August is upon us. The first days of August are sometimes called "the dog days of summer." While we might think the phrase comes from feeling "dog tired" from the heat and humidity of mid-summer, its origin has little to do with dogs, or the weather. The ancient Greeks coined the phrase because early August is the season when the star Sirius - also known as the "dog star" rises just before the sun.

August itself harkens back to ancient times. The month is named for Caesar Augustus, Emperor of Rome at the time of Christ's birth, and the only Roman emperor mentioned by name in the Bible.  The familiar story of Christ's birth in Luke's gospel begins,

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7)

We read that passage every Christmas Eve. But have you considered why Luke took such pains to locate the occasion of Christ's birth in the historical context of the ancient world? Luke introduces the powers of the empire - the emperor, the governor, the mandatory relocation and requirement to be enrolled on the government "watch list" - to set the stage for the clash of powers that would ensue from the coming of the Messiah.

When Luke wrote his gospel, the church was already experiencing persecution in parts of the Empire where Christians were forced to pay tribute to the emperor and declare that "Caesar is Lord." Those who refused were arrested, jailed, or executed. As followers of Christ, they could not utter those words because they professed that Jesus - and only Jesus - was Lord.

So early in the gospel, Luke identifies Jesus as a rival and insurgent against the power of Rome. In chapter one, Mary declares that the child she carries "will cast down the powerful from their thrones." Jesus is born in the city of David, the great King of Israel, the slayer of giants, from whose line the Messiah would arise. At his birth, the armies ("host") of heaven proclaim him as the bearer of "peace on earth" - a true peace for "those he favors" that would supplant the feared "Pax Romana" which was enforced by sword and cross. Later in that same chapter, Jesus is brought to Jerusalem - the seat of power - where prophets Anna and Simeon proclaim him the one who will liberate ("redeem") the city and cause "the falling and rising of many."

Of course, the Lordship of Jesus was not won by sword, but by the saving power of his cross. Just as Christ's death and resurrection revealed the victory of God over sin, death, and the powers of this world, so the early Christians who faced their own crosses would know that their own suffering and death for Christ shared in his victory.

It is still a long way to Christmas, and even longer to Easter. But the month of August reminds us that while the emperor might have a month named for him, for Christians, time itself is measured from the birth of the one true King, who alone is Lord. It may be August, but it is August in the year of our Lord 2016. The power of Caesar is fleeting; the victory of Christ will be everlasting.

October Keeping Up With The Pastor's Pay: Trends Behind Clergy Wages

Dear Colleagues in Ministry, I hope that this email finds you well.  As you know, the 222nd General Assembly (2016) created several special commissions, committees, and task forces to be appointed by the Co-Moderators of the 222nd General Assembly and, in the case of the Way Forward Commission, the Co-Moderators with the Moderator and Vice-Moderator of the 221st General Assembly.  Persons who wish to be considered for appointment must complete an application form and provide three references. 

 

The first two online application forms are now available.  Application forms for the Way Forward Commission and the 2020 Vision Team can be found at ganominations.pcusa.org. Please share this link widely throughout your mid council and with persons - especially persons of color and persons under the age of 40 -  who may feel called to service on the Special Commission or the Vision Team.  The online application form is due on August 17. Thank you for your assistance in sharing this link widely. 

Great Lakes Association of Presbyterian Church Educators