"Prepare the way"? Perhaps the ways. Prepare the ways of the Lord.
We are to prepare the way for the Lord to get to us. That's one way.
Then, each one of us should undertake to become a way for other "to
be gotten" by our Lord. That's a second way--and it takes some
preparation, a wilderness of preparation, as John the Baptist
discovered.
What clears the way for the Lord's coming, straightens his path,
fills valleys, lowers mountains, straightens the crooked and smooths
the rough paths? John proclaimed "a baptism of repentance for the
forgiveness of sins." Paul wrote to the Philippians, "All of you
share in God's grace with me" (1:7). And that's what prepares the
way for the Lord to get to us--God's grace. God prepares God's way
to us. God refines, soaps, purifies, and makes a way to us. Don't be
in the way--make way. Accept forgiveness. Be on the way. God is the
way ahead, and we are invited to join God and become the way--be the
way for others to be begotten.
True, we are not mighty prophets like Isaiah and John. The thought
of being part of such a large task may seem overwhelming. But mighty
road construction projects, employing massive machinery and millions
of dollars, still require someone with a paint can to mark where
digging will take place. They require back-in-the-garage workers to
oil, maintain, and repair those mighty machines. So "in many and
various ways" God uses us to help prepare the way.
Make way for the Lord who comes. Be on the way the Lord has made. Be
the way the Lord will come. This is the way the Lord has planned it.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
George W. Hoyer
For the writer of Luke, John is not merely a voice in the wilderness
but someone firmly tied to history: Tiberius, who was Emperor of
Rome; Herod, the ruler of Galilee; Pontius Pilate, who was then
governor of Judea. These details offer credibility in the minds of
Luke's first-century audience, which in turn lends authenticity to
the stories attributed to Jesus in this gospel.
The phrase, "the word of God came to John" (3:2) offers the very
definition of grace - God coming into our lives and choosing to act.
Grace is not initiated by us, in fact, it is beyond our efforts and
often even in spite of them. Our "salvation" is not in our wonderful
deeds, but in cooperating with God's ongoing action.
The writer immediately introduces a theme of Luke's gospel: all will
see salvation! Echoing the prophet Isaiah's promise, John proclaims
the coming Saviour. But Luke extends the prophet's promise of God to
all.
And what is this "salvation" that all will see? One meaning is "to
be delivered from evil or danger," especially any evil or danger
that would separate us from God. Salvation also shares the same
roots as the word salve, a treatment for wounds that enables
healing. This is more than a saviour to die for our sins: we prepare
for one who brings together all creation. Even in our own wilderness
times, this is a promise that sustains us while opening up a future
in which all relationships will be renewed and the whole world will
be restored.
This passage speaks to me in that I am to prepare the way of the
Lord so that others can come to him for the forgiveness of their
sins. I as the pastor am responsible for filling those valleys and
leveling those mountains so all can find their way to salvation. I
have been doing lay ministry for many years and am now close to
completing my work to be commissioned as a lay pastor. Sometimes I
wonder if I am up to a task such as this. It is an awesome
responsibility. There is so much to be understood and then
proclaimed to our brothers and sisters. This Advent season helps to
keep me focused on the hope that God provides the tools for us to do
His work.
This site has been a great help in discerning how God is speaking to
all of us.
Thanks to all and God' peace be with you, DEK in Iowa
Well, if we are going to talk about leveling mountains and filling
in valleys so people can make their way to God, then let's do some
meddling. What are those obstacles that our churches put in the way
of potential members? Stairs and no elevators. No signs, so people
can't find their way around our buildings. Let's have hidden
information so that outsiders can't possibly follow what we are
doing in the worship service. How about isolating them? Heaven
forbid we should say hello, just whipser in the pastor's ear, "Who
is that over there?" Let's not invite the heathen to our Sunday
School class for fear they should learn about God. PH in OH
Perry here, from Waterloo County near Kitchner/Waterloo [that'd be
Canada, eh]. So its Monday, so I feel I've still got the luxury of
musing with my non-committal wonderings...
I'm intrigued by the tension evident in the political handles used
by Luke to date his account. Hmmm, the larger scene is truly subject
to the whims of the Roman system; the people of Israel have only a
token system under the watchful and controlling hands of the
'superpowers'. [some sources suggest that even the appointment and
dismissals of the High priests was determined by Rome] Here we are
with God"s people once again slaves to an occupying entity!
And then there's John, who like so many others in the sweeping
history of Israel, was encountered and enabled by God 'in the
wilderness'; a metaphor for the places/ settings where God begins
new eras.
And lastly I'm playing with the question (already well articulated
with earlier entries) or just who does the preparing of a way. In a
sense God does all the preparing by sending John with particular
words and actions prior to Jesus' Advent. And when it comes to the
hills flattened and the curves straightened [...is this a fly-back
into the theme song for that '80's sitcom "The Dukes of Hazard"??] I
wonder if the intent is really that God's people do the work of
preparation or is it John who is proclaiming what will happen as God
brings about God's agenda! -it seems as though it may be mostly what
God is up to rather than what we feel might become our
responsibility in the scheme of things.
Anyhow, that's my frivolus contribution for Monday; alas Sunday IS
coming!
peace
Perry in K/W
What I find interesting is that John the Baptist is turning the
concept of "Mikveh" - the ritual bath- on it head.
It was tradition that in order to participate in temple functions,
men would have to undergo the mikveh. To be made ritually clean.
Women were required once a month to go, following their periods.
Again- making them ritually clean and preventing them from making
their husbands "unclean"
But John is talking about repentance- not a cleansing for thngs we
might have touched (dead bodies; bodily fluids etc) but for sin-
things we have done.
Furhter- he is going against the concept that a once a year
atonement at the temple is enough
a few things about Mikvehs to consider Mikvehs had to be "living
water" meaning the water source of the pool or whatever had to be
running water- water untouhed by human hands
Mikvehs were not a once and for all event- they are required over
and over again- to be kept ritually pure- (Jesus tells us one
baptism is enough for all time!)
Mikevehs were not about the heart- having a right heart with God
Mikveh is stilled used for women before marriage and to convert non-jews
into Judaism
Michele in Pa
Michele in PA - I don't know if he was "turning the ritual on his
head," so much as deepening its meaning.
I like the imagery of mountains and valleys being leveled so that
people can make their way to the Lord. PH in OH - I think that not
only is it important to enable others to make their way to the Lord,
but recognizing the mountains and valleys in our own lives - the
obstacles - as WE make OUR way to the Lord.
Sally in gA
Help! This is off topic for the week, but...help! I am doing the
first funeral in my first post-seminary church this Friday. I have
done a couple of memorial services and a committal of ashes on my
own during seminary, so I am comfortable with that part. However,
they will be doing a private viewing (closed casket) for family the
evening before the funeral, and they want me there for that. I am
guessing they may want some sort of "brief prayer service," but I am
having trouble finding resources for that. My UCC book of worship
has only the funeral/memorial and committal services, and I have a
helpful book on funerals, but it also leaves out the prayer service.
If they want me to "do" anything at all, I would imagine it will be
something very simple, but are there any good resources on this? Or
does anyone have any ideas?
Also, I just spoke with the funeral home, and they mentioned that he
may want some sort of Masonic service. I did not know the deceased
was a Mason (his wife attends church; he didn't much), and I have no
idea what the Masons do at funerals/memorials. I will, of course,
ask the family what they want, but it would be good if I have SOME
idea what a Masonic service involves (is this even part of the
regular funeral/memorial?), so the bereaved family doesn't have to
worry about it, and in case they're not quite clear with me.
Thank you so much in advance!
Blessings and peace, Desiree in Sacramento
Desiree in Sacramento - I was in the same boat as you last month. I
certainly cannot give you too much wisdom, but as for the prayer
service...a simple circle prayer with the family at the end of the
ebening is usually just fine. Just be present and talk with them.
Then pray for comfort and peace in preparation for the funeral
service.
As far as the Masons, remember that you do your part first and then
others (VFW, masons, eastern start) can do what they wish at the end
(IMHO). See if they can tell you who is coordinating the Masons
service, but don't worry about running the show, they will know
exactly what to do for that part. May God bless your first funernal.
SMT from NY
Desiree,
I'm going to both agree and disagree with the last writer's opinion.
I agree with the suggestion that a simple prayer circle at the end
of the viewing will probably meet the needs of the family. Or even
doing it at the beginning and then allowing them time alone with
their loved one; it will, after all, be the last time the see him
before our savior returns.
But I disagree with letting the Masons (or others, the exception
being the veterans) have their time last. In our area, those
practices occur PRIOR to the funeral itself and, frankly, I like
that because it leaves the proclamation of the Gospel--the good news
of Jesus' saving death, resurrection and promise of eternal
life--the last thing the people experience. The Masonic ritual (I
stayed around to witness them a couple of times) is (in my opinion)
based on a theology of works-righteousness and I like to think that
if people to hear God's word of grace last, it's what they'll
remember most.
Generally, the only part the veterans do following the funeral is at
the committal service, when they give the 21 gun salute, which is
last.
Good luck and God be with you! Pastor in PA
Desiree, SMT is right. Ususally they just want a ministerial
presence at the viewing. A short prayer for comfort and strength to
make it through the coming days is good.
As for Masonic services and the like; My preference is to have any
such memorials first, and give the Church the last word. I have seen
to many times when I wanted to undo some damage, when some well
intentioned friend or loved one said something just dreadful, not
thinking of the ramifications of their words. I'm not a control
freak, but I do feel responsible for the spiritual well being of the
family during such times, and want to insure the funeral is a
healing, not hurting experience. tom in TN(USA)
Desiree,
I would echo Pastor in PA's thoughs. Whenever I have been asked to
be involved in a Masonic service they have insisted that I not
mention the name of Jesus. (I did anyway!) I don't think that is the
lasting impression we want to leave at a funeral. If the Masons want
a service, let them go first. Then you follow up with the Gospel
lovingly preached. You may have to do some insisting of your own.
Blessings as you plan,
Craig in WW
Desiree,
I would echo Pastor in PA's thoughs. Whenever I have been asked to
be involved in a Masonic service they have insisted that I not
mention the name of Jesus. (I did anyway!) I don't think that is the
lasting impression we want to leave at a funeral. If the Masons want
a service, let them go first. Then you follow up with the Gospel
lovingly preached. You may have to do some insisting of your own.
Blessings as you plan,
Craig in WW
Desiree, Thry contacting a local Lutheran pastor. Ask for the
occasional service for Comforting the Bereaved. You might find that
the Occasional Services that accompany The Lutheran Book of Worship
will be a helpful addition to your worship resources.
Wait one minute! I usually preach this as John, preparing the way,
he being the voice in the wilderenss! Wait, that isn't what this
says! Luke 3:2 The Voice came to John in the wilderness.
O.K. So, I have preached this wrong before! GOD is the voice in the
wilderness! HE comes to us! GOD prepares the way! He is our creator,
BTW! He is the master planner.
So, now we have estabished that fact God is the voice, not John.
John is the messenger of the covenant of God though. Couple this
passage with Malachi.
What does this mean for us? We aren't the voice in the wilderness,
God is , He comes as the voice. We are the messenger of the
covenant.
Final wondering...does this mean we have to be in the "wilderness"
for the voice to come and strengthen us, before God can really use
us? And the "wilderness" can be different sceneries for different
peoples. The wilderness could be A city for one, or the deer woods
for another( Country WV preacher, deer season LOL)
Early ponderings...Clerically Blonde in ohio
Desiree,
UMC BOOK of Worship also, has a sample of Services at the "wake" or
Viewing with prayer and scriptura; helps and everything. Contact a
United Methodist Preacher in your area, ask to see his/her pastor's
book of Worship.
But, this family may just want you there. You may not need to say
anything. Just your pastoral presense is enough sometimes. As far
as, how long do you stay? depends I have stayed the whole viewing
time, I have stay 1 hour, and I have stay 15-20 mins... You can tell
God will tell you...
As far as the Masons, I am with you i would put them first I'd go
last. A comment you made his wife came to Church he was a member but
didn't attend. Well, to have a masonic Service, he has to be 3rd
degree mason or higher. So, then he did one of two ways, He went
deeper into participation with masons (that is what appears) or some
christians who join masons realize just what they are and are not
active in masons.
IMHO and this is very intolerant to say, but I am Intolerant, Just
like my creator is Intolerant to sin! Masons are a cult! To be 3rd
degree masons, now they dont use water, but ritual of a baptism in
the masons... they tell a story of King Hiram and his favorite mason
builder who died, King Hiram had him lifted up, dug up, like
ressurected... This ritual baptizes you into masons...Alot of
Christians don't even realize it, How can you be masonic and
Christian ONE BAPTISM! not two!
BTW, I have seen the masonic ritual at a funeral, I don't like, I
watched it, it appeared harmless, but I Felt a wave of evil around
me.
CB
Every valley shall be filled, every mountain and hill be made low.
These could be references to the physical landscape, removing any
hindrance to seeing the king drive by. These could also be
references to human conditions, such as Jesus' theme that the lowly
will be exalted and the pompous will be brought down, and we will
all be on equal footing, so to speak. That which is evil will be
brought to righteousness and trials will become victories. Then we
shall all see the salvation of God, and clearly.
KHC
Desiree,
My feeling is the family wants you present not to "do" much, but to
be a presence for them. A prayer would probably be in order. During
Chaplaincy it was suggested that we ask the family if they had
specific prayer request (you might be surprised at the answers!)
My father-in-law died a few years ago and he had a masonic "service"
at the funeral home before we took him for the interment (the
memorial service was then held later). They did the twenty third
psalm and placed an evergreen branch in the casket. But I am firmly
with the consensus, let them do their thing first and you finish. By
the way talk with the Masonic chaplain and ask exactly what they are
going to do.
Blessings.... ks in me
"a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,"
These few words carry an incredible amount of meaning, especially
for those who are attempting to prepare their hearts for an
acceptance of the Christ.
baptism means the beginning of a process. For me, baptism is not an
event, but an ongoing system of regular cleansing.
repentance is about "re-thinking" our position in the light of
awareness of how much we do not really know. We base our
understanding of what is right and therefore "truth" upon so much of
our own experience and inherited acceptance of appropriate belief.
Repentance is a reminder that whereever, and whenever hurt or damage
occurs in the created world, sin is still present.
Sin is that void/gap/shadow that exists between all living
creatures. We are unable to fully know one another intimately, and
so every time we receive an inappropriate reaction, it reminds us of
this fact. Sin is that distance between one another, that stops us
from fully loving as we are supposed to.
Forgiveness is the means by which we are able to keep progressing in
our relationships. It is the element of acceptance of all that I
have said previously. Knowing that each encounter with another human
being, or even another living creature, is always based upon their
willingness to accept the same problem of fully understanding each
other, enables us to co-exist.
These principles underly the entire gospel and purpsoe of Christ. No
wonder John was such a major figure in the presentation of the way.
This is the preparation we all need to hear the myriad of examples
that Christ gives of how these simple relationship skills impact
upon our world.
Jesus not only talked about them, he exhibited them to their
completion, in being prepared to die for us, even though we didn't
fully understand what he was doing at the time.
The salvation of God, is clearly illustrated every time we see, a
person re-thinking their own beliefs and values, based upon the hurt
they have caused another.
Sorry to take up so much valuable space.
Regards, KGB in Aussie.
Desiree in Sac..
I did my first full funeral a week ago and I am a lay minister...and
Associate in Ministry to be exat. Anyway. Celebrate the life of the
one who has died. That makes a good funeral. Smile and laugh and
cry... At the funeral home, just be there willing to pray with the
family and ask them to share feelings and thoughts. Informal, but
very comforting!!!!
Will keep you in prayer Tammy in Texas
This is the Sunday in which we light the peace candle on the Advent
wreath. I have a retired pastor and wife who are involved in Peace
With Justice and I have chosen to make this also the Peace With
Justice Sunday. I'm looking at the Scripture in this manner:
Judea and Galilee were anything but peace-filled territories when
the word of God came to John in the wilderness: Prepare the way;
make straight his paths; every valley will be filled, every mountain
be made low, the crooked made straight, the rough smooth, and all
flesh shall see salvation.
When the Lord comes, He brings justice; he brings mercy, He brings
peace ... not the peace that the world knows, but the peace that
goes beyond all understanding. The peace that comes with salvation.
It is peace that was poured out on the cross, not in Cleveland, not
in Jerusalem, not in the United Nations.
How are we to prepare the way for His Second Coming? To do justice,
to love mercy, to be peacemakers, to walk humbly with our God, to
spread the news of Salvation.
Thoughts from PastorBuzz in TN
Work. Work. Work.
Prepare the way. Level the mountains and fill in the canyons. Do
whatever you can to make it easy for the people to get to God.
Whoa!
WE'RE starting to sound like the masons! John was proclaiming a
baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, he was not
removing obstacles. Neither were the people coming for baptism
removing those obstacles. All they had to do was let go of the
obstacles (sins), and let God wash them away.
New pastors (and a word for all us old experienced ones also), your
responsibility is primarily to preach the gospel, and let God use
it. Preach the gospel, and God will fill the valleys and level the
mountains. Don't try to be God, it doesn't work.
Michelle
Desiree,
I agree that at the funeral home, you should just be present, and
maybe you can ask the family ahead of time if they have any desire
for you to read scripture or say a prayer, and go on their wishes.
Regarding the Masonic service, I saw a Masonic graveside service
that actually was conducted by the Chaplain, who by the way was also
an ordained PCUSA pastor. I saw nothing wrong with the service, and
it mostly talked about the deceased as being their brother, etc. I
disagree with the person who says Masonry is a cult. I am a past
honored Queen of Job's Daughters, that is based on the book of Job,
and taught Christian principles. I find that the greater majority of
opinions about Masonry, are from people who don't know anything
about it directly, other than what they have read somewhere, and the
majority is myth. Approach the Chaplain with humility, and tell him
that you are not familiar with Masons and that you would like to
know what the service is like. Then, tell him that what you had
planned was for him to do the service first and that you would take
it from there. Again, it might be a good idea to check with the
family on how they would like it to do be done as well. If you
approach them with humility, you never know, you may reach some of
the unchurched to come to worship.
Susan in Wa.
Desiree,
I forgot one thing. You may check in your Methodist polity book and
they may have something in there about Masonic services. Some
churches don't allow a Masonic service in the sanctuary, but check
your own denomination's polity for that answer, or check with your
DS or Bishop.
Susan in Wa.
There seems to be some disagreement among contributors as to who is
doing what in this passage. Here's some of what Donald G. Miller
writes about it in The Layman's Bible Commentary: "When oriental
kings made journeys into remote parts of their realms, heralds were
sent ahead to announce their coming. Roads had to be made where
there were none--valleys had to be filled, and hills made low. And
where there were roads, they had to be straightened and smoothed."
Though the word of God came to John in the wilderness, it was,
indeed, John who was the "voice" crying out in the wilderness, like
the herald before the monarch. And it was the people who were to
make the way straight, not God (just as it was the people and not
the monarch who made the roads straight on which the monarch was to
travel). Repentance was the way the roads of one's spirit were
prepared for the Lord's coming, and baptism was the sign of one's
having repented.
Doug in IL
To the writer of the "11-25, 8:06" time:
You said that that "salvation is not in our wonderful deeds but in
cooperating with God's ongoing action".
I would go even one step further from the idea of "cooperating with"
to say that we merely "live in and respond to the wonder, mighty
acts of God."
Using the image of road building, we would walk on the road of
salvation built by the Great Builder, and live accordingly to his
gracious gift, the way provided. We cannot even do the least of
putting up signs or putting up the road name. We merely receive and
then respond. We can be signs along the way to point to the Christ.
Kenton Rohrberg Kansas
Here is my take on the reading-
Luke is, in a sense, telling a joke. He is pointing to the Romans
and saying, "In this corner- great, powerful, influential men-
emperors! governors! rulers! Aren't we impressed!... and in this
corner... well, actually, coming out of the cheap seats in the
wilderness, is little old John, son of nobodies."
Who will speak God's word? (I keep hearing that announcer in my head
shouting, "Let's get ready to rummmmmmmble!")
I am going to preach a message about the profound power of
simplicity. John is just John, a voice crying in the wilderness. A
candle is just a candle, why make a big deal out of lighting
one?Advent is just 'Advent'- a season of preparation. What's so
great about preparing? Cleaning? Making ready?
But John speaks God's word with power, a candle can banish the
darkness with the warmth of hope and preparing for Christ's arrival
in our hearts is a celebration of love like no other.
TB in MN
A lot has been said about the control and the influence of the Roman
government and it is true. An analogy for today, maybe be that as
Christians we are in a stituation much like the Jews were. Our
government although much improved over the Roman one, invites the
formation of a culture that erodes the way of the Lord. It seems
like there are a few places where the contexes (sp) seem to come
together. more thought. Nancy-Wi
I'm with TB on the "in this corner..." That sounds like Luke and his
presentation of God's wonderful reversals. In (the other) corner,
Jesus Christ and his court-jester John the Baptist figure.
Re the Masons... I do wonder if there are different Masonic rituals
out there. The couple that have been done at funerals (at least one
was a non-member, at the funeral home) were just fine, nothing
heretical-albeit a bit generic. Right to have the last word, i.e.,
present our take of God's last word at the end. I even do this with
regard to military rites (and I'm in the military). Make sure you,
the pastor/presider have some last word after Taps is played. No
military folk have been offended and why pick this particular ritual
as being allowed to have the last word? Our First amendment refuses
to require our faith to be subservient and most of our Christian
traditions pledge ultimate allegiance to God alone. Sometimes after
TAPS I conclude with Winston Churchill's request that his service
conclude with reville... not the somber marking of the end, but the
stirring call to action and life for the coming day. Peter in WI
Dear all,
Thank you so much for ALL your help! This is a wonderful community,
and I appreciate your support in helping me deal with my first
funeral. I know several UMC pastors in town, and there is a Lutheran
church right down the street from our church, so I will check with
them re. prayer services. (I love the UCC Book of Worship, but it's
strange they don't have a service for that.) And THANK YOU, whoever
reminded me that "being" is much more important than "doing" at
times like these. That is a reminder I need repeatedly and something
my Clinical Pastoral Education supervisor tried to drum into my head
during my year of CPE. Didn't quite stick as well as it should have.
In terms of the Masonic service, it was just something the funeral
director mentioned, so I'm not sure if they'll have it. I will use
my instincts about that one (and thanks for the info on that too).
Again, I am greatly appreciative! I will meet with the family later
this morning and will do so now with some additional ideas. I should
be back later this week with some actual thoughts on the lectionary
text too!
Thanks again.
Grace and peace, Desiree in Sacramento
