I think we all need a few good surprises: unexpected love; a second chance when perhaps we didn't really deserve it; someone saying "yes," when in our mind's eye, we had already heard the door loudly slam.

Because life is busy and complicated: Most of us juggle many obligations and wear many hats, often knocking ourselves out to make things right, or as close to right as we possibly can for our friends and loved ones. And sometimes it all falls into place. And sometimes it doesn't.

You and I can become worn down - by disappointments and challenges, and difficult circumstances that we cannot control: illnesses, our deeply-felt losses, financial problems, betrayals, or simple indifference; the mindless chattering of the tube, the incessant calls of commercialism.

And then there is Christmas, the proof that God surely heard the collective groan of the universe - that everything is irretrievably messed-up, and on a good day never quite right, and there is surely no way out - and sent us a little baby, born in a stable, born of the virgin, to be our savior, and the savior of all mankind. Wow!

Jesus. The Christ-child. God with us. Light in the darkness. Forgiveness, in an unforgiving world. And bright hope for tomorrow. And life everlasting. And all that and more. And that folks, is still quite a surprise for most of us. And a good one at that. And for this let us give thanks!

"Lord Jesus, We're so glad you cared enough to come." AMEN.

I would like to thank the Munich Mass Choir for allowing me to participate in two sold-out concerts last weekend where I was soloist, and where they presented one of my choral compositions with a great deal of enthusiasm. The Spirit of the Lord is sovereign, and showed up in great power, especially on the Sunday evening concert, where people were touched in visible and palpable ways by the music and its message.

After the concert a kind lady came up to talk to me, briefly explaining that although from a protestant background, she had not even been in church in years, and how this evening had strangely rekindled her faith - long-sinced cooled - and also how she felt the Lord was telling us that our time here was short.

I also spoke with another friend who told me of two choir members who were present at the concert but had been unable to sing. One, a young man, still in his twenties who had recently been diagnosed with a serious form of brain cancer; and also of a woman in middle-age who had just had complex surgery for breast cancer. This brings reality home.

And this news, while sad, perhaps tragic in its own right, did not diminish the power of this concert's message - which is one of hope in the midst of hopelessness, and victory over circumstances that we cannot control, when we humbly turn these things over to the one who holds us, and all things in his tender grasp.

Let us remember that we are here to share the joys and sorrows of those whose lives we touch, and be willing and mindful to help care for, and sometimes even carry those who can no longer bear their own burdens. This is the heart of the gospel message, and always has been.

Even so, come Lord Jesus.

Whether... homeless, Black or White, Muslim or Jewish, Christian or atheist, rich or poor, white or blue collar, Democrat or Republican, gay or lesbian, genial or less so, addicted, or racist, or whatever..."Love Thy Neighbor, as Thyself." Amen.

The Lord Loses Nothing
Words and music by Jonathan Hanks © 2011

I
The Lord loses nothing
When we place it in his hands
Not our lives, our loves - our hopes and dreams
Our latest best-laid plans

He wraps them all in mercy
And hangs them on his cross
And from these, not a single thing ever is lost
Oh, my Lord, He loses nothing

II
The Lord loses no one
That we bring to him in prayer
Not the friends that walk among us
Or the souls in death's dark lair

He wraps his arms around them
And holds them to his breast
I still believe that come what may, He surely knows best
My Lord, He loses no one


Bridge:
When I think of all the things I've lost
It's hard to even count the cost
The loved ones who have long since passed
The wasted years that went so fast

But he takes it all and reconciles
The faulty starts, the failed tries
And all the while - he holds my hand

III
My Lord loses nothing
That I give him but my sin
He takes them on, and takes them on
And loses them again

He wraps them all in mercy
And hangs them on his cross
And my greatest joy is found
From all the things he has lost

Oh my Lord...

Well the news in Norway has left us all in shock. This nation has just suffered an attack on the scale of our 9/11 when adjusted for the relatively small population. Imagine that! That so many victims were young people leaves an additional burden on this proud and beautiful country. Lord, have mercy.

I received a letter from Better Life Children's Home in Kibwezi, Kenya this week as well, making an urgent appeal for assistance as the worsening drought in this part of Africa has left literally an entire region on the verge of disaster. People simply cannot feed themselves, and children, as we know, are invariably the most vulnerable among us. Let us do what we can to help.

One organization that is trying to help is - ABridgetoPeace.Org - non-profit organization in Bend, Oregon. I have been happy to assist these good folks with fundraising for this children's home in Kenya in the past. They are helping boys and girls, one life at a time. Please consider making a contribution to them, or the relief agency of your choice. And remember to pray for the people of Norway as they grapple with this great tragedy in their midst.

"Lord, Help to us keep our hands and hearts open to your children in need, Amen."