OnFire Encouragement Letter
Hi Folks:
I’m feeling good this morning as I write. I took some time on Thursday and Friday to get away. A friend arranged a cabin in the woods where I took only my Bible, journals, a notebook, and guitar. It was a time to reconnect with God and I am feeling more relaxed. I would recommend this to anyone, although this is the longest time I have taken. I have often done a one-day retreat. It takes me a little while to settle into the fact that I am not there to be productive, but to meet with God. If you want to try this, email me, and I can send you some practical suggestions.
Musical practice for “White Christmas” is coming along. The first show is for the school body this Friday, then six shows next week. It is fun sitting in, although definitely challenging. My trumpet playing has not improved in the twenty-odd years since high school.
I hope life is going well for you. In our church several students are finishing school and need jobs - please pray for them.
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Like so many others this past week in New Brunswick, our family watched the Olympic torch relay as it passed through the area. This flame started in Athens, Greece, and it will wind its way across Canada to light the flame for the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver, BC.
We thought it would be good for the boys to see this historic occasion, so we got them up early one morning and lined up along the side of the road. Representatives from major sponsors handed out pennants and pins while we waited.
The flashing lights of police cars announced the arrival of the flame. The crowd cheered as flame touched flame and the torch whooshed into life. Then the torch bearer jogged up the hill and it was over. “Is that it?” I wondered.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m glad I went. If the torch is passing through your area, I encourage you to go. It is inspirational to think that this flame will pass through more than 1000 communities on the way to Vancouver. Whose heart could not stir? The torch logo proclaims, “With glowing hearts,” a play on words with the Canadian national anthem.
But even as we walked back to the car the crowds were thinning. It another 10 minutes it would be hard to know anything extraordinary had happened that morning.
We could be tempted to think the same about Christmas. We make a lot of fuss and then its over. But that’s only if we make it about the wrong things. If we make it about the gifts, glitz, and glamour, we come to the end and think, “Is that it?”
But here is the good news. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” By this he meant spiritual illumination. “No one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” (Jn 12:46)*
Christmas comes and goes, but Jesus continues to provide light all year long. If we take this approach, then Christmas becomes more than hustle and bustle. It really does become a celebration of Jesus’ arrival to show us the way.
Here are some ways to help us take this perspective:
• Follow an Advent Bible reading plan with your family this Christmas. There is one at the end of this letter.
• Read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20 with your family on Christmas day
• Simplify Christmas to take the emphasis off “things.”
• Set an example of following Jesus everyday.
• Decide to follow Jesus if you haven’t.
• Attend worship at Christmas and throughout the year
Hope this helps. Be on fire.
Troy
OnFire is a weekly letter on faith and character by Troy Dennis. This letter published Nov 23, 2009. To subscribe or reply, email onfireletter@gmail.com. Archives are located at www.onfireletter.com Blog located at http://onfireletter.blogspot.com/ *Scripture taken from the New International Version.
Advent Readings**
Advent Readings
Nov 30: Isaiah 9:1-7
Dec 1: Isaiah 11:1-10
Dec 2: Isaiah 53:1-6
Dec 3: Micah 5:2-5
Dec 4: Zechariah 9: 9-13
Dec 5: Galatians 4:4-7
Dec 6: Matthew 1: 18-24
Dec 7: Luke 1:5-17
Dec 8: Luke 1:5-17
Dec 9: Luke 1:39-45
Dec 10: Luke 2:1-7
Dec 11: Luke 2: 8-14
Dec 12: Luke 2:15-20
Dec 13: Luke 2:21-32
Dec 14: Luke 2: 33-40
Dec 15: Matthew 2: 1-6
Dec 16: Matthew 2:7-12
Dec 17: Matthew 2: 13-18
Dec 18: Matthew 2:19-23
Dec 19: Luke 2: 41-52
Dec 20: Colossians 1:15-20
Dec 21: Hebrews 1:1-4
Dec 22: Philippians 2: 5-11
Dec 23: Romans 8:1-4
Dec 24: Ephesians 2:1-10
Dec 25: John 1: 1-17
Reflection Guide:
• What does this passage say about Jesus?
• Why do you think this is important?
• How does this passage give you strength, confidence or hope?
• How does the passage prompt you to live differently?
Prayer Guide:
• For what are you thankful today?
• For what do you need strength today?
• For whom do you need to pray today?
**Bible reading program from Scripture Union (http://www.scriptureunion.org/). Reflection questions from Troy Dennis.