Christ Lutheran Church - ELCA Faith Lens's Blog

ELCA Faith Lens's Blog

Weekly Bible studies that engage youth and young adults in connecting world events with the Bible, faith, and everyday life.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

December 8, 2024–What’s Wrong with a Remake?

Catalyst Question

What’s your favorite remake? It could be a song, movie, or other piece of art. How does it compare to the original?

What’s Wrong with a Remake?

In Luke 3:1-6, John the Baptist cries out, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” Straight paths. Leveled hills. Smooth roads.

It’s all so unoriginal.

Hundreds of years before John’s wilderness prophecy, another prophet said the exact same things. In Isaiah, after Jerusalem is overrun by enemies and God’s people are forced into Exile, the prophet similarly calls for leveled trails and paved streets.

But is there anything wrong with a remake? Recently, the film adaptation of Wicked–a massively popular Broadway musical–became quite successful in its own right. Story continuations in the Moana and Gladiator universes saw similar support. Remakes are also quite popular with music. Somewhere Over the Rainbow, from the original Wizard of Oz, was recast as a ukulele lullaby by Izzy. Luke Combs’ recent cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” reignited appreciation for Chapman’s talent by today’s audiences. It seems there’s something essentially human in connecting our current lives with stories from our past.

In that light, John the Baptist doesn’t appear lazy. Instead, he seems deeply connected with the human condition. And of course, getting connected with the human condition is just what God is up to in Jesus.

Advent is a time when we can appreciate the present relevance of ancient stories. Isaiah was a prophet who saw his homeland conquered by an outside empire (Babylon). John the Baptist was a prophet who saw his homeland conquered by an outside empire (Rome). Both of them saw the need for God in the midst of that suffering. Both of them wanted any obstacles removed that might prevent God’s quick arrival. John remembered Isaiah’s prophecy. John found resonance with Isaiah’s ancient words for his present situation. And so, John recast those words for his own life.

Just like John’s prophecy, your prayer life doesn’t need to be original to be meaningful. Sometimes, the words of scripture sum up just how we feel. At other times, worship lyrics give voice to the depth of our hearts. Not only can we learn from the faith of those who came before us. That faith can carry us in moments when our world seems to fall apart.

Ask Yourself: What is one example of a Bible story, a piece of spiritual art, or a person from church history that can help strengthen your faith today?

Ask a Friend: In this Advent season, as we wait for Jesus to arrive among us as a baby in Bethlehem, what obstacles might be preventing us from finding our way to the manger? What can we do to follow John’s (and Isaiah’s) encouragement to remove those roadblocks?

Finally, remember to take this survey and give your feedback about Faith Lens as we consider the path ahead for this devotional resource!

The post December 8, 2024–What’s Wrong with a Remake? appeared first on Faith Lens.

Saturday, November 30, 2024

December 1, 2024–Breaking Into Our Lives

Advent begins today. So also, today begins a new format of Faith Lens.

Don’t worry. Faith Lens will still bring current events into conversation with the rotation of Bible passages many congregations use on Sundays. If you’re curious about that set of readings, which is called the Revised Common Lectionary, you can find many helpful resources here.. You can also read more about the Revised Common Lectionary’s history.

Advent is a word that means “arrival,” “start,” or “approach.” The advent of something isn’t its completion, but it is the beginning of the thing. We’re beginning this era of Faith Lens with an invitation for you: we want to know what it is that keeps you coming back to the resource. Please help us to do so by taking this survey.

We have learned some things by paying attention to have Faith Lens is used. For instance, we’ve noticed that shorter devotions have more readers that stay longer with the material and return to it more frequently. In other words, it’s clear that you’re more likely to engage with shorter posts, so we’re prioritizing concise, compelling connections between Christ and our current events. Yet, that data only gives us small snapshots. Click here to share more of your feedback to shape the future of Faith Lens.

While we gather that data during the Advent season, you’ll still receive Faith Lens posts with links to news articles and Sunday’s scriptures. Yet, the format will intentionally shorter. We’ll also present more questions for consideration and thoughts to catalyze your own curiosity. It’s the advent of a new Faith Lens, but it’s just the beginning. It is becoming what we will make it together.

That’s also true of the recent renovations to Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral, which is nearly ready to reopen. More than five years ago, a fire devastated this historic landmark. This space, sacred to so many, was nearly wiped from the face of the Earth. After shared devotion brought it back from the brink, now is the threshold of a new ministry era.

On December 1st, the 1st Sunday of Advent, we read about a different kind of advent. Luke 21:25-36 foretells of coming natural disasters and global turmoil. Long before R.E.M. wrote the song, the Bible forecast the end of the world as we know it. Yet, that end is also a new beginning, because that end notes the nearness of God’s reign. The end of what is comfortable for us denotes the closeness of our redemption.

At least, that’s what we’re told in Advent readings. This closeness doesn’t necessarily feel good, despite it meaning God’s reign is close. Despite R.E.M.’s catchy lyrics, no one feels fine when the world falls apart around them.

Maybe, rather than the reopening of a cathedral, your Advent is more caught up in the continued death and destruction in Gaza. Or the trauma of Haitian children being displaced from their homes or recruited into militias. Or the connection between experiencing racism and mental illness among U.S. youth. Nothing about that feels fine. Nothing about that SHOULD feel fine.

And that’s the importance of Advent. Jesus doesn’t force these bad things to happen. Instead, Jesus shows up in the midst of the bad things of this world. Our God shows up where others never would and brings goodness amidst the despair. That’s the Advent story: in midst of an occupied territory, where an empire sought to suppress the poor and marginalize the minorities, God shows up. More than that, God shows us as a member of that marginalized community. By doing so, God reminds us all of that profound promise we need as the world around us seems to end.

The end of this world is the Advent of God’s reign. A reign of justice for all. A reign of peace for all. A reign of love for all. We don’t know what that all looks like quite yet, but that’s ok. This is only just the beginning of what is yet to come. And so we pray:

God, you are the one who was, and is, and is still on the way. Be with us in the midst of this and every single day. Amen.

(P.S. Don’t forget to take this survey so we can reshape Faith Lens for our future together!)

The post December 1, 2024–Breaking Into Our Lives appeared first on Faith Lens.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

November 24, 2024–The Reign of Christ

Warm-up Question

What is your favorite holiday? Share some of the reasons why you prefer that celebration.

Holiday Origin Stories

Every year we celebrate a number of holidays. Some are national in origin, which is why Independence Day is on July 4th in the United States of America, September 16th in Mexico, and June 26th in Madagascar. Others have deep religious meaning, like Christmas, Easter, and Halloween, though each of those holidays now have many secular elements as well.

Too often, we only tell one part of the holiday’s origin story. Take, for instance, the celebration of Christmas. Of course, for Christians, this centers around the birth of Christ. Yet, there’s no obvious connection between Jesus’s birthday and bringing pine trees into our homes, eating candy canes, or hanging socks above a fireplace. While some articles, like this one, aggregate some of that history to give a bit more context, there’s volumes of books on the history of each holiday.

Of course, you don’t have to know everything about a holiday’s origins to enjoy it with your loved ones. Yet, learning more about the holiday can help you to appreciate it more deeply, as well as explain to others why you do–or do not–participate in some of the day’s traditions. So take some time to investigate the history of your favorite holidays and ask yourself: now that I know more about this, how does that change the way I feel about this event?

Discussion Questions

What’s one holiday you want to learn more about?
If you happen to know the origins of a specific holiday tradition, share that story with a friend.

Reign of Christ Sunday

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year A at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Reflection on the Gospel

Many Christians across the world celebrate this Sunday as The Reign of Christ. If you think that this holiday has ancient origins like Christmas, Easter, or Pentecost, consider this: this festival is only 99 years old! Though the words from our Gospel have Christ claiming this ultimate authority nearly 2,000 years ago, it was only in the last century that the church declared a specific day to commemorate that reality. Why is that?

Much like other holiday traditions, the historical context matters significantly. In the early 20th century, after the devastation of World War I, nationalism and authoritarianism began to arise in throughout Europe. In Italy, this appeared as fascism, which took official power in 1922. Note that this is the same time that its political ally, Nazism, grew in popularity in Germany. In the face of such claims of ultimate power by political authorities, Pope Pius XI declared a feast day, “Domini Nostri Jesu Christi Regis,” The Feast of our Lord of Reigns. This is a political statement. It does not support any particular party or leader, but instead puts all governments and parties on notice: whatever power they may have is always subject to the King who is Jesus Christ.

In the midst of today’s political unrest, along with threats of parties and politicians whose power seems unmatched, we stand to benefit from this declaration as well. Our ultimate allegiance is not to a party, or even a Christian denomination, but to Christ. Our worship belongs not to worldly rulers but heavenly powers. Our salvation is not in the hands of a general or president, a monarch or a congress, but only in the hands that were pierced in a cross outside of Jerusalem two thousand years ago. This Christ, who was born in a barn and crucified as a traitor to the empire, may seem powerless.

But this is the only King who has ever risen from the dead.

Discussion Question

How does this history change your perspective on Reign of Christ Sunday?

Activity Suggestion

Do a media experiment. For one day, keep track of how many advertisements you see via email, on social media, on websites, and on television or streaming services. Then, ask yourself:
- How many of them either claim some kind of power or seek some kind of allegiance from you?
- How do you understand them being subject to the Reign of Christ?

Closing Prayer

God Who Reigns, save us from ourselves. Where there is pride, correct it with humility. Where there is hatred, counter it with love. Where there is violence, defeat it with peace. In all things, remind us that your reign is not of this world. Remind us that that your power will look different than that of our worldly rulers. Inspire us to trust in your reign over all others that seek our allegiance. In that name of Jesus, the One who reigns and the One who died and rose to life, we pray: Amen.

The post November 24, 2024–The Reign of Christ appeared first on Faith Lens.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

November 17, 2024–The Impact of Loss

Warm-up Question

What is your favorite building? Do you like it because of the architecture? Because of a memory that occurred there? Because of the feelings inspired by the space? Something else?

Who Is Displaced?

This summer, there was a fire in the electrical room at Christ Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD. Fortunately, no one was injured. Smoke damage occurred from classrooms to worship spaces to fellowship halls. Major renovations and utility upgrades are underway that cost millions of dollars. There are still major utility wires running through every floor and most spaces. From the bathrooms to the sanctuary, it’s obvious that the congregation is still recovering in many ways. While the congregation also hosts many other organizations on its property, only some of the buildings–and therefore some of the ministries–were affected.

While some interrupted ministries have resumed, others still await for the completed electrical upgrades and facility repairs. Unfortunately, one of the buildings affected was a shelter for houseless women and children. The fire displaced at least 17 residents that night and has closed the shelter until further notice. Of course, the congregation worked with local officials to find other temporary solutions, providing a continued witness of care in the midst of such facility devastation.

Let us continue to hold the members, ministers, and ministry partners at Christ in prayer as they continue to restore facilities to support ministries like the women’s shelter.

Discussion Questions

Experiencing a loss like the one at Christ Lutheran Church in Baltimore is a traumatic experience for individuals and the entire community. When you’ve had such challenging experiences, what kinds of support do you find most helpful?

25th Sunday after Pentecost

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Reflection on the Gospel

This week’s Gospel talks about the destruction of another building, the Temple of Jerusalem. This foreshadowing of Christ’s death and resurrection is also a foreshadowing of the very real collapse of the Jerusalem Temple. Rather than an accidental fire, this damage came from Roman soldiers, who tore the temple to pieces during a Jewish revolt against Rome in the 1st Century CE. Often, readings of this story focus on the theological witness of both the biblical prophecy and historical occurrence.

As Christianity evolved with Judaism in the 1st Century CE, those evolutions occurred in the wake of the temple’s destruction. It’s also important for us to remember that people were displaced by the temple’s destruction. This was a very real historical event. People who gathered for worship lost their sanctuary. People who worked there lost their livelihood. People who received support services lost their safety net.

What we read about in scripture isn’t simply ancient history or disconnected theology. It’s a witness to the real lives of real people. Even as Jesus predicts this future of destruction, he doesn’t celebrate it. Instead, he looks to life beyond its destruction without ignoring the suffering that happens in the midst of such great change.

Discussion Questions

Jesus describes the fall of the Jerusalem Temple and the associated prophecy as the beginning of “birth pangs.” How does this image of birth connect to themes of pain, loss, and new life?

Activity Suggestions

Play Jenga with a twist. Get a bowl of candies and place it alongside the tower. As each wooden piece is moved, have a player collect candy into a pile in between themselves and the tower. When the tower falls, each piece that was touched by the destruction must go back into the bowl.
- Afterward, reflect about the experiences of loss. Note that this can happen even in the midst of fun, or even because of someone else’s mistake. Explore how you might support those who experience such losses.

Closing Prayer

God of New Beginnings, remind us not to ignore the pain of endings. Inspire us to care for those whose loss is real in the wake of your transformation. Equip us, as your disciples, to bring good news to those who suffer without ignoring the reality of the suffering itself. In your time, raise us all to new life with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord: Amen.

The post November 17, 2024–The Impact of Loss appeared first on Faith Lens.

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

November 10, 2024–Give a Little Bit

Warm-up Question

What is a small action you can take that makes a big difference in your, or someone else’s, life?

Give a Little Bit

People–especially young people–often want to make positive difference in their community. Whether relieving hunger or ensuring civil rights or others, people often seek positive change.

Sometimes the job is so big that the change seems unlikely, if not downright impossible. There is so much hunger and inequality that making those positive differences appears too much for us. The weight of the world, and the distance from here to the change we want for the world, can be exhausting. So, when the odds seem stacked against us, sometimes we freeze because we believe our little action won’t make any difference.

Research suggests that sometimes our smallest actions have much larger consequences. For instance, this article details how the simple actions of spending quality time with children reinforces positive relationships throughout their lives, while playing make believe increases a child’s capacity for social, emotional, and intellectual learning. In other words, this apparently innocuous actions have incredible positive impacts on a child’s life. Rather than an adult’s escape from reality, such behaviors promote a more positive experience of reality for the child and the society in which they live. Even giving just this little bit of time, energy, or creativity can change the world for the better.

Think about it this way: it’s like climbing a staircase. Just because you can’t climb an entire floor of stairs in one leap doesn’t mean you can’t make progress. Even if you can only take one step today, you’re already one step closer to the change you want to make.

Discussion Questions

Have you ever felt such exhaustion or despair that you also felt you had nothing left to give? What was that like for you?
What is one step that you could take–one thing that you could do every day–that would make a positive impact?

25th Sunday after Pentecost

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Reflection on the Gospel

There’s woman in today’s Gospel who gave just a little bit. At the temple, while rich people gave massive sums of money for their tithes, this woman put in a couple of coins barely worth a penny. That can seem like an inconsequential amount, but in Jesus’s words, “this poor widow has put in more” than all the others. How is this so?

Because while this seemed like a minuscule offering, her gift represented a major effort on her part. This single cent seemed small to others because of their big bank accounts, but for her, this reflected a significant sacrifice. Rather than give in to the feeling that she had nothing to give, this widow gave what she could. In the eyes of Jesus, that was a great gift.

Discussion Questions

This widow took the step that she could take and Jesus honored her for that. What are the little steps that you could take?

Activity Suggestions

Purchase cut or potted white flowers. Add one tiny drop of food coloring to the water you use to feed the flowers. Notice how, over the coming days, the flower’s petals are now tinted that same color. Reflect on how this small addition made a significant impact.
Talk openly about what change you hope to see and the hurdles you face in pursuing that change. Ask others both for prayer and for suggestions of small, simple actions you could take to pursue that change.

Closing Prayer

God of the Possible, you remind us that nothing is impossible with you. We entrust our fears to you. Inspire us to act in the ways that we can. Remind us that, when nothing seems like enough, you are enough and you are making all things new. We pray this in the name of the one whose actions in life, death, and resurrection changed the world, Jesus Christ: Amen.

The post November 10, 2024–Give a Little Bit appeared first on Faith Lens.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

November 3, 2024–Do This to Remember

Warm-up Question

What are some of the easiest things for you to remember? This might be something like information on a certain school subject, pop culture trivia, or peoples’ names.
- Why do you think you remember these things so easily?

Practicing Remembering

There’s a glut of information online about memory improvement. Some articles, like this one, detail the value of certain games to increase your brain’s health. At other times, phone applications promise a boost in your capacity to remember information. Websites like Quizlet offer resources to reinforce data memorization for school or work. Everyone, it seems, knows that memory is important and that it’s not always easy to remember everything we want to remember, even the things most important to us.

Discussion Questions

What are some practices or tricks you use to help you remember things?

All Saints Sunday

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Reflection on the Gospel

Memory isn’t just important for school quizzes or group trivia nights. Memory is essential for faith. On the Festival of All Saints, we remember the saints who’ve passed on from life to death and again into new life with Christ.

Like Jesus, who wept at Lazarus’ death, we too grieve the loss of our loved ones who’ve died before us. Memory like this brings emotions that are sometimes difficult to carry. It’s also true that memory brings hope. People often tells stories of a lost loved one in ways that inspire smiles, spark laughter, and even foster hope.

On his own way to death, Jesus told his disciples to practice Holy Communion as a way of remembering him. Though not many people laugh at the communion rail, many will smile as they receive this gift of life in their palms. Hope glistens in many eyes as they taste God’s embodied goodness in the simple elements of bread and wine.

When we remember the saints who’ve died before us, it’s normal to have the combination of grief and hope, of sadness and smiles. After all, unlike Lazarus’s sisters, we haven’t yet experienced the resurrection of our loved ones. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen. It simply means that, until then, we have a memory trick of sorts: ritual. Communion is a ritual to remember Jesus. All Saints is a ritual to remember our loved ones. In these rituals of memory, we hold close not only the hope of our own resurrection, but the hope of resurrection of all those we remember in the love and light of Christ.

Discussion Questions

Who are the saints that you remember today? Share a story about how they made a difference in your life.

Activity Suggestions

Carry on the memory tradition after Sunday’s worship concludes. Set aside time for journaling or group conversations to remember loved ones who’ve died. Describe the ways their memory makes you feel and what you hope for in our reunion with God.
Many struggle with loss around the holidays. Take time to make a collage of saints who’ve died in your community and place it in a public place. Share brief quotes or anecdotes that highlight the role each person played in your lives.

Closing Prayer

God of our Ancestors, we remember before you all the people who we love that have died. Please hold them, and us, in your care. Encourage us to hope in your resurrection promise, and until then, help us to recall the ways their lives inspire our faith in you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord: Amen.

The post November 3, 2024–Do This to Remember appeared first on Faith Lens.