Sunday, December 29, 2024

The Lost Week of the Year

 

"See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16


"The last week of each year tends to become the lost week.

Have you noticed? Once we turn the corner of Christmas, everything blurs. From December 26 to January 2 we slip into a state of "hyper-holiday suspended animation." As far as truly fruitful living is concerned, we might as well have spent the week on Mars.


I've prepared a list of suggested activities to allow you to keep enjoying the spirit of the holidays, while still making solid use of those transitional days. 

Lord willing, these suggestions will help keep the blur out and the focus in! This week--call it 'Countdown Week' as we approach the New Year--you might give a day or a part of one to any or all of the following."





Image courtesy of Pixabay

The Jealous King and the Wise Men

  


He was a madman. He exiled or killed off all of his wives. A master of manipulation, he worked to gain the favor of the people above and below him. Known as a “ruthless fighter, a cunning negotiator, and a subtle diplomat,” (Nelson’s Bible Dictionary), he was the first of six King Herods, Roman rulers in Palestine around the time of Jesus’ life. The biblical account presents Herod the Great, a self-designated title, as the narcissist in the Christmas story. He was so bad that when people recognized the leadership potential of his son, the buzz around Jerusalem became, “Herod is great, but his son is greater.” To eliminate the competition, he ordered the assassination of his son.

In direct contrast to the magi, the joyous kings, who came to worship the newborn King of the Jews, Herod was the jealous king. The Herod spirit is an insecure, manipulative, self-serving one.

Narcissism, a term derived from Greek mythology, designates a person obsessed with themselves. Modern psychologists even designate a narcissist disorder for some people, though many people would simply be described as having narcissistic tendencies.

Unfortunately, the church is not immune from this reality. I’ve spent more than twenty years studying the effects of narcissistic ministry leaders on churches and people. I’ve seen it surface in a senior pastor. I’ve experienced it in a pastor’s wife (not my own!). I’ve seen it in a church treasurer. And likely, you may have too. The manipulation and politicking I’ve occasionally – not often – seen in churches by someone with narcissistic tendencies rival anything that happens in Washington, D.C.! And it leaves much damage in its wake.

Earlier this year I read Chuck DeGroat’s recent release from InterVarsity Press, “When Narcissism Comes to Church.” DeGroat offers several characteristics of the narcissistic ministry leader.

Decision-making centers on them. They must keep their hands in the decision-making, and they are offended and angered when people make decisions different than what they would choose.

Impatience and lack of ability to listen to others. He may call his impatience decisiveness, but he lacks curiosity, empathy, and compassion.

Delegating without giving authority. She wants people around her to carry out her wishes, resulting in micromanagement. She may call a team together and ask their opinions, but at the end of the day she instructs them to do what she wants in sundry subjective details.

Feeling threatened or intimidated by other talented people. DeGroat says they often “feign connection in order to woo followers.” They pour it on to people they want to sway, yet they are deeply threatened by someone who does not seem to need them.

Need to be the best and brightest in the room. The narcissistic ministry leader wants to outshine others. In a healthy team, when one person wins, it makes everyone look good. In an unhealthy one, jealousy and turf wars erupt when one person shines. The narcissist needs to be special, needed, and the hero. Henry Cloud writes in his new book, “Trust,” that narcissistic “people have a great investment in being seen as ‘ideal’ or ‘perfect.’ They must be adored and idealized by others in order to feel secure and trust.” A narcissistic parent will even feel threatened by the success of other people’s children and may even target them.

Intimidate others. Highly insecure, “they are always on the watch for disloyalty, and when they find it, they punish it severely.” They see their opinions, views, and the way they would do things as the “right” way. And they will not hesitate from using intimidation to try to back you down into your corner.

Praising and withdrawing. She will pour it on to praise the person that she feels approves or her, submits to her, and can be controlled by her. But watch ought if you disagree with her, because she cannot tolerate disagreement. To her, it is disrespect and worthy of correction. Her correction. When she realizes you will not be controlled, she withdraws – and often begins plotting how to get you out of her system.

The narcissist works hard to control themselves, their family, and those around them. However, staying in control will attack your spirit of joy. Herod was crazy in part because he would not give up control. He tried to perfect his life by controlling everyone around him. But the spirit of joy is in direct contrast to the spirit of Herod.


The Bible describes the magi, after their 1000-mile journey that likely took six to nine months, as being “filled with joy” (Matthew 2:10 NLT). Unlike Herod the Great, they focused on One even greater – the true King of Kings. Seeing themselves as one part of a much grander plan, they served others, valued input from others, and helped others to accomplish their goals.

And the young Child born in the manger modeled the opposite of the Herod spirit. The Creator of the universe came to earth as a vulnerable baby, needed to be carried, nourished, and helped by the very humans He created. Giving up His rights, and giving up any need for acclaim, He humbled Himself.

And because He did, you and I can know everlasting joy. The spirit of great joy comes from submitting to and worshiping the King of Kings - and serving others with your life. Give up your control and trust Him.


Read Lessons Learned from Church Hurt


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Pictures used courtesy of Pixabay.

Top 14 Favorite Christmas Movies and Specials


One of my favorite December (and sometimes January) traditions is watching Christmas movies and specials. HERE ARE MY FAVORITES!!!

1. The Homecoming (1971)

2. A Christmas Carol (George C. Scott – 1986)

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

4. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

5. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

6. The Star (2017)

7. Christmas of Many Colors (2016)

8. The Nativity Story (2005)

9. White Christmas (1954)

10. Elf (2003)

11. Christmas on the Square (2020)

12. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

13. A Muppet Family Christmas (1987)

14. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)


Saturday, December 28, 2024

Letting Go of Christmas

 

It is always hard for me to let go of Christmas. 

The fall months are my favorite time of year – all leading up to Christ’s birthday.  For our family, the celebrations begin with birthdays for my wife and I in August and September.  Then each year fun marks October as our children pick out costumes to wear on Halloween.  As the bright leaves of October begin turning into November’s duller hues, my oldest son has a birthday the first week.  After that celebration, we anticipate Thanksgiving, trying each year to give the holiday more attention than simply one Turkey Day.  I pull out some CD’s with traditional Thanksgiving hymns, and we read stories of the Pilgrims.  Thanksgiving Day (or the weekend thereafter) our family works on our Thanksgiving tree, each one writing down specific matters of thanksgiving on construction-paper leaves. 

Thanksgiving afternoon includes Daddy pulling out the sale papers and making strategic plans for Black Friday!  Christmas is the only season when I really enjoy shopping (and when I give myself permission to really splurge and enjoy spending).  Black Friday finds me most years leaving the house hours before the rest of the family awake.  And over the course of that weekend, as Thanksgiving hymns give way to Christmas ones, the Advent season comes alive once again! 

Our family enjoys the various aspects of December.  Tree-decorating always stands out as one of our favorite experiences.  We love unpacking the various ornaments – many that we have forgotten since packing them eleven months ago – and enjoying the memories associated with them.  We have fun Hallmark collectibles ranging from superheroes, Disney characters, and movie nostalgia.  There are classy, blown-glass ornaments including Santas, manger scene people, and drummers from Colonial Williamsburg.  Small treasures adorn our tree as keepsakes from the places we have traveled – a clear holy family that we obtained at The Biltmore House on our honeymoon, a small Ryman Auditorium from Nashville, a beautiful one replicating the barn at The Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, and a red round ball with the inscription “Thomas Road Baptist Church” which we bought to remind us of our December-trips to Lynchburg, Virginia.  There are even ones that remind us of friends from long ago – childhood friends, our families of origin, a star that deflects the light of the tree that was given to me in memory of a dear old friend, Gloria Taylor (the person who gave it called it my “Glo Star” to remember that sweet woman).  During the month we can hear Kermit the Frog sing the rainbow song, the Indiana Jones theme song, and Linus repeat the Christmas story as our children press various buttons on the ornaments with batteries!  What fun are Christmas trees!


We enjoy reading books about Christmas.  One series we have used in recent years explains from a Christian perspective the traditions of the candy cane, the Christmas stocking, the Christmas tree, and the history of Saint Nicholas.  What a rich heritage surrounds Christmas.  I suppose one reason that Christmas is so wonderful is that, whether the world understands it or not, it is as if the modern world adjusts their lives for one month to remember and celebrate what happened at Bethlehem.  You can turn on virtually any radio station – country, rock, classical – and hear people singing about Jesus Christ.   On our CD players we hear The Robert Shaw Chorale singing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” The St. Olaf Choir sing “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” Nat King Cole roll out “The Christmas Song” and “A Cradle in Bethlehem,” Kenny and Dolly frolic and play with “I’ll Be Home with Bells On” Michael Buble croon with “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” Alabama share “Christmas in Dixie,” and The Oak Ridge Boys add my children’s favorite from this year – “A Peterbilt Sleigh!” 

People often take time to be friendlier, to show generosity, compassion, and goodwill during December.   People share their goods with the needy and hungry, often purchasing toys or meals for children or families in want.  Church services abound with songs about Jesus, festive lights and colors, and genuine wishes of cheer and blessing to one another.  Dickens also said, I have always thought of Christmas as a good time; a kind, forgiving, generous, pleasant time; a time when men and women seem to open their hearts freely, and so I say, God bless Christmas!

In early December our family celebrates the birthday of our daughter, often by taking a road trip to Lynchburg, Virginia, to experience The Virginia Christmas Spectacular, a fantastic Christmas show at Thomas Road Baptist Church.

Yes, to me it is the most wonderful time of the year.  Charles Dickens wrote, “There seems a magic in the very name of Christmas.”

I enjoy giving.  I often don’t have the money to give the type of gifts through the year that I would like to people I love.  But Christmas offers an opportunity to find ways to express your love and appreciation to those around you.  I find it a great yearly joy to prepare and give those over-the-top presents for my own children and to enjoy their pleasure in them.  (We chuckled happily at our seven-year old falling on the floor as though he were fainting when he saw that Santa had left him not one or two but six Star Wars action figures!)

The few days before and after Christmas offer time to devote almost completely to the family.  For my wife and I, that may be the best gift of all.  To have a few days to spend in almost uninterrupted leisure together – that is surely a taste of heaven on earth.   Each year I am surprised afresh at how little I long for the outside allurements around Christmas.  Email and surfing the internet hold little appeal, I don’t want to spend any more money on anything after the gifts are purchased, there is little pleasure in engaging the outside world of stores, shopping, and the like.  I suppose it is because when you have focused on Jesus and His coming for weeks, when you have given your best to those you love, and when you take time to really enjoy the people around you – that indeed is  a blessed, contented taste of heaven.  Time to play long with the children without feeling the need to "hurry it up."  Time to say, "What do you want to do," and mean it!  Time to get on the floor and engage the children and play with their toys in their world.  Time to talk with your spouse and enjoy the blessings of marriage!

Oswald Chambers rightly says that the real test of spiritual maturity is not how well one does on the mountain but how well he descends the mountain.  As we walk forward with the afterglow of Christmas 2012  on our backs and still ringing in our ears, may we remember the words of Charles Dickens, “I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.” 

May we remember and live our lives in light of the things that really do matter.


- Written in 2013f



Images used courtesy of Pixabay

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Homeplace Celebrates 30 Years of Hospitality

 

Dianne Catoe sat in church one Sunday in 1994 and sensed a nudge from the Lord to turn her barn into a live nativity to tell the story of the gospel. Since then, hundreds of visitors come to her homeplace every November to experience Bethlehem Marketplace.

The Homeplace Bed and Breakfast, located along Highway 9 in the Tradesville area between Lancaster and Pageland, contains a rich history. Built in the 1800s, the original rooms are still found in the house’s center, which displays some of the eighteen-inch logs and wooden pegs that constructed the cabin almost 200 years ago. Yancy and Lou Catoe bought the home in 1920, where they raised their twelve children, including Dianne’s husband Roy Charles, who lived in that house all of his life and whom the family called Charlsie. Still living today are Elsie Lowder of Florence and Billy Catoe of Tradesville.

Decades ago, the family hosted an open house in conjunction with the debut of the Tradesville Fire Department’s cookbook. They baked items from the cookbook and hosted people from the community. Charles and Dianne enjoyed practicing hospitality. They often opened their home to evangelists, missionaries, and other family members. Charles always found places for the traveling ministers to speak while they stayed at the home.




Through the years, the family made additions to the homestead, including a full-size basement, three more large bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, an upstairs study, and a new living room. In 1994, when their three children, Marvin, Peggy, and Vickie, were adults and married, Charles and Dianne established the Homeplace Bed and Breakfast. Hospitality came naturally to them, and they found great joy in opening their home to visitors.


Since then, countless guests enjoyed the Catoe style of Southern hospitality. Scrapbookers, crafters, quilters, church groups, family reunions, and visiting pastors have come through the homeplace. They even once hosted Lulu Roman of the television show success Hee-Haw.

When Dianne sensed the Lord’s instruction in 1994 to begin a live nativity, the phrase that came to mind was, “Jesus came as a baby and is coming again as a king.” That same year, the family enlarged their ministry of hospitality and put on their first-ever Bethlehem Marketplace. Inviting people to come and tour the house, enjoy refreshments, and watch a live nativity in the barn outside, they hosted more than 1000 people over several weekends. Thirty years later, the tradition continues.

After several years, the Catoe family settled on the weekend prior to Thanksgiving for the event. This year, November 29-30, the Homeplace Bed and Breakfast celebrated its 30th anniversary of Bethlehem Marketplace. Over 400 people came to savor the smells, sights, and tastes of Christmas. People tell the family yearly, “This is the start of my Christmas season.”


Entering the large, 33-room house, guests walk through two floors, each room decorated for the holidays. The number thirty-three seems to be significant for the family, as there are thirty-three grandchildren of Yancy and Lou Catoe and thirty-three decorated Christmas trees in the house. In one room, thirty-three houses in a Christmas village line the shelf.

Vickie Brecht, the thirty-third grandchild, shares that returning guests tell them, “It makes me cry every time I come. I feel at home here.”

Leaving the warmth of the house, visitors go outside to experience a live nativity show, including animals, costumed characters, and music. Vickie’s sister-in-law, Sheranna Catoe, wrote two of the songs: “Shimmering Star” and “Born to Be.” The play includes a brief overview of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, consummating with a rider dressed as Christ on a white horse, while the soloists sing “The King is Coming.” Children run across the lawn wearing white robes, all reminding guests of the Bible’s promised coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.


Putting on such an event is no small task. At least thirty family members come together to make this happen, as well as numerous friends from the community and Dianne’s church, Spring Hill Baptist. It takes most of the month of November to decorate the house. Catoe family members participate in the weekend, ranging from Billy Catoe, who stays in the house’s original rooms, telling guests of his family’s history, to preschoolers. Brecht says, “We want to put the love of doing it in the little ones, so we try to incorporate them as much as possible.”

When asked why she continues hosting the event, Dianne says, “I love people to be happy. They share how much they enjoy coming and seeing it all. And I want to share the gospel, and this is one way I can do that.”

All in all, it’s a Tradesville and Catoe family tradition.


Click here to find out more about the Homeplace Bed and Breakfast.


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Thursday, December 12, 2024

Christmas Moments - Inspiring and Encouraging Stories

 

Looking for a good, easy Christmas read for you or someone you love?  I've enjoyed contributing to three Christmas books in the Moments series by Grace Publishing.

Christmas!  For many people the holiday season is steeped in traditions such as decorating, family gatherings, food, Christmas programs, parties, and carols.  

The books Christmas Moments,  More Christmas Moments, and Merry Christmas Moments are great coffee-table books filled with encouraging and inspiring stories of the Christmas season.  Authors share personal stories about the joy, excitement, change, sorrow, loss, and beauty of Christmases.

In Christmas Moments, I share a story of God's provision for me one Christmas.


In More Christmas Moments, I share about one of the favorite gifts I ever gave my wife the year we agreed to not spend any money on presents.

In Merry Christmas Moments, I share 5 ways that parents can impact their children spiritually during December.


All proceeds from the books support Samaritan's Purse ministry.  Books are available from Grace Publishing, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.

Simple Ways to Remember Christ this Christmas

 

Everybody is rushing this time of year.  Last Friday, we had an outpatient surgery, a basketball game, a piano recital, and a choir rehearsal all in one day.  Whew! 

We all need simple ways to help us reflect on Jesus during the December days.  As we go about the weeks before Christmas, let's take time to worship Christ in our spirits - and take opportunities to share Him with others.

Some simple things that help me experience Jesus in the midst of a busy December . . .


1.  Make sure and start every day with the Lord - with some prayer and Bible meditation.  I often remember Johnny Hunt's words, "If you give your time to the Redeemer, He will redeem your time."
 

2.  I love Christmas music, as does my family.  However, in the midst of the "fun" holiday music, I keep a CD or two in my car or computer of Christmas music that says a lot about the Lord.  For my personal tastes and wiring, no Christmas music helps me worship Jesus any more than the classical kind.  I keep CD's handy of The Robert Shaw Chorale and the St. Olaf Choir.  They bless me greatly  as they sing classic Christmas carols about the Lord - His redemption, incarnation, birth, holiness, etc.  My tastes may not be yours - but find something that helps your spirit worship Jesus - even in the midst of holiday rush.  Today I was listening to BEAUTIFUL STAR by The Centurymen.



3.  I keep some easy reading handy - on my desk, in my bathroom, in my backpack, in our den.  By easy reading I mean Christian writing that is not too elaborate.  I have a few simple books by Max Lucado, Jack Hayford, and others that contain simple meditations that can be read in 2-5 minutes.  I read one this morning over breakfast on Jesus being the Bread of Life, and my mind and spirit have meditated on it all morning as I have been doing other things.  One of my favorites is Come . . . and Behold Him! by Pastor Jack Hayford.


4.  It always helps me in December, after everyone has gone to bed, to sit down by the lit tree for just a few minutes and "be still and know that [He] is God."  A few quiet moments to reflect, give Him thanks, and perhaps read a few Scriptures.


Perhaps these simple things may help you, in the midst of the holiday rush, to connect with Christ.  It is as we connect with Him that we have something to share with others.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

"Ring Those Bells" Christmas Album

 

Rhett and Tracey Wilson released a Christmas album in 2021 called “Ring Those Bells.” Recorded at the Daywind Studios in Hendersonville, Tennessee, the album features old Christmas favorites such as White Christmas, O Holy Night, and Sweet, Little Jesus Boy as well as some new ones, like Circle of Love and Joseph

This is the third album recorded by the Wilsons. In 2007, they released “Lead Me On,” a collection of popular Christian music hits, and “Offered Praises,” a compilation of all-original songs written by Rhett, in 2008. All three albums are available for purchase in person or at their site: www.rhettwilson.org

Rhett, a freelance writer and editor, works as Senior Communications Director for Leighton Ford Ministries in Charlotte, North Carolina, and as a co0vocational pastor at Spring Hill Baptist Church in Lancaster, South Carolina. Tracey serves as the Director of Music Ministries at Spring Hill. 

You can purchase a bundle of all three albums here.