In just days we will turn from our Lenten focus on the frailty of our human “flesh” which inevitably leads us to denials, betrayals, and the murder of Messiah. We will turn from these to the wonder, mystery and glory of resurrection. We will turn from our failures to God’s triumphs, from our “Can’t!” to …
Category Archives: Devotion
PEACE–WARRING AGAINST WAR
Merry Christmas! Today we celebrate the coming of the Christ-Child, the One foretold by prophets, anticipated by the faithful, and now given by God. He is given as descendant of David, as the Messiah King who sits upon the throne of David, his ancestor and forebear, whose government will have no end. The one who …
JOY FOR ALL–A SAVIOR!
Here is the good news of Christmas: Jesus’ birth brings joy to all the people (Luke 2:10). God targets all for joy in the giving of a child to Mary and Joseph and through them to the world. (NOTE: Reader’s Alert! This first Christmas gift disappoints all attempts to be politically correct.) It is not …
ADVENT–RISK AND EXTRAVAGANCE
I’ve been trying to benefit from the wisdom of the Magi lately. In particular, these two tips: First, their story in Matthew’s gospel suggests they were unusually open. When the star appeared they followed. God revealed and they received. If we assume the star was some sort of real phenomenon, then others must have seen …
THE BLESSING OF UNCLAIMED BLESSING
Unclaimed blessings are clearly the best! On this Thanksgiving weekend, with Advent just around the corner, I’m reflecting on the blessings we enjoy. Of course, the usual come to mind—family, friends, freedom, opportunity, food—lots of food with stunning variety, richness of experiences, and the list goes on. All of these I claim with relish and …