Cleansed – Isaiah 42:1-7 and Matthew 3:13-17 Following the birth of our Lord at Christmas, the shepherds, the magi, the angels, and even King Herod himself confirmed what Jesus’ parents already knew – that theirs was no ordinary child. Fast-forward 12 years and we learn about Jesus as a boy […]
Subversive Faith – Colossians 3:12-17 and Luke 2:41-52 “For whatever reasons, neither Luke nor Matthew carried the implications of the virgin birth into the remainder of their Gospels, nor did the early church include those stories in the preaching of the gospel.” [1] Rather, Luke’s narrative unfolds normally, free of miracles, […]
In Relation – Isaiah 9:2,6-7 and Luke 2:1-20 From kindergarten through the third grade, I was a student at a private day school. There were only eight children in my class. I remember getting along really well with most of my peers. There are a few of my classmates that I […]
Rejoice – Isaiah 35:1-4c, 5-8d and Luke 1:46b-55 There is a region in Northwestern Spain on the Atlantic coast above Portugal called Galicia. The land there is lush and mountainous “peppered with oak, chestnut, eucalyptus and cultivated pine forests.” [1] Galicia is “far removed from the tourist-filled beaches of Spain’s Mediterranean coast.” […]
While the Sun Endures – Isaiah 11:1-10 and Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 I have a great deal of respect for those who work to keep us safe. For law enforcement officers, and prosecutors, and judges. Daily, they put themselves in dangerous situations for the benefit of our communities. Daily, they strive to […]
Plowing Ahead – Matthew 24:36-44 Isaiah 2:1-5 Intense, prolonged heat is a powerful force, with the ability to kill bacteria in our food, transform water into steam, and reduce wood to ash. The Bible speaks of a refining fire, a heat that can melt solid metals so effectively that those materials […]
Who Jesus Was – John 16:21-24 and Luke 19:1-10 We know who Jesus was. A historical figure. The son of Joseph and Mary. Born in the time of Herod. A Jew raised in the tiny village of Nazareth, he sat at the feet of religious authorities and debated with the scholars […]
Raised – Luke 6:20-23 and Ephesians 1:11-12, 15-23 In her commentary on Ephesians, Pheme Perkins asks a pointed question about how congregations become known as places of “faith in Jesus and loving service to others.” [1] Is it publicity or reputation, she wonders aloud. Clearly, Westminster Presbyterian of Akron, Ohio is […]
Abundance – Psalm 72:11-19 and 2 Corinthians 9:5-8 For you. It’s one of the most powerful phrases imaginable. Because it suggests a gift. Real. Sincere. No strings attached. I think about a child with wide eyes and an eager smile. “Yes,” the grandparent says, “this ice cream is for you.” What […]
Selfless – Romans 12:1-5 and Philippians 2:4-11 Genesis tells the story of a privileged man named Adam who is created in the image and likeness of God. The man’s position is enhanced further when God provides the Garden of Eden as his dwelling place. Yet, though he is highly favored by […]