The Rest of the Story… Deborah, the prophetess and leader of the Israelites

Written by Fiona Monaghan What do we have in common with the Old Testament Israelites today? Probably not living in tents or measuring our wealth by the number of camels we own, but we do face a same choice as we go about our lives: Do we choose to obey or disobey a direction from God?

One of the stories that I have recently been studying is the story of Deborah in Judges. At the beginning of her story the Israelite people were following the familiar cycle in the Old Testament, falling into disobedience once again and had begun to worship local gods forsaking their allegiance to the one true God of Moses. As a result, they had been allowed by God to be oppressed under Caananite rule for the past 20 years.

Deborah was a Judge and Prophetess during this time. The people of Israelite would come to her and have their local and personal disputes settled. She would listen to the people and in turn listen to God. Using the wisdom given to her by God she would these issues. There was no written text to follow at this time; so what she spoke was purely that which she received from the Lord.

One day God told her it was time for an uprising on the part of Israel and that a man named Barak was the one to lead the revolt. However, Barak wasn’t too keen on the idea as Sisera, the general of the Canaanites, was much better equipped with 900 bronze chariots. Barak entreated Deborah to come with him. She complied but pointed out that it wouldn’t look very good if God delivered Sisera into the hands of woman and that he that needed to lead. Deborah knew that God had already planned out how the uprising would go, but He needed the people to believe and make it happen. He needed to use the arms, legs, and bodies of Israelites to do the work- to be obedient. They could say to God “go ahead and do what you need to do” but He works through people, using their arms and their legs, their hearts and their minds.

So what do we have in common with the Israelites? We have an opportunity to trust God and do great things. Do we trust God by being his hands and feet to make happen what He already has arranged OR do we continue in the years of bondage, frustration and unhealthy choices that are around us and within our families?

He already has a plan. He knows what it will take to bring it about. You need to choose whether you will fit into his plan and be the hands and feet in order to make it happen or go about life haphazard and wandering and wondering what happened. Make a decision what you are going to do.

Choose this day who you will serve. Make a difference in your life and in your family’s life. Get to know God personally and ask Him what he has for you to do. What it is that is needed to bring about change within yourself and those you care about? He will share His plan with you if you ask.

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Did you miss Pastor Tim's sermon? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnpA90SllnE

Photo credit

Is it Midnight yet?

By Pastor Becca McCary Do you remember glowing with excitement over your first sleepover as a kid? Two weeks ago the excitement among the kids of Washington Cathedral was palpable. As we planned the first winter all-nighter for the elementary kids, we expected about 10-15 people. However, as check-in began on Friday night, it quickly became clear that the excitement had spread to so many friends and family members that we packed the room to the brim! Their light and excitement filled the church café. The kids were glowing.

We loaded up the church bus, packing in kids as tight as we could. There was laughing, yelling, and singing the whole way to Pump It Up in Lynwood for their glow in the dark party. The kids played hard, sweat pouring from their little brows, smiles beaming across their faces.At 8pm, as we loaded the bus to head back to the church, one of the first grade girls, giddy with the new experience of a big kid party, asked with hope and enthusiasm, "is it midnight yet?” She was thrilled to be a part of something so fun and so new.

The rest of the evening carried more new experiences: running games in the church, a magic show from Pastor Rey, and for many of the kids, clad in footy pajamas, their first sleepover.

In less than 24 hours the kids got to hear the good news about Jesus in five different 10 minute lessons. So Sunday morning at the 11am service, as the kids began their new worship program, a different excitement, a different newness, and different glowing took place. The kids sang to God from their hearts, drenched in gratitude for the love of God. Their excitement over their first sleepover became coupled with an excitement for God that would bless their friends and community.

When was the last time you were genuinely excited? Are you doing what these kids did two weeks ago, allowing God's light to touch you so deeply that you can't help but glow too? God's love is always available to us, all we have to do is open ourselves up to it.

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No matter what reasons you have to be bored, discouraged, or even burned out, take heart from these words about Jesus in John 1:5, "A Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." God's light is ready to shine in your life and there is nothing that can overcome it. All you have to do is let it in.

And Hear the Angel's Voices!

It's the final countdown! Just a few more days before Christmas! You may feel busier than ever as you try to pack in last minute shopping and trying to make very moment a family memory. In the midst of the hustle and bustle don't forget one crucial component to your Christmas experience: worship. In the words of that favorite Christmas song, "Fall on your knees! And hear the angel's voices! O night divine! O night when Christ was born!" Or as the bible says:

Luke 2:13-14 NLT "Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others- the armies of heaven- praising God saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." 

More than anything else, Christmas time is a time to worship God, as we remember the profound gift of His son Jesus Christ. There is no greater gift than the gift of this baby. So as Christmas day closes in, don't miss your chance to worship.

Action Step: Go to a Worship Service 

More important than making time for a tree lighting ceremony, shopping, or a work holiday party, is making time to worship our God for the gift of Jesus. Bring your friends and family to a worship service and make a holy memory. You won't regret this moment to center yourself, remembering what we are celebrating in the first place. You will leave blessed and prepared to be a blessing to others. Washington Cathedral has Christmas Eve services at 4pm, 6pm, and 11:30 pm. It's that simple.

Photo credit: Abby Lanes

Joy to the World! Smiling is my favorite!

Christmas time is a time of joy, right? Christmas is meant to be a time of joy, yet this time of year is often the hardest for so many people. You or someone you know may find yourself reminded of loved ones lost, difficult childhood moments as a family, or maybe just some of life's disappointments. How can we be merry and bright with these challenges weighing over our hearts? Joy in the midst of weighty situations can be seen even in our Christmas story:

Luke 1:26-29 NLT "In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, 'Greetings favored woman! The Lord is with you!' Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.'" 

Mary was about to be given a weighty situation. A poor, politically marginalized, unmarried, teenager was about to become pregnant by the Holy Spirit. In her Jewish community, she could be stoned to death for getting pregnant outside of marriage. When she received this news, do you think she immediately felt joy? Do you think she was smiling? No! She was disturbed and confused, BUT she tried to think what the angle could mean. She opened herself up to God's possibilities for her life.

Even on days you may be discouraged, remember God has a plan for your life. He wants to use you to bless other people. Open your heart up to the possibility of joy that defies reason this Christmas season. Even in this midst of discouragement there can be beautiful moments of faith, love, and community.

Action Step: Smile 

You may have a day or moment this week where you feel discouraged or down. In this moment, open yourself up to be used by God to bless someone. Smile at those around you. Pray for them. They may need it more than you realize. And who knows; embracing joy may even bless you too.

 Photo credit: Megan Davis

Christmas Experience

Do you remember what it was like to wake up on Christmas morning as a child? Your eyes pop open: it's Christmas! You glance outside: it snowed!! The soft padding of your slippered feet as you dash into the living room: Santa came! Christmas is meant to be experienced, with sights and sounds and smells that burn the moment into your memory for years to come...A visceral experience that ignites the hope God intends for each of us.

On Sunday, December 21, bring the whole family to walk through the manger scene at Washington Cathedral. Little ones can hold a baby lamb to their chest as the Biblical story comes alive with a live petting zoo. Meet Mary and Joseph characters, and take a picture with Santa as a keepsake.

Help your family to remember, “Christmas doesn't come from a store...maybe Christmas means a little bit more.”

Christmas Experience - Sunday Dec 21^st and Dec 24^th

What - An unforgettable Christmas experience.  On Sunday, take a walk through the first Christmas with a kids drama, petting zoo, and even pictures with Santa.

On Christmas Eve, celebrate Christmas with our beautiful Candlelight Services. Afterwards come enjoy snacks and sing carols around a bonfire while you wait for a ride in a horse drawn carriage.

Why you should bring someone - Both of these are perfect opportunities to bring family and friends.  Pray about whom you can bring to these Christmas Experiences.

Help your family to remember, "Christmas doesn't come from a store...maybe Christmas means a little bit more."

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The Little Lord Jesus Lay Down his Sweet Head

Has this week felt overwhelming, too full, too busy, or just too much?! Most people feel this way around Christmas as you try to pack in work events, family events, church events, christmas shopping, the to do lists go on and on. Rather than racking yourself with guilt for getting swept up in the business of it all, just take a moment to pray.

The art of simplicity is not in becoming a recluse or completely disengaging from the world. The art of simplicity is found in this truth:

Mark 1:25-38 NLT "Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him they said, 'Everyone is looking for you.' But Jesus replied, 'We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came."

When Jesus had a lot of ministry to accomplish and lots of people needing him, that is when he took a moment to pray. You may think you are too busy to pray, but really the opposite is true. You are too busy NOT to pray. Yes, your schedule is full. Yes, lots of people need you. But you will not make it through this Christmas season with joy and peace, unless you stay connected to your Heavenly Father. So rather than getting overwhelmed, take little moments to lay down your sweet head. Take little moments to pray. Remember God has a plan for this day, this moment. He is with you.

Action Step: Listen to Christmas Music 

As you go through your busy day, turn on some Christmas music. It will remind you what this season, this day, this moment is all about: Jesus. As you sing along, allow your heart to pray. These little moments with just you and God will sustain you as you go through this busy season.

Photo credit: Nancy Bandzuch

Joy Conspiracy

Joy to the world, the Lord has come! To save and rescue, redeem and heal, restore and repair, and give life.  This year we want the world to know the good news.  That's what the Joy Conspiracy is all about.

Another year is nearly over and we wanted to thank you for being apart of Washington Cathedral. We hope you and your family have an Merry Christmas and wish you a very Happy New Year!

FAQ:

What - We are throwing Christmas parties throughout the community and  spreading the joy. Most parties will include caroling, Christmas stories, Christmas games, and yummy treats.  Each party will be different depending on the location. Some might include a visit from Santa Clause and cookie decorating or spreading Christmas joy through Christmas carols.

Where - We have selected a few places to go and serve from hospitals to shelters and even to the mall.

When - We are having these parties throughout the month of December.

Why - To share the good news of Christmas.  We want the families of our church to be ambassadors of the love of Christ all the world.

So check out the flyer and contact us for more information about a specific party.  Stop by the connection center in our foyer for all the details of Contact Rey at rey.diaz@wacathedral.org

Making a list and checking it twice!

It's here! It's advent! It's Christmas time! And before you know it your family will be making Christmas lists. As you rack your brain for every fun item you want, don't forget this truth: 1 John 3:1 NLT "See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!"

You are God's child. He made you, just as you are. He loves you more than you could ever imagine.

That's right, it's not the perfect items for your Christmas list that will make you better, more loved, or more complete. You are already fully and completely loved just as you are. You are God's child. So in the hustle and bustle of the season don't lose sight of who you are and whose you are. It's not a list that makes you; God made you, and he loves you.

Action Step: Make your lists!

Read 1 John 3:1-3 out loud as a family. To remind each other of who you are, take turns telling someone in your family something you love about them. Then, with that in mind, make your Christmas lists! Giving gifts is a great way to give and receive love, as long as you remember who you are and whose you are.