What's Happening?

Hoop for Truth

2013-04-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

Do you know a young athlete who'd like to take their basketball skills to the next level?

Sign them up for the upcoming "Hoop for Truth" Basketball Camps

June 18-21
July 8-11
August 5-8

1925 Risdon Rd
Concord, CA 94518

Boys and Girls Ages 8-16

Cost $125

Pre-register by May 16th and get $25 off and a chance to win a free pair of Nikes!

Call Will Harper at 925-338-4465 or register online at www.hoopfortruth.com

Building the complete student athlete.

New podcasts available

2013-04-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

You can catch up on our Sunday Service on April 14th - or at least listen to our Band and Songsters and the sermon from Major Glen Madsen on the podcasts page of our website.

Tragedy in Boston

2013-04-15T17:12:00.000-07:00

The Salvation Army is providing support to survivors and first responders in Boston, Massachusetts, after two explosions
occurred near the Boston Marathon finish line this afternoon. The blasts caused at least two deaths and dozens of injuries for runners and spectators.
Salvation Army officers and volunteers are en route to the scene with two canteens (mobile kitchens) to provide spiritual and emotional support; one to the staging area for emergency responders, and one where families are gathering. In addition to food and beverage services, officers who are trained in crisis counseling will be at the relevant locations to provide emotional and spiritual care.
The Salvation Army is in constant communication with city and state emergency personnel, and will be providing support as needed and requested.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston and all who were impacted by the explosions.

h/t http://blog.salvationarmyusa.org/2013/04/15/salvation-army-providing-support-in-boston-ma/

Shiny new thing...

2013-04-15T00:02:00.000-07:00

If you're keeping track of things on our website you may have noticed a new option called "Coming Events".

While our Calendar is very useful we realized that many of you just want to know about the unusual events taking place in our Church as well as the routine events.

"Coming Events" is the place for you! Give it a try by clicking here!

See you in church!

Tricky Changes...

2013-04-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

If you follow us on this blog you'll know that we like to include photos and catchy, interesting and hopefully entertaining graphics with each post.

We've just upgraded our blogging capabilities and while we've been able to save the last four years' worth of words, unfortunately some of the graphics which accompanied them have gone to the great hard disk in the sky!

Not to worry, though. With our new capabilities we can still bring you pictures with our entries in the future. Plus you can be "sociable" and follow us on Twitter on Follow @CoCoSAChurchCA
and/or Follow @SalArmy_Concord

Hosanna!

2013-03-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

We celebrated the meaning of Hosanna! on Palm Sunday. We waved our palm branches - Major Glen informed us that they should really be called "lu-lofts"! - we put the palms of our hands together and made a joyful noise in praise of "He who comes in the name of the LORD".

We were hoping to share most of the service with you by way of a recording, but technical difficulties intervened and we are only able to bring you our songster praise - "When love comes to town". Click here to go directly to our podcasts and listen in.

The best way to ensure that you don't miss anything on Easter Sunday is to come to church! This week our service will start at 10:45am to give more time for music and praise. Check out our calendar for the other activities of that day.

Hosanna!

New Life!

2013-03-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

Abigail Mae Harth

Our whole church community sends their congratulations to David and Shanon Harth on the birth of their daughter Abigail Mae Harth on Thursday March 7th.

Little Abigail weighed in at 7lbs 12oz and is already 20" tall!

Congratulations also in order to the proud grandparents Mike and Rondi Harth.

God has once more expressed His opinion that the human race should continue! Please give God glory and praise and remember to pray for this newly extended family.

A new look for Spring!

2013-02-26T19:09:00.000-08:00

New Website Layout Debuts

We've used the same website layout now for several years, and in the meantime technology has continued to advance. So it is time to take advantage of some new capabilities and add some other features which enhance the experience of the average person looking for information.

One thing we hope you'll immediately notice is a much slimmed-down interface and menu structure. Most of the features you would expect and which were in the old layout are still there. They may just be hiding in a different place!

An exciting new feature of the website is that you can now access it easily from your smartphone or tablet device without sacrificing readability or the ability to navigate around.

Most of the layout is designed for first-time or new visitors to give the most information possible about our church in particular and The Salvation Army in general. However, members and attenders can still find information about our regular activities and opportunities for service under "Church Life".

You might want to check out the new item in this category called, "The Table" which we will formally introduce later this year as our own, private, social networking application. You're free to sign-up and dive in now - it's free to use! - but some features may not be fully implemented yet. Don't worry, you can't break anything!

You can still access the old site layout for a while at http://old.salvationarmyconcordca.org until it is phased out later in the year.

The new site is much easier to maintain than the old one, so if you have suggestions for features which should be added (or deleted!) be sure and give us feedback. You can either use the "Contact Us" page on the site, or email the webmaster directly at webmaster@salvationarmyconcordca.org. Compliments and criticism are equally welcome!

Thank you for supporting us, we truly appreciate you!

Jim Black
Webmaster

Bethlehem, at last...

2012-12-23T20:57:00.000-08:00

No room at the inn --- really?

Bethlehem was Joseph's home town, that's why he and Mary had to return there to register! Joseph would have had family there, lots of family! And that's probably the key to the riddle of why Jesus had to be born in a stable. Why didn't Joseph's family make accommodations available?

A Jewish home in the time of Christ would be built roughly in a square shape around a central courtyard. The whole extended family lived in rooms surrounding the courtyard sharing facilities such as the kitchen. There would also be a place to bring in any animals which the family possessed to keep them safe at night. One of the rooms, just as in many of our modern homes, would be kept as a guest room for visiting family. Joseph's family's home in Bethlehem was undoubtedly laid out in this pattern.

It is a little unfortunate that the King James translators used the english word for a guest room which was current in the 17th century - an inn! Of course, inns were guest houses with guest rooms which is why they translated the greek word as "inn". But as we said, Joseph would have lots of family in Bethlehem so it was probable that indeed there was no guest room ("inn") available for him and his pregnant wife. So imagining Joseph and Mary turning up at some impersonal Motel 6 and being told "sorry, no vacancy" is probably very far from the truth!

There was also another problem. When she gave birth, Mary would become ceremonially "unclean" and so would the room in which the birth took place and everything she touched. This would take another room in the crowded house out of circulation at a most inconvenient time when all the out-of-town family were visiting.

The solution? Give birth in the room where the animals were kept (the "stable") because it was perpetually unclean anyway! Jesus would be born in a stable so He would inconvenience the least number of people!

Such humility from the Son of God! And being born in a stable was just the beginning!

The apostle Paul wrote about this to the church at Philippi:

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:6 ff NIV

Glory to God in the highest, indeed!

Jim Black

Let's Celebrate!

2012-12-21T00:30:00.000-08:00

It is an instructive exercise to google — yes it has officially become a verb! — the word Christmas. Pick the Wikipedia entry and you will be bombarded with facts about traditions and calendars, observances and customs.

There you can read about the origins of the word Christmas, when it was first celebrated, by whom, and the disputes which have arisen in various parts of the church about the actual date, and whether we should be using the Julian or the Gregorian calendar — we are observing using the Gregorian calendar in case you were wondering.

Here too you can find out about the traditions of gift giving to children, exchanging gifts with family and friends, christmas trees, the significance of holly and ivy, red and green, how Santa Claus got his start, the importance of the Christmas Season to retailers worldwide and the economy in general, etc, etc, etc…

Unless we are very careful it is extremely easy to become enveloped in all this stuff — the christmas trappings — and lose sight of the true facts of Christmas. And yet, in fact, none of the accoutrements which we associate with Christmas were present at the birth of Christ.

While they are undoubtedly poignant, the circumstances of His birth seem to be more to convince the Jews that their promised Messiah had arrived than to convince gentiles that fulfilling Old Testament prophesy was a necessary part of His mission.

So then, let us then state clearly the facts of Christmas.

Fact 1: All have sinned and come short of God's glory (Romans 3:23)

Fact 2: ... the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19:2)

Fact 3: ... God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Fact 4: … to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will,
but born of God. John 1:12

So, because of Christmas (and Easter), each and every human being now has the potential and opportunity to be in fellowship with God in the way He originally intended.

That certainly calls for a celebration!

Let's share the reason we are celebrating with family, friends and neighbors!

Let's call it "Christmas"!

Jim Black

Are we there yet?

2012-12-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

It’s the age old question coming from a plaintive voice in the back seat.

To children, those long car-rides seem almost endless. Maybe it’s the boredom of being strapped into a car seat, maybe it’s the sibling who won’t stop pestering! “Are we there yet?” is an expression of so much more than time passing. But at the end of that car trip – what a reward for all that time counting red cars and keeping hands off your brother!

Can you imagine Mary as she trudged along on the arm of her husband who she hardly knew? Surely in her head she was asking, “Are we there yet?” as mile after mile slowly passed. She was exhausted, anxious, uncomfortable…and yet filled with a quiet excitement. Her journey – both literal and figurative – was almost over. Bethlehem was close, and the Savior of Man was almost here!

As we approach Christmas, are you getting tired of the ads, the commercial hype, the crowds and the traffic? Are you feeling strapped down, buckled in to a season that seems to have lost its magic? Or are you in your heart asking “Are we there yet?” with a sense of anticipation and excitement? Take time this season to remember the destination, and prepare for the wonderful reward of Jesus!

Susan Pierce

What about that star?

2012-12-18T12:21:00.000-08:00

If you're like me you probably have a list of questions that can only be answered in Heaven. Even Paul in his letter to the Corinthian church says, "For we know in part and we prophesy in part" 1 Cor. 13:9 NIV.

So there are many elements of the Christmas story which we have to accept blindly or try to reason through, but the true answer will only be revealed in Glory.

That star that the wise men from the east followed is one such conundrum!

Many historians throughout the years have attempted to determine the date of Jesus' birth by looking at astronomical records of comets, meteors, supernovae, conjunctions of planets, and various other unusual configurations in the sky.

What was the "star" that led the wise men to the Christ Child in Bethlehem? Was it even a physical star at all?

Whatever it was, the "star" (in Greek "aster") was definitely of miraculous origin; it was no ordinary, physical star.

For instance, it had the ability to move. Matthew writes that the star "went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was" Matt. 2:9. No star I, or any other astronomer, have ever seen does that! Even shooting stars—which we now know are really just meteors burning up in the atmosphere—cannot change directions and stop, hover and shine over a specific place for a long period of time!

So let me indulge in a little (hopefully informed) speculation that "His star" (verse 2) was possibly—perhaps even probably—an angel. We do know from scripture that these spirit beings have a glorious appearance like a radiating star, and they can certainly move and change directions to show someone the way.

Stars in the Bible often symbolize angels, for example:
» [Where were you] when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Job 38:7
» His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven. . . . And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought. Rev 12:4,7

Since angels ("messengers") play such an important part in the rest of the Christmas story, is it such a leap to believe that God the Father sent a glowing angel to lead the wise men directly to Jesus?

When it comes to finding Jesus, God always provides direct guidance. Whether or not we choose to follow shows how "wise" we really are!

Jim Black

Who were the wise men?

2012-12-14T23:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we began to take a look at part of the Christmas story that only Matthew relates (Matt 2:1 ff):

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." When Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. . . .

So who were these wise men?

A tradition I've heard upheld in many churches is that they were highly educated pagan astrologers from what is now Saudi Arabia or Iran. While intriguing, this doesn't really square with scripture. The writings of the Old Testament uniformly condemn astrologers and necromancers, for example:

» And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, and you feel driven to worship them and serve them. (Deuteronomy 4:19)

» If there is found among you, within any of your gates which the Lord your God gives you, a man or woman who has . . . gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun or moon or any of the host of heaven which I have not commanded, . . . then you shall bring out to your gates that man or woman who has committed that wicked thing, and shall stone to death that man or woman with stones. (Deuteronomy 17:2-3, 5)

» Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from these things that shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble, the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame. (Isaiah 47:13-14)

In addition, the wise men who visited Jesus knew in advance who they were going to visit and that the purpose of their visit was to worship Him (Matthew 2:2, 11). It is highly unlikely that heathen, idolatrous astrologers would go to the great effort to travel many, many miles to give honor to the son of a deity they did not worship.

With this evidence, we can be quite certain that these magi were not pagan astrologers.

The scripture refers to these travelers as "wise men" or in Latin "magi" (from which we get "magistrate"). In Jeremiah we find the earliest of ancient records mentioning magi:

"Then all the princes of the king of Babylon came in and sat in the Middle Gate: Nergal-Sharezer, Samgar-Nebo, Sarsechim, Rab-saris, Nergal-Sarezer, Rabmag, with the rest of the princes of the king of Babylon. . . . So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent Nebushasban, Rabsaris, Nergal-Sharezer, Rabmag, and all the king of Babylon's chief officers." Jeremiah 39:3, 13

The word "Rabmag" is merely transliterated because the original translators did not understand its meaning, and even subsequent translations have left it untranslated. However, it has since been correctly deciphered as "chief of the magi."

But Daniel gives us a quick glimpse of another kind of magi:

Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men [magi] of Babylon. Daniel 2:48

We should also remember that a large number of Jews, Levites, and Benjamites still lived in Babylon and the surrounding areas, for only a small percentage of Judeans had returned from exile to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:64-67). Some of them, following the example of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, quite probably may have been magi or governors.

So, it is most probable, then, that the magi who visited the young Jesus would come from this category of God-fearing, high-ranking rulers.

And here we see God's plan of announcing to the remnant of Israel the birth of the Messiah. They knew who He was! They recognized His star! They journeyed "home" to worship Him.

We are reminded to return "home" to the foundation of our faith and once again worship and adore.

Coming up next: What about that star?

Jim Black

Three wise guys?

2012-12-13T23:30:00.000-08:00

Over the next few days I'd like us to take a look at part of the Christmas story that only Matthew relates (Matt 2:1 ff):

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." When Herod the king heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. . . .

This is a tricky piece of scripture to study because tradition has shaped what we think we see there. Let's strip away the embellishments which have accumulated over the centuries and look at Matthew's words as if we were reading them for the first time and see what we can learn.

First let's ask, "How many wise men came?" Undoubtedly the picture in our minds is like the illustration at the top of this article - three robed and crowned men on camels following a star, but check the scripture - the only similarity is that a star is mentioned. The number and appearance of the wise men is not described at all! Since the words are plural we know that there were at least two of them. The number three is only derived because three kinds of gifts are mentioned - gold, frankincense and myrrh. But it is just as easy to speculate that there were five, seven, or fifteen of them! And who knows if they came on camels?

They do come to Jerusalem with certainty that a King has been born who is worthy of their worship. Their question is not "Who is He?" but "Where is He?" The whole focus of their purpose is to worship Him as soon as possible!

In coming days we will look at who these wise men were, where they came from, and what they believed. In each case we will see God's grand design of fulfilling prophesy and setting in motion His grand redemption.

It is often said that "Wise Men still seek Him", but it is much better said that "Wise men still worship Him".

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10 NIV

Coming up next: "Who were the wise men?"

Jim Black

Why Bethlehem?

2012-12-12T15:39:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered why Bethlehem was chosen as the place for the Christ to be born? After all, Nazareth was just as lowly and disrespected if God wanted to make a point about whom Jesus had come to save.

Most of you will know that Bethlehem is the "City of David" and by being born there Christ fulfilled a long-standing prophecy from Micah: "You, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times". -Micah 5:2.

But there is a much more subtle and poignant connection to be made, and it has to do with those lowly shepherds to whom the grand announcement was made (see Stinky Shepherds).

One of the reasons that there were shepherds at all near a town like Bethlehem was because of the demand for sacrificial lambs.

Every firstborn male lamb from the area around Bethlehem was considered holy, and set aside for sacrifice in Jerusalem. The shepherds would separate the lambs, choosing only the perfect firstborn males to drive to Jerusalem. There the lambs would be purchased by those who wished to atone for their sins. On the same mountain where Abraham had offered his son to the Lord, the lambs would shed their blood and lose their lives as that atonement.

John the Baptist called Jesus not only the "Son of God" (John 1:34) but also the "Lamb of God" (John 1:36). The Firstborn Lamb of God would sacrifice his life to atone for the sins of all - a one-time perfect sacrifice, offered by the Father God Himself. So it makes sense that "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29) should be born in Bethlehem, among the sacred Temple flocks.

So, why would Messiah choose to arrive in such an out-of-way place as Bethlehem? And why would the shepherds be the first to greet him?

Listen to God's words in the prophecy of Jeremiah: "I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the Lord. "The days are coming... when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land." -Jeremiah 23:4-5.

So it had to be Bethlehem!

Jim Black

Stinky Shepherds

2012-12-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

We have become so accustomed to the Christmas story involving the shepherds in the fields downwind of Bethlehem that we may have missed the eternal significance of their involvement.

Shepherds as a demographic in the time of Christ were looked down upon as the lowest class possible. Partly it had to do with the smell. They lived with the sheep. Sheep are smelly, therefore shepherds were smelly. You would no more invite a shepherd to dinner than you would a skunk!

But more than that they were unclean. Not just in the sense of personal hygiene, but especially in the sense of the Jewish religion. Their sheep would end up in the Temple long before any one of them would. They had no access to God!

So it is very telling that God's announcement of a Savior says: "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 NIV.

The announcement said that there was a Savior for stinky shepherds.

No wonder they ran to Bethlehem to see him!

Their excitement should be ours also. Without Jesus we too would have been cut off from access to God!

Glory to God in the highest!

Jim Black

Peace on Earth?

2012-12-08T02:29:00.000-08:00

Let's return to the shepherds and the message brought to them on the night Christ was born.

Although most people can quote part of the message I doubt many understand what the shepherds heard and understood. Undoubtedly the biblical account of the angel's message came from one or more of the shepherds themselves. They told what they had heard.

Being the kind of uneducated people they were it is unlikely that they heard "Gloria in excelsis Deo", because that would be Latin and appropriate only for Romans! No, they would have heard in their own language, no translation needed, which was Aramaic.

So the word for "Peace (on earth)" would have been "shalom" or "shalam".

Yes, it means "peace" but it also means so much more. A quick check of Wikipedia reveals:

The noun shalom means safe, for example, well and happy. On a more abstract application, its use points to welfare, for example, health, prosperity, and, peace.

It is the verb form shalam, though, that provides a deeper understanding of this term in theology, doctrine, and liturgy.

Literally translated, shalam signals to a state of safety, but figuratively it points to completeness. In its use in Scripture, shalom describes the actions that lead to a state of soundness, or better yet wholeness.

So to say, shalom seems not to merely speak of a state of affairs, but describes a process, an activity, a movement towards fullness.
Using the King James Version as reference, James Strong lists the rendering of shalom and shalam, among others, as:

To make amends
To make good
To be (or to make) peace
To restore
Peace
Prosperity
Wellness

So it is not inappropriate to notice that what the angel was declaring was not an absence of conflict, but rather a truce. A return to wholeness and completeness. God and sinners reconciled!

Jesus was prophesied to be the "Prince of Peace", i.e. the chief reconciler between God and mankind. This was the great accomplishment Jesus proclaimed thirty three years later when He declared, "It is finished"!

Glory to God in the highest indeed!

Jim Black

Dotting "i"s and crossing "t"s

2012-12-07T03:05:00.000-08:00

Before we leave the subject of Joseph and the name of the Baby, there is another little detail to observe which shows how meticulously God planned the incarnation of His Son.

In Matt 1:21 we read that Joseph was given a command "…You are to give him the name Jesus". The emphasis I have indicated is not usually acknowledged because we are so startled that the name of the child will be Jesus, but it is there none the less.

Joseph is commanded to personally name the child. This is deeply significant.

It means that Joseph, in naming the child, acknowledges him as his own son and thus becomes the legal father of the child according to Semitic law. As a result of this legal adoption, Joseph's ancestry as a descendent of David transfers also to his legal son.

Biologically, Jesus is begotten by the Holy Spirit and is thus the "Son of God" (Luke 1:32a), but legally he is the son of Joseph and heir to the promises of David, Joseph's ancestor.

The angel Gabriel had promised Mary, "The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David" (Luke 1:32b). In Joseph naming the boy, and therefore adopting him, David becomes Jesus' earthly ancestor.

God always "dots His 'i's and crosses His 't's" in fulfilling His plans.

You can be sure that He is doing so in His plans for you, too!

Jim Black

What's in a name?

2012-12-06T02:37:00.000-08:00

Why would the Baby be called Jesus (as opposed to Joseph Jr.)?

Jesus, or in aramaic Yeshua (yeh-shoo-ah) was an extremely common name in the time of Christ. If you asked Yeshua to stand in Talmud class probably a third of the pupils would be on their feet! It is the same name that we know in the Old Testament as Joshua. It was the privilege (or maybe the burden) of the Old Testament Joshua to lead the Children of Israel into the Promised Land. The people of Jesus' time were also looking for a leader, like another Joshua, to lead them out of the oppression of the political regime under which they were living.

It is interesting to note that Mary and Joseph make no protest whatsoever about the name to be given to the miraculous baby boy! By tradition it would have been Joseph's choice what to name the child, but as we have seen with both Mary and Joseph they were notable for their willingness to accept God's Will, however out of tradition or far from their own desires or ambitions it seemed to be.

As with so much of the Christmas Story, God used simple, everyday people and circumstances to demonstrate His love for mankind. Jesus it would be; He would be the leader to free His people all right - He would free them from their sins!

Of course, you will know that Jesus has many other names or titles by which the Scripture refer to Him, but it is through this most common, and in no way unusual name - Jesus - that we see His primary mission described.

"…and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Matt 1:21 NIV

Jim Black

Joseph

2012-12-04T14:53:00.000-08:00

Joseph is one of the Bible's enigmas.

He plays a pivotal role in the Christmas story, but never speaks a word!
What the scripture does say about him is very telling, however. It says he was a "righteous" man. Not a "good" man or an "upright" man or "pleasant" or "strong" or "handsome" or "trustworthy" or any other adjective you can think of. No, it says he was "righteous".

To be described as righteous in the time of Christ was an outstanding qualification. It was like getting an endorsement from the Better Business Bureau or the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval today. He was a respected member of his community and especially his synagogue. He had all the qualities of character that would endear him to his community. And he had an exemplary and unblemished record with regard to the keeping of civil and religious observances.

Getting married was another of those religious observances which he planned to keep when he had become betrothed to Mary.

Mary's announcement brought his whole orderly world crashing about his ears. People wouldn't talk, they'd whisper - behind his back. He would become an object of ridicule and derision to his friends and acquaintances. Who would believe his story that Mary was to have a child which not only was not his, but was a miracle of God's spirit? His decision to be obedient to God's will after learning of Mary's pregnancy was to come with a price, and a steep one at that!

We know that Joseph's home town was Bethlehem, because that's where he and Mary had to journey to be registered. So why did they live in Nazareth, Mary's home town, after the marriage arranged with unseemly haste?

Certainly it would be comforting for Mary to be in proximity to her family during her pregnancy, but it would be most uncustomary for them to live in her town rather than his. We can only speculate, but probably Joseph would not be held in high regard any more by taking Mary to be his wife, at least in polite society. Either he could shame her, or take the shame himself.

Jesus growing up learned more than carpentry from Joseph. He would see a role model of a man who put the needs of others before his own reputation and yet did not utter a word in his own defense. This was a trait Jesus would then perfect to an infinite degree with the sacrifice of His own life.

This Christmas, thank God for Joseph - the "righteous" man!

Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Matt 5:11 NIV

Jim Black

Birthday Party for ???

2012-12-02T19:11:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder what Jesus thinks about how we celebrate His birthday?

Somehow I think He must be dismayed by the frenzied shopping, the trees, reindeer, elves, snowmen, penguins, excessive eating and drinking, silly songs, stockings, mistletoe and blinking lights! We've decided that we prefer the birthday party without the Birthday Boy and that one of His most ardent followers (St. Nicholas aka Santa Claus) is much more interesting! How sad is that?

We've even managed to pervert the intent of the Holiday (i.e. Holy Day) and have turned it into an extravagant worship of "stuff"! echoing the words of Paul writing to the Romans: "They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator…" Rom 1:25 NIV.

But on the other hand I think He is pleased with the acts of kindness and love enacted in His name. The selfless volunteering and willingness to put others first goes right along with His words that "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" Matt. 25:40 NIV.

A study in contrasts, indeed.

This Christmas, let's remember that Jesus came to give us life. He's not a spoilsport. He wants us to be happy. But we miss the point when we look for happiness in things rather than in Him.

Plan your birthday party for Jesus with that in mind.

Jim Black

Sing Choirs of Angels?

2012-11-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:13-14 NIV

If you read "Donkey? What donkey?" yesterday you would have been challenged to look more closely at the Christmas story using the Bible as your source rather than the distortions, legends and fabrications which our society uses to embellish the story.

A good example of this would be the appearance of the angels announcing to the shepherds that Christ had been born.

The traditional view puts a nebulous group of winged beings in the sky over the fields with their volume cranked all the way to maximum! A closer reading of the scripture is much more startling!

First, though, a word about angels. This is a word which english has borrowed directly from greek where it just means "messenger". A google search of messengers in the bible will reveal that these messengers from God most often looked just like us! They were however, strangers - unknown - to those to whom they were sent. Clarence in "It's a wonderful life" is a better representation of an angel than most (although the bit about getting his wings is pure fiction!).

So imagine bedding down with the sheep and your shepherd friends on a dark cold winter night when a stranger pops out of the darkness and says "Hi!". No wonder the scripture says that they were extremely afraid! You don't have to have winged cherubs in the sky - just showing up unannounced right there on the ground would be extremely upsetting! I'm surprised the scripture doesn't say they screamed with fright! And then having delivered his message a whole bunch of other "messengers" show up! The bible says nothing about them singing, it does say that they were praising God and saying "Glory to God…". That word translated as "saying" can also mean "shouting"!

Far from being an unbelievable hallucination it is much more believable to know that a holy "flash mob" told the shepherds the good news.

Could this still be happening today? The writer to the Hebrews (Heb 13:2 NIV) tells us, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Who are the messengers of good news this Christmas season?

Jim Black

Donkey? What donkey?

2012-11-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that Mary and Joseph went from Nazareth to Bethlehem with the very pregnant Mary riding on a donkey. Yes? Well, ummm… perhaps not! Certainly that "fact" has absolutely no basis in the gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus!

But didn't Mary only finally arrive in Bethlehem with minutes to spare before she gave birth? Maybe, but not necessarily!

Hollywood might think it makes a "better" story if these "facts" are portrayed as true, but despite the image on the Christmas cards you may send or receive all the Bible says is that Mary went with Joseph to Bethlehem and that while she was there it was time for her baby to be born. Read it for yourself!

Allow me for a moment to suggest that Mary actually walked all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem. What does that say about Mary?
Her determination to be the servant of God didn't just stop at mental assent and courage, it meant she had to face arduous hardship most of us would shudder to contemplate.

When Jesus set His face "steadfastly toward Jerusalem", knowing full well that that way led to suffering and death, perhaps He was emulating the courage and determination of His mother 33 years before His birth.

Sometimes we are called to travel a hard road - mentally, spiritually, and physically - but let us always remember that the satisfaction of fulfilling God's plans will always outweigh any hardship we encounter.

This might be a good time to break out your Bible and do some fact-checking! How about that choir of angels?

To be continued...

Jim Black

Fill The Truck

2012-11-28T15:39:00.000-08:00

If you drop by the Walmart in Martinez CA on December 8th you can help make Christmas brighter for a family which The Salvation Army helps.

On that day you will see a Salvation Army Truck outside and boxes or barrels inside so that you can donate toys which will go directly into our Toy and Joy program.

Walmart is participating with The Salvation Army to make it easy for you to purchase toys to donate and drop off directly to a volunteer who will Fill the Truck.

You'll see our Emergency and Disaster Services canteen staffed by volunteers at Walmart, 1021 Arnold Drive, Martinez, CA 94553.

Stop by, say "Hi!" and Fill The Truck!

Expecting Christmas?

2012-11-28T05:00:00.000-08:00

Expect the Impossible
Mary of Nazareth was quite confused and awestruck by Gabriel’s message. She was quite concerned how this would be received not only by her beloved fiancé but everyone who knew them. Yes, they were engaged to be married, but had never been intimate with one another and now she’s pregnant? The implications were very serious-this could bring disgrace to Joseph and possible stoning for her. She made sure the angel understood her predicament by responding with a question…

‘How is this even possible…I’ve never been with a man’! To quell her fears, the angel is quick to respond with the answer to her dilemma…” The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Highest will overshadow you, so that the Holy one born to you will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1: 35) WOW…no pressure there!

In an effort to open Mary’s heart and mind to what seemed to be impossible and the miracle that is about to take place, the angel continued with the good news of her cousin Elizabeth who in her old age was blessed of God and also expecting a child – a scenario a bit more believable but miraculous none the less. The announcement is punctuated with a timeless promise that’s offered to every believer …”For with God nothing will be impossible”. (Luke 1:37)

As we approach the Christmas season this year, I would pose this question…are you expecting? Are you ‘pregnant’ with the promise of what God can do in you and through you? Is there a ‘growing’ sense of wonder and excitement in the possibility of Christ being born afresh in you, each and every day? Do you believe in the power of God to work miracles in your life and in the lives of those around you…or are you stuck on ‘impossible’- relying on the tangible, trusting only in what you can see and feel? The key is…you have to both believe and trust in His plan. Then and only then will your hopes and dreams become possibilities through the power of the indwelling Christ.

As you prepare your heart and home this Christmas season, I invite you to spend time in prayer each day…if your faith seems small, simply call on Him to grow that faith – faith is His idea, His doing and He wants your faith in Him to grow along with your love for Him…that can only happen through prayer… then be prepared to surrender your doubt, your dreams, your fears and those things that would ‘shut the door’ to His work in your life. Just as Mary surrendered her fear and unbelief to the power of God to work a miracle in her…”Let it be to me according to your word”…so too can we trust Him to ‘birth’ in us the endless possibilities of a new life of power and purpose.

Expecting Christmas is not just a mindset that prepares us for December 25th, it’s opening up to all that’s possible through Christ living in us…each and every day!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” Romans 15:1
“For nothing is impossible with God!”

Maj. Linda Madsen