Dreams Unlocked

This is an adaption of part of our Christmas letter. A couple of weeks ago I preached an Advent sermon on the encounter between Gabriel and Mary in Luke 1. I summarized it like this: How can this be? – Mary This is how it can be. – Gabriel Let it be. – Mary Mary doesn’t know how she will birth a child outside of the laws of human biology.  Gabriel introduces the reality of a supernatural God.  Mary accepts this new paradigm and becomes the Lord’s servant. I accepted a pastoral position with a church in Ithaca New York and had hope to start there in September 2012. We have encountered a significant delay and now anticipate a move in February 2013. When we first heard of this delay, we were filled with questions. Over time, the questions receded, replaced with assurance from God that He was still in control.  This assurance in turn resulted in peace and contentment, as we accepted our roles as the Lord’s servants, ready to do his will – whethe

I only got 8 this year. Here they are: 1. Headhunters - VERY good show about the man with a perfect life who faces a disruption. From Finland. Lots of twists along the way. 2. Dark Knight Rises - Good ending to the trilogy, although it was pretty long. 3. Moonrise Kingdom - My favorite film by one of my favorite directors. I don't often seen films twice - but this one is worth it. I like the short pants vibe going on. 4. Skyfall - After the lousy Quantum of Solace - this was a welcome return to what Bond can be. Some are saying this is the best James Bond ever. Pretty hard to top Sean Connery, though. 5. Lincoln - Interesting film about an interesting time in the history of America. Day-Lewis has probably wrapped up best actor. 6. Argo - Very exciting and fast moving thriller based on real life events. Canadians come out looking pretty great. Ben Affleck should continue to direct. 7. Avengers - This one was special, because this was the first "big people"

Safe Today I have spent this past week in the company of hundreds of elementary school children. I pick up and drop off Adam and Sophia every school day - so I have grown accustomed to many of the same faces of  children and parents. With the two Christmas presentations this week - I have spent even extra time at the school and with the kids. And that is why I almost threw up when I heard the news coming out of Newton Connecticut - which is 4 hours from Ithaca New York - the town we are relocating to next year. A 20 year old man entered an elementary school and started shooting. At the end of his rampage 27 people were killed including 18 .... children. He shot and killed 18 children. Children like my children. Children like the kids I see everyday. Children who probably sang at Christmas concerts this past week for proud parents. (Sunday December 16 Update - Total Number killed 28 - 20 children, 6 teachers, shooter and shooter's mother.) Today has become a day

Sophia takes the stage. If you watch Fox News, you will be led to believe there is a war on Christmas. That is, the creeping secularism of our culture is seeking to evict Christ out of the holidays. Apparently, Christ and Christians are still finding no room at the Inn. I have observed this up here in Canada. However, it seems to be dying down, as I have seen more references to Christmas in public places than in previous years. Adam and Sophia are both performing at a CHRISTMAS concert in their public school. It is billed as a Christmas concert - not winter, December, Santa or snow concert. I attended with expectations of the typical offerings of odes to Santa Claus and heart warming thoughts of family, gifts and decorations. I was pleasantly surprised by what actually transpired. The school my children attend accommodates "special needs" children. These are children requiring extra care and attention due to some sort of disability. Adam has been in a class with