Scripture: John 1:9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. Thought: Just a few hours ago, a tragedy beyond description struck an elementary school in Connecticut. Like many of you, I am weeping for the mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, friends and colleagues, who are hearing news that is simply unimaginable. There is no question it is time for us to have a
Scripture: Micah 3:5 Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray, who cry “Peace” when they have something to eat, but declare war against those who put nothing into their mouths. Thought for the Day: In Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, I am struck by the words, “And in despair I bow’d my head: ‘There is no peace
Scripture: Luke 1:69-71 He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thought for the Day: Going back to the Song of Zechariah (devotional from two days ago), I am struck
Scripture: Philippians 2:5-7a Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. Thought for the Day: 95 years ago today, Father Flanagan founded Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska. In 1938, the
Scripture: Luke 1:67-68 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them…” Thought for the Day: Zechariah burst into a spirit-filled song at the naming of his son, John. Zechariah had been unable to speak for months, and this song contained the joyous emotions that
Scripture: 2nd Timothy 1:9 [God]…who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began… Thought for the Day: We are saved that we might be called; rescued for a mission; liberated to do a holy vocation. These two ideas are inseparable, and
Scripture: Isaiah 58:6-7 Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your
Scripture: Zephaniah 3:19 I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. Thought for the Day: On the eve of the second Sunday of Advent, I am taking a slightly different track to deal with a current issue in our neighboring community of
Scripture: Mark 6:8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts… Thought for the Day: In today’s airline travel with checked bags costing money, the disciples would have done well. I don’t know if a disciple would be allowed to carry a staff on the plane, but if so, there would be very little need
Scripture: Matthew 3:3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” Thought for the Day: Dietrich Bonheoffer, the wonderful pastor and theologian, wrote, “A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes – and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom