Again this year, our narthex is graced with a huge Christmas tree. We’re gauging this one to be about 15 feet tall and very full. Thanks to Russ and Ruth Rutlin for donating the tree from their front yard. And thanks to all the guys who helped cut it down, muscle it onto a trailer, trim it a little, pull it through the doors, and set it up in the stand.

Thanks also to the many families and folks who helped decorate the tree and the church to prepare us for Advent and ultimately Christmas.

Let me ramble a little about Christ the King (the last Sunday of the Church Year). I preached about allegiance. Most of us, I think, when we hear that word, immediately recall the Pledge of Allegiance that we use in our schools and some other places. Beyond those places where we face the flag of our country, we don’t often use the word "allegiance." Yet, because of Baptism, we are primarily members of another commonwealth. Like Jesus before Pilate, we must confess that it is not of this world, but it is a kingdom nonetheless.

And so it was quite a thrill to have the honor of being God’s agent in the baptism of my grandson, Summit Esser. With daughter, Krista, singing Borning Cry and other grandson, Branden, holding the service folder, it was a very stirring event for me. I have total trust in the power of God in the water of Baptism along with the promise of God. I pray that Summit will have every opportunity to grow in faith and understanding.

At the party at our home after the service, many people came up to me to tell me what a great church I have. To each one I somehow reminded them that it is not my church (it belongs to Jesus) and that the strength and joy which percolates so wonderfully in this space comes from the congregation who lives in the joy of Christ. I give thanks for you always.

Have a great week back to work. Advent officially begins next Saturday night.

Our national Day of Thanksgiving arrives this week. President Lincoln in 1863 declared the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. In 1939 President Franklin Roosevelt declared in to be the third Thursday, and two years later congress and the President settled on the fourth Thursday.

These days, Thanksgiving Day tends to mark the beginning of the secular Christmas season. More thought is given to planning the Friday shopping blitz than to counting blessings. I was struck by the story Kay Bailey told at the stewardship dinner. For those of you who missed it, she recited a story from her Sunday school days when her teacher told her about two angels to whom God gave each a basket. One angel was sent to collect all the prayers of folks who wanted something. The second was sent to collect the prayers of those thankful for something. When they returned, the first angel’s basket was overflowing while the second angel had just a few prayers in the basket.

I urge you find some time on Thanksgiving for truly giving thanks. Just look at all that food, and begin recounting all the people it took for that food to get to your table. And thank God from your heart. It all belongs to the Creator.

Here’s two prayers from Evangelical Lutheran Worship.

Abundant God, we give you thanks for the fruitful earth, which produces what is needed for life. Bless those who work in the fields; grant favorable weather to all who work in agriculture; and help us the ensure that all people share the fruits of the earth, rejoicing in your goodness; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God our Father, your generous goodness comes to us new everyday. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

Thanks to Bishop Carlson for bringing the Word to us last Sunday. God has blessed him in his ministry and leadership so that he can be a blessing to us.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Elections are here

With election day nearly upon us, there’s a lot to think about. At the top of my list is the two constitutional items. The first one, on the death penalty, is a no brainer. The state of Wisconsin hasn’t had capital punishment for 150 some years, and I can’t believe that such a punishment serves any purpose other than revenge.

You might hear someone quote this scripture: Anyone who maims another shall suffer the same injury in return: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; the injury inflicted is the injury to be suffered. (Lev 24:19-20) Despite the fact that we don’t use that method of punishment for anything, some will use it to reach a conclusion that death for death is a biblical law. That, however, neglects to hear the words of Jesus:

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you . . . .(Mat 5:38-44).

The second divisive amendment is on the definition of marriage. The second part of the amendment seeks to prevent to recognition of other kinds of unions between people. I have yet to hear a legitimate rational for doing that. It seems to me that the amendment seeks more to punish homosexuals than to clarify the definition of marriage. The union of one man and one woman should be a sacred institution (which make’s one wonder why the state is involved in it at all). Jesus echoed the theme of marriage from the Old Testament when he said, and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Mat 19:5-6) Yet, this wonderful blessing and sanction upon marriage does not preclude the recognition of other ways of living together.

Lutherans ask that we vote our conscience. But do vote. It is a liberty we have in this country that we must not take for granted. No matter how tired we may get of the campaigning, the ability for each citizen over 18 to cast a ballot is central to our great country’s core of freedom.