Beginning this evening, all of my future posts will appear at the new home of Tuesdays with Morris.
So, if you’d like to continue reading my random collection of writings on life, ministry, family, food, drinks, friends, faith, music, and so on, you’ll want to head over to my new site.
Every time I hear Jesus referred to as the “baby Jesus”, I just can’t help laughing a little bit as it makes me think of the prayer scene in Talladega Nights (”Dear Baby Jesus”). After visiting the Center Chapel Pre-School last week, I have a new image in my mind when it comes to baby Jesus.
I was invited to speak to all three of the pre-school classes about the true meaning of Christmas. We headed into the sanctuary and turn on all of the decorative lighting. I talked to the kids about what they do at Christmas. I asked them what they wanted for Christmas. We talked about Santa Claus (even in the class where a mother had informed other parents that her three year old knows there isn’t a Santa Claus and that she had given him permission to tell all of his friends…nice, huh?). Then, we talked about the bigger meaning of Christmas.
I had the kids gather around our manger scene that sits on our communion table (some of my readers will be offended that we place things other than bread and wine on the communion table…oh well). I told the whole story about Jesus’ birth and why he came to earth.
With one class, as I was wrapping things up, I asked if there were any questions. Now, it’s very risky to ask three, four, and five year old children if they have any questions. Most of the questions were comments, rather than questions. One little girl told me that she knew all about Jesus (she did answer all my questions correctly) and that no one had told her about him…she just knew. Mrs. Wallace asked the little girl, “Don’t you go to church?” She said, “Yes, but they didn’t teach me this. They don’t talk about that. I just know.”
One little boy picked up the baby Jesus figurine and boldly proclaimed, “Baby Jesus is cute!” I smiled, kinda laughed (I tried not to because I could tell he was serious), and said, “Yeah, I guess he is.” I had never thought of it that way. He went on to tell me that his mother is pregnant and is going to have a boy. His last statement to me was, “I sure hope my baby brother is cute like baby Jesus.”
So, this Christmas, when you pause to remember that the day is all about the birth of Christ, be sure to say, “Baby Jesus is cute!”
Recently, I’ve noticed a lot of disrespectful and inappropriate behavior at public events. It all started a couple of days before Thanksgiving when I attended a pre-school party.
Before the children entered, the parents and their other children, along with other guests, gathered in the party room. Children were running wild as their parents ignored them…and in some cases even encouraged their bad behavior (for some reason, some parents find it amusing, even cute, when their children misbehave). A concerned grandparent told me to stand by and hold him back. Then he invited me to observe the “idiot parents”. He stated that people had shared concerns with him involving the students behavior. He said, “Just watch the parents…that will tell you why they have problems with the kids.”
Then, this past Sunday, I observed more of the same. I attended the Muncie Community Christmas Sing in order to help and support Emily as her choir performed. This event brings together each of the schools within the Muncie Community system, as well as many groups from our community. I believe the intent is to unite our community to celebrate the birth of Jesus. But, that intent is often lost when you begin to observe the behaviors of those in attendance.
At the Christmas Sing, it all started when the mayor of Muncie was introduced. There was an overwhelming chorus of “boos” as she approached the stage. I was in shock. I couldn’t believe that in this enviornment people would actually “boo” any participant.
Now, I will take into account that we were in Muncie at the Fieldhouse. So, maybe the citizens of Muncie were simply confused and thought the emcee was introducing the starting line-up for the Anderson Indians or Marion Giants.
Don’t get me wrong. I am notthe mayors biggest fan. I don’t always agree with her policies and agenda. However, I think there is a time and a place to voice ones opinion. A community event that is about uniting around the celebration of the birth of Jesus would not be an appropriate venue to voice ones dislike of a politician.
I wish that was the end…However, it was simply just the start.
Throughout the event, I witnessed those in attendance being rude and disrespectful. People spoke loudly during performancs. People answered and made cell phone calls during performances. If it’s that important to have a conversation or take a phone call either don’t come to the event or simply excuse yourself into the hallway. I witnessed parents swearing at their children. I could go on and on.
Recently, I had a person ask me why todays youth are so disrespectful. My answer: It’s a learned pattern of behavior that has been passed down from generation to generation. As our society becomes more and more individualistic and consumer-driven, we see a lack of concern for ones fellow people. It’s all about “me.” Children are taught that it’s about getting what they want, when they want it. Children are disrespectful and don’t know how to behave in public because their parents are disrespectful and don’t know how to behave in public.
I know many teachers and church leaders who try to teach their students proper etiquette and manners. But, those lessons are often lost as soon as the child goes home. Why? Because they see their parents show a totally lack of respect for others. Now, I understand this is an over-generalization. But, it rings true in many settings I encounter on a regular basis.
Parents, do me a favor…Please teach your children how to be respectful. Please teach your children how to behave in public (it might even impact how they behave at home). Please lead by example. Please practice what you preach. If you don’t know how to behave in public or show respect to those around you, buy a book or seek out help. Make an effort so that you won’t be referred to as an “idiot parent.”
I think we should all watch this film before we go out and do our Christmas shopping. Rev. Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping Choir are a performance/protest/art group…While much of it is for show…they convey a strong message. It’s hilarious…It’s intriguing…It’s eye-opening. You can watch the entire film on-line through this link.
It’s difficult to find the words to describe it…When I do put words to the overwhelming feeling, they feel exceedingly inadequte. Today, all I can come up with is to call it “gracious kindness.”
Sometimes you are faced with situations that seem so bleak and desperate that you feel you will be crushed by them…that you will fall underneath the weight of the circumstances. Just when you are at your wits end and you feel like all hope is lost, someone comes along and offers you a dose of “gracious kindness.”
Today, a perfect stranger, extended a bit of “gracious kindness” to my family. For reasons unknown to me, the man basically bailed us out of a sticky situation and helped us accomplish an overwhelming task. All I know is that God has to be in control of this situation.
I hope that one day I also will be able to extend a great deal of “gracious kindness” to those around me.
How have you experienced “gracious kindness” in your life?