Several years ago now, I remember my friend Charlie Landreth sharing a message on the story about the Wise Men following the star to find the Christ child. And I remember he noted first and foremost that Matthew tells us, in words that almost leap off the page: “When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy…”

That’s a powerful statement. They were overwhelmed with joy!

Barbara Brown Taylor describes the experience of joy as “almost irreverent.” She writes, “Joy has never had very much to do with what is going on in the world at the time. This is what makes it different from happiness, or pleasure, or fun. All those depend on positive conditions… The only condition for joy is the presence of God… which means that it can erupt in a depressed economy, in the middle of a war, or in an intensive care waiting room… it is a gift…”

In addition to joy, however, there is another emotion prevalent in this text: and that is fear. If we were to back up, when the Magi reached Jerusalem and began asking around, Matthew tells us that Herod got very nervous. This news of Jesus's birth struck him with fear. And not only him. Matthew says, “Herod was terrified, and all Jerusalem with him.”

Fear is a pretty powerful emotion as well.

So what a huge contrast: the Wise Men following the star, which leads to joy, and Herod and all of Jerusalem—never looking up—filled with fear.

I remember Charlie asking: Where do you find your place in this story? Where to stand as you face this New Year? In what mood do you live your life—joy or fear? Or a mixture of both? Most of us live our lives within that tension…

I wonder how often fear gets in the way of our following the light—or even noticing the light. I wonder how often fear gets in the way of our experiencing joy or grace or God…

As we head into this new year—wherever you are on the journey of life—I pray that you would not allow fear to dominate your life or your decisions. I pray that you would keep your head up, your eyes open, and your heart tender… I pray that in doing so, you might notice the in-breaking of the light of Christ into your life at unexpected times and in unexpected ways. May that light not only bring you deep and abiding joy but lead you to respond with all your heart…

Let us pray: God of Grace, as we sit on the edge of this new year, we ask that the light of Christ would bring joy and hope to our hearts and lives. It is in his name we pray. Amen.

Over the course of the year I lived in Jamaica, two separate times faith-based medical mission teams came to our part of the island. Both times, the groups were small, and yet they made a huge impact in the community. People lined up for almost a mile to see a doctor, or dentist, or to get glasses.

Sometimes we wonder if our giving makes a difference. But there, with that mission, you could see the impact firsthand—and it was powerful.

In fact, one Monday morning, after the first medical team left, I noticed a seventh-grade student smiling ear to ear. He had on this huge pair of red glasses that were way too big for his small face. But his world was changed, because all of a sudden he could see!

This made me reflect on all the other folks in that town whose lives were now better off. Some had teeth that didn’t ache, others could see better, still others felt better. Their lives had been touched and changed.

On the other side of this, I had the opportunity to have lunch with that first medical team near the end of their stay. I heard again and again from this group of dentists, doctors, and nurses, “Oh, I received way more from this experience than I ever gave!”

Most of us find this to be true. When we use our gifts, large or small, for the good of others, blessings don’t simply rain down—they pour.

Let us pray: It is amazing how you work, O God. When we share your love it becomes more and more a part of us. Help us continue to find ways to use our gifts to bless others. And then, Lord, meet us in our giving so that we would be drawn closer to you. We ask in Jesus’s name. Amen.

Today a special word of thanks to those of you who have supported Dial Hope Financially. Several donors have generously offered to match all gifts through the end of the year.  No limit on the match!  If you are able to participate, please go to our website for donation opportunities: www.dialhope.org.

The Apostle Paul almost always began his letters with words of gratitude and encouragement. We read the refrains: I give thanks to God for you… Look at all God is doing for you and through you… You are chosen… You are loved.

It is interesting. In the early church, not only did the apostles write letters of encouragement, sometimes they actually sent people out for that very purpose. At the end of Ephesians, Paul writes, “…Tychicus will tell you everything. He is a dear brother and a faithful minister in the Lord. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, to let you know how we are, and to encourage your hearts.” In 1 Thessalonians, he writes, “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith…”

But there’s more. We are also to encourage one another. In 1 Thessalonians (5:11), Paul goes on to write, “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.”

Today, think about people in your life who could use a little encouragement—maybe someone who does a thankless job, maybe someone who has been feeling down. Find a way to encourage them. Let God use you even now to be a blessing.

Our prayer today was written by Rev. Roger Kunkel, founder of Dial Hope. Let us pray:
God of love, flood our hearts and lives with the joy of your interior light, that we may be lighthouses to others. Through the grace of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Some years ago, a ten-year-old boy named Johnny was sitting alone on a park bench one afternoon. It was a beautiful spring day and Johnny was watching some other kids play baseball. An older man happened by, saw Johnny sitting there and sat down beside him. They entered into a conversation. They talked about the gorgeous weather, sports, and their families. Finally, the older man said, "Johnny, I want to ask you a question. If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?" Johnny thought for a moment and then said, "First, I would wish for peace and happiness in the world. Second, I would wish everybody would join a church. And third, I would wish that my best friend Billy, who is blind, would be able to see. That's what I would wish for." 

The older man seemed amazed by little Johnny's answer, and with a look of perplexity, he said goodbye and walked away. Johnny didn't understand why the man was confused by the answer. He sat there for a moment, and then picked up his crutches and hobbled home! Now you know where Johnny got that gracious, loving spirit, don't you? He got it from Jesus. He got it from the one who went to the cross for you and me. 

On the cross, God showed us how much he loved us and how much he wants us to love one another. Faith, hope, love - that's what the cross is about. Whether you are receiving chemotherapy, or radiation, facing the loss of a loved one, whether you are calling from Baghdad, whether you are depressed and lonely, whether you are a teenager or a child, remember - God loves you! And you are blessed to be a blessing to others. 

Let us pray: Loving God, who has given us a mentor and example of living in Jesus, we pray that you will give us the courage and will to see more clearly, love more dearly, and follow more nearly the Christ, day by day. Today, may we reflect the image and spirit of Jesus who was called "The one for others" because he sought to serve rather than be served. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

When I was right out of seminary in my first call, a wise elder from my church came by my study to help me unpack. As we got underway, he asked about my prayer life. I was a brand-new pastor, and I didn’t even know everyone’s names yet. I would be leading our community in mission and outreach, and there were many new responsibilities to learn. On top of that, I had a daughter who was under a year old. Life was crazy.

I was honest, and I told our elder that I just tried to fit prayer at the edges—whenever I could. He challenged me and said, “Joe, there are many people in this congregation and in this community who are desperately seeking a sense of God’s peace, healing, and hope. God wants to use you. But, Joe, you can’t give what you don’t have.” This elder went on to say, “I know you are busy, Joe, with a young family and a career. But I’m not talking about adding one more thing to your life. I’m talking about a center or ground for all of it.”

At first, I was kind of mad. I thought, who are you to come in here and tell me how to organize my life? But ultimately I realized I was mostly angry because he was right.

Do we want to hear God’s voice in our lives? Do we want to have God’s peace and guidance at the heart of who we are? Do we want a sense of integrity between our faith and our work, our faith and our life? Then we need to make time to be still and to listen.

In Psalm 46 we read, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Let us pray: God of Hope, in this busy holiday season, so often we find ourselves racing through life, and our souls are just starved. We find that we can go and go and go—but yet we miss so much of life that way. Help us to carve out time to stop and pray and sit in your presence. Through this time, draw us closer to you. Even now, may we live out of a deep experience of your grace and love. Amen.