When we speak of worship, beyond our Christian conversations, we easily equate the action to deep emotion and value. “I worship the ground she walks on,” we say, and we know that we are sharing how deeply we feel toward that person we love. To say such a thing is an expression of profound love, appreciation and desire. It is the nature of worship to evoke and respond to these rich feelings and thoughts.

Strangely, this is not always the definition of worship within the walls of the church. We speak of worship as an event, a time when we gather with other Christians to sing, pray and listen to the weekly sermon. Often there is a sense of duty attached to the experience, “I have to go to worship,” and careful listeners will hear the implied words, “but I don’t have to like it.”

Sometimes, worship is defined by our preferences and desires. “I really didn’t like worship today. It didn’t move me. I just wasn’t feeling it.” We are disappointed if we don’t know the hymns and frustrated if the experience goes too long. Instead of extravagance of worship, there is a sense of meagerness in spirit.

In the opening of Chapter 12 of John’s Gospel, we find Jesus at Bethany, the place where Lazarus lived. There is a dinner party being given in Jesus’ honor and people we gathered for the event. Suddenly, Mary brings roughly a pint of expensive perfume and begins to pour it on Jesus’ feet, wiping it with her hair. The Bible adds, “and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”

Jesus was blessed, but not everyone saw a blessing. For others, it was too extravagant an action. It was a poor use of an expensive perfume. Why, it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. In short, this precious gift of perfume and of Mary’s heart was seen as a “waste.”

But, Jesus didn’t think so. To him it was deeply profound. It showed the great love and devotion in Mary’s heart. It was an extravagant act. It was worship. The party was in Jesus’ honor, but it was Mary who chose to bring him worship.

When we gather together in worship services. It is not primarily to get our needs met. It is not really about our preferences and desires. Nor is it meant to be a duty, an obligatory gathering to “get through.” No, it is an opportunity to share our deep love for God, to offer what we have in pure abandonment to the One we love. It is a time to give ourselves in extravagant expressions of love that can, in their own way, fill the house with the fragrance of the perfume of worship.

As we gather today, and in the days to come. We need to remember that worship is an action. It is so much more than the name of an event. It is an opportunity to pour out our love for God and to receive God’s love in return.

Mary surely heard the critical words as she offered her gift, but she also heard the words of Jesus himself when he affirmed her and her actions; when he made it clear how much he was blessed by her extravagant worship. Don’t we want to hear the same thing? What blessing it would be to know that our actions, our gift of our very selves touched and moved the heart of God.

May we worship expectantly and extravagantly as we offer what we have to God and receive the blessing that comes from truly doing so.

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I expected to gain some understanding of artistic design, painting tools and watercolor techniques. What I did not expect included learning to see with new eyes and insights into living in the moment. The instructor repeatedly mentioned that taking this class would change the way we saw the world around us. From his perspective, becoming a student of art ultimately leads to asking of the things we see in our lives, “How can I paint that?” The answer involves more than color choices and techniques, it also involves truly observing what we see.

A classic example happened during a recent class on painting trees. As we began to paint the trunks and limbs, our teacher asked, “what color should we use?” Of course, we responded with browns and grays. His suggestion, “begin with blue.” I was sure I’d never seen a blue tree trunk, but I was patient. By the time the class was over, our blue tree trunks looked more realistic than I imagined possible. Since then, as I observed the trees around me, I’ve seen a number of blue tree trunks and a number of colors I never knew were there.

Attentiveness to life is a gift. Not only do we see surprising colors and details we never noticed, but our eyes are opened to life that is all around us. The great diversity of creations begins to unfold before us and some of the simplest, most common things become awe-inspiring wonders.

Similar discoveries await us in our emotional, relational and spiritual worlds as well. When we pause long enough to truly see and when we are willing to retrain our senses, a world of fantastic wonders open to us, filled with great diversity, new discoveries and unimaginable inspiration.

I love living with my new eyes on the world. I invite you to join me as you take the time to open yours to what is around you as well.

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How far would you go to celebrate Christmas? More than mileage, what would you be willing to do to experience the full meaning of this special season? What is Christmas worth to you?

The Gospel of Luke tells the story of some shepherds who were watching over their flocks on the night Jesus was born. They were doing what shepherds do, sitting… watching… talking… watching… thinking… watching. It was their job to keep and eye on the sheep throughout the evening. It was their job and their life. They cared for sheep. It was an important job, but one without much influence.

On this night, as they were about their work, a dramatic interruption came. There, on their little hillside, an angel appeared to them and declared the good news that a savior was born. Jesus, Savior of the world was born in Bethlehem. Suddenly a whole multitude of angels appeared and began praising God for this wonderful gift. It was an amazing moment, but what happened next was even more amazing. The shepherds did the unthinkable… they left the sheep and went to see the Savior.

In a moment, this group of shepherds risked everything. They could lose the sheep. They could lose their jobs. They could lose income and be known as those who deserted the sheep in the middle of the night when they were very vulnerable. They risked everything to see this thing the Lord had told them about. They were willing to put it all on the line to see Jesus.

There are just some experiences in life that demand a response. When the King of Kings comes to set His people free, you respond. When the host of heaven inform you of God’s activity, you respond. When the Savior of the world invites you to share life with Him, you respond. God revealed His will and plan to a group of shepherds near Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth, and today, He invites us to join Him as well. He invites us to respond.

Just as on that first Christmas, multitudes went about there business with little or no recognition of the powerful act of God that was occurring in their midst, so today, many celebrate the holiday with little understanding of its true significance. God extends His invitation, but the business and noise of the season drowns out the tender voice of the heart of God.

Others hear the invitation, but the cares of the world keep them from responding. The cost of following God’s call seems too great and they respond by saying, “not right now. I simply cannot leave my sheep at this time.” They stay on the hillside of their life and miss the miracle that will change their life.

Some, however, like the shepherds on that glorious night, hear the call of God and drop everything to experience what God is doing. Their amazement turns to passion as they leave it all to see the Savior, and when they have, nothing is ever the same.

This Christmas, God is inviting you to meet with Him. God is sharing His heart with you and inviting you to join Him on the journey of a lifetime. It may require some sacrifice, but it will be worth it. The invitation is extended… how will you respond?

May God richly bless you with His presence as you respond Him this Christmas season.

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This morning, I was in the office commiserating with someone who shared my sense that it just did not feel like Christmas. Sure, many of our presents are already purchased, and yes, the carols have been playing in the stores and in our car. There is even plenty of snow on the ground and more falling even now. In so many ways, the signs of the season are all around, yet, I still wasn’t feeling like it was Christmas.

I was blaming it on a busy November and the exhaustion that followed. There are still many preparations left to address, and programs to attend. Both factors only served to obscure my experience of Christmas even more.

Tonight, included one more activity to fit into a over-full schedule. My youngest daughter was performing in her last High School Christmas Concert. I was excited to support her, and a little melancholy about this season of school concerts coming to an end. I knew it would be fun to be there, but I really did not want one more thing to attend. I drove to the school with my wife and daughter, hoping that the concert would not go too late.

My daughter did a great job, along with the rest of her choral ensemble. The other groups also did a great job. It was clear they preparation was paying off and I was enjoying the concert.

Then, it happened, the final group entered the auditorium singing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The tune they chose was a form of Gregorian Chant and its power was very moving. I felt my heart begin to warm. A few more pieces and I was captivated. As the last selection began, in a moment I never expected, Christmas found me. There standing in the fourth row center, savoring the choir and the orchestra as they performed the, “Alleluia Chorus,” I was overtaken by the power, wonder and awe of the season. Suddenly, it was Christmas in my heart. With a smile on my face and tears in my eyes, the joy of the season flooded over me. It was wonderful.

Just when I though the concert was over there was a final surprise. All of the choirs returned, surrounded the audience and, as the lights dimmed, sang, “Silent Night.” it was the perfect ending to the concert, and the perfect beginning of my Christmas season. Who knew it would be a High School choral concert that would open my heart to God’s great message of Christmas this year?

So, where will you be when Christmas finds you; when God captures your attention afresh and inspires your spirit to soar in the season? What unexpected ways is the Holy Spirit using in your life to speak joy, love and life to you? Are you willing to be ready to receive the gift wherever, and however, it may arrive? This may be your chance to enter in and begin to experience the beauty and wonder of this holy season. May you be richly blessed as Christmas finds you this year.

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I awoke earlier this morning aware of something going on outside, but as my head cleared, I could not tell what it was. I turned over in bed to rest for a few minutes and thought I saw a light flashing in the room, yet when I opened my eyes, nothing was there. I thought to myself, “I am having some wild dreams this morning.” Barely had the thought crossed my mind, when I heard the loud crash of thunder. I smiled, waiting to enjoy more of the show as the words of Psalm 29 came to mind.

I love this Psalm, possibly because I love thunderstorms. I recognized that these powerful weather events cause great damage and sometimes, even death. I know that their power must be respected, but I cannot help but be awestruck by their majesty. I am always impressed, and strangely comforted in the storm.

I credit my mother with my feelings about thunderstorms. She always enjoyed them, and when I was very young, she wanted to be sure that I was not afraid as the lightning flashed and the thunder roared around our home. She would open the curtains of our large front window and hold me in her arms as we watched the glorious show nature was providing. Since then, I’ve always equated thunderstorms with a sense of wonder and of peace. The simple act my mother took, gave me the ability to rest comfortably in the midst of the storm around me.

I cannot help but think that the Psalmist must have had some similar feelings as he watched the storm form over the water and make its way toward him. I can hear the wonder in his words as he reveled in the “voice of the Lord.” He too respected the power that was in the storm, but he also saw God there as well, and it was ultimately God’s power that captivated him.

My experience with the storm this morning started me thinking about other storms in my life, the personal ones that seem so hard to pass through. I began to wonder if I could not learn something from my feelings in the physical storms that could strengthen me in the personal ones. Could it be, that just like in the times of lightning and thunder, God is present in the midst of my personal storms and that they might be moments designed to open my eyes to his presence in my life? Could God be calling me to stand at the window of my life and be awed by the storm around me while affirming my safety at the same time? Could it be, that in the midst of my greatest storms, God, like my mother, is holding on to me to comfort me, remove my fear, and assure me that everything is in his hands?

As I continue to ponder what the Holy Spirit is saying to me out of my experience, I believe that the answer to all three of these questions is a resounding, “Yes!” God is in the midst of the storm. God is calling me to trust. God is holding on to me so that the storm will not overtake me. I doubt that I will ever come to a point where I will anticipate storms in my personal life quite the way I look forward to a good thunderstorm, but I do believe that God can give me new eyes to see those storms in a new way; a way based upon God’s awesome power and my trust in God.

All of us face storms in our lives. Maybe the question before us is, can we see God in the midst of our storm? I’ve often thought about the disciples facing the storm as they tried to keep their boat afloat, while Jesus slept in the back. Of course, the story ends with them waking him and his word calming the storm, but I wonder, was this the opportunity for them to ride out the storm of their lives knowing they were safe with the Son of God in the midst of the storm with them.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said on his deathbed, “the best is God is with us.” Maybe that is all we need to know to be strong in the face of our storms.

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On Monday, July 25, 1984, I purchased a new journal and that evening I made my first entry. I was awed by an amazing electrical storm that took place as I drove home from the city that evening. Reflecting on the event, I wrote, “The highlight of the trip was a spectacular light show that we watched as we followed a major storm home from the city. We were entertained by this natural wonder for nearly two hours. It was a marvelous display of beauty and power. What an image of God.”

That experience sent me on a quest to be more attentive to the “little things” around me, things that often go unnoticed, or become the source of aggravation rather than inspiration. I realized that I often missed great opportunities to learn, grow, and experience because I was too busy, or blind to see. I wanted to view the world with new eyes that recognized the meaning and the feeling hidden in events, places and things.

My quest did not disappoint me. Two days later, I returned from a Finance Committee meeting to find an orphaned bird sleeping in a ball. It was curled up on a dirt pile next to our garage. If I had not been looking, I would never have noticed. In the morning, I looked again, only now the young bird was joined by another just like it. Neither of my new avian friends seemed able to care for themselves. I was humbled, wishing I do something to help these tender creatures, but I did not know where to begin. I even said a little prayer for them and in that moment my mind flooded with images of the God who’s “eye is on the sparrow.” That night, my journal read, “I am glad that the God I serve is even concerned about that little bird in my driveway. I pray that I might know that level of compassion for the world.” In contrast to the powerful image of Monday night’s storm, I now saw the expression of nurturing care.

We easily fill our lives so full, that there is little time to see the “little things.” Yet, it is often those overlooked experiences that can be the most rewarding. In them God is present in unique and special ways that do not shout for our attention. Instead, they invite us to know and experience more of His creativity and love, and then they way for us to respond.

We should be encouraged to look for the hidden moments with God, to keep our heart’s eyes open to God’s presence in the world and in our life. When we do, we begin to see the hand of God in the thunderstorm, the bird, and ourselves. Then we are able to give thanks for these gifts of God and the way they point us toward the Giver.

Even now, as I reflect on those events, I am awed once again by God’s attention to detail. I remind myself often that it is amazing what you can learn from a thunderstorm and two little birds in your driveway?

“What happened to the two birds?” you ask. One week later they flew away, without my help.

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One of the people I follow on Facebook posted this quote a few days ago and although he and I approach the issue of faith from different perspectives, I think we both find great resonance with Sagan’s point.

All too often, the Christian community seems to create a conflicted relationship with science, as if the two live in opposition to each other, but are they? Certainly, the Christian world-view impacts the way we understand the insight science yields, but shouldn’t our beliefs be strengthened by those same insights?

On a recent trip to the Museum of Science, I was profoundly struck by the awesome power and creativity of God. The astronomy section reminded me of the vastness of God and of creation. The biology displays proclaimed the tremendous diversity of God’s creativity. Even the geology section pointed to God’s ability to make rocks declare his majesty. Everywhere I looked there were testimonies to the quote, “God must be even greater than we dreamed.”

J. B. Phillips asked the same question Sagan asked from a decidedly Christian perspective in his classic book, Your God is Too Small. The Christian mystics throughout the centuries have also borne witness to a God who is far bigger that we ever imagined. Our God is the One who is able to do, “immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Today, open your eyes to the greatness of God. Everywhere you look there are opportunities to see. The plants, grasses and trees that make up your yard declare the greatness of God. The butterflies, honeybees and birds declare the greatness of God. Dogs, cats and livestock declare the greatness of God, as does the great diversity of humanity. Everywhere we look, from the foundations of the earth to the vastness of the heavens, the glory, wonder, awe and majesty of God are there to be seen.

Don’t settle for a small God. Open your eyes and see the amazing wonder he reveals.

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Night

Cicadas call across the night,

As the moon’s fiery glow burns the horizon.
The haunting beauty of their unison song,
Invites the evening’s stillness.

The gentle wind, now damp and cold,
Embraces all within its touch, and
Reveals the texture of night’s dark fabric.

I remain a foreigner to this time,
A visitor welcome, but not belonging,
yet I feel strangely at home.

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