Who are You?

Three times during this past week I made purchases. As I finished the transaction I was asked to participate in an evaluation of the one assisting me. Each said the evaluation would come in a few days. Two pointed out that the evaluation would be a reflection on them personally. These two salespersons asked me outright to give them "10's." Anything less would be a reflection on them personally.

The evaluations have not yet arrived. So I have some more time to think about it. I certainly don't want to cause any problems as both really were helpful. Eagerly and genuinely helpful. However, I am stubborn enough that I don't really care for persons suggesting how I should respond. I wanted to ask them to please rate themselves - my own version of "Who do you say you are?" (See John passage to the right of this entry.)

I wonder if our governor might attempt the same approach - "please give me all "10's." Apparently his approval rating has slipped to 4%. Trust is broken. As more information comes out, many citizen's of the state are likely asking, "Who are you?" or with more attitude "Who, in the world, do you think you are?"

John the Baptist might well have taken advantage of the opportunity to answer differently when questioned by the priests and Levites. "Are you the Messiah?" "No." "Are you Elijah?" "No." "Are you the prophet?" "No." John knew who he was and who he was not - he was the one preparing a way in the wilderness. His life pointed to Jesus, the Light of the World. In a land of deep darkness, a light has shined.

The ministry we share is one of pointing to Christ. We may be evaluated by others, but what may be most important, is that we know who we are and whose we are. The Messiah? No. But we are "God-bearers" in the world.

On Sunday, in worship, I commented on the disconnect between seasonal/ Christmas" music and what is going on around us. It isn't a new discovery, just an observation this year. My comments drew a variety of responses from "get over it Ed" to "tune it out" to "I couldn't agree more."

Walking in a Winter Wonderland seemed misplaced while Nancy and I were having lunch on November 19th as it was clear and nearly 50 degrees outside. And, O Holy Night arrived just after the sun came up on Thanksgiving morning. Both seemed to ignore where and when they were.

Songs that can evoke pleasant memories will likely be worn out and tattered at the edges by the time Christmas Day arrives. The day after, they can almost be an embarrassment as we hurry to put them away. I'm not advocating an end to Christmas music. I rather enjoy it most of the time.

However, the words of Lillian Daniel have jostled my thinking again about a season I have walked through 55 times now. She said, "But let us be clear that while the world's busy-ness may seem to be pointed toward Christmas, it is seldom pointed toward the coming Christ child."

With so many, I desire to find my voice to sing a song that takes a long look at the world's brokenness and its wonder and still find reason for hope in the Christ who is already present.