Editor's Note: The Rev. Mark Broadhead's column is on hiatus as he deals with personal matters. Please enjoy this "Best of From the Pulpit" reprint.  

What is it that drives many people? The need to feel in control, which in turn can be translated into a hunger for power.

What do many politicians want? Power and prestige. What do countries or factions that start wars want? Most often it is more power.

We are led to believe power is a good thing. It provides the impetus for demanding certain behaviors. The Christian crusades of centuries ago were had because of a sense of power. The start of the Reformation was about the abuse of power.

The thing is, power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Many tend to not pay attention to the fact that Jesus did not exert power over people — at least not in the way we interpret power. He did not come to this earth to teach us how to swing a sword, to give us battle plans, to demand that we take the lives of those who refuse to believe as we do.

No. Jesus emptied himself, making himself a servant of God. And, in a world hungry for power, who wants to follow a "powerless" Jesus? Jesus asks, "Do you love me?" We respond, "Can I sit at your right hand in the kingdom of God?"

What most don't understand is power is a substitute for the hard work of love. It is a way of avoiding making solid, meaningful relationships with people. Quite a few find it easier to rule people than to love them.

The temptation of power is greatest when intimacy is a threat. Power keeps intimacy at bay. I cannot get hurt if I don't let someone get close.

What would it be like if more people developed a stronger Christ-like attitude of loving one another instead of trying to prove others wrong, or manipulating them, or seeking to run their lives?

I envision a society with much less conflict, more cooperation, and better and stronger relationships.

How about you?

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Power is a substitute for love

I hope you had a truly wonderful Christmas celebration! At my home, it was a very peaceful day.

I actually slept in until 8:30 Christmas morning. Coffee and sweet rolls were ready to be enjoyed. My wife, daughter, and I opened gifts at a leisurely pace. Then, we each had a part in preparing Christmas dinner. By the end of the day we were well sated, relaxed and peaceful.

I know other people had the joy of having a frenzied day, especially those with young children who found it hard to sleep past 4 a.m., anticipating the treasure trove delivered by Santa during the night. There were those who had large numbers of family members and friends come for dinner and celebration.

The normal distractions and frustrations of life seemed to disappear for one day. The focus was on love, family, friends, joy and peace.

During worship with my two congregations on Christmas Eve morning, I shared two stories of the power that remembering the birth of Jesus has. Both stories had to do with the attaining of peace during war — World War I and World War II in particular.

Both stories talked about Christmas Day and remembering the birth of the Christ-child, and how it had brought about a brief truce. Enemies stopped fighting to spend time together eating, telling stories, singing Christmas carols and even playing soccer against one another. They laid their guns down, which were not even a thought in anyone’s mind.

The day after, Christmas enemies refused to fire the first shots at each other. Spending time together, remembering the Gift from God caused them to realize that those who were their enemies had also been given the same gift. This meant they were all brothers in faith. They were each someone’s child. They were each special and important to others back home. They were each special to God.

I found myself wondering why we cannot have peace like that every day instead of just one day out of the year. Why do people tend to forget the powerful deep meaning of the Christ child coming to earth the other 364 days of the year?

On the brink of a new year, I invite you to ask yourself those same questions. And I invite you to acknowledge that such peace is possible the other 364 days a year. This peace has to begin first and foremost in your heart. No one can do that for you.

Once your heart changes, you will be able to share the peace that was promised in the birth of that tiny baby ages ago. It is a peace that can still come to life today.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Find peace year-round, not just on Christmas

Earlier this week I went to the post office to mail a package for out-of-town family members.

I expected the line to be long. It was.

There were 17 people ahead of me. Some had only one or two items; some had eight or more.

I settled in for the long wait — as did everyone else, except for a few who saw the long line and then walked out.

I didn’t hear any impatient grumbling. I heard no complaints muttered or shouted. Like me, everyone had understood before walking in that the line was going to be long.

Well, there was one person in line that got a bit irritable and started making a fuss. The people with this person tried to offer soothing words. The fussing got louder, but then simmered down and quit.

No one in line was bothered by this sudden ruckus. In fact, some even smiled and offered their gentle assistance, knowing it was a natural thing to have happened.

The fuss was created by a tiny, very cute baby whose parents had a large number of parcels to mail out. The forms seemed endless as Mom patiently filled them out and Dad tended to the little one.

Patience versus impatience. Resignation versus anticipation.

In that little microcosm of the line in the post office, I saw events play out leading up to and including the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

For generations, the people knew they had to wait for the Messiah to arrive. They waited, and waited — for generations.

Some gave up their waiting and moved on to other matters in life. Some simply knew that eventually the Messiah would come, but weren’t very enthusiastic about it. Others kept their eyes focused and watchful, and were full of anticipation.

Then the cry of a newborn baby was heard, and eventually the sound reverberated around the world. The Messiah had been born, and nothing was ever the same again. The waiting was over. God’s promise was fulfilled.

The birth of God’s Messiah brought with it another promise: that those who recognize the Christ Child as the Son of God and the Savior of the world, will have their mistakes in life forgiven, and will live with God for all eternity once this earthly life is over.

Ultimately, this is what Christmas is all about. It is a Christian holy day in which we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

When you read this article, the wait for this year’s Christmas celebration will nearly be over.

May the anticipation of that celebration gladden your heart as our Lord’s arrival gladdened the hearts of God’s children those centuries ago.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Lessons from a visit to the post office

CRESTVIEW — This Christmas Eve on Sunday, Dec 24, Crestview First United Methodist invites the public to any of the three distinctive ways its members will celebrate the season.

At 9 a.m., the church will meet to carry out Christmas Acts of Kindness, putting together and delivering gifts to firefighters, police officers, restaurant workers, and many others who are working while others celebrate.

At 11 a.m., the church will present a combined worship service featuring a choir performance and a message on how "God Makes This World Our Home."

"You can also join us in the evening for our (6:30 p.m.) Candlelight Christmas Eve Service," a spokesperson said. "All proceeds from this service will benefit the United Methodist Children's home, which offers group homes, as well as foster family training and support to welcome the most vulnerable children among us.

"Whether you want to serve, worship or give, we would love for you to make yourself at home with us this Christmas Eve."

First United Methodist Church is located at 599 8th Ave., Crestview

FYI

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FUMC Crestview sets Christmas Eve celebrations

I recently came across a story that is worth sharing, especially at this time of year. I don't know the author, but wish to offer my thanks to the author for writing it.

One day a man went to the convenience store to get a newspaper, like he normally does. He noticed that the owner of the store had tears in his eyes and kept looking out the window. He asked what was going on.

The store owner said, "Do you see that bus bench over there? There's a woman who comes there every day around this time. She sits there for about an hour, knitting and waiting. Buses come and go, but she never gets on one and no one ever gets off for her to meet. The other day, I carried her a cup of coffee and sat with her for awhile.

"Her only son lives a long way away. She last saw him two years ago, when he boarded one of the buses right there. He is married now, and she has never met her daughter-in-law or seen their new child. She told me, 'It helps to come here and wait. I pray for them as I knit little things for the baby, and I imagine them in their tiny apartment, saving money to come home. I can't wait to see them.'"

The owner continued, saying, he had looked out just now and there they were, getting off the bus. The look on her face when they fell into her arms and when she saw that grandchild for the first time was the nearest thing to pure joy he had ever seen. He said, "I'll never forget that look as long as I live."

The next day the same man returned to the convenience store. The owner was again behind the counter. Before he could say or do anything, he asked, "You sent her son the money for the bus tickets, didn't you?"

The store owner looked back with eyes full of love and a smile that was the nearest thing to pure joy the man had ever seen. He replied, "Yes, I sent him the money. I'll never forget that look as long as I live."

Christmas is the time of year many think of acting kindly toward others. Generosity increases. Remembering the less fortunate is on the forefront of many minds. The joy you instill in others warms the heart.

Thank you for the way you exhibit the generosity, kindness and love that was demonstrated by God when he came to earth in Jesus Christ. May you be richly blessed as you spread joy to others. 

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: From the Pulpit: Reflecting on the season's blessings

As I write this article, storm clouds have gathered and the weather predictors are calling for snow (!) in the western end of the panhandle by the weekend. 

When I heard this news I said to myself, "But this is Florida! It’s not supposed to snow in Florida!"

Well, it has in the past and probably will again at some point. Just because "it isn’t supposed to," does not mean it won’t happen.

There are many things that are certain in this life. Change is one. A new day dawning every time the sun rises for another. And storms will come.

And not just weather storms. I’m referring to personal storms that threaten various aspects of our lives. Just because we hope they won’t happen, or just because we don’t want them to, does not mean they will not come our way.

If you take steps now to guard your heart and mind, and prepare for the eventuality, you will weather any difficulty and challenge with aplomb and grace. That preparation is best found by surrounding yourself with the knowledge of the presence of God, Jesus Christ, and God’s Holy Spirit in your life.

Preparation is essential! The Bible talks about it on numerous occasions. We are to prepare the way for our Lord’s coming. We are to prepare our minds and hearts to hear his word and write it on our hearts. We are to prepare for our Lord’s return. We are to prepare for life’s unexpected happenings.

When we are prepared, we are ready, completely, for whatever may come our way. We can accept that God knows what is going on and what is best — even when we don’t understand. 

Being prepared means being able and willing to trust God in every circumstance.

God doesn’t will for the storms in our lives. They happen because of choices we or others make. They happen because of genetic mix-ups or diseases. They happen because for any variety of reasons.

Put your trust in God to see you through. God has promised to do so. And God is good to his word.

A pie-in-the-sky point of view? 

No. Realistic.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

"If you take steps now to guard your heart and mind, and prepare for the eventuality, you will weather any difficulty and challenge with aplomb and grace."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Preparation for life's storms is essential

LAUREL HILL — A personal journey of spiritual discovery awaits Dec. 9 as the Laurel Hill and Crestview Presbyterian churches present their annual Living Nativity.

As the winter sun sets, the grounds of the historic Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church become aglow with the soft light of hundreds of luminaria, lighting the way for visitors to embark on their "journeys to Bethlehem."

Unlike static living nativity scenes, visitors follow the lit pathways as they meet actors portraying biblical characters to whom unfolded what has been called "the greatest story ever told."

From the home of Dr. Luke — the apostle St. Luke, who wrote much of the Bible story of Jesus’ birth, was, in fact, a medical doctor — where the stage for their 20-minute journey is set, to the manger in Bethlehem, guests meet a Roman census taker, the virgin Mary, her fiancé Joseph, shepherds tending their flock, an angelic herald, King Herod, the three kings, and, at last, the holy family.

Following their experience, visitors are invited into the historic church for fellowship and refreshments.

"It’s one thing to read about the wonder of Jesus’ incarnation in human form in the Bible," said the churches’ pastor, the Rev. Mark Broadhead. "Our living nativity is an opportunity to experience some of the drama and excitement that led to our savior’s birth."

The Living Nativity runs continuously from 5:30 until 8 p.m. Groups and families are welcome.

WHAT: Living Nativity, a spiritual journey performed by live actors

WHEN: 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 9

WHERE: Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church, 8115 Fourth St.; parking at the Laurel Hill School track, Fourth Street and Park Place

COST: Free

DETAILS: Fellowship and refreshments follow. The event involves about 20 minutes of walking over unpaved but even ground.

WANT TO GO?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Churches set Laurel Hill Living Nativity