” are words of assurance that all will be well. God speaks this hope-filled message to us as we wait expectantly. It does not dismiss difficulty; it offers a way to move through the fear. Together. 

The birth of Jesus takes unlikely people and brings them together. At the birth of Jesus, two groups of people meet each other and share in a life-changing moment – belonging and togetherness. They are not expected to respond in the same way. The shepherds came to verify the truth of the angel’s message. Mary would both treasure and ponder what she heard. And yet, they experience this moment together.

We too are invited to remember the hope-filled message of Jesus’s birth. Christmas is a reminder of the togetherness Jesus offers us. Wherever we are, whatever our situation, however we are feeling–we are not alone. With that, we return to the angel’s proclamation of “good news and great joy for all people: to you [individually and collectively] is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” We are never alone!

Discussion Questions

• Do you sometimes feel alone, as if no one understands or gets you? What have you done or can you do to remind you that you are not alone?
• How can you help someone not feel alone this Christmas?
• How might the Christmas story in Luke bring hope to those who are feeling blue during this holiday season?

Activity Suggestions

• What are some of the resources in your community to help care for others who may be alone or feel alone? Can you put together a list and share it with a friend?
• Remembering that not everyone who looks okay is okay, can you identify three (or more) people with whom you can share a kind word (i.e a card, text) that lets them know that they are not alone? How can you make this a part of your Christmas tradition?
• Some communities share in a tradition known as Blue Christmas or the Longest Night. If your community does not, research what it is and see how you may include it as part of your Christmas tradition. If your community does engage in this tradition, what is something new you can learn about this tradition. 

Closing Prayer 

Gracious loving God, the angel proclaims the birth of Jesus as good news for all people. No longer are we alone, for Jesus is with us. The choir of angels rejoice in this togetherness as they sing praises. The shepherds share this togetherness as they tell everyone what they learned. Grant us the grace to live this togetherness as we learn to listen to each other and share in our moments – be it sadness, confusion, hurt or joy. And may we hold onto God’s promise we are never alone. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Linnea Peterson, Minneapolis, MN

Warm-up Questions

• What does safety look like to you? Is your community safe? If so, whose actions contribute to your community being safe? If not, whose actions contribute to the lack of safety? 
• Do you think your community is safer for some people than for others? If so, who is more safe and who is less safe? If you think everyone is equally safe (or equally unsafe), what do you think has contributed to that uniform experience? 

With Honor and Gentleness

Discussion Questions

• Are there events, either in your personal life (such as bullying) or in our shared experience (such as news of school shootings), that have permanently changed your sense of safety in your everyday life? 
• What is a time when you have acted bravely? What is a time when you appreciated someone else’s brave action? 

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 7:10-16

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-25

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

When I read the Shakespeare play Much Ado about Nothing in college, my professor referenced this gospel text. In Much Ado about Nothing,  Claudio thinks the woman he is engaged to, Hero, is cheating on him. In reality, Hero is not cheating; the whole thing is an illusion set up by the villain. However, when Claudio gets to the altar on the wedding day, he accuses Hero of infidelity in front of everyone and refuses to listen to her protestations of innocence.

One of my male classmates defended Claudio’s behavior, saying it was just what any guy would do if he thought his fiancee was cheating on him. My professor replied that he thought there were other ways Claudio could have responded. “I know an even older story than this,” my professor said, “from another very patriarchal culture. The guy in this story didn’t just suspect that he was being cheated on—his fiancee was pregnant, and he knew the baby wasn’t his. But he didn’t accuse her of cheating on him in front of their whole community; the story says that, ‘unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, [he] planned to dismiss her quietly.’” 

In dealing with the early stages of Mary’s pregnancy Luke ‘s gospel focuses  on her visit to her relative Elizabeth.  That story offers us the incredible song of justice which she sings while she is there.  Mary’s courage and faithfulness inspire me.

But today I think it’s worth thinking about Joseph. Joseph had no idea what he was getting into when he became engaged to Mary.  When Mary wound up pregnant, the only rational assumption he could make was that she had slept with someone else. But rather than seeking revenge by exposing her to public disgrace, he planned to break off the engagement quietly to preserve her reputation as best he could, without actually marrying her. Marrying her probably seemed off the table, not only because she appeared to have slept with someone else, but also because she seemed to have broken his trust. And then an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream to say that Mary had not slept with someone else or broken his trust, and that marrying her was exactly what he should do.  Joseph obeyed the angel and married her. 

At every step in the process, Joseph behaved in a way that was gentle and honorable, not judgmental or vengeful.  God calls us also to act with honor and gentleness rather than in judgment and vengeance.

Discussion Questions

• Has someone ever appeared to have broken your trust? How have you responded? Have you let them tell you their side of the story?
• Do you think revenge is ever justified? Where is the line between justice and revenge? 
• Do you think there are judgments we are in fact called to make, rather than called to avoid? How do you know the difference?

Activity Suggestions

• In the story, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream. Share about unusual dreams that you’ve had. Alternatively, share about ways that you feel God’s guidance has come to you—in dreams; in advice from friends, family members, or strangers; in times of reflection; or some other way. 
• Brainstorm ways that you, either individually or as a group, can make your community safer and/or more welcoming. Commit to taking at least one action from your list in the next week. If time allows and the action is something you can start on now, get started!

Closing Prayer

Holy God, we ask forgiveness for times when we have been judgmental or vengeful, especially when our actions have affected the safety of others. We pray for a world where all are safe, and we ask for your fortification and guidance as we seek bravery to stand up for ourselves and others. Amen. 

Colleen Montgomery, Salem,VA

Warm-up Questions

• Did you ever have toy like was like you? If so, how was it like you? 
• What toy would you be excited to buy a younger sibling, cousin, or neighbor for Christmas? 

Like Me, Like Christ

Shoppers across the country are buying toys for Christmas presents for the children in their lives. While many toy manufacturers have increased the racial diversity of their dolls and action figures, there is a segment of children who still don’t see themselves in the toys they find under the tree on Christmas day. Children with disabilities and medical conditions. 

Roanoke College (one of the ELCA’s colleges) has a chapter of Toy Like Me whose purpose is to adapt toys to look like children who have disabilities and medical conditions. Toy Like Me recently hosted a modfication day where they modified nearly 200 toys for children in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia. 

Volunteers from the club and wider campus community added cochlear implants, insulin pumps, and other assistive devices. Dolls, stuffed animals, and action figures are customized to the requests of many families. The club also modified toys with port-a-caths to be given to local hospitals for children when they are diagnosed with cancer. 

Founded by biology professor, Frances McCutcheon, Toy Like Me has been modifying toys since 2016. McCutcheon also teaches classes at the college on differ-abilities where students are able to spend 48 hours experiencing what it is like to live with a disability. Students then make recommendations to the college on how to improve accessibility across campus. 

Toy Like Me has helped make Christmas a little brighter, and the students are helping to make their college community a more accessible and welcoming community. 

Discussion Questions

• How do you think a child feels when they receive a toy that is like them for perhaps the very first time? 
• Have you ever had a classmate who had a disability? What modifications were in place to enable them to be a part of the classroom community? 
• How does someone with a wheelchair get around your school?

Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 35:1-10

James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

In Matthew 11, John the Baptist, a prominent prophet of the time, wants to be sure that Jesus is the real deal. If Jesus was a modern day celebrity, John would want to know that Jesus had the little blue check next to his photo on social media. Jesus points to the restoration of people who experience sight loss, mobility concerns, skin diseases, and hearing loss as a sign of his divinity and as validation of his status as Son of God. Only the Son of God could heal like that. 

However, we do a disservice to the people that Jesus restored if we view them only as proof for God’s plan or if we lump them all together as people that Jesus healed. Each person that Jesus touched had a whole life, a whole story, a family, hopes, and dreams. Their illness or disability presented challenges for their daily living. 

One of the main reasons for those challenges was the social separation that the wider society forced on them. Instead of finding ways to care for the sick in community or to empower those experiencing a disability to contribute to the community, they shut them out. Cast them off. Forced them to live isolated lives. 

For those who were sick, the healing that Jesus provided saved their lives. Yet for those who experienced blindness, loss of hearing, or mobility challenges, the restoration returned them to community. In a different place, in a different time, these people could have led full and happy lives with their disability. But Israel at the turn of the millennium was not that time or place. Jesus allows them to re-enter the life of their family, to work, and maybe to be partnered.

We are like Jesus  when we join in the work of making our communities accessible to all people. As with all projects meant to serve and support, this work is best done in conversation and collaboration with those we hope will benefit from it. When possible, letting people with disabilities take the lead in the design of adaptations or renovations is best. Then the wider community can help fund, build, and celebrate the inclusion of more of God’s beloved children. 

Discussion Questions

• If someone in your group or church has a disability and they would be comfortable sharing, invite them to tell the group about what is like to come to church. 
• How does it feel when you are left out of a game or activity that you wanted to be a part of? 
• How can you be more mindful in your everyday life of those who move through life differently than you?

Activity Suggestions

• Find a wheelchair or office chair with wheels and take it the parking lot of your church building. Pretend that you are a worship leader and need to get into the building, use the restroom, and then make it to the lectern. Were you able to complete the tasks? What modifications would need to be made in the building for a person who uses a wheelchair to be a worship leader? What modifications would need to be made for a person in a wheelchair to be the pastor or deacon? 
• Go onto the ELCA website and use the Find A Congregation tool to search for accessible churches near you. How far would you have to travel to attend a church for each of the categories under accessibility/disability?
• Learn sign language for your favorite Christmas hymn and incorporate it into your Christmas Eve worship, even if it is just from the pews. Some tutorials can be found here.

Closing Prayer

Creating God, you made each body different. Each of us is able to experience creation and share love with the world, even if we don’t all do it in the same way. Use our gifts to help make our community more accessible and welcoming to all people, however our bodies and minds work. Amen.