We finished, now, to begin again.

We come to the last chapter of another Moore book. Will there be more? In his final chapter of Do You have Alligator Arms?, Moore focuses on the infinite possibilities of starting over. Most of us would like a "do over", but that usually isn't possible. The new beginning is nearly always a possibility. He list a number of situations that allowed for a new start and a new beginning. We are always excited by starting out, but the start over sometimes meets with doubt. Zacchaeus must have met with some skepticism from the community as he started over. His reputation was tarnished so heavily; that, some folks simply could not over look it. How did his family react to the reduced income and status in the community? Do you remember the reaction to Saul's conversion to Paul? One day he is an assassin and the next day an evangelist. Moore points out that only Luke tells the story of Zacchaeus. Luke is filled with stories of compassion for the least, the last and the lost. Only when they reached out and accepted the love of Christ were they able to begin again. Even in Jesus encounter with Zacchaeus, we don't know "the rest of the story". Jesus is able as Moore says, "to know who we are." Because if this Jesus is able to accept Zacchaeus. As He accepts, He forgives. Moore tells the story of his father's death and the way he found out about it. Guilt is almost his undoing; until, his pastor guides him to understanding. In beginning over, Jesus is the master. The world had messed up so badly on the first start that God gave; that, the only way to get it straightened out was to wipe the slate and start over. Jesus gave His life and we might live. Moore leaves us with the realization that acceptance, forgiveness and life are not gifts that we are allowed to hoard. Only when we learn to pass these gifts on to others, have we truly reached out and wrapped our arms around what Christ gives to us.

We must celebrate Barbara Hickerson's start over, this week. How will we help others to share in that new beginning? Alligator arms won't be able to reach out far enough to help. Prayer is a hug from God that we can send daily.

As we move to a new book maybe we should spend Advent looking at ways to accept a new beginning at Christmas?

Thanks to Dwyane for leading, this Sunday; as we prepare for the Two Tenors worship experience.