Pastoral Notes for Sunday, December 26, 2021

Dear Cornerstone Family,

Today is the final Lord’s Day of 2021! Can you believe it? It’s a remarkable grace to weekly meet together in the presence of the Lord and feast on His Word. How faithful our God has been to commune with us this year, portioning out His grace to our gospel-needy souls.

A few months ago, a visiting worshiper, passing through town on his way back to Kansas, said to me at the door, “Boy, you guys sure love the Bible.” When he said that, I wasn’t sure if he thought that was a good thing or not, but he is absolutely right. The Bible is the foundation for all we do at Cornerstone. Every week the worship service is filled to the brim with the truth of God’s Word. Whether reading, preaching, singing, or praying we want the truth of the Scriptures to wash over us, and, by the power of the Spirit, to have a transformative impact on our heart and life (Ephesians 5:26-27).

As central and necessary our weekly Bible intake is in corporate worship, one feeding a week is simply not enough. In the same way that one meal a week cannot meet your physical needs, one meal on God’s Word a week cannot meet your spiritual needs. This is why over and over in the Bible God calls His people to daily feedings on Scripture (Psalm 1:1-2, Joshua 1:8), and why Jesus says we cannot expect to survive spiritually if we’re not regularly consuming every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).

If we took an honest look at our patterns of Bible intake, many of us would likely find that our souls are suffering from spiritual malnutrition. Just as our stomach growls when we’re hungry, our soul growls for the solid food of God’s Word (Job 23:12). Sadly, instead of turning to the pure milk of the Word (1 Peter 2:2), we’ll snack on the many words of the world. Some sustenance can certainly be found on Christian blogs and books and through conversations with Christian friends, but no matter how tasty the instruction, their words are only supplemental. Man’s words are never to be a meal replacement for the Word of God.

Now, many of you are already thinking about losing those five to ten pounds you’ve picked up between Thanksgiving and Christmas. As a fellow in need of some trimming, I will likely join you in that noble endeavor as soon as the calendar strikes January. But as we make plans to pursue physical health, let’s remember that godliness has value in all things, holding promise for now and eternity (1 Timothy 4:8). Sure, cut out the carbs and go easy on the sugar in January, but don’t ever push back from the table of God’s Word. Instead, let’s commit to glut ourselves with the Word of God this year.

Sometime this week commit to a Bible reading plan. Need help getting started? Crossway books put together a super helpful, one-stop-shop webpage on Bible reading plans. There’s a chronological through the Bible plan, a Psalm a day plan, a five-month New Testament plan, and many more. With a little effort, you can find the one that’s just right for you. Just follow the link and prepare to get started: https://www.crossway.org/articles/download-a-free-bible-reading-plan-for-2017/

Tolle lege!

 

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,