Holy Days, Holy Seasons
“For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress;
I shall never be shaken.”
--Psalm 62:1, 2
During the week we’ve examined 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 is the theme that “light (divine light) is visible in the midst of personal darkness.” The language that describes this belief is demonstrated in a variety of symbolic ways. For generations, people of all faiths have taken great pride in their “stream of faith” that allows 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 we have a book “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 today will be Western Christians, caught up in the busy-ness of our holiday season. Taking time to listen to the heartbeat of other faith traditions is just as important as listening for the vital signs of the patients we serve. 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.
A prayer: Holy God, be near your people this Holy Season. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.16.11
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Friday, December 16, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, December 15
Holy Days, Holy Seasons
“He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the need,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.”
--Isaiah 11:3
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 part of the calendar year. This week are looking at some of these holy days/holy seasons.
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 Saint Nicholas a 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) to family and friends.
A prayer: O gift of God revealed among us, shine through our hearts this Christmas. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.15.11
“He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
but with righteousness he will judge the need,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.”
--Isaiah 11:3
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 part of the calendar year. This week are looking at some of these holy days/holy seasons.
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 Saint Nicholas a 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) to family and friends.
A prayer: O gift of God revealed among us, shine through our hearts this Christmas. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.15.11
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, December 14
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
Holidays. 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, like 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 a few of these holy days/ holy seasons.
Soon the Jewish community commences a celebration known as the Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication. The season is Hanukkah or Chanukkah. Each evening during the season, Jewish families and communities light an additional candle on their menorahs until all eight are burning. The 27th Psalm gives a poetic backdrop for what these people of faith are celebrating.
The festival season commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple after the Jews defeated the Hellenist Syrians (Greeks) in 165 BC. Three years prior (168 BC) the temple was seized and dedicated to the worship of Zeus and a battle for control of the holy place was waged. Judah Maccabee and his soldiers, upon claiming victory, went to the holy Temple and were saddened that many things were missing or broken, including the golden menorah. They decided to rededicate the temple and light the menorah. Legend tells us they finally found some oil, enough for one day. Miraculously, however, the oil lasted for eight days. Now, the season is remembered by lighting menorah candles each night for the eight days; during this time the people celebrate the power of God and the faithfulness of Israel.
A prayer: God, who has been and still is the light and salvation of those who trust in you, be my light and salvation again today as I work among your creation. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.14.11
“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
Holidays. 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, like 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 a few of these holy days/ holy seasons.
Soon the Jewish community commences a celebration known as the Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication. The season is Hanukkah or Chanukkah. Each evening during the season, Jewish families and communities light an additional candle on their menorahs until all eight are burning. The 27th Psalm gives a poetic backdrop for what these people of faith are celebrating.
The festival season commemorates the rededication of the holy Temple after the Jews defeated the Hellenist Syrians (Greeks) in 165 BC. Three years prior (168 BC) the temple was seized and dedicated to the worship of Zeus and a battle for control of the holy place was waged. Judah Maccabee and his soldiers, upon claiming victory, went to the holy Temple and were saddened that many things were missing or broken, including the golden menorah. They decided to rededicate the temple and light the menorah. Legend tells us they finally found some oil, enough for one day. Miraculously, however, the oil lasted for eight days. Now, the season is remembered by lighting menorah candles each night for the eight days; during this time the people celebrate the power of God and the faithfulness of Israel.
A prayer: God, who has been and still is the light and salvation of those who trust in you, be my light and salvation again today as I work among your creation. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.14.11
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, December 13
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
Holidays. 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 a couple of these holy days/holy seasons.
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.
A prayer: Creator God, continually open us to the new things you have for your creation. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.13.11
“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
Holidays. 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 a couple of these holy days/holy seasons.
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.
A prayer: Creator God, continually open us to the new things you have for your creation. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.13.11
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
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
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
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