More Devious Than Jacob

“Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses.” – Proverbs 10:12

I might have been able to spend Christmas at Grandma’s when I was 8. I might have been able to avoid the trauma of the infamous slap fest. I might have avoided listening to the same 8-track 4 times in a row. She made it impossible. 

My childhood was devoid of meaning. I had an older sister who felt she was in every way superior. She could drive before me, she worked a deal to steal my larger bedroom that puts Jacob’s “Red Stew” incident to shame, and she could always get me into trouble with my parents even when she started it. 

Many years have passed since we last held a contest to see who would cry first after being slapped, and I find myself grateful that the 8-track is obsolete, but I’m even more grateful for a new outlook based on love. 

Maybe sibling rivalries are normal, but the quarrels they produce don’t bring people together. When I was eight and my father turned the car away from the road to Grandma’s because of a backseat fight I thought I hated my sister. When I cried because she slapped harder than a mountain man during a mosquito attack in springtime I felt hatred seeping into my brain. When she laughed because she could drive – and choose the music – I resented her. 

We haven’t lived under the same roof in nearly 40 years. Time has a way of prioritizing offenses. Love can replace hatred, and offenses don’t seem so offensive. Love offers a forgiveness that has been both given and received. 

Father, help me really see the person behind my resentment. Help me realize the quarrels that can occur do little to bring people together. Help me to forgive and love the way You did when You sent Your Son to die for people who hated – and quarreled.  Amen.

He Dared to Tread

You might or might not know that I love Christmas. Each year for more than twenty now I have written either a story or an audio drama that connects with Christmas. This one goes back about 15 years and is a fictional account, but one I remain connected to. May it assist in drawing you closer to the one who introduced this season. - Glenn

His whistle echoed in the empty store giving him the feeling that he was not alone, rather that he was joined by an angelic host announcing something altogether new and equally wonderful. 

He smiled a pleased smile as he pushed the broom down one vacant aisle after another. This was his job and he was trustworthy. The stock boys, clerks and managers had gone home, and he took the worst that the day had offered and made the old place shine. 

There were things some said he couldn’t do, but he could clean, he could smile and he was a master in the craft of whistling. So he smiled, he cleaned and he whistled.

This was a special night, the shoppers were all home with their families or at church celebrating the birth of a Baby. He knew the Baby and was as excited as anyone else about the celebration, but he had work to do and the Baby would want him to do his best.

So he polished, swept, waxed and hauled trash. Even Woolden’s Department Store needed to be ready just in case the baby showed up. He smiled at the thought and even let out a laugh which he didn‘t try to stop. He just couldn’t stop being happy. 

As he carted a box of trash through the store room he noticed the life-sized nativity display that couldn’t be put out anymore. He grinned at the tiny doll-like baby resting in decade’s old hay and the parents who stood by watching the Boy. Then there were the shepherds, they came as soon as the angels said “Go.” Yes this was good news - he smiled as he clapped. A baby - a precious little baby. He was flooded with memories of another display he had once seen. 

When he walked outside he stopped and turned his face upward. It had begun to snow and he wanted to catch some of the flakes on his tongue - he had always loved that. The box was hoisted effortlessly over his head and fell into the dumpster with a satisfying thud.

A moan caught his attention and he walked behind the line of dumpsters to look. His eyes lit up as he spotted a boy and a girl. She was gonna have a baby, he’d seen this before.

“You came!” he beamed.

“Hey, we’re not doing anything wrong, mister,” the young man replied.

“You havin’ a baby,” he stated what was obvious.

“Look, we just want to be left alone,” the young girl said in desperation as the pain of childbirth hit once more.

“It cold ow here. You shud come inside. It warm. Place to stay - come on, I hep you,” he grinned as he pushed his glasses a bit further up on his nose and easily carried the girl inside.

“You’re not gonna tell on us, are you?” the young man asked.

“You want I should tell peopo?” he asked with a smile.

“No! Uh, that’s alright. No one else needs to know.” the young man said.

“Alrigh,” he easily agreed.

The trio soon became a quartet in the storage room of Woolden’s. The wail of new life brought a contented grin to his face as he rocked back and forth in the sheer joy of the moment. “Can I hol’ him?” He asked as he removed the doll from the manger. “We bess lay him here, missy. Why look, Mary an Joseph, they come to see him - so di’ the shepherds.”

The young girl began to cry as she took in the sight of the nativity display with her new son lying in straw. The young man seemed equally confused.

“Don’ cry Missy. Jess look at him - he is beaut’e’ful, just like when Mary lay eyes on baby Jesus. Jess perfict,” he clapped his hands soundlessly as tears began to stream down his cheeks.

A plan was forfeited that night. The desperation of two young people who made poor decisions and were set to proceed with the most desperate act of their lives had an unexpected visit. No wise men, no uncommon conception, just one who adored them - one they would never have noticed in different circumstances. Their baby would have the birthplace of a king instead of a pathetic burial in a city dumpster.

In those moments hearts were transformed and the life of a baby boy was given hope and promise.

And an angel rejoiced.

Vacancy

It was the festive ambiance of a family at Christmas. Sisters-in-law, brothers-in law, parents-in-law, nephew, nieces. Nearly twenty in all.

On this Christmas-past, I am a sponge. I soak in all that I see and hear. My daughter is just a few months old at the time and we all agreed to meet in Colorado for Christmas. One family has an air mattress and sleeping bags in the basement. A hide-a-bed couch serves to accommodate another family; spare bedrooms are filled to capacity.

One sister, in full joy, proclaims that she has the cutest baby on planet earth, while another exacts a proclamation of equal conviction with general disagreement on all sides while I quietly gaze at my own daughter, who is without question the cutest child by far. I turn and look near the fireplace, the rest of the guys are working on a jig saw puzzle (well over a million pieces if memory serves). Our children perform grand and glorious firsts - moments worthy of a TV movie of the week and our wives are chanting their praises as the men set bleary eyed, not willing that any puzzle piece should perish for lack of immediate placement.

In time, we eat turkey and are served a full compliment of the season's finest provisions; cranberries, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, the very-veggie contents of a relish tray, candy, cookies and pies and other non-descript specialties that include a combination of marshmallows and some sort of green stuff.

We all leave the table having eaten far too much while exercising far too little restraint. The tryptophan suddenly immerses the male populace of this small village into a comical bob-n-weave as one by one; we succumb to "slumber so deep" while our children bounce on our belly's, "like bowls full of jelly".

The presents were opened and everyone ooh'ed and aah'ed and then quickly contracted an advanced case of amnesia with neither the gift nor the giver being recalled.

A clash of cultures takes place between those who have children and those that do not. Invariably, a childless in-law (generally male) cheers like they're at a football game, 50 yard line, 5th row, isle seat. Why? They are the first person to land on Boardwalk. Three mom's scurry away to calm previously sleeping children - the game is forgotten.

And as comfortable as this family inn has been, it is not home. I try to sleep but every noise is distinct in its unfamiliarity. I notice the flushing of the communal restroom facility and the creaking of the floor and the faint whisper of others seeking elusive slumber.

Suddenly it hits me; Jesus came to a packed house and wasn't allowed in. The joyful celebrating on that first Christmas refused to acknowledge a newborn babe. I imagine women joking and sharing stories of the agony and ecstasy of being moms. I imagine games that the men insisted on winning. Children alternately delighting and exasperating their parents with everyone looking forward to going home.

I seek out a quiet spot and bring my Bible...

"And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:1-7

Did I leave Him outside? Did I forget to bring Him with me? Was His presence what I had been missing in all the family fun?

No room?

I looked over and two others had also found their Bibles and it suddenly seemed the house had miraculously expanded - the Guest of honor had arrived and found He was welcome.

The Heart of His Story

Note: A different take on The Night Before Christmas. My mind does work in unusual ways. - Glenn

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the earth,

Creatures were stirring, just prior to birth.

The baby was wrapped in cloths swaddled with care,

The Son of ‘Almighty’ was finally there.

Mankind was nestled all snug in their beds,

In hopes that Messiah would remove fear and dread.

God in His manger while Mary looked on,

Soon words sprang to her lips, she sang a new song.

My spirit rejoices, my soul praises God,

I am but a servant, and some think me odd.

But today I am blessed, that will be my name,

Great things He has done, I’m no longer the same.

He brings down the haughty, and raises the weak,

He scatters the proud, and gives heart to the meek.

His people He helps, woman, child, and man,

He dispenses His mercy from a righteous right hand.

That boy, once a baby, soon debates with the wise,

He speaks as one learned, knowing how it applies.

But more years would pass by on His way to His plan,

And He would grow in favor with His God, and with man.

He called His disciples and they each made a choice,

Like sheep hear their shepherd they followed His voice.

He told them great stories and each had a purpose,

He shared His life and brought His plan to the surface.

In the quietest moments He spoke of the way,

He must die for mankind, and then rise on that day.

To pay the price for our sins, present, future and past,

To defeat death’s horrid sting, offering eternity vast.

While they did not understand as He spoke these words,

There would come a day when their memories stirred.

They had denied, they had run, they had cried.

Just outside of town, the Messiah was condemned, crucified.

And in the three days that followed, darkness clung to the land,

The earth gave a great shake, and the disciples quietly ran.

To see the body of Jesus, The reminder of promise,

Each chose to believe except one named Thomas.

Victory, sweet victory, the redeemer, alive,

When it came to forgiveness, no more need to deprive.

The love of the Father, brought to life through His son,

Redemption complete, new life won by One.

The story is clear, and the meaning is plain,

When Jesus came to this earth it took dying to gain.

New life for His people, new hope, a new plan,

That started with a baby, a mother, and man.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the earth,

Creatures were stirring, just prior to birth.

The baby was wrapped in cloths swaddled with care,

The Son of ‘Almighty’ was finally there.

Forever Snow Day

Snow days have always been a rare piece of fruit dangling from the tree of childhood wishes. It's downright impressive to get one.

To have a snow day means sleeping in, frost on the widows, and building snow forts. Snow men come to life on snow days. In a perfect world moms stay home and make the day a special memory with the best breakfast ever and and endless supply of hot cocoa with itty bitty marshmallows.

On snow days there's a blend of cold faces and overheated backs as every child is dressed in layers. Sledding is mandatory. Snow angels are art. Snow ball fights proved the mettle of young warriors.

It appears a school in Michigan may have dealt a death blow to the snow day. This school had a 'dry run' of a new snow day protocol. Students were allowed to stay home, but they took all their regular classes online. The school proved that a snow day could mean classes can be held even when the buses don't run.

The essential hope of a snow day rests in one thing – a gift. Kids know they have to go to school Monday through Friday unless the school plans a day off for in-service or holiday. A snow day is a present to students. They get an unexpected day off.

God gave us a snow day for the rest of our lives. What He did was unexpected, but was a rare piece of fruit dangling from the tree of lifelong desires.

God told us we were responsible for our own action. He gave us a set of rules and we mess up – every day. We owe a debt we can't pay and God isn't satisfied until it's paid.

That's when God gave us the improved snow day. He sent His Son, Jesus to pay what we owe for sin. He invites us to stop trying to improve life on our own and rely on His ability to make us new.

“God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.” Romans 5:8 (MSG)

God told the world, “I've got this. Relax. Sin has been taken care of.”

Snow day?

“[Jesus said], I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” John 10:10 (MSG)

The same joy kids feel when they have a snow day is expanded when we truly understand God didn't just choose one day – but every day until we die – to experience the love, forgiveness, and companionship He offers.

Kids will always see a snow day as good news. All of us can see God's greatest rescue plan as the greatest news. But how often do we treat following God's plans as something we have to do rather than something we can't wait to do?

What if we treated our relationship with God like a forever snow day? Sure it will be different, but when we bring the joy the days we live can bear a resemblance to the radio announcement we all remember, “Due to weather conditions there will be no school today.”

So, the next time there is a snow day, just remember God has a life that is abundant, real, and adventurous – and it won't stop when the day is done. Isn't it time to really live?

Botox for the Wrinkled Blessing Psyche

Have you ever noticed how Thanksgiving day can often feel a bit like that special time right before church when you teeter precariously between the love of God and potential homicide (mostly involving unruly offspring)?

Ah yes, a lovely holiday designed to allow all of us to express genuine moments of gratitude. Yep, that’s how it started, but some turkey farmer took a course in marketing and the holiday morphed into something about as unattainable as three dollar bills. 

The special day arrives and invariably we find that a favorite recipe calls for more items than we have available and the only store opened charges only slightly less that the national debt for things like corn starch. Many times it is whole families that converge on one home and the host family is left with no place to go when they need a good cry. The television is set on ‘consistent blither’, although the only programs worth watching seem to be a fishing show and a football game, the rest of the programs seem steeped in another holiday altogether.

Between the lack of personal space and that unusual smell that seems to coincide with family closeness, someone suggests a strategic plan for the day after Thanksgiving sales. Uncles mumble and occasionally grunt as football players run back and forth on a pretty little pasture. Mostly they just hope they won’t have to chauffeur the following day. If they refuse to pay attention they can claim ignorance.

Someone is dissatisfied with the sleeping arrangements, one nephew is in trouble for picking on the youngest, and a sister really thinks you should have had tofu turkey.

It’s amazing that holidays can become irresistible stress magnets. We promise ourselves that we won’t let the stress get to us, yet we fly into the holiday as if our entire psyche has had one too many Botox injections and we probably won’t resemble our old selves till St. Patrick’s Day.

A few years ago I was left to consider the concept of thanksgiving at a time when I wasn’t ready for some football, and turkeys were still hanging out at the feed trough telling chicken jokes. Nope, this was smack dab in the middle of summer and I found myself understanding the idea of thanksgiving better than I ever had before.

All I had to do was pay attention to the things that I was grateful for and then let the person responsible know that I was obliged. Seemed simple enough.

“Thanks for checking me out.”

“This is a grocery store and it’s my job, sir.”

“OK - thanks for taking the job. Without you being here to check me out I might be tempted to walk out with it, so thanks for saving me from a life of crime.”

“Security!”

Some experiences actually went better. In fact, there were several people that were profoundly overwhelmed that someone would take notice of something they had done. It was clear that many of these people had never been thanked before and it changed the way they looked at the rest of the day. Some thought I was joking and then seemed confused when there didn’t seem to be a punch line.

No football, no eating myself into a stupor, no stressful moment - just a few words of appreciation and my day was as close to perfect as they come.

The Old Testament is filled with moments where a father would bless his son. Jesus spent much time investing in the lives of those with whom He came in contact. He encouraged us to bless our enemies and not to curse them (I Peter 3:9).

If we have such examples that range from blessing our kids to blessing a rude brother-in-law, then extending a blessing to those we rarely come in contact with seems to make sense too. 

The strange thing is you think you’re doing it for them but something happens to you that will amaze and astound.

Oh, and if you really want turkey you can always invite the guy that takes your groceries to the car to the deli for a smoked turkey sub with whatever fixings he wants - then invite him to the park so you can throw the pig skin for awhile. On second thought, maybe he’d take it better if you just said thanks.

Sing Once More For Me

Note: I have had a couple of friends who spent years in the pastorate and after retirement they moved to ministering in nursing homes. Recently Betty Jo left her beloved Don after 60 years of marriage. It was this beautiful soul that inspired this poem. Maybe you know someone like Betty Jo - maybe you are someone like Betty Jo - someone who helps others focus on their future.  

She sits all alone

Her eyes appear vacant

She reacts to no one

Her mind seems distant

Life has been long

Health issues malicious

A bed and a wheelchair

She won't long be with us

But then a merry soul

Paid a visit one day

And sang an old hymn

As old Clara lay

Clara's eyes came in focus

And the tears filled and fell

And she joined in the song

A joyful praise from soul’s well

The nurses can’t believe

The song they are hearing

She has uttered no words

For a year or so nearing

A brilliant smile remains

Lingering after the song

Her mind fixed on Jesus

She’ll see His face before long

While her body seems useless

Her soul still communes

She holds loosely to life

Waiting for one final boon

And it comes in the end

Despite expressions of sorrow

Her soul has found rest

With no earthly tomorrow 

Eternity with Jesus

Following her longest night

Her body is whole

Her spirit is light

"I knew You would come."

She says with a smile

"I waited and remembered

And You came after awhile."

"True, dear daughter,

It’s you I’ve been waiting to see.

I heard your sweet voice, 

Now daughter, sing once more for Me."

- Glenn Hascall -