Tag: John J Frady

Memorial Day in Aucoin

On a breezy Memorial Day morning, the small town of Aucoin prepared for its annual commemoration. Colorful flags waved gently in the wind, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air. Children laughed and played, their innocence a reminder of the freedom fought for by so many.

At the center of town stood a weathered veterans’ memorial, its stone engraved with the names of soldiers from wars and conflicts who had given their all for their country. Among them was Sergeant James Frazier, an Aucoin native come local hero who left for war with a heart full of dreams yet returned only in the memories of those who loved him.

As the courthouse clock struck ten, townsfolk gathered for a solemn ceremony. Among them was Chelsea, James’ younger sister, now a mother herself. Her memories of her brother were vivid: the laughter they shared, the stories he told, the secrets they kept, each moment glowing like sunlight on a summer’s day. She recalled the day he enlisted, how proud and terrified she felt watching him march away.

After a stirring rendition of patriotic favorites, the crowd grew silent. Slowly, Mayor Frederick Johnson stepped forward, honoring not just James, but all who had served. “Today,” he said reverently, “We remember their sacrifices, the families left behind, and the dreams unfulfilled. We stand united in gratitude.”

As he spoke, Chelsea held her young daughter, Emma, close.

“What’s he talking about, Mama?” asked Emma, who was starting to get restless.

Chelsea leaned down and whispered, “He’s talking about your Uncle James, sweet girl.”

“He was your brother, wasn’t he?”

“Yes, he was,” said Chelsea, her eyes tearing up slightly. “He fought for our freedom, baby girl. His name is on the monument.”

Emma looked at her mother with innocence. “We should say thank you?”

Tears glistened in Chelsea’s eyes as she nodded. After the ceremony, they walked to the memorial, flowers in hand. Emma knelt, placing her petals gently at the base. “Thank you for keeping us safe,” she said softly, her small voice carrying the weight of gratitude.

In that moment, a gentle breeze scattered the flowers, forming a colorful carpet at the foot of the memorial—a reminder that love and sacrifice unite generations. Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the town of Aucoin lit candles, illuminating the names engraved on the stone, shining brightly like stars in the night.

Through their tears and laughter, the town of Aucoin honored those who gave their everything. They remembered that freedom isn’t free but comes at a price while simultaneously bringing hope and unity for a brighter tomorrow. Every heart beat in gratitude, and every story told echoed the eternal spirit of freedom.

*Image courtesy of Aaron Burden

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Devotion, Response, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Easter Sunday

The Resurrection of Jesus

But very early on Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what He told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” (Luke 24:1-7)

The sun had not yet risen over Jerusalem, but a soft light began to creep into the sky, announcing the dawn of a new day. Mary Magdalene, with a few other women, went to the tomb where the body of Jesus lay. Their hearts were heavy, burdened by grief. The events of the past few days replayed in their minds: the betrayal, the arrest, the crucifixion, and the burial of Jesus. As they approached the tomb, they carried spices and oils, hoping to honor the body of the One they loved. They whispered to each other, concerned about the heavy stone sealing the entrance. But their worry momentarily faded as they saw that the stone had been rolled away, revealing an empty tomb. 

“Who has taken Him?” Mary gasped, her heart pounding. The others echoed her confusion as they peered inside. The grave clothes that had wrapped Jesus were neatly folded and an unsettling mixture of hope and fear filled the air. Suddenly, two men in dazzling apparel appeared, their presence both alarming and comforting. “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” they asked, their voices echoing in the silence of the sacred place. Mary’s heart raced, caught between sorrow and the spark of something she could not yet grasp. She knew they were speaking of Jesus, but the weight of her grief clouded her understanding. “He is not here,” one of the men explained. “He has risen!”

Those words hung in the air, striking a chord deep within her as memories of Jesus flooded her heart – the miracles, the teachings, the moments of profound love and grace. She remembered Jesus saying He would rise again. Could it be true? Could He truly be alive? “Remember how He told you,” the angels said, “that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day.” In that moment, as clarity began to break through her disbelief, the heaviness in Mary’s heart lightened, replaced by the thrill of hope. This was the end by no means. Instead, this was an incredible new beginning because Jesus was alive!

Prayer: Lord, today we celebrate the resurrection of Your Son! Thank You for defeating death, hell, and the grave, We worship You on this Easter Sunday. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Followup Activity: Today, as you go throughout your day, greet people by saying, “He is risen!” If they look at you with a puzzled look, let them know that you are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. If you are leading your family through this devotion, lead them to do the same.

*Image courtesy of Jonny Gios

**This devotion is a part of RENEWED, an 8-day Holy Week Devotional from Celebration Church and available at http://www.celebrationchurch.org/library

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Devotion, Response, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

My Top Book Recommendations from 2024

A few years ago, I started an ongoing list of the books I read each year. I was surprised to learn that, on average, I read about 100 books each year. I know that sounds like a lot, but I don’t watch sports and I don’t have kids so there you go. Anyway, here are the top ten books I recommend from my reading in 2024. They are in no particular order of preference. I hope you find them helpful.

(Disclaimer: Please know that just because I read and enjoyed these books doesn’t mean I agree with the lifestyles or agendas of the authors. I just liked and learned from the books.)

Unbowed: A Memoir by Wangari Maathai – I found this book in Nairobi while on a trip to Kenya. It is an autobiography of Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan social, environmental, and political activist who founded the Green Belt Movement and won a Nobel Peace prize.

The Next Worship: Glorifying God in a Diverse World by Sandra Maria Van Postal – This book is about the growing trend of multicultural worship across the United States and around the world. Tremendous insight from a well read practitioner.

Teaching Across Cultures: Contextualizing Education for Global Mission by James E. Plueddemann – I know, the name is a handful in and of itself, but I found this textbook, which I read for a seminar, to be incredibly insightful for anyone leading in cross cultural teaching.

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder – As a child, my family loved the Little House series starring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert. After all of these years, I found this a fun book for escape reading.

King: A Life by Jonathan Eig – Don’t let the size of this book intimidate you. It is well worth the read. This biography gave me a broader perspective of and a deeper appreciation for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey – A friend recommended this book to me this past year, but I was hesitant to read it until I found it in a Little Free Library. It has great perspective on emotional healing. I love that the book moves the reader from asking people, “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”

Future Church: Seven Laws of Real Church Growth by Will Mancini and Cory Hartman – Ok, I have to admit, I didn’t want to like this book. Even though I don’t agree with everything written within regarding the church, I have gleaned so much from it over this past year. If you are involved in church leadership, this is an excellent read.

Right Color Wrong Culture: A Leadership Fable by Bryan Loritts – This book is a must read for anyone involved in multicultural or multiethnic church leadership. I heard Bryan Loritts speak at a conference after I read the book. I recommend the book and Bryan as a speaker.

High Road Leadership: Bringing People Together in a World that Divides by John C. Maxwell – I wish this book would have been required reading across the United States before this past presidential election. It’s one of the best leadership books I’ve ever read on bringing divided people together.

Not In It To Win It by Andy Stanley – I learn important lessons everytime I read something by Andy Stanley, even if I don’t always agree with him. This book helps the reader focus on what’s important, which by the way, isn’t always about winning.

Bonus – Karma by Boy George – Ok, I know what you’re thinking. Boy George? Yeah, I know, but I actually enjoyed this memoir by the artist and former lead singer of Culture Club. I found his narrative to be a good commentary with good insight on the culture of our day. Here’s a tip, if you have Spotify audiobooks, listen to it for further insight.

Happy reading.

Image courtesy of Drew Coffman

by Categories: Review, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , Leave a comment

“Jingle Bell Joy” Kid’s Christmas Object Lesson

Props Needed: Hand held jingle bells

(Gather kids around you, dialogue with them about what they want for Christmas, then move into the children’s sermon).

What kinds of sounds do you hear at Christmas? 

(listen for answers – they might say Christmas music, singing, shopping, traffic, etc…) 

I have one more sound for you to hear. 

(Pull your jingle bells out from a bag and ring it loudly)

These are jingle bells. What does it make you think of when you hear them ring? 

(Let one or two of the children answer) 

Some people think of the song, “Jingle bells.” Other people think of horses pulling sleighs through the snow. Other people think of Santa’s reindeer. All of these things are happy sounds for many people. 

Do you know what makes the sound of a jingle bell? There’s a small ball on the inside of this jingle bell and hits against the sides of the metal bell causing the sound. 

And what causes the bell to make the sound? (when it’s shaken).

So the sound is caused by something on the outside (the shaking) but it’s made by something on the inside (the ball). 

Even at a happy time like Christmas, life can sometimes shake us up. This happens when someone is mean to us or if we don’t get something we really want. Sometimes it might happen if we have to move from a house we really like or if we lose someone who is really close to us. 

One group of people who were shaken in the Bible were the shepherds. They were out in the fields in the middle of the night when an angel appeared to them and really scared them a lot. They were probably shaking with fear. But the Bible says that “the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people!’” (Luke 2:10)

What was the good news they were talking about? 

(Wait for a couple of answers) 

That’s right, the angel was talking about Jesus being born. That’s the best news anyone could ever hear because the Bible says Jesus “would save His people from their sins.” That’s a good reason for us to have joy, isn’t it?

Even now, when our lives are shaken, we may feel bad and quiet, but if we know Jesus, we can still ring with joy because Jesus lives inside us! 

Let me pray with you before you go back to your seats… 

(Depending on the kids, you may choose to have them pray with you or have one of them pray. After praying, send them back to their seats.)

by Categories: Christmas, Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Olympic Dreams

So here’s one more thing to consider when evaluating the 2024 Olympics… the absence of pickleball. 

Yeah, I know. I’m disappointed as well. 

If you’re like me, you turned around and noticed that suddenly, people everywhere were playing this unusual game. According to APP, the Association of Pickleball Professionals, 19% of adult Americans played pickleball at least once from August 2022 to August 2023. The report didn’t share how many of them gave up after their first match. 

Where did pickleball originate? I’m glad you asked. Retirepedia reports that pickleball began when three dads from Bainbridge Island, Washington invented a new game to amuse their children. They lowered a badminton net, tried a wiffle ball but settled on a Cosom Fun Ball. They created paddles from plywood from a neighbor’s shed. Legend has it that a dog named Pickles used to steal the game ball so they named the game after him. Others claim the game creators combined various sports into one which reminded them of a pickle boat crew where participants are selected from the unchosen oarsmen of other boats. My theory is that they first played the game using a pickle for the ball. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. 

Speaking of opinions on Pickleball, Bill Gates once shared, “Everyone from the super young to the super old can take part. It takes minutes to learn the basics, games are short, and all you need is a net, paddle, and ball to get started. It doesn’t take much skill to hit the ball, either, because it doesn’t move as fast as a tennis ball. The best thing about Pickleball, however, is that it’s just super fun.” 

Even though I often ignore the ramblings of PC users, Gates does seem to have a point about Pickleball. It is now played in over 60 countries around the world. However, despite its growing popularity, Pickleball is seen more as a recreational sport and its global recognition still leaves something to be desired. This may be why it’s not a current Olympic sport.

Will pickleball make it to the 2028 Olympics? Probably not. What about 2032 or 2036? Only time will tell. Maybe if it didn’t have such a stupid name…

*Image courtesy of Amada Ma

by Categories: Humorous, Response, ReviewTags: , , , , , 1 Comment

55 and up

So, I recently turned 55, the legal speed limit in many areas. 

To celebrate, I decided to buy two new pairs of Levi’s, the jeans of my youth. However, my high school Levi’s were 501’s with the button fly. At my current age, that sounded dangerous somehow. So since I’m 55, I searched for Levi’s 550’s. Doing so seemed easier than researching the meanings of the jean numbers.

Buying “new” jeans at my age means a visit to my favorite thrift store which gives an even further discount to customers 55 and up (hence, my favorite). To my surprise, the first pair of jeans on the rack were Levi’s 550’s in my size. I know what you’re thinking. How could the jeans be “new” if I purchased them from a thrift store? I’m cheap, ok? Shut up.

However, there was only one pair of 550’s at the thrift store, so I went to a department store in search of a bargain. To protect the store’s identity, let’s call them J.C. Dollar’s. 

Once inside, I headed straight for the 80% off racks. I knew exactly how to find them because I’m old. You might be familiar with the discount racks at J.C.’s – they give a “discounted” price on long sleeve flannel shirts and woolen coats to customers in southern Louisiana in June. However, I also found a pair of Levi’s 550’s on the rack identical to my thrift store find. I say “Identical” meaning they were both blue. 

After trying them on, I walked to the counter with my 80% off discounted jeans. The clerk scanned my jeans and said, “With tax, that will be $32.57.” 

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said as if I should be apologizing. “But those were on the 80% off rack.”

“Yes,” she replied, “Those jeans were originally $85.”

“$85?!” I gasped. “That’s a lot for jeans!”

“Yes, Sir,” she smirked as if I had just offered to pay with S & H green stamps. “Jeans have gone up in price, uh, recently.” 

“Wait a minute,” I said. “If these jeans are 80% off of $85, wouldn’t they be $17 before tax?”

“Sir,” she replied with a look that said shut up and pay, “Those jeans were on the wrong rack. They are discounted but not a full 80%. Now, there’s a line, so tell me, do you still want them?”

“Yes,” I answered in the voice of someone who has a stack of AARP invitation letters next to his chair, “But it’s entirely unheard of!”

Anyway, I’m headed back to the thrift store next week. Here’s to being 55 and up.

*Photo courtesy of Ashkan Forouzani

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Creativity, Humorous, Response, Review, UncategorizedTags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Night of Worship based on the ACTS Acrostic

The following outline was arranged for the church where I serve. It is based on the ACTS acrostic (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication) and the worship practices of King David. Please use creativity and flexibility as you plan out your transitions between songs, scriptures, and corporate prayer. I pray it will bless you as it has me.

Opening Worship Song suggestions

Adoration Section

  • Ancient Prayer of David – “O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel, may You be praised forever and ever! Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on the earth is Yours, O Lord, and this is Your kingdom. We adore You as the One who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from You alone, for You rule over everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and at Your discretion people are made great and given strength.” 1 Chronicles 29:10-12
  • Scriptural Background/Devotional Thought – King David prayed these words in front of the entire assembly as the Israelis received offerings from the people in preparation so David’s son Solomon would have the resources to build a temple for the Lord. As we prepare to enter a time of prayer and fasting, we need to spend time praising and adoring the Lord. 
  • Prayer Activity – Get into groups and everyone shares one or two attributes of God with others in the group. Then, pray as a group, praising God for who He is.
  • Worship Song Suggestions – The Goodness of God, Been So Good

Confession Section

  • Confessional Prayer of David – “Have mercy on me, O God, because of Your unfailing love. Because of Your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against You, and You alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in Your sight. You will be proved right in what You say, and Your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner-yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; You have broken me-now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence, and don’t take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You.” Psalm 51:1-12
  • Scripture Background/Devotional Thought – Psalm 51 is the confessional prayer of King David. He is filled with guilt and shame over his indiscretions with Bathsheba and planning the demise of her husband Uriah the Hittite. Sometimes, even someone considered to be “a man after God’s own heart” can be guilty of crimes. In truth, we have all sinned in one way or another. Isaiah 53:6 says, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on Him the sins of us all.” When we realize our sin, we should, like David, confess our sin to the Lord. We have the promise of His forgiveness in 1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
  • Creative Element/Prayer Activity – Pray individually for the Lord to show you ways you have failed the Lord, then write out all that come to mind on one piece of paper. Then, confess what you’ve written to the Lord.
  • Worship Song Suggestions – Lord, I Need You, Run to the Father

Thanksgiving Section

  • David’s Psalm of Thanksgiving – Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord the gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalm 100:1-5
  • Scriptural Background/Devotional Thought – The temple was a special house for the praise and worship of God in Jerusalem. There was a wall all the way around it. As King David wrote this, especially in verse 4, he was instructing people to literally give thanks to the Lord as they walked through the actual gates in the wall. He is telling them that when they come to the temple, they need to be about telling God how great He truly is. 
  • Creative Element/Prayer Activity – Pull out the paper with items you’ve confessed to the Lord. Thank the Lord for forgiving you of each item, then tear up the paper and dispose of them in trash receptacles at the front of the worship center. Pray and thank God for His forgiveness. 
  • Worship Song suggestions – Gratitude, I Thank God

Supplication Section

  • Ancient Prayer of David – “Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need Your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to You. Save me, for I serve You and trust You. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on You constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to You. O Lord, You are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to You whenever I’m in trouble, and You will answer me. No pagan god is like You, O Lord. None can do what You do! All the nations You made will come and bow before You, Lord; they will praise Your holy name. For You are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.” Psalm 86:1-10
  • Scriptural Background/Devotional Thought – It’s hard to place the timing of this Psalm, but it is obvious that David is requesting help from the Lord. It should be noted that at least seven times throughout the chapter, David refers to God as “Adonai” which means “Master.” This shows his submission to the Lord, but also shows his dependence on the Lord. This must have been at the forefront of his thoughts as he made his requests to God. “Supplication” is the word we use for asking God in a humble and earnest manner. This comes best after we’ve acknowledged who He is, confessed our sins, and thanked Him for all He has done.  
  • Worship Song Suggestions – Battle Belongs, More than Able, 

Prayer Activity – Go back to your prayer groups you were in at the beginning. Share prayer requests of which you intend to lift up to the Lord during our time of prayer and fasting. Then, pray with your group until everyone has shared and every request has been prayed for. Music will play during this prayer time and will continue until everyone has finished. Allow this to be the end of the night of worship. 

*Song selections may vary as the original songs were chosen in January 2024. Photo courtesy of JoJo

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, Devotion, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

28 Quotable Christmas Movie Lines

I love classic Christmas movies. There’s something about the poignant nostalgia that peeks into my world when I watch George Bailey battle with Mr. Potter, Ebenezer Scrooge soften at the sight of Tiny Tim, and Kevin McCallister chat with his scary neighbor in church. So many of these lines are perfect for this time of year and are perfect for sermon illustrations, blog posts, and Christmas conversations. I hope you enjoy this list. 

“Christmas was on its way. Lovely, glorious, beautiful Christmas, upon which the entire kid year revolved.” – Ralphie, A Christmas Story

“I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year” – Ebenezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol

“Faith is believing in things when common sense tell you not to.” – Fred Gailey, Miracle on 34th Street

“It’s Christmas Eve and we are going to celebrate being young and being alive.” – Miles, The Holiday

“Seeing isn’t believing. Believing is seeing.” Judy Elf, The Santa Clause

“Tell her that you love her. You’ve got nothing to lose and you’ll always regret it if you don’t” – Daniel, Love Actually

“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” – Clarence, It’s A Wonderful Life

“The thing about trains… it doesn’t matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on.” – The Conductor, The Polar Express

“This is extremely important. Will you please tell Santa that instead of presents this year, I just want my family back?” – Kevin McAllister, Home Alone

“If you’re worried and you can’t sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep. Then you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings.” – Bob Wallace, White Christmas

“Never be afraid when people can’t see what you see. Only be afraid if you no longer see it.” – Jeronicus Jangle, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

“What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!” – The Grinch, How The Grinch Stole Christmas

“Just because I can’t see it doesn’t mean I can’t believe it.” – Jack Skellington, The Nightmare Before Christmas

“I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all really. Maybe it just needs a little love.” – Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Christmas

“That’s what Christmas memories are made from, they’re not planned, they’re not scheduled, nobody puts them in their Blackberry, they just happen.” – Kelly Finch, Deck the Halls.

“That’s the one good things about regret. It’s never too late. You can always change tomorrow if you want to.” – Claire Phillips, Scrooged

“I suppose it all started with the snow. You see, it was a very special kind of snow. A snow that made the happy happier, and the giddy even giddier. A snow that’s make a homecoming homier, and natural enemies, friends.” – Narrator, Frosty the Snowman

“I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel.” – Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Christmas

“When we love someone, we are really loving God.” – Courtney B. Vance, The Preacher’s Wife

“Surprised, Eddie? If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am right now.” – Clark Griswold, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Buddy, Elf

“You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out!” Every Adult, A Christmas Story

“If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love is actually all around.” Richard Curtis, Love Actually

“A toy is never happy until it is loved by a child.” King Moonraiser, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer

“This is Christmas, the season of perpetual hope.” Kate McAllister, Home Alone

“No matter what happens, we are family.” Sam, Love the Coopers

“Would you like to go eat food? You know, the code?” – Buddy, Elf

“God Bless Us, Everyone.” – Tiny Tim, A Christmas Carol 

Merry Christmas.

*Image courtesy of Ben White

by Categories: Christmas, Creativity, Humorous, Response, UncategorizedTags: , , , , Leave a comment

I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day – The Carol Inspired by Grief and Loss

In July of 1861, Fannie Elizabeth Appleton, the wife of the famed poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, tragically died. She had been sealing envelopes with hot wax which sparked a flame which caught her dress on fire. Henry tried to extinguish the flames, first with a rug and then with his own body, but Fannie had already suffered severe burns. She died the next morning. Henry was also badly burned, so much that he was unable to attend his wife’s funeral. Because of his burns, he stopped shaving and grew a beard that became his trademark. Henry’s grief was so overwhelming that he believed he was going to end up in an asylum.

Two years later, in March of 1863, Henry’s 18 year old son Charles Appleton Longfellow secretly boarded a train in Cambridge, Massachusetts that was bound for Washington D.C. He enlisted in the Union Army and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry.

On December 1st of that same year, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was dining alone at his home when he received a telegram with the news that his son had been severely wounded four days earlier in the battle of the Mine Run Campaign. Charley, as he was called, had been shot through the left shoulder. He avoided paralysis by less than an inch. Henry and his younger son Ernest traveled to Washington D.C. where they learned that, although serious, Charley’s wounds were not as horrific as they had initially been told.

Three weeks later, on Christmas Day, 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was overwhelmed by loss. He was a 57 year old widowed father of six children, the oldest of which had been nearly killed or paralyzed as he fought for a country that was at war with itself. To capture the way he felt, Henry wrote a poem he titled I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. That day, he heard the Christmas bells ringing in Cambridge and he had listened as people sang “peace on earth.” However, the world he observed was filled with injustice and violence that mocked the truthfulness of the optimistic outlook. The theme continues throughout the poem, finally leading the listener to a settlement of confident hope that even in the midst of bleak despair, that God is alive and faithful and that His righteousness will prevail.

Click here to hear an interesting arrangement of I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Charlene Closshey.

Click here to watch the trailer for the new I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day movie set to open in December in theaters. Ironically, I knew nothing about the movie when I first posted this blogpost this morning. If you see it, let me know what you think.

*Photo courtesy of Maximillian Zahn

(Note: This is a repost from 12-25-21. Tomorrow, on 12-1-22, I’ll begin 25 days of new posts featuring the stories behind our most favorite sacred Christmas Carols.)

by Categories: Christmas, Church and Christian Life, Uncategorized, WorshipTags: , , , , Leave a comment

How the Church Shaped Halloween

Before I’m burned at the stake, let me explain. 

The roots of Halloween are found in the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain (pronounced “SAHwin” – obviously phonics is somewhat different in Gaelic) The Samhain festival was celebrated on November 1, but actually started on the evening of October 31. It celebrated the harvest but also welcomed what was thought of as the dark half of the year. The ancient Irish and Scottish believed that the boundary between this earthly world and the afterlife became especially thin on Samhain, enabling communication with the dead. The ancient Gaelic population believed there were many gods and fairies. Samhain, in turn, involved many ritualistic ceremonies enhancing their connection to the spirit world, causing people to leave offerings on their doorsteps or in the fields for the spirits and fairies.

The Celts often celebrated Samhain by wearing animal fur costumes as a disguise against ghosts and spirits. Their celebrations included drunken feasts (yep, they were Irish) where they made lanterns by hollowing out gourds and placed candles within. The people were expected to join the Druid priests who built community bonfires where prayers were offered and cattle sacrifices were made. Each family was expected to bring part of the fire back to their home to relight their home hearth. 

The English name “Halloween” can be traced back to medieval Christianity. “Hallow” comes from the Old English word for holy. At the time, “All Saints’ Day” was called “All Hallows’ Day” and the day before, when an evening mass was held, was “All Hallows’ Eve”, which eventually transitioned to “Halloween” because after all, it was quite a mouthful. It is believed that the mass was initiated to give the evening perspective. Nothing takes your mind off of pagan revelry like taking communion and listening to a homily.

Christian leaders were also responsible for the official date of Halloween. In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV began the tradition of All Saints Day when he dedicated the Pantheon in Rome to the Saints. However, the date was May 13. One hundred years later, Pope Gregory III changed the date of All Saints Day to November 1 when he dedicated a chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica to the Saints. This date, however, was apparently more of a local or regional change. Finally, in the 9th century, Pope Gregory IV added All Saints Day to the Christian calendar, extending the date to people everywhere. With All Saints Day solidified on November 1st, All Hallows’ Eve was destined for October 31st, which coincidentally fell on the anniversary of Samhain.

With the spread of Christianity, the mystical rituals of earlier Halloweens became more lighthearted. People dressed as the Saints and recited songs to one another. Children went from door to door asking for “soul cakes,” which were biscuit-like treats. Soul cakes actually originated as a part of All Souls’ Day, a third day of celebration on November 2, but overtime morphed into the Halloween night concept we know as trick-or-treating. The tradition of dressing as Saints shifted when young Scottish and Irish pranksters opted to dress up in scary costumes in order to frighten their neighbors. Soul cakes slowly transitioned into candy, much to the delight of children and the manufacturers of chocolate better choice. 

So there you have it, well, sort of.

Even though Halloween can be filled with light hearted fun; and even though its date, name, and practices were heavily influenced by the medieval church; Even though Halloween is a time where children can get tons of chocolate and candy that they’re still eating till way after Christmas much to the dismay of their parents and to the delight of dentists everywhere; even though we can fill the Halloween and Fall season with all of these interesting facts and fun information, it is good to remember that Halloween, or Samhain, is still a day and time festival of the dead celebrated by Druids, Wiccans, Satanists, and Pagans. Even as we take part in simple family friendly festivities, let’s all remember who we are and whose we are and make a difference for God and for good wherever we may be and in whatever we might do.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

Be safe out there. Be a light. Resist Evil. Make a Difference.

*Image Courtesy of David Menidrey

by Categories: Church and Christian Life, ResponseTags: , , , Leave a comment