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A Charlie Brown Christmas
12/19/2004
"This is how we
know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we
ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has
material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity
on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us
not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."
I John 3:16-18
Sunday afternoon God's Spirit moved powerfully in our Christmas Service!
Almost 400 were in attendance to hear the message "Mary, Faithful at
the Beginning and Faithful at the End." I chose to preach on
Mary the mother of Jesus, because Elena reminds me of her in so many ways.
(The day before on December 11 Elena and I celebrated our 28th wedding
anniversary!) The sermon had three points "Conception,"
"Confusion" and "Conviction." We began in Luke 1 and
studied Gabriel's announcement to Mary of her giving birth as a virgin to "the
Son of God." Mary's complete surrender to the purposes of God
at "Conception" was expressed in her words to Gabriel, "I
am the Lord's servant may it be to me as you have said."
(Luke 1:38) Next we studied Matthew 1:24-25 where the Scriptures taught
that Joseph and Mary had normal marital relations after the birth of
Jesus. In time, Jesus had many "half brothers and
sisters." (Mark 6:30)
Many years later during Jesus'
ministry, Mary, now a single mother, fell into "Confusion." She
actually thought Jesus was "out of His mind!"
(Mark 3:21) With His mother and brothers waiting outside opposing His
ministry, Jesus boldly taught His convictions to those circled around Him,
"Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is
my brother and sister and mother." (Mark 3:34) Conspicuously
omitted was His mention of the role of father in the circle. Jesus by
silence made it clear it was to be God, His Father in heaven! Jesus placed
His spiritual family above His physical family, who at this time did not
understand His ministry. Today so many are confused in their "life
and doctrine." During the holidays people are often depressed
for lack of family, but as God's family we have so much love to encourage
each other by sharing meals, gifts, cards and quality time! (Mark
10:29-30)
Most likely near the end of Mary's
life, for we have no reference to her after Acts 1, Mary had
"Convictions." In John 19:25-27, "near the cross of
Jesus stood His mother." Here Jesus reinforced His previous
teaching of spiritual family. He told John that His mother, Mary, was now
John's mother, as well as instructing His mother that John was now her
son. John keenly sensing this family relationship "took Mary
into his home." True love is demonstrated by action. In Acts
1:12-16 Mary and Jesus' brothers are numbered among the faithful 120
disciples upon which the Spirit ushered in the Kingdom. Jesus, because he
never compromised His convictions, won His entire family to God's Kingdom.
Inspirationally, Mary was faithful at the beginning and faithful at the
end. However, even the "mother of God" needed "truth
and grace" to overcome the confusion along the way.
After this Christmas sermon came the
choral singing. Kareah Garrison organized a "Children's Choir"
from all our elementary school classes. They were so precious especially
the soloists Madison Hernandez, David Gonzalez and Sarah Gonzalez. Then
our Adult Choir sang with all their hearts along with the Children's
Choir. To conclude the evening, the Middle School Ministry performed the
play, A Charlie Brown Christmas. The direction, costumes and set designs
were amazing; Bob Bertalot, Angelica Robles and Aaron Mullins are to be
commended respectively.
The whole crux of the play centered on Charlie Brown and all the other
characters discovering the "real meaning of Christmas." (All the
actors were fantastic, especially outstanding were Jordan Funtanilla -
Charlie Brown, Lauren Bertalot - Lucy, Didier Duval - Linus and Sonia
Gonzalez - Snoopy.) At the end of the play, the real meaning of Christmas
was given by Linus quoting word for word Luke 2:8-16! Then Charlie Brown's
spindly Christmas tree was transformed by "a little love" from
his friends into a glorious Christmas tree! Charlie Brown felt loved and
all in the audience understood that Christmas was all about the
transforming love of Christ, demonstrated in our actions!
The fellowship of sandwiches and
cookies afterwards was ever so joyful! On the drive home Elena and I
reflected on the entire weekend. So many lives were transformed by "a
little love." Friday night Krista Cameron's best friend Aurora
Johnson was baptized during the College and Teen Devotional in an outdoor
fountain near Portland State! Saturday night we held the New Member
Orientation at the Sullivan's home. Almost 60 were in attendance! (These
were all the people baptized, restored and that had placed membership
since September 1 as well as a few visiting disciples.) The sharing that
night was so heartsy as each disciple expressed in different words a
"go anywhere, do anything and give up everything" heart. Early
Sunday morning at the Gonzalez's house, Jasmine Carreto was baptized! Her
husband, Hugo was just restored a few weeks ago! As A Charlie Brown
Christmas taught, "a little love" can change everything, even
eternity!
Let me encourage everyone in the
Portland Church to let this Christmas be a time of awesome impact in both
our physical and spiritual families. Truly, "your faith is
growing more and more and the love every one of you has for each other is
increasing." (2 Thess 1:3) Remember, "Wise men
worshipped Jesus and wise men still do!" Merry Christmas! ˇFeliz
Navidad!
Kip McKean
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