First Baptist Arlington

This Advent season our thoughts are focused on the coming of Christ Jesus. Often, we think about the images of Bethlehem, the newborn baby, and the assorted animals and people gathered around Jesus in awe. Jesus is so much more. I came across a list of reactions to Jesus in the Scriptures that I consider personally riveting. As you read this, let me gently ask you the same question I asked myself, “What do you think of Jesus?

Just ask the angels about Jesus, and they will tell you,
“A Savior has been born unto you, He is Christ the Lord.”

Ask John the Baptist and he will tell you,
“Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”

Ask the demons what they think of Jesus, they will tell you.
“What do you want with us, Son of the most high God?”

Ask Judas what he thinks about Jesus, he will tell you,
“I have betrayed innocent blood.”

Ask the apostle Paul, what do you think about Jesus? He will tell you,
“that nothing compares to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Ask Pilate what he thinks, he will tell you, “I find no fault in this just man.”

Ask the Roman centurion what he thinks of Jesus, he will tell you.
“Surely this is the Son of God.”

Ask Thomas what he thinks about Jesus, he’ll fall down prostrate before him and cry out,
“My Lord and my God.”

Ask Peter, what do you think about Jesus and he will tell you. “God has made this same Jesus,
whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Just what do you think of Jesus? This Advent focus on the heart of faith, and invite Jesus to be your Lord, God, Savior, your everything.

Thanksgiving with its time of reflecting on our many blessings has come and gone. Now we have entered into Advent. We come with anticipation as we prepare ourselves to welcome the Christ Child. Last Sunday we lit the first candle on our Advent wreath. Christmas is coming. As I reflect on what gifts will be given this Christmas, I remember some interesting ones from Christmases past. When Suzanne was about the age of our grandson Eben (almost two) Jon asked her what she wanted to get me for Christmas. Without hesitation, she replied, “Orange juice!” So off they went to the grocery store to get a special gift for the momma. Her delight was only slightly dampened when she realized that her gift could not be put under the Christmas tree until Christmas morning but had to be kept in the refrigerator. It was strange to find a brightly wrapped gift when I opened the refrigerator door.

Another interesting gift we received in Christmases past was a very large container of peanut butter. For several years someone left a box on Jon's desk with the peanut butter and other food items in it. We finally found out that it was given by an elderly farmer who explained that when his children were young and money was tight, it was a relief to know that they had plenty of peanut butter to feed their family. Jon was not well paid at the time by that small church, and the peanut butter was certainly enjoyed by our young children.

But no matter how thoughtful or expensive the gifts we give or receive,
none can compare to the amazing gift of the God who loved us so much
that he gave his only son to die for our sins. That is what Christmas is
really about after all. Come Lord Jesus, we welcome you this Christmas!

Can the summer really be coming to an end? It seems like it just started.

It has been a real summer of contrasts for my family. For example, Hurricane Irene is bringing rain to a saturated New England while my family in Louisiana is thankful for whatever little rain comes their way.

We spent a quiet peaceful week in Maine enjoying the coolness and beauty of Winter Harbor. And we spent a wonderful week in Louisiana visiting with family and enjoying the rolling farm lands which included a farm pond with an alligator in it. Jon nicknamed him "Cousin Al." The heat was well over 100 degrees while we were there. But the warmth and love of family is what we came away with. It's what brings us to family reunions year after year.

This summer has been a time of "Hello" and "Goodbye" as our family has welcomed a new member, five-year-old Angelina, daughter of our niece Monica. But on a sad note, we have lost two beloved pets, our gentle white cat, Leo, who moved here with us from Kansas, and our son Nathanael's beautiful red and white Husky, Maija, who did suddenly leaving a big void in our lives.

All this reminds me of the scripture that tells us that everything has a season. And a new season is upon us. The kids are returning to school. Some here in Arlington will be wearing back packs that the church has provided them. Our new fall programming is taking shape. What will this season bring us? Certainly both good and bad will happen, but over all we have the assurance that our God will be with us through whatever happens.