CHRISTMAS IN MOZAMBIQUE

Missionary Allen Konrad and his wife served in Africa, and we’ve corresponded for 40 years. Mary Lu sent us a Christmas letter from Missionary Carolos Winterle of Mozambique:

NO CHRISTMAS TREE IN MOZAMBIQUE

Fir trees don’t grow here, so a tree is not traditional.

There are no lights in houses or shops because most villages don’t have electricity.

No sweets or cookies are on the tables. Most families don’t even have tables in their straw huts.

There are no gifts for children because there is no money to buy them.

There’s no big Christmas meal, A plate of rice might there, but probably food made of white corn flower.

No Santa Claus. “Father Christmas? What’s that?”

No last minute gift shopping at the Mall because there are no Malls, and their needs are mostly food.

BUT THERE’S STILL CHRISTMAS THERE!

Christmas songs are sung with joy when Christians gather to celebrate the coming of Jesus, the Savior.

Christmas prayers express thanks because Jesus the Light shines on those who were formerly in darkness.

Christmas is full of hope when the Nativity Gospel is read and promises of God’s love are heard again.

Christmas is full of love when family comes together after worship to share pot of rice and maybe some meat.

Christmas is centered on Christ, not traditions. Those are good, but the Gospel of God’s love is more important.

“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

Thanks, Jesus, that You came to be Savior to us all.

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

LET US PRAISE GOD FOR JESUS!

(From the author's next Daily Devotional, EVERY DAY WITH JESUS, 

due to be published sometime in 2018.)

        Perhaps you can remember your children playing T-Ball games when they were small. Maybe you even played a game or two yourself. Whoever dreamed up that game was brilliant. Every kid gets a chance at the fun and joy of playing the game.

        In T-Ball, a baseball is placed on a rubber tee about waist high for five- and six year-olds. When the batter is “up” he or she swings the light bat until the ball is hit, and then takes off running around the bases. 

        In a T-Ball game years ago, a little boy hit the ball surprisingly far to the outfield. Even more surprisingly, every player on the field from every position ran out to get the ball! When one of them reached it, there was no one left to throw the ball to – they were all in the outfield! But they all stood together, cheering and jumping up and down that they’d found the ball and could watch the runner rounding the bases.

        Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Christians could have such exuberance together, giving praise to God for Jesus in their worship? Most worship services are quite reserved with those present following whatever comes next in the order of service. At this time of year, however, we are coming to a time of special services when people sing loudly the many verses of their beloved Christmas hymns. 

        How great it would be if we could keep the joy of the season for several months instead of just a week or two. Wouldn’t it be great if the joy of Jesus kept showing itself week after week? During a sermon I preached many years ago, a man said out loud, “Hallelujah! Yes, praise our Lord!” After the service he told me that’s what they say often during worship in his church over in Africa. It was a true expression of his joy! 

        Psalm 100:1 tell us, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord!” I invite all who read this to express your joy in the Christmas and New Year’s season and carry it with you into the weeks and months of the new year. Christ our Savior was born, and now He awaits us to come to Him in heaven!

May we never lose such joy in praise of God for Jesus!

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

TELLING THE TRUTH

        I was sitting on a bench in a shopping center waiting for my wife when the divine scent of baking wafted my way. Freshly baked cinnamon pretzels were coming out of the oven not twenty feet from where I sat. I quickly bought a small sackful, despite their caloric content. Fresh cinnamon sugar bread beats healthy food every time.

        The pretzel shop even showed some Biblical knowledge. One of their posters said, “The Sinful Taste of Cinnamon” and by a picture of a pretzel were the words, “The Original Sin.” These guys were good! A line on their paper bag said, “Moderation has a time and place. This isn’t it!” Truth in advertising - how about that!
        In a world that seems to live on shaded truth, it’s a breath of fresh air to see some honesty. Like the sign held by a smiling young man on the street corner that said, “Why Lie? Out of Beer. Donate Here!” I gave the guy a buck just for his honesty.
        Jesus could understand and forgive sin of all kinds, but He soundly condemned the hypocrisy of hiding lies behind selfish deceit. Those who did that best were usually religious “experts” of His day. Matthew 23:13 shows this: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people's faces.”
        Honesty and truthfulness are needed for a culture to remain whole and strong. Lies and deceit are poisonous to everyone, even the perpetrator. Jesus said lying was Satan’s tool, and it seems to me the old Devil sure has a lot of help these days, especially in Washington, DC.
        To be honest, I need to stop driving around shopping centers before Christmas. After enjoying our cinnamon snacks, Carol and I got turned around and ended up on the wrong side of the parking lot. I finally found our car, picked her up and went home, but only after some badly needed exercise walking.

Shopping has a time and place, but this isn’t it!

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

IT'S ALL ABOUT ME!

        One of the joys parents or grandparents can have is seeing their little ones in a Christmas program. No matter where these are held, in a hall, classroom or even the church sanctuary, the place is abuzz with family and friends, awaiting the program to start.

        When the children come in, some are looking at the teacher, but most right away look at the audience, hoping to see or be seen by a familiar face. They had been reminded to pay attention, but they are looking everywhere else.
        They may wave when they see us, but they sing or speak together when it’s their turn, because this is their time. It may be a program about Christmas, but most children feel it’s really about them.
        Some adults feel the same about church. Instead of worshipping Jesus or doing a good deed for their Lord or His people, they want to know if people are paying attention to them or helping to provide their needs.
        Even strong Christians can be self-centered. After the resurrection Apostle Peter had just heard Jesus tell him he would be required to give his life for Him. Peter pointed at John and said, “What about him?” Jesus answered, “What is that to you? Follow me!” (John 21:22)
        We may get distracted by what others are saying or doing, or we may think God has a better plan for their life than for ours. But His plan for each of us is the same: to follow Jesus.

Lord Jesus, help me follow You, no matter what!

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

GOING THE SECOND MILE

(From the author's next Daily Devotional, EVERY DAY WITH JESUS, 

due to be published sometime in 2018.)

        In Paula Fox’s fine little book, The Second Mile (Inspired Faith, 2009), she writes that “going the second mile” has its roots in first-century Palestine when a Roman soldier could compel a subject of a conquered land to carry his pack for him one mile. Resenting this rule, Israelites obeyed by going one mile, but not one step more.

        However, in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus countered this resentment, saying, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” (Matthew 5:41) Going the Second Mile represents a higher law of kindness, generosity and love. Going the Second Mile means living above the norm, treating people with kindness and respect regardless of what we feel they may deserve. 

        This concept deserves our consideration, since this is surely not how most people live today. Little thought is often given even to following a rule, much less going beyond it to help someone. 

        Going the Second Mile is based not on emotions but on choice. We can choose to do a kind deed, not because someone deserves it, but because we want to live as Christ directs us. 

        Our world today is filled with anger, jealousy and selfishness. The antidote to these negative feelings is not resentment, rage, or demanding one’s rights. It is the “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness gentleness, faithfulness and self-control,” that Paul speaks of in Galatians 5:22-23.

It can turn us from being a victim into a victor. 

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

AT THE DEATH OF ONE WE LOVE

        A member of a family had just died while doing her duties as a nurse. The medical assistance helicopter she was in crashed during an emergency run, and there were no survivors. She left behind her husband and sons, as well as the others in the family, all of whom had already lost an adult member, either through death or divorce. Weeks after her death, the remaining family members had gathered for Sunday dinner and were talking about how much they missed her.

        In a quiet moment of reflection, the grandfather said, “Someone said we are all passing time, and each of us occupies our chair very briefly. I believe the time we had together with Linda was a gift, and we are all the better because she occupied her chair so well. Some may say we have had more than our share of loss, but I see God’s light in this family every day. And though I may not understand it, I trust in His plan for us all.”

        This past summer Carol and I have received word of several good friends who have passed from this life and into eternity. We all have experienced loss through the death of a loved one, someone precious to us who has “occupied the chair” of life among us. It is a blessing of God that we are allowed to do so. Our Creator God has a plan for us all, and although we may not understand it, we can trust that His plan is good for us all. 

“Oh Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1)

Rev. Robert L. Tasler. www.bobtasler.com

A GOOD ATTITUDE ABOUT LIFE

        Here is a little story I’d like to share with you. You can take from it whatever thoughts you wish, and even if you think the attitude within is rare, it is certainly something we might seek, no matter what our age.  

        A 92 year-old woman had decided to move into a nursing home. Her husband of 70 years had passed away, necessitating her move to an assistance facility. And she had also become blind. She was well dressed, poised and held herself proudly as they helped her from the car into a wheelchair. “I certainly don’t plan to spend all my time in one of these,” she said with a smile. “I’m just helping you get to your new room,” the attendant said. “Of course, and thank you,” the woman said with a smile.

        As she was being wheeled down the hall, the attendant stopped now and then and described her surroundings, the Office, the Dining Room, the Library, the Exercise Room and other areas. As they went, the elderly woman said with an enthusiasm almost like a child at Christmas, “Oh, I love it already,” 

        “But we haven’t reached your room yet,” the attendant said. “That doesn’t matter,” the woman said. “Happiness is something I decide on ahead of time. Whether or not I like my room doesn’t depend on whether its window faces a tree, or if it’s a small room, or even how the furniture is arranged. It’s all in how I arrange my mind. Before I ever got here,I decided to love my new home and my room.” 

        “You see, this is what I try to do every morning. I figure I can either spend the day moping about my life, or I can get dressed, smile and decide to be thankful for what I still have. Each day is a gift from God for me, and as long as I remember that, I can be happy.”

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com