12-03-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
December 3, 2025
Yesterday, a delightful memory surfaced on social media. It was 13 years ago that Bruce experienced one of his very interesting/funny bulletin snafus. Back when we used to have actual bulletins, I would send the components I was responsible for, while others would contribute their pieces. A third party would then assemble everything. I rarely got to see the final product before Sunday, but I doubt I would have noticed it either. In fact, it might have been one of my sisters who was visiting that first pointed it out (see the image below). 

I tell this story as a way of expressing appreciation to Cypress Creek Christian Church. Ever since I arrived, there has been a wonderful and healthy approach to what we do around here. Many of the things we do are of utmost importance and need to be taken seriously. There are days when we are walking alongside those who are dealing with life and death matters. There are others in our community who are facing very painful decisions, and still others who are feeling trapped and afraid. There are days when silliness may not be the best response. At the same time, I know churches that take themselves way too seriously. There is an expectation of perfection that is a little over the top. What we do is important, and on most days, I try to bring my absolute best… as I know you do as well. But even amidst the challenges, there are funny things that happen. Trying to ignore them or pretend we shouldn’t find them funny feels contrary to what it means to be human. 

As I reflect on the story of this season and the actual birth narrative, I can’t help but feel like we’re reading a sanitized version. At times, it was undoubtedly serious and even concerning. I also imagine that there were funny moments, along with frustrating ones where the best response was simply to laugh. Christmas, at least as I think about it, is not meant to be confined to a narrow range of emotions. Instead, it’s about meeting and fully embracing the spectrum of human emotions and experiences, reminding us that nothing exists outside of God’s awareness or concern. 

I cannot believe you are a God who is confined to the serious and the rigidly pensive. Wherever a baby is born, no matter how difficult the circumstance might be, I believe you join us in the full experience of emotions. Thank you, O Merciful God. Amen.