Editor’s note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i’s religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday, a topic is printed, inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are edited.
Editor’s note: “Spiritual leaders answer” is a weekly column inviting Kaua‘i’s religious and spiritual leaders to share their doctrine’s perspective on a suggested subject. Every Friday, a topic is printed, inviting a response. Due to space limitations, submissions are edited. Thoughts or suggestions for future topics are always welcome. Next week the suggested topic is goals. The topic at the end of the column is for the following week.
Rebecca DeRoos
Science of Mind practitioner
Two weeks ago my golden retriever Sandy died. Sandy greeted me with a smile daily, pawing at my bed to wake me up and greet the day. Most people have a special affection for their pets. One of my friends shared with me about her friend who lost their family dog to cancer. The family was concerned about their 6 year-old boy so allowed him to be present for their pet’s passing moments. Afterward, the family shared their feelings and wondered at why dogs have to live such short lives. Their son surprised them by saying: “People are born so they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody and being nice. Dogs know how to do that already so they don’t have to stay as long.”
My friend went on to share the following (lessons to be learned from a dog): When loved ones come home always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp and play daily. Let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Be loyal. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Pastor Derrick
Vander Meulen
Kaua‘i Reformation Church
Most of us make it a practice to give gifts on Christmas. As a dad I enjoy seeing the excitement and joy on the faces of my children when they open their gifts on Christmas Eve. But the tradition of gift-giving is only a reflection of the greatest gift-giver who gave the greatest gift: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
But what made God’s gift of His Son so great? To understand this question, we need to hear the voice of an angel. When Joseph was considering a break up with Mary because she was pregnant, God sent an angel to speak to him: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21) You shall call His name Jesus, says the angel, not because that’s a family name that goes back generations… No, Joseph, call His name Jesus so that His name will declare His purpose: He will save His people from their sins.
We must not worship the Christ child while ignoring His crucifixion. We must worship and give “glory to the newborn King” because of Gethsemane, Golgotha and the empty grave. To focus simply on Bethlehem, the baby in a manger, shepherds and wise men while ignoring the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ is not being mindful of the things of God, but the things of men. We must not allow the manger to steal the glory of the cross.
Another angel, who became visible and audible to the shepherds in the fields, also emphasized this point: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
Kahu James Fung
Lihu‘e Christian Church
I received a gift from a friend years ago while working together at a summer job between years at college. It was a book; but it was the inscription that was the real gift. It said something to the effect that there are gifts that someone could go out and purchase and give to a person, but there is another kind of gift that can only be given from heart to heart. It went on to say, “I loved our late night conversations and will think of them often. You have been a gift to me.” I still have the book. More than that I have the inscription. It’s preserved in my memory.
God’s gift to us is an inscription on our heart as well. It’s a word that speaks of a special kind of love, one that has to do with grace. Grace is getting something we haven’t earned, don’t deserve, cannot get on our own and have no right to expect. It’s like someone unexpectedly coming into our life and making us feel special, enabling us to believe in our self and giving us hope for what our lives can yet mean. It’s like a renewing breeze blowing over a heart suffocating in despair.
That gift is the word that has become “enfleshed.” Christian theologians speak of Jesus as that “word incarnate,” appearing in the flesh, God’s transcendent being entering into human history. It’s God letting us know that there is a purpose to our life and the best is yet to come. It’s a miracle that cannot be explained. We accept and embrace God’s gift to us in Jesus Christ in faith. It’s what Christmas is all about.
The most important things in life — like love, beauty and grace — cannot be explained in terms of how it happens or the reason for it. Just because we cannot explain it doesn’t mean we can’t appropriate it, appreciate it and celebrate it.
Pastor Wayne Patton
Anahola Baptist Church
A gift is something we receive freely and not something we earn.
When I was a kid and Christmas time came around, the song about “naughty and nice” was not my friend. I received a lot more gifts than I deserved, because “nice” did not describe how I treated my brothers. But I always received tons of gifts because my parents and grandparents loved me.
God’s bigger provision and gift for us is eternal life, which is found in Jesus Christ. Our God, who so loved the world, did not have to give us the gift of His Son for our big sin problem. But He did. Jesus died so that we could have life through His death.
Romans 6:23 tells us that gift is a “gift of eternal life.” The eternal life does not begin at death, it begins as soon as we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.
Baha’i Faith
The Baha’i of Kaua‘i
During this joyous season celebrated by the exchange of gifts, we are sure to remember those who during the year have been kind, loving or generous. We reciprocate their thoughtfulness by presenting them with gifts that represent our appreciation.
But during the hustle and bustle of shopping and wrapping, time needs to be set aside to reflect on the many gifts our loving, generous and merciful God has provided for us. The following Baha’i Writings identify the “greatest and most wondrous gifts” God has bestowed upon man:
“Knowledge is one of the wondrous gifts of God. It is incumbent upon everyone to acquire it… Above all else, the greatest gift and the most wondrous blessing hath ever been and will continue to be wisdom. It is man’s unfailing protector. It aideth him and strengtheneth him. Wisdom is God’s emissary and the revealer of His name the omniscient.”
Baha’is consider the knowledge of God and His ordinances and laws as the most important gift He has given us. However, we are also to acquire material knowledge from the arts and sciences. If we each accept these gifts and apply knowledge coupled with wisdom before every decision and act, then these truly wondrous gifts can provide mankind with the protection, happiness and peace that our omnipotent Lord desires for us. What better way to express our appreciation to God than to live in harmony with all of His creations.
Topic for two weeks from today
• Will you speak to us on daughters?
• Spiritual leaders are invited to e-mail responses of three to five paragraphs to pwoolway@kauaipubco.com.
• Deadline each week is 5 p.m. Tuesday.