Scripture: Galatians 2:10 They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do. Thought for the Day: It is the Feast Day of St. Stephen who is considered the first deacon of the church and the first martyr. As a deacon, he served those who were poor, including the widow and the orphan. In many cultures, today is Boxing Day–the day people remember Stephen’s great acts
Scripture: Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” Thought for the Day: I wish to remind you of what happened in the middle of war, 1914. It was trench warfare during WWI, and on Christmas Eve of that year an unexpected happening occurred. As the German troops faced the French and British troops, they heard the voice
There was a time in recent history when every store closed around noon on Christmas Eve. If you were not done shopping, any gift not purchased at that point would need to wait until after Christmas. This pause in the craziness gave an opportunity for people to take a deep breath and make room for worship. Today, most stores are still open as this service is occurring, and
Scripture: John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. Thought for the Day: John’s Gospel starts with the theological language often spoken by scholarly people in ivory towers…or at least that’s the way these words are often heard. But in fact, the Gospel was very relevant to a specific
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: Jesus often spoke about the fullness of life, but what exactly was meant by those words. I think Mary Oliver best captured what people might look like if only they chose to embrace the life Jesus brought in the here
Scripture: Matthew 1:22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet… Thought for the Day: There were many who were claiming that a spectacular end of human existence would happen yesterday, and this claim had its basis in the alleged prophetic claims of an ancient civilization. Of course, this reading of this purported prophetic claim was all wrong, and the
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
Scripture: Luke 6:36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Thought for the Day: There is plenty of theological talk these days that I can only define as pretty frightening. This specific talk of God is coming in response to the tragedy in Newtown last Friday. Some ministers and other Christians (often in emails and Facebook posts) have manufactured ways of depicting God that are neither helpful
Scripture: Romans 1:9-10 For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers, asking that by God’s will I may somehow at last succeed in coming to you. Thought for the Day: The gift of Christ inspired Paul and countless others throughout the centuries to serve fellow human beings, sacrificing
Scripture: Luke 1:46-48 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; Thought for the Day: Mary’s song reminds us of how God sees each person, not on some scale of worthiness, but as full of worth, value and