This week, I saw an interesting new story on the early morning news. Advertisers are taking a new approach in marketing products, in an attempt to boost sales of product. At a bus station in San Francisco, small strips are being placed in inconspicuous places overhead. These little strips are chemically altered with a scent that will trigger the brain to want and crave a particular product. The nostrils of the "captive audience" is filled with the pleasant, warming aroma of hot, baked chocolate chip cookies. Who is the company that is sponsoring this new approach to advertising? Is it Keebler? Of course, those little elves must be behind such an ingenious idea. Is it Mrs. Fields? Her cookies sure are good, and could there possibly be a better idea than "aroma-advertising"? The answer is actually not a cookie company, at all. By looking to the right, the unsuspecting passengers have just been bamboozled by association. Most minds, when processing the smell of fresh, hot chocolate chip cookies associate a certain beverage with such euphoria. A large poster is there, with a black background. Two words phrasing a question are centered on the ad, and then the idea is crystal clear. Got Milk??
The ability of smells, sights and sounds to move us, and remind us of times that are warming and comforting is powerful. I invite each of you this morning to close your eyes, and in these few moments of silence, I invite you to think of the smells, sights and sounds of the Christmas season. (Pause for 15-30 seconds then Invite people to share these powerful memories)
You all are aware that I am an odd person. Some of you know that in a little more personal way than others, but believe me...I am strange. When I think of Christmas, many memories come to mind: smells of holiday cooking, sights of family laughing as they open gifts, sounds of family members around the table talking, and sometimes fussing after an uncle brings up a sensitive issue. I recall sitting at the little kids table and wanting to be with the grown-ups. Of course, now that I am at the big table, I realize how joyous it would be to go back.
Those things are not too odd, but this memory is a little strange. As I think of the holiday, I hear a rhythmic beat; a boom boom boom...boom boom,...boom boom. This sound is the sound of my feet as they bounded down our stairs. Everyday throughout the year, this was the rhythm of life; moving from upstairs to downstairs. On Christmas morning however, my sister and I would have to walk slowly, as Mom and Dad got in place, with the camera for just the right shot...of happy kids with morning hair. This one time of torturous, slow walking killed us, as we were so ready to see the bounty left for us by Santa. After walking slowly, and reaching the bottom..we were never disappointed.
Today, I want to talk to you about steps. We all take them, and as we look at a familiar passage, we will see that Mary and Joseph did the same.
Luke 2
1-And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2-(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3-And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4-And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5-To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6-And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7-And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Just as Amy and I walked slowly those Christmas mornings, Mary and Joseph has steps to take on the long journey to Bethlehem. They had to travel just under one hundred miles over rough roads, using their feet and a donkey for transportation. It took them at least a week to make this journey. I cannot imagine how difficult it would be to make that trip while on the verge of delivering a baby. It is hard enough for us to drive to our respective families for the holiday. We have the comfort of a mini-van, with heat and air, and I-pod with 2800 songs, and an unlimited number of restaurants, and gas stations to stop at for relief. We stop and switch drivers,and stretch.
I cannot see Mary and Joseph having this conversation:
Joseph-"Would you like to drive the donkey"
Mary- "No. That's OK, I think I would prefer to take a nap."
Joseph- "What about lunch?"
Mary- "Look, I think I see a Cracker Barrel or maybe that is a Waffle House in the distance."
The steps they took were steps that were not easy. They were filled with difficulty, but their faithfulness is rewarded. These steps of faith are rewarded in the beautiful scene of God made flesh, wrapped in swaddling cloths, and lying in a manger. This little bundle of joy, at this time cannot take any steps...but many important ones are to follow.
We see the steps of Jesus, as he has walked away from his parents, now teaching the teachers in the Temple.
We see the steps of Jesus,as he walks into town, and walks over to the well and tells the woman there that she is forgiven.
We see the steps of Jesus, as he walks over to the tree. Looking up, he says, "Zaccheus, come down ..because Today I need to eat with you."
We see the steps of Jesus, as he sets his steps toward Jerusalem,knowing that this journey will lead to his death.
We see the steps of Jesus, as he is lead away from the Garden, in the hands of soldiers. We hear him say to his disciples, "Put away your swords."
We see the steps of Jesus, as he walks the hill to Calvary. While hanging there, he says "Father Forgive them, they know not what they do"
As we focus on the Advent candle, we see that the candle of dumbfoundedness is lit. Reminding us to be dumbfounded in the presence of the Lord. Although we are so unfaithful, often God blesses us immensely. We should be dumbfounded, knowing that He loves us so very much.
Today, we will light the candle of "steps". We realize that each day begins with steps, and before we stop in the evening, many more happen. Just as Mary and Joseph took these steps of faith, Jesus learned and followed.
Psalm 37:23 tells us, "Our steps are governed by the Lord." During this season, may we see our lives are lived out one faithful step at a time.
The ornament that I hold up today, is a reminder of little steps. This little ornament was made by my Aunt and I the week before my sister was born. For many years, I was the only child, and my steps were watched closely by the entire family. My sister came along, and actually took her first steps in a hotel here at Myrtle Beach. The best part is that after her birth, my steps were not focused upon. We both grew up, and each evening at 6:10 p.m., we would be sitting on those same Christmas steps, looking out the window, and waiting on my father to arrive home. Now, we are the parents, entrusted with watching the steps of our little ones.
The ability of smells, sights and sounds to move us, and remind us of times that are warming and comforting is powerful. I invite each of you this morning to close your eyes, and in these few moments of silence, I invite you to think of the smells, sights and sounds of the Christmas season. (Pause for 15-30 seconds then Invite people to share these powerful memories)
You all are aware that I am an odd person. Some of you know that in a little more personal way than others, but believe me...I am strange. When I think of Christmas, many memories come to mind: smells of holiday cooking, sights of family laughing as they open gifts, sounds of family members around the table talking, and sometimes fussing after an uncle brings up a sensitive issue. I recall sitting at the little kids table and wanting to be with the grown-ups. Of course, now that I am at the big table, I realize how joyous it would be to go back.
Those things are not too odd, but this memory is a little strange. As I think of the holiday, I hear a rhythmic beat; a boom boom boom...boom boom,...boom boom. This sound is the sound of my feet as they bounded down our stairs. Everyday throughout the year, this was the rhythm of life; moving from upstairs to downstairs. On Christmas morning however, my sister and I would have to walk slowly, as Mom and Dad got in place, with the camera for just the right shot...of happy kids with morning hair. This one time of torturous, slow walking killed us, as we were so ready to see the bounty left for us by Santa. After walking slowly, and reaching the bottom..we were never disappointed.
Today, I want to talk to you about steps. We all take them, and as we look at a familiar passage, we will see that Mary and Joseph did the same.
Luke 2
1-And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2-(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3-And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4-And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5-To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6-And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7-And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Just as Amy and I walked slowly those Christmas mornings, Mary and Joseph has steps to take on the long journey to Bethlehem. They had to travel just under one hundred miles over rough roads, using their feet and a donkey for transportation. It took them at least a week to make this journey. I cannot imagine how difficult it would be to make that trip while on the verge of delivering a baby. It is hard enough for us to drive to our respective families for the holiday. We have the comfort of a mini-van, with heat and air, and I-pod with 2800 songs, and an unlimited number of restaurants, and gas stations to stop at for relief. We stop and switch drivers,and stretch.
I cannot see Mary and Joseph having this conversation:
Joseph-"Would you like to drive the donkey"
Mary- "No. That's OK, I think I would prefer to take a nap."
Joseph- "What about lunch?"
Mary- "Look, I think I see a Cracker Barrel or maybe that is a Waffle House in the distance."
The steps they took were steps that were not easy. They were filled with difficulty, but their faithfulness is rewarded. These steps of faith are rewarded in the beautiful scene of God made flesh, wrapped in swaddling cloths, and lying in a manger. This little bundle of joy, at this time cannot take any steps...but many important ones are to follow.
We see the steps of Jesus, as he has walked away from his parents, now teaching the teachers in the Temple.
We see the steps of Jesus,as he walks into town, and walks over to the well and tells the woman there that she is forgiven.
We see the steps of Jesus, as he walks over to the tree. Looking up, he says, "Zaccheus, come down ..because Today I need to eat with you."
We see the steps of Jesus, as he sets his steps toward Jerusalem,knowing that this journey will lead to his death.
We see the steps of Jesus, as he is lead away from the Garden, in the hands of soldiers. We hear him say to his disciples, "Put away your swords."
We see the steps of Jesus, as he walks the hill to Calvary. While hanging there, he says "Father Forgive them, they know not what they do"
As we focus on the Advent candle, we see that the candle of dumbfoundedness is lit. Reminding us to be dumbfounded in the presence of the Lord. Although we are so unfaithful, often God blesses us immensely. We should be dumbfounded, knowing that He loves us so very much.
Today, we will light the candle of "steps". We realize that each day begins with steps, and before we stop in the evening, many more happen. Just as Mary and Joseph took these steps of faith, Jesus learned and followed.
Psalm 37:23 tells us, "Our steps are governed by the Lord." During this season, may we see our lives are lived out one faithful step at a time.
The ornament that I hold up today, is a reminder of little steps. This little ornament was made by my Aunt and I the week before my sister was born. For many years, I was the only child, and my steps were watched closely by the entire family. My sister came along, and actually took her first steps in a hotel here at Myrtle Beach. The best part is that after her birth, my steps were not focused upon. We both grew up, and each evening at 6:10 p.m., we would be sitting on those same Christmas steps, looking out the window, and waiting on my father to arrive home. Now, we are the parents, entrusted with watching the steps of our little ones.
May the Lord guide each of your steps, and may each of us walk beside the other and assist, as needed. May each step of this holiday season be filled with anticipation of the Messiah that we celebrate, this blessed time of year.
Closing Hymn--Footprints of Jesus
Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,
Come, follow Me!
And we see where Thy footprints falling
Lead us to Thee.
Refrain:
Footprints of Jesus,
That make the pathway glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus
Where’er they go.
Though they lead o’er the cold, dark mountains,
Seeking His sheep;
Or along by Siloam’s fountains,
Helping the weak.
If they lead through the temple holy,
Preaching the Word;
Or in homes of the poor and lowly,
Serving the Lord.
Though, dear Lord, in Thy pathway keeping,
We follow Thee;
Through the gloom of that place of weeping,
Gethsemane!
If Thy way and its sorrows bearing,
We go again,
Up the slope of the hillside, bearing
Our cross of pain.
By and by, through the shining portals,
Turning our feet,
We shall walk, with the glad immortals,
Heaven’s golden street.
Then, at last, when on high He sees us,
Our journey done,
We will rest where the steps of Jesus
End at His throne.
Footprints of Jesus,
That make the pathway glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus
Where’er they go.
Benediction--
Dismiss us from this place with you love and mercy. Thank you for allowing us to take steps, fall, and come to you for forgiveness. May this holiday season be filled with steps that lead us to focus upon the Coming Christ, who came, died, rose and will return again...in faithfulness. Light out path, O' God, as we walk this way that you have prepared for us. Amen.
Closing Hymn--Footprints of Jesus
Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,
Come, follow Me!
And we see where Thy footprints falling
Lead us to Thee.
Refrain:
Footprints of Jesus,
That make the pathway glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus
Where’er they go.
Though they lead o’er the cold, dark mountains,
Seeking His sheep;
Or along by Siloam’s fountains,
Helping the weak.
If they lead through the temple holy,
Preaching the Word;
Or in homes of the poor and lowly,
Serving the Lord.
Though, dear Lord, in Thy pathway keeping,
We follow Thee;
Through the gloom of that place of weeping,
Gethsemane!
If Thy way and its sorrows bearing,
We go again,
Up the slope of the hillside, bearing
Our cross of pain.
By and by, through the shining portals,
Turning our feet,
We shall walk, with the glad immortals,
Heaven’s golden street.
Then, at last, when on high He sees us,
Our journey done,
We will rest where the steps of Jesus
End at His throne.
Footprints of Jesus,
That make the pathway glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus
Where’er they go.
Benediction--
Dismiss us from this place with you love and mercy. Thank you for allowing us to take steps, fall, and come to you for forgiveness. May this holiday season be filled with steps that lead us to focus upon the Coming Christ, who came, died, rose and will return again...in faithfulness. Light out path, O' God, as we walk this way that you have prepared for us. Amen.
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