Closing Out Another Year
“Looking Back and Looking Forward”
As the year of 2010 ends, I share this prayer of thanksgiving and benediction. The rhythms of the year have varied for each of us; still we continue to move forward, sharing our gifts with one another and with others.
Holy God,
As we reflect we realize that your steadfast love has empowered us
and that your peace has comforted us.
We praise you for the mysteries of life and trust
in your infinite wisdom.
We praise you for the order and constancy of nature.
We thank you for the comforts and joys we experience.
We thank you especially for home, friends and family.
We thank you for the gifts you give us and
we thank you for the love, sympathy, prayers and support
that sustain us.
For the year of 2010, we thank you.
For the year of 2011, we ask for your light and hope
to guide us in the way of peace.
A benediction for the year:
And now to the One who is able to keep us from falling
And lift us from the dark valley of despair
to the bright mountain of hope,
From the midnight of desperation to the daybreak of joy;
To God be power and authority forever and ever. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.31.10
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, December 30
Closing Out Another Year
“Looking Back and Looking Forward”
The year of 2010 is coming to a close and I want to share a couple of prayers with you before we arrive at New Year’s Eve day.
Holy God,
We offer you thanks and praise
for all the surprising graces which have come to us,
for those that sustain our lives and those that change them.
--for food, familiar diets and startling new aromas and tastes;
--for homes, places of steady surroundings and settings for redemptive love;
--for friendships, old friends who are willingly open in their affection and correction,
and new friends who remind us that your spirited presence
still dwells with us and others;
--for tasks to perform, routine actions which we do well,
and which give order to our days;
--for tasks at which we have failed and discovered a restored and needed humility;
--for all your gifts that empower us and others to live the faith-filled life.
Great and mighty God we praise your name today.
Bring your peace among us now we humbly pray. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.30.10
“Looking Back and Looking Forward”
The year of 2010 is coming to a close and I want to share a couple of prayers with you before we arrive at New Year’s Eve day.
Holy God,
We offer you thanks and praise
for all the surprising graces which have come to us,
for those that sustain our lives and those that change them.
--for food, familiar diets and startling new aromas and tastes;
--for homes, places of steady surroundings and settings for redemptive love;
--for friendships, old friends who are willingly open in their affection and correction,
and new friends who remind us that your spirited presence
still dwells with us and others;
--for tasks to perform, routine actions which we do well,
and which give order to our days;
--for tasks at which we have failed and discovered a restored and needed humility;
--for all your gifts that empower us and others to live the faith-filled life.
Great and mighty God we praise your name today.
Bring your peace among us now we humbly pray. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.30.10
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, December 29
Winding Down, Looking Forward
The old year causes us to reflect and the promise of a New Year
calls us to keep growing. Here is a favorite prayer:
O God,
I am learning the subtle difference
between holding a hand
and chaining a soul.
I am learning that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security.
And I'm beginning to learn that kisses aren't compromises
and presents aren't promises....
Beginning to accept my defeats with my head up
and my eyes fixed forward
with the grace of a woman or a man, not the grief of a child.
I am learning to build all my life on today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of collapsing in midflight.
I feel like I am learning to plant my own garden
and decorate my own soul
rather than waiting on someone to buy me flowers.
Continue to teach me that I can endure
that I am strong
and that I do have worth.
Keep me learning. And keep me learning
Yes, keep me learning... and remembering
that with every failure I can learn even more!
--Ben Keckler
12.29.10
The old year causes us to reflect and the promise of a New Year
calls us to keep growing. Here is a favorite prayer:
O God,
I am learning the subtle difference
between holding a hand
and chaining a soul.
I am learning that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security.
And I'm beginning to learn that kisses aren't compromises
and presents aren't promises....
Beginning to accept my defeats with my head up
and my eyes fixed forward
with the grace of a woman or a man, not the grief of a child.
I am learning to build all my life on today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of collapsing in midflight.
I feel like I am learning to plant my own garden
and decorate my own soul
rather than waiting on someone to buy me flowers.
Continue to teach me that I can endure
that I am strong
and that I do have worth.
Keep me learning. And keep me learning
Yes, keep me learning... and remembering
that with every failure I can learn even more!
--Ben Keckler
12.29.10
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, December 28
God’s Law
“Happy are those who delight in the law of the Lord
and on God’s law they meditate day and night.” --Psalm 1:2
When we stop to embrace the “law of the Lord”, we are making a choice that leads to positive surroundings in the midst of life’s storms. When we meditate on the law of unconditional love, we discover an infusion of hope that makes life’s uncertainties bearable.
God’s hope pours into your world. Upon the sick God shines the ray of healing. To the bereaved, the promise of reunion is given. For the dying, God lights the flame of resurrections. To the confused, the light of Scripture is offered.
As 2010 draws to an end, realize that through your caregiving/work some rays of the eternal did shine. If you have the coming weekend off, meditate on ways you receive God’s unconditional love and HOPE will fill your world. If you are working for the New Year's weekend, remember you have an opportunity to demonstrate that God’s everlasting love is always near, thereby filling others with HOPE.
A prayer: In my work and in my leisure, may I delight in your way, O God. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.28.10
“Happy are those who delight in the law of the Lord
and on God’s law they meditate day and night.” --Psalm 1:2
When we stop to embrace the “law of the Lord”, we are making a choice that leads to positive surroundings in the midst of life’s storms. When we meditate on the law of unconditional love, we discover an infusion of hope that makes life’s uncertainties bearable.
God’s hope pours into your world. Upon the sick God shines the ray of healing. To the bereaved, the promise of reunion is given. For the dying, God lights the flame of resurrections. To the confused, the light of Scripture is offered.
As 2010 draws to an end, realize that through your caregiving/work some rays of the eternal did shine. If you have the coming weekend off, meditate on ways you receive God’s unconditional love and HOPE will fill your world. If you are working for the New Year's weekend, remember you have an opportunity to demonstrate that God’s everlasting love is always near, thereby filling others with HOPE.
A prayer: In my work and in my leisure, may I delight in your way, O God. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.28.10
Monday, December 27, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, December 27
“The Days After Christmas”
Keeping Things in Perspective
‘Twas the days after Christmas
And all through the house
There were patients and families—
Some children, some a spouse.
They’d come to the hospital to visit or stay
Because some illness had come their family’s way.
There were others in the house by some sort of quirk
Some housekeepers, some nurses, other caregivers — they came to work.
They were there after the holiday that rings out Christmas cheer
Some traveled a distance, some resided near
This place where healing, compassion and caring are real —
People working together to help the hurting feel
A sense of relief from their aches and their pain
Helping the ailing their strength to regain.
All these folks assembled in one special little spot
Not real significant, only a global village dot --
Not unlike that stable long ago
This hospital family will continue to grow
And live in the spirit that helps the hurting to know
That even in pain there are those who care
And are willing to help other’s burdens to bear.
On these days after Christmas
And all through this house
May the spirit of the holiday
Be shown through your life in your own special way.
--Ben Keckler
12.27.10
Keeping Things in Perspective
‘Twas the days after Christmas
And all through the house
There were patients and families—
Some children, some a spouse.
They’d come to the hospital to visit or stay
Because some illness had come their family’s way.
There were others in the house by some sort of quirk
Some housekeepers, some nurses, other caregivers — they came to work.
They were there after the holiday that rings out Christmas cheer
Some traveled a distance, some resided near
This place where healing, compassion and caring are real —
People working together to help the hurting feel
A sense of relief from their aches and their pain
Helping the ailing their strength to regain.
All these folks assembled in one special little spot
Not real significant, only a global village dot --
Not unlike that stable long ago
This hospital family will continue to grow
And live in the spirit that helps the hurting to know
That even in pain there are those who care
And are willing to help other’s burdens to bear.
On these days after Christmas
And all through this house
May the spirit of the holiday
Be shown through your life in your own special way.
--Ben Keckler
12.27.10
Friday, December 24, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, December 24
Remembering the Marginalized
“God’s mercy is for those who fear the Lord
from generation to generation.”
--From St. Luke’s story of faith
Take some time to read Luke 1: 26-56 for your devotional life today, tomorrow and Sunday. The story is pretty powerful and, with some heart probing meditation, has the potential to bring new perspectives to the journey.
A prayer: God, your mystery is beyond comprehension. Be near your world and bring us peace.
--Ben Keckler
12.24.10
“God’s mercy is for those who fear the Lord
from generation to generation.”
--From St. Luke’s story of faith
Take some time to read Luke 1: 26-56 for your devotional life today, tomorrow and Sunday. The story is pretty powerful and, with some heart probing meditation, has the potential to bring new perspectives to the journey.
A prayer: God, your mystery is beyond comprehension. Be near your world and bring us peace.
--Ben Keckler
12.24.10
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, December 23
Remembering the Marginalized
“Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.”
--An ancient heart song that is still true today
Many of us will be gathering with family and friends and spending some special time together this week. Most of us will smile as eager children rip through carefully wrapped packages to see what new thing is inside. Some of us will have a more relaxed time of casual merriment. Most of us will spend a holiday with folks we love. Some of us will find that our place of employment is the place to be.
We look at the above verse of Scripture today because it is also important to have a heightened sensitivity to the patient population in our hospital this week. We WILL have a patient population on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Some will be too sick to really care about the holiday. Some will be recovering and may have the very wishes that the Psalm writer had. Some will be wondering what word they are going to hear. It is important to be sensitive to the cry of the hurting. May your day of caregiving find you demonstrating increased sensitivity to the lonely and afflicted who are seeking Holy grace to come their way.
A prayer: Holy One, grace me with a measure of compassion to touch the lonely and afflicted.
--Ben Keckler
12.23.10
“Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.”
--An ancient heart song that is still true today
Many of us will be gathering with family and friends and spending some special time together this week. Most of us will smile as eager children rip through carefully wrapped packages to see what new thing is inside. Some of us will have a more relaxed time of casual merriment. Most of us will spend a holiday with folks we love. Some of us will find that our place of employment is the place to be.
We look at the above verse of Scripture today because it is also important to have a heightened sensitivity to the patient population in our hospital this week. We WILL have a patient population on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Some will be too sick to really care about the holiday. Some will be recovering and may have the very wishes that the Psalm writer had. Some will be wondering what word they are going to hear. It is important to be sensitive to the cry of the hurting. May your day of caregiving find you demonstrating increased sensitivity to the lonely and afflicted who are seeking Holy grace to come their way.
A prayer: Holy One, grace me with a measure of compassion to touch the lonely and afflicted.
--Ben Keckler
12.23.10
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, December 22
Remembering the Marginalized
“For God so loved that God gave….”
--From the Apostle John’s faith story (3:16)
Life is filled with things that just don’t make sense. This holy season of the year has the potential to remind all of us that no one is exempt from being marginalized. The feeling of being “left out in the cold” can hit anyone, even when it is least expected.
• The folks in Louisiana and Mississippi are definitely still experiencing marginalization beyond anything they imagined, not even the magic of a Super Bowl victory has made living conditions what they need to be.
• Little children who are making the first time discovery that “Santa” has different looks than they imagined.
• People feeling disillusioned because life as they understood it is not how life really is. The economic chaos, along with so many other discouraging factors, is at best confusing and disturbing.
The news of the season is that the Creator identifies more with the marginalized than with the comfortable. Wanting to understand the Divine? I suggest learning from and living with the marginalized is the way to do it. According to St. John, that is what God chose.
A prayer: God of life, thank you for choosing to live in the margins. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.22.10
“For God so loved that God gave….”
--From the Apostle John’s faith story (3:16)
Life is filled with things that just don’t make sense. This holy season of the year has the potential to remind all of us that no one is exempt from being marginalized. The feeling of being “left out in the cold” can hit anyone, even when it is least expected.
• The folks in Louisiana and Mississippi are definitely still experiencing marginalization beyond anything they imagined, not even the magic of a Super Bowl victory has made living conditions what they need to be.
• Little children who are making the first time discovery that “Santa” has different looks than they imagined.
• People feeling disillusioned because life as they understood it is not how life really is. The economic chaos, along with so many other discouraging factors, is at best confusing and disturbing.
The news of the season is that the Creator identifies more with the marginalized than with the comfortable. Wanting to understand the Divine? I suggest learning from and living with the marginalized is the way to do it. According to St. John, that is what God chose.
A prayer: God of life, thank you for choosing to live in the margins. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.22.10
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, December 21
Remembering the Marginalized
“You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.’” --Psalm 91:1
If you haven’t heard of Matthew J. T. Stepanek, you need to be introduced. He is a courageous young man. Mattie died about 5 years ago. I want to share a small gift with you, some words this young poet left for us to treasure. First, a few things about this wonderful young man:
• He had a rare form of muscular dystrophy and learned much from his handicap.
• He was wise beyond his years and probably would have preferred being called “handicapable”.
• Starting at age 3 he began composing poetic pieces that touch the heart.
• If you are still looking for Christmas presents, you might want to purchase one of the books. You will not be disappointed.
• Mattie obviously struggled with some difficult things in his life and emerged as a person who embraced today’s key verse. Here is an excerpt from his introduction to his book, Hope through Heartsongs.
“It would be easy for each of us to stay shocked, angry, hurt, or sad
with all the difficult things we face in life.
And even though it is difficult and sometimes
almost overwhelming to examine feelings related to
loss and loneliness and alarming turmoil,
it is the only way we can grow, individually and together.
We cannot let sad or traumatic events, or even acts of terror,
be the death of hope.
In spite of each struggle, we can and will find hope
if we choose to do so.”
Have a blessed day and remember the marginalized during this season.
A prayer: God of this world, help us to see that the hopes and fears of all the years are met as we encounter your presence within. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.21.10
“You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.’” --Psalm 91:1
If you haven’t heard of Matthew J. T. Stepanek, you need to be introduced. He is a courageous young man. Mattie died about 5 years ago. I want to share a small gift with you, some words this young poet left for us to treasure. First, a few things about this wonderful young man:
• He had a rare form of muscular dystrophy and learned much from his handicap.
• He was wise beyond his years and probably would have preferred being called “handicapable”.
• Starting at age 3 he began composing poetic pieces that touch the heart.
• If you are still looking for Christmas presents, you might want to purchase one of the books. You will not be disappointed.
• Mattie obviously struggled with some difficult things in his life and emerged as a person who embraced today’s key verse. Here is an excerpt from his introduction to his book, Hope through Heartsongs.
“It would be easy for each of us to stay shocked, angry, hurt, or sad
with all the difficult things we face in life.
And even though it is difficult and sometimes
almost overwhelming to examine feelings related to
loss and loneliness and alarming turmoil,
it is the only way we can grow, individually and together.
We cannot let sad or traumatic events, or even acts of terror,
be the death of hope.
In spite of each struggle, we can and will find hope
if we choose to do so.”
Have a blessed day and remember the marginalized during this season.
A prayer: God of this world, help us to see that the hopes and fears of all the years are met as we encounter your presence within. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.21.10
Monday, December 20, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, December 20
Remembering the Marginalized
“Come and see what God has done:
God is awesome in his deeds among mortals.”
--Psalm 66:5
A large portion of my chaplaincy work focuses on being present with grieving people. While most of us are making merriment and thinking about gift giving, the walking wounded griever is trying to make their way through the holidays. They realize that people don’t “get over” their grieving. They are courageously working “through” their pain. If you could see what I’ve seen, if you could hear what I’ve heard, you would find that God is still doing some very great and wonderful things.
For me, this holiday season comes to remind us that God is truly united with creation. God is performing mighty things in the lives of broken people, the people on the margins. God continues to bring the gift of peace. Yes, we can look back to a historic event like Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. But, we can also “come and see” what strength is coming to the souls of people working through their tough, tough times. May you have enough, enough of what you need to find peace and live peacefully.
A prayer: Holy God, be near me today and always I pray. Amen.
Ben Keckler
12.20.10
“Come and see what God has done:
God is awesome in his deeds among mortals.”
--Psalm 66:5
A large portion of my chaplaincy work focuses on being present with grieving people. While most of us are making merriment and thinking about gift giving, the walking wounded griever is trying to make their way through the holidays. They realize that people don’t “get over” their grieving. They are courageously working “through” their pain. If you could see what I’ve seen, if you could hear what I’ve heard, you would find that God is still doing some very great and wonderful things.
For me, this holiday season comes to remind us that God is truly united with creation. God is performing mighty things in the lives of broken people, the people on the margins. God continues to bring the gift of peace. Yes, we can look back to a historic event like Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. But, we can also “come and see” what strength is coming to the souls of people working through their tough, tough times. May you have enough, enough of what you need to find peace and live peacefully.
A prayer: Holy God, be near me today and always I pray. Amen.
Ben Keckler
12.20.10
Friday, December 17, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, December 17
‘Tis the Season: God with Us
“The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.”
--A prophetic vision of God’s peaceful realm
(Isaiah 11:6)
Friday: A Prayer
Loving God,
We thank you
That you keep coming into our lives
And that your saving power does make all things new.
We thank you for pouring out your love and revealing us your way
which can be discovered through the stories of Jesus
As well as in the continuing rebirth
that happens in human hearts today.
Help us to embody your love and to make it very visible in this world.
May the joy of Christmas touch the lives of hurting folks today.
And may your kingdom of justice and peace be fully established.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.17.10
“The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.”
--A prophetic vision of God’s peaceful realm
(Isaiah 11:6)
Friday: A Prayer
Loving God,
We thank you
That you keep coming into our lives
And that your saving power does make all things new.
We thank you for pouring out your love and revealing us your way
which can be discovered through the stories of Jesus
As well as in the continuing rebirth
that happens in human hearts today.
Help us to embody your love and to make it very visible in this world.
May the joy of Christmas touch the lives of hurting folks today.
And may your kingdom of justice and peace be fully established.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.17.10
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, December 16
‘Tis the Season: God with Us
“The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.”
--A prophetic vision of God’s peaceful realm
(Isaiah 11:6)
Thursday: An attempt at poetry for the season
A little child will lead them the sacred Scriptures say,
So I can’t help but think of children as I write today.
Will a little child hold back tears when they have to be heard?
Why then do I feel that crying is so absurd?
Will a little child, even when mad, get physical and
decide they want to fight?
Why then is warfare and killing a part of the news every night?
If peace is the gift that Creator and Child decided to bring,
Then why is it that the sounds of weapons
throughout the world still ring?
As I prepare my soul for a gift that will lead me
down an uncharted way,
May I open my heart fully and listen for the child teaching me to play?
--Ben Keckler
12.16.10
“The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.”
--A prophetic vision of God’s peaceful realm
(Isaiah 11:6)
Thursday: An attempt at poetry for the season
A little child will lead them the sacred Scriptures say,
So I can’t help but think of children as I write today.
Will a little child hold back tears when they have to be heard?
Why then do I feel that crying is so absurd?
Will a little child, even when mad, get physical and
decide they want to fight?
Why then is warfare and killing a part of the news every night?
If peace is the gift that Creator and Child decided to bring,
Then why is it that the sounds of weapons
throughout the world still ring?
As I prepare my soul for a gift that will lead me
down an uncharted way,
May I open my heart fully and listen for the child teaching me to play?
--Ben Keckler
12.16.10
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, December 15
‘Tis the Season: God with Us
“The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.”
--A prophetic vision of God’s peaceful realm
(Isaiah 11:6)
Wednesday: Something we tend to not think about
Christians and, for that matter, much of culture around the world is preparing to celebrate Christmas. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, not because December 25 is his birthday, but because it is important to celebrate God’s incarnational presence among us. This week we are meditating on various realities of what it means to feel that God is with us.
Tonight I will be spending time with some of the people who participate in one of the hospital's Bereavement Support Groups. There will be young people and adults who have experienced significant losses in their lives. For some of them the losses came during the last year; for others the losses happened up to ten years ago. For each of them, dealing with the loss is painful and difficult to this very day!
They won’t celebrate this season with the same kind of joy that many have. Their lives are not as complete as they want them to be. Death has left a darkness within that doesn’t diminish with the glimmer of holiday lights. They are longing for compassionate friends who will reach out to them where they are; friends who will take some time to be reverent and silent; friends who will be present with them and the spirit of their loved one.
If you are aware of a grieving, bereaved soul this season, maybe you could take some time to be with them on “their turf”. If you do, you might find out a bit more about the peaceful place that today’s Scripture verse depicts and you may be blessed with a little bit more understanding about the little child who leads us to the realm of peace.
Have a blessed day as you continue your preparation for the holiday.
--Ben Keckler
12.15.10
“The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.”
--A prophetic vision of God’s peaceful realm
(Isaiah 11:6)
Wednesday: Something we tend to not think about
Christians and, for that matter, much of culture around the world is preparing to celebrate Christmas. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, not because December 25 is his birthday, but because it is important to celebrate God’s incarnational presence among us. This week we are meditating on various realities of what it means to feel that God is with us.
Tonight I will be spending time with some of the people who participate in one of the hospital's Bereavement Support Groups. There will be young people and adults who have experienced significant losses in their lives. For some of them the losses came during the last year; for others the losses happened up to ten years ago. For each of them, dealing with the loss is painful and difficult to this very day!
They won’t celebrate this season with the same kind of joy that many have. Their lives are not as complete as they want them to be. Death has left a darkness within that doesn’t diminish with the glimmer of holiday lights. They are longing for compassionate friends who will reach out to them where they are; friends who will take some time to be reverent and silent; friends who will be present with them and the spirit of their loved one.
If you are aware of a grieving, bereaved soul this season, maybe you could take some time to be with them on “their turf”. If you do, you might find out a bit more about the peaceful place that today’s Scripture verse depicts and you may be blessed with a little bit more understanding about the little child who leads us to the realm of peace.
Have a blessed day as you continue your preparation for the holiday.
--Ben Keckler
12.15.10
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, December 14
‘Tis the Season: God with Us
“The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.”
--A prophetic vision of God’s peaceful realm
(Isaiah 11:6)
Tuesday: Children are beautiful. They believe!
Christians continue to spiritually prepare for Christmas, a holy day. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, not because December 25 is his birthday but because it is important to celebrate God’s incarnational presence among us. This week we are meditating on various realities of what it means to feel that God is with us.
I received this e-mail some time ago; it talks about the simple faith of a child.
“It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco.
The pastor of the church was looking over the cradle when he
noticed that the baby Jesus was missing from among the figures.
Immediately he turned and went outside and saw a little boy
with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little
infant, Jesus.
So he walked up to the boy and said, “Well, where did you
get Him, my little friend?”
The little boy replied, “I got him from the church.”
“And why did you take him?” the pastor asked.
The boy said, “Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed
to the little Lord Jesus and I told him if he would bring me
a red wagon for Christmas I would give him a ride around
the block in it!”
Blessings as you continue preparation for the holiday.
--Ben Keckler
12.14.10
“The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.”
--A prophetic vision of God’s peaceful realm
(Isaiah 11:6)
Tuesday: Children are beautiful. They believe!
Christians continue to spiritually prepare for Christmas, a holy day. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, not because December 25 is his birthday but because it is important to celebrate God’s incarnational presence among us. This week we are meditating on various realities of what it means to feel that God is with us.
I received this e-mail some time ago; it talks about the simple faith of a child.
“It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco.
The pastor of the church was looking over the cradle when he
noticed that the baby Jesus was missing from among the figures.
Immediately he turned and went outside and saw a little boy
with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little
infant, Jesus.
So he walked up to the boy and said, “Well, where did you
get Him, my little friend?”
The little boy replied, “I got him from the church.”
“And why did you take him?” the pastor asked.
The boy said, “Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed
to the little Lord Jesus and I told him if he would bring me
a red wagon for Christmas I would give him a ride around
the block in it!”
Blessings as you continue preparation for the holiday.
--Ben Keckler
12.14.10
Monday, December 13, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, December 13
‘Tis the Season: God with Us
“The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.”
--A prophetic vision of God’s peaceful realm
(Isaiah 11:6)
Monday: Letting a Child Lead Us
Christians are continuing in a season of preparation (Advent), journeying toward a special holy day. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, not because December 25 is his birthday but because it is important to celebrate God’s incarnational presence among us. This week we will meditate on various realities of what it means to feel that God is with us.
One of our associates has a married sister who lives a great distance from here. They have an adopted son named Seth whose birthday is earlier this month. Many years ago as a 4 year old there was a conversation that mom and Seth had as mom tried to help son understand the mysterious relationship of Santa, Jesus and Christmas.
Mom: Seth, so you know why we celebrate Christmas?
Seth: Yeah, cause Santa gets me a present and then I get to open the present that Santa brung me.
Mom: But why does Santa bring gifts?
Seth: So I can open them.
Mom: No, Santa brings gifts because we are celebrating someone’s birthday; whose birthday is it?
Seth: I don’t know.
Mom: It’s someone who came from heaven and we celebrate their birthday.
Seth: OHHHH, that’s ME!
I can see that while the Holy One was/is definitely alive in this child, mom probably felt like there’s lots of teaching to do. How about you?
--Ben Keckler
12.13.10
“The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.”
--A prophetic vision of God’s peaceful realm
(Isaiah 11:6)
Monday: Letting a Child Lead Us
Christians are continuing in a season of preparation (Advent), journeying toward a special holy day. We celebrate the birth of Jesus, not because December 25 is his birthday but because it is important to celebrate God’s incarnational presence among us. This week we will meditate on various realities of what it means to feel that God is with us.
One of our associates has a married sister who lives a great distance from here. They have an adopted son named Seth whose birthday is earlier this month. Many years ago as a 4 year old there was a conversation that mom and Seth had as mom tried to help son understand the mysterious relationship of Santa, Jesus and Christmas.
Mom: Seth, so you know why we celebrate Christmas?
Seth: Yeah, cause Santa gets me a present and then I get to open the present that Santa brung me.
Mom: But why does Santa bring gifts?
Seth: So I can open them.
Mom: No, Santa brings gifts because we are celebrating someone’s birthday; whose birthday is it?
Seth: I don’t know.
Mom: It’s someone who came from heaven and we celebrate their birthday.
Seth: OHHHH, that’s ME!
I can see that while the Holy One was/is definitely alive in this child, mom probably felt like there’s lots of teaching to do. How about you?
--Ben Keckler
12.13.10
Friday, December 10, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, December 10
It Really is All About the Children
The prophet realized that we develop many names for the child that is born. Likewise, we bring many names to this season of the year and each of those names is sacred.
One of the insights from an old Hebrew prophet is that the very essence of God enters into our midst as a child. Sixty-four years ago UNICEF was founded (December 11, 1946) and people around the world joined together to form the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. Children are so important. Today, I want to share a final segment of Marian Wright Edelman’s prayer for children. The words can help to keep us focused on the realities of this season:
“O God of beggar, beaten, abused, neglected,
Homeless, AIDS, drug, and hunger-ravaged children,
Of children who are emotionally and physically and mentally fragile,
And of children who rebel and ridicule, torment and taunt,
Help us to love and respect and protect them all.
“O God of children of destiny and of despair, of war and of peace,
Of disfigured, diseased and dying children,
Of children without hope and of children with hope
To spare and to share,
Help us to love and respect and protect them all.”
Have a meaningful day in your work wherever that may be and may your weekend be blessed with everything you need.
--Ben Keckler
12.10.10
The prophet realized that we develop many names for the child that is born. Likewise, we bring many names to this season of the year and each of those names is sacred.
One of the insights from an old Hebrew prophet is that the very essence of God enters into our midst as a child. Sixty-four years ago UNICEF was founded (December 11, 1946) and people around the world joined together to form the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. Children are so important. Today, I want to share a final segment of Marian Wright Edelman’s prayer for children. The words can help to keep us focused on the realities of this season:
“O God of beggar, beaten, abused, neglected,
Homeless, AIDS, drug, and hunger-ravaged children,
Of children who are emotionally and physically and mentally fragile,
And of children who rebel and ridicule, torment and taunt,
Help us to love and respect and protect them all.
“O God of children of destiny and of despair, of war and of peace,
Of disfigured, diseased and dying children,
Of children without hope and of children with hope
To spare and to share,
Help us to love and respect and protect them all.”
Have a meaningful day in your work wherever that may be and may your weekend be blessed with everything you need.
--Ben Keckler
12.10.10
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, December 9
Holy Days, Holy Seasons
We have been examining some of the holy days and/or seasons that make up the rhythm of “the holidays.” There is a common thread in the religious holidays of the world’s religions. Woven throughout the fabric of all religious communities are a couple of significant themes:
● “light (divine light) is visible in the midst of personal darkness.”
● this is a time to focus on all these becoming new.
The language that describes these beliefs is demonstrated in a variety of symbolic ways. For generations people of all faiths have taken great pride in their “stream of faith” that has allowed God to empower their souls.
As co-participants in a global village, the present moment is a good time for us to grow in our understanding and appreciation of the ways each religion expresses their convictions. In the chaplaincy office here at the hospital we have a book entitled “A Hospital Handbook on Multiculturalism and Religion”. In this book are insights about the beliefs and practices of the major religions, as well as discussions about the significance of attitudes, rites, rituals, and dietary observances.
Most who read this devotion will be Western Christians caught up in the busy-ness of our holiday season. Take time to listen to the heartbeat of other faith traditions as you journey through this holiday season. When we do this, God alone will be our rock and another step will be taken to having a global village dwelling together in peace.
--Ben Keckler
12.09.10
We have been examining some of the holy days and/or seasons that make up the rhythm of “the holidays.” There is a common thread in the religious holidays of the world’s religions. Woven throughout the fabric of all religious communities are a couple of significant themes:
● “light (divine light) is visible in the midst of personal darkness.”
● this is a time to focus on all these becoming new.
The language that describes these beliefs is demonstrated in a variety of symbolic ways. For generations people of all faiths have taken great pride in their “stream of faith” that has allowed God to empower their souls.
As co-participants in a global village, the present moment is a good time for us to grow in our understanding and appreciation of the ways each religion expresses their convictions. In the chaplaincy office here at the hospital we have a book entitled “A Hospital Handbook on Multiculturalism and Religion”. In this book are insights about the beliefs and practices of the major religions, as well as discussions about the significance of attitudes, rites, rituals, and dietary observances.
Most who read this devotion will be Western Christians caught up in the busy-ness of our holiday season. Take time to listen to the heartbeat of other faith traditions as you journey through this holiday season. When we do this, God alone will be our rock and another step will be taken to having a global village dwelling together in peace.
--Ben Keckler
12.09.10
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, December 8
Holy Days, Holy Seasons
We continue our exploration of holidays of some of the world’s major religions. Today we look at Western Christianity.
Western Christianity’s celebrations surrounding Christmas are probably the most festive of all religious holiday celebrations. Even during the season of preparation, commonly known as Advent, Christians are anxious to sing the carols of Christmas. In the United States it is common for all the Christmas traditions from the birth of Christ to Santa and the reindeer to be displayed inside and outside of homes and businesses.
Western Christians, whether in impoverished countries like Nicaragua or in affluent countries like the US and Canada, demonstrate their festive spirits in many ways. Acts of charity increase, social and religious calendars are filled and Christians welcome the gift of Emmanuel with gifts (large or small) given to family and friends.
A prayer: O gift of God revealed among us, shine through our hearts this Christmas. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.08.10
We continue our exploration of holidays of some of the world’s major religions. Today we look at Western Christianity.
Western Christianity’s celebrations surrounding Christmas are probably the most festive of all religious holiday celebrations. Even during the season of preparation, commonly known as Advent, Christians are anxious to sing the carols of Christmas. In the United States it is common for all the Christmas traditions from the birth of Christ to Santa and the reindeer to be displayed inside and outside of homes and businesses.
Western Christians, whether in impoverished countries like Nicaragua or in affluent countries like the US and Canada, demonstrate their festive spirits in many ways. Acts of charity increase, social and religious calendars are filled and Christians welcome the gift of Emmanuel with gifts (large or small) given to family and friends.
A prayer: O gift of God revealed among us, shine through our hearts this Christmas. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.08.10
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, December 7
A Holy Day in Islamic Tradition
Last week we had some devotions centering on Holy Days of some of the world’s major religions. We continue that exploration this week. Remember that first and foremost a holiday is a Holy Day, a festival day set aside for people to celebrate a sacred happening.
Today we focus on Muharram, an Islamic holiday, that began last night at sundown. Muharram is the holiday celebrating the Islamic New Year. Obviously the Islamic New Year does not coincide with our Western Calendar which has New Year's Day as January 1. The Islamic faith is not the only religion to have a new year's holiday that fails to coincide with the calendar. Did you know that Western Christianity's new year actually begins four Sundays before Christmas (this year that was November 28)?
If you have an Islamic friend, please be aware that this is a holy day for them. Visit the web and learn more about Muharram or take time to learn about this holiday from a Muslim friend.
--Ben Keckler
12.07.10
Last week we had some devotions centering on Holy Days of some of the world’s major religions. We continue that exploration this week. Remember that first and foremost a holiday is a Holy Day, a festival day set aside for people to celebrate a sacred happening.
Today we focus on Muharram, an Islamic holiday, that began last night at sundown. Muharram is the holiday celebrating the Islamic New Year. Obviously the Islamic New Year does not coincide with our Western Calendar which has New Year's Day as January 1. The Islamic faith is not the only religion to have a new year's holiday that fails to coincide with the calendar. Did you know that Western Christianity's new year actually begins four Sundays before Christmas (this year that was November 28)?
If you have an Islamic friend, please be aware that this is a holy day for them. Visit the web and learn more about Muharram or take time to learn about this holiday from a Muslim friend.
--Ben Keckler
12.07.10
Monday, December 6, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, December 6
A Special, Significant Night
Here in our county, a very small dot in the global village, a number of people are going to be joining together at the Angel of Hope statue. The vigil starts at 7 p.m. It will be cold. There will be a warm feeling of connection among the participants. Each of them will bring a white flower to this special evening. They will be united in spirit.
All these people will be remembering a child they have lost, a child who has died. They are people who think differently about the holidays because they will not be buying a present or presents for someone they loved and still love. While all the world seems to be buzzing with presents and merriment, they are drawn to memories about how their lives were. While the world around them is filled with lights and songs, their world has only the inner glow of songs that used to be sung.
As you experience the rhythms of your day and of this season, please take some time and listen to the heart song of a parent who has to deal with the reality of their child's all-to-sudden departure from this world. Do what you can to make this a special, significant night.
--Ben Keckler
12.06.10
Here in our county, a very small dot in the global village, a number of people are going to be joining together at the Angel of Hope statue. The vigil starts at 7 p.m. It will be cold. There will be a warm feeling of connection among the participants. Each of them will bring a white flower to this special evening. They will be united in spirit.
All these people will be remembering a child they have lost, a child who has died. They are people who think differently about the holidays because they will not be buying a present or presents for someone they loved and still love. While all the world seems to be buzzing with presents and merriment, they are drawn to memories about how their lives were. While the world around them is filled with lights and songs, their world has only the inner glow of songs that used to be sung.
As you experience the rhythms of your day and of this season, please take some time and listen to the heart song of a parent who has to deal with the reality of their child's all-to-sudden departure from this world. Do what you can to make this a special, significant night.
--Ben Keckler
12.06.10
Friday, December 3, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, December 3
Holy Days, Holy Seasons
“I will create new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered,
nor will they come to mind.”
--Isaiah 65.17
Holiday. A holiday is a Holy Day, a festival day set-aside for people to celebrate a sacred happening. Some Holy Days spread themselves out into a series of days. Several of the world’s major religions have holy seasons during this time of the calendar year. Let's conclude this week with another holiday tradition.
During the week from Christmas to New Year’s, there is a festival called Kwanzaa. This celebration is a faith-based observance primarily celebrated by many North Americans of West African descent. A seven-branched candelabrum is used to call the celebrants to focus on important attributes for living life with integrity. The attributes include the following: unity, self-determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Each day of the festival another candle is lit and participants focus on the meaning of one of these characteristics.
New festivals emerge in culture, often rooted in old traditions. It is important to learn about them and understand their significance. Taking the time to incorporate the unfamiliar with our time-honored traditions, we may very well find a meaning of the text for today. The characteristics examined during Kwanzaa deserve special attention in every person’s life.
If you have friends of West African descent, you may want to take time and learn from them about their “festival of light” known as Kwanzaa.
--Ben Keckler
12.03.10
“I will create new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered,
nor will they come to mind.”
--Isaiah 65.17
Holiday. A holiday is a Holy Day, a festival day set-aside for people to celebrate a sacred happening. Some Holy Days spread themselves out into a series of days. Several of the world’s major religions have holy seasons during this time of the calendar year. Let's conclude this week with another holiday tradition.
During the week from Christmas to New Year’s, there is a festival called Kwanzaa. This celebration is a faith-based observance primarily celebrated by many North Americans of West African descent. A seven-branched candelabrum is used to call the celebrants to focus on important attributes for living life with integrity. The attributes include the following: unity, self-determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Each day of the festival another candle is lit and participants focus on the meaning of one of these characteristics.
New festivals emerge in culture, often rooted in old traditions. It is important to learn about them and understand their significance. Taking the time to incorporate the unfamiliar with our time-honored traditions, we may very well find a meaning of the text for today. The characteristics examined during Kwanzaa deserve special attention in every person’s life.
If you have friends of West African descent, you may want to take time and learn from them about their “festival of light” known as Kwanzaa.
--Ben Keckler
12.03.10
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, December 2
Holy Days, Holy Seasons
“And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
--Isaiah 9:6b
Holiday. We think of that word and a number of pictures come to mind. First and foremost a holiday is a Holy Day, a festival day set-aside for people to celebrate a sacred happening. Some Holy Days spread themselves out into a series of days, an example being the “twelve days of Christmas”. Several of the world’s major religions have holy seasons during this part of the calendar year. This week we are looking at these holy days/holy seasons.
Christianity, the largest of the world’s religions, actually celebrates the holy day of Christmas in a variety of ways. A significant number of Christians are known as Eastern Orthodox Christians. Eastern Christianity is significantly different from Western Christianity—both are Christian and probably would not even recognize their common lineage during this holiday season. Today we think about Eastern Christianity.
The Christmas holiday is not very significant in Eastern tradition. There is some festivity surrounding the Holy Family and the Holy Child, but the festivity centers around a time for worshipping the birth of Jesus, of whom the prophet said would have many names. Orthodox churches that are found in our Western culture (Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and Serbian Orthodox to give a few) may adapt some of the Western traditions. Generally this is a difficult struggle for these Orthodox believers. Our nation is filled with Western practices relating to Christmas and sometimes it is difficult to understand that some believers don’t make a “big deal” about this special holiday.
The prophet stated that the child who was born would have many names. It seems right, then, that there would be many ways to recognize his birth. Thanks to God for the gift of the Eastern Orthodox practice of Christianity.
If you have friends who are Eastern Orthodox Christians, you may want to take time and learn more about their understanding of the holy day celebrated as Christmas.
--Ben Keckler
12.02.10
“And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
--Isaiah 9:6b
Holiday. We think of that word and a number of pictures come to mind. First and foremost a holiday is a Holy Day, a festival day set-aside for people to celebrate a sacred happening. Some Holy Days spread themselves out into a series of days, an example being the “twelve days of Christmas”. Several of the world’s major religions have holy seasons during this part of the calendar year. This week we are looking at these holy days/holy seasons.
Christianity, the largest of the world’s religions, actually celebrates the holy day of Christmas in a variety of ways. A significant number of Christians are known as Eastern Orthodox Christians. Eastern Christianity is significantly different from Western Christianity—both are Christian and probably would not even recognize their common lineage during this holiday season. Today we think about Eastern Christianity.
The Christmas holiday is not very significant in Eastern tradition. There is some festivity surrounding the Holy Family and the Holy Child, but the festivity centers around a time for worshipping the birth of Jesus, of whom the prophet said would have many names. Orthodox churches that are found in our Western culture (Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, and Serbian Orthodox to give a few) may adapt some of the Western traditions. Generally this is a difficult struggle for these Orthodox believers. Our nation is filled with Western practices relating to Christmas and sometimes it is difficult to understand that some believers don’t make a “big deal” about this special holiday.
The prophet stated that the child who was born would have many names. It seems right, then, that there would be many ways to recognize his birth. Thanks to God for the gift of the Eastern Orthodox practice of Christianity.
If you have friends who are Eastern Orthodox Christians, you may want to take time and learn more about their understanding of the holy day celebrated as Christmas.
--Ben Keckler
12.02.10
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, December 1
Holy Days, Holy Seasons
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
--Psalm 27:1
Holiday. We think of that word and a number of pictures come to mind, don’t they? First and foremost a holiday is a Holy Day, a festival day set-aside for people to celebrate a sacred happening. Some Holy Days spread themselves out into a series of days, an example being the “twelve days of Christmas”. Several of the world’s major religions have holy seasons during this part of the calendar year. The rest of this week we will look at some of these holy days/holy seasons.
This evening Hanukkah starts, a series of days the Jewish community takes to celebrate as the Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication. Each evening during the season, Jewish families and communities light an additional candle on their menorahs until all eight are burning. They recount miracle stories of their faith tradition, play games and enjoy family time. Psalm 27 gives a poetic backdrop for what these people of faith are celebrating.
If you have Jewish friends, take a moment and wish them a blessed holiday and a blessed holy season.
--Ben Keckler
12.01.10
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
--Psalm 27:1
Holiday. We think of that word and a number of pictures come to mind, don’t they? First and foremost a holiday is a Holy Day, a festival day set-aside for people to celebrate a sacred happening. Some Holy Days spread themselves out into a series of days, an example being the “twelve days of Christmas”. Several of the world’s major religions have holy seasons during this part of the calendar year. The rest of this week we will look at some of these holy days/holy seasons.
This evening Hanukkah starts, a series of days the Jewish community takes to celebrate as the Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication. Each evening during the season, Jewish families and communities light an additional candle on their menorahs until all eight are burning. They recount miracle stories of their faith tradition, play games and enjoy family time. Psalm 27 gives a poetic backdrop for what these people of faith are celebrating.
If you have Jewish friends, take a moment and wish them a blessed holiday and a blessed holy season.
--Ben Keckler
12.01.10
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