2016 Blog Post of the Year

This is awarded to the best blog post I've read anywhere on the internet this year.

The true Christian faith is so contrary to the ways of the world we live in today. I say 'true' because some of what is portrayed as Christian today has been so tainted with political and business ideology that if it wasn't for a cross or stain glass window on the building you may not be sure what you're looking at.

The radical nature of true Christianity and following the ways of Jesus stands in stark contrast to some of the stands taken by prominent Christians around the world in 2016.

The Christmas story was, and is, the start of what true radical Christianity looks like. Things that the world despise are all prominent in the Christmas story. Things like weakness, humility and equality.

My 2016 blog post of the year brings out the radical nature of the Christmas story much better than I can.
It's written by Joe Kay on his blog site, Living Gracefully. The post is called 'The subversive manger scene'.

I encourage you to read the post here.

My 2016 Song of the Year

Great rock songs are recorded every year.
Great worship songs are recorded every year.
Great combinations of the two, lets just say they, unfortunately, don't show up every day.

2016 had some great songs but one stood out for me above all the others.
I guess it helps that it's written by my favourite band Skillet.
It's a song you probably won't hear them play at many of the secular festivals they are invited to. Rather, it's song that shows the true heart beat of the band and will hopefully silence critics who question their faith and motives.

The song is called 'Stars' off their 2016 album Unleashed.







Stars Lyrics
© 2016 Skillet

You spoke a word and life began
Told oceans where to start and where to end
You set in motion time and space
But still you come and you call to me by name
Still you come and you call to me by name

If you can hold the stars in place
You can hold my heart the same
Whenever I fall away
Whenever I start to break
So here I am, lifting up my heart
To the one who holds the stars

The deepest depths, the darkest nights
Can't separate, can't keep me from your sight
I get so lost, forget my way
But still you love and you don't forget my name

If you can hold the stars in place
You can hold my heart the same
Whenever I fall away
Whenever I start to break
So here I am, lifting up my heart
If you can calm the raging sea
You can calm the storm in me
You're never too far away
You never show up too late
So here I am, lifting up my heart
To the one who holds the stars

Your love has called my name
What do I have to fear?
What do I have to fear?
Your love has called my name
What do I have to fear?
What do I have to fear?

If you can hold the stars in place
You can hold my heart the same
Whenever I fall away
Whenever I start to break
So here I am, lifting up my heart
(Lifting up my heart)
If you can calm the raging sea
You can calm the storm in me
You're never too far away
You never show up too late
So here I am, lifting up my heart
To the one who holds the stars

You're the one who holds the stars

2016 Quote of the Year

The 2016 US elections caused a lot division in all circles of society including the Christian Church. The US was, obviously, the hardest hit but even here in New Zealand I could feel my blood pressure rising with some of the things being said by prominent Christians and who was siding with who.
I had to constantly remind myself that following Jesus and living his way is above politics.
By that I don't mean that Christians should be bubble-wrapped or avoid political involvement and discussion. But, in whatever way we do participate, we need to reflect Jesus in everything we say, think and do. We have to show love, compassion, respect, kindness and all the fruit of the Spirit even to those who may angrily oppose us.

Love your neighbour as yourself.


My choice of quote of the year for 2016 reflects my thinking on what the Christian attitude towards politics should be.
Be involved if you feel the calling but don't try and make Christianity a party policy. And don't try and make your party a new Christian denomination.

Drum roll please.....

My 2016 Quote of the Year goes to Shane Claiborne at the Red Letter Christians website.
This quote comes from an article titled 'A new home for homeless Christians'.

The Quote...

'Trying to mix Christianity with a political party can be sort of like mixing ice cream with horse manure. It might not harm the manure, but it sure messes up the ice cream.'