Advent
December 20, 2016

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7

For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
   and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
   and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
   He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
   from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. –Isaiah 9:6-7

How do we as followers of Christ show people, tell people, love people out of putting Jesus into nice little sentimental, traditional, new age, whatever niches and welcome him into our world as the incarnation of God with Us? I recently completed a spreadsheet of faith information about the members of the Oklahoma Legislature. I must confess I was surprised by what I found. Most no longer list their religious affiliation on their official state website, which required me to search their personal websites or campaign websites. I did not count them but probably a majority listed on those websites the name of the church they attended and some included roles they filled at those churches, deacon, Sunday school teacher, youth leader. A few went to great lengths to describe their faith-based stances on some hot button issues but did not list a church. Several indicated that they were “Christian.” I wondered what that meant. Where they raised in Christian homes and thus still identify with that tradition? Are they actively engaged but just not wanting to share the name of the group? While I do not believe that church involvement is mandatory for professing Christianity, the history of its development is rich in people working together as communities of faith. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.’ (Matthew 18:20) There were more than I expected who listed no religious connections. I sent a couple of emails to people from the latter two categories and inquired about their religious affiliations but did not receive responses.

I bored you with this listing because I think we do have a representative government and this information should be a red flag to congregations that we may not be telling Christ’s story well. In fact, we may be so caught up in those niches; we are not telling his story at all.

Prayer: Lord, guide us in this season of Advent to clear our hearts and minds of the faith junk mail that clutters our actions. Enable us to share the Good News of your incarnation. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.