Pastor's Corner

The Interruption of Joy

I read an amazing story about a little nine-year old boy who lived in the bayou in Louisiana who was introduced to the saving grace of God. A pastor told this little boy about the greatest love story ever told, the Gospel. After hearing the story this little boy received his free gift of salvation from God. The pastor then invited him to church for the first time. The youngster exclaimed, "You bet!." Keep in mind that this boy had never been to church before. The church was a real big one. The little kid just sat there clueless of what was going on. A few minutes into the service these tall guys walked down to the front and picked up some wooden plates. One of the men prayed and the kid, with utter fascination, watched them walk up and down the aisles. He still didn't know what was going on.
All of a sudden like a bolt of lightning, it hit the kid what was taking place. These people must be givning money to Jesus. He then reflected on the free gift of life he had received just twenty-four hours earlier. He immediately searched his pockets, front and back, and couldn't find a thing to give to God. By this time the offering plate was being passed down his aisle and with a broken heart he just grabbed the plate and held on to it. He finally let go and watched it pass on down the aisle. He turned around to see it passed down the aisle behind him.
And then his eyes remained glued on the plate as it was passed back and forth, back and forth all the way to the rear of the sanctuary. Then he had an idea. This little nine-year old boy, in front of God and everybody, got up out of his seat. He walked about eight rows back, grabbed the usher by the coat and asked to hold the plate one more time. Then he did the most astounding thing I have ever heard of. He took the plate, sat it on the carpeted church floor and stepped into the center of it. As he stood there, he lifted his little head up and said, "Jesus, I don't have anything to give you today, but just me. I give you me?"
This is often an intense and stressful time of the year for many people. Over-booked agendas make us over-extended. Stress makes itself known in the possible war in the Gulf, Middle East, in our up and down economy, uncertain future for young people, in every shopping, every holiday party, even at Church program rehearsals and choir practices. But if we notice, that even at these stressful intense times, it can happen. In the midst of it all, Joy bursts in. It interrupts the stress with relief, the darkness with light, the turmoil with peace.
The prophet Zephaniah wrote during an intense, stressful, anxious time for God's people. But in his closing words: "The Lord your God is with you!" That is also where we find our joy in the gift of God (ImmanuelŠGod with us) is when God burst in and interrupted our world with Joy to all people. God gifted us with pardon for our sins, peace in place of turmoil, and light in place of darkness.
Some of us might not have to give to God. I think like the young child in the story. We can give ourselves to God and to others. Keeping Christ central, we can enjoy the season. Sing carols, gather for family fun. Even make shopping a joyous celebration of God's goodness when we "give me" to God as an offering and sacrifice of praise.
May God richly bless you during this Advent season.

Merry Christmas and a happy prosperous New Year.
Your friend and pastor
Samuel King-Kabu
pastor@st-ansgars-montreal.ca

Web Page prepared by:
Roger Kenner & Jette Blair.
Content-New Topics Last Updated: 2003/12/11
St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church - Montreal