Pastoral Notes for Sunday, December 19, 2021

Dear Cornerstone Family,

After I wrote last week’s pastoral notes on my seasonal Christmas reading, a couple of you asked if I would be pulling together my traditional pre-Christmas pastoral notes of my favorite quotes. Well, the fact that at least two of you remembered that I typically write such a pastoral note prompted me to do it yet again this year! (Truth be told, I probably would have done it anyway.)

In addition to book quotes, one of you said, “Throw in a movie quote or two.” I rolled my eyes (in my heart), but I did oblige. Truth is, I watch several Christmas movies every year. Elf and National Lampoon’s Christian Vacation are always good for a laugh, or two, or three. My favorite all time Christmas movie is It’s a Wonderful Life. We faithfully watched it every year as a family growing up; a tradition I’ve managed to keep with my family. And yes, I cry every year. Like a baby.

So with no further ado, the wonder filled and whimsical, in no discernable order, all for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” —Elf

“Christ is the great central fact in the world’s history. To Him everything looks forward or backward. All the lines of history converge upon Him. All the great purposes of God culminate in Him. The greatest and most momentous fact which the history of the world records is the fact of his birth.” —Charles Spurgeon

“Merry Christmas, you filthy animal.”—Home Alone 2

“The whole life of Christ was a continual Passion; others die martyrs, but Christ was born a martyr. He found a Golgotha, where he was crucified, even in Bethlehem, where he was born. For to his tenderness then the straws were almost as sharp as the thorns after, and the manger as uneasy at first as the cross at last.”—John Donne

“Personally, of course, I believe in Santa Claus; but it is the season of forgiveness, and I will forgive others for not doing so.”—G.K. Chesterton

“I don’t know what to say, but it’s Christmas, and we’re all in misery.”—Ellen Griswold

“Behind all the fun and games at Christmastime, we should not try to escape a sense of awe, almost a sense of fright, at what God has done. We must never allow anything to blind us to the true significance of what happened at Bethlehem so long ago. Nothing can alter the fact that we live on a visited planet.”—J.B. Phillips

Grace & Peace,

 

Pastoral Notes for Sunday, December 12, 2021

Dear Cornerstone Family,

Though it’s harder and harder to find the time, one of the things I enjoy most about Advent is seasonal reading. Over the years, I’ve collected quite a few volumes. Almost two full shelves in my library are devoted to yuletide reflecting. Some of the works are classic; some are new. Some are fiction; others are non-fiction. Many of them I return to almost every year; often not to read in their entirety, but to dip into, sample, reflect on, and then carry with me throughout the season.

Watch for Light is a book I crack open every year at some point. It is a collection of Advent and Christmas stories, prayers, and devotionals from writers throughout history and from across a wide spectrum of the Christian tradition. I will foray into this work several times throughout the season always with great benefit.

I love Incarnation, a beautifully illumined work that combines poetry, prayer, and theological reflection on the mystery of God becoming man, by Alistair McGrath. The presentation of truth with artistry make this work an enduring contribution worthy of regular revisitation.

One work I picked up this year and thoroughly enjoyed was Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard. It’s a poetic retelling of the story of St. Nicholas. The book brings together fact and myth with beauty and grace, connecting the ministry of St. Nicholas with the legend of Santa Claus. Bustard is a remarkable artist and he’s done a marvelous job not only retelling the story but illustrating it. It is a children’s book, but don't let that scare you away. Children of all ages will enjoy it.

For devotional purposes, I’m reading Sinclair Ferguson’s new work, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace. What wonderfully rich fare it is—full of interesting insights from Matthew’s retelling of the birth of Christ. Those of us who have read Ferguson over the years have come to appreciate his interpretive perceptiveness. He’s always drawing out profound connections between the Old Testament and the New Testament, emphasizing the fulfillment that comes in Jesus Christ. For instance, in speaking of Christ’s birth, I read this morning, “Matthew’s point is that this unique event [Jesus’s birth] is nothing less than a new creation. The words ‘genealogy’ (in Matthew 1:1) and ‘birth’ in (Matthew 1:18) both translate the same Greek word–genesis. God was beginning again in Jesus Christ.” What a beautiful insight!

Speaking of books, stop by The Bookshelf this morning. You can snag The Dawn of Redeeming Grace for only $10 or the wonderful recent collection of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christmas writings called God is in the Manger. It’s only $7! You won’t find better prices anywhere.

In addition to seasonal titles, you will find a host of other books dealing with a wide variety of practical Christian living topics. Who knows, you might something for the important people on your holiday shopping list... There’s nothing like the gift of good reading!

Grace & Peace,

 

Pastoral Notes for Sunday, December 5, 2021

Dear Cornerstone Family,

One of the traditions of the Christmas season at Cornerstone is our annual Service of Lessons & Carols. For those new to our midst or unfamiliar with the history behind this glorious service, a little background might be in order. The service began in 1918 at King’s College Cambridge led by Eric Milner-White, who was Dean of King’s College at the time. The opening service was received with such great acclaim that it became an annual tradition at King’s College and is today one of the most beloved Christmas services throughout the world.

Throughout the years, the service has, for the most part, remained the same. Minor revisions were made in 1919 involving rearrangements of the lessons. And every year there are adaptations of music and carols, though the service has always opened with one of my favorite hymns, “Once in Royal David’s City.”

The BBC first broadcast the service in 1928 and, with the exception of 1930; the service has been broadcast every year since. It was even broadcast during World War II when the stained glass windows of the cathedral and the heat source were removed from the building for security reasons. During those dark and tumultuous days for the world, the service of Lessons and Carols provided a gospel reminder of hope and peace.

When the broadcast extended oversees in the mid 1930’s, its popularity quickly spread worldwide. As the popularity of the service grew, churches around the globe began to adapt the service for their own corporate use.

If you’ve never attended a Lessons & Carols service, you’re in for a real treat on December 12. Through Scriptural lessons and carols, we will course through the unfolding of gospel of Jesus Christ from Old to New Testament. We will experience what Dean Milner-White called, “the development of the loving purposes of God through the windows and words of the Bible.”

The choir and musicians have been preparing faithfully to make this a memorable night of worship and will present services at 5:00 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. Please do not miss this opportunity to prepare your heart for Christmas! Moreover, there’s often an increased openness toward spiritual matters during the holiday seasons, so don’t forget to invite family, friends, and neighbors to join you for the service. This a great opportunity to introduce those you love to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Grace & Peace,

 

Pastoral Notes for Sunday, November 28, 2021

Dear Cornerstone Family,

As is our custom at Cornerstone, we have set aside the four weeks leading up to Christmas to prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. This year we will consider the mystery of the incarnation and the hope of Christ’s return through the writing of the most often referenced Old Testament prophet in the New Testament, the prophet Isaiah.

Arguably better than any other Old Testament book, Isaiah provides a compelling vision of the person and work of the coming Messiah. As we trace the prophetic shadows into the light of fulfillment, we will once again see the wonder of the Christ child and the power of redeeming love.

If you are able, set aside time on Saturday evening to read through the text for Sunday. You might even access the bulletin online, taking a look at the other readings and hymns. You may be surprised by how a little preparation on Saturday evening can open your heart to the Spirit’s work in worship.

Prepare the Way of the Lord

  • November 28, “Peace, Peace both Near and Far” (Isaiah 57:14-19)

  • December 5, “All Flesh Shall See it Together” (Isaiah 40:1-11)

  • December 12, “Do Not Despise the Day of Small Things” (Isaiah 11:1-10)

  • December 19, “Singing All the Way Home” (Isaiah 35:1-10)

As we course through Advent, my prayer is that we will learn the godly discipline of eagerly waiting for the long- in-coming Savior. For by looking back and remembering Christ’s first advent, we prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord a second time. Moreover, our longing for Christ’s return grows all the more! For as we glimpse the glory of Bethlehem, we can’t help but turn in anticipation to the promised and coming New Jerusalem.

When Christmas (finally) arrives this year, let’s enjoy it. Let’s feast! Let’s sing and dance! Truly, let’s take hold of the gospel afresh and celebrate in a way that matches the good news of great joy that is for all people.

And when the season of Epiphany commences, let’s be ready to follow Jesus in the New Year. Just as the magi from the East followed the star all the way to Jesus, we will once again set our mind on things above, where Christ is, and take up our missionary call. By God’s grace, we will grow more into the church God has called us to be—a city set on a hill, a light that cannot be hidden.

Grace & Peace,

 

Pastoral Notes for Sunday, November 21, 2021

Dear Cornerstone Family,

We made it. Happy anniversary, Cornerstone! Ten years ago, Cornerstone was received as a member church in the Presbyterian Church in America. Over the last ten years, we’ve seen God do amazing things, and I’m thrilled for the special opportunity today in worship to remember God’s faithfulness and rejoice in God’s grace as together we renew our commitment to God’s call.

Knowing we were preparing for today’s anniversary, a friend asked me this week, “What’s one truth that stands out to you after ten years of pastoring Cornerstone?” Like a reflex of soul, I quickly responded, “How much we all need Jesus.” Then, after a short pause, I added, “And how much we all need the church.”

The claim that we all need Jesus is a given. Who would disagree with that? But the claim that we all need the church? Well, that’s a different story. I’m remembering just now a conversation I shared with a young lady some years ago. She was questioning the importance of the church, and I was making a defense for its necessity. After reflecting with her on several key Scriptural images for the church, I quoted John Calvin, who was channeling the early church father Cyprian when he said that a person can “...no longer have God for his Father, who has not the Church for his mother.” That’s Calvin’s way of saying you can’t have one (salvation) without the other (the church). They are a packaged deal.

Every Sunday in worship we confess to believe in “one holy catholic church.” When we do that, we are claiming that our faith in Christ can’t be extricated from other Christians. That Jesus didn’t just die for persons individually; he died to make us a people. When we are saved, we are saved into a community. Our faith in Christ is personal, but it’s never private. In summary, we need the church, because we are the church.

When we bring together the realization of how much we need Jesus with how much we need the church, we’re brought to the realization of how important it is to offer praise and thanksgiving to God. In preparation for today, I took time to think back on the ten years of Cornerstone’s existence. As I did so, I had a hard time finding the words to express the depth of my gratitude.

The love and patience you’ve shown to me and my family over the years simply blows me away. The care and generosity you’ve displayed toward one another has been nothing short of exemplary. The impact you’ve made in Franklin and beyond is striking. As one pastor recently told me, “When it comes to witness, Cornerstone punches above its weight.” He’s absolutely right, and to God be the glory!

Truly, it’s a privilege to simply be numbered among you. That’s to say nothing of being your pastor! An honor I do not deserve, but one I most deeply cherish. It’s true, my friends, the lines have fallen in pleasant places for us. God has been faithful beyond our wildest imaginings. So, let’s do what we came here to do! Let’s enter His gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise today. Let’s be whole- hearted and full-throated in our worship, acknowledging first the goodness of our God toward us in Christ and, secondly, in the gift of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. Let’s worship God!

Grace & Peace,