apietrocini

[apietrocini]

The One Greater Than Santa

Recently I just finished an introductory course to sociology, and in this class we covered a variety of subjects, all being particular facets of human society, as sociology truly is an undefined field of extensive material. However, as we covered the human facet of religion, one concept proved notably more gripping: Acclaimed sociologists Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton, in their influential work Soul Searching, observed how the vast majority of Americans have a specific set of common beliefs about God and religion which the two authors coined as “Moralistic Therapeutic Deism.” The tenets of this worldview are as followed:

1.) A God exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life.

2.) God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and most world religions.

3.) The central goal of life is to be happy and feel good about oneself.

4.) God does not need to be particularly involved in one’s life except when God is needed to resolve a problem.

5.) Good people go to heaven when they die.

Once again, as Smith and Denton researched and recorded, this view pervasively finds home throughout American culture. If we are honest too, we may fall into believing some of these aforementioned ideas ourselves time and again, either by accident or willful choice. Yet, what does this have to do with Christmas? Or, more precisely, what does this have to do with Santa?

Over the years I have thought more and more about Christmas, and chiefly, my observance of it. I have thought a lot about the music (as I love listening to Christmas carols before and beyond the socially accepted time-frame) the presents, the movies, the money, the stress, the parties, the “meanings of Christmas,” and most of all, the man Santa Clause. Not surprisingly, then, what I have come to realize is that the simple concept of Santa Clause parallels and mimics peoples’ ultimate view of God himself.

Returning to the above beliefs, the comparison becomes clear: Santa is a far-off and distant old man, one not overwhelmingly involved with the world at large. In fact, even though he may want us to be “good,” this directive truly only matters at crunch time. As soon as Christmas is over, kids go right back to misbehaving, as they readily know they have a whole year to make-up for their early-year naughtiness. Indeed, people don’t generally think about their naughty to nice ratio in mid-April. Additionally, if you do meet this ambiguous standard of goodness, you finally get rewarded with presents and praise. However, if somehow you do not meet this standard, even then the punishment of coal is loosely and rarely enforced. Only those who are obviously and abundantly naughty have ever experienced the punishment of a deserted Christmas tree. 

These exact same notions, then, are joined and projected upon our Creator: God is some far-off and distant old man, one not immensely involved in our personal lives. In fact, God only really matters when he is solving our problems as the Divine Butler, or when we inevitably face the frightening chasm of death (“crunch time”). Indeed, not many people put a whole lot of thought to God, religion, or their ultimate destiny when they are young, healthy, and prosperous. Furthermore, although it is widely acknowledged that God wants everyone to be “good” this ideal is unclear and low-bar. For only the murderers, rapists, and adulterers tend to get the punishment of hell, in this view. Thus, if you are not one (or any) of these things, then generally speaking, you will inherit the eternal bliss and recompense of heaven. 

Without getting into how this perspective proves fundamentally opposite to the biblical witness, a more pertinent questions seems warranted: Is this view actually good news for us? Is the idea that an all-knowing and all-powerful God watching over our every thought and action, keeping track of our good versus bad ratio onto an undefined standard, really good news? 

No, not at all. Even if we suppose our good deeds to truly outweigh the bad ones, in reality, we would never know. Or, if we think we are simply good by comparison, the question must be asked, compared to who? Hitler? Mother Theresa? God? Eventually, no matter how good we think we are, it will never match the infinite purity of our all-good God, by which the gates of heaven can accept nothing less.

This, then, is the promise and hope of Christmas that makes its true meaning so wonderful: Christmas is not about presents. Christmas is not about spending time with family and friends. Christmas is not even about giving. Christmas is about the cosmic movement of God in Jesus, breaking through the barriers of time and space in order to reunite us to Him. It is the defining act which proved that God was neither distant nor indifferent to humanity, but profoundly loved it. Renowned theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it like this: 

“God overrules every reproach of untruth, doubt, and uncertainty raised against God’s love by entering as a human being into human life, by taking on and bearing bodily the nature, essence, guilt, and suffering of human beings. God becomes human out of love for humanity. God does not seek the most perfect human being with whom to be united, but takes on human nature as it is. Jesus Christ is not the transfiguration of noble humanity but the Yes of God to real human beings, not the dispassionate Yes of a judge but the merciful Yes of a compassionate sufferer.” (Ethics, 84)

This truth, then, is something exceedingly greater than anything Santa could ever offer. Knowing that we could not meet the perfect standard required for paradise ourselves, Christ came as a vulnerable baby so that he could grow and live into that standard for us. Indeed, not only live for that standard, but die for that standard as well. For we cannot properly understand Christ’s coming in the manger, if we do not also properly understand Christ’s dying on the Cross.

Consequently, this is not some pleasant story which we superficially acknowledge briefly once a year, but must become a narrative climax which forever shapes the perpetual posture of our lives. For Christ did not come so that we could trivially indulge the glories of heaven, but rather, He came so that we may once again enjoy the transforming love our hearts were intended to behold.

In the end, then, just like Santa Clause, the god outlined by Smith and Denton does not exist. But, again, this is radically good news. My pastor often says, “You are more deeply flawed than you would ever like to admit, yet more loved than you can ever begin to imagine, at the exact same time.” 

Christmas prove this.

“Trumpets sound and angels sing, listen to what they say: Man will live forevermore, because of Christmas Day!” (Mary’s Little Boy Child)

Do not miss what they are saying.

Merry Christmas.

[apietrocini]

“Has God Really Said...?”

During my few years enrolled in Christian educational institutions, I have had the privilege of reading some of the greatest works of literature our world has ever penned. These works ranged in a litany of different genres, perspectives, themes, and periods of history from which I learned and pulled truth from in order that I may further grow in the knowledge and character of God. Thus, it ought to be of no surprise for me to discover that this same tendency has reoccured during my Systematic Theology class this semester at college. Specifically, as we have begun reading the famous Dogmatics in Outline by the Swiss theologian Karl Barth, I have read some of the most comforting words I have read in quite some time. 

But first, some background: Barth’s goal with this entire book is to essentially do an expository reading of the Apostles’ Creed (a well-known set of doctrinal statements composed by the Early Church) in order that any Christian may know fully what he or she is agreeing to when they recite those elegant words. However, he does not only wish to give the reader unconcerned head-knowledge, but instead convict them too by revealing how what they claim here must also result in action, life-change, and purpose. For who cares about what we Christians have to say if we ourselves never care to say it at all. That is our purpose then, Barth asserts, to know our theology, and know it well, in order that we may properly and powerfully spread the Gospel to a dying world.

Therefore, in his chapter on the first two words of the Creed, “I believe,” Barth states this:

“If we summarize all that opposes [Christians] as the power of contradiction, one has an inkling of what Scripture means by the devil. ‘Has God really said…?’ Is God’s Word true? If one believes, one will snap one’s fingers at the devil.” (pg.20)

Now, at first glance, this may seem like an insignificant anecdote to pull from a book full of many other grandiose topics, ideas, and claims about God and man. However, I think the complete opposite, as I believe this passage has the ability to bring vast peace to those who rightly understand it. For by far, without any competition, the most common struggle that plagues the Christian, if they are genuine, is the constant doubting of assurance. Simply put, the persistent questioning of whether or not they are truly saved. This struggle is present to the least and greatest of saints: from your neighbor to Mother Theresa, from the everyday churchgoer to the Prophet Isaiah, and from the thief on the cross to Martin Luther. In fact, Luther was so often tormented about the state of his soul that he would spend hours at a time in confessionals. While most monks just recalled some of their more prominent and memorable sins of that week, Luther tried to recall all of his sins daily because of the great fear he had in comparison to the holiness of God. Thus, in short, every true Christian, if they have even the slightest understanding of their depravity and God’s righteousness, will surely stumble upon the same struggle of doubt in regards to their salvation as Luther and many others before them have as well.

This problem in the life of every Christian then, namely assurance, almost always arises because of the same reason too: the believer’s seemingly ever-present sin. Most people think, “If what I am claiming to believe is true, why do I still do ____ ?” Or, “If I have access to the sin-conquering power of God through his Spirit (Romans 8), why do I still give in to the flesh so greatly?” These are valid and difficult questions to answer. However, what tends to happen, or at least what has happened in my own experience, is that because of this crippling and agonizing doubt one begins to question the wrong parts of our salvation. This will be explained further later, but fundamentally, instead of questioning ourselves, we question God. We question His word, His work, His character. We say, “Why has God not taken this sin from me? Has God really saved me? Does God really love me?” These are the wrong questions, pointed at the wrong person, that inevitably lead to wrong answers.

That is what Barth’s short statement is aiming to address. For Barth reassures us that it is the powers of sin and Satan condemning us, not God. Satan is the one who puts the guilt of our failure in our face, not God. Yet, if we believe and trust in the character of who God says He is, then Satan’s accusations will no longer hold sway in our minds and hearts.

Another great work of literature that I have gotten to read because of my education is John Milton’s outstanding and esteemed Paradise Lost. In this unusual epic, Milton embarks on the challenging task of retelling the biblical narrative of the Fall from Paradise seen both in Satan and his armies and Adam and Eve. As we read through this poetic echoing of God’s word, my high school English teacher guided us to look at not only what Milton was saying, but how he was saying it. Meaning, she taught us how to not only notice the content of each claim, but the way in which Milton presents it too. Through this revelation, she explained that Milton almost always depicts the character of Satan in dialogue by questions. She argued that Satan is and always has been, a fantastic questioner, both in Paradise Lost and the Bible. Taking truth and warping it into half-truth comes naturally to our Great Deceiver. 

No one has to look too much further than the first few pages of Genesis to recognize the validity of this assertion: For in Genesis we read that while Eve is in the Garden, Satan approaches her and asks carefully, “Has God really said, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1) See what he is doing here? First, he asks Eve to inquire about the character and word of God. Did he really say that? Does he really mean it? Then, he takes what God did in fact say, and falsify it in order to trick, confuse, and tempt the first woman into disobedience. Indeed what God actually said was, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:17). Satan has no new tricks. He has been using the rhetoric of wickedly-crafted questions since the dawn of time, seen both in Genesis and in our own lives through our struggle for assurance. Yet Barth, and the Bible, both give the Christian a radical insight into combatting this Accuser and this plague.

For the problem in Genesis 3 was not simply that Satan asked a deceitful question, as one should categorically expect that, but Eve’s response to that question as well. The story continues, “And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’’” Now where did Eve receive that part of the commandment? Certainly not from the Creator. No where in God’s commandment does he ever make mention of simply touching the tree. No, either this addition came from Adam instituting another, harsher law unto Eve, in order to further protect her from sinning, or from Eve herself misremembering and misinterpreting the holy word of God. Either way, Satan has gotten his foothold and our mother Eve has fallen prey. Eve’s theology is fundamentally incorrect. This inevitably, as all know, leads to her and Adam’s eventual fall from purity, communion, and perfection. 

Satan tried using the rhetoric of questions against Christ himself as well while Christ walked through the wilderness of Israel. However, unlike Eve, Christ was able to trust and recall accurately the character of God against any of the devil’s assails upon it. His theology was not mistaken. Therefore, one realizes the culmination of Barth’s essential point: How does the Christian combat the persistent assaults from sin and Satan because of their guilt and shortcomings, lest it result in doubting their eternally-fixed assurance and unconditionally-gifted love from God? By believing and holding every promise God has made to be faithful, trustworthy, and guaranteed so that they may live untainted lives of obedience for their heavenly Father out of pure appreciation for what he has done for us (James 1:22-25). Our theology must be accurate, rooted in the Word of God, so that we do not begin pointing our finger at the wrong person and necessarily living in ways that contradict what we claim. 

As one of the most influential pastors and theologians of our time, John Piper, often says, “Sin only has power in our life if we let it.” Christ defeated sin, once and for all, completely and fully, whether we live that out or not. So why not live it out? Why continue living in slavery? Why continue living in chains? Why continue living in death? Piper continues to say that we must continually put our foot on Sin’s neck and say “You are dead! You have no power over me anymore!” That is how one can be steadfastly sure in their salvation: by trusting in Christ’s victory over sin and death and consequently severing anything that says (or makes us act) otherwise. 

O then Christian, do not fear for your soul. If you are in Christ, your salvation is won, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those in are in Christ Jesus...” (Romans 8:1). No power of this world can take that truth away from you. No Great Deceiver can usurp what has already been done through Christ. Guilt is defeated. Satan is defeated. The grave is defeated. Remember it and trust it. Continually remind yourself of the Father’s resolute promises to you:

You are chosen (John 15:16).

You are made clean (Hebrews 10:22).

You are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7).

You are made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21)

You are loved (1 John 4:9-11)

Yes God really said it, and he really means it. Do not let sin or Satan force you to ask the wrong questions, inevitably leading to the wrong answers, so that our theology and lives do not accurately represent the character of our Father, as Barth forewarned. But instead, go and be glad, live as you must, trusting in these beautiful promises, so that we may find the well of unspeakable peace in assurance, with God Almighty receiving the glory and exaltation because of it. 

“His word shall not fail you, He promised.

Believe Him and all will be well.

Then go to a world that is dying.

His perfect salvation to tell.”

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Shane & Shane)

[apietrocini]

God and Greenheads

I love the ocean. I’ve only had the privilege to see it a handful of times, yet those few times have been impactful enough to leave me with a sense of awe and reverence. This past week I was able to experience its majesty again, as I accompanied my neighbors and their family to Plum Island, Massachusetts. And although I have experienced the ocean before, it’s usually been from a more tropic climate or from the seat of an airplane. This time, as I will explain, was a little different.

The family I tagged along with are what I will call, “Veteran Plum Islanders.” The grandmother grew up on the streets of Beverley and came to visit annually. The grandfather was an experienced fishermen who has been on the open ocean many of the times he travelled here. Everyone seemed to know the lifestyle and culture of the locals, the ins-and-outs of the unfavorable driving conditions, and the prime eateries to go and grab the best catch of fish. But most of all, this particular family had a vast knowledge of the ocean, specifically its characteristics and the creatures that took shelter amongst it. It was fascinating.

That being said, one day when we were down on the beach, we all began getting attacked by a barrage of painful, little, insects. As I was slapping all over my body and making quite a scene, they looked at me and said, “Yup, those are the Greenheads.” Now I have done some research on these so-called Greenheads, and I found that they are actually a relative to the horsefly, getting their name from their large green eyes. And similar to the horsefly, these bugs bite. They feed on, and crave, human blood.

I heard even more wisdom from my present company about these pesky creatures, allowing me to get a good picture of the notorious Greenhead. Here’s what I learned: these flies come out only three weeks of the entire year, and it is usually during the peak weeks of summer. They tend to like marshy areas that allow them access to water and shade both. But the most interesting, and honestly frightening, fact I learned was that for the whole year leading up to these three weeks, Greenheads feed on mostly nectar, therefore making their hunger for blood during this short timespan that much more demanding.

Consequently, as I’m trying to lay on the beach and relax, these bugs would not allow me to. They were annoying. They were agonizing. They were persistent. They made it very easy to take my focus off the ocean and onto ways of destroying them. They could’ve easily run me off the beach with their bites and constant agitation. However, I figured out what was the only sure-fire way to rid myself of their tortuous stings while too still enjoying the beach: the ocean. The very thing I wanted to enjoy was the answer and repellent to my current frustration.

But it wasn’t just moving my beach chair into the ends of the ocean that fixed the problem. Instead, it was a complete and full submersion into the deep Atlantic. If I just went ankle deep, they went for my knees. If I went knee deep, they went for my arms and chest. And if I even went chest deep, they found a way to get my head too. I had to constantly dunk myself head to toe under water in order to avoid the Greenheads. It truly was the only way.

Yet now, you’re probably asking yourself “What does any of this have to do with God at all?” And I would reply simply, “Everything.” You see, if you think about it, this is a great picture for suffering. I will use what I’ve just described above as a simple analogy to explain my point. Think of the ocean as God, full of beauty and magnitude. Just approaching the edges of him has a way of humbling you to your core. And then think of the Greenheads as trials and tribulation. They are constant and they are painful in your life. They can make it very easy for you to turn your back on the ocean and walk all the way home.

And here is the most important part of this blog: What is the answer and repellent to that inevitable suffering? Well, if you continue with the analogy, it’s the same answer that rid me of the Greenheads earlier: the ocean. More clearly though, it’s God. The only way to get through grief without losing all faith is to submerge yourself completely into God, trusting in his sovereignty and goodness.

One of the most common objections to the Christian faith is this, “If God is good, why would he allow all this suffering in the world?” I recently heard Tim Keller, a theologian, give the best answer to this question, where he basically said, “Let’s say you’re right, that there can’t be a God because there is suffering. Okay now what? Does that change the fact that suffering is still real? Or that suffering still hurts? No. What you’re left with now is that suffering is natural and that there is no hope in changing it. It’s survival of the fittest. Wouldn’t it be better to know that there is a good God in control and that, although we can’t see the reason for it, that there actually is reason and hope for the pain and suffering we’re going through?”

Yes! That is what we fully submerse ourselves in. We trust in God’s promises and his faithfulness. But know this: there still will be many different Greenheads of varying size and shape in your lifetime. Some that sting for a moment, and others for years. Some that only happen once, and others that are continuous. But submerge yourself. Don’t allow them to drive you off the beach. Don’t allow them to move your eyes off the ocean. Stay there. Embrace the beauty and expanse of the ocean. Embrace it by diving in, head to toe, not having to worry about the Greenheads and their sting anymore. It truly is the only way.

[apietrocini]

The Lamp Will Shine

It has been quite some time since I have posted my last blog. I did plan on taking a short break after the holiday season, however, as different matters started demanding my attention, the break became longer and longer. Yet, today, I return to writing after that extended break. And I return today because just a few days ago I returned from a missions trip to the Dominican Republic. What happened on that trip, I feel, must be recorded and shared.

Now, although God taught me many lessons on this trip, one has stuck out to me in particular. And this one, I believe, encompasses all other lessons God has taught me or will ever teach me. This truth comes from Luke 8:16, which I found as we did our morning devotions before we started our day. It reads, “No one lights a lamp and then hides it under a clay jar or bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.”

This brief passage hit me like a brick. It’s words were so real and so poignant as I first glossed over them. And I know exactly why: when I am home, meaning the States, I don’t always express my faith openly to all groups of company. And I’m guessing that’s true for most of us. There is just sometimes when we know that if we shared truly what we believe with certain people, it could be awkward, uncomfortable, or hostile. We shy away from moments like that, as we feel embarrassed and weak. In turn, we end up compartmentalizing our faith. We feel comfortable to share and discuss what we believe in certain settings, but not in others.

One night, during one of our corporate church services, our trip leader read us a short story entitled, “My heart - Christ’s home.” In this story, the narrator is simply walking Christ throughout his “house” which is symbolic for his body/life. And as the story unfolds, the narrator starts seeing that there are many parts of his home that he doesn’t want Christ to know about and/or have control of. Certain parts he’s embarrassed to share. And other parts he doesn’t think need changing. However, the more and more he fights Jesus’s stay at his home, the more miserable he feels and the more Jesus starts backing off. This culminates in one scene where Christ tells the narrator that he can no longer stay in the house while there is this certain stench lingering in it. We soon find out that the odor is something dead that has been rotting away in a locked closet for sometime now. Again, the narrator, worried, nervous, and embarrassed to let Christ see what was in the closet, begins to fight. Jesus finally says, “Well if you won’t fix it, I’ll be on the porch.” And as soon as the narrator sees Christ walking away from him, he begins feeling deep inner anguish. Suddenly, he shouts and gives Christ the key saying, “Take it, but you must be the one to clean it out because I don’t have the strength to.” In the end, Christ cleans it perfectly, and the narrator being so overwhelmed by that, signs over the entire house to Christ to own and take care of. And that is what Luke 8:16 is saying.

When we say to Christ, “You know, I don’t really feel comfortable bringing you along with me tonight.” You’re really shoving your lamp under a jar. Or whenever you don’t reveal how you truly feel about a subject or discussion, you’re denying Christ and the hope you have in him. This causes two things to result: One, you yourself push farther and farther from Christ. You start to feel less guilt and conviction about the times you neglect him. And two, you push more and more people away from Christ as well. The best testimony to who God is, and the reality of him, is the way he has changed your life. If you claim to be a Christian but live as if nothing changed, what proof is there for others of that statement? Not only do you impact your own walk with Christ, but you affect others walk as well.

Therefore, I ask you the question I have been asking myself ever since I read the above passage: “Are you hiding your lamp?” Are you suppressing the light in your life? Are you not giving the ownership of your house over to Christ? Are you pushing him away with how you live and speak? Is he forced to reside on your porch?

Don’t let those answers be “Yes.” Take out your lamp. Stop shying away from truth. Give Christ complete ownership over your home. There is no reason to feel embarrassed or ashamed of Who’s you are. It won’t be easy, but it’s essential in your relationship with Christ. It may be surprising, to you and others, how much darkness that lamp can overcome.

“No one lights a lamp and hides it under a clay jar or bed...”

[apietrocini]

Keep Moving Forward

It’s official. As of last Thursday night, I have completed all six of the Rocky movies. This series has never been one that really peaks my interests contextually, however, it has always been one that encourages me and teaches me lessons that bear great truth. After watching this last movie, it makes sense why my dad says simply that, “these movies are about life.”

In Rocky six, formally called Rocky Balboa, Rocky is looking back on his life as he has grown older. His wife, Adrian, has passed away, and his son is distant. All he has is his restaurant and his stories of the glory days. When an opportunity to fight the young and undefeated champ of this time arises, Rocky feels inclined and motivated to take it. Why? Because he says, “There’s still stuff in the basement.”

Rocky is no different than all of us, besides the brute strength and simpleminded wisdom. He, just like us, has experienced true grief and anguish in his life. Just like us, it has kept him down and the pain remains active in his life long after the event occurred.

The only difference between the Rocky movies and real life is that winning a fight or “going the distance” will never give us peace amongst suffering. It may satisfy or needs for a temporary moment of time, but it will never give us lasting peace and joy. The only thing that can truly do that is knowing that there is a loving, sovereign, and good God who put you in that circumstance for a very particular reason. I’ve heard it said many times that, “The God on the mountain, is the same God in the valley,” which always helps remind me.

This past week, I went on a field trip to an iron mill, in order to experience how to live simply in a time of industrialization and technological innovation. As we walked over to the blacksmithing station, a man was just hammering away at this flat and straight piece of iron. He explained to us the process of what he was doing and how he was turning this particular piece into a decorative flower vine on a front gate. As we were getting ready to leave, he finished the piece. He looked up and said, “You see, after all of this smashing and melting, you come out of it with a beautiful and strong flower. God works the same way. Through all the rough stuff, he’s working and shaping you to become a beautiful and strong flower for Christ.” It was a moving moment, because everyone has something that has afflicted them deeply, making what he said relatable and comforting.

Rocky had it right when he told his son that this world is a mean and nasty place, one that will beat us to our knees if we let it. He just misunderstood how to keep standing amidst it. And the way to do is to trust that God knows exactly what he is doing. I love when Jesus talks about the birds in Matthew 6. Paraphrasing he says, “Look at the birds, they don’t worry or plan about what they will eat or wear or have tomorrow, yet they are still living. God provides for them. Now how much more valuable are you than the birds? Do you think God will not provide for you?” It’s one of those moments where I think to myself, “Duh, of course.” I guess it’s another example of simpleminded wisdom.

There are many more verses that shed light on this truth, ones that often help comfort me and encourage me when I feel confused and angry at God. But what they all seem to say at their roots is to trust God, trust what he’s doing, and be forever thankful for Christ and his sacrifice. As John Piper puts it, “Weep, feel the pain, but then stop, wipe your tears, and thank God for the life he has given you.”

It will be always be hard. But you must keep trusting. Keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!

[apietrocini]

A Reflection

Most people, around this time of year, tend to look back at the previous year and find areas of improvement. Whether it be mind, body, or soul, we always find somewhere that needs tweaking. This Christmas and New Years I did a lot of thinking. I thought of areas of improvement for myself, I thought of past trials and triumphs, and I thought a lot about God.

This Christmas was an uneventful one for me. I remember Christmas Day, looking around, knowing that there was more to it than what I was experiencing. There were many parties attended, and many gifts given, but none seemed to satisfy my hunger for purpose. I felt as though Christmas came and passed, without me having grasped its true meaning even a little.

I remember a conversation my sister and I had before the holidays began. Our conclusion at the end was something like this, “I feel like the worst part about Christmas, is Christmas Day, because you realize it’s over.”

That’s exactly what I felt. I could tell you exactly why we celebrate Christmas, and explain the amazement of it (which I actually did in previous blogs,) but the joy is always short-lived. The joy of Christ’s birth has not penetrated the depths of my heart as wholly as it should’ve. My Christmas and New Years were bland because for me, they only scratched the surface of my being.

I reflected on that this New Years. I used that to motivate my goals and resolutions. Do not allow Christmas to end after the 25th. Continue to be amazed and inspired by Christ’s birth everyday of the year. Use that joy to affect all other aspects of your life. Allow that to point your mind, body, and soul, to God alone for the rest of 2018.

[apietrocini]

The First Noel

This entry will be my final entry of the year, due to the approaching exams, holidays, and needed hours of rest. That being said, ever since I’ve started this short Christmas segment, I’ve tried to keep in mind how I wanted to end. Because of this end in mind, I formatted the previous entries to logically flow and point to this pinnacle moment.

The first song we analyzed was Nat King Cole’s, “O Holy Night,” in which we developed multiples truths surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. By doing this, we dipped our toes into the full picture and meaning of Christmas, explaining the entirety of the Gospel and the incarnation.

Secondly, we looked at, “The Little Drummer Boy,” by Bing Crosby. In this song we developed how because of the coming of Christ, and because of the prestige he holds, we have absolutely nothing to give him to acquire our own salvation. Furthermore, we having nothing to give him in gratitude of winning our salvation for us.

And lastly, we looked at, “Mary, Did You Know,” by CeeLo Green. From this, we established how generations after Christ’s life, people have painted him as gentle, unthreatening, and soft-speaking. We proved this false because of the contrast between baby Jesus, and miracle-performing Jesus, shown in the song.

These songs were picked specifically, and developed chronologically in order to finish at this entry. We went from the amazement of the birth, to the response of our souls, to the truth of who Jesus is now that we know him. Now we end at the exultation of him, because of what he has done and accomplished for us. I found this in Frank Sinatra’s song, “The First Noel.”

I never knew what noel meant, and what I recently found was pretty amazing. Noel, just like all words in language, have a very long history of translations and meanings. The earliest derivative is from the Latin word, “natalis,” meaning “birth.” And then that changed into the Old French word, “nael,” meaning “shout of joy.” Amazing right?

That is the supreme response of Christ’s birth. Complete joy. It should make us want to scream praises to him and for him. His birth means life and peace for us forever. Shouting is the least we can do.

During the coming Christmas season remember this. Remember that this time of year is not about presents, or friends, or family, or even giving. This season is about the savior of the world. All of these other pleasure that come with the season are simply results of the true joy. I pray that we all keep our eyes, minds, and hearts focused on that this Christmas.

Therefore, from my family to yours, have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

Born is the King of Israel. Shout it.

[apietrocini]

Mary, Did You Know?

“And when you kiss your little baby, you’ve kissed the face of God.”

In this song, by CeeLo Green, the audience hears various truths and miracles about the man Jesus Christ. Yet, the power of the song does not only come from those assertions, but too comes from the perspective we are hearing it from: the mind of the mother. From this view, we see Jesus as any mother would see their own baby; kind, gentle, and powerless. However, once contrasted with the awesomeness of who Christ would be, we learn something very troublesome about ourselves.

Many people, I feel, view Christ as he was when he was a baby, with the same attributes as I previously listed. In Christian movies depicting Jesus, the majority of them depict him as soft and dramatic speaking. When people think about Christ, they are attracted to his love and inclusion, while avoiding his wrath and commandments. This is an unhealthy way to view Christ, one which many, including myself, have previously fallen into believing.

When the disciples and multitudes heard Christ speak, it was the voice of God. It was no weak and timid voice, it was booming and powerful. Napoleon Bonaparte declared this at the end of his long and eventful life, “I know men, and I tell you Jesus Christ was no mere man.”

Of course he wasn’t! If Jesus was so gentle then he would’ve posed no threat to the Pharisee and Roman authorities. There would have been no reason to nail him to a cross. People would not have got so irate at him when he revealed who they truly were.

While Christ is kind, compassionate, and loving, it is not the only attributes he posses. He is too powerful, and holy, and full of authority. You must contrast baby Jesus, with table-flipping, storm-calming, cross-carrying Jesus.

While he is a shepherd, he is king. While he is man, he is God. While he is a baby, he is the savior of the earth. That is the way we must view the man Jesus Christ. This is the contrast that makes the song so powerful and moving.

Next time you listen to “Mary, did you know,” ask yourself the same questions. Do you know? From this you may truly understand the complete picture of who Christ was, is, and always will be.

[apietrocini]

The Little Drummer Boy

“I have no gift to bring, parum pum pum pum, that’s fit to give a king... shall I play for you?”

Last week, I did an expository reading of “O Holy Night,” particularly by Nat King Cole. I intend to continue the same idea through this song by Bing Crosby, but instead emphasize the above set of lines alone.

The Gospel is a truly a simple story, a life-changing story, but a simple one. God is holy, we are broken, and because of that we are unjustified in His eyes. However, because God is unparalleled in His love and mercy, he sent Christ to save us and make us justified through Him. The only responsibly for us is to believe and receive.

That being said, the first part of these lyrics declare that truth: “I have no gift to bring... that’s fit to give a king.”

There is nothing in this world that could buy our salvation in the eyes of God. No abundance of money, no titles of accomplishment, no work of mere man. Our very essence of sin separates us completely from God; a spiritual separation that no physical entity we own can redeem.

Furthermore, this lyric is two-fold as well. Not only do we have nothing to gain our salvation in the eyes of God, but because Christ came to save us and faced absolute suffering and humiliation, we too have nothing we can give Him in gratitude of it. The sacrifice Christ made for us was so overwhelming that we can truly not begin to understand what it was actually like to go through it ourselves. I remember my theology teacher once saying, “We are not saved from our sins, nor death itself, but rather from the utter wrath of God against the evil of this world.” This is what Christ felt on that cursed tree, the complete wrath and abandonment of God the Father because of our sins. Nothing, absolutely nothing, we do can ever repay that deed.

This is the humbling I’ve spoken about before. Humility is a necessity when going through conversion. Knowing that nothing we do can gain us eternal life, is a sobering thought indeed. And on top of this, knowing that Someone else drank the cup reserved for us because of that inability to save ourselves, is even more sobering than the previous truth. That process alone, allows us to gain Christ. That process alone, allowed the poor boy to approach the manger.

Having said knowledge that we can’t be saved on account of our own doings, allows us to be put in the position of servitude. This is my favorite part of the song, where the young boy offers the only thing he can give the king. All he knows how to do, and the only thing he can afford to give, is his ability to play the drums. In all his humility and innocence, he’s asks the incarnate God of heaven and earth, “Shall I play for you?”

We are that young boy. God has blessed each of us with certain abilities and gifts that we can use to further His glory.

It reminds me of the parable of the three servants in Matthew 25. God is the master of the house and we are the servants. However, we have a choice of what servant we will be. The ones who take the gifts God gave them and multiply them. Or the one who buries his gift in a hole, hiding it away from the world. Our gifts are meant to be used to glorify the grace of God, not hide them from humanity.

Whether it be through writing, speaking, teaching, business, computer skills, various trades, etc. our greatest strength should be a strength used to magnify our God’s majesty. John Piper once said, “It’s better to lose your life, than to waste it.”

Do not only spread Christmas cheer this season, but also spread the reality of a God that sustains, cares, and loves you enough to give His only Son to be cursed on a cross.

[apietrocini]

O Holy Night

And so it begins. Moments after families sat around a honey-baked turkey, stores opened their doors to thousands of eager shoppers. Snow falling, Christmas caroling, and gift giving fell upon us instantly. This time of year comes quick, and goes quick, yet it has had a massive impact on our world. However, I feel as though many miss the true impact it can have on us, and how it can solve the insatiable hunger we feel moments after this season too passes.

One of my favorite Christmas songs is “O Holy Night” by Nat King Cole, hence the title of this entry. But I must admit, I love many Christmas songs, and I tend to enjoy many outside of the season’s parameters. Anyway, the reason why I highlight this particular song is because of the light it sheds on the Gospel.

What I intend to do for the rest of the entry is an expository reading of this song. I will choose specific lines and explain how they bring truth to a broken world.

First, “It is the night, of the dear Savior’s birth.”

There are many topics this particular line raises, but I’m going to focus on the miracle of the birth itself. Thousands of years before this moment, hundreds of prophesies were made about a savior to come, one that would rescue the world from the grips of death. In this one moment, all of them came to culmination. Not only that, but the amazement and mystery the incarnation brings to fruition is unavoidable. There’s a wonder that came with that night, a wonder and joy that have kept people praising for centuries.

“Long lay the world, in sin and error pining.”

What does pining even mean? Dictionary.com defines it as either, “a mental or physical decline,” or “a miss or long for the return of.” I think both apply here. The first showing how as our world continued down it’s path, we were declining physically, mentally, and spiritually into the darkness of sin. Therefore, while in this darkness many longed for the return of goodness and hope, making the latter definition true also. All of this was answered and fixed by the birth of Jesus.

“Til’ He appeared and the soul felt its worth.”

Right here is the capstone of the song. When Christ came into this world, a humbling took place like no other in history. His perfection stumbled us. His holiness intimidated us. Yet without realizing his authority and deity, one may never understand his love which saved us. Don’t miss it.

“For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”

With Christ, came the hope and promise of a new world. A new life in which all wrongs are corrected and life with our God is rekindled. It’s power and excitement in us is enough for us to praise and serve.

“Fall on your knees.”

There’s a few things this line brings up in my mind. First, in Nat King Cole’s version, and many others, this part of the song is the most overwhelming. The power behind the music and words overtake me, and often make me want to listen to its command. Secondly, my mentor for ministry once told me something about prayer that has stuck with me: “posture matters,” meaning that laying on your bed and praying isn’t as effective for you as getting on your knees and doing the same. It reminds you of your position. It reminds you of your need for God. And lastly, this line relates back to the darkness of our souls being discovered. Once we’ve realized this, the humbling of ourself, it launches us to worship Christ in an astonishing way. If we feel like we don’t need saved, meaning if we feel like we are okay people, then the cross and the Gospel will never penetrate us like it’s meant to.

“O night divine.”

Here is where I finish. This is the reason for the massive impact on our world. This is the reason for the joy and laughter and love that come with this time. This is the answer to our insatiable desires. This is the birth of our savior. It truly is a divine night. One that I pray many will come to realize and/or acknowledge this year, and celebrate because of it.

I️ love this time of year. I️ love it because it reminds me of the amazement of Christ. It reminds me of the love of the Gospel. Yet it also makes me hope for the future for when Christ will again come, and this time bring with him paradise. Don’t miss it.

O night divine.

[apietrocini]

Love for the Lost

The above is a title of a essential principle in my School of Ministry class. It is an increment of a larger guide called the Navigator’s Wheel. Although, highlighting this one, I will discuss the need to bring truth to a false-driven world. While it is much more comfortable to be in fellowship with other believers, this command is one that is needed and painfully forgotten by many in the church.

In class, we talked about how this must be done with two essential tools: compassion and the Gospel. Only having one of those tools can be dangerous and detrimental to your ministry. Only acquiring the first can cause you to become a push-over, not defending truth due to the fear of hurting one’s feelings. Or only acquiring the latter can cause you to be a Bible-thumping Christian who can come off as judgmental, arrogant, and intense. Neither are good, nor are either effective in sharing the good news of Christ.

However, with this commandment, comes a caution. “You will hold out a cup of Living Water, and people will walk away dying of thirst.” This was a quote my theology teacher shared with my class, and has had a powerful impact on how I’ve viewed ministry. It shows how no matter what I do, there will be some people out there who will always have a pre-conception and/or hostility towards the Christian faith. It is a painful feeling to know this, and it is one that we wish could change.

In response to this, a preacher asked his audience this simple, yet sobering, question after reading Romans 9:1-5: “When was the last time you cried for the unbelievers?”

Have you ever done this? Have you ever thought of the ones you love being eternally forsaken by God? It is an anguish that should shake us to our very core, yet also launch us into a powerful sense of encouragement to spread our salvation.

In chapel I heard these strong words which highlight the above thought: “Everyone lives forever somewhere.” No one enjoys thinking about hell, the eternal damnation, however, it is far too discussed about in the Bible to ignore it. And how sorrowful should it be for believers to know that so many people whom we love shall never experience true joy and peace with God.

In ministry we must combine all these aspects. Know that bringing truth into this world is an uncomfortable obligation for those in the faith. Know that this truth must be brought with the overwhelming love of Christ, balanced with the firm veracity of the Gospel. And know that hell is a reality, one that we wouldn’t wish upon anyone in the world, yet know so many will blissfully walk into.

In a world full of divisiveness and tension, be the one to heal it. Be the one to point people to Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Be the one who loves the lost.

This Thanksgiving, be thankful that the God of mercy has revealed himself to you and made you his child. But also pray that many more come to experience that type of assurance and love that wills us to give thanks in the first place.

[apietrocini]

Faithfully

I started writing this blog much earlier in the day. What I was writing about was the necessity and majesty of the incarnation of our God, found in the man Jesus. However, once I closed the app to finish it later, it was deleted. I could’ve had rewritten everything I already wrote, but instead I felt an urge to write something different.

I just got home from listening to an amazing missionary and man, Tom Randall. He spent over an hour and a half telling stories about how God has used him in unbelieveable settings to spread the truth of the Gospel. He spoke immensely about being open to God’s plan for your life, and how you must trust Him when you are going through trials. To have faith, in His faithfulness.

That’s what I took away from this evening the most: God is faithful. He is the Lord of Hosts. He is with you in suffering and in glory. He makes all things in our life eventually good. He is the only one we can put our whole trust in. He will not fail you.

I don’t intend for this entry to be long, but I wrote this small reflection about tonight, that culminates everything I have been feeling and thinking about in the last few weeks:

“Strive for Him:

To care like Tom Randall.

To think like Ravi Zacharias.

To teach like Joe Coffey.

To trust like Mark Farley.

To encourage like my father.

To love Christ and have faith in Him like all of them.

But God, I know you put these men in my path in order to show me you deeper. All of these attributes are you in them. I strive to acquire them. I strive to be like you more. Thank you for them, and thank you for revealing yourself to me and saving me from the grips of death.”

God listens and is faithful. Be an open vessel for Him and allow Him to use you in ways you never imagined.

[apietrocini]

Holy, Holy, Holy

I recently just finished up a deep study of Isaiah 6. In this chapter, Isaiah sees a vision of God filling the temple. Two seraphim accompany God and cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”

The attribute of holiness is the only attribute in the Bible to be repeated three times in order to describe God. No where is there “Wise, wise, wise,” or “Good, good, good.” Only His holiness is repeated and magnified. Why? To find the answer, I think we must first define holiness.

The definition I have found most understanable and precise is simply, “otherness.” There is something other about God. He is not equal to us in anyway, nor is he genuinely comparable. He is in another realm, on another level. His being is utterly preeminent.

Not only does the adjective holy already seperate God from us sufficiently, the seraphim use it three times to rightly describe God. Again we must ask, why?

The number three is extremely significant in the Bible. It is used many times, whether to depict number of days, siblings, etc.. While seven represents perfection (see Revelation 5,) three represents completeness. Therefore, not only is God other than us, he is completely other, completely greater.

Therefore, we return to our original question, why did the seraphim and/or Isaiah want us to know this? The answer is the same answer for every purpose in the Bible: to further accomplish and have us better understand God’s full redemptive plan.

My theology teacher posed us a thought-provoking question when discussing God’s holiness in class: “How does grace and holiness relate?” Many people said the Sunday school answer of, “Because God is holy, he grants us grace.” While this is true, it is not the ultimate connection between the two. However, this is: the more we understand God’s holiness, the more we will realize our need for his grace. Or, because we are so far from holy, due to our sin and brokenness, we realize our need for a Savior.

The phrase he gave us in class to sum up this idea was, “Mysterium tremendum.” When translated out of Latin it means, “Mysterious tremble.” This is the feeling you get when you are in the presence of someone truly holy. This feeling is what causes goosebumps to rise on your neck when you hear a powerful sermon. This feeling is what causes hands to rise and knees to fall to the floor when hearing ground-shaking worship. This is the feeling that causes our tongues to repent our evil and cling on to Christ.

It is a humbling feeling, one that is necessary to our salvation.

Holy, holy, holy. Praise Him for it.

[apietrocini]

The Gospel of Tolkien

“‘’Where did you go to, if I may ask?’ said Thorin to Gandalf as they rode along.

‘To look ahead,’ said he.

‘And what brought you back in the nick of time?’

‘Looking behind,’ said he.’”

The Hobbit and Lord of the Ring trilogies have been favorites of mine for quite some time. I love the medieval genre of movies, however, I approach these movies differently than other fantasy films. Why do I do this? It is due to the author, and background about him. Finally reading The Hobbit this summer has really enlightened that to me.

If you knew nothing about J.R.R. Tolkien than you too would read The Hobbit like any other book; simply analyzing the character progression, plot, and themes ingrained in the reading. If you do this, frankly, you miss a lot of the wonderful connections it makes to Christ and the Biblical text.

J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were good friends, Lewis being the author of The Chronicles of Narnia. Both too were Christians, and in Narnia, Tolkien did not agree with how blatant Aslan depicted Christ. So instead, in his books, he spread attributes of Christ throughout. To list a few: Aragon the Hidden but True King, Frodo the one to carry our burdens for all of us, Thorin the Rightful King Under the Mountain, And Gandalf the wise and sovereign.

The last description, is what I intend to devote this entry to. For we all have struggled in understanding these attributes of God, and most definitely disagreed with them at times.

My bible teacher once described sovereignty as, “The authority to say what is right and wrong, and the ability to back it up.” Therefore, if you witness an armed robery, you inherently declare it wrong, but rely on the cops to enforce that declaration. The same is true for our morality: we inherently know what is right and wrong, “I will put my [God’s] laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” (Hebrews 10:16.) Yet, we still need divine intervention to enforce that notion.

While the above is true, and shows the trust we can have in the power of God, it leaves out the omniscience that ultimate sovereignty needs.

The above excerpt from Hobbit comes right after Gandalf saves the group from three hungry, yet foolish, trolls. Therefore, Thorin and the rest of the group are in awe of Gandalf’s power and omniscience that completes the act. Both were needed to do so. If Gandalf was strong enough, but not omniscient, he would not have known the group needed him. And if he was omniscient, but not strong enough, he would have not been able to save the group even though he knew it was needed. Luckily, when he needed both, he possessed both.

Our God is exactly the same, and even more so. Recently, I wrote a paper that’s name was the same as this entry’s, and in it I focused on the spectrum of good and evil depicted in the Hobbit. More recently, I wrote a journal entry titled “Hope in Hatred,” where I showed the reality, but ignorance of when we get angry with God.

To explain, in 1 John 4:8 we read that, “God is love.” Declaring that God is love is much different than saying that God loves you, or that God posseses the ability to love. Saying God is love, is equal to saying Anthony is human. Everything I do is defined and restricted by my humanity. That is why I can’t fly. If it was rewritten at creation to say, Anthony is flight, then of course I would posses that ability. However, I don’t fly and neither does any human on the planet.

Furthermore, everything our infinite God does, is defined and restricted by His perfect love. He literally cannot do something that is separate from it. His complete Redemptive Plan for humanity and creation is founded upon His love. It is the very essence of God.

Therefore, we must ask ourselves what makes us angry at God? I think every cause of anger can be summed up in three main categories: failed opportunities, false hope, and external circumstances. Failed opportunities: when you had the chance to do something or get something and it fell through. False hope: when a better life is dangling in front of you, only to be snatched away at the last second. And external circumstances, not enough of human necessities or luxurious pleasures.

However, all the above is from the stand point of yourself. How do you know that opportunity was good for you? How do you know that hope of a better life wouldn’t harm you later on? How do you know that these struggles that you are going through aren’t helping you in eternity? Tim Keller, an author and theologian, once wrote, “God will either give us what we ask or give us what we would have asked for if we knew everything he knows.”

We must keep this at the forefront of our minds. Whether you are angry with God right now, or preparing for the day when you will be, remember the truth that God is love and sovereign. Tony Bennett once sang, “Sometimes I feel like God’s gone away” in his song Lost in the Stars. I would imagine that Bilbo and the dwarvish company felt like this too when they were seconds from becoming a troll’s dinner. However, God swooped in at the “nick of time,” and revealed His readiness and goodness. He will do the same for you, who He values much more than a few fictional characters.

[apietrocini]

Blind Man Walking

“I’m in the dark here!”

Scent of a Woman is most definitely in my top five favorite movies, if not number one. A wide range of truths and lessons are woven throughout as the plot unfolds into a variety of directions. This made it extremely hard for me to choose only one quote to attribute this entry to; whether it be when Colonel Slade (Al Pacino) speaks about the crossroads of good and evil or when Charlie (Chris O’Donnel) talks Colonel Slade out of suicide. That being said, I will try to encompass as much of the Christophany - manifestations of Christ outside of His lifetime - in here as possible, but I encourage you to watch the movie afterwards to get a better picture.

Therefore, my focus hereafter will be on the salvation depicted and acquired by Colonel Slade.

Author and theologian C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Every story of conversion is a story of blessed defeat.” That holds true in this movie. As the film progresses, the audience learns more and more about the countless defeats and forfeitures Slade has gone through. To paint a quick picture: He is alone, and he is blind. Because of this, he plans on committing suicide while his caretakers are gone, and after he completes his quaint yet remarkable bucket list. Luckily, Charlie comes along with Slade to New York City while he is on Thanksgiving break from a prestigious college, hired by the caretakers who went on vacation.

Consequently, after days of gluttony and bliss in the city, Colonel Slade is ready to finalize the vacation. Along the way he has developed a deep relationship with Charlie by teaching him life lessons and getting to know him better. However, that doesn’t change his mind at all. Instead, he tells Charlie to leave, since he has no intention of returning home. But Charlie refuses, putting his own life at risk, to save a belligerent and abandoned blind man.

Our story of conversion is, or should be, exactly the same. I find it to be no coincidence that Colonel Slade was blind. While hearing the renowned words of Amazing Grace, “I was blind, but now I see,” we must also remember so were we.

Spiritual blindness is a major theme in the Bible, showing how our eyes can only be opened through the healing of Christ. Meaning, that our salvation only comes through the works and sacrafice of Jesus. In the same way, Charlie was Colonel Slade’s Christ. Not in a real sense, but symbolically. He was there at Slade’s lowest point to pick him up. He was willing to sacrafice his own life to save one that was less than his. And he reminded Slade of the joy and gifts life has to offer. Our Savior is the exact same. The only difference, luckily for us, is that Charlie had not the power that Christ has to remove Colonel Slade’s iniquities and make him righteous before God.

I remember my Bible teacher talking about this; specifically how much we take for granted the cross, and frankly, how much we don’t understand its significance. It should be downright staggering that the God of the universe, not only lessened Himself to mere man for us, but died an awful death to save us as well. Yet we don’t meditate on that constantly, nor give worship and thanksgiving profusely. We are fools.

Colonel Slade learned two things, that apply to us all, the day he nearly took his life: one being that our brokenness and shame run deeper than we ever wanted to admit. And two, while we were in that state of depravity, Christ still loved us infinitely and no less than ever before.

Do not take advantage of that truth; it is profound, worthy, and life-changing.

[apietrocini]

The Lion to Come

Everyone knows the famous beginning to the Lion King movie. A loud shout of Zulu chanting, followed by the gorgeous cartoon depiction of African landscapes and wildlife. The entire scene has an odd way of inspiring a sense of readiness and joy inside of me.

Recently, my Greek teacher has been using “Circle of Life” for our class as a device for memorizing our prepositions. He so creatively named it, “Circle of Preps” and accompanied a chart to go along with it. This rediculous routine every morning has been quite effective, I must admit. Effective in the memorization of our basic Greek prepositions, and even more effective in my spiritual walk.

Let me explain.

In our culture, we have a tendency to say words and phrases that are commonplace and may mean nothing to the orator, but should be rare and hold great significance in reality. For example, the most obvious of these is the name “Jesus Christ.” Everyday you here people saying this name in a degrading, demeaning, and disrespectful way. I often want to stop and ask them, “Do you know what you’re saying? Do you know Who that is? Do you know what He did?” It is amazing how prevelant and clichéd such a name has become. Even the unbeliever should hold some reverence for the sacrafice Jesus made on behalf of others.

And just like the name of Jesus Christ, the beginning lyrics to “Circle of Life” have become commomplace too. You sing them, but do you know what they mean?

In the Zulu language, the beginning lines of “Circle of Life” are a back and forth conversation. It begins by one tribe member saying, “Here comes a lion, Father.” To another who responds saying “Oh yes, it is a lion.” Amazing right?

My pastor did a short segment on his blog called, “Finding Jesus in Hollywood,” where he simply would take quotes or scenes from a movie and show the divine outcry they depict. Since I usually found myself doing this subconsciously, I was fascinated by the idea. Thereafter, I began deliberately pulling Christian values out of the books I read, the music I listened to, and of course, the movies I watched.

Consequently, I heard Jesus in those introductory verses. We are the tribe members looking upon Christ’s majesty and becoming inspired to act. God the Father is the father who we are joyfully telling the news to. And Jesus is the lion being discussed. He is the better and promised Simba. The one Who’s majesty evokes inspiration and peace among all living creatures.

Suddenly, the entire movie takes on a new role, once looked upon from that perspective. It paints a beautiful picture of the spiritual battle we find ourselves in daily. Only in this movie it is manifested into two tangible entities: Scar and Simba. Yet possibly most powerful is the scene of Simba’s birth: Rafiki stands exulting the son as all creatures bow to his magnificence and the heavens open up before him. This not only foreshadows victory in the short-lived movie, but foreshadows too the ultimate victory of Christ and how we will exult Him one day as well.

Therefore, next time you hear the beginning of “Circle of Life,” reflect on its true meaning. Reflect on the virtue of articulating your thoughts and being deliberate in your speaking. But most importantly, reflect on how this song, and all songs, ultimately will glorify our Lord and Savior, the promised Lion to Come.