My latest for the Longview News-Journal

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Every year the routine is the same. After the celebration of Thanksgiving, the mad rush to Christmas begins. Amid the lights, parties, gifts, and presents, it is hard to remember the “reason for the season.”

In the Christian liturgical calendar, the time leading up to Christmas is known as Advent. Advent comes from a Latin word which means coming. It is a special and holy time marked not by the yearning to out rush and buy more things but an inward reflection of the coming of Jesus the Christ.

During this time, we are called not to run to the manger but to wait… that’s right…. wait… for Christmas. Sure, some people have decorated their entire house on November 1, but Advent calls us to slow down, be more reflective and wait. It is through this intentionality that we begin to see and experience the message of hope, peace, love, and joy in our own lives and the world around us.

There is something freeing in slowing down. We are able to take in all that is around us and see how God is moving in our lives in ways that we would have looked right over had we not taken a moment to be aware. This notion, however, is not something that is propagated in our modern American society. Our calendars fill up months in advance with appointments, parties, school functions and extracurricular activities. The thought of slowing down especially during December seem completely foreign and even wishful thinking. Slowing down means being intentional about our time, being intentional about our activities and being intentional about our spirituality. Getting to the end of Christmas and missing the coming of Christ in our life would be a tragic thing. How many of us are not in the “Christmas spirit?”  How many of us are not feeling like it is Christmas time? We are just going through the usual December motions: cookies, presents, songs, and trees. Advent’s goal is to guide is to a deeper and more personal connection with God so that when God appears we do not miss it.

Every year there seems to be a news story that surfaces regarding Christmas and society. There seems to be a tension that some Christians find each December. Last year an internet evangelist thought that Starbucks was trying to “erase Christmas” by having a solid red holiday cup. This year the President has declared that is it now “safe” to say Merry Christmas again. Merry Christmas has never been “illegal,” it has never been “off limits.” Schools and other public institutions have made decisions to be more inclusive during the month of December recognizing that there are more than just Christians in our schools and communities. This is not an attack on Christianity; this does not mean that we are being “persecuted” for our faith. This does mean however that we are aware that Christians are not the only gig in town. Does this diminish our faith? No, rather it a byproduct of a pluralistic society in which we find ourselves. Just because not everyone in our town or place of work celebrates the same way we do, does not invalidate our religious expression. Sadly, this is not the case for some people. “Merry Christmas” is the only greeting that is acceptable by a cashier at the department store or supermarket. “Happy Holidays” is seen as being “politically correct” and a modern-day swear word. No one is trying to eliminate Christmas; it is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world (it is even celebrated by non-Christians).

Why then is there a push for everyone to wish Christians a Merry Christmas, even if they do not celebrate the holiday?  I believe that people’s desire for the over saturation of Christmas in their lives is because they have not found anything fulfilling in their spiritual lives during this season. We search high and low trying to find a connection with the Divine; we look everywhere even in the strangest of places hoping that we can experience God in a new and tangible way. If we say it enough or if we are told it by everyone we come in contact with, then maybe it will mean something more.

This Christmas cannot be like the last one; it cannot be devoid of connection with God.  We can claim that’s it’s for the faith but it’s really for us. We want to connect to God, we want to connect to baby Jesus, we want Christmas to mean more than what we have made it out to be. Christmas has to mean more than boxes, lights, Santa, and food, right?

Too many people get to the end of Christmas and wonder where did all the time go? Yes, the parties were fun, and the kids had a great time, but did we make room for the coming of Christ in our lives anew?  Someone once told me that Christmas means to more to people when they realize that it’s not their birthday. We have made Christmas into a season of shopping, giving and hoping for our wish lists to be fulfilled. The origins of giving gifts were to model the gifts of the Magi as explained in the Gospel of Matthew. Today Christmas has become a time to show how much we love someone by how much we spend on them. We have removed the religious and Christian element of Christmas and made it into something that it does not need to be.

If Christmas is to be mean anything it has to begin with looking into ourselves and reflecting on how the story of the coming of Christ has changed our lives. This is not the job of the barista at Starbucks or the bank teller. These stories are more personal; I can not expect the cashier at Kroger to tell my story. I cannot expect anyone else but me to proclaim the ways that Christ’s birth means more than lights and elves on the shelf.

Let us all wait together for the coming of Christ again in our own hearts and minds. When December 25, comes and goes, will we be able to look back and say that we saw God moving in a way we never thought possible?

This is the miracle of the Christmas story.

Today the FCC is expected to vote on “Net Neutrality” rules. The changing of these rules could open the door for internet service providers (ISPs) determining data speeds and access to certain sites and programs.

Advent begins December 3; it is a time of expectantly waiting for the coming of Christ in the world anew. Below are is a link to an Advent Devotional Calendar. Each day has a scripture to read and something to reflect on or pray for.

May this Advent season be one filled with hope, peace, love, and joy.

In Christ,

Rev. Evan

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Advent Calendar PDF

I was asked to lead the prayer at the City Council meeting in Longview, Texas. Below is the prayer I gave.

In Christ,

Rev. Evan

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My latest for the Longview News-Journal

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It has been a difficult few weeks in the United States. First, there was the shooting in Las Vegas leaving nearly 60 dead and hundreds injured. Then there was an attack in New York City. Most recently there was a mass shooting at a small Baptist church in Texas during Sunday services.

These acts of senseless violence can stir up a lot of questions in a person’s mind. Why would someone do this? How can I help? What is going on in this world?  What is the Christian response to the acts of violence?

In the wake of these events more and more churches and communities of faith are having conversations regarding action plans and intruder policies. Schools are holding lockdown drills and reminding staff about proper procedures in the event of a tragedy. These events have set many of us on edge; there is a sense of uncertainty that is lingering in the air.

During this time of uncertainty and chaos, it is easy to give up on hope. It is easy to think that things are too broken to be fixed, or the problem is too great for one person or community. On top of that, some leaders are unwilling or unable to address the issue or propose anything that will make a meaningful difference.

These attacks break my heart and uncover a truth that many people want to hide, our world is not the very good place that God deemed it in Genesis 1. Sadly, it is becoming commonplace in our American society to hear about mass shootings and deadly attacks. Unfortunately, our society as a whole is becoming desensitized to the heinous violence that is taking place. This is not because we are heartless or do not feel sadness or grief but because there is a sense that these problems are too complex and will never go away. We can throw our hands in the air and ask “what is the point?” It is easier to mourn for a time and move on, hoping and praying that nothing happens like this ever again.

A person of faith I believe I am called by God to be the voice for the voiceless, the mouthpiece for the oppressed, to speak a word of comfort to the hurting. Christians are called to strive for goodness, mercy, love, and justice for all people as a response to their faith.

The Disciples of Christ, the denomination that I serve, refers to itself as “a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.” These past events and many others continue to bring to the forefront of our news and social media that our world is fragmented, not just across party lines but in our spirit as well. People are hurting, people are seeking something better; there has to be something that can be done.

Tomorrow will be the first Sunday since the deadly shooting in Sutherland Springs. I do not envy any minister who will have to preach. Is there a word that can be proclaimed that will ease the hearts and minds of those in attendance? Hopefully, we have not already ‘moved on’ to something else to occupy our time. Some people will not want to talk about it because it is too painful; some people will want their minister to take a bold stance for or against gun control. These messages only further to divide. I do think that communities of faith need to have honest and open conversations about these critical issues but in a way that all voices can be heard and listened to.

I believe that there is a word that can be shared that will speak to the heart of this issue.

At the end of the Book of Revelation, we find a hopeful message. The Book of Revelation has been viewed as a scary book with weird metaphors as well as a roadmap to the end of the world. I think these interpretations miss the main theme of the book which is hope. After digging through twenty chapters of proclamations, visions and trumpet blasting, we arrive at a message of hope. Revelation 21:1-6 describes a new heaven and new earth, a new order of the way things are to be. The author of Revelation hears a voice that proclaims that God is making all things new, death will be no more; there will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore. This is the eternal hope that Christians hold on to. Hope for a world not plagued with hate, hope for a time when love will rule the day, hope for a better tomorrow.

If God is the God that we say God is then, in the end, every wrong will be righted, love will triumph over evil, peace will reign over chaos and justice will overpower intolerance and hate. The Church in this city and around this country must continue to proclaim this truth. It is hard not to have a clear answer, it is hard to live in such turbulent times. The Church and its faithful followers can be a beacon of light and hope to those suffering and concerned about the future. While we do not want to forget those who lost their lives, we as the faithful followers of Christ must continue to find avenues to make the message of Christ’s love, peace, redemption, and grace known.

We must mourn those who have died; we must support those who have lost someone they love. In the face of evil, the church universal must be united in the bold claim that in the end love wins, in the end, God’s mercy, justice, peace, grace, reconciliation, and love will win. As a follower of Christ, it is my call and duty to embody that love in tangible, life-giving ways. This is not a quick fix or an easy answer, but it is a faith-filled one. Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

My latest for the Longview News-Journal

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In the past few weeks, the world has been rocked by three powerful hurricanes: Harvey, Irma, and Maria. These storms produced gigantic amounts of rain, historic flooding, and extremely high and dangerous winds. Homes have been destroyed and dozens of people have lost their lives. It has been a tragic time. Many of us were captivated and saddened by the images that were being shared on social media and news outlets. Streets looked like rivers, houses and schools had feet of water in them and rescues by volunteers from the “Cajun Navy” and the Coast Guard. Strangers were risking their lives to ensure that people did not get swept away by the flood waters. People were sharing posts from neighbors and friends requesting assistance. In one instance over a dozen people linked arm and arm to make sure that one man was saved. Some attributed it to being “Texas Strong,” others said it was the right thing to do, still, others said they would want someone to come and rescue them in a time of need. Story after story was being shared about the bravery and selflessness of others. All I could think about was as tragic as Harvey, Irma and Maria were, the aftermath gave the nation a glimpse of what the Kingdom of God looks like.

Why do we wait for tragedies to happen to show what the kingdom of God could be like? Shouldn’t the church strive to show how the Kingdom of God is different than the world we find ourselves? In most churches, the Lord’s Prayer is prayed; in it, we find a call for God to make the Kingdom of God know on this Earth as it is in Heaven. Christians want this to come to pass but have a difficult time putting it into action.

Before Hurricane Harvey made landfall in South Texas, the general tone and discourse of the American populace were not one of unity and togetherness, rather it was about finding ways to make a “stand” and separate oneself from others. While partisan politics is not a new thing, it seemed as if it was getting worse than before. The country was asked to choose sides in a debate where information was limited and biased. People were trying to encapsulate complex issues into tweetable statements. For me it was getting to the point where reading the news or even going on social media was too much. I was tired of the “debates” were no one listened, I was tired of the same song and dance that seems to happen every year. Love was hard to find.

I believe that the foundation of the Kingdom of God is love, love of neighbor without question, love of God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. All that Christians do in their life must reflect the genuine, unquestioning, selfless love of Jesus the Christ. Love is countercultural; love does not demand its own way; love shows a new path and new way of serving others; love says I love you because you are a child of God, you are not the sum of your life experiences or upbringing but you are fearfully and wonderfully made and that means something!
During Harvey people did not inquire of their religious status or their tithing commitments when diving into raging waters that once was a street. No one called out to someone in need and asked if they were “saved” or if they were “undocumented.” No one asked about sexual orientation or even who they voted for in the last county election. It did not matter then and it should not matter when we are giving love to another person.

God does not withhold love based on gender, creed, ethnicity, immigration status or income level and neither should we.
Love is one of the things that we all think we are good at showing and giving. It is hard for us to hear that maybe we are not as loving as we are called to be. We try to rationalize it but in the end, if we chose not to love someone it’s not going to happen. But in the Kingdom of God love is unconditional; it is given to humanity as a free gift and thus we must then share that gift with the rest of humanity without hesitation or expectation of something in return. Love is never an if-then statement. The love of God is given to all people, in all places and at all times.

Love pierces through the cloud of hatred and uncertainty to reveal to all the glory of God.

Love lifts the veil that shrouds our heart; love is not a feeling we get every February 14th or a simple answer to a complex theological question
Love is the embodiment of the gospel of Jesus the Christ. This is not a cliché statement that looks good on a t-shirt or makes us feel good when we serve another human rather it is what Christ came to bring, a new way of orienting our lives, our mind, our soul and our spirit.

Every interaction with another human is an opportunity to bring forth the love of God. Not in a pushy, “I know more than you” way or a holier than thou way but in a way that reflects the genuine nature of Christ and what that looks like on earth.

We should not have to wait for the next tragic event to remind us of the central teaching of Christ which is rooted and grounded in love. Love must be the guiding principle of the Church if it is to have an impact in the 21st century.