Pastor Jon's Blog

Perspective Continued

2009-12-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

And another thing. Do you know what's wrong with the phrase, "put Christ back into Christmas?" It implies, somehow, that Christ was ever taken out of Christmas. No one on earth has the power to do that. Christ is Christmas, whether we remember it or not. But, if we want to experience Christ at Christmas, we better look at the manger in Bethlehem and not at the checkout stand at Nordstrom. One of my Christmas heroes, Ebeneezer Scrooge, once said, "you keep Christmas in your way, and I will keep it in mine." If you want to keep Christ in your Christmas, he is not hiding. In fact, that is the point of Christmas. God became as obvious as possible by becoming one of us. Christ has been in Christmas since the very first one. Where have we been?

The Advent Conspiracy in Perspective

2009-12-16T09:12:00.000-08:00

Recently, the Advent Conspiracy was featured in an article by Time magazine. The article says it all. Christians - and the often times bombastic fear peddlers that claim to speak for us - have for too long fought a ridiculous war on Christmas. We settle for cheap little victories like getting the clerk at the store to say "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays." I am told that every time that happens, an angel gets their wings. The group Focus on the Family even has a web site dedicated to revealing how "Christmas friendly" particular retailers are. I will say this plainly. That is the most absurd thing that I have ever heard of. I don't care if the person behind the counter at Barnes and Noble says to me "Merry Christmas," "happy holidays," "Happy Hanukkah," or "go jump in a lake" (o.k., I might take offense to that last one - that's just rude). If we Christians spend all of our energy trying to convince retailers to say "Merry Christmas" than we have truly completely lost all perspective. Because - here's a news flash - Christmas has nothing to do with retail stores. No one will ever confuse me for a super-genius. But, one thing I know is that if we are claiming to want to "put Christ back in Christmas," than we need to start in our own homes and in our own churches. Here's a kooky idea (and this is why I love the Advent Conspiracy so much), let's not confuse Christmas with consumption. Let's model for the world what God modeled for the world on the first Christmas - love for humanity. If we want to put Christ back into Christmas, than let's show the same love for others that God showed for us. There are people in the world who would settle for food or water this Christmas. They don't really care whether the clerk at the store told us "Merry Christmas" when they sold us the DSI for our kids. They just want to live. I wonder want bothers Jesus most during the season of Advent, that people say happy holidays instead of Merry Christmas, or that while the church is fighting over this trifle issue, people are dying from hunger. Let's get some perspective.

Christmas Cry Baby

2009-12-15T19:52:00.000-08:00

It is official. I am a Christmas cry baby! Last night, I was watching one of the cheesiest versions of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" on TV complete with fake English accents, sappy songs, the whole nine yards. And yet, I could not look away from the TV set. And, at the end of the show, after Ebenezer Scrooge is redeemed, I fought back the tears. I love that story. I love that Scrooge is transformed and experiences new life. In the South Coast Repertory production of "A Christmas Carol," the show ends with Scrooge quoting from the Alfred Lord Tennyson poem "Ring Out Wild Bells." That is usually when the lump starts to form in my throat. "Ring out the grief that saps the mind, for those that here we see no more, ring out the feud of rich and poor, ring in redress to all mankind. Ring out a slowly dying cause, and ancient forms of party strife; ring in the nobler modes of life, with sweeter manners, purer laws." What a vision. I can believe in that. In fact, I think that God embodied that in Jesus, and Christmas is just the beginning of the story. Yeah, I am a Christmas cry baby. I am still moved by a God who loves us enough to become one of us.

Christmas Focus

2009-12-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

This year, I have been inspired by the Advent Conspiracy. So far, the Advent season has been meaningful and relatively stress free. I am looking forward to a holy Christmas. What a blessing! I have come to realize that this sort of thing does not happen accidentally. I have been encouraged by the response of members of my congregation as they have shared with me stories about how they are doing Christmas differently this year. I have been strengthened by my family as we share in Advent celebrations that have nothing to do with Santa Claus. In my personal devotions, I am reading Paul's letters. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul writes, "For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it. For the people of those regions report about us what kind of welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God." Advent has been wonderful as I and my family have sought to "turn from idols" of commercialism and consumerism. It has been a time of true transformation!

The Longest Night

2009-12-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, it is difficult to get into the joy of Christmas. On Monday, December 21, at 7:00 p.m. LOTC will be hosting a worship service for people that are struggling during the holidays. Some people struggle with the loss of a loved one. Others struggle with unresolved feelings from their past. This year, many people are struggling because of the economy. If the Christmas spirit seems to be difficult to connect with this year, come and join us for the Longest Night. Contact the church office at (714) 283-4633 for more details.

Christmas Commercial Watch - Volume Three

2009-12-09T15:22:00.000-08:00

I love this one. This commercial is brutal in its honesty (and it probably wasn't even trying to be). It is from the clothing store T.J. Maxx. The commercial sums up the Madison Avenue response to Christmas in the opening line. "I love Christmas because I love to shop." Blah, blah, blah, T.J. Maxx, blah, blah, blah. So, for everyone that gets angry when the clerk behind the counter wishes them "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas," remember this simple truth. The stores do not care about the holy day of Christmas. And that should not come as a surprise. Their job is not to keep holy that which we consider sacred. Their job is to make money. If our little observation of Christmas commercials has taught us anything, it is that it is the job of the church to keep Christmas holy, it is not the job of Macy's or Zale's or T.J. Maxx. It is the job of the church. This Christmas, I am going to let the stores do their job (and try my best to avoid them in the process). I and my family (and my church too) are going to celebrate that God became one of us. And by so doing, we will remind ourselves that the work of giving flesh and bone reality to the love and grace of God is still the work of the church.

Christmas Commercial Watch - Volume 2

2009-12-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Mom's are sitting in their cars in the parking lot at their kids' school. They speak with one another in conspiratorial tones. They share how they got the perfect gift for (insert person's name here) at Kohl's. They end their conversation singing fa la la la la la la la la. The last shot is a front view of all of the moms greeting their children with proud (dare I say...smug) looks on their faces. The implication is clear. If you are cool. If you are one of the "in" moms at school, then you will shop at Kohl's. I don't know if that is actually true or not. I don't know where the "in" parents shop because most of them are 20 years younger than I am. But, here is the point. The commercial is designed to create in the viewer the idea that you are not cool, you are not one of the beautiful people (and neither is your kid, by extension) if you do not shop at Kohl's. Christmas is really an after thought. It is a convenience, a reason for a sale. This is why we cannot let the retail industry tell the Christmas story. The truth is, they really have no interest in it. If you want to have a meaningful Christmas, don't worry about where the beautiful people shop. In fact, spend less. Focus more on the real season for the holy day (as opposed to holiday) of Christmas.

Christmas Commercial Watch - Volume 1

2009-12-02T10:35:00.000-08:00

This year, I am doing something different. In order to stave off the "bah humbugs," in order to resist the powerful pull of my own cynicism, and in order to help myself remained focused on the birth of Jesus this Christmas, I am beginning a new spiritual discipline. I am going to share different Christmas commercials that encourage everyone to spend more this Christmas. It is my sincere hope that by doing this, I can remind myself that it is not up to Madison Avenue to tell the real Christmas story (thank God - they stink at it). It is up to the church. It is our story after all. The first commercial that I am highlighting is a jewelry commercial (of course). Jewelry commercials do a wonderful job of making men think that if we don't get the perfect piece of shiny rocks for our wives, than we are utter failures and should bury our heads under a not-so-shiny rock until next year. And, being simple people, men often fall for this. Take for example this little "gem" from the spiritual giants as Kay Jewelers. It's 2:00 a.m. A young mother is up with her newborn daughter. The husband comes in and gives her her gift, a Citizen watch, because he just couldn't wait (Are you kidding me? I am just getting to bed at 2:00 a.m. on Christmas. I don't care if I bought my wife a Rolls Royce. Sleep is the Christmas gift that keeps on giving). But, I digress. The wife is moved by the gift. In the closing shot, the man is hugging his wife while they both hold their daughter. "Do you think she'll remember this Christmas?" the man asks. "I know I will," the wife responds. Message received loud and clear.

The second principle of the Advent Conspiracy is "spend less." This is a truly subversive notion when you consider the number of messages we will all receive in the next few weeks telling us to buy, buy, buy. But, I and my family are going to spend less this year. That is not only the responsible choice. It is the faithful one.

Start Your Day Off Right

2009-12-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

People often times ask me, "Pastor Jon, I am soooooooo busy. How can I help others in a matter of minutes?" Other than ask people to clarify their priorities a little bit (and that is being kind, Jesus had a bit more stringent advice for people - read Luke 18:18-23), I tell them that there is a wonderful way that they can start their day that helps others in a tangible way. Go to the hungersite.com. One click and someone in need gets food. It is free. It is quick. Bada-boom, bada-bing! Helping others cannot be easier, or quicker. I do this every morning, and I say a little prayer as I visit each of the sites. Here is my routine. How will you pray and serve to begin your day?

Click on Hunger Site - Pray, "Thank you God for the food that we have to eat. I pray for all who are hungry."

Click on Breast Cancer Site - Pray, "Thank you God for our health. I pray for all who are sick or injured."

Click on Child Health Site - I thank God for my son, and pray a blessing on all children everywhere.

Click on Literacy Site - Pray, "Thank you God for the opportunities that we enjoy, let justice roll like mighty rivers, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24)."

Click on Rainforest Site - Pray, "Thank you God for your creation. Help us to be better stewards of it."

Click on Animal Rescue Site - Thank you.

This is a no fuss, no muss way to start your day right. Check it out.

Feed the Hungry

2009-11-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, while the Ohio State Buckeyes were solidifying their dominance of Big 10 Conference football (that's not really relevant to anything, I just like saying it), the people of Light of the Canyon were holding a food drive at the Pavilions store in the Festival shopping center. What a great way to prepare for Thanksgiving, by helping to feed others. There is something downright Christian about that. Great job to everyone that was involved.

Lessons I Learned in Jail - part 3

2009-11-18T16:20:00.000-08:00

Here is the final thing I learned at Chino Men's Jail on Sunday. I started the afternoon a little cynical (seriously, were we going to sing "Cum by Yah" with inmates). I figured that whatever these guys said would probably last about as long as it took me to walk back to my car. I was not ready for what I actually did see and hear. These men beared their souls to those gathered. They wept, they prayed, they thanked God, and they embraced one another. It did not take long to realize that, like the song says, "Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place. I can feel his mighty power and his grace." Yes, grace. Grace was all over the place that afternoon. I don't know what these men's lives will be like when they return to their regular prison routine. But, I do know this. They have been changed by their experience of God's love. And more than that, I have been changed by them.

Lessons I Learned in Jail - part 2

2009-11-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

This will absolutely preach someday. It is one of the most brilliant things that I have ever heard (and it is from someone that would know a thing or two about anger). One of the inmates was talking about his new life in Christ, and how difficult it was learning to forgive others, especially in the prison environment. He said, "But I learned something this weekend. Holding onto anger and resentment is like drinking poison and hoping it kills someone else." Here is a person that has probably been wronged and hurt in ways that I cannot even imagine. And yet, he grasped this simple truth that so many of us cannot seem to comprehend. Holding onto anger and resentment is like drinking poison and hoping it kills someone else. That is so true. How long will we hold onto bitterness and resentments from our past? It serves no purpose, except maybe to shorten our lives, and certainly to diminish our joy. I am going to try and follow this man's advice and let go of past resentments and let God doing something new in my life. How about you? Yeah, I'm talking to you.

Lessons I Learned in Jail - part 1

2009-11-18T16:02:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday, I went to jail. Let me explain. I was blessed enough to attend the closing ceremony of the Kairos Prison Ministry program at Chino Men's Jail. It was an incredible service. Inmates that had spent four days with a group of volunteers talking, praying, singing and sharing fellowship with one another came together to celebrate one final time before the weekend was over. The highlight for me was listening to the personal stories that some of the inmates told. One man, in particular, said something that filled my heart with joy. He talked about struggles in his life. And then he said, "We are the church!" This man is incarcerated. An yet, he proclaimed a freedom that so few people on the outside really know. He reminded me of the Apostle Paul in the 16th chapter of Acts. I found myself in the first place envying this man his sense of connection to God and to Christ's church. But, ultimately, I simply celebrated the realization that I was indeed at church - there in the visiting yard at Chino Men's Jail.

Play for Change

2009-11-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, my wife and I had a great time at The Grove Theatre in Anaheim (how cool are we for a couple of codgers - two concerts in a few weeks). We saw the Play for Change band that was made famous on Youtube with their "Stand by Me" video. What an inspiring event. The set was simple, the lighting was low-key. But, the music was crazy inspiring. These folks are passionate about changing the world through music. Their work continues beyond simply performing concerts. If you would like to learn more about Play for Change, check out the foundation web site.

Thank You K-Mart

2009-11-13T16:42:00.000-08:00

O.k., I know I said that I won't get all bunged up about stores commercializing Christmas. But, I do want to point out (merely for the sake of illustration, mind you) what we are up against when it comes to keeping our focus. Check out this K-Mart commercial that I saw on TV the other night. First of all, let me just say that it blows me away that you can find K-Mart commercials on Youtube. That having been said, in the middle of the commercial, you will hear something amazing. "K-Mart saves Christmas." Whew! That was close. Thanks K-Mart. I don't know what I would have ever done had you not saved Christmas for me. This is what we face every year, my friends. This is why we must be diligent and stay focused on the real reason for Christmas. I don't mean getting a bumper sticker that celebrates our devotion to Christ that people will see while our car is parked at the mall. I mean, honestly and truly, "keeping Christmas in our hearts." Do you think you can do it this year? Are you up for the challenge? C'mon. I dare you.

"No Ebenezer Zone!"

2009-11-13T16:32:00.000-08:00

It is not going to happen this year. Usually, at this time of the year - with Advent rapidly approaching - I already begin to feel the "bah, humbug" setting in. It doesn't take long for the spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge to find its way into my life. Kind of odd for a pastor, you say. Not so fast, my friend. Christmas, regardless of what we want to think about it, is about God becoming one of us, about God doing all that he can to demonstrate his love and compassion for his wayward children. How do we honor that - with a sale! That says more about us than about God. And we (the church) have no one to blame but ourselves. Every year, we hope and pray (and maybe even ask Santa Claus) to make this holiday about Jesus. And then, every year, we buy in lock, stock and barrel to the over-commercialized, consumer Christmas. It is not our job to convince shopping malls to try and "put Christ back in Christmas". Christ has never been out of Christmas. Just because we don't pay attention doesn't make it so. This year will be different. This year, I am participating in the Advent Conspiracy. This year, I am taking responsibility for how I experience Christmas. Because, even though the malls can never give me the Christmas I want, neither can they take it away. There will be no Ebenezer Scrooge this year, only Jesus Christ.

Amplify Hope

2009-11-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderful idea. I sometimes get frustrated with the United Methodist Church and the size of the "corporation." However, this is one of those times when I am proud of our connection. The Ivory Coast has issues, a long-standing civil war among them. Slavery and human trafficking, illness, hunger, are all major concerns for the people of this African nation. The United Methodist Church is trying to be a part of a long-term solution. You can support this effort. Make a contribution, and give that as a Christmas gift to a fellow United Methodist (or anyone you love).

"It Was 20 Years Ago Today..."

2009-11-10T16:57:00.001-08:00

O.k., I have sinned doubly. I have quoted the Beatles out of context and I am celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall coming down a day late. But, here's the thing. In our time, there are very few symbols left - bad or good - that speak to an entire generation. The Berlin wall is one such symbol for my generation. And in a dramatic moment, it switched from being a symbol of all that was frightening in the world to being a symbol of hope. For you whippersnappers, it is akin to Christians and Muslims and Jews all deciding to love one another because their faith tells them so (which is true, by the way), instead of using our religious dogma as a means to harm others. It has been a whole generation since the Berlin Wall came down, a whole generation since we collectively exhaled and began to dream of a world of peace and justice. We are not quite there. But, God is not finished working in and through us yet. Take a look at the picture that accompanies this blog. These people are doing something that just a day before would have gotten them shot. That is progress. That is hope. That is the work of the kingdom.

I Love LOTC

2009-11-04T14:27:00.000-08:00

We are in the middle of our stewardship campaign. It is a time to reflect on a lot of things - on how we will dedicate our resources to God's kingdom being the most important. However, it is also a time to reflect on how the church puts those resources to use. I love Light of the Canyon. As I have personally reflected on this past year, it has warmed my heart to consider how we have witnessed to the love of Christ. I have prepared a little tribute that I am sharing in worship this morning. Enjoy!

Join the Conspiracy

2009-11-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

This is a miracle - a Christmas miracle! The day before Halloween, I was listening to the radio in my car and I actually heard a Christmas commercial. Come on! Can I at least get through Halloween before my Christmas is ruined? I could already feel the spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge creeping into my consciousness. I was just a breath away from a monumental "Bah Humbug!" And then something wonderful happened (hence, the miracle). I remembered that this year is different. This year I am not going to be beat down by the over-commercialization of a sacred day. This year, I will fight back. My church has joined the "Advent Conspiracy." We have allowed the god (note the small "g") of consumerism to steal God's (I know it's stating the obvious, but, note the capital "G") story, they have usurped our narrative. And complaining about it just isn't enough. That's why we have joined the conspiracy. Are you in?

Bono and the Boys

2009-11-03T20:33:00.000-08:00

Last week, I went to church. I know that is not an earth shattering revelation for a minister. But, I went to church, with 96,000 of my closest friends (o.k., everyone there was not my closest friend - but, some of my closest friends were there). I am talking, of course about the U2 concert at the Rose Bowl. It was an epic event of biblical proportions. The highlight - Bono singing the opening verses of "Amazing Grace" a cappella and having the crowd join in. It was a moment in time. Near the end of the show, they played a clip from Desmond Tutu on the Jumbotron. He encouraged everyone to continue to fight for peace and justice. It was inspirational. If you were not lucky enough to be there, check it out on Youtube. It's a long show. So, grab some vittles, cuddle up with someone you love, and spend the evening being inspired by Bono and the boys.

East and West

2009-10-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

We are talking about Jonah this Sunday. I love Jonah. He is one of the best bad examples in the bible. Jonah gives me hope that God will be able to use me for his purpose, even in spite of me. Jonah is living proof that God only needs a little of our hearts to accomplish a lot. He reminds me of Bono - I think everything reminds me of Bono, especially since I am getting ready to join a gazillion other people at the Rose Bowl for the U2 concert tomorrow night. Bono said something brilliant at his speech at the National Prayer breakfast in 2006. I think it applies to Jonah. I know it applies to me. Check it out.

The Courage of Youth

2009-10-18T19:37:00.001-07:00

The Apostle Paul told Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct." Our youth at Light of the Canyon did just that today. They did an outstanding job leading worship. The service was focused (the theme was ministering to the homeless in Orange County) and succinct. The message was prophetic - in the tradition of Jeremiah. The opening of worship was fantastic. The stage was set up with cardboard boxes and a tent to look like an encampment for the homeless. While music played, youth emerged from different corners of the sanctuary and simply gathered up front. It was a stirring moment. The youth are not settling for simply talking about homelessness, however. From now, through November 8, they are collecting blankets, coats, hygiene kits to help the homeless in Orange County. I am proud of our youth. They are for our church "an example of speech and conduct."

"What a Drag It Is...I Forgot What I was Gonna Say"

2009-10-14T19:24:00.001-07:00

This is too funny to pass up. Maybe it is because I am turning 48 this weekend. Or maybe, it is because I just forget stuff all the time. But, this video spoke to me somehow. I hope it speaks to you. If it doesn't, don't worry, you'll forget about it soon enough. If you have ever had a "senior moment," or love someone who has, this is for you. Enjoy.

"Talk is Cheap - Part 3"

2009-10-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

O.k., I am almost done with my latest rant. There are just two more things I want to share. The film "Lord, Deliver Us From Your Followers," begins with two great quotes, and I just wanted to share them as food for thought.

First, writer Phillip Yancey, once said, "No one ever converted to Christianity because they lost the argument."

Another writer, Anne Lamott wrote, "You can tell you have created God in your own image when it turns out that he hates all the same people you do."

As my dad used to say, "amen...and amen."