A New Year’s Eve Prayer

On New Year’s Eve we gather as a family to see in the New Year. Some years we actually stay awake until midnight, watching the ball drop in Times Square, banging on pots and pans, hugging and hollering, “Happy New Year!” At some point, I offer a prayer.

This year I have compiled a prayer for blessing as a way of saying goodbye to 2021 and greeting 2022. The prayer, in the form of a benediction, is a paraphrase that is based on Philippians 3:13, Hebrews 13:20-21, and Ephesians 3:16-21.

Prayer

We give thanks, Lord, for your grace and mercy in 2021. As the year ends, we ask to be able to mightily move forward in the spirit of the Apostle Paul, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead in Christ Jesus.

As we approach 2022, my you, the God of peace, equip us with everything good for doing your will and may you work in us that which is pleasing to you, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

And we pray that, out of your glorious riches, you will strengthen us with power through your Spirit in our inner beings, so that Christ may continue to dwell and grow in our hearts through faith.

We also pray that, being rooted and established in love, we may have power, together with all of your holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses our comprehension—that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now, as we approach the new year, we do so while claiming the promise that you are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to your power that is at work within us. May you receive glory and praise in our lives and in our families and in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, not only in the coming year but for ever and ever! Amen.

Christmas Prayer

 I wrote the following prayer for our family meal tomorrow, Christmas Day.

Our Father in heaven, on this day we celebrate the birth on earth of your Son Jesus, our Savior and Lord.

As we celebrate, may we reflect the joy of Mary who said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” And may we sing with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

We praise you for this time together with family (and friends). In a world unsettled by conflict and the Covid pandemic, by division and disease, may we continue to bring adoration to Jesus who said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

As recipients of this peace, may we also be exuberant with the joy of Jesus, who said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11).

On this Christmas day, we give thanks for your gifts of joy and peace to us: joy and peace in our homes and families, joy and peace in our work and leisure, joy and peace in our learning and living, joy and peace in our hearts and minds, and joy and peace even in our sorrows and struggles. May this joy and peace continue beyond this Christmas day and into the New Year.

We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Amen.

Panama Canal Cruise

This blog contains the content of several emails that I sent to a select group of family and friends. The emails were sent to family members who wished us well or friends who said things like, “Take a lot of pictures,” or “Looking forward to hearing about your trip.” Honorable mention goes to Wes and Mary who took this cruise on this same ship, Holland America’s Eurodam, two years ago and to John and Marilyn who will be taking it next month.  

Day One, Saturday, December 4, 2021

We have a 5:00 AM early morning pickup by Stephen and Lisa. They get us to the airport with time to spare. Marlene has made fresh sausage biscuits that we enjoy along the way.  United Air flights to Fort Lauderdale are on time. By about 1:00 PM we are picking up our luggage, grabbing a Starbucks, and heading to the shuttle pickup area to catch a ride to the hotel.

Hotel reservations are for the Ramada Fort Lauderdale Air/Cruise Port Inn. Such a deal: free airport/cruise port shuttles and a complementary breakfast. Only two blocks away is the Rendezvous Marina Restaurant. On the way to dinner, two geckos scurry across our path and a congregation of ibises forage in a grassy area. The restaurant is amazing. We get an outdoor patio table overlooking the marina, temperature is in the seventies, and we have one of the best fried clam strip dinners ever. 

Day Two, Sunday, December 5

The 10:00 AM shuttle to the cruise port is running a little late. The hotel has a well-qualified shuttle coordinator whom I think of as “Big Bob the Bouncer.” He is also part drill sergeant: “Keep back from the incoming vans, folks, These people just got in from the airport.” “Eurodam people stand here. If you are on the Edge, line up here. Stay in line. Keep it tight…”

By 1:00 PM we are on board the Eurodam. Nice cabin with a balcony and, for the first time in my memory, we even have a bath tub… Thank you, Elaine. The ship gets underway at 5:30 PM. We opt for a steak dinner at Lido Marketplace and in the evening go to a program that surveys and celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Holland America Line: a history of moving cargo, providing immigrant passage, transporting troops during WWII, and now specializing in vacation cruising.

Day Three, Monday, December 6

The ship stops at Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Holland America’s private island. We stay on board and use the time to explore the ship and get into shipboard life: reading on our balcony, attending High Tea, and enjoying food galore. (We have already had steak, jerk pork, omelets to order, salads, fresh fruit, salmon, and swordfish, yum, yum.) The day ends with a comedy show in the Mainstage Theater.

Day Four, Tuesday, December 7

This an “At Sea” day on the way to Willemstad, Curaçao; temperature in the high seventies, calm seas, average speed of 22 knots. One of my favorite things about cruising is seeing hundreds of people reading, books and tablets everywhere. Another favorite is the evening entertainment. The program tonight was a steel drum band named, “Caribbean Magic.” With high energy and breathtaking (literally) enthusiasm, they regaled us with “classics,” from Andrew Lloyd Weber to Tchaikovsky and Schubert. Incredible! 

Day Five, Wednesday, December 8

Willemstad, Curaçao is our port of call today. A former Dutch colony, it is known for having one of the world’s largest floating pontoon bridges and a row of quaint Dutch-looking houses painted in bright Caribbean pastels.

In the afternoon and early evening, we walked around the shopping area of Willemstad. I went into a store displaying traditional blue and white delft tableware. Just as I was beginning to be intrigued by these dishes, a little voice inside my head said, “What are you doing? You can buy this same stuff in Holland, Michigan.”    

Day Six, Thursday, December 9

Oranjestad, Aruba has a look and feel similar to Curaçao, perhaps not as quaint. There is a free trolley ride that does a loop around town. It gives a great overview, including stops for shopping and at least one museum.

All Aboard the ship was 4:30 PM. After dinner in the main dinning room, we hit several music-related venues. We started with a performance by a dance company on Mainstage, then went on to a piano performance (two grand pianos playing contemporary hits) and ended up at “B.B. King’s Blues Club.” 

Day Seven, Friday, December 10

We are at sea all day, on the way to the Panama Canal. Ever wonder how to spend the time on board? Here is how we do it.

7:00 AM: Breakfast - Lido Market dinning hall

8:00 AM: Reading and writing in the Crows Nest Lounge and Cafe. Enjoying Starbucks-style lattes on the 11th (top) deck with spectacular ocean views.

10:00 AM: Cooking demonstration by the ship’s Executive Chef - emphasis on fresh seafood. (I learned that the swordfish steak I had the night before was freshly caught off Curaçao and delivered directly to the ship.)

11:30 AM: Lunch at Lido Market, Asian cuisine, we go for California sushi rolls, curry shrimp, and chicken Marsala. 

2:00 PM: The Art of Flower Arranging (Marlene)

3:00 PM: Meet the Artists - Q and A with performers from the steel pan group, “Island Magic.”

5:30 PM: Main Dining Room - crab cakes for the appetizer, prime rib main course!

7:00 PM: Masterworks by Brahms, Lincoln Center Stage

9:00 PM: Comedian Ken Boyd, Mainstage

In between the above activities we take time for reading, tea, naps, and exercise (walking) on the Promenade Deck (deck 3). 

Day Eight, Saturday, December 11

This is our day at the Panama Canal. The ship is lined up to enter the Canal area at 6:00 AM. It is a major event. Most people are up and on the bow, deck 5, or forward, deck 7. Holland America has a tradition of serving rolls, coffee, and juice on the decks at that time. The warm mango-infused rolls are referred to as “Panama Rolls.” The Cruise Director says that the same rolls, when the ship goes through the Suez Canal, are called “Suez Rolls.” 

The ship goes through the first three locks into Lake Gatun, drops off passengers for shore excursions, returns through the same locks, and picks up shore excursion passengers in Colon 8 hours later. A day earlier, a bulletin had been delivered to all state rooms that warned about the extreme heat and humidity in the Canal area. We decide to cancel our shore excursion, stay on the ship, and view the return trip through the locks. Good decision. I loved getting a second view of the locks. This time, I moved around the ship to see the locks from different perspectives; including evidences of the original French attempt, the current locks, and the new locks. I was especially intrigued by the “mules.”

Mules are electric train engines that keep the ship straight while going through the locks. Each mule costs about 2 million dollars and weighs fifty tons. It takes eight mules to guide our ship, two on each side forward and two on each side aft (picture to follow).The mules are essential because our ship has only two feet of clearance on each side. Mules do not push or pull the ship; they merely keep it straight and from scraping the sides. The ship’s own power moves it forward.

These electric locomotives run on five-foot wide tracks, with a third underground rail providing electric power towing assistance by means of an underground cog wheel system.

I love the concept that in the Canal ships have the power to move themselves forward, but they need mules to keep them straight. I wonder if there are situations in our lives like this. We are moving forward, but to be safe we need to be connected to Scripture, people, or other resources to keep us on a straight path and to avoid getting all bruised and scraped.

Days Nine - Twelve, December 12 - 15

The Panama Canal, for us, was the high point of the cruise. We enjoyed staying on board ship for the stops after the Canal at Colon and Costa Rica. For the remaining days we shared wonderful times together: great meals, musical performances, board games, an informative talk by the captain, movies, and reading. There was one unique experience while at sea. 

At about 2:00 AM one morning, Marlene woke me up for help with a problem. Earlier, she had fallen asleep while listening to an audiobook with an ear bud in her ear. When she awoke, the ear bud was gone. The disappearance was compounded by the multi-layered sheets and blankets and pillows being the same color as the ear bud - white. 

The search began. We removed, turned over, and shook out the sheets and pillow cases - nothing. We stood the mattresses and bed frames on end and removed the suitcases from under the bed - still nothing. Finally, we shut off the lights and with the beacon of my iPhone, I combed the floor, under the sofa, and around an end table. And, then - something! A glint of white caught my eye from between the end table and the wall. Could it be? Yes! Barely visible, it reflected back at me in the darkness. Rescue made. The lost was found. We put the room back together, and I was off to sleep by about 2:30 AM.  

Why have I told you this story? Because, in addition to being thrilled to find the ear bud, I also noticed that no matter where I looked, everything was spotless, no dirt or even dust. It is a tribute to the good work of our room stewards. I wonder if I could do a better job in keeping the nooks and crannies of my life clean. 

Final Observations and Comments

 —The food is consistently excellent, breads and pastries freshly baked daily, seafood picked up at the various ports. My favorite foods: made to order omelets at Lido Market, prime rib or swordfish steak or short ribs in The Dining Room.

 —My favorite hangout place is the Crows Nest, on the Observation Deck (deck 11). The spot has a cafe, library, tables, lounge chairs, and the best views.

 —Health precautions are applied consistently, especially masks and sanitation. We are not aware of any Covid, flu, or virus outbreaks.

 —The Internet is unpredictable. We were able to occasionally receive and send email. Best of all, we were able to get the worship service at Fellowship Church on Sunday morning. Shortly after the church service, the Internet crashed and we lost service for about 24 hours. 

 —The population of guests is about sixty percent of capacity. There is plenty of seating at meals and in the auditoriums, and elevators respond quickly.

  —Ship statistics: Eurodam launched in 2007, length 936 feet, beam 106 feet, top speed 23. 9 knots or 27.5 MPH, guest capacity 2,106 (1,350 on this cruise), crew 929.

  ---This was another excellent cruise. We are thankful to have been spared from illness or transportation delays. Son Stephen picked us up from Grand Rapids airport at around 6:00 PM, Wednesday, December 15, 2021.

Citizenship

Are you smarter than a new citizen?

Do you remember the game show, “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” Let us play a variation of the game. We can call it, “Are You Smarter Than a New Citizen?”

I am thinking of this topic because Marlene and I have been volunteering with a U.S. citizenship class. The class helps participants to understand the requirements for citizenship and to prepare the necessary documentation. Many of these individuals lack formal schooling, and English is not their first language. To become a U.S. citizen, they are required to demonstrate knowledge about United States history and government and geography, understand commitment to the ideals of the U.S. Constitution, and be willing to swear an oath of allegiance to the United States. It is easy to take for granted many of the things required for becoming a United States citizen. Here are some of the essentials.

First, they need to complete an “Application for Naturalization” (Form N-400). This form asks for proof of being a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (for most); marriage and birth certificates; driving record, including information about traffic tickets, arrest and sentencing information; selective service number (men only); information about travel outside of the U.S. since becoming a permanent resident (green card); and tax forms for the past 5 years. Second, in addition to the N-400 form, applicants need to demonstrate the ability to write in English (writing a dictated sentence); read in English (a list of words and short sentences); and have a knowledge of U.S. government and history and geography (orally answering questions correctly from a manual of 100 study questions).

Test your own knowledge of U.S. history and civics by responding to these 10 sample questions. Answers are at the end of this post.

1.      What is the supreme law of the land?

2.      The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?

3.      What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

4.      What are two (of the three) rights in the Declaration of Independence?

5.      How many U.S. Senators are there?

6.      The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

7.      If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

8.      Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

9.      When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

10.   When was the Constitution written?

As I was assisting someone in the class, I asked, “What is your timetable for completing your application?” He said, “I don’t know.” To which I responded, “When do you think that you might know?” He said, “Well, I have to think more about if I am ready to renounce allegiance to my home country.” I told him that I respected him for taking so seriously the oath of allegiance that must be sworn to in order to become a U.S.  citizen. I wonder how many of us realize the depth of commitment that is required of new citizens. Following is the oath that is administered by a judge.

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

Becoming a United States citizen is one of the few experiences that asks for a major life-commitment. Similar commitments are made in only a few other places, such as being inducted into the military, public office, or an officer in the judicial system. However, from a spiritual perspective, those who are Christians have aligned themselves with Jesus and his disciples, making an even bigger commitment. The Bible refers to these individuals as citizens of heaven.

Believers have a heavenly citizenship, a deep allegiance to a spiritual kingdom. Two Bible passages even use the word “citizenship.” “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19).

Other passages are consistent with the concept of citizenship. “For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). “…just as My Father has granted Me a kingdom, I grant you that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom…” (Luke 22:29). “…to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). In a sense, believers have a dual citizenship, one earthly and the other heavenly.

I have described requirements for earthly citizenship in the United States, What about the requirements for being a citizen of heaven? 

One normal manifestation of those who are heavenly citizens is that they are members of a local church. (Although it is certainly possible to be a citizen of heaven without being a member of a local congregation as we currently and formally define church membership). I understand the church to be a community of believers who have been saved through faith in Christ and have made commitments to God and one another. As a result, they are a group of people with a spiritual, heavenly citizenship.

Since we have asked the question earlier, “Are you smarter than a new citizen (of the United States?),” I wonder if we dare ask one another, “Are you smarter than a new member of a local church (e.g., someone who has recently become a member of a local church by making profession of faith)”?

In the churches of my Reformed tradition, there are two documents that I think of as somewhat parallel to the questions and oaths used for United States citizenship. These are the Heidelberg Catechism and questions that are asked of new members who are joining the church by making profession of faith.

The Heidelberg Catechism (1563) has fifty-two main sections (called Lord’s Days) that contain 129 questions and answers. Following are ten sample questions. Answers are at the end of this post.

1. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

2. What must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?

3. What is true faith?

4. Why are you called a Christian?

5. How does Christ’s resurrection benefit us?

6. What do you believe concerning “the Holy Spirit”? 

7. What do you understand by “the communion of saints”? 

8. What are sacraments? 

9. What is involved in genuine repentance or conversion?

10. What are good works?

Those who are becoming members of a local church are also asked to make commitments. While these are not referred to as an oath, they do ask individuals to identify their desire to adhere to specific beliefs and behaviors. Here is part of the “Profession of Faith” liturgy.

Do you believe in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord?

Do you accept the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the only rule for faith and life?

Do you, relying on the grace of God, promise to confess Christ publicly before others, to serve Christ daily, and to walk in Jesus’ way?

Do you promise to exhibit the joy of new life in Christ; to share fully in the life of the church; to be faithful in worship and service; and to offer your prayers and gifts?

Do you promise to accept the spiritual guidance of the church; to walk in a spirit of Christian love with this congregation; and to seek those things which make for unity, purity, and peace?

This post has been a reflection on citizenship, both in this world and the next. Each type of citizenship requires a major life commitment. There are only a few situations where I (and perhaps you) have taken on such responsibilities. I think of these situations as issues for which I am willing to lay down my life, or as someone might say, “For which I would take a bullet.” For me there are three areas: faith, family, and country. Each of these requires its own sacrifices, as well as having its unique blessings. Each is lived out best by continuing to learn and mature through understanding, service, and celebration. I am blessed to have found joy in this journey. How about you?

Answers to U.S. citizenship questions.

1.      The Constitution

2.      We the People

3.      The Bill of Rights

4.      Life ▪ liberty ▪ pursuit of happiness

5.      One hundred (100) Two from each state.

6.      Four hundred thirty-five (435) Number is based on the population of each state.

7.      The Speaker of the House

8.      (Thomas) Jefferson

9.      July 4, 1776

10.   1787 

Answers to Heidelberg Catechism questions.

1. That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

2. Three things: first, how great my sin and misery are; second, how I am set free from all my sins and misery; third, how I am to thank God for such deliverance.

3. True faith is not only a sure knowledge by which I hold as true all that God has revealed to us in Scripture; it is also a wholehearted trust, which the Holy Spirit creates in me by the gospel, that God has freely granted, not only to others but to me also, forgiveness of sins, eternal righteousness, and salvation. These are gifts of sheer grace, granted solely by Christ’s merit.

4. Because by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in his anointing. I am anointed to confess his name, to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a free conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation for eternity.

5. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, so that he might make us share in the righteousness he obtained for us by his death. Second, by his power we too are already raised to a new life. Third, Christ’s resurrection is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection.

6. First, that the Spirit, with the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, that the Spirit is given also to me, so that, through true faith, he makes me share in Christ and all his benefits through true faith, comforts me, and will remain with me forever.

7. First, that believers one and all, as members of this community, share in Christ and in all his treasures and gifts. Second, that each member should consider it a duty to use these gifts readily and joyfully for the service and enrichment of the other members.

8. Sacraments are visible, holy signs and seals. They were instituted by God so that by our use of them he might make us understand more clearly the promise of the gospel, and seal that promise. And this is God’s gospel promise: to grant us forgiveness of sins and eternal life by grace because of Christ’s one sacrifice accomplished on the cross.

9. Two things: the dying-away of the old self, and the rising-to-life of the new.

10. Only those which are done out of true faith, conform to God’s law, and are done for God’s glory; and not those based on our own opinion or human tradition.