A Christian’s Letter to Santa

Posted on by Alan

Letter to SantaAfter typing the title to this article, "A Christian's Letter to Santa," it hit me that there are brothers in sisters in the body of Christ who would immediately assert, "A Christian would never write Santa" or even "A Christian would never celebrate Christmas." For instance, after posting a quick "Merry Christmas from the Antrim Church of Christ!" (followed by four applicable scriptures) on our Facebook page, one saint commented:

Is this the true church of Christ who celebrate xmas? Church of Christ does not do such thing.

Although he hasn't taken me up on my offer to discuss it, I do not question that an argument can be made for not celebrating a holiday whose date (and some customs) have pagan connections. Additionally, I do think that certain aspects of the American Santa Claus tradition are problematic…but I'm not going to potentially start any firestorm here. 🙂

Luckily, the Bible allows for differing views on the holiday: Continue reading “A Christian’s Letter to Santa”

Brit Hume Tweet

Don’t You Dare Tell Sinners that Their Sin…!

Posted on by Alan

Dr. Dobson steps into it…

I don't always agree with Fox New contributor Brit Hume, but I respect his work and levelheaded-ness. I also appreciate Christian psychologist Dr. James Dobson, although I'll admit that his shows are generally too foofy for my tastes. So, when Hume tweeted:

Christians seeking meaning in the horror of Newtown who may be drawn to the words of James Dobson should read this:

http://t.co/pDXK0J6F

Brit Hume Tweet

Well, I went and read most of it. Basically, it was a hatchet-job on something Dobson recently said written by Peter Wehner and posted by Timothy Dalrymple. Dalrymple describes Wehner as "one of the leading evangelicals in Washington for a long time now"1…and, based on Wehner's piece, I suspect Washington has had a greater effect on him than he has had on our nation's capital.

The statement that Wehner felt deserved taking Dobson out back to the shed for a whipping? It was from Dobson's radio show this last Monday, "A Nation Shaken by the Sandy Hook Tragedy." Wehner quotes Dobson as saying:

Continue reading “Don’t You Dare Tell Sinners that Their Sin…!”

Christmas Tree Star

Church Bulletin Goulash

Posted on by Alan

Christmas Tree StarI had hoped to write this bulletin with Augie. I didn't know if it would work (never tried it before), but I figured that if he and I pulled it off it would be one of my best. Everything goes better with Augie. 🙂

Alas, I also made the mistake of convincing him to try Amazon.com's new service, Kindle FreeTime Unlimited. Basically, it is a program that locks your Kindle Fire or Kindle Fire HD into books, applications, and videos that are appropriate for your child. (Even so, I've already let my munchkin know that SpongeBob and Yo Gabba Gabba are off limits. SpongeBob first because I really do think it's a bad influence on kids, especially ones who already are hyper and/or have behavior issues. The second 'cause it is just plain weird, and I'd rather watch Thomas the Tank Engine for seven months straight than view one episode of that bizarre show. For those wondering years ago…yes there could be something worse…far worse…than Barney the Purple Dinosaur. :-)) Continue reading “Church Bulletin Goulash”

Brit Hume Tweet

In Defense of James Dobson

Posted on by Alan

Another large tragedy, another Christian leader taken to task for saying that it might be connected to the judgment of God on America. From what I can tell it first began with an article from Right Wing Watch, “Dobson: Connecticut Shooting was God Allowing ‘Judgment to Fall Upon Us’ for Turning Our Back on Him” which included this quote from Dr. James Dobson’s radio program from this past Monday, “A Nation Shaken by the Sandy Hook Tragedy”:

Our country really does seem in complete disarray. I’m not talking politically, I’m not talking about the result of the November sixth election; I am saying that something has gone wrong in America and that we have turned our back on God.

I mean millions of people have decided that God doesn’t exist, or he’s irrelevant to me and we have killed fifty-four million babies and the institution of marriage is right on the verge of a complete redefinition. Believe me, that is going to have consequences too.

And a lot of these things are happening around us, and somebody is going to get mad at me for saying what I am about to say right now, but I am going to give you my honest opinion: I think we have turned our back on the Scripture and on God Almighty and I think he has allowed judgment to fall upon us. I think that’s what’s going on.

Continue reading “In Defense of James Dobson”

A Super-Apostle’s Kryptonite

Posted on by Alan

Bad Boys, Bad Boys…

Have you ever wondered why it seems that a lot of women seem to have a penchant for only dating “bad boys”? A really nice, well-established, and good looking guy either isn’t on their radar (regardless of what they may claim) or is quickly ditched…

But the guy who treats her like dirt…it’s like some kind of magical pheromone.

Well, science has discovered the reason (as summarized in a Glamour.com article):

Researchers had women look at dating profiles of either sexy men or reliable men during periods of high and low fertility. … Women who were near ovulation guessed that the sexier man would contribute more to parenting and domestic duties. In a second study where the women interacted directly with male actors playing the roles of sexy cad and reliable dad, they once again thought the sexy guy would contribute more to childcare, but…only as her partner. Interestingly, the women would point out the bad boy’s shortcomings when asked how he would father children with other women, but when it came to imagining their own child, women believed the cad would be a really great father.1

Continue reading “A Super-Apostle’s Kryptonite”

Christmas Album “Must Haves” (2012 Version)

Posted on by Alan

My list of Christmas album “must haves” are pretty much the same as last year. Let’s just say that…err…being under-employed means Ramen Noodles are a better purchase with a few bucks then even the most inexpensive Amazon MP3 download…although I have convinced my wife to at least let me spend a couple dollars. 🙂

First, the "must have" albums:

Some singles:

A few non-“must haves”…but worth giving a listen (like Michael W. Smith, these four are all Christian artists…which you gotta admit makes sense given the “reason for the season”):

And 2012’s “honorable mention” that might end up on next year’s official list:

Now, I probably could have created a decently long list of honorable mentions if I didn’t limit it to what I bought this holiday season, so you may also want to see what Ella Fitzgerald, Martina McBride, Louis Armstrong, Carole King (isn’t she Jewish?), Amy Grant, The Jackson 5, Pink Martini, Andre Rieu, and Celine Dione have done.

Well, there you go…what’s on your list? Let me know…I always love a great excuse to buy more music! 🙂

Now, if you don’t know Jesus Christ, this would be a great season to find out how a carpenter’s son changed history.  Spoiler: it’s because He wasn’t just a carpenter’s son. 🙂

Look past how we Christians have represented our Savior so badly over the ages and instead listen to the voice of One who is truly worthy of your worship…and not only at Christmas…but every day of the year.

Finally…a very Merry Christmas to you and yours…

P.S.  With Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis…you just need to find a good collection for the money.  With some of the other ones you’ll want to make sure you get the album I specifically listed…with a couple of them, not all their Christmas albums are good, especially if you like traditional arrangements as I do…

P.P.S.  The Christmas tree pictured in this post was decorated by none other than my awesome 5 year-old Augie and my beautiful wife Michelle…

Lindsey Stone

I’m Not the Church Lady, But…

Posted on by Alan

Lindsey Stone

The Moral of the Lindsey Stone Story

If you are active on social networks, there is a decent chance you heard the story of Lindsey Stone from people posting notes of complete outrage at something she did. An article from November 21 on BostInno gives a good summary of what happened before and after Lindsey’s not well thought-out actions:

Lindsey Stone, the Plymouth, Massachusetts woman who posted a photo of herself giving the middle finger in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, creating a firestorm of Internet backlash and outrage, lost her job Wednesday.

Stone’s employer, Living Independently Forever, Inc., a non-profit based in Hyannis, announced that both Stone and the co-worker who took the photo were no longer working at the non-profit after thousands of people rallied for the pair to be removed from their jobs, saying what they did was disrespectful and offensive.1

I’ll admit I personally wish that we could be more forgiving about one foolish act, especially since Lindsey and her fellow miscreant were apologetic. The same article included their expression of regret:

Continue reading “I’m Not the Church Lady, But…”

Powerball ticket

Tempted by Half a Billion Dollars

Posted on by Alan

Powerball ticketDo you remember the 1993 movie, "Indecent Proposal," where Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson's characters (married in the film) are offered $1,000,000 by Robert Redford's character if she will just spend a single night with him? Or perhaps 2009's "The Box," where the couple played by Cameron Diaz and James Marsden are offered an equal amount if they'll simply press a button? The catch with their opportunity is that when they push the button in the box someone will die (although it won't be a person they know).

Would you take either offer? I'm assuming most people would immediately reject the second one…but I suspect there are some out there…folks in especially dire financial straits…where the first proposition might result in more than just a quick passing thought. One doesn't have to actually be greedy for money to be a terrible temptation—sometimes just wanting to be able to pay your bills can cause you to make questionable decisions. There immense of wisdom in Agur's words in Proverbs: Continue reading “Tempted by Half a Billion Dollars”

Color block nativity

“the 42 worst nativity sets”

Posted on by Alan

Color block nativityI’m of two minds with this post of "the 42 worst nativity sets" (title capitalization the author’s). I think my favorite is the one the thumbnail shows — which I actually believe is cool, not "worst." (The image is from here.)

Thoughts? Is it blasphemous to create some of these? (I’d say yes.) Blasphemous to put together a post including them? (I’d say maybe.)

Blasphemous to have a post about a post that includes them? 🙂

Crying baby

More Depravity

Posted on by Alan

Crying babyAfter yesterday's post about depravity, I didn't think I'd immediately have another one so soon after. I am at a loss for words to say just how terrible "Now sick babies go on death pathway: Doctor’s haunting testimony reveals how children are put on end-of-life plan" is.

To the parents and medical personnel involved, I only have one Scripture:

You shall not murder (Exodus 20:13, English Standard Version).

And as if killing babies isn't bad enough itself (inside our outside the womb): Continue reading “More Depravity”

Scale coming up lacking

Depravity

Posted on by Alan

Scale coming up lackingPerhaps God wasn't clear enough in this list…

6 "None of you shall approach any one of his close relatives to uncover nakedness. I am the LORD. 7 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, which is the nakedness of your mother; she is your mother, you shall not uncover her nakedness. 8 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife; it is your father's nakedness. 9 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, your father's daughter or your mother's daughter, whether brought up in the family or in another home. 10 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your son's daughter or of your daughter's daughter, for their nakedness is your own nakedness. 11 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's wife's daughter, brought up in your father's family, since she is your sister. 12 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's sister; she is your father's relative. 13 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister, for she is your mother's relative. 14 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's brother, that is, you shall not approach his wife; she is your aunt. 15 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law; she is your son's wife, you shall not uncover her nakedness. 16 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife; it is your brother's nakedness. 17 You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and of her daughter, and you shall not take her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter to uncover her nakedness; they are relatives; it is depravity. 18 And you shall not take a woman as a rival wife to her sister, uncovering her nakedness while her sister is still alive (Leviticus 17:6-18, English Standard Version).

…for the three people involved in this to understand their level of depravity:

Dear E. Jean: My mother is an attractive, interesting woman who reads ELLE and The Economist, dresses fashionably, and maintains a petite size 2 frame. Recently, I found out that my 39-year-old husband (of 14 years) has been having sex with her when he attends conferences at the resort near where she lives. When he told me, I was bothered by the fact that it didn't bother me. Continue reading “Depravity”

Bible with candle

Abomination!

Posted on by Alan

Bible with candle

Underworld

So, when you hear the word “abomination,” what comes to mind? Is there an image, a situation, or something else that immediately pops into your head? As I chose that single word as the title of this sermon it seemed like it demanded an exclamation point at the end…do you agree?

And as I thought about the word a bit, I was reminded of a scene in a movie from 2003 called “Underworld.” It’s a vampire flick where the bloodsuckers are at war with werewolves (which they call lycans). We join the film where the lead character, Selene, has discovered that the head vampire killed her family (and then turned her)…blaming the death of her loved ones on the werewolves:

Selene: It wasn’t the Lycans. It was you. How could you bear my trust knowing that you killed my family?

Viktor: Yes, I have taken from you but I have given so much more. Is it not a fair trade for life I have granted you? The gift of immortality?

Selene: And the life of your daughter? Your own flesh and blood?

Viktor: I loved my daughter. But the abomination growing in her womb was a betrayal of me and the coven. I did what was necessary to protect the species. As I am forced to do yet again.1

What Viktor was calling an abomination was the fruit of a relationship between his daughter and…gasp!…and a lycan she loved.

We may immediately condemn the fictional Viktor’s prejudice…but our history has been just as unenlightened…otherwise we wouldn’t have terms like “half-breed.” I only have old westerns to go by, but it does seem to me that there were plenty of 18 century Americans who thought the fruit of an “Indian” and a “white man” was an abomination.

Continue reading “Abomination!”

Giving grace at the Thanksgiving dinner

When it Is Hard to Be Thankful

Posted on by Alan

Giving grace at the Thanksgiving dinnerOn Facebook, a couple of my friends have been posting daily entries as part of November "Be Thankful" Month. I'll admit that I skip right past those—not because I have anything against them—I'm just not a Chicken Soup for the Soul kind of guy. 🙂

There is much to be said for the practice though, and not just in November. Especially when life is troublesome, it's easy to forget all the blessings we have and focus on that day's, that week's, that month's, or that year's problems. I remember from when I was "trained" to pray (by Mormon missionaries of all things)…that you start off with "Heavenly Father"…immediately thank God for X, Y, and Z…and only then ask for things (of course closing with, "In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.").

And although I don't think there is a fixed form for "correct" prayer, I do think it best that we first slow down and thank Him for everything He has so generously (and undeservedly) granted us. Augie seems to have this down, always starting off his bedtime prayer by thanking our Lord for a "good day" and school and whatever he can remember (followed by a, "Did I forget anything?" to mom and dad). He really does appreciate the simple things in life, and his prayers to "Heavenwy Fahder" reflect it. Continue reading “When it Is Hard to Be Thankful”