on time.

It never ceases to amaze me the way God is right on time when he is running the show. It also never ceases to frustrate me sometimes.

no big new years resolutions - we have enough on our plate in two days as we begin officially the task of church relations for BSSI.

more posts to come in the new year, as we get back onto the on-ramp and enter civilization again after a much needed 5 months of sabbath (meaning "nothing").

we also maybe opening a new blog to chronicle our trip and our life for potential supporters. Anywhoo.

HNY!
-doc-

Justice in a Manger?

I often find peace and hope in the second coming of Jesus. There is a band I regularly enjoy named Stavesacre (side: worth checking out at stavesacre.com). Their sophomore release ending track is titled "Scarecrow" and speaks of the "righteous" judgement of God that is coming down because of the "innocent blood crying from the ground." It doesn't take a 140 I.Q. to figure out things are pretty much a wreck in this world. There seems to be a large contingent of leashes that the "worst of us" have broken free from. Why do we feel this way? Why do we strive for this concept of fairness and justice? "balance" as many eastern persuasions would call it. Why do we find ourselves humbly angry at God from time to time if we truly beleive that he is all wise and this is his perferred way to fix our mess?

The Bible often describes the "Great Day of the Lord" (the Day of Judgement, Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Parousia) with "clouds". The great Judge is riding on clouds. This is important as this imagery is a direct metaphor to judgement, punishment and deliverance for the innocent(blood, also). But how often to we look at the manger in this lens? How often to we see the birth of Jesus as a direct assault on oppressive governments, corrupt social systems, unjust opportunities, rebellion to a Higher standard, and on personal freedom of choice to hurt others (or self)?

I have been forced to consider this idea again this week after a sermon I heard a day ago, and my favorite song (O Holy Night) being played this time of year. Consider this scripture and this stanza ... things that stirr a familar longing for justice in my heart when I hear or sing them... an answer to a lonely hope in my soul...

Luke 1:50-53 (a section of the Magnificat)

And his mercy is for those who fear him

from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm;

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

and exalted those of humble estate;

he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

O Holy Night (traditional third stanza)

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His Gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy Name!

Just a thought for your holiday week. As some of us watch snow gently fall to the earth; others here contemplating lost wages as rain storms sweep through today and next; the bustle of Wal-mart and the quiet isles of Bloomingdales; the free soup kitchens and the overpriced wings at Applebees. The wells wishes of "Merry Christmas" and the luke warm "how ya doin'?" of "Happy Holidays".

This is no happening of chance, no easily defined ying-yang answer .. there is a real attainment of being "fully human" and a hollow ringing of "all man can obtain" that is on display for those who seek to truly see.

Perhaps that little boy in the manger is a great ringing bell for freedom of the oppressed, sight to the blind, healing for the wounded and the great year of Jubilee (the Lord's favor)". And perhaps we will discover what made King Herod fear the baby in a manger... the spiritual, physical, emotional, political, personal and economic death certificate to all oppression, injustice and rebellion against the Holy One of Israel. A beautiful healthy new boy to Mary. The deliverer, the Savior, the Judge... the promise given to innocent blood as it cries for justice.

As the snow falls, and as I think about the Creator being born to a poor family in a garage out behind the hotel 70 miles from his hometown, I wonder if there isn't anyone that Jesus can relate to... or that his birth did not have in mind... this life had it mind... his death and resurrection had in mind... his sending of the Holy Spirit and birth of his Church had in mind... or his return with great joy and great horror anguish has in mind.

The slave is now our brother.
Praise be His Holy name!

Tis' the season...

As this week marks a full 6 months sense we left the Apple Valley area...
I will begin writing more again as it is "time" to pick up many areas where they left off and continue the journey God has called Kathryn and I to take.

Unsure as of yet what this change will mean for my thoughts and content - but looking forward to documenting an "unassuming" life. Or as I have read from the Apostle Paul to "make it your ambition to lead a quite life".

Des Colores!