Pastor's Perspective - Christmas Pardons

According to ABC News, today before leaving for Christmas vacation, President Bush granted 19 pardons, offering forgiveness for convictions ranging from gun and drug violations to bank and mail fraud. One of the official pardons was granted to Charles Winters, a man with an interesting story who passed away in the 1980s.

Winters for many Jews was considered a genuine hero. A Protestant from the northeast, he ran a successful cargo business after WWII, in which he used former military aircraft to transport food and other items internationally. However, he began to use them to transport arms to his Jewish friends in their quest for independence and statehood, a violation of the Neutrality Act. Winters served 18 months in prison. As mentioned he died over twenty years ago in Florida. After his passing, director Steven Spielberg appealed to President Bush to pardon Winters and clear his name and record. The famous filmmaker recently remarked, “There are probably many unsung heroes of America and of Israel, but Charlie Winters is surely one of them. While a pardon cannot make Charlie Winters whole, and regrettably he did not live to see it, it would be a fitting tribute to his memory and a great blessing to his family if this pardon is granted.”

Christmas 2008 is only a few short days away. For many millions worldwide, it is so much more than mall Santas, slammed parking lots, beeping sales registers, tinseled trees and semi-chilled eggnog. It is, at its very essence, the celebration of John 3:16! It is the humble remembrance of humanity’s greatest hero, who continues to confound us with the account of His humble advent. It is the season in which we humbly bow in awe that a child would be the linchpin to the greatest rescue mission ever executed and recorded. We stop and reflect that One left the splendor and privileges of deity, to pay a price that simply wasn’t His to pay; and in doing so, offers pardon in place of our many and most vile offenses, not just to 19, but to every member of the human family – the scandal of amazing grace.

Undoubtedly, today is a day of celebration for the family of Charles Winters, Steven Spielberg, and thousands who remember and appreciated his controversial actions from yesteryear. However, unlike today’s White House news, the Bible tells us that the unparalleled pardon only Jesus Christ offers is available and accessible only while we’re alive. So, if you’re reading this, the ‘good news’ is – you still qualify!

Have you received your pardon?

“TODAY, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…” Hebrews 3

Merry Christmas!

In the Fight,

Steve

Pastor's Perspective - Vacation Inspiration

It’s good to be home! My family and I just returned from Thanksgiving vacation in central Florida where we spent ten wonderful days reconnecting with family and friends. We tried to see as many people as possible, but failed to get face-time with many we hoped to see. However, our time with those we could catch was rich, invigorating and inspiring. Let me elaborate on that inspiring part.

While in the Sunshine State we spent precious time with my mother, Sandy Stambaugh. It was her desire and goal to have the entire family near her this Thanksgiving. Mission accomplished! For those who don’t know, my mother has dealt with many medical challenges in recent months, including a series of small debilitating strokes. Despite her setbacks, she has inspired many in her tenacious quest to focus on what she still has, and not on what she has lost. Her warmth, Christ-like love and hospitality, despite her circumstances, continues to inspire her eldest son.

We also spent quality-time with my ‘father in the faith’, Paul Neal, and his dear wife Mary Frances. Paul, a retired minister, was and continues to be a mentor and wise seasoned adviser in my life and ministry. Due to a severe vein disorder in his legs, blood circulation is limited, causing immobility and chronic discomfort. Yet, when his inability to do what he once did was mentioned, this gallant servant of the Most High focused on the silver linings. He chooses not to lament on the chair he sits in for hours daily, but instead on the beautiful serene waterfront view God has given him from his recliner. His courage and attitude continues to inspire me as his Timothy.

Lastly, we were able to spend time with Carol Johnson, a treasured family friend for many years. Carol is currently battling stage four cancer. She has had a double mastectomy, radical abdominal surgery, and is receiving a strong regime of chemotherapy. Although she has lost her hair, she has not lost her faith in God, her hope in His amazing grace, or her sense of humor. Carol’s strong and brave assurance in the Father’s sovereignty and unconditional love for her, despite her diagnosis, moved Michelle and I to tears several times. Our desire to visit her while in Florida was to minister to her; yet God had other plans. We were the targets of His beautiful lesson on how to truly live and die in Christ. We parted not knowing if we’d ever see Carol again this side of Glory; but we left knowing that we would see each other again.

As my fellow readers, congregants and sojourners, please take a moment and lift up my mother, Paul and Carol in your prayers. Each inspired me immeasurably by their trust in the One who is trustworthy, despite the unanticipated chapters written in the books of our lives.

In closing, last Friday Carol gave Michelle and I a Christmas card and a letter. The card was a beautiful picture of her smiling (with hair!) standing ankle-deep in snow during a recent trip to Canada. Her letter stated, “This is such a special Christmas this year as I am still here!..I am savoring each and every day I have and so believe my journey is a special one, as I have been chosen for this very time. Just as the mother of Jesus was chosen to birth our Savior, so I have been chosen to continue His story of love, forgiveness, mercy, healing and salvation…It is my prayer that this Christmas we look deep within our hearts and just spill out all the love we have to all we meet, forgive old hurts and renew all relationships as we await our dear Savior’s return. I believe it won’t be long!”

Merry Christmas!

In the Fight,

Steve