Byrds' Eye View

In 1965, the American rock band, The Byrds had a hit with arguably the oldest lyrics of any modern #1 song when they released their cover of Pete Seeger's "Turn! Turn! Turn!" In fact, nearly the entire song (minus the melody and just a few words) is copied out of the King James Version of Ecclesiastes 3. As we enter the new year, though, this old song with ancient lyrics still raises some questions and relevant points for us to consider.

The Cure for Scrooge-itis

This is the fourth entry in a series looking at some of our favorite Christmas TV shows and movies, and talking about God's message especially to those who do not enjoy the Advent and Christmas seasons. Those who know me well may recognize some of this from a sermon series I did during last year's Advent season. For Part 1, click here. For Part 2, click here. For Part 3, click here.

1st edition of Charles Dickens'
A Christmas Carol (1843)

Today: A Christmas Carol

Since Advent is a season to prepare for the coming of the Lord (both at Christmas and when he promises one day to return), this should be a time of reflection, when we look at our lives and ask how well we're living up to God's standards. The Bible says a lot about how we ought to live, and some passages are especially rich. For instance, Hebrews 13:1-16 gives us several principles:

• Share love with others at all times
• Show hospitality to strangers
• Care about people in prison or being tortured as if it was you
• Treat marriage as precious, and be faithful to your spouse
• Don't focus on money - be content and trust God to provide
• Study and learn from the faith of godly people
• Find a way to praise God no matter what happens
• Do good and give to others, even when it's a sacrifice

Of course, these aren't always easy. Often, we struggle with these and other Biblical ideals because they feel backwards to our selfish human nature. But consider: how backwards is it that a king would leave his throne to suffer with his subjects and would offer his own life to save theirs after they ridiculed and beat him? Jesus repeatedly shows us that if we want to be the people of God, we have to let him change our selfish hearts into hearts filled with humility and love. And if we have been inwardly changed, it should show in an outward way. If not, then something's definitely not right!

At the beginning of A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge seems to be so calloused, he's actually living the opposite of the godly life. He has developed a sickness. Thankfully, as the story unfolds, we see a prescription for the cure.

Overcoming the Grinch

This is the third entry in a series looking at some of our favorite Christmas TV shows and movies, and talking about God's message especially to those who do not enjoy the Advent and Christmas seasons. Those who know me well may recognize some of this from a sermon series I did during last year's Advent season. For Part 1, click here. For Part 2, click here.

The Grinch is green with envy!

Today: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

This classic tale first appeared as a children's book in 1957, but was immortalized as a half-hour cartoon special a decade later, and was even turned into a full-length movie with Jim Carrey in 2000. While Dr. Seuss is well-known for many of his stories, for me, How the Grinch Stole Christmas has always been my favorite.

“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot...

But the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!

The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season!

Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason.”

- Dr. Seuss

Is It a Wonderful Life?

This is the second entry in a series looking at some of our favorite movies/shows to watch during the lead-up to Christmas. Those who know me well may recognize some of this from a sermon series I did during last year's Advent season. For Part 1, click here.

Today: It's a Wonderful Life

Have you ever felt like your life is not going the way you’d like it to? Maybe life would have been better if you had finished college...if you'd gotten that promotion...if you'd married someone else...if you'd spent more time with your loved ones and less money on things that don’t matter..... Of course, we could play the game of “What ifs” all day if we want, but dwelling on the past will never change a thing about the future. Still, it’s hard not to think about it sometimes. Often, it can be particularly enticing to wonder “What if...?” during the holiday season - especially when Christmas seems to come faster every year, and the years begin to slip away!

At the end of his rope, George Bailey considers the unthinkable

If you know what I'm talking about, George Bailey could definitely identify with you. George grew up in the small town of Bedford Falls, but he never planned to stay there. No, George wanted to travel, and he wanted to become a great architect and make a real difference in the world. That was the plan, but as my mom says, "If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans!"