Framed by Faith

December 20th, 2010

Born in a manger (feed trough). Born to a family that lived below poverty level in those days. How well could you live on a carpenter’s wages? So, why all of this attention to such a lowly birth? The exceptionally bright star, that appeared to be moving, certainly would warrant a Fox News Alert.

Since he came from God, I wonder what the baby’s name was before Mary and Joseph called him Jesus. His earthly name meant “the LORD saves.”

Who came to see him? We know for sure that some shepherds came because angels appeared to them. The only other visitors cited in the Bible are the magi. They were either ancient priests with magical powers, or they were eastern astrologers. With deference to most nativity sets, the shepherds seem to be the only ones who showed up at the birthing place. The wise men, with all of their learning, couldn’t even plan their trip so that they could make it in time. They were almost two years off on their arrival. How wise is that?

Thirty years later he would be sought by folks in all levels of society, from Roman commanders to tax collectors, with tons of ordinary people in between. He was even visited by Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court.

Aren’t wise people, along with rich people, just self-made individuals who seek their own ends? What kind of people need Jesus? Do you have to be down-and-out to bring you to your knees before Him? Is it difficult for a mature adult to bow before a baby at Christmas?

Francis Bacon said, “A prudent question is one-half of wisdom.”

I like bacon.

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Say What You Need To Say

January 13th, 2010

The title is clever. The tune is catchy. And it annoys my grandson whenever I sing it repeatedly. I stop whenever I get the expected response from him, that being, “Ah-h-h-h-h!”

The animal kingdom may have their own language with grunts and growls, but I’m guessing that it doesn’t come close to the human language. Maybe because we exhibit more emotion and determination. Domesticated animals respond to voice commands because of conditioning and rewards. We never have a discussion with them regarding their behavior; if so, it would be all one-sided.

My native tongue, English, is replete with innuendos and double-entendres, making if difficult to understand the true intent, let alone try to form a response. Words are powerful. Consider the children’s rhyme:

Sticks and stones may break my bones,
But words will never hurt me.

Not true. Words spoken or written can generate a number of feelings inside of us. I’ll be the first to admit that in my own life I am often affected by words sent my way. I must check myself quickly in order not to respond in haste. I also notice how many times I have misunderstood comments. On many an occasion I find later that they were not directed toward me, were not meant in the way that I took them, or were certainly not worth me being worked up about.

My wife says I’m a ponderer, and she’s right. When I receive a negative comment or response from someone, I can mull it over for hours, or even days, before I’m willing to let it go. On the other hand I can receive a kind remark from someone I don’t generally care for, and it’s as if they were never unkind to me. Someone that I am confident is an untruthful person can so embellish a statement that I am eager and willing to consider that they are being honest with me. Along with being a ponderer, I seem to be a responder-er.

“What is truth?”