On multiple frequencies, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, the radio station WWV out of Fort Collins, Colorado broadcasts a simple message. Every second there is an automated click, and at the top of every minute there is an announcement of the time and a tone. In 1945, the announcements were in Morse code. By 1950, a voice replaced the dots and dashes. Synced with the United States Naval Observatory, WWV provides the standard for the measurement of time.
In high school, I remember listening to WWV on a shortwave radio. It was one of the few stations that I could actually hear. For me, its simple monotony represented the march of time. Seconds become minutes. Minutes become hours. One event happens right after another. The Greeks had a word for this understanding of time. They called it, “kronos” (κρόνος). It’s where we get words like “chronology” and “chronicle.” In the Bible, we encounter it in verses like Matthew 2:7:
“Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time (κρόνος). when the star had appeared.”
However, the Greeks had another word for time called “kairos” (καιρός). Where “kronos” meant time as you measured it on a clock or a calendar, “kairos” was associated with the meaning of time. In a sense, “kronos” is quantitative, and “kairos” is qualitative. For example, December 25 is the “kronos” of Christmas. On the other hand, the “kairos” of Christmas is gathering together, lighting candles, and celebrating the birth of Jesus. In the Scriptures, we encounter “kairos” in verses like Mark 1:15:
[Jesus said,] “The time (καιρός) is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
Some see “kairos” as seasons pregnant with possibility. They are times of opportunity or crisis. They are defining moments of life.
When the Apostle Paul talks about “redeeming the time (καιρός)” (Ephesians 5:15-16), he is not talking about time management techniques. Instead, he encourages Christians to seize the opportunities that God has given. We should live our lives to God’s glory. Like the time of the harvest, someone must go to bring in the crops. As individuals and as a congregation, we need to recognize the seasons that God has given. We need to act.
Many in the congregation are talking about our children and youth ministry. We are asking some important questions about the future. We are looking for God’s guidance as we face challenges and opportunities. We have entered a “kairos” moment. That doesn’t mean that God will bless every decision we make. Instead, we must weigh our options with wisdom and imagination. We have choices to make. How do we raise our children in the faith? How can I get involved? What will be my role?
Right now, I ask you to pray. We need God’s guidance in this process. Also please consider giving of your time. We need volunteers to help shape our efforts for the future, and we need people to ensure a quality program for our children right now. Likewise, we need your financial support. As we increase staffing for Christian education, we are looking for additional funds to make that sustainable. Finally, seek opportunities to deepen your own personal faith. God has given us a “kairos” moment. How will we respond?
Grace and Peace,
James Hodsden
Pastor 139 