My New Year's Prayer - "Come, Lord Jesus!"

Dear Friends and Fellow Children of God,



One of my very favorite pieces of choral Music is the anthem, "E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come" written by Dr. Paul Manz, and his wife Ruth.  I first sang this anthem while part of the choir at Concordia Lutheran College in Austin, Texas, as a freshman in the 1971-1972 school year.  However, I have also sung this anthem with choirs at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in each of the three congregations where I have served as pastor, and also in the joint choir for the Community Advent Service in Palmer, AK.  So many sing this anthem because the tune is hauntingly beautiful, and because the thoughts and the prayer of this piece of music are always timely.  “Come, Lord Jesus.”



Actually, when I later learned about the situation behind the writing of this beautiful hymn and prayer, the story brought tears to my eyes; this composition became even more one of my all-time favorite anthems.  So, I looked on the internet and found a story written by Pastor Larry Peters of Grace Lutheran Church in Clarksville, TN, who, during the second year of his ministry, heard Paul Manz himself lead a performance of this piece.  Pastor Peters writes, “According to Manz, the piece was written in 1953 when his 3 year old son John was desperately ill in the hospital. Little hope was given to the parents. Paul's wife, Ruth, had worked the words together from Revelation 22 and gave it to Paul to do something with... And so he did. After John had recovered, the sketch was revisited and Paul published it, dedicating the piece ‘To John and all who prayed for him.’"



The deep prayer of this beautiful piece of music came to mind as I have been reading during my daily devotions in the “Song of Solomon.”  This poem about the love between a husband and wife is included in Scripture, not only as a picture of God’s plan for the intimate relationship between a husband and wife, but also because this book depicts the deep love of our Savior, Jesus, for His bride, the Church.  As the husband in this book longs for his wife, our Lord Jesus, loves us.  Christ loves His Church, loves each of us, with an unfathomable, sacrficial love.  The writer of the devotions for my Bible points out how often the bride of this book of Scripture calls for her husband to “come.”  Because of our Lord’s deep love for us, God’s church longs for Jesus to come.



In fact, that is the prayer spoken by the Apostle John on behalf of the church at the end of Scriptures in Revelation 22.  “17 The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. . .  20 He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.  21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.  (Revelation 22:17, 20-21)



We have left the calendar year of 2019 behind and have now entered a New Year.  What are you hoping for in 2020?  It is common for many to make resolutions.  People traditionally make promises to themselves hoping for a better future.  Have you made such resolutions?  For a number of years I have resolved the same 3 promises to myself to care for myself spiritually, physically, and in my family.  But first, before I make promises about what I want to do, I have a prayer asking God’s help.  “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”



Yes, the day when Jesus comes again as Judge and Savior at the end of this world to take His people home will be a glorious day of deliverance.  Life in heaven for those who believe in Jesus will deliver us from the sin, the pain, and the death of this world, and be a time of great joy!



But, as we pray “Thy Kingdom Come” in The Lord’s Prayer, my prayer is that Jesus will indeed come to us today.  I pray Jesus comes to my family and loved ones, helping them to know His love and to help them to trust Him through good times and bad.



I pray that Jesus comes to Christ’s body, The Christian Church.  I pray Jesus’ coming brings faithful pastors and leaders to His Church, leaders who teach what Scripture says. I pray that Jesus comes and His people are full of zeal so that they seek to live the life to which Jesus calls us.  I pray that I may live faithfully as a child of God.



I pray that Jesus comes to the governments and leaders of our world bringing wisdom, justice, righteousness, and peace to the nations and communities of the world.



I pray that Jesus comes for all who are ill, all who are grieving, and all who are troubled, and that Jesus brings the peace of His saving Love.



Yes, I have plans for how I will live in the coming year.  But, before I make resolutions for how I hope to act, I first have a prayer for God’s help.  I pray as John writes in the book of Revelation, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”  Or, as Paul and Ruth Manz wrote in their time of desperation, "E'en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come"



What are your resolutions for 2020?  Perhaps more importantly, what are your prayers for the coming year?  Are you praying for Jesus to come to you?



A Child of God, Praying for Jesus to Come in Our World and in our Lives,

Pastor Jonathan



P.S.  Here is a YouTube Recording of the Paul Manz anthem, “E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come”, sung by the Choir of St. John, Cambridge.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdWN5DQ77Wk



P.P.S.  Here are some pictures from our Rockey Family Christmas 12-28-2019.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/S3UVEepkLrpbia4X7



P.P.P.S.  Here are Ice-Fishing pictures

·       Fishing with Gaelen, Jake, and Paul - 2 church members and the son of a workmate of Kathy.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/dQ8esxLMUbzUVzy19

·       Fishing with son, Josh, and grandchildren Henry, Anna, Jackson, and Kendall, after church on 12-29-2019:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/5qysRprtGn1ipy7H8

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION – I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, “Thoughts from the Pastor.”  However, with life’s changes I will now call it, “Journeys Through Life as a Child of God.”  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

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Rejoicing in the First and GREATEST Christmas Gift Ever

Dear Friends and Fellow Children of God,



We were late in putting up Christmas decorations in our home this year because of travels.  But, on Saturday, December 21, some of our “Rockey clan” went to the “Moose Range” for our annual family tradition of cutting a Christmas tree for our home.  We had never harvested our own tree in Florida.  But, in 1991, our first winter in Alaska, we cut our own tree and it has been a family tradition ever since.  Then the following Monday, before a second family Christmas cookie baking party, Kathy and I put up Christmas decorations.  We put out manger scenes (I counted 17 of them when Kaycee Nufer was visiting.)  We also decorated our Christmas tree.



Another of our Rockey family Christmas traditions is that I have given Kathy a dated Christmas ornament every year since we were married.  Most of these ornaments have scenes on them from the Christmas story – more manger scenes.  As we were decorating this year’s tree I looked at the ornaments and saw some we bought our first Christmas we were married in 1977.  I also noticed ornaments from 1980, from 1981, and from 1982.  You can imagine that after 42 years that’s a lot of ornaments!  Each ornament carries it’s own story.  We purchased this year’s dated ornaments in Germany.



Those ornaments from the 1980’s remind us of, among other things, the birth of our first two children, Josh and Andy.  Kathy was 8 months pregnant at Christmas in 1980 when that year’s dated ornament was first placed on our tree.  Christmas 1981 was Josh’s first Christmas.  And, in 1982 Kathy was 8 ½ months pregnant with Andy.  Putting up these ornaments reminds us of earlier Christmas blessings and joys.



So, I was on a ladder and Kathy had her hands full as she approached the tree with a number of these memories of Christmas past.  Unfortunately, I then heard a crash and, “Oh no!”  Kathy dropped the ornament from 1982.  It was partially made of glass, the bottom of which shattered.  She commented with resignation, “Oh well, the ornament is broken, but we’re still here!”  However, even though it was broken you could still see the message of the ornament.  It held it’s shape.  So, we still hung what was left of the ornament on our tree.  After all, 1982 was a good year.  (Sigh!)



The truth is each of us is like that ornament.  We are all broken.  God made us beautiful, individuals created with love and purpose.  But, in our rebellious hearts, in our selfish nature, we have broken the beautiful people God made us to be.  Have you ever hurt another person in a moment of angry words?  Have you ever hurt yourself by giving in to sinful passions?  Have you ever doubted God’s love and missed fulfilling the purpose God has for your life?  Unfortunately it is true; we are all broken. 



So, listen to the words of the angel who appeared to Joseph in a dream and helped this righteous man grasp what God was doing that first Christmas.  “18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’"  (Matthew 1:18-21)



That ornament from 1982 will never be the same again.  The broken pieces of glass are in the bottom of our trash can.  But, God sent His son, Jesus, to save His broken children from their sins.  Even though we have broken God’s beloved creation, He still loves us and sent Jesus to forgive us in this life, and to give us eternal life in heaven, totally renewed as His children.  As the angel told Joseph about our greatest Christmas gift, “he will save his people from their sins."  (Matthew 1:21)



We tell each other “Merry Christmas,” but life is not always merry.  Yet, into our world of sin, of pain, of suffering, of death, our Heavenly Father sent His Son.  Jesus came to share our suffering, to take our punishment , ultimately to die and to rise again.    Jesus came to “save his people from their sins."  May the love of God’s ultimate gift bring peace and joy into the struggles of your life.  We may be broken people in a broken world.  But God sent Jesus!



A Child of God, Rejoicing in the First and GREATEST Christmas Gift Ever,

Pastor Jonathan



P.S.  Here are some pictures from our Rockey Family Christmas traditions and observance.

·       Rockey Family Christmas Tree Outing - https://photos.app.goo.gl/Q7rVAodWJVTMuV6J9

·       One of many days of Christmas cookie baking - https://photos.app.goo.gl/KgnYKHYExAvwSGXQ6

·       Rockey Christmas Home decorations.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/zNRrGoibgnMc8oyx9

·       Some of our family at Christmas Eve worship at St. John - https://photos.app.goo.gl/vbQH327p4mRiWyWc6

P.P.S.  I did get out fishing on December 20.  Here are a couple of pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/6LedsBN9Zr2rERgK8

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION – I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, “Thoughts from the Pastor.”  However, with life’s changes I will now call it, “Journeys Through Life as a Child of God.”  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

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Touched by the Gift of God's Son, and ESPECIALLY by the Sharing of this Gift of Love with Others!

Dear Friends and Fellow Children of God,



Christmas is upon us.   All the parties and gift giving, all the card sending and receiving, the ornaments and the TV specials, can be overwhelming.  This overwhelming nature of Christmas celebration also often distracts from the reason we celebrate.  Even the extra worship services which point us to the real joy of Christmas, can add to our overloaded schedule.  But, into our overwhelming and troubled world, in a miraculous and wondrous way, God sent His Son.  We were hopelessly lost in a world of death because of our sin.  The examples of loss, of tragedy, of evil and suffering are all around us.  But, “2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. . . 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  ”  (Isaiah 9:2, 6)

We were hopelessly lost in a world of death because of our sin.  But, “10 . . . the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." (Luke 2:10-12)  The meaning of Christmas, the peace and the joy of this celebration, is found in God’s gift to us of His Son. 

There are ways in which we can say that Jesus had “unusual parentage. There are ways in which we can say that Jesus was “homeless in Bethlehem.”  But through the love and power of God we received what we need more than anything.  In the birth of Jesus we receive the forgiveness and love which gives eternal life.  The meaning of Christmas is found in God’s gift to us of His Son.  The peace and joy of Christmas often grows through giving this gift of God’s love to others.

Today I want to share with you a “different” Christmas story, where a child of “different parentage”, who might have been “homeless”, receives love and a home through a family living and rejoicing in the love of God found in Jesus.  St. John member, Dave Neslund, wrote this post on his Facebook page last week.  (Dave was on a TV show about families in Sweden last year.  That is his reference to this TV show.) Please read with me.



“Hi everyone...this is @DavidNeslundAlltForSverige from season 8  :-) I have an amazing story to share with you. If you ever needed a ray of hope, this is a story you may want to read. After season 8 was completed, I was flying home meditating on all that I observed during my time in Sweden ...one thing that kept jumping to the forefront of my mind was how many children were left without parents and were brought into loving homes when none could be found. These thoughts became shuffled into the back of my mind as I landed in Alaska on Fathers Day and embraced my family.



Days later, we were attending a Church Family camp and all the campfire talks were all about Allt for Sverige  (The Swedish TV show) and what this experience is…We decided to go home that night, and as we were leaving we noticed that our good friends were holding a swaddled baby. We didn't know anyone who was expecting, so out of curiosity we pulled over to find out who this baby belonged to. Before we could say anything, our friends handed Kristine a very tiny, very new baby girl and simply said, "this baby needs a home". We were utterly shaken and thrown off balance by this statement--- Who is this child?? This is when we first met Araya Hope.


We soon found out that she had been placed in emergency foster care with the piano player of our church, and she could only care for her for a few days while the State found a long term foster family….she had been born 5 weeks early and only weighed 4 pounds 10 oz...she was so tiny, so precious, and our hearts melted. BUT we were unsure if we were up to this task. We stayed up late talking about "all of this", Kristine and I had already started signing up to be foster parents a few years earlier, but Bjorn came into our lives (he was born at 23 weeks and 1 day) and fostering was no longer in our line of sight - until we met her. We made a phone call, setting the ball in motion.  They visited our home, approved our application, and Araya came to live with us when she was only 11 days old.



It didn't take long for Kristine, myself, Leif and Bjorn to completely fall in love with this tiny, fragile human. Leif, being the big brother of a micro-preemie, already knew all the safety routines and was an instant protector.  When your children come to you, the time is perfect - all you need is “a ray of hope.”



After 18 months of caring, waiting, loving, and hoping.... Wednesday morning (December 4) at 10:15am we officially became a family of 5...the veil has been lifted and we can now share her story. she is officially the newest member of the Neslund family - Nikolina Elaine Araya Hope Neslund.



It's hard to summarize the emotional effort that has gone into this past 18 months, but I can tell you this: family comes in every shape and size imaginable - none are perfect, but if you have love in your heart wonderful things happen.



Faith. Hope. Love. These are the three words that define our Children. LOVE, brought us Lief
FAITH, brought Bjorn through his infancy, and HOPE brought Nikolina home.



Love and peace to you all. Have an amazing Christmas holiday!”



Thank you, Dave and Kristine, that you not only have received God’s love in the gift of His Son, Jesus, into your lives.  Thank you for helping us to receive God’s gift of love by showing us one way to share God’s gift of love to us. 



So, . . . how are YOU sharing God’s gift of love in Jesus this Christmas?



A Child of God, Touched by the Gift of God’s Son, and Especially by the Sharing of God’s Love,

Pastor Jonathan



P.S.  Here are some pictures from Dave’s Facebook post. https://photos.app.goo.gl/xwXPq9Pmm94h5Vqt9

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION – I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, “Thoughts from the Pastor.”  However, with life’s changes I will now call it, “Journeys Through Life as a Child of God.”  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

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Seeking to Share with Others The Difference Jesus Makes in our Lives Today

Dear Friends and Fellow Children of God,



We have finally arrived HOME after a long period of traveling.  Since the end of August Kathy and I have been in numerous parts of Alaska.  We have flown to Florida, and driven to St. Louis.  We have vacationed in Austria and Germany, and visited Christmas markets and historic sites.  We have talked with people in different languages and dialects.  Do you know what?  People around the world share many of the same problems and troubles!



We heard about troubles and about hopes in Juneau, and in Vienna.  We actually ran into a protest in Salzburg concerning climate change, and on our last day of our European tour, we encountered a protest in Berlin over governmental housing policies.  We saw people suffering, and celebrating in St. Louis in October, and in Munich in December.  (We left a doggy bag with a man we had seen on the streets of Munich.)  We saw people worshiping the Lord, and we saw examples of depravity all over.  The poster we saw in Wittenberg about an erotic Martin Luther movie just caused me to shake my head in dis-belief.  But, we also read online about murder trials at home in Palmer and Wasilla, Alaska.



In other words, a person cannot travel long miles to get away from the troubles of life.  The troubles and pain of life follow us all.  The reason is that we bring troubles on ourselves.  Everyone has turned at times from our Creator and our Lord.  We suffer from rebellious hearts and selfish personalities.  We have all sinned.  That sin is wherever we are, and wherever people are.



The bottom line is that everyone, each one of us needs a Savior from our sin!!!  We cannot save ourselves.  Thankfully, God has sent His Son, Jesus, to save us from our sin, and also to help us with His love and grace in the midst of the pain and problems of this world.

In preparation for our recent trip I read a lot of what Martin Luther wrote and said about Christmas.  Martin Luther wrote quite a bit concerning God’s messages from the first chapter of John.  John 1:1-4 relates one version of God’s message about Jesus coming into our world as Savior.  “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”

While in Leipzig, in one of our daily devotions on our trip in Germany, we read these words from Martin Luther about how Jesus came as the Light of the World.  “

“Doubt nothing.  To me there is no greater consolation given to mankind than this, that Christ became man, a child, a babe, playing in the lap and at the breasts of his most gracious mother.  Who is there whom this sight would not comfort?  Now is overcome the power of sin, death, hell, conscience, and guilt, if you come to this gurgling Babe and believe that he is come, not to judge you, but to save.”  A Christmas sermon (“For All the Saints”)

Jesus came to a sinful world as our Light, as our Savior.  God’s people can also bring this light into a world needing a Savior.  Our call as Christians, as Children of God, is that we not only receive Jesus as light in our lives, but that we share that light of God’s Son with others.  So, while our group was in Germany, we sought to share that light.  We listened to God’s Word and we prayed for others.  We prayed for Dave and Kristine Neslund as their adoption went through for Araya Hope.  (Perhaps more on that next week.)  We prayed for those who are ill or injured, including John Glaser, Megan Odland Nystrom, Janet Kincaid, my brother David, and others.  We asked for the love and mercy and power of Jesus to bring light into these lives.  We also prayed for our world and its problems.



What a blessing that into a dark world of sin, of trouble, and pain, God sends His Son, Jesus.  If you celebrate the gift of the Christ Child this year, how are YOU sharing that gift?



A Child of God, Seeking to Share with Others the Difference Jesus Makes in our Lives,

Pastor Jonathan



P.S.  Many of you have followed our trip and asked questions.  So, here are some more pictures.  Since I last wrote we have visited many more places.  So, here are pictures of:

·       Eisenach, including

o   Wartburg Castle, where Luther translated the New Testament.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/dDp8dnrCWdybVm3BA

o   The Bachhaus – near the birthplace of J.S. Bach, a museum of his work and life, and https://photos.app.goo.gl/yu5pp2Div8ffqGr77

o   A city tour. https://photos.app.goo.gl/bgoMGneD26bu1ZBo9

·       Erfurt – Where Luther went to seminary.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/n96y4RH53zc1H7ff6

·       Leipzig – Where Bach was cantor at St. Thomas Church and where Luther engaged in the “Leipzig Debates https://photos.app.goo.gl/fTfgD6ZLgqmjPiv47

·       Wittenburg – Where Luther lived and taught, and where he nailed the 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church, and https://photos.app.goo.gl/YKqRf7mDmPxNYqVZ6

·       Berlin, a city of 3 ½ million people with MUCH important modern history.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/DxHyi1a8hqez3qA87

P.P.S. In case you did not get a chance to look at them, here are pictures previously sent.

·       Vienna - https://photos.app.goo.gl/yhyUmWwBZVTCruL57

·       Salzburg - https://photos.app.goo.gl/q8ATuLhA7NrX1hhW9

·       Munich - https://photos.app.goo.gl/ao6RmmsmKqxXFn3d7

·       Nurnberg - https://photos.app.goo.gl/y9MjoTzbiTmDELGZ9

·       Rothenburg - https://photos.app.goo.gl/S9VcHQdmvrEswYeAA

·       A typical hotel breakfast – Rothenburg - https://photos.app.goo.gl/pjwUrsnK3G8zTt2f7

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION – I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, “Thoughts from the Pastor.”  However, with life’s changes I will now call it, “Journeys Through Life as a Child of God.”  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

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Seeking the Christ Child in Christmas

Dear Friends and Fellow Children of God,

 

As Kathy and I, and our group, are traveling through Austria and Germany, we somehow hit on a topic that reminded our daughter, Mary, of a story.  It’s a story she can tell about her dad – that’s me.  I think those might be Mary’s favorite kind of stories.  J

 

Mary told Kaycee Nufer, “So, every year my dad goes into Hallmark to buy an ornament for my mom.  He looks and looks for something really about the Christmas story, the birth of Jesus.  Those ornaments are hard to find.  So, he finally chooses an ornament and he then tells, or lectures, the salesperson behind the counter that, ‘It is Christmas time, and Hallmark needs more ornaments that are really about Christmas.’”  Hmmm.  There may be a little embellishment, but for the most part that is a true story.

 

I think the reason Mary told that story is that our tour is visiting Christmas markets around Europe.  There probably are actually more ornaments and decorations here that are about the real Christmas story.  There is much in these markets which is actually about the birth of God’s Son, Jesus.  But, there are also plenty of ornaments about Santa, and winter, and skating.  There are lots of traditional cookies, and candies, and drinks.  Christmas trees are beautifully placed everywhere.  There are lights and stars.  In other words, even though a person might be able to find Jesus in the commercial activities in Austria and Germany more easily than in America, there are still perhaps a majority of products in the Christmas markets that aren’t necessarily about Jesus and His birth. 

 

Our tour of Christmas markets is intended to help us focus our hearts on Jesus as we observe Advent and celebrate Christmas in our own lives this year.  We are spending time in daily devotions.  We have asked ourselves the question, “How can we see through all the distractions to really focus on Jesus, the real reason for Christmas?”

 

In our devotions we have also been reading and listening to what Martin Luther preached and said about Christmas.  When preaching on Luke 2 these are some of Luther’s words:

“First, behold how very ordinary and common things are to us that transpire on earth, and yet how high they are regarded in heaven. . . The evangelist shows how, when they [Mary and Joseph] arrived at Bethlehem, they were the most insignificant and despised, so that they had to make way for others until they were obliged to take refuge in a stable, to share with the cattle, lodging, table, bedchamber and bed, while many a wicked man sat at the head in the hotels and was honored as lord.  No one noticed, or was conscious of what God was doing in that stable.  He lets the large houses and costly apartments remain empty, lets their inhabitants eat and drink, and be merry; but this comfort and treasure are hidden from them.  O what a dark night this was for Bethlehem, that was not conscious of that glorious light!  See how God shows that he utterly disregards what the world is, has, or desires; and furthermore that the world shows how little it knows or notices what God is, has, and does. . . . What had Bethlehem when it did not have Christ?  What have they now who at that time had enough?  What do Joseph and Mary lack now, although at that time they had no room to sleep comfortably? . . .”

(Sermons for Advent and Christmas, Martin Luther, pages 93, 94, 96, Italics added by me.)

Did you hear that?  In other words, a person can have all the trappings of Christmas, but miss the real treasure – Jesus.  But, if a person has Jesus, that person already has everything they need.

 

I like the way St. Paul talks about the meaning of Christmas, how Paul explains God’s Son, Jesus, becoming a man to save us.  “4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.”  (Galatians 4:4-7)  God sent His only begotten Son, so that we might also live as Children of God.  We are not just children by God’s giving of life to us through creation.  We are God’s eternal children because, by faith, we have Jesus in our hearts.

 

How will your Christmas observance and celebration this year cut through all the distractions and receive the real, eternal, gift of life in the Son of God?

 

A Child of God, Seeking the Christ Child in Christmas,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Kathy and I are on a trip to Christmas markets in Germany and Austria with our daughter, Mary, and the Nufers and the Summers.  Here is a LARGE collection of pictures from our trip.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/QNwzybg7ckYkDRHm9

            However, here are the pictures divided by place and date.

·       Vienna - https://photos.app.goo.gl/yhyUmWwBZVTCruL57

·       Salzburg - https://photos.app.goo.gl/q8ATuLhA7NrX1hhW9

·       Munich - https://photos.app.goo.gl/ao6RmmsmKqxXFn3d7

·       Nurberg - https://photos.app.goo.gl/y9MjoTzbiTmDELGZ9

·       A typical hotel breakfast – Rothenburg - https://photos.app.goo.gl/pjwUrsnK3G8zTt2f7

·       Rothenburg - https://photos.app.goo.gl/S9VcHQdmvrEswYeAA

 

 

 

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION – I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, “Thoughts from the Pastor.”  However, with life’s changes I will now call it, “Journeys Through Life as a Child of God.”  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

 

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Seeking to Keep My Eyes on Jesus, and to Point Others to Him as Well

Dear Friends and Fellow Children of God,

 

Do you have favorite reading material?  I like to read many different kinds of literature.  But, at the current time I am reading the “Mitford” books by Jan Karon.  These books tell of the adventures and misadventures of an Episcopalian priest from the fictional town of Mitford, in the mountains of North Carolina. 

 

Perhaps there are a number of reasons that I identify with Father Tim Kavanaugh, the priest in these stories.  Father Tim serves God’s people in a small town, in a lively church, where people trust the Word of God and seek to love one another.  Maybe it’s that this priest is somewhat clumsy socially, at times. I understand.  Perhaps I enjoy reading these stories because Father Tim, like me, has some issues with blood sugar.  I also understand his struggle with the decisions surrounding retirement. And while the people whom Father Tim serves in these books seem like unique individuals, nevertheless, I sort of recognize many of his parishoners, if you know what I mean.  Yet, even in these fictional novels, Father Tim shows some real life Christian wisdom.  So, at the beginning of my retirement I’m reading these novels again.

 

One gem of wisdom from Father Tim comes as he seeks to help a man named Pete Jamison.  Like any Christian congregation, many struggle with their faith.  In the book, “At Home in Mitford” Father Tim helps Pete in his journey back to God and back to our Lord’s saving love in Jesus.  Father Tim recommends that Pete, “Pray.  Read your Bible.  Be baptized.  Go to church.”  One day Pete calls Father Tim for advice and complains, “Well, I’m going to church.  But I’ve got to tell you that it’s full of hypocrites.” Father Tim responds to Pete with one of those nuggets of Christian wisdom.  “If there was ever a popular refrain in modern Christendom, that might be it. My friend, if you keep your eye on Christians, you will be disappointed every day of your life.  Your hope is to keep your eyes on Christ. . . I will disappoint you, Pete, they will disappoint you, but HE will never disappoint you.” (Page 327)

 

The sad truth is that all Christians at one time or another, every one of us, stumble and live in a way that does not bring honor to our Lord.  Jesus teaches His disciples in The Sermon on the Mount, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  (Matthew 5:16)  But, often our lives do not give a good witness to our righteous, merciful, and loving Lord. Perhaps our selfishness shines through, instead of love.  Maybe our pride gets in the way of us trusting God, and trusting His grace in our lives.  Or, our careless words may hurt another.  Unfortunately, we may also give in to the desires of the flesh.  God gives real direction to His people concerning healthy and righteous living.  But, time and again, even when we want to follow and serve our Lord, we go our own way.  Therefore, I understand the confession and the struggle of St. Paul who wrote in Romans 7:19, “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do-- this I keep on doing.”  Does St. Paul’s struggle sound familiar to you, as well?

 

That is why the writer to the Hebrews encourages us, “2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  (Hebrews 12:2-3)  We may be sinful and selfish.  But Jesus lived a righteous life, sacrificing Himself for us.  Actually, in Hebrews 11 the author reminds Christians of the faithful example of believers in former times.  But ultimately, in Hebrews 12, God urges Christians to watch Jesus.

 

There are a number of lessons I learn from Scripture which are illustrated by this bit of wisdom in the Mitford books.  First of all, others are watching and observing how we Christians live out our faith.  They notice when we act in love or in humility.  However, people also notice when we fail to live as God has called us to live.

 

Secondly, therefore, that is why it is good for God’s children to be quick to admit and to confess our own failings.  That is also why we need to admit that our real hope is not in our efforts or righteousness.  Our hope is in the righteousness and the forgiving sacrifice of Jesus. 

 

Pete Jamison may be a fictional character.  But, when Pete complains that Christians seem to be hypocrites, he reflects the struggle many have with the inconsistencies and the sins of those of us who believe in Jesus and follow Him.  So, we confess our failures, and we fix our eyes on Jesus.  In fact, we also point others to Jesus.  HE is our only hope.

 

I join Father Tim in his confession.  I am a Christian who believes that God is my Creator and my Lord.  But I am also a sinner who unfortunately fails my Lord time and again.  I need a Savior.  Thankfully, God sent His Son, Jesus.  The righteous life and loving sacrifice of Jesus change my life.  The love and sacrifice of Jesus are the only thing that changes the lives of others for good, eternally.

 

“2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Keep My Eyes on Jesus, and to Point Others to Jesus as Well,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Kathy and I are on a trip to Christmas markets in Germany and Austria with our daughter, Mary, and the Nufers and the Summers.  Here is a picture from the Anchorage airport.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/kmicW598gMnR8ggu8

 

P.P.S.  Therefore, we celebrated Thanksgiving Day as a family last Saturday, November 23.  Here are a few pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/fajcHzLM8n19y8LJA

 

P.P.S.  We had a visitor to our home on Monday, November 25 around noon.  Here are some more pictures of our visitor.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/YxBufEdT7MfrFhuc7

 

P.P.P.S.  While you can buy all of the “Mitford” books to read for yourself, most of them are in the St. John library. https://www.amazon.com/At-Home-Mitford-Novel/dp/0735217394/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10IUT767VER84&keywords=at+home+in+mitford&qid=1574795223&s=books&sprefix=At+Home+in+Mitford%2Caps%2C209&sr=1-1

 

 

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION – I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, “Thoughts from the Pastor.”  However, with life’s changes I will now call it, “Journeys Through Life as a Child of God.”  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

 

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Thankful! Through Jesus I am Part of the FAMILY of God!"

Dear Friends and Fellow Children of God,

As Kathy and I return to Alaska, after retirement traveling, we commented on a recent experience we never had before.  For eight straight weeks, from September 15 to November 3, we worshiped in 8 separately different Lutheran Christian churches.  I preached and we worshiped at Our Redeemer Lutheran in Chugiak on September 15, at Faith Lutheran, Juneau, September 22, and at Sterling Lutheran on September 29.  Kathy and I also worshiped at Lamb of God Lutheran in Wasilla, AK, on October 6 before we left town.

We then traveled, I preached and we worshiped at Good Shepherd Lutheran in Chiefland, FL, on October 13.  Then we attended worship at First Lutheran in Gainesville, the Florida congregation where I spent many of my childhood years, on October 20.  On the way back from my seminary reunion in St. Louis, on October 27, we worshiped at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Chattanooga, TN. where I had served two summer vicarages, or internships.  And finally, on November 3, we worshiped our Lord in Oxford, Florida, at Amazing Grace Lutheran, where my brother, James, is pastor.  That’s a LOT of different congregations and places of worship!

However, in each congregation we were not without acquaintances, we had friends.  In fact, when we worshiped in Chiefland, we worshiped with family!  My sister, Martha, and brother-in-law, Mark, attend Good Shepherd.  And, when we worshiped in Oxford, FL, not only is my brother James pastor of the congregation, but his family attends.  My brother Stephen and his family also attend.  In fact, my brother James’ daughter, our niece, Elizabeth, is the lead singer on the praise team.  My brother Stephen also plays guitar in that group, and Stephen’s daughter, Kaitlin, also sings.  Actually, on the Sunday we worshiped there, Kaitlin’s college boyfriend, Matt, even played electric cello in the praise band that week.  Kathy has pictures of family helping to lead worship.   

What a blessing it is to share eternal truths, and eternal blessings of our Lord in worship with people you love and care about?  We felt especially blessed in Oxford that day.

But, in all the other congregations where we worshiped, we may not have had family, but we did have acquaintances, and we knew multiple people.  So, while we worshiped with natural blood family members in Chiefland and Oxford, we worshiped with members of our Christian family in Chugiak, in Juneau, in Sterling and Wasilla.  We worshiped alongside people with whom we had worked, prayed, and shared the blessings and challenges of life at First Lutheran in Gainesville and at Cross of Christ in Chattanooga.  

I may have even already overcommitted!  In Gainesville on November 17, I told, Judy Helling, a long time member whom I’ve known since the 1960’s, that when we return to Florida in January, I might just attend choir practice and sing with the choir from January through March, like I did from 1968 to 1971 when I was in high school.  Judy told me she would tell her husband, John, that I had promised to sing.  Hmmm.  I did sing in the choir with John Helling 50 years ago.  And, John is still in the First Lutheran choir.  If I participate, that will also be a joy.

Nevertheless, Kathy and I have been missing the joy of worshiping with our four children, and our six grandchildren.  They all attend St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  But since my retirement from St. John on August 31, we have been worshiping in other locations to give St. John a chance to figure out what life is like without their 28 year pastor, Pastor Rockey.  Worshiping with our family was a great source of joy for Kathy and myself.  As children of God, who are given life by our Lord, who are forgiven and saved by the blood of God’s Son, Jesus, who are seeking to live in His grace today, and who are planning on eternity with our Lord in heaven, we cherish sharing our hope and faith with our family.  We pray for our children and grandchildren that they live in the grace of God in this life, and that together we praise Him forever in His eternal kingdom.  Kathy and I do miss those Sundays where our family would gather in the back row, while trying not to make too much noise, when we would worship our Lord together.

Family is a gift from God.  What a joy to have people to love, people with whom we can share our challenges and blessings, people who walk beside us in our journey in this life.  The writer of the Hebrews tells us that we not only have family because of blood ties in this world.  But, because Jesus, the Son of God, took on our humanity, he is our brother.  All those who follow Jesus then are our Christian family.  Please consider with me the words Hebrews 2:10-15. 

10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12 He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises."  13 And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again he says, "Here am I, and the children God has given me." 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-- that is, the devil-- 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Kathy and I miss worshiping, for now, with our children and grandchildren.  Yet, what a blessing to worship in other locations and to know we have Christian family.  The amazing truth is that, even when we worship in locations where we don’t already know someone, we are still worshiping with God’s family.  We worship with people who are our brothers and sisters because of Jesus.

The older I get, the more I realize I need others.  The older I get, the more precious I realize my family is.  What a blessing, that in Jesus I have brothers and sisters who share my hope, who walk beside me in trials, and who encourage me to continue to trust God’s eternal love in Jesus!

A Child of God, Thankful that Through Jesus I am Part of the Family of God,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Here is a picture of the praise team in worship at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church in Oxford, FL, on November 3.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/RMq1rHR1Sq2H5zmNA

P.P.S.  Kathy and I were part of a celebration of life on Saturday, November 16, for my sister in law, Jan Rockey.  It was held at the home of my sister and brother in law in Chiefland, FL.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/tPezbpjwfeWuqjVCA

P.P.P.S.  I went fishing on Thursday, November 14, at Orange Lake, FL, near Gainesville.  This lake is pretty famous for bass fishing.  And, though we fished all day with only one fish caught, it was a pretty nice one.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/w3hWskuA9KYV2UqbA

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION – I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, “Thoughts from the Pastor.”  However, with life’s changes I will now call it, “Journeys Through Life as a Child of God.”  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

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Thankful for Time Outdoors When God Restores My Soul

Dear Friends and Fellow Children of God,

Kathy and I were a little surprised this past week by a somewhat quiet communication in our Florida place of residence.  We have a small place in the Meadowbrook community of Gainesville, FL, where my dad used to live.  We are spending time in Florida as we ‘get away’ for the first few months of our retirement.  Regular e-mail messages are sent to us from the Meadowbrook community, including a newsletter.  However, after receiving the newsletter one day last week, the next day we got another message saying that the community newsletter would no longer be sent.  It seems a political story in this newsletter on one side of the political spectrum upset a number of people who think and believe differently concerning national politics.  So e-mail distribution of the Meadowbrook newsletter is now suspended.  We certainly live in times of high emotion over political issues!

On Wednesday morning, I turned on the television and saw a special news report concerning the impeachment hearings in Washington, D.C.  It appears to me that all one has to do these day in order to raise high emotions is to begin a discussion either in favor of, or against our current president.  But, opinions were also similarly divided over our previous president.  We do certainly live in times of divided values and turmoil as a nation.

Meanwhile, in past weeks my personal devotions have consisted of readings in the Psalms.  As I write this devotion, I just finished reading Psalm 66.  While spending time in God’s Word, I have been struck by godly wisdom found in the Psalms, wisdom which includes direction for all nations, and certainly direction for our nation.  Please read and consider what these verses from the Psalms say to you. 

The truth found in Psalm 12:8 seem to me a diagnosis of our culture today.  “The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.”  Does it seem to you that our culture has embraced values that are contrary to what we find from our Lord in Scripture?  I am saddened and frustrated when I see someone praised for doing what I hear God tell us is wrong or sinful.

Please read Psalm 33:12 with me.  “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.”  Now, consider the blessings of God for nations who follow the Lord (I would encourage you to also read the rest of the Psalm, verses 13-22 for more wisdom for a life of blessings from God.)  There are indeed blessings for nations who believe in and follow the true God of the universe.

Psalm 65 brought me comfort as I read its wisdom.  Consider especially the end of verse 7.  “4 Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple. 5 You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, 6 who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, 7 who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.”  I am comforted that God who ‘formed the mountains by His power’ also stills the turmoil of the nations.

As I thought about the turmoil in our country, and as I thought about the wicked freely strutting about, I was reminded of what I also recently read in Psalm 23.  1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  I thought, “Perhaps that is why I enjoy fishing so much.  In the midst of such division and emotional turmoil on a national level, God is still the Shepherd of His people.  So, the quiet waters provided by our Creator do restore my soul.  While I am fishing, I can think in quiet, away from the turmoil of our world.  Among those topics I think about are my life as a child of God.  In fact, when I have been fishing alone, I have been doing a lot of praying these days.  I have prayed for my children, for my grandchildren, for my home congregation, and for those who are ill or injured.  I pray for God’s direction in my life, and  . . . I have also been praying for my country.  You see, while I am beside the still waters. it is God who assures me that He hears and answers prayers.  Still waters provide me an opportunity for God to restore my soul in these times of turmoil that can cause me worry.  In fact, I don’t even have to catch any fish; simply soaking in God’s creation blesses me and helps me to continue and persevere.

Let me say, personally, that my reading of Scripture is that God calls governments and nations to work for justice and for righteousness.  While nations use the sword to enforce civil law, the Gospel is best shared through churches with individuals and with groups.  But, I also believe that what is best for America, and that what is best for all countries, is to follow the direction and laws of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Therefore, I will continue to pray for America to know what Psalm 33 says, that God is our Lord and King.

In the meantime, I know that there is even greater peace for those who follow Jesus and believe in our Savior.  In Philippins 4:6-7, God inspired Paul to write, “6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Because I know that God is the Lord of all, and because I know that God forgives my sin, and offers eternal life in heaven through the life and the death and the resurrection of Jesus, I can therefore face the turmoil of this world, knowing that God has my eternity in His hands.  That assurance gives peace.  This peace found in Jesus really restores my soul, even more than fishing (believe it or not).  But, you will still see me on the shore, by still waters, or in a boat, taking time in the beauty of creation and speaking to my Creator, my Savior, and my Lord.  It restores my soul.

A Child of God, Thankful for Times Outdoors when God Restores My Soul,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  Here are some recent pictures of still waters where God restores my soul.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/2p4L557uBWS85Kkr5

P.P.S.  When I attended my 40^th reunion at Concordia Seminary I was interviewed, along with a couple of other pastors, by seminary president, Dr. Meyer.  Here is a copy of a video of that interview.  https://concordiatheology.org/2019/11/word-and-work-life-after-seminary/

P.P.P.S.  Kathy and I did some visiting around Florida recently

·       Marjorie Kinnon Rawlings was a FL resident who lived near Gainesville in the early 20^th century.  She wrote “The Yearling,” and “Cross Creek” among other books.  We visited the state historic site of her home on Thursday, November 7.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/HgMpvETcRdXQ3nEv5

·       Kathy and I visited Crescent Beach on a windy day last Friday, November 8.  We then headed to Jacksonville to see some old friends, some of whom will be traveling to AK, next summer.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/p92uG29XfKEP1pHf6

·       I put a flag on my dad’s grave on Veteran’s Day.  He served in the US Navy, November 1945 to November 1947, and received a WWII participation medal for his time on the USS Rochester.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/7k4SyXsqHbz2H1qc6

·       I did go Fishing last week.

o   On Watermelon Pond, 11-6-2019 (no pictures)

o   On Waters Lake. 11-12-2019 - https://photos.app.goo.gl/5YFQLPAHr1XLB1fB6

o   On the Wacassassa River, 11-12-2019 - https://photos.app.goo.gl/592KjtwfrZz9LfuY8

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION – I am now retired as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran in Palmer, AK.  This devotion was previously titled, “Thoughts from the Pastor.”  However, with life’s changes I will now call it, “Journeys Through Life as a Child of God.”  I am only sending this message to those who have asked to receive it.  If you know someone else who desires to receive this message have them e-mail me at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.  You can also view this message on my Facebook page.

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Psalm 33:12-22

 12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” 

 13 From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;

 14 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--

 15 he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

 16 No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.

 17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.

 18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

 20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

 22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.