Eric's Ponderings

When was the last time you really thought about the wise men? We don't know a whole lot about them, but we do know they came from the east. They were star watchers. It seems they were almost waiting for this event to happen. But why and how? Some biblical scholars think it's from the influence and lasting legacy of Daniel when he was held captive in Babylon. Most likely he would have been one of the chief wise men.

The wise men were not at the manger on Christmas night. They came to the home of Jesus a number of months later. So if you have your wise men at the manger scene, put them in the kitchen or something.

There were not just three. There was a whole caravan. To travel as far as they did, with the expensive gifts they had, was a sure way not to arrive if there were only three of you.

Looked at a different way, we see that a number of things are true in how we know the story. They noticed God at work and took action to be part of it. One of the key ways they did this was to bring their very best to Jesus. The gold, frankincense and myrrh were important and valuable resources of the day.

So think about this. They traveled thousands of miles, putting themselves at great risk, to present their very best to this baby named Jesus. That, to me, is faith in action.

As we, individually and as a church, close out 2009 I'd like the wise men's faith- filled example to push us to consider how was our faith lived out this past year and how do we hope to live it out in 2010?

Just as we do with the wise men, we can accept a lot of things about ourselves but unless we slow down and examine our faith and practice, we will never test the truth of ourselves. So I encourage you, take the time to slow down and notice what God is doing in your life, family and here at Cornerstone.

Then move beyond just noticing the good, the bad and the ugly. Take part. Be active with what God is doing in your life and our life here at Cornerstone. Don't fall into self-pity but work with God's transforming grace and become more than you are today.

For our church, just don't sit back and wait to see what will happen. If you have a concern share it and be ready to help with the solution. Don't get so caught up in the shortcomings and concerns that you miss what God is doing to grow, transform and love people into the kingdom, through this beautiful mess called Cornerstone. Never underestimate what God can and will do with what you offer Him of your time, talents and resources. Did you ever notice the amazing series of events that were set into motion by the wise men's gifts? Remember how soon after the wise men's visit, Mary, Jesus and Joseph had to flee to Egypt? We know they were a poor family, so where did they get the money to live in Egypt for all those years? I would have loved to have seen Mary and Joseph's faces when they looked at each other with tears in their eyes, contemplating how they were going to survive. And then they both looked over, to the corner of their home, and focused on the the gold, frankincense and myrrh lying around.

Do you think the wise men ever thought they would play such a significant role in God's plan? How could they? My guess is they simply gave what they could, to honor this special child and had no idea that God was going to use it the way He did. Likewise we have no idea how God is going to use what we offer Him but in faith and love we offer all that we have and all that we are and watch God work. There's nothing like it.

So as we enter into 2010 (sounds so futuristic doesn't it?) how are you leveraging your time, talent and resources to be part of what God is doing? Consider these questions and practical ways to follow in the steps of the wise men presenting to the Lord Jesus your very best.

• Be praying for a pre-Christian friend on a regular basis. Look for ways to invest in that relationship and opportunities to invite them to take next steps on their faith journey.
• It's Jesus birthday right? Consider giving Jesus a gift this Christmas. If you have kids, join with them, and wrap a note to Jesus or something that is symbolic of your gift. Place it under the tree and as the last gift Christmas morning open and share with one another what you are giving to Jesus in 2010.
• Look over the enclosed Cornerstone U class schedule and consider what class you'd like to take. What class would you like to see offered? Let us know. You can also download a PDF of the class list here: http://bit.ly/CStoneU-Schedule.

The story of Christmas is an ancient one. But it is a story that can be experienced over and over, each day of year, if you have eyes to see and the faith to follow. For God is still inviting us to participate with Him in extraordinary ways. And to that kind of invitation how can we not offer our very best?

Praying we experience God's Kingdom like never before in 2010!

Pastor Eric Haskins