It's THAT Holiday Time!

Here in the Czech Republic, shoppers don’t have to wait for “Black Friday” (the day after Thanksgiving) to begin their Christmas shopping. In fact, the shops are already displaying all sorts of items for that holiday, including candies, Advent calendars, ribbons and wrapping papers, sales on toys, and other things. The lines at the Pošta (Post Office) are already long.

But, wait. There is still one holiday in the way. Yes, it’s Halloween! It’s not just American anymore. They’ve been celebrating it here for around a decade. They have advertising for costume shops; a “Monster Ball,” and all the trappings of a properly ghoulish affair. So, I thought I’d trot out the essay I have published numerous times in varied places regarding this celebration of evil.

Why I Won’t Be Celebrating Halloween
 
I’ve always been uncomfortable about a holiday that makes light of witches, goblins, and death. The holiday which is celebrated by many in this country at the end of October is viewed as nothing but a little fun, but there are other ways to have fun.

In God’s Word we are told, “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Any one who does these things is detestable to the LORD….” (Deut. 18:10-12a). That’s quite a catalog of dabbling on the dark side. While we do not claim that those who dress up as witches are joining them in their detestable practices, we must still ask the question, “why emulate these things which God detests?”

This is why I recommend, instead of the prevailing holiday, a commemoration of the beginnings of the Reformation. On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the door of the University Church in Wittenburg, Germany. This set off the chain of events we today know as the Reformation. 

Many heroes of the faith stood up against a corrupt church and tainted governments during the sixteenth century. They brought the church back to believing in Christ as the Head of the Church and the Bible as His Word. They also were responsible for the acceptance of the Bible being printed in the languages of the people. The Reformation has spawned many remarkable movements, including free education and modern governmental systems.

As with every historical movement, the Reformation had its excesses. Wars were fought, brothers offended, exiled and excommunicated. The Reformation, however, was a movement of saintly men and women being moved by the Holy Spirit of God.

I propose that this be the holiday we all celebrate at the end of the month. If you’re invited to a costume party, why not go as a sixteenth century character. Do some research; be able to tell people about your character. Even better, why not throw a Reformation Party. Sixteenth century snacks (no knives and forks), clothing, maybe even games could be a part of your party. This seems a finer way to honor God and His people than that other alternative.

In Search of A Leader

The Anglican Church is in need of a leader. Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, is retiring from the position in December, to become Master of Magdalene College at Cambridge University.

The sixteen-member Crown Nominations Committee (CNC) which has the task of handing to the Prime Minister the name of a nominee and an alternate to fill the position of leader of 80 million Anglicans worldwide, is deadlocked. After a three day meeting at the end of  September, the committee retired with no candidate and no schedule for future meetings announced. While there is no time limit set for the announcement of the new Archbishop, it is certainly hoped that the new Archbishop will be named before Williams leaves the post.

This is a communion in need of healing. Williams’ tenure has been marked by battles over ordination of homosexual clergy, same-sex unions and the elevation of women as bishops. His statements on Sharia Law have astounded many. Anglicans worldwide are divided. Theologians and politicians alike are split as to their opinion of the 10-year term of Williams.

The outgoing Archbishop has said that his successor should have the “constitution of an ox and the skin of a rhinoceros.” That is certainly true. The church is a rough and tumble environment, especially for those who would lead.  The Anglican Church is large, diverse, and divided. No leader will please all parties. We can hope and pray for a leader who will please God.

All Christians should be in prayer for this church. You don’t need to be an Anglican or an Episcopalian to understand the enormous impact a strong, Christian leader could have on communities around the world.

May God bless the CNC and the man chosen to lead the Anglican community.

Get a Grip Fotbal Fans

As I write this American football fans are outraged over the performances of replacement officials at NFL (National Football League) games. Czech - and other European fotbal fans - are just outrageous.

No fan of the world’s most popular sport (called soccer in the US), I finally went to a game (match) last week. It was a professional game between two teams from Prague. Predictably, the game ended with a (non) score of 0-0 (nil-nil to aficionados). Neither team was particularly impressive in my not-very-fotbal-attuned eyes.

What was impressive was the police presence. As I arrived at the stadium I noticed a police helicopter above, at least ten police vehicles, three mounted police, and a number of very tough looking guys with berets and lots of weapons. Several of the vehicles were equipped with bars on all the windows, including the windshield. Everyone entering the stadium was frisked, including children. No bottles of any kind were allowed to be taken in.

After leaving the lackluster game, I got on my bus with loads of fans. It was crowded, but relatively quiet. I did notice, however, that one of those iron bar-clad vehicles tailed the bus and stopped at every stop with us.

Reading the Prague Monitor the next day, I saw an article about the brawl that took place between fans of the two teams at the Starometska Metro station, a station we often pass through. It was brutal. A translation of the opening paragraph of that story reads this way,

Police are looking for witnesses to a brutal football fights that occurred after the end of yesterday's match between Dukla and Slavia in the metro station Staroměstská.More than a dozen supporters Slavia fans attacked two competing Sparta - forwards into men lying defenseless on the ground kicking, beating them with fists, stepped on them and dragged them along the ground.

There is no exaggeration here. The Metro station has cameras. The film was embedded in the news story. I watched it. If you’re interested, you can watch it for yourself. Don’t let the kids watch.

Yes, for American fans, sports of all sorts can become idols. Football, in particular, can be a religion for many. I’m a fan, but I hope I never turn into a fanatic. It's different here. European fotbal fans need to get a grip. Yes, I know that I’m painting with a broad brush, but this is a pretty widespread problem.

What's my point? Glad you asked. If those who profess to be Christians applied the same amount of (non-violent) zeal to their faith, I assume the world would be a very different place. Would that we all would adopt the same level of vehemencel in promoting and defending the faith - and morality.

Sabbath Day Walk

Sandra and I went on a walk yesterday (9 September) as we celebrated the Lord’s Day. Much of this walk was in and around the grounds of the Prague Castle. This is more than simply a tourist attraction. For more than 1100 years, the castle has been the seat of government and the scene of many historic events in the history of this land.

There are several chapels on the castle grounds. There is also St. Vitus Cathedral. The cathedral is described on one web page this way.

For more than 600 years, the roofs of Prague Castle have been overlooked by the towers of St Vitus Cathedral. The cathedral, whose original name is St Vitus, St Wenceslas and St Adalbert Cathedral, is the biggest and the most important church in the Czech Republic. It’s the seat of the Archbishop of Prague and the place where saints, kings, princes and emperors of Bohemia are buried. The coronations of the kings of Bohemia were held there until 1836. It’s one of the best examples of Gothic architecture. (http://www.prague.net/st-vitus-cathedral)

Just one view of this magnificent edifice

 

 

We marveled as we walked around, and into, this architectural masterpiece. Now, I am no architectural student, but I was in awe as we looked at this building erected in honor of and for the glory of God.

Such construction is not necessary for us as we seek to worship our Holy God corporately and individually, however. No, I am not condemning the building of grand edifices. I am simply saying that where two or three are gathered in His Name, He is with them (Matthew 18:20). That may be in a grand cathedral or it may be in a small wooden building, or in a field.

It’s wonderful to soak up the history and the grandeur of days gone by. It’s better to worship God in “spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). We had the opportunity to do both yesterday. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Conversation Without Conversational Czech

Although I have not yet begun formal classes in the Czech language, it is still possible to have a conversation of sorts with the minimal Czech I have picked up. Here’s an example from a conversation I have regularly at the local Billa (grocery store).

Me: dobrý den (Hello)

Pokladnik (cashier):dobrý den

Pokladnik: máte kartu? (Do you have a card?)

Me: Ne (no)

Me: děkuji (Thank you)

Pokladnik: prosím (You’re Welcome)

Me: Na shledanou (Goodbye)

Pokladnik: Na shledanou

Impressive language skills, eh? I have not tried to converse with my doctor in Czech, though. Who knows what I’d ending getting surgically altered?

Great Adventures

So, the last few days have been an adventure in foreign living. I have spent several days in a couple of different bureaucratic situations. One was expected. That was our trip to the Ministry of the Interior, which has control of immigration and visas. 

As part of our application for a “long-term” visa (two years) we had to go to this government office and file the paperwork in person. The lines were long and we actually waited outside. It was reasonably pleasant as we sat and talked with our visa agent. I could not help but wonder what happens in January, though.

After several hours we were brought to a desk and the processing began. It was efficient and the two young ladies (one trainee) were pleasant. All our paperwork is in and the application is complete pending our filing of our insurance documents. 

We must have Czech Foreigners Comprehensive Insurance. Not a great financial burden - until one turns 65. Then the premiums actually triple! We’ve been working on getting the best plan - and being able to pay for it. You see, we must pay for the entire two years, for both of us, up front and in cash. Also, the policy can include no deductibles. Please pray about provision of the funds to be able to do that.

Entrance to Central Military Hospital, Prague

The other bureaucratic experience was most unexpected. One day after our intern and a guest left us, and we were alone for the first time in 15 weeks, I woke up with double vision! So began several days, so far, of tests and interviews, and paperwork at the Ústřední vojenské nemocnice (Central Military Hospital) not far from us in Prague. One complication, of course, is that I have no effective Czech insurance, yet. 

We have no results of any sort yet. The only thing I know is that I have a partial paralysis of the muscle of my right eye. It will not track. I’ve had blood work done and have a brain- MRI scheduled. We expect that payment for all this will be out of pocket.

That’s not the important part of this saga, however. You see, our (Czech) next door neighbor has been guiding us through this entire process. He drives us over to the hospital, takes us around to various offices and departments and translates. There is a lot of bureaucracy involved and he handles it as though its his every day routine. The last two days, Sandra was not with us. Our conversations ranged from where to get bread crumbs to God’s sovereignty! Please pray for him - and me, too.

So, another few days in the life of an expat in Prague. Each of these episodes takes several hours of the day. They are draining (and its hot!). Believe me, this is no complaint. We still have no doubts about God’s call to us to be in exactly this place at this time. We rejoice at the opportunity for even this old, breaking-down vessel to be of service to the King.

Christmas in July

Sandra and I just returned from ten days in Great Britain. This has been – and will continue to be – a full and exciting time for that great island nation. In April, Prince William, who will one day be King, was married. In June, the nation celebrated 60 years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Now, in just a few days, the Olympics will begin in London and environs. We’re glad to be out of the country before the Olympic madness begins, but sorry to have missed the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen.

As we spoke with several people about the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the topic of her Christmas Address (2011) was raised. It was referred to by these Christians at the Homeschool Camping Conference as a wonderful, Gospel-oriented speech. So, I had to look it up. Below you will find an excerpt from that speech. I quite agree with my friends in England. This is a wonderful expression of the Gospel.

Finding hope in adversity is one of the themes of Christmas. Jesus was born into a world full of fear. The angels came to frightened shepherds with hope in their voices: 'Fear not', they urged, 'we bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 'For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.' 

Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves - from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person - neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive. Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God's love. In the last verse of this beautiful carol, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, there's a prayer: O Holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us we pray.Cast out our sinAnd enter in.Be born in us today. It is my prayer that on this Christmas day we might all find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord. 

 "A Saviour, with the power to forgive." That's Jesus. Enjoy this Christmas message - and share it with your friends.