First United Methodist Church Rev. Dennis Ticen 2637 McCool Road, Portage, IN 46368 (219) 762-3846
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The Witness Issue XII
December 2014
“What Do You Do With this King?” It was my fourth time in Bethlehem, visiting the Church of the Nativity. The only assurance we have that this might be near the spot where Jesus was born is that, well, it’s in Bethlehem, and when Emperor Constantine’s mother, Helena, asked locals where Jesus was born, this place was where they pointed. The church that stands there today is, perhaps, the oldest Christian church continuously in use. And, as such, it’s got its share of issues building-wise. This year, I was surprised to find the interior covered with scaffolding and lots of signs indicating the work the Palestinian Authority is doing to preserve this holy site. As it always is, the church was crowded with people, though not as stifling hot as the last time I was there. There was a line of people to go down into the grotto and touch the silver star that is supposed to mark the exact spot of Jesus’ birth. A silver star, to mark the birthplace of a king. It takes a while to get down into the cave and, once you get there, you can’t stay long. Nor do you want to stay long. It’s cramped, usually somewhat noisy, and not at all what you would picture for the birthplace of Jesus. And, more than ever before, it occurred to me this year that, no matter how much I might want quiet space for contemplation, Jesus wasn’t born in a quiet place. This king of the universe came in an ordinary way—cries of pain in the night, a father who wasn’t a father but still wanting to help, animals noisily doing what animals do. It was anything but a silent night. Into the mess and the muddle of our world, Jesus came. The King, the Prince of Peace came, into our world. He was a baby, and yet he was king. So what do you do with a king like that, a king who comes when and where we don’t expect him? A king who isn’t above stepping into the mess and muddle of our world? The best response, perhaps, is to invite him into the mess and muddle of your own life. Perhaps he won’t turn it into a silent night, but he will bring a peace that passes understanding (cf. Philippians 4:7). I invite you to make room for King Jesus in the busy-ness of your life this Advent season, and all him room to become King over all of your life. What will you do with this king? I’ll see you at the “mess and muddle” place on Sunday! Pastor Dennis
First Friday Fellowship December 5th we will meet at 5pm at Agave Mexican Restaurant 327 Main St. in Hobart. RSVP to Sandra Robinson at 764-8433.
What a blessing! As a result of your generous donations of food and time we were able to help complete Thanksgiving meals for several families this year. God's love will shine through you as this food makes a difference in the lives of these families. Thank you.