Reflections of the Manger
The texts for Christmas Day, 2011: Isaiah 52:7–10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1:1–12, and John 1:1–14 Christmas morning—thanks to inspiration from Nadia Bolz-Weber, the House For All Sinners and Saints, and … Continue reading
Here is God
The texts for Christmas Eve, 2011: Isaiah 9:2–7, Psalm 96, Titus 2:11–14, and Luke 2:1–20 … But Here is God: showing up in the middle of our messiest in the … Continue reading
A little light, please
The texts for Christmas Day: Isaiah 52:7–10, Psalm 98, Hebrews 1:1–12, and John 1:1–14 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did/does not overcome it.” – John 1:5 … Continue reading
Mary: The Child Bride
The texts for Sunday, December 18, 2011: 2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16; Psalm 89:1–4, 19–26; Romans 16:25–27; and Luke 1:26–38. She might have been 12 or 13 or maybe 15 at … Continue reading
Hoping in consistency and inconsistency
Text: Malachi 3:16-4:6 “Who can endure the day of [the Lord’s] coming, and who can stand when he appears?” Malachi preaches. The day of the Lord for Malachi is about … Continue reading
God in-fleshed
The texts for Sunday, December 18, 2011: 2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16; Psalm 89:1–4, 19–26; Romans 16:25–27; and Luke 1:26–38. “The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon … Continue reading
The future present?
The texts for Sunday, December 11, 2011: Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11; Luke 1:46b–55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24; and John 1:6–8, 19–28 … But John’s authority —his words —his whole reason for being … Continue reading
A Voice Crying Out
The texts for Sunday, December 11, 2011: Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11; Luke 1:46b–55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24; and John 1:6–8, 19–28 “Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have … Continue reading
Out, out damned spot
Text: Isaiah 4: 2-6 Let me give you a couple of scenes that flash in my mind as I read this text. The first I imagine is a soldier—of ancient times— … Continue reading
Waiting
The texts for Sunday, December 4, 2011: Isaiah 40:1–11; Psalm 85:1–2, 8–13; 2 Peter 3:8–15a; and Mark 1:1–8 As a person who has, in all honesty, stood by the microwave and pleaded with … Continue reading
Just the beginning
The texts for Sunday, December 4, 2011: Isaiah 40:1–11; Psalm 85:1–2, 8–13; 2 Peter 3:8–15a; and Mark 1:1–8 “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of … Continue reading
Hope in the hopeless
Text: Micah 5:1-5a Hope. I think it’s human nature to hope. In fact, I was just looking around online and came across a quote in Latin from Cicero: “Dum spiro, spero.” While I breathe, I hope. … Continue reading
Jabbok Dawn 