Jesus, Hanukkah & Christmas!

I love Christmas! From the time that I was a child, Christmas has always been my favorite season of the year. The lights, the carols, the presents and the intentional time spent with family and friends... all of it creates the perfect recipe for a wonderful season of celebration!

In recent years, though, many Christians have also begun discovering the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah and its meaning to the Christian faith. But where did Christmas acquire its meaning and significance from? Is December 25th truly the day that Jesus was born in Bethlehem? The Bible actually gives us a clear understanding to this question and offers a beautiful connection of Christmas and Hanukkah.

When was Jesus born?

Luke's account of Jesus' birth is one of the most read versions of the Christmas story in the Bible. However, despite its attention detail, there are a few overlooked and undervalued details in this chapter. One of these 'discoveries' is found in Luke where Luke intentionally tells us that Zachariah served in the Priestly Course of 'Abia' (Abijah - 1 Chronicles 24:10).

"There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth." Luke 1:5

The priesthood was divided into 24 different 'courses' for the sake of scheduling their times of service in the temple related to the weekly Sabbaths and annual Festivals. Luke intentionally mentions the 'priestly course' because it identifies Zachariah’s Levitical connection, which further identifies which festival is being celebrated in this passage. According to rabbinic historical record, the priestly course of Abia was scheduled to serve in the Temple during the Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost), which typically occurs in the beginning of June. Then, Luke proceeds to inform us that while serving in the Temple at that Festival of Pentecost, Gabriel, the messenger angel of Heaven, appeared to Zachariah and promised a son (John) to he and his wife, Elisabeth.

Why is this story about John's birth so important to the birth of Jesus? Because the conception of John (the Baptist) is the anchor-point for identifying the timeframe for the birth of Jesus! 

Check this out...

The First Chapter of the Gospel of Luke tells us about Zachariah’s angelic encounter. But then the storyline immediately jumps to Gabriel's appearing to the young virgin girl, Mary, where he promised to her the birth the Christ-child named Jesus. After this shocking and intimate exchange between Gabriel and Mary, Luke goes on to give us another specific detail.

"And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her..." Luke 1:36

This detail calendars the fact that Elisabeth's conception was six months prior to Mary's immaculate conception. Because of Luke's attention to detail, we now have a timeline that reveals the season of the year when Jesus was born. Follow the progression...

• Elisabeth conceived John at the Festival of Pentecost - early June
• Mary conceived and then went to visit Elisabeth, who was already six months pregnant; placing Mary's conception six months later than Elisabeth's - December (Luke 1:36)
• Elisabeth birthed John at Passover (Pesach); which is in the Spring (March-April)
• Mary would then give birth six months after Elisabeth... placing Jesus' birth in the midst of the Fall Festivals (September-October)

NOTE: MANY more biblical and cultural facts support this timeline; i.e. Shepherds were visited by a host of angels while watching sheep in the fields (Luke 2:8-9), but sheep weren't tended in the fields after the month of October. Thus, a December birth wouldn't be accurate to the culture and seasons in Israel.

WHAT?! Jesus wasn't born in December? Are you serious?

After discovering the Scriptural account about the birth of Christ, many Christians have asked, "Then, why should Christians celebrate Christmas?" and "What does a Jewish Holiday (Hanukkah) have to do with me as a Believer in Jesus?" Here is my response....

As for my Christian home, we celebrate BOTH Christmas and Hanukkah and find them linked together in purpose. Christmas is our celebration of the holy conception of Jesus - the Light of the World - coming to the earth to save humanity from her sins. Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration of God's miraculous involvement in the sanctification and rededication of the Temple via the lighting of the Hanukkiah (9-branched candelabra).  Interestingly, Hanukkah is also referred to in Judaism as the "Festival of Lights."

As a Christian, these two celebrations - Christmas & Hanukkah - enjoy the most natural connection! For Christmas, I celebrate the arrival of Jesus, the Hope and Savior of the world (Christmas); for Hanukkah, I celebrate the sanctifying and rededicating of my life (temple - 1 Cor. 6:19) back to the True "Light of the World" (John 8:12).

We've been lighting Christmas lights and Hanukkah candles in my home for years... which has only proven to more deeply focus our attention and hearts towards Christ in this wonderful time of the year! ...maybe next year you will also consider lighting Christmas lights and Hanukkah candles in your home, too!

Happy (late) Hanukkah, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

6 Leadership Keys from the Andy Griffith Show

I grew up whistling the opening tune to the Andy Griffith Show every weekday afternoon as it came on television at 4:00 pm. I didn't want to miss one episode of Mayberry's small town Sheriff, Andy, along with his infamous Deputy, Barney Fife and the eclectic group of support characters as they handled "life" together.

As I sadly learned of Andy Griffith's passing away, I began replaying various stand-out episodes of his show in my head and identifying several of the leadership qualities depicted in his program. So, as a fan and proud owner of the Andy Griffith Show DVD library, here are just a few principles that stand-out to me.

Share the Glory 
        Barney Fife, Andy's goofy Deputy side-kick, was always messing up. But Andy found 
        a way of sharing, and even deflecting some of his own recognition back onto 
        Barney. Leaders look for opportunities to share acknowledgment with others.
             > When was the last time you shared or deflected your credit to someone else?

Exercise Patience
        Barney's antics and juvenile arrogance were always getting him in trouble and 
        creating more work for Andy to clean up.  However, Andy chose to keep working 
        with Barney. Leaders know that people aren't to be treated as 'disposable tools,' but 
        as team members who are in the process of personal discovery and development.
             > Are you allowing people the time and opportunity needed to grow-forward? 

Intentionally Mentor 
        Barney was regularly creating chaos. His problem solving skills were inept and his 
        hunger for praise was enormous, which was the exact combination that made 
        Barney so fun to watch! However, Andy had to regularly find ways to redirect 
        Barney's mindset without damaging his heart. Leaders know how to to steer a team 
        member's attitude and mindset without berating their heart and spirit.
             > Are people under your leadership growing from your personal input? 

Constructive Confrontation
        There were many (hilarious) times when Barney's law-keeping authority and 
        responsibilities were totally out-of-control - misrepresenting Andy and the office of 
        Law Enforcement. At those times, Andy vividly and specifically expressed his 
        passionate frustration with Barney and disciplined him - leaving no question of what
        he did wrong and how he was to correct it. Leaders strongly confront destructive 
        choices/behavior, clarify/re-align proper thinking and enforce the appropriate 
        consequences.
             > Does your confrontation come across as an 'attack' or as 'correction'? 

Dignify Others
        Goober, the local gas station attendant and mechanic, was another colorful 
        character that made frequent appearances. He talked funny, looked funnier, was 
        socially ignorant and had a tender-heart. Yet, Andy embraced and encouraged 
        Goober. Like Andy... leaders are distributors of dignity. They intentionally 
        exercise their opportunity to celebrate and encourage people from every sect, 
        background and walk of life, without the fear of 'indignity' or lost reputation.
              > Are you taking opportunity to dignify people from all sects of society?

Seek Wisdom
        Aunt Bee, Andy's aunt that lived with he and Opie (Andy's son), frequently made 
        passing comments that inspired Andy. At other times, Andy specifically asked Aunt 
        Bee for her opinion. Leaders know that they need additional perspective; they seek 
        it out and use it to lead forward.
             > Who's voice helps to expand your perspective, removing blind spots?

At the end of each episode, Andy's leadership was the glue that held Mayberry, North Carolina together. Although He never flaunted his authority, Andy's solid character and presence created all the impact necessary to lead and protect his diverse community of individuals. I think we can all learn a thing or two from Andy.

(Whistling the closing tune to the show...)  

Decide & Move On

Many people find themselves haunted by a decision they have to make. Stuck somewhere between a 'yes and no' or a 'do or don't', an avoided decision eventually morphs into an emotional predator - occupying and draining every waking moment of life. The indecisive person soon becomes more focused on running from emotional-fallout, instead of running towards their future. Decisions demand answers, and the longer a decision is avoided, the greater the stress, distraction and damage our lives experience. 

There are several reasons that keep people from making decisions, but fear and laziness are ultimately the underlying culprits.

• Fear... targets our emotions, creating anxiety over the potential impact (personally and relationally) that our decision may carry. Indecisiveness then becomes our attempt at avoiding the undesired based on the unknown.
• Laziness... is simply an attitude that thrives on immaturity and lack of purpose. This unwillingness to take decisive action begins victimizing others in our lives, while imposing self-inflicted delays in our own destiny.

When the setbacks in your life become more painful than your anxiety, and your desire to advance outgrows your immaturity, indecisiveness will suddenly become a enemy instead of an option. Defeat them both and indecision will exit your life.

Decide Today

Many people don't stop long enough to actually think about and process the decisions that need to be made. Instead, we allow busyness to keep us making life-altering decisions 'on the fly' without actually taking the proper time to think life's decisions through. That all changes today!

The next time you are faced with a decision, consider these simple steps: 

     Block-off 15-minutes

          We give moments and minutes to everything and everyone else in our world 

          accept for ourselves. Intentionally schedule/invest a block of time to prepare your 

          thoughts and plans for your future.

     Focus

          Remove all distractions for a brief period of uninterrupted focus of thought. Your 

          mind is brilliant and you were made to resolve challenges. Give yourself time to 

          make it happen.

     Options 

          Write down and review all aspects of the decision you've been presented with - 

          taking into account the future and long-term affects of your answer. Avoid 

          emotional reaction. Humbly seek and receive wise counsel. Pray for God's 

          direction.

     Decide 

          Make the call. Once you have weighed the options, be courageous and own your 

          decision. Only after a decision is made, are you released to grow and move 

          forward in life.

     Move On 

          Live with your decision and don't look back!

Imagine how peaceful and powerful it will be when you no longer have the cloud of indecision hanging over your head. The decision is made. Your mind is now released to think forward. Your perspective is clear. Your attention is fully present. Your life is on the move again!

Attack indecision with a fury... it is crippling your life. The more you make decisions, the better you become at making them. The stronger decisions you make, the greater your life becomes. Therefore, the responsibility of making decisions is one of the greatest opportunities for your growth and success in life. ...decide and move forward!

Putting Power & Passion in Your Prayer Life

"You need to call home!" That was a comment I heard from time to time while I was in college. Honestly, my schedule would get so busy with classes, social service clubs, work, study and sports that I often forgot to call, talk with and thank the ones who were supporting my college experience - my parents.

Well, it didn't take me long to notice that the same is true with post-college life. It's so easy to become consumed with daily demands that carving out a few extra minutes to pray can feel like another task on the to-do-list. But since prayer is essential to every aspect of our lives, we must create a daily sabbatical to unplug from life, 'call home,' talk with and thank the One who is making this life-experience possible - your Heavenly Father.

So how do you step directly out of a daily grind and into a sincere and productive time of prayer? For me, I use a prayer-plan so that my mind can focus while my spirit connects, keeping my prayer-time from feeling plastic, empty and unproductive. Here is the "prayer-plan" I personally use and teach at Free Life Chapel:

P - Praise
     Start-off your prayer with a party! Call God every Name in the book (Provider, Way-
     Maker, Friend, Strength, etc.), and then tell Him how He has been that to you. Reflect 
     on His blessings, favor and goodness in your life, family, finances and health. And 
     please smile while you praise Him... that's right, smile! You will be amazed at how 
     praising God with every natural gesture of joy you can humanly express will make your 
     prayer-time a more real experience instead of just a spiritual exercise. Clap your hands 
     for His faithfulness! Lift your hands in surrender! Bow in honor of His glory! Make your 
     praise real - to God and yourself.

          Psalms 22:3 (WBT)

               "But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel."

R - Request
     Now that the atmosphere if filled with your declaration of His greatness, use God's
     divine resumé as a weapon against every issue in your life. Invite His power and glory to 
     invade your challenges and situations. ASK BIG! Until you ask God to handle the things 
     that are 'impossible' for you to deal with, then you haven't even properly accessed His 
     power in your life. Your request for God's involvement is proof that you believe that He 
     is the Answer to every need in your life. God is awaiting your request to make you and 
     He a team in overcoming life while building His Kingdom! Ask big... I dare you!

          John 14:14 (NIV)
               "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

A - Anticipate
     Many times our prayed 'requests' seem like a forgotten grocery list that we dropped-off for 
     God to fulfill. But when we add 'anticipation' to our requests, something amazing happens... 
     we develop vision for our lives. We suddenly start expecting God to show-up and show-off! 
     What does the act of anticipation look like in prayer? This happens when I change the 
     direction of my prayer from earth to heaven (requesting), and start praying from heaven to 
     earth - celebrating heaven's reply! Start seeing, declaring and celebrating your life through
     the view of answered prayer and what it will be like once God meets the need. This is where
     you build confidence in the hope that God has heard and is responding to your prayer.

          Mark 11:24 (NIV)
               "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, 
               and it will be yours."

Y - Yearn
     Although, God's response to our request is a wonderful reality, the greater purpose and 
     benefit of prayer is our opportunity to know God. The thought of having a true 
     relationship with Almighty-God is staggering, but this is exactly His heart's desire. Tell 
     Him you want to know Him. Express to Him your hunger to change. Admit to Him the 
     void in your life without His Presence. As you do, your own awareness of Who He really 
     is and how much you desperately need Him will increase. Beyond His blessings and 
     favor, you and I must keep in mind that His Presence is the true Source of our lives and 
     must be the ultimate yearning and desire of our hearts. Prayer makes this possible.

          Psalms 16:11 (ESV)

               "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of 

               joy; a your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reschedule your life to make prayer a celebrated priority. It is the gateway to everything you need in life, because God assures us that He hears us when we pray (1 John 5:14). I guess M.C. Hammer said it best in his 1990 hit... "you've got to pray just to make it today!"

Faith & Fun... in Church?

I recently became very aware of something about myself. I discovered that the people I most enjoy spending time with are those who smile, laugh and enjoy life. No big surprise, right? Truth is, their smiles lift my atmosphere and their laughs soon become mine. Laughter, humor and fun are some of the most wonderful, infectious and contagious 'medicines' in the world.

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength."  Proverbs 17:22 (NLT)

It's sad to say, but "joy and laughter" are not a standout aspect of the Church's reputation in today's society. Think about it. If you asked a non-churched or de-churched person to describe their impression of "church," my guess is "exciting, energetic and fun" wouldn't make their 'Top 10' list. Naturally, I don't believe Church should be reduced to a comedy club where we preach nothing more than a good-humor message; humor doesn't convict a person's heart, only the love and power of Jesus can do that. However, I am convinced that our message of truth doesn't have to be delivered in a stiff, dry and somber package either. 

Here's my point... "faith and fun" are a powerful combination in the Church, because humor is not the enemy of sincerity. The Gospel is a serious matter and is not to be taken lightly, but this message of Jesus is also Good News, hope and life - a message quite fitting for a few smiles.

Here are a few reasons why I believe the Church must stop treating humor, joy and fun as an accessory, and start embracing it as an ingredient for life-changing ministry.

1. Reputation
     It's sad when "Angry Birds" can double as a nickname for many Christians! The truth is, 
     smiles and laughter quickly begin disarming the reputation of "angry Christians". Since a 
     smile is one of the most powerful non-verbal expressions you own, use it regularly to 
     give Christianity a facelift... one smile at a time.

2. Learn
     Educators have known for years that humor creates a comfortable atmosphere that 
     makes it easier to learn, change and retain information. Wouldn't it be great if the 
     congregation still remembered the pastor's Sunday message on Wednesday? A little 
     humor makes a big difference!

3. Attraction
     The same way laughter warms and attracts the hearts of a man and woman in a dating 
     relationship, we have discovered that laughter in the church also begins destroying 
     'anti-church' attitudes and warms the heart of the unchurched visitor. When this 
     happens, walls come down and the heart begins to open-up - making the visitor more 
     receptive to the church's message. Yes, Holy Spirit is the One that 'draws' a man's heart, 
     but we don't need to make his job any harder! Amen?

4. Connection
     One of the quickest ways to make individuals feel part of the congregation is to include 
     them (involuntarily) through smiles and laughter. As people participate together in the
     service, through something as simple as smiles and laughter, there is a feeling of 
     connection and belonging that touches their hearts.

5. Energy

     One major element that laughter and smiles deliver to every worship service is energy. 

     I am convinced that Church should be the most invigorating, energizing atmosphere a 

     person has experienced all week! Put a smile on their face and you'll deliver energy to 

     their heart.

6. Authenticity  
     When the pastor owns the confidence and ability to laugh at self and life, that joy-
     filled approach has a curious way of communicating "authenticity" (genuine, real, true 
     legitimate, valid) with the audience. Earning the listener's trust is critical to making 
     maximum, lasting impact in their lives. 

7. Sincerity 
     Authenticity is about the messenger; sincerity is about the message. Authenticity 
     relates to the messenger's believability, but sincerity (free from pretense, deceit or 
     hypocrisy) describes the message's purity. When a trustworthy speaker delivers a pure 
     and uncompromised message, life-change is irrefutable.

I'm sure there are many other benefits to a joy-filled, laughter-frirendly worship experience, but these are the stand-out benefits we have experience at Free Life Chapel that keeps 'faith & fun' a dynamic-duo for ministry. (Here's a link to "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" - a fun music video we filmed at Free Life Chapel to end a teaching series, "Dropping the F*Bomb"! The feedback from the un-churched viewers was overwhelming - "Cool to see a church that actually knows how to have fun!")

Many years ago, Mary Poppins (the storybook character) taught us a wonderful ministry truth when she said, "a spoonful of sugar, helps the medicine go down". The sugar (humor, laughter) was never meant to replace the medicine (Gospel), but it is given to accompany it, so the sick (humanity) will receive the medicine... and be made whole!