Light is the Hope of Creation
December 23, 2009
By the Rev. Mitchell C. Hescox
John 1:1-5 (TNIV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Today is December 22, 2009. We have just passed though the darkest day of the year. I’m happy. Darkness is one of those things that never bring me joy. The past few years, months, weeks and even days have been dark times for many people. Even the recent COP 15 Copenhagen Climate Summit had its share of dark moments. As for me, I see a ray of light and hope, and that light is Christ. For far too long, people have been confused and aggravated by the endless arm-twisting and debate regarding climate change. It seems as more information and scientific study emerges supporting the harm we are doing to God’s creation, the more someone else attempts to cloud the real issues with darkness. Smokescreens are darkness meant to confuse, frighten, and hide what true light reveals as truth.
Isn’t that what Christmas is all about? Jesus became incarnate into His creation to light up the world with hope and joy and break through the darkness. Consider some of the people active during Jesus’ time on earth. Pharisees in Jesus’ day blamed the world’s failure on the sin of others and attempted to uphold a legalism that no one, especially the Pharisees, could live up to. Sadducees simply believed life was all about the now and were easily co-opted into claiming faith while continuing to live in the world. Zealots were so self-righteous that they believed they had the right to murder anyone standing in the way of their “true” faith. Essenes believed that they were the only truly faithful people and went into the wilderness to isolate themselves and wait for the world to end.
Sound familiar? These same groups exist today, albeit with different names. This Christmas, just like 2,010 years ago, Jesus’ light comes into the world and drives away the darkness, fear, and confusion. He offers hope and life. Jesus’ light and truth are simple: The lighted way, My Way, doesn’t point fingers at others’ sins, or believe worldly ways are best. Violence doesn’t provide hope, and excluding yourself from creation never changed a single soul. My way is very simple. Love God, love others, and love yourself. And the good news is through me you have the power to love as I love.
So let’s move away from the darkness and into the light. Let’s move from self-interest to God-interest. Let’s move from confusion into confession and then into action by the transforming love of God in Christ Jesus for His creation and all His children. Most importantly, let’s live in hope because of what Jesus Christ has already done.
The darkness is over; the world has seen a great light! Have the same mind and heart of Jesus. Believe because we have Christ’s hope that we will make a difference in caring for the 100’s of millions already impacted by our changing creation.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Rev. Mitchell C. Hescox
President/CEO
Evangelical Environmental Network
Advent Antiphons
December 18, 2009
As we near Christmas day I’ve enjoyed reading the historic “O Antiphons”, beautiful meditations on the character of Jesus dating from at least the eighth century. You may recognize many of the phrases if you know the Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”. Consider meditating on one each day as we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
“O Wisdom which camest out of the mouth of the most high, reaching from one end to another, mightily and sweetly ordering all things;
come and shew us the way of understanding.
“O Lord and Ruler of the house of Israel, who didst appear to Moses in a flame of fire in the bush and gavest him the Law in Sinai;
come and redeem us with thine outstretched arms.
“O Root of Jesse who standest as the ensign of the people, before whom kings shall not open their lips, to whom the nations shall pray;
come and deliver us, tarry now no more.
“O Key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel, thou that openest and no man shutteth, who shutteth and no man openeth;
come and lead the captive from prison, sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death.
“O Dayspring, splendour of eternal light and sun of righteousness;
come and enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
“O King of Nations and their desired one, thou corner-stone who makest both one;
come and save man whom thou hast formed from clay.
“O Emmanuel our king and lawgiver, the hope of all nations and their saviour;
come and save us, O Lord our God.”
Source: http://nottinghamchurches.org/seasons/o.html
What about those Christmas Trees?
December 16, 2009
If they Worship the one true God than use them. Here’s a good piece from Andrea Thompson.
Blessed Thanksgiving
November 25, 2009
by Rev. Mitch Hescox
Alleluia, Alleluia
Give thanks to the risen Lord
Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name
Jesus is Lord of all the earth
He is the King of creation
Spread the good news o’er all the earth
Jesus has died and has risen
We have been crucified with Christ
Now we shall live forever
Come let us praise the living God
Joyfully sing to our Savior
-Donald Fischel
Give thanks to the risen Lord … isn’t that Thanksgiving is all about. We forget so easily that yes Jesus is Lord of all the earth. He is the King of creation. The first North American Thanksgiving celebrated, at least the image, of different cultures working together and being dependent on the creation for physical life. Our corporate Thanksgiving vision links Native Americans and new immigrants together caring for creation, working together sustainably and in a fashion living as one in God’s Kingdom.
While our memory of Pilgrims and Native Americans working together may have become somewhat idealized, Thanksgiving represents a snapshot into Jesus’ proclamation, “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” Picture in your mind God’s blessings if:
- We worked for the common benefit of all;
- Respect and value given to new immigrants;
- We recognized all creatures as created by The Creator;
- The Earth was prized as a precious gift instead of a commodity;
- We truly denied ourselves, picked up our cross, and followed Jesus.
What a blessed Thanksgiving! Then all the earth – all creation would sing:
- Alleluia, Alleluia
Give thanks to the risen Lord
Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to His name!
National Day of Prayer for Creation (Renewal’s 2nd Annual)
October 21, 2009
Christian young people from around the country are calling the church to a day of prayer and fasting on the care of creation! Facilitated by Renewal: Students Caring for Creation, these Christians college students and many others are saying that we have to get our stewardship of creation right. They want Christ proclaimed in the field of the environment, indeed they want all people to realize that yes Christ is indeed sovereign over all creation. That the gospel brings good news to all creation and that as his people, his new creation, we can rediscover the Father’s heart for all that he has made.
I’ll be celebrating this National Day of Prayer by attending a morning prayer breakfast on creation care, followed by a day where I am privleged to present these sort of prospectives before our national leaders.
My prayer for today is that we would humble ourselves before God for our stewardship of creation and that we would be bold by the Spirit to proclaim the name of Christ, as the true sovereign over all creation, in all realms and before all peoples.
Deep Green Evangelism
October 16, 2009
by Rev. Mitch Hescox
Something we’re missing. Riding in a cab after two consecutive days of coast-to-coast flying with six hours of presentations and meetings tossed between, I started a conversation with my young driver. We chatted over the area, weather, coffee (which I was in desperate need), local jobs, and the economy. “People around here take the environment seriously, we’re sort of an outdoors kinda’ people,” shared Michael. “I went to the local book-store a while back and found something called the Green Bible.” My younger brother died not too long ago, and I’m trying to figure things out,” Michael continued. “I gotten through the Genesis part, but so far I have more questions than answers.” As Michael paused and looked over with a glancing gaze with maybe you think I’m crazy expression, I admit to a little chuckle. “Michael, in my briefcase is my Green Bible. “ Michael, I spent the last 20 years being a pastor and now help churches and our government understand how important it is to care for God’s creation,” I replied to a very surprised taxi-driver. Michael shared a little more of his live, his hurt, his confession. How a friends were turning to God and others away from God. “I spend some time in church as a kid, but I don’t have much use for church,” Michael stated. “Let’s start with your questions and try to build a relationship with God before we worry about the church,” I replied.
We spent the next 20 minutes discussing Scripture, his questions and his feelings. As we arrived at my destination, I simply asked Michael if I could pray for him. After laying hands on my new friend and praying, I offered him my card and asked him to email his questions so our conversation might continue. However, the story isn’t over. The next day on my return trip with some colleagues. Our now woman cab driver wanted to know if anyone had travelled alone by taxi the day before. I confessed! She immediately shared how her son Michael had come home yesterday waving my card and telling his mom about our conversation. Only the Lord knows the outcome of this serendipitous moment, but without the Green Bible inspired by Dr. Cal DeWitt a connection would have never happened.
Creation care and our stewardship for the earth are not only a Biblical mandate, but also perhaps the greatest 21st century evangelism gift. Are we awake enough to make the connection?
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Rev. Mitch Hescox, President/C.E.O. – EEN
