This past Sunday, the first Sunday in Advent, I attended two different churches - one was a CME Church and the other was a non-denominational church where I was the guest preacher.  The two churches were about the same size in terms of attendance.  Both services lasted just a little over an hour.  But there the similarities end.  One service was a traditional service with all the familiar elements - call to worship, affirmation of faith, hymns, and the communion ritual - all printed in the morning bulletin.  The pastor was wearing the traditional Sunday suit. The other service was quite non-traditional - no bulletin, an extended praise and worship period with all praise songs, a contemporary celebration of communion, and a very casually dressed pastor! 

I am sure you are thinking that the traditional church was the one that was a CME Church.  However, the opposite is true.  The CME Church was the one with the very NON-traditional service.  The non-denominational church was the one that most resembled the traditional worship service.  The CME Church has been labeled a "traditional" church, but that label limits how God is actively working in and through the church! You see, that is one of the limits of labels.  Once we have a label for something, it is hard not to impose that label on our future experiences. 

Labels are convenient.  Labels are easy.  Labels enable us to cast quick judgment on people and experiences.  But labels can also limit our ability to experience the fullness of God's presence in others and in our life experiences. 

This Christmas season try to avoid labels.  Jesus was born as an infant in a manger. But be careful of that simple label on Christmas because Mary's baby was destined to be the "Savior of the World".  Jesus was raised as the son of Joseph, the carpenter, but was destined to be the "Great Fisherman" calling men and women to salvation. 

During this season, we can be tempted to label our experiences as "good" or "bad".  We mentally sort the gifts received, the meals eaten, the events attended, the sermons heard into these categories.  But perhaps we miss out when we label them this way.  I would venture to say that God is at work in whatever we experience.  What are the divine messages that may be trying to get through to us in the forms of people and places this Christmas?  What are we missing if we are quick to label? 

Are we overlooking big blessings because they are in small packages?  A conversation with a friend, a song on the radio, an opportunity to smile and be friendly, a quiet evening meal with family, a simple worship service at a small church? 

Christmas is about losing the labels! Defying the expectations! Allowing God to move!  Isaiah 9:6 reminds us about the limitlessness of Christmas as God's blessing to humanity.  The shepherds and wise men saw a babe in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes.  But oh, there was so much more!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  

Celebrate Kwanzaa!

The year 2012 will see the 46th annual Kwanzaa, the African American holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1. It is estimated that some 18 million African Americans take part in Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, nor is it meant to replace Christmas. It was created by Dr. Maulana "Ron" Karenga, a professor of Black Studies, in 1966. At this time of great social change for African Americans, Karenga sought to design a celebration that would honor the values of ancient African cultures and inspire African Americans who were working for progress.

1. MKEKA (straw mat) - represents african tradition and history, the foundation of our being.
2. KINARA (candle holder) - represents our ancestors, upon whose shoulders we stand.
3. MSHUMAA SABA (seven candles) - represents the seven principles of the Nguzo Saba, and one is lit for each day of Kwanzaa.
4. MUHINDI (ears of corn) - represents the precious gift of children. Each ear of corn is represents each child of the family or one ear of corn for children hoped for.
5. ZAWADI (gift) - represents the rewards of right actions, cultural andeducational gifts to reinforce personal growth and achievement.
6. MAZAO (crops, cornicopia of fruit) - represents the fruits of our collective and productive labors.
7. KIKOMBE CHA UMOJA (unity cup) - represents oneness of purpose.