The miraculous scandal of Christmas

As I write this, it is Christmas Eve -- and the Christmas season is about to BEGIN!  We've been waiting throughout the weeks of Advent for the coming of Christ.  Tomorrow we begin the 12 day celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ.     

Think about it -- God, the creator of everything we see, chose to enter into our world, taking on flesh, blood, skin, and bones.  We call this incarnation.  It's bizarre, isn't it?

What's more, God didn't choose a noble birth.  Mary was no queen.  Joseph was not a wealthy man. They were peasants in a rural town -- out in the sticks, so to speak.  Worse yet, they were far from home that starry night, and couldn't even get a respectable room.  Instead, Mary ended up giving birth in a stable -- where the inn keeper kept his animals.  It was likely little more than a rough cave in a rocky hillside with the thick sent of manure in the air.  

It's scandalous -- don't you think?  

I mean, God could have worked out a system where it wasn't necessary to be so lowly.  Yet, God choose humanity.  Jesus was a little baby, crying and soiling diapers in a dirty feeding trough!  Once we find God in a stable, God could be anywhere!

We can turn our back on God: walking away from the hungry woman; ignoring the homeless man.  God put God's-self at our mercy.

Incarnation is messy.  It means that God cares about human flesh -- about our bodies.  Christianity isn't merely about some heaven we can only imagine.  Jesus came to show us how to live in our world - in our time.  God has walked the earth, been scolded by parents, spent time starving in a desert, loved people, made friends, been betrayed, been tortured and executed.  God doesn't merely sympathize with our daily struggles -- God empathizes, suffering with us, because God understands what it is like to be human.

This is the miracle of Christmas, and it's a scandal.  The revolution of hope and love beginning in a no-place with people that were not otherwise notable.

So take heart that God can use anyone -- and wants to use you!

Merry Christmas!

Grace and peace be with you,

Ben

--

Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://gmu.edu/org/lutheran
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
http://GMU747.org
MSN 2C7; SUB 1 room 207; Fairfax, VA 22030
703-829-0220

GAME NIGHT + study space + more!

Good luck on your finals exams from Lutheran Campus Ministry!  Know that however things go, you are loved and valuable.  Also, I'm starting to look ahead to next semester -- so please drop me a line if you have ideas for events you'd like to see.  I mean, where do you see God moving in our midst?  And what big audacious goals would you set for us?  

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Study space:  If you need a quiet place to study for finals, and would appreciate getting a couple miles away from campus for it, my wife and I are offering our kitchen table and a variety of desks in other rooms.  Thursday (12/10), NOON-10pm.  Just call us at 703-349-2580 to let us know you are coming -- or to get directions.

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GAME NIGHT:  Take a break form studying -- if you have time to relax a bit and burn some stress, join us to play some games and have some fun!  I'll be in SUB1 room B from 6pm-10pm on Wednesday 12/16 with a big stack of card and board games.  Come for a few minutes or the whole time -- whatever works for you! ALL are welcome, so bring a friend! 

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Lord God Almighty, we ask that your peace invade the anxiousness of our lives.  Overcome our fears and insecurities, giving us the trust and confidence to follow you into the unknown adventure of our reality.  We pray, come Lord Jesus, come.  AMEN. 

Grace and peace,
Ben

--

Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://gmu.edu/org/lutheran
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
http://GMU747.org
MSN 2C7; SUB 1 room 207; Fairfax, VA 22030
703-829-0220

LAST CALL to join us for worship at the Mathy House (home of President and Mrs. Merten)

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

747 Creative Christian Worship at the Mathy House (home of President and Mrs. Merten)

Join us for a night of revelry as we experience the Advent tension of waiting for Jesus as well as the joy of celebrating the Christmas birth of Christ.  Take a break from studying to revel in the wonder of the season!

     Gather at the Sandy Creek Shuttle Stop at 6:30pm to take the Lord of Life bus to the Mathy House -- the bus will depart at 6:45pm sharp so that we arrive on time! At the Mathy House, we'll enjoy some light refreshments as we socialize with President and Mrs. Merten, who have generously opened their home for our use for the evening. The we'll worship together, discussing Advent and celebrating Christmas -- with plenty of Carols and joy! The bus will depart the Mathy House at 9pm and will drop everyone off on campus a few minutes later.   *ALL* are welcome -- so bring a friend!

     Due to space limitations, *please* RSVP accurately for this event at one of the following:

http://GMU747.org

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=188873476009

     If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Ben Buss at bbuss@gmu.edu or 703-829-0220.

**********

Study space: If you need a quiet place to study for finals, and would appreciate getting a couple miles away from campus for it, my wife and I are offering our kitchen table and a variety of desks in other rooms.  Thursday (12/10)-Tuesday (12/15), 3pm-10pm.  Just call us at 703-349-2580 to let us know you are coming -- or to get directions.

**********

GAME NIGHT: 6pm-10pm on Wednesday, 12/16 -- take a break form studying -- if you have time to relax a bit and burn some stress, join us in SUB1 room B to play some games and have some fun!  I'll bring a big stack of card and board games.  ALL are welcome, so bring a friend! 

**********

Grace and peace,
Ben

--

Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://gmu.edu/org/lutheran
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
http://GMU747.org
MSN 2C7; SUB 1 room 207; Fairfax, VA 22030
703-829-0220

Fwd: New Year + CONCERT + THEOLOGY PUB + WORSHIP at the MATHY HOUSE + more!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Nope, I'm not early - the new Church year started as we began the season of Advent, which is a time of waiting when we sit in the tension of waiting for Christ's birth on Christmas even as we know that Christ was born some 2000 years ago, and for Jesus to return to complete the restoration of all things, even though we have no way of predicting when this will occur.  Though the world around us is spinning up into the frenzy of consumerism and getting things done, we are called to slow down and patiently prepare ourselves for what is to come.  There is a movement of Christians trying to re-claim this truth -- an Advent Conspiracy urging people to forgo gifts and give the presence of ourselves and our time to the ones we love.  Will you?

We have some big events as we wrap up the semester -- starting MONDAY with a holiday concert, the Theology Pub on Tuesday, worship this Wednesday in SUB1 room B, and then worship next week at the Mathy House (home of President and Mrs. Merten).  We are also working on scheduling an evening of caroling at a local retirement home during finals week, so stay tuned.

BIBLE STUDY: "Family Time" will be on hiatus until next semester due to some scheduling conflicts.  Let Emma (443-621-7387) or Ben (703-829-0220) know if you are interested and we'll try to find a time that will work for you next semester.

DECK THE HALLS - HOLIDAY CONCERT AND TOY DRIVE: Rock the Halls with Holiday music and collect toys for children associated with Fairfax's Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter at the same time.  6-9pm on Monday 11/30.  Let Rachael <rachael.m.dickson@gmail.com> know if you'd be interested in playing one or many songs fitting in with the holiday/Christmas/winter theme. Facebook event.

THEOLOGY PUB:  We'll gather at the RATHSKELLER in the lower level of SUB1 to eat, drink, and talk about God, faith, religion, and how they intersect life in our world.  This is a safe, open conversation.  We want to hear *your* perspectives.  ALL are welcome, so bring a friend, order yourself dinner, and join in the conversation!  5:15pm on Tuesday 12/1/2009. 

AIDS Quilt on WORLD AIDS DAY: World AIDS Day is Dec. 1 and 500 volunteers are needed that day, and the days before and after to set up and take down and guard the 100+ memorial AIDS quilts.  Let me know if you are interested in helping between Nov. 30th - Dec. 2nd.

KIOSKS: Rachael has scheduled a number of kiosks in the JC over the next couple few weeks to advertise the holiday concert (see below) we are co-sporing, to sell holiday cookies to raise money toward toys for children at the Katherine K Hanley Family Shelter, and to advertise other LCM events.  If you'd like to help out, contact Rachael <rachael.m.dickson@gmail.com> or show up at any of these times:  11/30 (1-4pm, especially from 3pm-4pm) Kiosk C;   12/1 (2-5pm) Kiosk C;   12/2 (8-11am) Kiosk B;   12/3 (2-4:30pm) Kiosk B;   12/4 (1-5pm) Kiosk C.

747 CREATIVE CHRISTIAN WORSHIP:  We're back in SUB1 room B this Wednesday (12/2), as we begin to celebrate the season of advent together. EVERYONE is welcome, and everyone's voice matters -- so bring a friend.  Co-sponsored with United College Ministries.  Wedndesdays at 7:47pm  Complete room schedule at http://GMU747.org -- Facebook group: GMU747.  (Facebook event.)

747 at the MATHY HOUSE (home of President & Mrs. Merten): On Wednesday 12/9 we'll worship at the MATHY HOUSE with President and Mrs. Merten.  Mark your calendars now!  Also, let us know if you'd like to help plan worship for that evening.  Look for more information later this week!

God Almighty, we wait as patiently as we can, doing what we can to do our part in helping to restore all things.  Yet is it only in you that this will come to completion.  We pray, come Lord Jesus, come.  AMEN. 

Grace and peace,
Ben

--

Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://gmu.edu/org/lutheran
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
http://GMU747.org
MSN 2C7; SUB 1 room 207; Fairfax, VA 22030
703-829-0220

Worship CARPOOL + BIBLE study + Thanksgiving POTLUCK + BIG events to come!

Hunger and Homelessness Action Week was great.  Thanks to all of you for your help and encouragement.  As we look ahead, this week will be light, as we know many of you will be itching to go spend time with family.  Before that, you are welcome to join carpool to worship with us this Sunday morning or join us for Bible study on Monday evening.  If you won't be joining family, you are invited to my house for Thanksgiving dinner.  Details on all this and more below.  (Look ahead -- there are some BIG events coming up as we wrap-up the semester!)

WORSHIP CARPOOL: I'll be going to the 11am worship service at King of Kings Lutheran tomorrow morning.  If you'd like a ride, call or text 703-829-0220.  (Leave a message with a name & phone number.)  

BIBLE STUDY: "Family Time" exploring what it means to be a community in Christ: relationships, struggles, etc. from the one-on-one level to the global level.  **Monday November 23rd, 6pm-7pm**  at Emma's dorm in Eastern Shore (the new dorms at the northeast corner of Patriot Circle by the new parking garage).  Call Emma at 443-621-7387 with questions.  (Facebook event.)

THANKSGIVING POTLUCK:  If you, or a friend, aren't going home to be with family for Thanksgiving, we invite you to spend it with us!  Kriss and Ben will host a Thanksgiving potluck dinner at their home a couple miles south of campus.  (Facebook event.)

DECK THE HALLS - HOLIDAY CONCERT AND TOY DRIVE: Rock the Halls with Holiday music and collect toys for children associated with Fairfax's Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter at the same time.  6-9pm on Monday 11/30.  Let Rachael <rachael.m.dickson@gmail.com> know if you'd be interested in playing one or many songs fitting in with the holiday/Christmas/winter theme. Facebook event.

THEOLOGY PUB:  We'll gather at the RATHSKELLER in the lower level of SUB1 to eat, drink, and talk about God, faith, religion, and how they intersect life in our world.  This is a safe, open conversation.  We want to hear *your* perspectives.  ALL are welcome, so bring a friend, order yourself dinner, and join in the conversation!  5:15pm on Tuesday 12/1/2009. 

AIDS Quilt on WORLD AIDS DAY: World AIDS Day is Dec. 1 and 500 volunteers are needed that day, and the days before and after to set up and take down and guard the 100+ memorial AIDS quilts.  Let me know if you are interested in helping between Nov. 30th - Dec. 2nd.

KIOSKS: Rachael has scheduled a number of kiosks in the JC over the next couple few weeks to advertise the holiday concert (see below) we are co-sporing, to sell holiday cookies to raise money toward toys for children at the Katherine K Hanley Family Shelter, and to advertise other LCM events.  If you'd like to help out, contact Rachael <rachael.m.dickson@gmail.com> or show up at any of these times:   11/23 (8-11am) Kiosk B;   11/24 (1:30-3pm) Kiosk F;   11/30 (1-4pm) Kiosk C;   12/1 (2-5pm) Kiosk C;   12/2 (8-11am) Kiosk B;   12/3 (2-4:30pm) Kiosk B;   12/4 (1-5pm) Kiosk C.

747 CREATIVE CHRISTIAN WORSHIP:  There will be no 747 on 11/25 -- enjoy your Thanksgiving break!  We'll be back in SUB1 room B on 12/2, as we begin to celebrate the season of advent together. EVERYONE is welcome, and everyone's voice matters -- so bring a friend.  Co-sponsored with United College Ministries.  Wedndesdays at 7:47pm  Complete room schedule at http://GMU747.org -- Facebook group: GMU747.  (Facebook event.)

747 at the MATHY HOUSE (home of President & Mrs. Merten): On Wednesday 12/9 we'll worship at the MATHY HOUSE with President and Mrs. Merten.  Mark your calendars now!  Also, let us know if you'd like to help plan worship for that evening.

Lord God, we are so thankful for your presence in our lives.  Each breathe and every moment is a gift.  Enable us to remember that everyday is Thanksgiving when we remember that you love us.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

Grace and peace,
Ben

--

Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://gmu.edu/org/lutheran
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
http://GMU747.org
MSN 2C7; SUB 1 room 207; Fairfax, VA 22030
703-829-0220

Worship TONIGHT in the BISTRO + Bible study + HOLIDAY CONCERT + much more!

Hunger and Homelessness Action Week is going strong, with many great events.  Worship tonight will be in the BISTRO immediately after Social Justice U around 8pm.  I think this will be a particularly interesting experience involving interactive prayer stations related to hunger and homelessness.  

     We're also looking ahead to a busy end of the semester, including Bible study, a Thanksgiving potluck,a HOLIDAY CONCERT, the AIDS quilt coming to town, and our 2nd annual worship at the Mathy House with home of President and Mrs. Merten.  As the semester is wrapping up, it's a great time to escape your stress and get engaged with a community journeying in faith together! 

HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS ACTION WEEK:  November 15-21  is the GMU Campus Ministry Association's annual Action Week to bring the campus community together to learn about hunger and homelessness and what can be done to alleviate these issues.  If you are available to help hand out fliers, stop by the North Plaza anytime 10AM-3PM and ask someone with fliers how to help -- even if you just have 15 minutes on your way to or from class!  Just show up by the clock tower -- THANK YOU!

For a detailed listing of events, visit http://ActionWeek.org -- Invite your friends to join the Facebook group.  A sampling of events includes:

+ Social Justice U - learn about hunger & homelessness in Virginia and how you can effectively advocate our representatives in Richmond for change, Wednesday 6pm-8pm in the JC Bistro

+ 747 Creative Christian Worship - interactive stations related to hunger and homelessness, a short discussion, and a couple songs, and Communion, Wednesday 8pm-9pm in the JC Bistro (immediately after Social Justice U) (Facebook event.)

+ Sleep Out - spend the night sleeping on cold concrete to get a mere glimpse of what many people who are homeless endure night after night, Thursday 10pm-Friday 7am on the North Plaza

+ Food sorting - sort food donated to the Salvation Army for distribution during Thanksgiving week, Saturday 9am-2pm at the Salvation Army-Fairfax on Ox Rd just south of University Mall

747 CREATIVE CHRISTIAN WORSHIP:  This week we'll be in JC ***BISTRO*** immediately after Social Justice U.  Come and experience several interactive prayer stations related to hunger and homelessness, share your thoughts, sing a couple songs, and share in Communion!  EVERYONE is welcome, and everyone's voice matters -- so bring a friend.  Co-sponsored with United College Ministries.  Every Wedndesday at 7:47pm (we won't start until a bit after 8pm tonight due to Social Justice U.  Don't forget that this week we'll be in the JC ***BISTRO***.  Complete room schedule at http://GMU747.org -- Facebook group: GMU747.  (Facebook event.)

KIOSKS: Rachael has scheduled a number of kiosks in the JC over the next couple few weeks to advertise the holiday concert (see below) we are co-sporing, to sell holiday cookies to raise money toward toys for children at the Katherine K Hanley Family Shelter, and to advertise other LCM events.  If you'd like to help out, contact Rachael <rachael.m.dickson@gmail.com> or show up at any of these times:   11/20 (1-4pm) Kiosk B;   11/23 (8-11am) Kiosk B;   11/24 (1:30-3pm) Kiosk F;   11/30 (1-4pm) Kiosk C;   12/1 (2-5pm) Kiosk C;   12/2 (8-11am) Kiosk B;   12/3 (2-4:30pm) Kiosk B;   12/4 (1-5pm) Kiosk C

BIBLE STUDY: "Family Time" exploring what it means to be a community in Christ: relationships, struggles, etc. from the one-on-one level to the global level.  **Monday November 23rd, 6pm-7pm**  at Emma's dorm in Eastern Shore (the new dorms at the northeast corner of Patriot Circle by the new parking garage).  Call Emma at 443-621-7387 with questions.  (Facebook event.)

THANKSGIVING POTLUCK:  If you, or a friend, aren't going home to be with family for Thanksgiving, we invite you to spend it with us!  Kriss and Ben will host a Thanksgiving potluck dinner at their home a couple miles south of campus.  (Facebook event.)

DECK THE HALLS - HOLIDAY CONCERT AND TOY DRIVE: Rock the Halls with Holiday music and collect toys for children associated with Fairfax's Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter at the same time.  7-9pm on Monday 11/30.  Let Rachael <rachael.m.dickson@gmail.com> know if you'd be interested in playing one or many songs fitting in with the holiday/Christmas/winter theme. Facebook event.

THEOLOGY PUB:  We'll gather at the RATHSKELLER in the lower level of SUB1 to eat, drink, and talk about God, faith, religion, and how they intersect life in our world.  This is a safe, open conversation.  ALL are welcome, so bring a friend, order yourself dinner, and join in the conversation!  5:15pm on Tuesday 12/1/2009. 

AIDS Quilt on WORLD AIDS DAY: World AIDS Day is Dec. 1 and 500 volunteers are needed that day, and the days before and after to set up and take down and guard the 100+ memorial AIDS quilts.  Let me know if you are interested in helping between Nov. 30th - Dec. 2nd.

747 at the MATHY HOUSE (home of President & Mrs. Merten): On Wednesday 12/9 we'll worship at the MATHY HOUSE with President and Mrs. Merten.  Mark your calendars now!  Also, let us know if you'd like to help plan worship for that evening.

Urgent Volunteer Opportunity at Hope Lutheran:  Watch kids (mostly under 3 years old) while their mothers attend ESL classes in the next room.  They really need someone on Tuesday evenings 7-9pm.  Let us know if you are interested and we'll put you in touch with the person at Hope who is coordinating this.  Start tomorrow morning if you want!  (One time or recurring.)

Lord God, thank you for community, for expanding our hearts and minds, and for giving us glimpses of your peace.  Give us strength, direction, and hope.  Help us to work together to help heal your broken world.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

Grace and peace,
Ben

--

Lutheran Campus Ministry at George Mason University
http://gmu.edu/org/lutheran
http://facebook.com/LCMGMU
http://twitter.com/LCMGMU
http://GMU747.org
MSN 2C7; SUB 1 room 207; Fairfax, VA 22030
703-829-0220