THE GOOD INKEEPER

(From my Day By Day With Jesus, Dec. 24 devotion)

        Grace Ditmanson Adams is a retired nurse who wrote an interesting little work titled, “ASK Childhood Experience and Health.” ASK stands for American School Kikungshan, which was one of the major schools for foreign children in China and which was especially well-attended by children of American Lutheran missionaries in central China. The school operated between 1914 and 1951.
         As a young girl Grace travelled with her parents in the late 1920s through inland China. She wrote about the crowded conditions in some of the places they stayed overnight. They were very unhealthy accommodations filled with people coughing, sneezing and smoking. Additionally, babies were crying and children complaining, so her family had to be content to put their bedrolls on the board beds in a large room with all the rest of the people.
        One very snowy night they came to an inn that was full. The innkeeper expressed regret of having no room, but then said, “Please, follow me.” He led them to a side room used to store straw and farm equipment, and there they slept peacefully in a quiet place of their own.
        Nurse Adams later wrote that whenever she read about Mary bringing forth her firstborn son and wrapping Him in clothes and placing Him in a manger because there was no room in the inn, she saw the experience quite differently. The innkeeper was not uncaring, and having a place in the inn would have been a much poorer accommodation, especially if Mary had given birth there. The privacy they had in the stable was surely far better than the crowded inn would have been.
        Inns at that time were often segregated, one for men and one for women. Knowing of her coming delivery, Joseph could not have allowed Mary to stay in such a place. Even though it was among animals, God provided for them a far better place. We, too, would do well to see how He provides for us in better ways than we might think.

“She laid him in a manger, because the inn was full.” (Luke 2:7)

A very merry and blessed Christmas to you all,

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

SINGING CAROLS AT CHRISTMAS

        Last night my wife and I joined a dozen of our friends to sing Christmas Carols at two dozen homes in our park where we’d been told people might need cheering up. Caroling is something I’ve done over sixty years, and it’s always been enjoyable.

        God’s people developed the Christmas festival during the Middle Ages as a reminder of His great gift to us in the Christchild, and they chose December 25, replacing the pagan festival of Saturnalia which also featured evergreens and gifts, parties and singing.

        Christians have sung God’s praises since the First Century and have written songs of His son’s birth since the Seventh century. English Christmas Carols appeared around the Twelfth Century and have captivated the hearts both singers and listeners ever since.

        Last night we sang the first verse of 3-4 carols at each home, concluding with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and heading off to the next. Sometimes we’ve given Christmas sweets, but if there are many places to visit, we keep moving till we’ve stopped at each one.

        Due to our long list, last night we divided into two groups, visiting 12-16 homes each and riding in golf carts. Singers may also walk or ride in cars, and one memorable year we rode around town on a decorated flatbed pulled by a team of Clydesdales. The frost on the trees that afternoon made the event magical.

        Caroling is done to bring Christmas joy to those who listen, as well as to those who sing. Psalm 96:1 says, “Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things.” The quality of our singing doesn’t matter. The point of it all is to share God’s message of forgiveness and love. If you have a chance to sing Christmas carols to others this year, join in. You’ll be glad you did.

“For this I will sing praises to Your name, Oh Lord.” (2 Sam. 22:50)

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

CEILING AND VIEW UNLIMITED

        Death has a way of stopping things. It stops a life, of course, but it also stops the normalcy of life by creating a pause in the activities of the living. When President George H. W. Bush died last week, most Americans briefly paused their planning and pandering, their business and bickering, to pay respects to a fine former leader. When the funeral was over, politicians, pundits and ordinary people were quick to return to their normal pursuits. Life doesn’t stop, it’s only changed.

        Life may seem normal, but it’s a new normal. Individuals and families may adjust schedules for a time, but soon they are going about life as before, though in their hearts they are not the same. 

        Most older Christians have considered their own passing, the effects it will make on those we leave behind and the future that will be for ourselves. Believers in Jesus know that all of life is in God’s hands, and we trust each day will have its new morning and fresh horizon to view.

        During the Bush memorial service at the National Cathedral, former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney told of visiting Pres. Bush and seeing a sign by his house with four letters on it - C.A.V.U., which Bush said meant “CEILING AND VIEW UNLIMITED”. It meant perfect flying weather was ahead. With Jesus as Lord, it is possible to have C.A.V.U. each day. By giving His life for us, Jesus promised new life with Him as we live each day into eternity. By trusting Him, His new life is ours.

         In John 5:24, Jesus told His disciples (and us), “Whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged, but has crossed over from death to life.” Death may seem to stop things, but not the one thing we need most - God's love for us in Jesus. Faith in Jesus takes us from this life into an eternity in the presence of God.Jesus takes us from this life into an eternity in the presence of God.

“CEILING AND VIEW UNLIMITED” is ours through Jesus.

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

WHATEVER!

        While shopping, an older couple encountered some young adults in a store engaged in loud banter that included profanity. The older man stopped and said to them, “Nice that you are having a good time, but please watch your language. I am sure others wish you’d not use such words.”  A young man looked at him and said, “Whatever, old man, whatever!”

        “Whatever” has usually meant a lack of restriction (i.e. “Take whatever is needed”), but it can also be a response of irritation or reluctance to change. Today it’s also a word of indifference or exasperation (“Whatever, old man, whatever!”) Then it’s meant to push back and contradict what has been said. 

        I’ve even seen this word on a bumper stickers. Years ago I first heard “whatever” mumbled by a youth in my classroom. While it’s usually meant to stop discussion, in that student’s case he discovered the discussion had only begun.

        But this is not at all what Apostle Paul had in mind in his letter to the Philippians. “Finally, brothers, WHATEVER is true, WHATEVER is honorable, WHATEVER is just, WHATEVER is pure, WHATEVER is lovely, WHATEVER is commendable; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8) 

        Paul was urging Christians to be respectful and helpful since what is said reflects directly on how others perceive us. He urges us to rejoice in the Lord and show respect to others. While we may feel justified at being angered or offended by what we hear or see around us, Paul urges an honorable and prudent response.

        There is much anger blazing around in our world today, with so much useless talk. Whether privately or publicly, people feel they have a right to say anything and get offended by the least inappropriate word, even making threats if they don’t get their way. 

        Satan loves it when we fight each other and use our tongues to light fires that burn and destroy. But God’s Word urges us to speak and think on WHATEVER is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely or commendable. 

        We are all sinful, as our conversation certainly shows. But our Lord Jesus has forgiven us with His death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit will give us strength to change our anger into respect and encouragement. 

That’s why Paul says, “Think about these things…”

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com