Positive Faith in Scripture: Upbuildings

“God didn’t set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we’re awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we’re alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.”

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11, Message

Here we see similar language to yesterday: a life of faith is actually about “life.” Insanity! It’s hard to imagine, in our culture, that God actually wants us to live a full life. More often we’re left with the idea that we need to hide who we really are because, if we’re found out, we’ll be excluded from the group. So, instead, we spend so much time managing appearances so we can appear as good (if not better) than the next person in line.

But this is no way to live! It’s not life- it’s prison. Imagine a faith community where people are encouraged, affirmed, built up, together. Brothers and sisters in arms. It’s hard to imagine- we don’t see enough of this.

This isn’t some hippy modern idea either- as the passage above shows, it’s quite literally 1st century stuff. Positive faith isn’t new- it’s biblical.

Maybe we do need to go back to the good old days- the days where we recognized and acknowledged the good in each other and attempted to build it up.

Day 2: A Christmas Eve Prayer

A Christmas Eve prayer, traditionally read at dusk or before midnight. This year, I wonder if we will be able to gather for our traditional Christmas Eve service at NSC. I do not know what the future holds as of this writing. But here it is, a prayer that can be read together, or apart with a spirit of unity.

This night is the long night when those who listen await His cry.

This night is the eve of the great nativity when those who are longing await His appearing.

Wait, with watchful heart.

Listen carefully, through the stillness; listen, hear the telling of the waves upon the shore.

Listen, hear the song of the angels glorious - ever long it will be heard that His foot has reached the earth; news - that the glory is come!

Truly His salvation is near for those who fear HIm, and His glory shall dwell in our land.

Watch and pray, the Lord shall come.

Those who are longing await His appearing.

Those who listen await His cry.

Watch…

Wait….

Listen…

This night is the long night.

And as midnight turns into the day we celebrate Christ’s birth we pray:

This night is born Jesus, Son of the King of glory.

This night is born to us the root of our joy.

This night gleamed sea and shore together.

This night was born Christ, The king of greatness.

Though laid in a manger, He came from a throne; on earth though a stranger, in heaven He was known.

How lowly, how gracious His coming to earth!

His love my love kindles to joy in his birth.

Sweet Jesus, King of glory!

Now You sleep in a manger, in a stable poor and cold; but for us You are the highest King, making our hearts into Your palace.

And now we wait. Together? Together apart?