REMINDER: Today is the fifth day in our journey through the 12 days of Christmas (December 25 – January 5). Today is also Christmas Sunday which might seems strange to some, but while the world was fully engaged in Christmas during the first four weeks of December, the church was in Advent. It is interesting how the church is no longer that institution defining its own holiday. Scripture:
REMINDER: Today is the fourth day in our journey through the 12 days of Christmas (December 25 – January 5). Keep your eye on the star, while also being aware of the Magi who have been “searching diligently”. Scripture: Psalm 94:14-15 For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in
REMINDER: The 12 days of Christmas are December 25 – January 5 (Epiphany Eve). We are just beginning our journey to Epiphany, so consider an old tradition of leaving on your porch light until the Magi find their way home (thanks Bonita for reminding me of that tradition). Scripture: Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
REMINDER: The 12 days of Christmas are December 25 – January 5 (Epiphany Eve). We are just beginning our journey to Epiphany, so don’t put your Wise Men away yet. They haven’t even made it to Bethlehem. Scripture: Matthew 2:13 …an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there
REMINDER: The 12 days of Christmas are December 25 – January 5 (Epiphany Eve). This is to recognize the time that elapsed between the birth of Jesus and the visit of the Magi (on Epiphany). Some suggest it might have been as long as two years before they arrived, though the church has condensed it to 12 days of joyful celebration. Scripture: John 1:5 The light shines in
Don’t forget about worship this Christmas Eve… Scripture: John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Thought for the Day: It is often said that Jesus brought the fullness of life into the world, but do we appreciate what that means? I think Mary Oliver best captured what people might look like if
Scripture: Luke 1:17 With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Thought for the Day: During the season of Advent, we talk a lot about expectation and preparing. People who take this notion of anticipatory waiting seriously find a growing and healthy yearning for
Scripture: Psalm 107:14 The Lord brought them out of darkness and gloom, and broke their bonds asunder. Thought for the Day: It wasn’t long ago that we celebrated the 148th anniversary of the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment. As you know, this important Amendment abolished the practice of slavery here in the United States. Since the ratification, nearly 150 Christmas seasons have come and gone. Each of those
Scripture: James 3:7-9 For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. Thought for the Day: In speaking of
Scripture: Matthew 4:16 The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned. Thought for the Day: The Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, has traditionally been a time when Christians stayed up late and told stories by candlelight. Though the night was long, both the small flame and the