SMITCHing

They come, whether we want then to or not. Like sets in the sea, life's milestones roll in on us. First tooth. First fight. Loosing first tooth in first fight. You get the idea. Life's variety offers an odd interplay of the expected and the random. But are the random events really random? That's a big question, and it goes to the heart of God's providence. Is He there? And if so, is He paying attention? I believe He is. People who need hope, really need hope, are glad to hear of that, but God's providence is a lesser order question for a lot of us who are pretty satisfied with our lives. We've very little to hope for that isn't narcissistic on the one hand, or pretty accessible on the other. What does someone who has wealth and opportunity that is unimaginable for 95% of the world's population hope for? More of the same? But what if you don't have clean water, or food enough? And what if you have little hope of escaping the poverty and oppression tha...

Our theme this year at Beaverton Foursquare is the Hidden Gift. It's tough coming up with a Christmas theme that's fresh each year, but I think this one fits the bill. It's got a lot of depth. On one level, it talks of the small, unnoticed, ways God touches our lives. They're hidden in the main, since few if any outside the touch ever know of them. Though all we have to do is look. They're right there. For example, I remember the sheer joy of driving over Cooper Mountain on the way to pick my daughters up from dance class and seeing the brushwork of a winter's sunset played on the cloud cover. I felt as if God had given me a treat to brighten my heart—a little hug from God, if you will. I would turn off the radio, and talk with Him. The interruption a welcome invitation. Somewhat deeper is the theological impetus behind the theme. The humility and condescension of God, who veiled all of Deity in human flesh. As my pastor said, the Cross cast a shadow over the ma...