Dave Dodson, Fort Walton Beach, FL

Warm-up Question

What political figures (living or dead) do you admire?  What characteristics about them do you find to be admirable?Public

Public Servant

2018 has come to a close.  At the end of the year we tend to look back at all that has happened and remember those who have passed away during that year.  In the last year, two of the people mourned by our nation have been prominent political figures: John McCain and George H.W. Bush.  

After John McCain succumbed to cancer in August, former President Barack Obama delivered a stirring eulogy for him.  In this eulogy, Obama commended the former Senator, saying that McCain had “concluded that the only way to really make his mark on the world is to commit to something bigger than yourself.”  In the same speech, the crowd chuckled along as Obama, a former political rival of McCain, referenced the latter’s famously short temper and animated personality.

Likewise, following President Bush’s death in November, a eulogy by Presidential historian Jon Meacham celebrated Bush’s legacy with a simple statement: “An imperfect man, he left us a more perfect union.”  While making humorous references to some of Bush’s most notorious verbal gaffes, Meacham also celebrated Bush’s humility and self-proclaimed goal of working for all Americans.

Both Senator McCain and President Bush had prepared for their deaths beforehand, asking Obama and Meacham to speak at their respective funerals.  They knew that they were asking men who knew their flaws, as well as their strengths, to speak on their behalf.  However, these statesmen were also honest about their flaws during their lifetimes.  Their eulogies became a last testament to this humility and integrity.

Discussion Questions

• What would you like to be said about you at the end of your lifetime?
• Why do you think that one of the synonyms we sometimes use for politicians is “public servant”?

Baptism of Our Lord

Isaiah 43:1-7

Acts 8:14-17

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

(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 today’s Gospel reading we are treated to an incredibly powerful lesson in humility and service.  Two of the most prominent figures in the Gospels, Jesus and John the Baptist, demonstrate the great importance of humility when it comes to reaching those around them.

In the first part of today’s reading, we find John in his position as a fiery preacher and prophet, proclaiming the coming kingdom of God.  John’s powerful words and fierce sincerity have earned him a vast following.  Yet even in front of the hundreds of people who have come to him for guidance and salvation, John makes a startlingly humble statement.  “One who is more powerful than I is coming,” John said. “I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals.”  

This simple statement is a powerful witness by John.  Rather than seeking fame, John admits his limitations.  Rather than use his position as a public figure to raise his status, John humbles himself.  This is an incredible moment, one which truly helps prepare the way for Jesus.  By using his position of prominence to humble himself, he prepares the crowd for the pure majesty of the coming of God in the form of Jesus.

Jesus does arrive, and John proclaims Jesus to be the man who he had been speaking about – the Lamb of God.  But our lesson in humility isn’t over.  For months, John had been traveling through the region, proclaiming that it was necessary for everyone to repent and be purified of their sins through baptism with water.  

When Jesus, the one about whom John has been speaking, arrives, what does he do?  Does he immediately begin to tell the crowd what to do?  Does he take over the baptisms himself?  Does he sign autographs and wave at his new fans?  No, Jesus steps into the water and has John baptize him as well.

But why?  We know that Jesus did not sin, and he was not in need of purification.  Why would the savior of all humankind, the perfect Lamb of God, submit to a purification ritual for the sinful and imperfect?

We have only one conclusion: Jesus humbled himself in this way to serve us.  By bringing himself down to our level, Jesus became able to serve and teach us in our own world.  It was the humility and gentleness of our Savior that made him a powerful force for good in the world.  It was this humility that brought to him people that had been marginalized and ignored by the rich and powerful.  By stepping into the water for baptism, Jesus stepped down to our level, showing that he was the guide and redeemer of the outsiders, the oppressed, and the outcast.

How do we know that this was such a powerful act?  Because the sky opened, following Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus, and the air rang out with the commanding voice of God: “You are my Son, my Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

Discussion Questions

• What other passages from the Gospel can you recall in which Jesus or his followers humble themselves to serve others?
• What does it look like today when someone humbles themselves to serve others?  Can you think of any examples of servant leaders?

Activity Suggestions

God calls each of us to be his hands and voice to a world in need.  The Gospels are like a Help Wanted ad, and we are here to apply for the job.  Write a Help Wanted ad for a job entitled “Humble Servant of God”.  Be sure to include requirements, necessary skills, and how to apply for the job!

Closing Prayer

Heavenly God, you humbled yourself to walk among us, your imperfect people.  We are so grateful to you for bringing yourself down to us, so that we would not have to walk alone.  Help us to humble ourselves after your example.  Teach us to thrive in service through others, and grant us the peace that we pass onto others.  In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Dennis Sepper, Rosemont, MN

Warm-up Question

Have you ever looked for something you lost and found it in a very unlikely place? 

Home for the Holidays

Raleigh, North Carolina, December 17, 2018 – Twin sisters A’nina and Zoe Pasco, members of their middle school’s cheer squad, thought it odd that there so many reporters at the school’s basketball game.  Then at halftime when the school mascot came onto the court, the dolphin looked a bit taller than they remembered.  What they didn’t know was that their father, a U.S. Air Force Sergeant, was the reason for both of those unusual observations.

Finally, the mascot removed the costume head and the twins couldn’t believe their eyes.  A’nina and Zoe dashed into their father’s waiting arms (fins?)  The reaction of the twins was worth the whole surprise which the school administration approved.  To see the twins’ reaction, follow the link below for a video of the reunion.

https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article223226275.html

Discussion Questions

• Do you like being surprised?  What’s the best unexpected surprise you ever experienced?
• Why are unexpected surprises so special?  (Outside of the obvious fact that they are unexpected!)
• Have you ever been the person doing the surprising?  How did the reaction of the person you surprised make you feel?  Was it worth all the secrecy and planning?

Epiphany of Our Lord

Isaiah 60:1-6

Ephesians 3:1-12

Matthew 2:1-12

(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

January 6^th is the festival of the Epiphany of Our Lord on the church year calendar.  It is the 12^th day, the last day, of the Christmas season.  The day is remembered as the day the wise men arrived to pay homage to the baby Jesus.  The gospel writer Matthew includes the story to remind us that Jesus is not only the ruler and savior of Israel but of the entire world.  The wise men represent all the gentile world as they come to worship Jesus.  

When the “wise men from the East” saw the star announcing the birth of Jesus, they did the most logical thing; they headed to Jerusalem, the capital city, and to the palace of King Herod.  They were looking for the “child who has been born king of the Jews” and it made perfect sense to them that the king would be born in Jerusalem. However, when they arrived and asked King Herod about the birth, it seems Herod knew nothing about it.  Herod had to call together the priests and scribes to ask them where the child was to be born.  It was a surprise to everyone there that it was noted the child was to be born in Bethlehem, a city far more insignificant than Jerusalem.  It is also worth noting that while the foreign wise men knew of the birth, the religious leaders had missed the clues that Jesus had been born.

With this new information, the wise men set off to Bethlehem.  The star reappeared and guided them to the place where Jesus was.  Matthew tells us that the wise men were overwhelmed with joy that they had found Jesus in this place they didn’t expect.  Once there the wise men offered Jesus gifts befitting a king…gold, frankincense and myrrh.

So often we look for Jesus in places that seem to make sense…in church, in the Bible, when we are doing our devotions.  The wise men remind us that sometimes Jesus shows up in unexpected places and surprises us with God’s presence.  When we discover Jesus in those unexpected places we too can be overwhelmed with joy and we can return our praise to God.

Discussion Questions

• Can you think of a time when you ran across Jesus or God in an unexpected place (outside the church and the Bible)?  Where was that place and how did you feel when you sensed Jesus’ presence?
• If you were giving a gift to Jesus like the wise men did, what would that gift be?  Why did you chose that gift?
• There are many traditions surrounding the wise men and their story that are not mentioned in Matthew’s account.  Read the gospel again carefully and answer the following questions:

1. How many wise men were there?  Tradition says there were three
2. Does Matthew tell us they were kings as is often depicted and sung about?
3. Where do the wise men find the baby Jesus?  In the stable and the manger?

Activity Suggestion

There is a very old tradition surrounding the day of Epiphany of blessing one’s house or the church building for the new year ahead.  Take a piece of chalk and over the door of your house or the church (please get permission first!) write the following; 20 + CMB + 19.  In this inscription you will see the new year, 2019, two crosses and the letters CMB which stand for the traditional names of the wise men, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar.  Once you have written the inscription you can pray this prayer from Sundays and Seasons (Copyright © 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.)

O God, you revealed your Son to all people by the shining light of a star. We pray that you bless this home and all who live here with your gracious presence. May your love be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our light, and your peace our benediction; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Closing Prayer

Loving God, we thank you for revealing Jesus as the Messiah to the wise men showing us that your love, grace, mercy, and peace are meant for all people of every nation.  By the power of the Holy Spirit assist us to share the good news of Jesus with everyone we meet through word and deed.  We ask this in your most holy name.  Amen.  

Scott Moore, Erfurt, Germany

Warm-up Question

What is the best thing you like about when you come home from being away for a while? 

Discovering Where He Belongs

It’s beginning to look a lot like the Christmas Nick Schneider dreamed about much of his life. He just recently took advantage of new Indiana law which just made possible the release of more than 50 years of adoption records, including Schneider’s. He was one of those fortunate children who was adopted as a baby by two loving parents. They raised him with love and care and provided him all the things that one hopes for in life. Shirley Williams gave Nick up for adoption those many years ago when he was just one day old. She was a 17 year-old, unwed mother. In that time, that was rather scandalous, so she was sent to a place away from her home in order to give birth in secret. 

Schneider found out that he was adopted when he was 12 years old. Reporting to local news sources Schneider said,  “There was always a void. I just needed to know, I wanted to know where I came from. I wanted to know my roots.” In recent years, he started trying to find out about his ancestry through an online DNA test. That led to identifying his grandfather and finding a picture. A television station ran a story on him and when they showed the picture of his grandfather a biological cousin reached out and eventually connected him to his mother.  This has been a been a dream come true in the making. 

Shirley and Nick met last September and, at last report, were planning on celebrating this Christmas together for the first time. 

Discussion Questions

• How many generations can you trace back in your family?
• What is your experience with adoption?
• When have you ever looked hard for something and found it?
• If someone adopted grows up in a loving home, why do you think they still go looking for their biological parents?

First Sunday of Christmas

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26

Colossians 3:12-17

Luke 2:41-52

(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

Jesus of Nazareth in Galilee, still technically a boy in the eyes of his community but on the brink of being seen as an adult (this was at the age of thirteen), is traveling along with his parents. They are traveling in the security of friends and family and go to Jerusalem for the Passover, one of the most important religious festivals in the Jewish tradition. Jesus has parents who care.

Just last week, we relived the story of this newly betrothed couple away from home with no place to give birth to the one promised by the Archangel Gabriel. Now he is all grown up. Mary and Joseph seem to have done a good job. Jesus is twelve years old, healthy, and…lost! They lose Jesus in Jerusalem, a city full of thousands of people from all over the region. How worried must they have been? Apparently, these loving, adoptive parents didn’t need to be worried at all as they come to find him in the temple.

Jesus found his way home to his first parent. “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” This statement is surprising and not surprising at the same time. If we have been following Jesus’ story closely, we know who he is and we know that Mary and Joseph know who he is. Maybe they forgot over the past twelve years. Maybe they knew Jesus was special but didn’t know if he knew. Whatever the case may be, Jesus knows who he is. Jesus lays claim to his divine heritage. Jesus seeks a home-coming of biblical proportions. He amazes the learned leaders gathered discussing God and God’s word. Jesus yearns to be in his Father’s house and comes into his own. It is three days after they notice him missing that they find Jesus.

How long was Jesus there in his Father’s house? Certainly long enough to be passionately engaged in study of scripture and theological discussion. We don’t know any of the other details of this experience like where Jesus stayed, how he got by, etc. All we know is that Jesus is doing just fine and Mary chastises him for “treating us like this” and “causing us great anxiety”. They didn’t notice he was missing but when they did, they were scared. They love their son, and like so many parents when their child goes missing, they were terrified something might have happened to him. Here the Gospel of Luke helps us see Jesus with new eyes. He is not just the baby in the manger or the lost twelve-year old. Jesus is not lost in Jerusalem but he lost in God’s word. No worries, Mary and Joseph. Jesus is right where he is supposed to be. 

Jesus, however, still has family responsibilities to his earthly parents. He is a good son to them despite giving them a scare. Jesus goes home with Mary and Joseph, even if it is very clear now how strong his connection is to his first Father. This divine child is a loving son to both parents, those on earth and the one in heaven. The next time we see Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, he is all grown up “in wisdom in earthly years” and ready to begin his ministry of preaching and being the good news. 

Discussion Questions

• When have you ever had the feeling of knowing you belonged somewhere or not belonged somewhere?
• Where would you like to be right now?
• When have you felt like you were old enough but others still treated you as a child?
• What are you passionate about? What kind of activities could you “get lost” in?
• Which bible stories or topics of the faith could you “get lost” in?

Activity Suggestion

A faith family tree: Have the participants trace all those in their family and their connection to the faith. They can draw this as a family tree or as a chart. Help the participants identify patterns in their faith family tree. 

Closing Prayer

O God our loving parent, we thank you for giving us the gifts of knowledge, wisdom, and curiosity. Give us a spirit of passion for you and your word. Open our minds and our hearts to engage in conversations about our faith with our family, friends, and others who are interested. May we be examples of your love and may the world see us as your children. We ask this in the name of your Son, our friend and heavenly brother, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen 

Seth Moland-Kovash, Palatine, Il

Warm-up Question

 What are you most looking forward to right now?

Are you Excited?

Anticipation and excitement are two very powerful human emotions. We look forward to vacation, to time off from school or other responsibilities. We might look forward to family time, to Christmas, to gifts (giving and receiving). Simply the act of anticipating something releases powerful chemicals into our bloodstream which make us feel the joy – that’s what anticipation is.

Companies that try to sell products to us know this well. This is what advertisements and pre-release promotions are all about. The companies are trying to create anticipation in us so that we feel that joy and then want it more and more—and seek out the product they are promoting. Sometimes this is done through industry events like the Consumer Electronics Show. This event, held in January each year, is all about creating anticipation. The event is an opportunity for companies to tell us what consumer electronic products (mobile phones, televisions, computers and the like) they will be releasing in 2019. But the weeks leading up to the event are themselves about anticipation. Companies will tease what products they will be announcing at CES to build up the anticipation. As the linked article tells us, even before the official event starts on January 8, there are two “media days” where companies jostle for headlines and buzz – all trying to create the most excitement and anticipation they can for their products.

Discussion Questions

• Do you like to be the first one in your family or friend group to try something new? This could be a technological thing or some other kind of experience.
• Are there new technological products or innovations you are excited to see? 
• Have you ever experienced disappointment when you’ve finally gotten to do or see or use something that you’ve been anticipating?

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Micah 5:2-5a

Hebrews 10:5-10

Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]

(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

Mary was excited and Elizabeth was excited. These two women were experiencing an anticipation that is a common occurrence for people throughout history – the expectation of the birth of a child. Each was excited to meet her own child and to see what would become of him.

This story tells us of another level of excitement. When Elizabeth saw Mary, the child in Elizabeth’s womb (John the Baptist) “leaped for joy.” Elizabeth is sharing her testimony that even the unborn child she carried was anticipating and excited about the unborn child Mary carried.

We know the rest of the story – we know that John was a bit of a predecessor to Jesus in public ministry. We know that John baptized Jesus. We also know that Jesus would save the world through his life, death, and resurrection. It seems that John knew that too – even before birth.

Discussion Questions

• Can you relate to John’s excitement about Jesus? What excites you about Jesus?
• John shared his excitement by leaping for joy. How can we share our excitement about Jesus?

Activity Suggestion

Snap pictures of you and your youth group showing your excitement at Jesus’ coming. Get creative. Use props or facial expressions. Share your pictures with the world through social media.

Closing Prayer

Come Lord Jesus, and fill us with joy at your birth. Amen.

Paul Baglyos, Baltimore, MD

 Warm-up Question

When does standing by require standing up?

Standing By and Standing Up

Montgomery County, Maryland is considering a revamped proposal to allow public high school students to take as many as three excused absences a year to participate in political protests and other forms of “civic engagement” during the school day.  This would allow students to take part in marches, protests, lobbying, and other acts of political action.

Students feel that many current issues affect them and that students shouldn’t be punished with an unexcused absence for taking part in demonstrations so directly connected to issues affecting their lives.  “We’re taught about how important it is to be engaged in our world and community, and to be aware of what’s going on and to be a responsible participant in the democratic process,” said Ananya Tadikonda, 17, a senior at Richard Montgomery High School and the student representative on the Montgomery County Board of Education. “This proposal gives students an opportunity to exercise civic responsibility without being penalized for it.”

When it was introduced in September, the proposal required parental consent, the approval of the school principal and permission from the organization sponsoring the political activity or protest.  Excused absences would not be approved for spontaneous walkouts or protests. Students who leave campus without receiving approval would not receive an excused absence.  The final version of the proposal is still being drafted.

Public reaction to the proposal has been mixed.  Critics agree that students should have an opportunity to express their concerns, lest students feel their voices do not matter.  But they  express concern that students would be missing out on valuable school time and disrupting the school day.  “You are sending a message to the MCPS community that student protesting is more important than them being at school engaged in learning,” one commentator wrote.

Discussion Questions

• Do you favor or oppose the proposal discussed in the above news article?  What are your reasons?
• How would you respond to people whose opinions about the proposal differ from your own?
• How would such a proposal be regarded in your school district?

Third Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:7-18

(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

One way to understand and interpret the figure of John the Baptist in the New Testament gospel narratives is to regard him and the movement he generated as a protest against the status quo.  John’s fiery preaching arose from a holy impatience with human complacency toward the evils of injustice and oppression.  He called for repentance, which meant a change of direction in the ways of human behavior and society.  Many of the people who gathered around him were eager to change their own lives in accordance with his preaching and they asked him for instruction on how to do that.  They had, apparently, grown tired of their own complacency and become ready to make changes for the better, changes that would alter the status quo.

We can picture the kind of protests discussed in the preceding news article as similar in sight and sound and character to the gatherings occasioned by John the Baptist.  Both contexts involve impatience with the status quo and calls for change.  Students who might receive an excused absence from class in order to participate in a protest are eager to stand up for the better world they long to see rather than stand by in complacency toward the way things are.

The phrase “standing by” can mean two very different things.  In one sense, “standing by” can mean remaining detached and indifferent, uninvolved, uninterested and unengaged.  In that sense, “standing by” can mean accommodating the status quo.  But “standing by” can also mean remaining alert and watchful, expectant and ready.  In that sense, “standing by” can mean remaining prepared to take action against the status quo.  In Christian faith and practice, the liturgical season of Advent focuses on “standing by” in the second sense of that phrase.

Christians understand themselves to be on “stand by” for the coming of Jesus Christ.  The world’s form and future belong to Jesus rather than to any other person, power, or authority.  The fulfillment of all longing for a better world is assured by the life, death, resurrection and promise of Jesus, and this is the good news that Christians celebrate and confess.  Christians live on “stand by” for the culmination and completion of that good news and Advent is the season in which the church annually re-trains its “stand by” muscles.

But Christian “standing by” for the coming of Jesus (which is to say, for the culmination and completion of his good news, his gospel) does not mean remaining detached and indifferent, uninvolved, uninterested and unengaged.  In fact, the Advent call to repentance is itself a protest against the status quo and all habits of complacency.  To stand by for the coming of Jesus means to stand up for the better world that his coming inaugurates.  Christians are called to protest the status quo and to resist the habits of complacency because the coming of Jesus brings the extinction of the status quo and raises new life from the tombs of complacency.

Discussion Questions

• Has there ever been a situation in your life that stirred you to stand up against the status quo?  If so, share that story and describe what you did, why you did it, and what happened in consequence.
• Have you ever felt yourself stirred to stand up for something but did not do so?  If so, share that story and describe what held you back and what you learned from that experience.
• How does your faith in Jesus influence your decisions about whether to stand by or to stand up?
• What instruction do you imagine John the Baptist might offer you regarding your own repentance?

Activity Suggestions

Think of a person you know and admire as an example of someone standing up against the status quo.  Share what you know about that person and their actions, and describe how their example has influenced your life.

Closing Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.  Amen – from the “Serenity Prayer” of Reinhold Niebuhr