Good morning,
Praise the Lord for this glorious season. Praise the Lord for the way our Lord invaded this world with His truth and grace. Shakespeare wrote that "all the world's a stage," and Luke2:1-4 details how God set this stage for His grand and glorious Christmas production! In fact, more than seven centuries before we come to the scene of Jesus' birth, the prophet Micah told us that the setting would be Bethlehem. When we consider that God was making preparations for the birth of Christ, we have to think about the message of the prophet who said, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth …" (Micah 5:2).
It was no coincidence that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, for as De Boylesve states, "Augustus, while sending forth his edicts to the utmost limits of the East, little knew that on his part he was obeying the decrees of the King of kings." God's direction is evident even in the movement of the population. Caesar had thought to feed his pride and eventually fill his coffers through this census and taxation process, but God was using this to get Mary and Joseph where they needed to be. W.H. Van Doren wrote that "to locate an infant's birth, 60 millions of persons are enrolled." God prepared a world and set the stage for His Christmas production.
We do not know who composed the well-known Christmas carol, "Away In A Manger," but we do know that Almighty God prepared the Christ child — "the Way" laid in a manger for his bed. God prepared a way of deliverance in the person of Jesus, "For," as the angel said unto the shepherds, "unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). That Christ was a Savior tells us that He was literally, a deliverer Who has given us rescue and safety through His great salvation.
Furthermore, in the person of Jesus, God prepared a way of delight. The angel said to the shepherds, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (Luke 2:10), and this word "joy" has the idea of cheerfulness and a calm delight. God made a way for us to know Jesus and, through knowing Jesus, subsequently to know joy. Jesus is our deliverer and our delight. He is God's glorious gift for you and for me.
In Christ,
Brown
http://youtu.be/oW9O1zVeb-8
Saturday, December 17, 2011
4-6 PM Living Nativity, with live animals and full Nativity cast
In Front of The First United Methodist Church.
53 McKinley Ave , Endicott
Praise and Worship Service
First United Methodist Church, Endicott
Sponsored by Union Center UMC
6 PM Gathering - Coffee - Fellowship
6:30 PM Worship
Music: Laureen Naik
Speaker: Rev. Earle Cowden
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
4:30 PM at First United Methodist, 53 McKinley, Endicott
Music: Aric Phinney and Yancey Moore
Preacher: Rev Brown Naik
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
A Service of Carols, Candles, and Communion
7:30 PM at Union Center United Methodist Church, 128 Maple Drive
Music: Laureen Naik, Betty Phinney, Sarah and Emily Sabin
Preacher: Rev. Brown Naik
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Brown's Daily Word 12-12-11
Good morning,
"O come all ye faithful, joyful, and triumphant". The Lord blessed us with a very full weekend of celebration, worship, fellowship, and witness through our Saturday noon dinner, Saturday evening worship, and Sunday morning worship services. We participate in Operation Christmas Child, blessing the children around the world, and we also participate in blessing the children among us by giving them gifts and partying with them. It was great day to give gifts to the children and share the wonderful food with them.
This coming week will be a glorious week. We will gather for our mid-week service on Wednesday. We will make our annual pilgrimage to the glorious performance of Handel's Messiah, to be performed with full choir and orchestra at the Forum this Friday 8 PM. Saturday noon we will be preparing and serving a Christmas Meal in Downtown Endicott. On Saturday evening we will presenting a Living Nativity from 4 to 6 PM at the corner of McKinley and Monroe Streets in Endicott. The Lord has blessed us with a full cast of animals and a full Nativity Cast. It will be brilliant. We are praying it will be a great blessing to those who come. We are for the first time presenting the Living Nativity at the City Center. We will gather for our weekly Saturday Evening worship at the First United Methodist Church a 6:30 PM. Rev. Earle Cowden will be preaching. Laureen Naik will be leading in worship. We will meet for a very Special Christmas banquet Sunday, December 18 at 5.30 PM at the Union Center UMC, followed by Carols and lessons.
The theme for the third Sunday in advent is Joy. The old Testament reading for yesterday was taken from Isaiah 61. Joy—true joy—is a recognition that the goodness of God and the salvation He brings will get us through even the worst of circumstances. The prophet Habakkuk expressed it this way: “Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation”. (Habakkuk 3:17-18) In other words, I will rejoice even if I lose EVERYTHING! David wrote, “Restore unto me the JOY of thy salvation.” Paul said, “REJOICE in the Lord always, and again I say, REJOICE!” Nehemiah said, “The JOY of the Lord shall be your strength.”
Oskar Schindler, immortalized in Steven Spielberg's 1993 prize-winning film, Schindler's List, was a man who rescued the oppressed and endangered, and brought them new life. He was born on April 28, 1908, in Moravia, Austria-Hungary, which is located in what is now the Czech Republic. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, who came down to rescue the oppressed, the broken hearted, and the bound and to give them new life.
The passage in Isaiah 61 begins with an announcement of divine presence and action. it is clear that the power and the commission are from the LORD. The present needs that draw divine attention, as glimpsed through the commission, are daunting. God's anointed is sent to the oppressed, to the ones whose hearts are crushed, to the captives, the imprisoned and to all who mourn. Moreover, the divine mandate is to reverse their circumstances and effect a transformation in their identity and activity. The anointed is to deliver good news to the oppressed, to wrap for healing the broken hearts, and to declare liberty for the captives, opening doors and chains so the imprisoned may find release.
The commission to "proclaim liberty" is language from the instructions for observing the Jubilee. During the year of Jubilee property and people held as payment for debt were returned to the families to which they originally belonged (Leviticus 25:10). The use of the Levitical language in Isaiah 61 is a clear indication that the liberty proclaimed is intended to be made permanent in new social and economic relationships within the community. Though Jubilee was a rare event to be observed only every fiftieth year -- God's anointed is sent to announce that liberation now. God's anointed is also "to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God." This is assurance that God has chosen to act with abundant "favor" and mercy towards Israel and to judge and defeat those who would harm her (cf. Isaiah 49:8).
God instructed the anointed to pay particular attention to "those who mourn in Zion." The comfort which God's anointed is instructed to provide to the despairing in Jerusalem would, however, change the way the people see themselves, the way they are regarded by others and the ways they act. Instead of ashes on their heads -- a sign of humiliation and grief (e.g., 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1) -- they are given a festive headdress (NRSV "garland;" also in 61:10). They are treated as honored guests and anointed with "the oil of gladness" (cf. Psalm 45:7). To replace their dull spirits they are given mantles of praise. They would accomplish what is needed and what has been too difficult: rebuilding Jerusalem as a city where righteousness and justice flourish.
The urgency and enormity of the building task are underscored in the description of what the comforted mourners will raise up and repair: "the former devastations...the devastations of many generations." A new future became possible because God promised to be in "everlasting covenant with them" (verse 8) and because God provided the appropriate work clothes: garments of salvation and robes of righteousness (verses 9-10). The city where hopelessness had taken root will, by God's spirit and by God's blessing, sprout righteousness and praise.
The commission to "proclaim liberty" is language from the instructions for observing the Jubilee. During the year of Jubilee property and people held as payment for debt were returned to the families to which they originally belonged (Leviticus 25:10). The use of the Levitical language in Isaiah 61 is a clear indication that the liberty proclaimed is intended to be made permanent in new social and economic relationships within the community. Though Jubilee was a rare event to be observed only every fiftieth year -- God's anointed is sent to announce that liberation now. God's anointed is also "to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God." This is assurance that God has chosen to act with abundant "favor" and mercy towards Israel and to judge and defeat those who would harm her (cf. Isaiah 49:8).
God instructed the anointed to pay particular attention to "those who mourn in Zion." The comfort which God's anointed is instructed to provide to the despairing in Jerusalem would, however, change the way the people see themselves, the way they are regarded by others and the ways they act. Instead of ashes on their heads -- a sign of humiliation and grief (e.g., 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1) -- they are given a festive headdress (NRSV "garland;" also in 61:10). They are treated as honored guests and anointed with "the oil of gladness" (cf. Psalm 45:7). To replace their dull spirits they are given mantles of praise. They would accomplish what is needed and what has been too difficult: rebuilding Jerusalem as a city where righteousness and justice flourish.
The urgency and enormity of the building task are underscored in the description of what the comforted mourners will raise up and repair: "the former devastations...the devastations of many generations." A new future became possible because God promised to be in "everlasting covenant with them" (verse 8) and because God provided the appropriate work clothes: garments of salvation and robes of righteousness (verses 9-10). The city where hopelessness had taken root will, by God's spirit and by God's blessing, sprout righteousness and praise.
In Christ,
Brown
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Living Nativity;Full Cast of Animals and Full Nativity Cast
4-6PM
In Front of The First United Methodist Church.
53 McKinley Ave , Endicott
Praise and Worship Service
First United Methodist Church, Endicott
Sponsored by Union Center UMC
6 PM Gathering - Coffee - Fellowship
6:30 PM Worship
Music: Laureen Naik
Friday, December 9, 2011
Good morning,
Praise the Lord for this Friday. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day yesterday. Alice and I walked over 4 miles last night. It was a beautiful night. The moon was brilliant and majestic. Praise the Lord for the way He shines His light on dark spots and dispels darkness.
Those of you live in the region join us for our weekly Friday Evening Television out reach this Evening on Time Warner Cable channel 4 at 7 PM. As we journey through the Advent season we praise the Lord for He has a great sense of humor.
Throughout the ages, philosophers have debated over what is it that tickles our funny bone and causes that joyous explosion of air out of our lungs and across our vocal chords, which we call laughter. G. K. Chesterton defined humor as the "sudden perception of incongruity." When two things we usually keep in separate compartments of our brains suddenly cross paths inside our head, the result is humor. God indeed must have a sense of humor.
In the Christmas story that which sounded like a terrible accident turned out to be the greatest story ever told. Judging by this story, I believe God has the greatest sense of humor in the entire universe, in choosing common people to accomplish extraordinary purposes.
The Lord surprised a young man named Joseph. Joseph, like Moses, was at first unaware of God's purposes and challenged by being a participant in God's divine plans. Joseph was quiet and practical. He liked working with wood, a material you can measure and cut and work with your hands. He was an honest, simple tradesman. He may have loved Mary for the same qualities: she was an honest, simple down-home girl, the kind you settle down with and raise a family. Perhaps Mary and Joseph already shared love, and trust, and dreams. The date had been set, and "the invitations were in the mail." Then one day Mary said, "Joseph, I need to tell you, I'm going to have a baby." Suddenly, Joseph's simple, perfect life dissolved into a world of pain. Mary continued, "Oh Joseph, there's nothing to worry about. You see, there was this angel." We can imagine Joseph's response, "Yeah, sure, an angel . . . "
In his poem "For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio", poet W. H. Auden pictured Joseph sitting alone in the dark, listening to the dripping of the faucet, as a voice said,
"Joseph, you have heard What Mary says occurred; Yes, it may be Is it likely? No..Mary may be pure But, Joseph, are you sure? How is one to tell? Suppose, for instance . . . Well . . .Maybe, maybe not. But, Joseph, you know what Your world, of course, will say About you anyway. Joseph looks up to God and pleads, All I ask is one Important and elegant proof That what my Love had done Was really at your will And that your will is Love. Gabriel replies, No, you must believe; Be silent and sit still. Forgetting nothing, believing all"
Then Gabriel laid out God's requirement of Joseph, "You must behave as if this were not strange at all . . . To do what's difficult all one's days." But that, at first, proved too much to ask of this young man. According to the Bible, when Mary started to show, he had no choice but to "put her away" — to distance himself from her as a righteous man. One night before he did so, an angel appeared to Joseph and said, "Joseph, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The child within her is from God. This is Immanuel, the long-awaited fulfillment of prophecy, God with us."
Although the text doesn't say so, Joseph's first reaction to this announcement may have been, "Wait a minute! I didn't sign up for this. All I want is to be a carpenter, to have a wife and a house and a yard and a family." Many years prior, that had been the kind of surprise God had in store for a white-haired lady named Sarah. She probably had to squint to focus on the baby in her arms, who wasn't her grandson, but the son born to her in her twilight years. Her husband, Abraham, was one hundred years old — . Genesis tells us that when Abraham heard he was going to be a father at his advanced age, he fell on the ground laughing. At another point Sarah was eavesdropping from behind the flap of the tent. When she heard God's news that she would bear a son, she laughed, perhaps until tears streamed down her cheeks. God, however, had the last laugh. He told Abraham and Sarah their child would be a boy and he would be named Isaac — in Hebrew yitzak — which means laughter.
Our God revealed in the Person of Jesus Christ our Lord and King, takes great delight in derailing our best-laid plans, and in giving us the last thing we ever expected. The next time a monkey wrench drops out of heaven into your well-oiled machinery, don't curse God. Look up and say thank you. Take a moment to see that unwelcome surprise as an opportunity to trust, a gift to receive, a command to obey. Ultimately, life gives us little we expect, but God gives us everything we need, beyond our dreams, just as He did for Joseph.
In Christ,
Brown
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Christmas banquet
Home Made cooking, "best in the County". donation $7.00
Serving at 12 noon
At Wesley United Methodist Church.
1000 Day Hollow Road, Endicott, NY 13760
Come... Share... Rejoice
For Information: 607-748-6329
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Praise and Worship Service
First United Methodist Church, Endicott
Sponsored by Union Center UMC
6 PM Gathering - Coffee - Fellowship
6:30 PM Worship
Music: Jane Hettinger
Speaker: Dave Hettinger
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