Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Advent One

Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!” (Isaiah 40:3 The New Living Translation)

               The headline news, these days, seem intent on painting a worrisome picture for the incoming Christmas season. People are worried about the economy, inflation, the increasing costs of living and how expensive Christmas giving can be. To the horrors of Christmas commercialism, people are seriously considering to cut back on their Christmas spending.  But I also expect the gifts of charitable giving to much-wanting organizations may also fall under a more rigorous scrutiny. Our gifts may get smaller than normal and that would be a shame. Churches, foodbanks, shelters, children’s charities really need our support. But tough times call for tough decisions. The turkey may need to be a bit smaller this year.

                Perhaps, this is not the type of wasteland that the prophet was thinking about. But for many reasons beyond just economic ones, the Advent/Christmas season can feel like a wilderness, even for the most affluent. It can accentuate the barrenness of living: poor family relations, loneliness, separation from family, anxieties, worry, frustrations, stress, grief, health concerns, and, of course, counting pennies when one needs dollars. Thankfully, this is not everyone’s story of Christmas, but for many, it sometimes hard to hear the Christmas story against the backdrop of wilderness living.

                Yet it is this verse, quoted by Luke which often opens the Advent season.  It is helpful to hear how Isaiah and Luke both cut through the morass of bleakness and hopelessness to shine new light. Isaiah is speaking against the backdrop of the Jewish exile. Luke is pointing to the advent of Jesus’ ministry through John the Baptist. I like the fact the voice is SHOUTING. We need to hear what God is saying over and against all the noise and hubbub of a cacophonous world. God’s Word must rise above the din and speak to the fears and uncertainties of our times, be they Christmas related or not.

                Isaiah is part of clearing the path, creating a new way in the wilderness. He is directing us to focus on God who is clearing the way ahead. He is promising a better way, a safer way, a straight and narrow path for us to walk in faith, hope and love.  Later, in the book of Isaiah, some of the onus is on us to be part of that highway construction: “Go out through the gates! Prepare the highway for my people to return! Smooth out the road; pull out the boulders; raise a flag for all the nations to see.” (Isaiah 62:10) We are beacons of light for others along the way, for those who are lost, forsaken, hopeless or unloved.

                But it begins with God making a new highway in our life’s journey.  “You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.” (Psalm 18:36) No longer are we trying to go it alone. No longer are stumbling in the dark but God has shone a new Light for us to follow. Jesus in that Light: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John  14:6) I don’t interpret these words as exclusionary but being very inclusive for any and all who are looking for a better way, a better reason for living, a clearer focus in life.

                When we grasp Advent through the lens of being in the way of Jesus Christ, then hope returns, peace reigns, joy abounds and love overflow. It does not depend on the headlines, not on world leaders, not on others, not on our gift lists, not on our social calendars. In Advent, God is reaching out to us and beckoning us to follow. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Jesus understand the weariness of our steps, the plodding nature of our journey, the bumpy roads we encounter along the way.  His Light reveals new possibilities of a straighter pathway ahead. As we dare live by Jesus’ standards and follow his example of Love, service and compassion, we are led to New Life. “And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” (John 17:3)

                Listen, indeed! Here is our straight road this Advent. “Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up.”  (2 Corinthians 4:1) Can it get any louder than that?

 Dale      

 Wednesday, November 19, 2025

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” (Psalm 18:2, The New Living Translation)

               Yesterday marked our 47^th wedding anniversary. Wow! It has gone by in a flash in many ways, yet I am amazed and thankful for all that we have accomplished together, both in family and in ministry. Our four adult children, their partners and their children, our seven grandchildren, are a blessing and a joy each and every day. There have been so many people who have commented to us over the years how special our family is and how proud we must be. We are!

                Susan has been my rock in our journey together. As a father and a pastor, she has been the one who has kept me from faltering many a time. We have been through thick and thin; yet she is the one whom I trust in this life more than anyone else. It is funny how so many times we are thinking the exact same thing at the same time.  Susan has been my support, my advisor, my corrector, my love. When she was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago, it scared me to no end that I might lose her. I would be lost without her. There is an old Willie Nelson song with which I really identify: “Maybe I didn't love you Quite as often as I could have; Maybe I didn't treat you Quite as good as I should have; If I made you feel second-best; Girl, I'm sorry I was blind. (Chorus] You were always on my mind, You were always on my mind. … And I guess I never told you I'm so happy that you're mine. Little things I should have said and done I just never took the time. [Chorus]And you were always on my mind. You were always on my mind”

                So the words from Psalm 18, although they certainly apply to God, reach down and have application to my life with Susan. She, too, has been my shield many a time, the love that has saved me from myself, and my place of safety when I get in my own way or life gets rough.

                I am such an old, sentimental, romantic fool! How has she put up with me? (That’s a rhetorical question, by the way.)

                 What this Psalm celebrates is a relationship with God that is intimately close. God is not aloof, not a distant outsider. God is there for us each and every day. God desires our best welfare through his Love for us. He doesn’t abandon us to the consequences of our own actions and decisions. Maybe we don’t always love him quite as often as we should, but his Love for us never stops reaching out to us in both good and bad times.  

Jesus wanted us to understand the close intimacy we may enjoy with God when he called God, “Father.” I know that some  people have very negative, painful images of fatherhood but let Jesus repair that image by the Love that he incarnated, the Word became flesh. “Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!” Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.” (Galatians 4: 4 -7, The Message Bible)

God is Love and desires us to live that Love in our earthly relationships, husbands and wives, marital partners, parents and children, siblings, or even church as “family.”  Our closest and dearest relationships are filtered through the intimate Love of God.  “Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.” (1 John 3:9)

God is the Rock upon which we build all of our lives. “It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.” (Luke 6:48)

                Forty-seven years have been a living witness to God’s good Grace.

 Dale

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

“Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?  Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?  I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.” (Psalm 73: 13 -14, New Living Translation)

                I am a bit cranky this morning. Out of sorts. Grumpy. Why? Thanks for asking. I am in pain.  The doctor says that I have some sort of inflammation in my right hip. All I know is that it hurts like crazy. I feel like I have the mother of all Charlie-horses going on in my right thigh. Tylenol and Celebrex barely touch it. The mornings, when I get up, are the worse.  Yikes! on the pain-o-meter. Sitting here is uncomfortable.  I have to go for an X-ray. Just anther morning in paradise!

                Maybe this is why I appreciate the Psalms so much.  If you really think about it, many of the writers of the Psalms do a lot of complaining, bemoaning, lamenting and protesting. They let their spiritual feelings all hang out for others to see, especially for God to see. They don’t hold back. They don’t suffer in silence. They don’t get all pious and holier-than-thou in stoic misery.  Their human honesty and frankness barks through the reality they are experiencing. “I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief.” (Psalm 38:6) Preach it, brother! “I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain.” (Psalm 38: 17) You’re preaching to the choir, man! Be it physical suffering or undergoing persecution from enemies or simply in the depths of despair, the Psalmists bare their souls to God and even challenge God about the condition their condition is in. “I am sick at heart. How long, O Lord, until you restore me?” (Psalm 6: 3)

                But – and you know there is a but. But most of these complaints also exhibit another kind of honesty. Sometimes, the Psalmists recognize that they have no one to blame but themselves or that their sin and wrongdoing is adversely affecting their lives. Or their attitudes. Or their misunderstanding. Or their mistakes. Or their lack of faith and trust.  Then, they realize that confession is good for the soul and  will put them back on the right track with others and with God. But even more so, their laments often and usually (not always) turn into hope, faith, trust, fresh understanding, as they reach out to God in their situations.  

Keep reading Psalm 73, for example. After all his complaining about the world he is in, he ends up saying: “Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.” (Psalm 73: 21 --24)

                That’s a tough faith for tough times.  They refuse to let whatever bad and painful situations they are in to define God and therefore themselves. They strive to reach a better conclusion. They insist on resisting their very own complaints and protests and seeking God, no matter what it takes or how long it takes, to find reassurances, consolations and salvation. For rescue. For new answers. “But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.” (Psalm 73:28)

                So let us, neither, just get stuck in our complaining and allowing our gripes to be our last word on life. Let us work through the worst moments in our lives, even if it just seems pointless or hapless or unending, and find our strength renewed by God’s Grace and Love.

                “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40: 31)

                Pass the Tylenol, please. And with God’s help, I’ll get through this, too.

 Dale

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

“You know for yourselves that we’re not much to look at. We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken.” (2 Corinthians 4: 8 -10, The Message Bible)

                It is very tempting to use these verses to describe the feelings of we, Blue Jays fan, after the crushing defeat in the World Series. But to do so would be to trivialize these words and do them a great disservice. (Although, I guess I just did anyway. Shame on me!)

                No, these words better resonate with those people who are enduring terrible, exhausting, life-threatening circumstances. Maybe it’s the wars in Ukraine, Sudan or Palestine. Maybe it’s in the palliative care wards of hospitals. Perhaps, it’s the endless addictions of drugs and alcohol that some face. Or it could be the daily confrontations of abusive spouses, parents or bosses. It might be the interminable state of depression, fear, anxiety or worry. Need I go on?  You get the picture. These words reach out to those who constantly experience troubles, feel demoralized, seem to be at a loss and spiritually terrorized.  Or in the more familiar translations: “We are afflicted in every way but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed… (New Revised Standard Version)

                Paul is not being some Pollyannish, stoic martyr here, trying to put on a Christian, happy face. Earlier, in this same letter, he wrote, “We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.” (2 Corinthians 1: 8) Paul, too, experienced the deep waters of troubled times. Listen to him describe some of the details of what it was like for him. “Even now we go hungry and thirsty, and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home.” (1 Corinthians 4:11) There is more but you get the idea. Paul was challenged by some very harsh, life circumstances and yet as our text states, he worked his way through it all; he comes close, perhaps,  to despair but he is not defeated. His faith and trust in Jesus Christ sustain him in the most challenging of circumstances. “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12: 9 -10)

                Some may see Paul as larger-than-life, a Christian superhero. But I think that we need to appreciate his very normal, human qualities. It is indeed remarkable how he can endure so much, and yet remain so hopeful, remain resolute, remain confident, remain assured about Jesus and God’s Love through Jesus Christ.  Some might think it took herculean effort but more likely, it is the solid, human connection he had with Jesus Christ that made the difference for him. He gave us some insight and inspiration when he wrote to the Roman church: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5: 3-5)

                Everyone is different and unique as to how they handle their troubled times. The last thing that I would ever say is that we should put on a phoney, happy face because of some ideology that preaches that Christians should always be happy and never be sad or depressed.  Life can be nasty sometimes. What we need, though, is a working faith which gives us something to hold onto when the storms come. We do not know what the future holds for us but we can deepen our trust that Jesus walks with us in the presence of the Holy Spirit. We are not abandoned.

                “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Romans 8: 35 – 39)

                To that, I say, Alleluia!

 

Dale

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life…” (Matthew 6:25, New Living Translation)

                It seems to me that Jesus’ words fly over the head of any hardcore Toronto Blue Jays fan.  Deep worry and anxiety are fundamental attitudes for those of us who passionately cheer for this team on a regular basis. Now that the Jays are in the World Series, it is even worse. We agonize over every pitch, squirm when the Dodgers are winning, complain over the manager’s pitching decisions, gripe about the umpires, have sleepless nights after a loss, sit on the edge of our seats during a game wringing our hands and shaking our heads, praying for divine intervention. Look up ‘anxiety’ in the dictionary and you’ll see a picture of a Blues Jays fan – probably mine.

                There was a news clip on the CBC last night which claimed that this stress and worry about our sports’ teams can be bad for our health, especially if we have a serious heart condition.  Blood pressure increases. Bio-chemicals get stirred up. Our breathing may become affected. Our physical domain is put in jeopardy because of our intense relationship with the teams we cheer for and die for. Don’t I know it!

                I know that they are just games. World peace does not depend on them.  The sun still comes up even after a loss. Nobody dies. There is always a next time. But in the moment, worry and anxiety seep in and take over more often than not.

                We really should save our anxiety for more serious matters in the world.  We need to concerned about big things like wars, pollution, hatred, racism, and the like. Or perhaps, it is more personal - health issues, relationship troubles, financial concerns, employment difficulties, troubled children, etc.  These are indeed troubled times we live in and we can weigh ourselves down with anxiety and worry.

                Yet Jesus has the audacity to tell us not to worry about everyday things. Perhaps being concerned is not quite the same as being worried and anxious but, either way, our fears, worries, anxieties, even concerns can threaten to overwhelm us. Jesus looks us in the eyes and challenges us not to let the bad win out. Don’t let the challenges take over our lives and don’t let the darkness prevail when it surrounds us.  Let our faith, in fact, show us the way out of those worries. Let our trust in God prevail when life becomes troublesome. Let our hope in God take hold rather than despair. “Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.” (Psalm 10:17)

                I don’t think that this trust in the face of adversity means we are seeing the world through rose-coloured glasses. It doesn’t make us gullible or naïve. It doesn’t lead us into wishful or fanciful thinking. It doesn’t mean that all our problems will magically disappear. But standing on the promises of God give us a firm foothold, a rock upon which to stand, when the storms are fierce and dangerous.

                “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 5: 31 -33)

                Paul wrote much about the ideal of hope. It was one of the cornerstones of walking with Jesus: faith, hope and love. For a man who faced so much adversity, it is remarkable that his personal sense of hope was so strong and vibrant. “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” (Romans 12:12) Having hope rather than anxiety gives us strength, courage, perseverance, determination, and sometimes, even a sense of peace, all because of knowing God’s Love for us. “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (1 Corinthians 13:7)

                Let’s not allow the world to get the better of us. “But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.” (Hebrews 3:6)

                But really, Lord, can you help out the Blue Jays?

Dale

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12: 12 -13, New Living Translation)

               The five baptisms, this past Sunday, at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church (Toronto) made this scripture text come alive.  There were a variety of ages, people of colour, genders and personality. It was heart-warming to witness the authentic and sometimes spontaneous joy each person was feeling as they “went through the waters.” Baptism is more than just a church-y, perfunctory ritual but as this ceremony was, baptism is something personal, intimate and communal. We all share the same Spirit.

                One woman grew up with atheistic parents. Another grew up in a different country than Canada. Each of the five had their own unique, personal story but Jesus Christ had brought them together at this time for this moment to share in this blessed experience of faith, witness and community. “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

But there was a moment which stood out for me which symbolized all a church could and should be. The second person who was baptised was a senior woman. She needed some help going down the stairs into the water. The man who was to be baptized next, helped her down the stairs, even having to step into the water himself to do so. Later, the young woman who had been baptized before her had stayed at the top of the stairs and then helped the woman get safely back up the stairs. I found this all-in-these-waters-together moment especially rich and meaningful. Perhaps, it had been arranged beforehand but that doesn’t matter. It was still a beautiful reminder of what the church can be at its best; helping hands, people looking out for each other.  Yes, baptism is a sign of God’s grace in our lives, a proclamation of accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour but it also brings us into solidarity and fellowship with the Christian family. All that and more unfolded on Sunday morning.

We are never alone in our faith journey. Many of us can fondly and lovingly recall those who have mentored, encouraged and instructed us in our faith: parents, grandparents, pastors, Sunday School teachers, youth workers to name a few. My brother, Wayne, was a significant influence in own Christian growth.  I think of what Paul wrote to Timothy: “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” (2 Timothy 1:5) We may not even know how our Christian witness is affecting another person.  Therefore, we should always try to be conscious that our words and actions truly reflect the love of Jesus Christ. Others are watching. “He (Jesus Christ) makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:16)

Just as the baptismal candidates were giving a helping hand to another, so we all are responsible for helping one another as we walk together in faith.  No one should ever feel alone or forgotten or abandoned or an outcast but embraced into God’s company of believers. We need each other in these troubling times more than ever.

“God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.” (2 Corinthians 5: 18 -20, The Message Bible)

How can I be of help?

Dale

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil.    My cup overflows with blessings.” (Psalm 23:5, New Living Translation)

                Happy belated Thanksgiving!

                We celebrated in the usual fashion. Our family gathered for our traditional Thanksgiving feast on Sunday. Ten adults and seven grandchildren squeezed into our son’s home in Mississauga. We all pitched in by bringing something to the meal. The  turkey meal was fantastic with all the trimmings.  Equally special was the joy and blessings of being together as a family.  We are a loud and raucous group whenever we get together. “I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods.” (Psalm 138:1)

                Mind you, none of this was done in “the presence of my enemies.” We were all family, of course. Even better, we are all friends with each other. Why did the David think that it was important to include the idea that God’s invitation to the table was done in the presence of his enemies? I don’t think it was a just a matter of gloating that he had it better than his foes. He had an invitation and they didn’t it. Nyah. Nyah! Although I do think that he meant that despite their animosity toward him, God’s blessing exceeded their hostility. Their hatred could not stop’s God generosity and grace.  No matter what these enemies felt about him, God’s love was stronger than their enmity. 

                My response and influence come from the New Testament, especially Jesus’ gracious words and actions. He did not exclude anyone from his table. Time after time, he was seen eating with anyone and everyone, even the most undesirable, the worst sinners, the outcast and the so-called unworthy. He practiced what he preached. Remember the parable of the banquet where the ones, supposedly friends,  who were first invited found excuses not to come.  So instead, his told his servants, “‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame… Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.” (Luke 14: 21, 23) In fact, the decliners were the ones who were on the outside looking in on the feast.  Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he practiced inclusion and welcoming grace. His invitation to the whole world was that all people could enjoy God’s generosity of Love and Mercy. “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

                But where does this leave our so-called enemies, the people that don’t like us, wish us harm, have no love for us? Is there anywhere at the table for them?  Jesus did say that we were to love our enemy. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 43 -45) We see people differently when we share a meal together, as we talk, find common things of interest, share about our families, open up about our thoughts and feelings. With good food and good drink, we may come to realize that the “other” is not so strange, not so alien, not so dangerous, not so evil as we first thought.

Perhaps, if some our world leaders shared a meal together instead of making war together, they would find the peace they are so longingly desperate for.  But it also is true in our own small corners of the world. A shared table becomes a peace zone where we put down our defences and hatred and pick up knives and forks and pass the bread to the one sitting across from us. “Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.”  (Romans 12:20, The Message Bible)

May your days be full of good food, good people, good deeds, good thoughts and good and bountiful living.

Dale