Learning from One of God's Saints How to LIVE Christmas!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Officially, Christmas Day was last Sunday, December 25.  I assume most of you gave gifts this Christmas, or received them.  So, now that the gifts are opened, what will you do with the gifts you received?  Maybe you received presents that were just what you were hoping for, presents that you will use time and time again.  But, possibly you received some gifts that you’re not sure what to do with.  Maybe you say thank you for those gifts, but they will be put away and never used.  Maybe they even end up being donated to Bishops’ Attic or to another resale store.

 

We all also received another gift again this Christmas. When God spoke to the shepherds, he also spoke to us, to you. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)  Jesus, the Savior, has been born for YOU! God Himself has come to this earth to save us. God’s gift of Jesus is the greatest gift we have ever received.  By the way, our Lord’s Christmas gift to us is why Christians give gifts at Christmas.

 

Let me tell you what God does NOT want done with His gift to us of Jesus. Our Heavenly Father does not want a polite thank you in worship, and then for the gift of His Son to be forgotten the rest of the year.  God does not want us to ignore His gift.  He does not want us to doubt, or to live like He does not exist, to live like there is no Savior, like we have to make our own way in a tough world by ourselves.

 

What God DOES want us to do with His gift of the Savior, the gift of Christ the Lord, is what we see the shepherds doing. “17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, . . . 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2, 17, 20) The shepherds heard the surprising good news of the angels.  They found the infant Savior in the stable. Then they glorified and praised God for the gift of Jesus. 

 

In many ways praising God is done with the lips.  Praise is thanks and honor spoken about God. However, God is glorified with more than just words of praise.  God is glorified with actions, with lives of faith and obedience.  How do you think these shepherds, these common laborers, ended up in this Gospel?  After they saw Jesus, the lives of these shepherds were never again the same.  They lived differently, and told the story. They shared with their words and their lives what they had heard and seen.

 

So, God has given you the gift of love again this Christmas in Jesus.  Have you heard the good news about this child? Have you believed it?  Have you received this gift of God in faith? Will you receive and use God’s gift of the Savior? Will you glorify and praise God with your life? Or, will you put God’s gift away in the corner? 

 

Let me share with you someone who knows the lesson of the shepherds.  On December 17 I visited with a 96 year old child of God at a nursing home in Soldotna.  Katie McLeod once lived in Palmer and was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church.  Katie’s nephew, Mike Sweeney, his sister, Karen, and their families are still active members at St. John.  Years ago Katie and her family moved to the Kenai Peninsula.   They have been active in the Lutheran Churches there.  Katie’s family and our family have been friends for over 25 years.  But, at 96 Katie is ‘fading,’ and she was recently put on comfort care.  As I visited with Katie and her family on December 17, knowing her situation, I asked her what she wanted me to pray about for her, as we wait for Jesus to come.  We were not just expecting Christmas.  Jesus is coming for Katie in more ways than one.  Do you know how Katie answered?  She replied to my question, “Please pray that all the people in this home turn their eyes to Jesus and know His love.”  Katie could have asked prayers for herself, but she asked me to pray for others.  Katie has heard the words of the angels and she believes that God gave her the gift of a Savior.  Katie is not is not ignoring that gift, not putting that gift away.  Katie is sharing the gift of Jesus with her words and with her actions.  She is sharing the Savior with others so that they may also receive that gift, that they may receive the  “Savior . . . born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

 

Christmas Day is over.  What are you doing this year with God’s gift to you of Jesus, your Savior?  Will you put this gift away?  Or will you glorify and praise God with words and actions which share Jesus with others?

 

A Child of God, Learning from One of God’s Saints How We LIVE Christmas,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  The large amounts of snow just before Christmas, followed by 5 days of strong winds, caused complications for many in Palmer on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Because of snow drifts many congregations in Palmer could not worship in their sanctuaries. THANK YOU to all who worked at St. John to clear our parking lot and make a way to Church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!  Here are some pictures of snow around St. John around noon on Christmas Eve Day.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/gcazYWoxaVdH9nzQA

 

P.P.S.  Now that we have observed Advent and celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we are almost about to resume our regular schedule.  Sunday School begins again on Sunday, January 8.  However, here is our coming schedule.

·       Wednesday Worship is held this week, December 28, at our regular time of 6:30 p.m.

·       New Year’s Eve worship is held to prepare for the coming New Year on Saturday, December 31, at 6:30 p.m.

·       St. John will hold two services at our regular time on Sunday, January 1, at 8:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (Adult Bible Class, taught by Jim Summers, is held between services.)     

 

P.P.P.S.  New St. John Pastor, Rev. Jeremy Davis and family, arrive on Tuesday, January 3 to begin his service to St. John as the new settled pastor. 

I have personally been praying for 3 ½ years for St. John, that Our Lord would send the right pastor at the right time.  I trust the Lord has answered those prayers.  After 3 ½ years I am truly thankful that Pastor Davis is arriving.

            Kathy and I will leave for Florida on Sunday night, January 15.  This follows our schedule from the last 3 winters since retirement.  But, this also gives the Davis’ a chance to settle in as your called pastor and family.  I have made myself available to Pastor Davis.  But, it is important, since he is now be your called leader, that you first go to Pastor Davis in pastoral matters.  Kathy and I are still, and will continue, as good friends to so many St. John members.  We also want to give Pastor Davis and family a chance to start fresh, with all the support of St. John members.  Please welcome Pastor Davis with the faith and love St. John has shown us.

            Kathy and I expect to be home for Confirmation Day in May, since 2 of our grandchildren will be confirmed this year.

 

P.P.P.P.S.  Here are some Rockey family pictures from Christmas Eve worship.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/19b3M8soEGBfbLBB9

 

 

*****

 

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.)

        So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

        My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

“1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

 

Where is Jesus This Christmas?

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

On Monday morning, December 19, our youngest two grandchildren, Henry and Annie, came to our home before delayed start school.  Kathy entertains these two bundles of energy each week, and then brings them to Monday classes which begin at 10:00 a.m.  Henry and Annie are bright, and active, and when they arrived and took off their coats this week, they decided to start counting manger scenes in our home.  They saw the three nativities on our mantle.  They continued counting ceramic decorations, advent wreaths, pyramids, and hangings placed around our home.  They also found many of the nativity themed ornaments on our Christmas tree.  Their probably inaccurate count was 26 depictions of Jesus’ nativity.  After all, Christmas IS about the birth of our Savior, Jesus. 

 

When we decorate each Christmas, Kathy has many decorations which she likes to place around our home.  I like to focus on the manger scenes.  However, there is a mystery which occurs each year as I display our crèche displays.  We have 3 main nativities which we have acquired over the years, one which we bought in St. Louis in the late 1970’s or early 1980’s, one which we purchased in Alaska in the 1990’s, and one which we brought home from Israel in 2007. We also have an advent wreath with a full manger scene.  For these large nativities, I first have to find the boxes where all the figures are stored in tissue paper.  Then I have to find the individual pieces, the shepherds, the wise men, Joseph and Mary, etc.  Because Jesus is the smallest figure in each display, the baby Jesus piece is often one of the last I find. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll find that most important piece.  As I put out our nativity scenes I hear myself asking out loud, “Where is Jesus?”

 

Is that a question you find yourself asking, or a question you should ask yourself this Christmas season? “Where is Jesus?”  If we acknowledge the truth that Christmas is about the gift of God’s Son, come to this world to save us, does it cause you concern if you have trouble finding Him in your Christmas celebration? Does it cause you concern if you have trouble finding Jesus in your life?  Sometimes we are the ones who make Jesus hard to find.  Do the decorations, the gifts, the cards, the movies, or modern culture hide our Savior in your life?  Do your personal struggles steal the peace and joy of our Lord from your life?

 

Maybe we need to learn a lesson from the shepherds.  The angel told them that first Christmas night, “ . . . 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.” (Luke 2:10-11) Hearing the good news of the Savior these men did not remain in the fields, they went searching for Jesus.  “15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”  (Luke 2:15-16)  When God sends the promised Savior and Messiah, when God Himself comes to this world to bring love and to save us, WE DO NOT WANT TO MISS HIM!  We want to find and receive Jesus!

 

When I put out the manger scenes in our home, I need to work to find baby Jesus by working through the tissue paper and the figures.  There are ways we can look for Jesus and find Him in our lives this Christmas.  The best way I know to find the source of our Christmas celebration for your life, is through worship in the Christian Church.  Every Sunday during Advent, Christian congregations are preparing for our Savior to come to us.  Mid-week worship is preparing people to receive Jesus in His Christmas coming.  Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship services celebrate the gift of our Savior.  Home devotions can help us receive Jesus.  Christian Christmas music can help us find God’s gift.  God works through personal prayer time and comes to us.  The shepherds teach us that, while our Heavenly Father has given us the greatest Christmas gift ever, we need to focus on finding and receiving that gift of His Son, our Savior. 

 

One of my recent devotional prayers asked God to help me in this search.  “Father in heaven, . . . light my path and show me the activities and obligations I can say ‘no’ to.  Help me release the burdens that preoccupy my mind and keep you at bay.  Come near!” (Pocket Prayers by Max and Andrea Lucado, page 28)

 

Jesus really is “the reason for the season.”  Even more, Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6) How will you search for Him this Christmas.  As the angels proclaimed, Jesus has come “for you.”  I pray that you find and receive Jesus, and His love, and forgiveness, His peace and His joy!

 

A Child of God, Searching for Jesus – the Reason to CELEBRATE Christmas!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  In order to remember and to celebrate the birth of Jesus, St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer offers many worship services.  Here is a list:

·       A Service on the Longest Day of Darkness – Wednesday, December 21, at 6:30 p.m.  This worship service is for everyone, but is especially intended to bring comfort to those facing a “blue Christmas” because of trouble or loss.

·       Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

o   Family / Children’s Christmas Eve Service at 6:00 p.m.

o   Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at 8:00 and 10:00 p.m.

·       Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, at 11:00 a.m. (ONE SERVICE ONLY!)

·       Wednesday Worship, December 28, at 6:30 p.m.

·       New Year’s Eve Worship, Saturday, December 31, at 6:30 p.m.

·       New Year’s Day – Baptism of Jesus Remembrance, January 1 at 8:15 and 11:00 a.m.  (There will be a baptism at the 11:00 a.m. service.

 

P.P.S.  Here are some pictures from our Advent worship service and dinner theater on Wednesday, December 14.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/2MtFkWKW5dSpd3oAA

 

P.P.P.S.  Here are some pictures of some of the Christmas decorations and nativity scenes at our home this Christmas.  (We did not even put out all our manger scenes.)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QyZY4YM2XS5KGZCA9

 

P.P.P.P.S. The snow just kept coming!  I estimate we have perhaps received about 5 feet of snow at hour house since November 30.  Longtime Alaskan, Arlene Fox, told me she had never before seen this much snow this quickly.  Here are some more snow pictures.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/E1PqV8uKYpLw5N7T7

 

P.P.P.P.P.S. I had hoped to fish on Monday, December 19.  But I saw temperatures at -15 F.  That’s not so bad, but the wind was blowing, and I had some household chores to do.  NO FISHING this week  . . . so far!

 

 

 

 *****

 

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.)

        So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

        My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

“1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

 

 

Thankful, Through the Adventures of Winter, for the Surprises of God's Love!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

On Monday, December 12, I had previously arranged for an ice-fishing trip with some friends and church members.  But, you saw the snow!  Even though we have a man who plows our driveway, I still spent over 5 hours on Monday shoveling sidewalks, porches, and a path for my truck.  I had heard the weather forecast that snow was coming.  But, the amount of snowfall was a surprise.  The deep snow caused a change in plans for others in addition to my fishing trip, such as our schools, my Kiwanis Club, and our men’s Bible Class.  Again, the unexpected amount of snow caused a change in plans.  But, some surprises are relatively minor.

 

Another surprise occurred the day after Thanksgiving for a pastor friend of mine. He was driving his car when he hit a patch of black ice.  My friend ended up in the hospital because of an accident.  He underwent surgery and ended up in the ICU recovering from multiple injuries, including a broken neck.  This pastor is now in a rehabilitation hospital.  He had plans for leading worship, for celebrating the Advent and Christmas season at his church, and for serving God’s people.  But now he is working to hopefully regain strength and health.  His unexpected accident changed his life in more serious ways than the small changes of my fishing trip and the meetings. Sometimes we call these surprises “disasters.”

 

Unfortunately, we don’t know when trouble is coming, but it is not really a surprise. Our lives are full of pain, trouble, and distress.  We live in a world where the people in this life have rebelled against our Creator and Lord.  Such sin has consequences.  Garrison Keillor, in his radio show, “The Prairie Home Companion,” used to talk about Norweigan Bachelor Farmers.  He said these characters in his stories, “expected the worst, but hope for the best.”  Perhaps Keillor was saying that we aren’t really surprised when life brings trouble.  The fact that we may not know when such trouble is coming, but it is expected, is a rather depressing truth.

 

I ask you to direct your attention to an unexpected turn in life, which started as trouble, but which turned out as good news for those involved.  The Gospel Lesson assigned for this coming Sunday, the Fourth Sunday in Advent, is from Matthew 1:18-25.  This section of Scripture begins the story of a young couple about to begin married life.  That couple was Joseph and Mary.  We read in Matthew 1:18, “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.” In a culture and time when people outwardly sought to follow the law and guidance of our Heavenly Father, guidance which says that sexual activity is to be kept between a husband and wife in the committed relationship of marriage, Mary’s pregnancy was a disaster.  Joseph and Mary were not yet officially married, and the child did not belong to Joseph.

 

But, there was another surprise.  “20 . . . an angel of the Lord appeared to him [Joseph] 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 1:20-21) The surprise is that God had his hand in this unexpected pregnancy for the good of all people.  In fact, Matthew goes on, “22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which means, "God with us."  In other words, God was in this trouble, and God’s presence ultimately brought grace and peace, love and forgiveness, and eternal life.  God’s gifts did not come easily.  Joseph and Mary faced the shame of the unexpected pregnancy.  They fled to Egypt to escape Herod.  Raising Jesus had its adventures.  Ultimately, this Savior was crucified! But then He rose from the dead.  God was in all of these trials acting in love to save the people of this world.

 

Do you see God’s surprises for good in your struggles?  On Monday I fell while shoveling snow. I hit my back against a step.  As I lay in pain in the snow I thought of my friend and his broken neck.  But when I rolled over, I was fine.  Perhaps there was not as much force in a fall as with an automobile accident.  But, I was also thankful that God takes care of fools like me. 

 

On Wednesday, December 7, I saw another example of God’s hand bringing good into a sinful world.  A church family has been working to adopt a young girl, whom they have cared for as foster parents since her very early days.  But, working through the state bureaucracy was slow, and frustrating, and left many questions.  However, Pastor Schultz, Kathy, and I were present as the judge announced that the adoption was final.  There was applause, and there were tears of joy. (After conducting the adoption hearing in a very official way, the judge later shared that his family had also adopted.)  I have been through other adoptions attempts with God’s people. A number of those attempts did not necessarily go as well as this one did.  I was, unfortunately, ready for the worst, like one of those farmers.  But, I had been praying for months for the best, for God’s grace. And God was there!

 

Are you going through struggles, perhaps through unexpected troubles?  Can you see the hand of God possibly working even in your difficulties?  Through Jesus, we have “God With Us” in our trials and adventures.  His love is present even when we cannot see it. May the surprise of God’s presence and His love bring you peace and joy this Christmas.

 

A Child of God, Thankful, Through the Adventures of Winter, for the Surprises of God's Love!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  St. John prepares for Jesus’ Christmas coming with Wednesday evening Advent meals and worship services.  This Wednesday, December 14, THE SCHEDULE IS DIFFERENT. The worship service and meal will take place together at 6:30 p.m.  We will be able to imagine being in Bethlehem at the “Bethlehem Bed and Board,” as we eat and worship.  Come and join others in preparing to receive the Christmas gift of Jesus.

 

P.P.S.  The St. John Sunday School Christmas program was held in late worship on December 11.  I have some pictures if you would like to see them.

 

P.P.P.S.  St. John member, Laurie Buist, posted, “It's official! God has paved the way- all the way through. We love [our daughter]!! She came to us at four days old and at 16 months she finally shares our name."  I ask that you give thanks with the Buist family for the love and grace of God.   

 

P.P.P.P.S. Our family enjoyed our yearly tradition of cutting a Christmas tree on Sunday, December 11.  Here are a few pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/qKf7fQ3VsfUXhLG16

 

P.P.P.P.P.S.  Here are some pictures of a beautiful sunrise on Saturday, December 10, before the snow.  God is good. https://photos.app.goo.gl/3aikFvrJUw9A99wx6

 

P.P.P.P.P.S. Here are some pictures of our recent snowfall.  J https://photos.app.goo.gl/oJy3LCTMmiuXhAyj6

 

*****

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.)

        So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

        My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

“1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

 

  

Are You Looking for Help in Giving CHRISTmas Gifts This Year? - Suggesting a Way That You Can Give the Gift of God’s Love Again this Christmas!"

 

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Christmas Day is approaching, quickly.  So . . . are you ready with all the gifts which you hope to give to others?  Kathy and I scheduled our gift shopping this year for Thursday, December 7.  But, we always wonder about which gifts to give for those on our list.  Do you ever struggle with what to give for Christmas?  When our family was younger, Kathy and I would work hard to give appropriate, faithful gifts to our children.  Sure, our children received some toys or sports equipment.  But, I / we did not want to just give them what everyone else was also getting.  We did not want to give a gift that would be exciting on Christmas Day, but forgotten a week later.  We did not want to give a gift which was cheaply made and would break easily.  We also did not want to give a gift which could give the wrong kind of message.  We tried not to give toys or gifts which spoke of values different than those to which Jesus calls us.  Instead, we tried to give gifts which lasted, gifts which could educate, gifts which shared positive values, gifts which even spoke of the love of Jesus.  I’m not sure we always succeeded in our goals, but we tried to give gifts at the celebration of the Savior’s birth which would help our children grow as Christians.  In many ways, we have the same goals today for our grandchildren.

 

How about you?  Do you ever struggle with which gifts to give?  Do you have some of the same struggles and questions which Kathy and I had?  If you have those questions in your mind and heart I have a suggestion for you. This gift suggestion does not cost a lot of money, but gives wonderful blessings.  My Christmas gift suggestion is this: ask your loved one what is on their heart for which they would like you to pray.  Then faithfully pray for your friend or loved one daily concerning that issue in the coming year.

 

When you pray for someone else, you are praying that God would act in His love, in His power and His mercy in their lives.  You are asking God to be with them, and to accomplish His purposes of love for them.  Could we give any better gift than God’s love in our lives today, or any better gift than God’s love for eternity?

 

Paul asked the gift of prayer from the Christians in Ephesus.  After encouraging these believers to “Put on the whole armor of God,” he then asks help for himself.  “19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”  (Ephesians 6:19-20) Paul asks the Ephesians to pray that God would help him in sharing the good news of Jesus.  Perhaps the scripture record of Paul’s effective missionary work shares with us how well God did answer these prayers.  Prayer is powerful. And God answers prayer!

I share this recommendation with you after a conversation I had on Sunday evening, November 27 with friends Wayne and Mary Mize.  I had led worship at two churches on the Kenai Peninsula that day, made a couple of home calls, and taught an evening class.  On past trips, after serving in these peninsula churches I drove home in the evening, even though it is a three and a half hour drive through the mountains.  But, it was November, and dark, and I remembered a drive of terror last December.  So I stayed the night in Sterling with the Mizes.

 

In November 2021 Wayne and Mary kept our dog, Mat, while we were in Florida.  I drove down in early December to bring Mat home.  After a short visit, I climbed in my truck with Mat and we started driving toward Palmer.  Around Cooper Landing the snow began falling.  I was delayed for about an hour as rescue workers took care of a serious accident.  Then I drove the 50 miles over Turnagain Pass.  It was snowing so hard I could not see the road in front of me, nor the tracks of others.  I thought of stopping, but what if someone else could not see me, and hit me from behind?  I tried to turn off into some of the rest areas I knew, but twice I almost got stuck in the deep snow berms.  My wipers kept the snow off my windshield, but when I would hit a drift, the snow exploded, covering my windshield with deep piles of snow.  Driving about 25 miles hour, or a little more, or less, my hands gripped the steering wheel.  As I started down out of the pass, I saw another vehicle, coming straight at me in the only tire tracks there were.  But, since we were both traveling only 15 miles an hour at that time, we were able to drive around one another.  Finally, after about two hours or more of tension, I made it down the mountain pass, surprisingly safely.

 

As I visited with the Mizes this November 27, we discussed that I would spend Sunday night with them.  I did not want a repeat of last year’s drive.  Mary then said something that, when I later thought about it, really struck me.  “When you left last year I kept praying for you all the way home.”  I have many people on my own personal prayer list.  I have rejoiced many times in God’s gracious answers to these prayers.  But, it surprised me to think of being the recipient of the blessings from someone else’s prayer for me.  As I thought about that drive again, I am sure the Lord was with me, and He was answering Mary’s prayers.

 

Do you ever struggle with which gifts to give to loved ones as you celebrate Jesus’ birth?  Again, my Christmas gift suggestion is that you ask your loved one what is on their heart. Ask them what they would like you to pray about to God for them.  This does not have to be a cheap way to get out of giving other gifts.  You can still buy them beautiful material presents.  But, perhaps you can give a card, speak your love, and then ask, “What’s on your heart? What would you like me to pray about to God for you?”  Give time for them to respond in a personal way.  Then faithfully pray for them daily concerning that issue in the coming year.  Christmas after all celebrates the gift of God’s love.  You may give no better gift this Christmas!

 

A Child of God, Suggesting a Way That You Can Give the Gift of God’s Love Again this Christmas!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  St. John prepares for Jesus’ Christmas coming with Wednesday evening Advent meals and worship services.  On Wednesday, December 7, there is an Advent meal at 5:30 p.m., and Advent worship at 6:30 p.m.  Come and join others in preparing to receive the Christmas gift of Jesus.

 

P.P.S.  I saw some beauty in God’s winter creation again this past week.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/qbrD8fQDNCfEesEu6

 

P.P.P.S.  I went ice fishing on Monday, December 5 with Kym Miller. We did well.  We caught 20 or more nice trout, and kept 7.  The Rockey family ate trout for supper on Monday night.  J  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/31divwkYR3Jer61o9

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.)

        So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

        My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

“1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

 

 

Responding to the Coming of Jesus in My Life – TODAY!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

What would you say if Jesus showed up at your home? Your work? Your school?  Would you be glad to see Him?  Perhaps you might be somewhat frightened to be in the presence of the holy and almighty Ruler of all.  How would you react if Jesus came personally to you?

 

It does seem shock was the reaction of Moses in Exodus 3, when God called to Moses from the burning bush to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. Here was Moses’ reply.  "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11)  Isaiah, in his book reacted in fear to having a vision of the throne of God.  "Woe to me! . . I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty." (Isaiah 6:5) When Peter was confronted with the miraculous catch of fish, he confessed his sin to Jesus, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" (Luke 5:8)  What if Jesus, if God, showed up in your everyday life?

 

I ask this question because the Christian Church is now in the season of “Advent.”  We are in a time of waiting and preparation for Jesus to come to us.  We prepare for the Christmas celebration of when the Son of God himself did come to earth to live and to die and to rise as our Savior.  Advent is also a season of preparation and awaiting Jesus’ coming again on the last day to judge the world, and to deliver His people from the pain of this lifeto eternal life in heaven.  But, that is preparation for the past and for the future.  What if Jesus was present right now? What if Jesus was in your world and in your life today?  HOW would you react?

 

The truth is, while Christians do celebrate the loving miracle of Jesus’ birth 2000 years ago, and while Christians do prepare for and await Jesus’ second coming, He IS with us, right now.  When Jesus began His ministry, we are told what He proclaimed and taught at first.  "The time has come, . . . The kingdom of God is near." (Mark 1:15)  The Greek word for “is near” in the original language of the Bible can also be translated “is at hand.”  Another appropriate translation of this verse is “The kingdom of God HAS COME.”  With Jesus in our world, God’s kingdom is not just coming, it is here right now, because Jesus is here. 

 

Do you remember what Matthew says about the angel’s message to Joseph before the first Christmas?  “22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’--which means, ‘God with us.’"  (Matthew 1:22-23) Jesus is Immanuel – God WITH us!  Or, do you remember what Jesus taught and promised His disciples as He left the world?  “ . . . surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) You see, Jesus really is here with His people right now!  He is here by His Spirit, through His Word, in the water and the bread and wine of the sacraments.  Jesus IS here!  So, since Jesus is here, how should we react?  Are we afraid of the presence of the holy Lord of all?  Do we ignore Him? 

 

Actually, when Jesus began His ministry He instructed people on how to respond to His presence.  "The time has come, . . . The kingdom of God is near.  Repent and believe the good news!"  Repentance and faith are still appropriate reactions for God’s people to the presence of Jesus in our world and our lives today.  Jesus is holy and righteous, without sin, and we are all sinners who have offended the Lord of the universe.  We have not always loved God with our whole hearts.  We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.  Fear can be crippling, but repentance is a godly response of faith.  When a person repents, they admit their failings, and seek God’s help to change their lives.  In truth, repentance is practical.  When we act in sinful ways, we not only sin against God, we fail ourselves.  We are not all God created us to be.  For example, it is not wise to keep driving a car with mechanical trouble, hoping it will go away.  We want to identify and address the issue.  When we repent, with the help of God, we identify and address the issue of our failure and our sin.

 

But, thankfully, we don’t just respond to the presence of Jesus with repentance, we also ‘believe the good news.’  We believe the good news that Jesus knew our sin, and came to this world in love, anyway, to save us.  We believe the good news that Jesus lived a righteous life so that His death could pay for our sins.  We believe the good news that Jesus rose from death and is victorious over our enemies in this world; the enemies of sin, and Satan, and death.  Since Jesus is victorious, we can live as God’s children in faith, trusting Him to guide us, to forgive us, to save us.  We can boldly and courageously proclaim Jesus and His kingdom in our words and in our actions because, in Jesus, the kingdom of God is here! Right now! In OUR lives!

 

So, how would you react if Jesus showed up at your home, your work, or your school?  Perhaps a better question is “How do you react, since Jesus is here?”  Really, that is good news.  And, Jesus tells us how to react.  “Repent and believe.”  How are you responding?

 

A Child of God, Responding to the Coming of Jesus in My Life – TODAY!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Kathy and I celebrated Thanksgiving in Alaska with our family here for the first time in 3 years.  It was a joyful gathering.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/LVZkhCKGg1dK7HYR7

 

P.P.S.  Since returning to Alaska, I finally did to fishing.  I went ice fishing with friend, Wayne Mize, on the Kenai Peninsula at Egumen Lake.  Egumen Lake is a non-stocked / native lake.  But I did catch a nice 14” rainbow trout.  Wayne caught a small fish too.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/f9DmvBca5ovJ8oom6

 

P.P.P.S.  The state of Alaska is amazingly beautiful, all year round.  Both those living in Alaska, and those who live outside, can and do enjoy God’s created beauty.  Here are some pictures I have taken of the Alaskan Winter since returning.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/3C8mEb6oR9BuNBC58

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.)

        So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

        My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

 

“1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

 

  

Watching and Praying for Jesus to Come Again

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

When I grew up in Gainesville, Florida, I had a friend, Tommy, whose grandfather had lived in Atlanta.  Since Tommy and I knew each other in the 60’s and 70’s, I guess his grandpa lived in Atlanta around 1900, or earlier.  Tommy once told me that his grandfather shared with him that he had a chance to buy stock in the Coca Cola Company in the very beginning, but did not think it was a safe investment.  So Tommy’s grandpa turned down the opportunity.  It seems his grandfather shared this truth with some regret.  If he had known the truth of what the future held for Coca Cola, Tommy’s grandpa would surely have bought stock.  But, he didn’t know and he missed out.  Perhaps you’ve heard similar stories.

 

If you worship in a Christian congregation which uses the traditional church calendar, this past Sunday was the last Sunday of this past church year.  This coming Sunday, the First Sunday in Advent, is first Sunday of the coming church year, sort of a New Year’s Day.  The assigned Scripture readings for a 3 week period have focused on a topic which Jesus spoke about often, but a topic which is often ignored in our world today.  This topic is His Second Coming, which we sometimes call Judgement Day.

 

Jesus’ final coming was important to Jesus and He taught about it often.  But, there is some discomfort associated with what Jesus tells us the future holds.  At a time when people declare, “No one can tell me what to do,” the idea that there will be a final reckoning is considered close-minded.  The idea that there is such a thing as right and wrong seems old fashioned and un-enlightened to many in our world.  Therefore, this teaching of Jesus’ final coming to judge the world is often ignored or denied by many today. 

 

But God’s children do know Jesus’ promises about the future!  In the readings for this coming Sunday we will hear Jesus speak in Matthew 24.  “35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”  (Matthew 24:35-36)  Whether people ignore or deny what Jesus says, we believe that the end IS coming.  However, we do not know when that will be.  In truth, if we die before Jesus comes, that, in effect, is our Judgement Day.  Most often, we don’t know when that day is either.

 

Since Jesus’ sharing the truth of this final day speaks of consequences and ultimate justice, it is a teaching of God’s law. But, that is not all Jesus teaches about the coming Final Day.  In the assigned Gospel Lesson from Luke 21 in worship two weeks ago, we heard Jesus give a different perspective on His final coming.  He spoke good news, or Gospel. “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28)  Christians, people who believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior, have a different view of Jesus’ Second Coming.  Yes God will finally declare judgement and bring justice.  But, Christians believe that God executed His justice on Jesus when He was on the cross, in order to forgive us and offer mercy to us.  Jesus paid the price for the sins in the world.  All who believe in Jesus are forgiven and are saved.  So when Jesus returns, Jesus who paid for our sins, those who believe in Jesus see His coming as a day of redemption. Jesus comes to take us out of the pain of this world, to heaven.

 

Therefore, those who know and believe in Jesus want to be prepared for this final, ultimate, truth.  Jesus says, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)  We know what the future holds.  The practical side of Jesus’ important teaching is that we want to be ready. We want to be living in faith, following Jesus, when He comes, no matter when that is. 

 

My friend, Tommy, told me the story about his grandfather, implying regret that his grandpa missed his opportunity.  The important message which Jesus teaches is that He is coming again as Judge. The world will come to an end.  This is not just an old fashioned idea, it is God’s truth.  We do not want to miss the opportunity for redemption.  We want to watch and be ready when Jesus comes.

 

A Child of God, Watching and Praying for Jesus to Come Again!

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Kathy and I returned home to Alaska from Florida on Friday, November 18.  On Friday and Saturday we did “coming home chores”.  I preached on Sunday, and have served as a substitute teacher Monday through Wednesday.  (Whew!)  It’s good to be home. J

 

P.P.S.  Because of my schedule I have not yet been fishing in Alaska.  But, there are possibilities on the horizon!

 

*****

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (Though I am now serving again part-time at St. John as assistant to the pastor.)

        So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

        My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church

E-Mail: jonrock53@mtaonline.net

“1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)