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Merry Christmas

Bless you all today.

Anticipation

Let’s face it, today is the best part of this whole Christmas thing.  Christmas Eve is way better than Christmas Day.  Anticipation is almost always better than the thing anticipated.  Most of the time, the wrapped present under the tree is far superior to the unwrapped thing we stuff in a drawer within a few days.
A wrapped present is a symbol of hope.  An unwrapped present is an object that was manufactured at a factory in China.  A wrapped present is mystery, an unwrapped present is utility.  A wrapped present is joy while an unwrapped present is a mere commodity.  When I look at those gifts shrouded in colorful paper and bows, I feel that I am catching a glimpse of heaven.  Nothing you buy at the mall will ever compare with heaven; the gift you receive will never measure up to the hope that came before.

Now imagine if the gift really were better than the expectation.  That would be miraculous.  You think you are in for another pair of socks but there is that you really wanted.  Heaven is like that.  It is something we hope for, but it far surpasses the hope we have.  In his Revelation St. John uses all kinds of images for heaven.  He talks about gates made from pearl and streets paved with gold.  The reality will be even greater.  I am confident that the anticipation of the expectant Church will be far surpassed by the joy that is coming to her.

When Christ came as a baby, the angels sang his praises to a limited number of shepherds.  When Christ returns, everything in heaven and on earth will sing his praise.  No one will need to point the way to him, no one will need to seek him out.  No one will miss that wonderful event, as most of the world missed his birth.  Upon his return He will be as obvious as the Sun on a cloudless day, as loud as thunder that has come too close.

How we will greet Christ depends in part on how we live in the ongoing Advent season of our daily lives. If we are not watching, not waiting, then I expect we are in for a rude awakening.  If we are waiting with fear, trying to make sure we are doing enough to earn his favor, I expect we will be in for disappointment as we see the last being made first.  If we are waiting with hope, as a child looking on an unwrapped Christmas present, I believe that the joy we find will far exceed our expectations.

Today is Christmas Eve.  This Advent is nearly over.  The great Advent of our lives continues on, each and every day until all days finally end.  Let’s welcome Christmas Day with joy this year.  Let’s receive it as a beautiful gift.  But let’s also keep our eyes open, for that final Gift will come when we least expect Him.

The Holy Family's Terrible Family

Joseph and Mary came into a crowded Bethlehem.  Men and women were there from all over the Jewish world.  These crowds had come to register for the Roman census.  The commonly told story says that, because of the numbers of people in town, there was no room for the holy family in the local hotels.  Joseph went from door to door, searching valiantly for a place for his betrothed to give birth.  Fortunately, a kindly innkeeper told them they could sleep with his animals. So he either placed them in a barn or a cave, depending on the version of the story.  It is truly a lovely story, but there is a small problem.  It isn’t exactly found in the Bible. 

Luke’s Gospel tells us that “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guestroom available for them.” (Luke 2:6,7 TNIV)  Many translations say “there was no room in the inn.”  Those versions of the Bible are reading later Christmas stories into the text.

In Greek, the language of the New Testament, there is a perfectly good word for “inn.”  That word is not found in this story.  Rather, the writer says there was no “living space” available for them.”  This phrase, “living space” refers to a room designated for humans in a home.  In this culture, people kept both animals and people in the same house. After all, animals were wealth.  To keep them out in a barn or a cave would have been both impractical and foolish, especially in a city.  People had a room or two in their homes for their families as well as a room for the animals.  Often this room was a step or two down from the rest of the dwelling.

Here is one possible scenario for how they ended up in the animals’ room.  Joseph brings his young, pregnant fiancé to suburban Bethlehem.  He is the distant relative from out in the sticks who has come into the “big city.”  Somehow his live-in girlfriend has become pregnant.  No one knows who the baby’s father is, though these two claim it is God.  Joseph is poor, has a funny accent, and lives in an area known for mixed races and pagan worship. His family in Bethlehem share little more than his blood. They are of a higher and more pure class than he is. They don’t want to have anything to do with Joseph and his “lady.”

However, because of their honor they can’t let him sleep in the street. That just wouldn’t do, not in a culture so invested in hospitality. At the same time, they can’t have these people in their house.  What to do?  They put the country cousin and his girlfriend with the animals.  Yes, they offered hospitality.  But they also made sure that Joseph and Mary knew their place.  Joseph is in no position to refuse.

This story won’t be shown in our church Christmas pageant. No one sings songs about Joseph’s family rejecting him.  Of course, this is just one possibility.  Perhaps the family house was just so crowded that there was literally nowhere else but with the animals.  No one knows, and Luke does not bother to make things clear.

This might serve as a reminder that Christ was always an outsider.  Though Son of God and King of the Universe, he was born to a lowly family in a lowly place.  As John’s Gospel says “he came to that which was his own, but his own people did not receive him.”  He was such an outcast that he wasn’t even born in a normal room. He was birthed among animals and laid in a feeding trough.

We may sometimes feel cast out.  Perhaps you are the black sheep of your family.  You feel rejected, like they would rather have you sleep in the garage.  Perhaps you are the one looking down your nose at your relatives.  You just can't bare the thought of those people coming into your home.  In any case, it is important to remember that the One we are expecting comes to us through the lowest of places. He knows our suffering, and he commands us to receive the lowly in his Name.

Why We Worship This Sunday

Redeemer (www.RedeemerNashville.net) will be gathering twice in worship this weekend.  On Saturday night, we will have our traditional Midnight Mass.  This service begins with special music at 10:00 p.m.  The liturgy itself begins at approximately 10:30 p.m.  Midnight Mass includes Holy Communion and our candlelight vigil.  There will be no childcare.

On Sunday morning, we will offer one Christmas Sunday service at 10:00 a.m.  Our normal 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services will be combined for this one service.  There will be no childcare and no Sunday school.

I'd like to respond to two questions that some people have asked regarding our worship schedule.  A couple of people have asked why we do not celebrate a service earlier in the day on Christmas Eve for older people and young families.  We do not because in our tradition we always have a Christmas Day service.  These Christmas Day services are appropriate for all ages; young families and older people are often in attendance.  By keeping with this tradition we ensure that everyone is able to join us in worship on Christmas, even if they can not attend a late night service. 

The second question is about having worship on Sunday morning.  Some churches are not worshiping together this Sunday because they feel that Christmas morning is a time for families.  In Anglicanism, Christmas Day is a feast of the Church.  Many people are fond of saying "keep Christ in Christmas."  They don't like "happy holidays" or "xmas."  While I personally don't have a problem with these sayings, I understand the sentiment.  If we wish to truly keep Christ in Christmas, I would say that the best way to do that is to make Christmas about worshiping him.

I would also like to say that Christians have met, when possible, for Word and Sacrament every Sunday morning for 2000 years.  Each Sunday morning is a Feast of the Resurrection.  This Sunday is no different just because it happens to fall on Christmas Day.  So this Sunday we gather for two reasons: to celebrate the Incarnation and the Resurrection.  If personally find this to be a compelling reason to at least offer the possibility of worshiping together on Sunday morning.

Finally and very importantly, let me remind  you of Paul's words in Colossians 2:16-17: "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ."  Some of you will not go to church on Saturday night or Sunday morning.  Let no one judge you, and let none of us judge those who do not attend church.  Let us not judge churches that chose not to meet.  I do no think poorly of any person who wishes to stay at home on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and celebrate with their family.  I do no judge or condemn them.  Rather, I write to you today simply to explain why it is that in the Anglican tradition we do things the way we do. 

Bless you all.  Have a blessed Advent and a joyous Christmas,

 

The Reverend Thomas McKenzie

Blessed is He

We know very little about Mary’s fiancé. He was quite possibly a woodworker. It is likely he is around 20 years old when we first meet him in Matthew’s Gospel.  At this juncture in the story, Mary had become pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.  She had immediately left town for three months. Now she has returned to Nazareth and it is obvious that she is going to have a baby. A close reading of the Bible reveals that it is possible Mary didn’t tell Joseph that she was pregnant or how it happened. He may have found out the same way everyone else had (by looking at her).
Regardless of how he found out, Joseph showed remarkable compassion and restraint. In those days an engagement was a legal contract. Joseph could have publicly humiliated Mary and her family. Some scholars say that he could have sued Mary’s father for allowing the girl to be “damaged.” However, the New Testament tells us “because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.” (Matthew 1:19)

It was then that Joseph had his own conversation with an angel. The first chapter of Matthew’s gospel tells us about a dream he had in which God revealed that Mary’s pregnancy was from the Holy Spirit. The Bible then says that Joseph took Mary home with him, but they did not have sex until after she had given birth. (Matthew 1:24-25)

Joseph and Mary moved in together while she was pregnant. At that moment they were technically married according to custom. No ceremony is mentioned, just the fact of cohabitation. The other villagers assumed that the baby was his, or at least he would raise it has his own. In their eyes Joseph was at best immoral, at worst a fool.

Entitlement is the belief that you deserve things to go your way. God or the Universe or the Church or the Nation owe you something. When you don’t get what you want, you are angry and bitter. I believe entitlement is one of the most disastrous of spiritual sicknesses.

Joseph did not suffer from entitlement. When it seemed Mary had broken her contract, he decided to be merciful. When God told him he would have to raise a son who was not his, he gladly took Mary and the boy into his home. When Joseph is forced to go to Bethlehem, and then flee to Egypt, he moves forward in God’s plan with no recorded complaint. He is the model of a man who is not getting what he wants or what he ‘deserves,’ and yet is faithful to the Lord and to his family.

May God give us the grace to lay down our entitlements, like Joseph does. May God give that grace to all his Church in this Advent season.

Blessed is She

Luke 1:26-38

The woman who would be called the Mother of God lived in a small town called Nazareth.  Nazareth was part of an unimportant district known to the Romans simply as “the Circuit,” a word that comes to us as “Galilee.”  I grew up in the West Texas Panhandle, also an unimportant district with lots of tiny towns.  Some of these only have one traffic light or one restaurant (often a Dairy Queen).  These towns are little more than wide spots in the road where a few shops and houses have been built near each other. We call them “one horse towns.”  That’s what Nazareth was--a one horse town, a rest stop between other places.  A tiny insignificant place inside a larger insignificant place. 

We know that Mary was unmarried and a virgin. Scholars agree that she was around the age of 14.  It is most likely that her engagement with Joseph was arranged by her parents.  There would have been a combination of political, social, and economic reasons why he was chosen above other possible suitors.  In their culture, Mary would be given over to Joseph along with some of her father’s possessions (a dowry) and she would become his wife. Being a wife was a great deal like being a piece of property.  Mary would be expected to have children, care for her family, and engage in the life of the village as she had been trained and taught since childhood.  There was no reason for Mary to believe her life would be any different from all the other women she saw around her and knew so well. 

Mary’s life took an unexpected turn when an Angel came to her. We don’t know where this encounter happened, what time of day or night.  We have no description of Gabriel or of Mary.  We do know that this visit changed everything. 

In just a few sentences in the Book of Luke, Mary reveals her distress, her fear, her astonishment, and her curiosity.  She is a person just like us.  When an angel from God tells her that she will give birth to a king who will reign forever, she focuses not on the brilliant future but the practical reality staring her in the face.  She hasn’t had relations with a man.  Every person who lives around animals (like girls in ancient small towns) knows exactly where babies come from.   When the angel tells Mary that this will be the work of the Holy Spirit, Mary immediately gives herself over the God. She accepts that she will become pregnant without sex, and that this is the divine will.

I went to school in a small, religious town. In my high school we had a couple of girls who got pregnant and carried the baby to term.  I saw how those girls suffered--the stares, the gossip, and the abandonment they must have experienced from former friends.  As their pregnancies progressed, our public school wouldn’t even let them come to class. Instead, they received “tutoring” in their homes.  I don’t believe any of these girls graduated.

Consider Mary’s situation.  She lived in a society that was much more sexually conservative than ours.  She lived in a tiny, close knit community.  In our society we have credit scores and reputations and social standing acquired through education or wealth.  These things tell other people who we are and what we are worth.  In Mary’s society, they had “honor.”  By being unmarried and pregnant, Mary had dishonored herself, her father, her family, and Joseph.  She was in danger of losing everything.  By becoming pregnant outside of her relationship with Joseph, there was a very real possibility that Mary would be driven out of her father’s house and left to wander.  She could possibly end up in slavery or prostitution or both. 

Mary accepted the angel’s message and took an enormous risk.  She did this for her people and for us as well.  She did it through the work of God’s grace.  This was not her strength alone.  Gabriel tells her that she has received grace (favor), and he’s right.  Nonetheless, she cooperated in God’s work.  As Advent begins to draw to a close and Christmas comes ever closer, I give thanks to God for the gift of Christ.  I also give him thanks for the grace he gave that little Palestinian girl.  She inspires me today to trust the Lord and let him take care of the outcomes. 

If you are reading this as a note on facebook, may I recommend you visit www.ThomasMcKenzie.com for the full service version?

The Great AMEN

 I’m a huge fan of Handel’s Messiah.  I’m especially fond of the tenor solos, and the Isaiah texts generally.  The Hallelujah Chorus is, of course, a highlight.  Whenever I  hear the “Comfort me, my people,” I think about my own calling as a pastor.  Of them all, my favorite part is the final chorus entitled "Worthy is the Lamb."  It is taken from Revelation 12, and it says:

“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Blessing, and honour, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.   Amen.”

It probably took you a few seconds to read those words.  It takes a great deal longer to sing them.  The Amens by themselves go on for quite some time.  These Amens minister to my soul.  Musically they are transcendent, though that is not why I love them so much.  I love them because they remind me that Heaven itself says “Amen.”  In other words, there is a final word to all that is taking place on earth, and that word belongs to God alone.  Amen means that everything will come to a conclusion, that all that has gone before will be summed up.  The eternal purpose of my life will be made known, and that purpose will rest entirely in the grace of Christ. 

Right now, I need that Amen.  I need a conclusion to my concerns, my worries, and my questions.  I need God to have the final word on all that I am going through, both the good and the bad.  I need my mind and heart to be reordered so that I can look into the Heavenly Throne Room and see the angels of God giving him glory and honor.  I want my eyes off of myself and on Christ.  I want to join with the four living creatures and sing a great ‘AMEN’ to those praises.

May God grant me and you an Advent in which we catch a glimpse of that Amen.  May he open our hearts and minds and eyes and ears so that we may see that this Amen is coming in the future, and that it happening even now. Our God reigns now, and he will reign forever and ever.  Amen. 

The Christmastime Fast

From Fr. Thomas

The prophet Isaiah writes,
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free; and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—;
when you see the naked, to clothe them; and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn; and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
--Isaiah 58:6-8

Advent is a season of fasting.  All around us the World is shopping, eating, drinking, partying.  Of course, so are we.  We are celebrating, and why not?  This is a great time of year to gather with friends and family, co-workers and fellow students.  This is a season of good food and good times.

Still, the Church is called upon to fast.  Does that mean we should avoid this year’s office party?  Maybe, maybe not.  That is up to you.  Let me offer you this possibility. 

In the Book of Isaiah, the Holy Spirit counsels us that fasting is not just about giving up food.  It is also about sharing with the poor.  In the secular world, the Christmas season is about buying and receiving, as well as giving to those we love.  In the Church world, the Advent season is about supporting our fellow believers, giving to those who are in need, and even giving to those whom we don’t know as an act of Christian love.

This is a great time of year to make a special offering to your church.  After all, the Bible tells us “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10).  It is also a good time of  year to give to organizations which focus on the poor.  In yesterday’s meditation, I spoke about giving to World Vision or working with FAM.  As a Pastor, I believe it is vital for you to give to their church.  I also believe it is vital to care for the poor.  How you do that is of much less interest to me than THAT you do it.  In this season let’s remember to fast.  Sometimes by not eating, sometimes by giving.

Let me end with this encouraging message I received from Bruce and Cindy Colville.  They sold paper beads from Uganda last Sunday between services at our church.  Here is their report:

“In keeping with our exhortations to give for the good, to those in need...in the name of Christ —
We sold, no let me change that, Redeemer Church GAVE $975.00 to the Uganda Orphan School in the sale of the paper beads. That is pretty awesome.

Cariana Nash, the young woman in Kampala, has a break-even with each child that needs to be sponsored or is attending the school. (Many of the kids have no support.)  One child's school fees: a uniform (including socks plus a p.e. uniform), breakfast and lunch, necessary school supplies and some small portion toward salaries for teachers/staff, their rent, utilities, etc. is $35US per month.   There are, of course, a lot of other expenses.

Seen another way, two children are fully provided for during this next school year...and then some because of Redeemer’s generosity. That is really awesome.”

Amen to that.

The Theme of Advent

For many years, I have led a Bible study on Tuesdays at lunch time.  This is an open group.  Anyone is invited to come.  I have several “regulars” and we often have visitors.  In the past few months, the number of people coming has grown, which has been encouraging.  We usually read and discuss a book of the Bible verse by verse.

As Advent was about to begin, I suggested we study Colossians.  I said I thought that Colossians has a natural Advent theme.  Today one of my regulars asked me a great question.  She asked “why this book?”  We’ve been reading it and studying it for a few weeks.  What does this book have to say about Advent?

That was a great question, and one I had failed to address!  I responded, and thought that this might make a good Advent meditation for all of us.

Colossians 1:13 says “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”  Compare that to the Collect for this week.  “Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.”

Without Christ, we live under in the domain of darkness.  As the Book of Colossians goes on, we see that this domain is multi-layered.  We live under the dominion of Caesar, a false king.  We live under the rule of the natural forces of the world.  We live under philosophies and ideas; even the Law itself.  We constantly have to prove ourselves to our rulers, whether they be good rulers (moral laws) or bad rulers (Caesar).

Christ didn’t come to destroy these rulers.  Instead, he came to rescue us from their domination.  He transferred us out of their authority and into his glorious kingdom.  Do governments and natural rules and philosophies and moral codes still exist?  Yes, of course.  Are they sometimes good and helpful?  Certainly?  Do we now live under their control, seeking to do their will so as to acceptable to God?  No, not at all.

This is the theme of Advent: the King is coming.  He is not one of many kings, one of many rulers.  He is the sole King, the only legitimate ruler.  In his great might he comes among us.  He rescues us from our sin.  He even rescues us from our own self-righteousness.

Are we then free to act however we please?  No, we are called to do right, to live good and godly lives.  But how we act is not longer the foundation of who we are.  Our identity is not found in my good or bad behavior.  It is found in the triumph of Jesus on the cross.

When I do good, I belong to Jesus.  When I sin, I belong to Jesus.  When I disappoint someone, I still belong to Jesus.  When they disappoint me, I still belong to Jesus.  The King is coming, and has come.  He is Lord of all whether we recognize him or not.  Advent is, in part, about recognizing him.

One Minute Review: Melancholia

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Praying Shapes Believing

By now, you have probably seen that there has been some unfortunate and painful things going on in the Anglican Mission (AMiA) this week.  I don’t like seeing these problems.  I find them disturbing, saddening, and maddening.  Yet I am not surprised by them.  Oh, I am surprised by the specific problems, but I am not surprised to see sin, misunderstanding, and possibly down right power politics in the Body of Christ.  Why am I not surprised?  Because I see these things in myself, in my own heart and soul.

I know that I am a sinner.  Not a “sinner” in quotation marks.  A real sinner, a person who was born sinful and who actualizes sin in my daily life.  I also believe that human sinfulness is evenly distributed.  Everyone I know is a sinner, just like me. 

As a Christian I have somewhere to go with this reality.  “Wretched man that I am!  Who will set me free from this body of death?  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25)  As I recognize the reality of my sinfulness, I am driven to give glory to God in Christ who alone sets me free. 

As an Anglican, I have a way to live this out in worship.  During the Advent season we begin our Eucharistic liturgies (our Communion services) with a reading of the Law.  We then remember that we have broken the Law; we then pray a prayer of contrition.  What a way to start a service near Christmas: “here is God’s Word, recognize that you have broken it, now repent!”  But that is one way that we live out the Spirit's word to us in Romans.  We look at reality square in the face and this drives us to our knees (literally). 

Later in our liturgy we say this prayer “Grant, Almighty God, that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth, live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.  Lord, in your mercy; hear our prayer.”  This is especially meaningful to me this week.  Right now, in our part of Anglicanism, we are not united, we are not living together in love, and we are not revealing Christ’s glory in the world.  So what do we do?  Fix it?  Cover it up?  Make it go away? I hope not!  Instead, we say “Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.”  May we seek the Lord and his mercy.  He is our only hope right now, as he has always been. 

Later still, in the Great Thanksgiving, we say “Father, almighty and ever living God, at all times and in all places it is right to give you thanks and praise.”  This is an important way to remember this reality.  At all times, God is worthy.  In all places, he deserves our praise.  In all things, he deserves our thanks.  Even when the people we rely on don’t seem to be holding it together very well.  Even when things look pretty darn bad.  Maybe especially then. 

In Great Tradition churches we have a saying: Lex orandi, lex credendi.  It means  "the law of prayer is the law of belief.”  Essentially, what we pray shapes what we believe.  If being an Anglican means being part of our particular organization, this is not a good week to be an Anglican.  But if it also means to be formed by the liturgy?  Then I’m so grateful to be an Anglican, because in this tradition I have a wealth of resources to point both myself and my church to Jesus even in the midst of trying times.  May we be shaped by our prayers this week, and may we find ourselves falling at the feet of the Coming King.

(Let me say I know that this whole Anglican conflict may not be of any interest to you.  I hope that you might see this as an example of how, through worship, the Gospel becomes more relevant as we confront any difficulty in our lives).

A Pastoral Letter to My Congregation Regarding the AMiA

Dear Church of the Redeemer

I hope that you are all having a blessed Advent season.  For me, it has been both more difficult and more meaningful than I expected.  I am grateful for the opportunity to engage in daily worship, pastoral care, and written reflection with you all.  I look forward to a continued holy Advent as well as the dawning of Christmas.

I’m writing to you all today to inform you that the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA) has entered into a time of transition.  For some of you who follow these things on the various Anglican websites, this will not be news to you.  For most of you this may or may not be entirely interesting.  I will do my best to explain a complex situation as briefly and directly as possible.

I must begin with some background.  Church of the Redeemer joined the AMiA back in July of 2004, just as we were beginning as a church.  The AMiA was a mission organization of the Anglican Church of Rwanda.  The Archbishop of Rwanda was Emmanuel Kolini.  He gave oversight to the AMiA.  Bishop Chuck Murphy was the American leader of the AMiA and T.J. Johnston was our bishop.

During my years in the AMiA, it has changed in many ways.  It has never been an organization that loved structure.  As someone who is not entirely comfortable with change, I can tell you that I have not always enjoyed this element of the AMiA.  I have  however noticed that, generally speaking, these changes typically turned out for the better.

A couple of years ago another organization was birthed in the U.S. This was the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA).  I was there for the beginning of this group, as was the rest of the AMiA.  The AMiA currently is a partner of the ACNA but we are not the same group.  Redeemer is relationally connected with the ACNA while we have been happily part of the AMiA since our founding.  My personal hope is that someday these organizations will be even more closely connected, if not one in the same.

Over the past few months, the top leadership of the AMiA (by which I mean Bishop Chuck Murphy in conjunction with the AMiA bishops and the bishops in Rwanda) have been discussing a change at the top level of the organization.  Bishop Murphy and others have been considering the possibility of transitioning the AMiA from a Rwandan ministry to an international ministry under a panel of archbishops.  This would mean the AMiA would be something church lawyers call a “mission society.”

Apparently this discussion unearthed a great deal of tensions at the bishop level.  I have to honestly tell you that I was unaware of these tensions.  These conflicts came to a sudden flashpoint a few days ago.  Several letters were exchanged, charges were made, and poor communication abounded.  Most of this played out on gossipy “Anglican” blogs and websites.  The effect of all this was that most of the bishops in the Anglican Mission resigned from the House of Bishops of Rwanda.  This includes Chuck Murphy, our former bishop T.J. Johnston, and our current bishop Todd Hunter.

There is a lot of talk about this on the internet right now.  Rather than repeat all the ins-and-outs, let me recommend the best news story I have read: http://tinyurl.com/amiarwanda

So what about Church of the Redeemer?  I think it is vital that our leadership not take any quick action.  Jumping to conclusions based on incomplete facts has, in my opinion, been a leading cause of the current unpleasantness. The facts on the ground are changing very quickly.  No one knows how any of this is going to ultimately shake out.  Because all of this conflict is happening well above us in the hierarchy, I suggest that we all take on the Advent discipline of waiting and praying.

As of today, Church of the Redeemer is still a member of the Anglican Mission in the Americas.  I am still a priest in good standing in the Anglican Province of Rwanda.  Our bishop is still Todd Hunter.  Any of that might change in the next few months, but that is where we are right now.

Three retired archbishops, Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda and Moses Tay and Yong Ping Chung of Singapore have agreed to provide temporary oversight to the AMiA during this time of transition.  I have been told by our bishop that within the next two weeks we can expect to see the AMiA once again in relationship with a province of the Anglican Communion.  He has also told us that we can expect to get a full understanding of the next stage in the life of the AMiA at the Winter Conference (January 11-14 in Houston).  Any of you are welcome to join our staff at Winter Conference, if you would like.

My recommendation to our Elders is that we take no action until after Winter Conference.  It will be important for us to hear from the AMiA leadership.  After all, God has given us our relationship with the AMiA for these years.  If the AMiA ceases to be a legitimate option for Redeemer, then we may choose to continue on as a missionary congregation of Rwanda under a new bishop or we may choose to join the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA).

I am a person who believes in Divine Providence.  In other words, I believe that God is always at work, even in the midst of our sinfulness.  I do not believe that this break from Rwanda has transpired in a good and godly way.  I believe that bishops on all sides bare responsibility for this situation.  But I also believe that God is in the redemption business.  I have long hoped for an Anglican Province in this country that we can all be a part of.  I have long believed that each nation should have its own Province, rather than one national church being in charge of another.  While this is not the way I would have liked to see it happen, it may be that the Lord is bringing this vision to pass even in the middle of this mess.  I truly hope it is.

Ultimately, it will be up to our Elders to decide how Redeemer will deal with the long term implications of this situation.  So please pray for us.  Pray also for Todd our bishop.  In the mist of all of this, his wife is very ill and is having a serious surgery next week.  Please pray for our Archbishop Rwaje, as well as Chuck Murphy and all the other bishops involved.

I wish I had more information at this moment, but unfortunately I don’t.  I If you feel that you would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact me and set up a meeting.  I will do my very best to keep you, the congregation, informed as things develop.

Many blessings,


Fr. Thomas McKenzie
Pastor, Church of the Redeemer

M.E.'s Bible Verse

I had a bout with anxiety today, and anxiety got in a few good punches.  This is pretty typical for me.  Something happens that makes me afraid, I worry about it, I feel stressed, then I figure out how to make it O.K.  This process can happen in a few seconds.  Sometimes it lasts much longer. 

This time it took longer.  An hour or two after that initial hit, I was still processing my fear.  Then I remembered something M.E. Seckman told me on Sunday.  I was visiting with her and Tom.  We were talking about all sorts of things when she said "Philippians 4:6 is the first Bible verse I ever memorized."  She then repeated it from memory.  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  I told her "that's a good one."  I thought I should remember that verse.

So there I was a day later, processing my fear, trying to figure out how I was going to fix my problem.  Suddenly M.E.'s Bible verse came to mind.  "Do not be anxious about anything."  Well, that sounded good.  But how?  "In everything ... present your requests to God."  So I did.  I told God exactly what the problem is.  I then told him specifically what I need.  It wasn't very spiritual, in fact you might laugh if I told you what it is.  I was direct and to the point.  I then thanked him, as the verse also says to do.  I thanked him for his goodness, his love, and his faithfulness.

You know what happened?  I felt instantly better.  I experienced a sense of peace about the problem, a peace I still have several hours later.  Has God given me what (I think) I need?  Nope, not yet.  The issue is still there, and the solution is something I can not get for myself.  The problem is not fixed and it didn't go away; but, I am not longer anxious.  Why?  Because the Lord is faithful.  As I simply made my need known to him he freed me from my fear.  That is the work of his Holy Spirit, a work for which I am grateful.

Tomorrow I will probably experience something that makes me afraid.  I intend to remember M.E.'s Bible verse, Philippians 4:6.  I am offering it to you to remember as well.  Rather than be afraid, you and I can go to our Father who loves us.  We can tell him what we need and therefore give our (false) control over to his real power.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

One Minute Review: The Muppets

It's time to play the music
It's time to light the lights
But is it time to see the new Muppet movie?
The One Minute Review has all the answers.

God's Promises: An Advent Meditation

In 2 Samuel 7:8-16, the Lord promises David that the throne of his kingdom will be established forever.  God does put David’s son on the throne.  Then he gives the throne to David’s grandson, his great-grandson, his great-great=grandson and on and on.
Eventually, though, the sins of David’s sons built up to the point that their nation was dismantled and their reign was over.  Beginning with the deportation to Babylon, there was no descendent of David on the throne.  For many generations there was no throne at all, just foreign rulers.  Even when the Jews ruled themselves, their warlords were no longer the descendants of King David.

But God did not forget his promise.  Jesus of Nazareth is of the bloodline of David.  He came as ruler and even now he sits eternally enthroned.  Jesus is Lord. In him God’s promises are fulfilled. None of David’s other offspring could even have imagined such a glorious throne.

The promise did not come the way that many would have hoped, and it didn’t come in a way that was personally satisfying to thousands upon thousands of people.  Centuries passed in which it looked like God had forsaken his promise.  Generations lived and died and did not see the promise fulfilled.

Advent is a time when we expect the fulfillment of God’s promises.  God always keeps his word, but he doesn’t necessarily keep it according to our vision or our timing.  He will do what he said he will do, but he may not do it the way we wish.  He will provide for us, but maybe not give us what we want.  He will save us, but may not make us feel good while he’s doing it.  He will help us, but his help may bring us to some difficult places.

God does not promise instant anything.  Advent is a time to be reminded of God’s promises, but it is also a time to be patient for them.  Only by his grace will we be patient, because it is only in him and with his strength that we can hope to do any good thing.  He is trustworthy to give us grace, and we must rely on that grace to stay peacefully expectant.    He will fulfill his promises to his people and to his creation.  And he will do it in his own time and in his own way.

Of Good Boys and Slaves

Of Good Boys and Slaves
by Fr. Thomas McKenzie
On the occasion of the ordination of his friend Danny Bryant to the Sacred Order of Deacons
An Advent Meditation

Who is the coolest Star Wars character?  I’m sure you know the answer.  I imagine one could argue it’s Lando (because he’s played by Billy Dee Williams) or Boba Fett (because he’s so mysterious and owns a rocket backpack).  But the obvious answer is Han Solo.  The bad Good Guy, or good Bad guy, of the galaxy.  The scoundrel, the pirate, the bad boy who ultimately wins the heart of the Princess. 

When I was a child my favorite Star Wars character was Luke Skywalker.  That’s embarrassing to admit, but it’s true.  Why Luke and not Han?  Because Luke was a good boy.  I wanted to be a good boy.  I was the first born, the mature one, the moral one who didn’t give mom and dad any trouble.  At least until I became a teenager and repented.  Luke was the incarnation of good-boy-ness. 

Now that I’ve owned by good boy status, I hope it will not be insulting to say that Danny Bryant was a good boy, too.  He and I both grew up desiring to be good, moral, and right.  We both grew up in moralistic religions.  Different religions, but legalistic nonetheless.  While the Rules were quite different we both sought to obey them. 

It is no wonder then that we both grew up to be pastors.  The Pastorate is filled with grown up good boys and girls.  It is no wonder that Wednesday night Danny was ordained a Deacon (he will be ordained priest in a few months).  A deacon is someone called to serve others in the Church, especially the poor.  What better job for a moral person than to be the servant of all?

It is somewhat surprising then to read the Gospel passage the bishop chose for the ordination service.  Here is part of it. 

Jesus said “Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master will find on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table, and will come up and wait on them.”  (Luke 12:35-37, NASB)

Do you see what happened there?  It is easy to miss if you read it quickly.  Jesus is telling us to be ready for his coming.  He is the master, we are the slaves.  We don’t know when he is coming.  What happens when the master comes?  He knocks on the door and finds the servants alert.  Then the Master girds himself and serves the servants.  The slaves recline at the table while the Lord waits on them.

The World and the Church don’t need good boys.  They don’t need Luke Skywalkers.  They don’t need Han Solos either.  What the World and the Church need are sinners who will allow the Lord Jesus Christ to serve them. 

Danny is not good enough to be a Deacon.  I am not good enough to be a Priest.  None of us are good enough to be Christians, the children of God, members of the New Covenant Community of the Church.  Rather we are mere slaves who one day opened the door to find the Son of God standing there.  It was he who came to us, who served us from the Manger to the Cross to the Empty Tomb.  In his Ascension, his sending of the Holy Spirit, and in his promise to Return he serves us still.

The best Danny can hope to be is a sinner who, served by Christ and graced by the Spirit, might some days find the strength to serve others in Jesus’ Name.  That’s all any of us can hope for.  To be moved by the vast love of Jesus and perhaps to love someone else for his sake.