The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Our readings for the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist are:

1. Isaiah 49: 1-6
2. Psalms 139: 1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15
3. Acts 13 22-26
4. Luke 1: 57-66

• Success isn't all that it's cracked up to be
• We all want to succeed at what we invest ourselves in, it's only natural.  But sometimes, success becomes a hindrance.
• Think of something that you really poured yourself into.  Maybe it's parenting, maybe it's a career, or caring for an ill spouse or parent.
• Did that turn out the way that you had originally wanted/expected for it to?
• Were you disappointed that it didn't go the way that you wanted?
• Did that discourage you from trying again?
• Do you feel that God owes you to succeed at everything that He calls you to do?
• Just how do you define success anyway?

• You just don't understand ...
• Think of someone who really understands you, who "gets" you.
• How did they get that much insight into you?
• How have you built that sort of relationship through the years?
• Why is it that we feel less alone when there are those who really really understand us?
• Do you truly believe that God understands you, that He accepts every part of you, that you are loved right now, every last atom of your being?
• How then should you pray?

• I Am has this covered ...
• God has been at this almighty thing for a long time.  He apparently has the ability to get a huge number of moving parts to all work together over years, nay millennia.
• So, what exactly do we have to worry about?
• Have you ever lamented to God that so much that you have worked on seems to be crumbling, falling down around you for no good reason?
• How did God answer that?  Did you get much sympathy?
• Does it make sense for us to ask for the bigger picture, or are we always going to see just a small part of the big picture?

• What's in a name?
• We have gotten out of the habit of trying to name our children meaningfully.  In so doing, we lose the opportunity to lay claim to that part of the grand arc of history that they will build in their lives, we subtly deny them their destiny because we fear that we're going to get it wrong, or because we fear that we're going to get it right, and that destiny looks too daunting.
• If you wanted to give yourself a name that somehow spoke to who you see when you look in the mirror, what would that name be?
• What name do you think that God has for you?
• Do you think that name ever changes?

• Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. What in my life, success, appreciation, affection ... am I willing to give up as I follow Jesus?
2. Where am I helping God to understand me better?  What am I doing to better understand God?
3. What worries can I give up to God today?
4. What can I do today to claim my name before God?

Nativity Carol

Loved into being

Awaited with longing and trepidation

Each of us arrived on this planet amidst doubts and fears, expectations and anticipation

Dwelling in the past is an escape

But to learn from it, we must first learn our own origins,

The clay from which we were formed.

Perhaps it's time to sit down with our children.

Share with them our fondest dreams, hopes, and ambitions for them.

Not to contrast with where they are today, but shine light on the roots from which they spring

Perhaps in the telling we can learn to be more accepting.

Perhaps in the hearing they can learn to be courageous,

Both become brave enough to hope, brave enough to cast aside cynicism.

Shalom!