A Christian Book Review
By Gene Stansel

Eugene Peterson’s, Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places

For those who are not yet familiar with Eugene Peterson, now is a great time to be introduced to this wonderfully refreshing theologian, professor, pastor, linguist, author and poet. Peterson is thought by many to be our best contemporary Christian writer, a prophetic voice challenging the church today. There is a warning, though: this book is not the usual light inspirational read. But, because it is easy to follow and extremely well-organized in content, it will challenge, encourage, and deepen your understanding of the Christian life. Those already familiar with Eugene Peterson will certainly agree that the reader will reap great rewards.

Although Christ Plays In Ten Thousand Places (the title is extracted from a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins) is not overly theological on the surface, Peterson certainly draws deeply from the well of scholarship and historical Christianity. Subtitled “a conversation in spiritual theology”, Peterson seeks to awaken modern Christians to the mysteries of God’s grace through a deeper understanding of the narrative of scripture. Peterson sees all scripture as narrative, and by grasping the entire scope of God’s revelation from creation throughout history, we may better understand our current role in community. There are no non-participants in the Christian life; however, many modern Christians may be thrown off track by a desire to follow cultural trends and entertainment.

As a pastor for more than thirty-three years, Peterson faced the tendency to concentrate solely on ‘pastoral theology”: teaching, preaching weddings, funerals, etc. However, he eventually saw that a steady diet of “pastoral” theology failed to properly nourish his flock. Because we live within a narrative (each person has his own story within history), our doctrine and practice should also be understood within this narrative context. In other words, we live out our faith in community in light of our knowledge of God’s grace. Peterson thus adds new and refreshing insights to the rather hackneyed term ‘practical’ Christian living.

This book is the first in Peterson’s series of five books on the topic of spiritual theology. Four have been completed, and the fifth will follow in late 2009.
Tolle lege.

Preparation and Poetry

How do you prepare your mind and body for Christmas season? Do you prepare at all? I have a couple of suggestions:

First, I have mentioned elsewhere that I highly recommend that you read (and re-read!) Chapter 5 of J.I. Packer’s Knowing God.

Second, the Christmas season is wonderful to read poetry—yes, poetry. Why? Our great Christmas carols are poetry. Take the time to read them. We have a treasury of poems written for the season by Christians throughout the centuries. Poetry slows us down; it encourages reflection; it moves our minds and hearts. It prepares us for the season. It prepares us to worship the new-born King! Here are three of my favorites:

John Newton’s, “Praise for the Incarnation”

The life of John Newton is familiar to many. He was a slave-trading sea captain who was converted to Christ and appointed Vicar of the Parish Church in Olney, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1764. On one particular cold, dark December evening in 1770's, he introduced a new hymn to his flock. It was Christmas Day, and he was determined to lead his humble congregation in "Praise for the Incarnation."

Sweeter sounds than music knows
Charm me in Immanuel's name;
All her hopes my spirit owes
To his birth, and cross, and shame.

When he came, the angels sung,
"Glory be to God on high;"
Lord, unloose my stamm'ring tongue,
Who should louder sing than I?

Did the Lord a man become,
That he might the law fulfil,
Bleed and suffer in my room,
And canst thou, my tongue, be still?

No, I must my praises bring,
Though they worthless are and weak;
For should I refuse to sing,
Sure the very stones would speak.

O my Saviour, Shield, and Sun,
Shepherd, Brother, Husband, Friend,
Ev'ry precious name in one,
I will love thee without end.

Christina Rossetti’s, “Christmas Eve” and “Christmas Day”

Christina Rossetti was born in London, December 5, 1930, one of four children of Italian parents. Her father was the poet Gabriele Rossetti (1783-1854), professor of Italian at King's College from 1831. She was a devout member of the Church of England and a prolific poet. She is perhaps best known for “A Christmas Carol,” more commonly recognized as “In the Bleak Mid-Winter.” Her Christian poetry was influenced by Augustine, Thomas à Kempis, George Herbert, and John Donne. Although plagued for much of her life by ill-health and poverty, she produced hundreds of lines in praise of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

“Christmas Eve”

Christmas hath a darkness
Brighter than the blazing noon,
Christmas hath a chillness
Warmer than the heat of June,
Christmas hath a beauty
Lovelier than the world can show:
For Christmas bringeth Jesus,
Brought for us so low.

Earth, strike up your music,
Birds that sing and bells that ring;
Heaven hath answering music
For all Angels soon to sing:
Earth, put on your whitest
Bridal robe of spotless snow:
For Christmas bringeth Jesus,
Brought for us so low.

"Christmas Day"

A baby is a harmless thing
And wins our hearts with one accord,
And Flower of Babies was their King,
Jesus Christ our Lord:
Lily of lilies He
Upon His Mother's knee;
Rose of roses, soon to be
Crowned with thorns on leafless tree.

A lamb is innocent and mild
And merry on the soft green sod;
And Jesus Christ, the Undefiled,
Is the Lamb of God:
Only spotless He
Upon his Mother's knee;
White and ruddy, soon to be
Sacrificed for you and me.

God's New Whiz Kids: Asian Americans

As I mentioned recently in a sermon, God is working in ways we least expected on college campuses. Don't miss this article by the author of God's New Whiz Kids.

Stewardship Sunday

Don't miss this Sunday, October 19!

Dr. James Baird will be preaching at our morning service, teaching a combined Sunday School Class, and preaching again during the evening service.

Fall Men's Steak Supper

Men!

Our Fall Men's Steak Supper schedule is set.

Date: November 6, 2008
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: Fellowship Hall

Our speaker for the evening will be Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, III. Dr. Duncan is the Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MS.

In addition to being a committed husband and father, Dr. Duncan is the fourth president of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals (following in the train of James Montgomery Boice, Michael Horton, and C. Everett Koop). He is also the chairman of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW). This vital organization of committed, evangelical, Bible-believing Christians is focused on helping Christians and the Church to think and live biblically in the area of manhood and womanhood in the home, church, and the world.

He recently served as the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (2004-2005).

He is the author, or co-author, of numerous books, including Preaching the Cross, Women's Ministry in the Local Church, and Give Praise to God: A Vision for Reforming Worship.

Join us for an evening of great food, fellowship, and teaching!