Christmas Year C

Perhaps one of the clearest prophetic texts in all of Scripture appears in Isaiah 9. I cannot read Isaiah 9:6 without imagining...

For Unto Us a Child Is Born

I can’t read this passage without hearing echoes of the glorious chorus from Handel’s Messiah: “For unto us a child is born. . . .” I envision a booming choir and a sanctuary...

The Biblical Imperative We Love to Ignore

Psalm 96 begins with a simple imperative: “Sing a new song to the LORD!” If you look up all of the Hebrew...

Titus: Working for Good Deeds

Paul’s letter to Titus is the final Pastoral Epistle and has many similarities to 1 and 2 Timothy. (For Titus 1:5–9, see 1 Timothy 3:1–13 above. For Titus 2:1–10, see 1 Timothy 5:1–6:...

Good Relationships Arise From Genuine Respect (1 Timothy 5:1–6:2; Titus 2:1–10)

First Timothy 4:6–16 is full of specific directives Paul gives to Timothy. It would be helpful for...

God at Work (Luke 1, 2, and 4)

Luke’s Gospel begins in a workplace.

Advent Reflection: The Roman Empire

If you’re ever in Rome, you might visit the Piazza del Popolo (the People’s Square). This large square is famous for, among...

Christmas Day (Nativity of the Lord II) Year CView All >

Work’s Ultimate Meaning (Isaiah 60ff.)

Throughout the book, Isaiah encourages Israel with the hope that God will eventually put to right the wrongs the people are suffering...

Are You Waiting for the Perfect Gift?

When my daughter was six years old, I got an idea for the perfect Christmas for her: a book written just for...

Above All Gods

In 1977, as the praise and worship wave was just beginning to crash on the beaches of the American church, Pete Sanchez, Jr., took Psalm 97:9 in the King James version and wrote...

Is It Always Wrong to Hate?

When I was young, my parents taught me that it is wrong to hate. In fact, I was prohibited from using the word "hate." If I said, "I hate peas" or "I hate...

Titus: Working for Good Deeds

Paul’s letter to Titus is the final Pastoral Epistle and has many similarities to 1 and 2 Timothy. (For Titus 1:5–9, see 1 Timothy 3:1–13 above. For Titus 2:1–10, see 1 Timothy 5:1–6:...

Advent Reflection: Stepping Out of the Fast Lane

I approach life at a fast pace. The Rule of St. Benedict would tell me to slow down, to keep watch, to...

The Kingdom of God Shows Up at Work (Luke 1-5)

The Kingdom of God shows up at work in the Christmas story and beyond in the book of Luke.

Christmas Scriptures: Looking for God at Work: Matthew 2 and Luke 2 Sermon Notes

Overview: Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, anticipation, looking for God’s coming into our experience as...

Shining a Spotlight on What Christmas Is All About

At our house, we love our Christmas movies and Christmas specials. During Advent, we watch Elf and the original animated Grinch and...

Keeping Christmas Well: Like Ebenezer Scrooge

In the first stave of Charles Dickens’ classic story, A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge didn’t have much enthusiasm for Christmas.

O Come, All Ye Faithful

The focal prayer of Advent is: "Come, Lord!" Remembering the yearning of Israel, we prepare to celebrate the first coming of the Messiah at Christmas. We also look forward to his second coming. And...

Christmas Day (Nativity of the Lord III) Year CView All >

Servant at Work (Isaiah 40ff.)

Isaiah paints a picture of the values that must characterize the people of God.

Earthquake Poem by Thomas Merton, Based on Isaiah 52

Prayer

Go tell the earth to shake for a new world is born.

Christmas Reflection: Good News!

The middle section of Isaiah 52 celebrates the coming of God’s salvation to the whole world.

Joy to the World!

Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and...

Christ Created and Sustains the World (Hebrews 1:1–2:8)

Critical to the theology in Hebrews is that Christ created and sustains the world. He is the Son “through whom [God] also...

In the Beginning Was the Word (John 1:1-18)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in...

Christmas I Year CView All >

The Calling of Samuel (1 Samuel 1-3)

From the closing words of the book of Judges and the opening chapters of 1 Samuel we know that the Israelites are...

Psalm 148

Unlike Psalms 146, 147, and 149, Psalms 148 and 150 do not depict God at work, but skip directly to our response of praise for the work he has already done. Psalm 14...

An Expansive Call to Worship

As a pastor for more than twenty years, I have "called people to worship" dozens, if not hundreds, of times. As the first action in a worship service, I would stand up before...

Set Your Mind on Things Above: Heavenly Living for Earthly Good (Colossians 3:1–16)

This call to reorientation means that we reshape our lives to think and do according to Jesus’...

Dressed Up for God

The bulk of Exodus 39 describes the making of the sacred garments for the High Priest. Aaron and his successors were to wear these vestments “while ministering in the Holy Place” (39:1). Remember...

God at Work (Luke 1, 2, and 4)

Luke’s Gospel begins in a workplace.

Best of Daily Reflections: Faithfulness at a Snail’s Pace

So much of life involves waiting.

Whose Children Are They, Really?

His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” “But why...

Christmas II Year CView All >

The Goodness of Work Restored (Jeremiah 30-33)

For twenty-three years, Jeremiah prophesied the coming destruction of Jerusalem (from God’s case against Judah in chapter 2 through chapter 28).[1] Then...

The End of Jeremiah’s Messages

Although the book of Jeremiah includes a fifty-second chapter, the prophet’s messages come to an end in chapter fifty one. Most of this chapter contains an ongoing prophecy of the fall of Babylon....

Psalm 147

God gathers the outcasts (Ps. 147:2), as do Sisters of Charity, teachers in prisons, and community organizers. He heals the brokenhearted (Ps. 147:3), as do grief counselors, matchmakers, humorists, and blues singers. He...

Redefining Work by Tim Keller (Video)

Video

Tim Keller lays out a theology of vocation. What was God's original intent for our work? How does everyday work fit in...

Ephesians gods grand plan a theological vision eph 1 1 3 21

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

God's restoring work involves human beings both as recipients of grace and as participants in the work.

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

Full Christianity: Doing, Thinking, and Being (Click here to read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling Mark Roberts considers how...

Paul’s Eulogy

I know what you may be thinking. That doesn't sound like a eulogy. I have called this reflection "Paul's Eulogy," but there's nothing in Ephesians 1:3 that meets our expectations for what a eulogy...

In the Beginning Was the Word (John 1:1-18)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in...

New Year’s DayView All >

Timing (Eccl 3:1-4:6)

If work has no single, unchanging purpose, perhaps it has a myriad of purposes, each meaningful in its own time. The Teacher explores this in the famous chapter beginning, “For everything there is...

Tim Miller 2012 10 09 Birthday Dinner 008 square

A Time to Kill and a Time to Heal

Editor's Note: According to Ecclesiastes 3, "There is a time for everything...." Not everything on that list, however, comes to us easily. Some items confound, others liberate, and none of them...

Authority (Psalm 8)

Psalm 8 is an exception in Book 1, as it does not pertain specifically to David. Its concern is with all human authority, not only David’s rule. Although God created the entire universe...

Real, Basic Stewardship

You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority. Psalm 8:4 At this time of year, many churches focus on stewardship. For sixteen years as pastor of Irvine...

Babylon and the New Jerusalem: A Tale of Two Cities (Revelation 17-22)

A city that renounces God is condemned, but paradise bustles with meaningful work.

Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

Jesus’ final teaching in this section examines how we treat those in need. In this account, when Jesus returns in his glory...

When Did We See You?

“Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, ...

Holy NameView All >

Aaron’s Blessing for the People (Numbers 6:22–27)

Aaron's blessing, given by God to Moses in Numbers 6:22-27, says "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his...

Authority (Psalm 8)

Psalm 8 is an exception in Book 1, as it does not pertain specifically to David. Its concern is with all human authority, not only David’s rule. Although God created the entire universe...

Real, Basic Stewardship

You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority. Psalm 8:4 At this time of year, many churches focus on stewardship. For sixteen years as pastor of Irvine...

Galations understanding life in christ gal 1 6 4 31

Understanding Life in Christ (Galatians 1:6–4:31)

Paul begins by identifying the problem among the Galatians. They “are turning to a different gospel” (Gal. 1:6). This “gospel” requires Gentiles...

God at Work (Luke 1, 2, and 4)

Luke’s Gospel begins in a workplace.

Christmas Scriptures: Looking for God at Work: Matthew 2 and Luke 2 Sermon Notes

Overview: Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, anticipation, looking for God’s coming into our experience as...

O Come, All Ye Faithful

The focal prayer of Advent is: "Come, Lord!" Remembering the yearning of Israel, we prepare to celebrate the first coming of the Messiah at Christmas. We also look forward to his second coming. And...

Epiphany of the LordView All >

Work’s Ultimate Meaning (Isaiah 60ff.)

Throughout the book, Isaiah encourages Israel with the hope that God will eventually put to right the wrongs the people are suffering...

The Glory of the Lord Revealed

If, like me, you’re a lover of Handel’s Messiah, then you can’t read Isaiah 60:2-3 without hearing it in your mind sung by a deep bass voice: “For, behold, darkness shall cover the...

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Praying for Our Leaders

Psalm 72 is identified as “psalm of Solomon” (72:1). This means either that it was composed by Solomon or in his honor. This psalm is a prayer for the king of Israel, a...

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

God's restoring work involves human beings both as recipients of grace and as participants in the work.

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

Full Christianity: Doing, Thinking, and Being (Click here to read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling Mark Roberts considers how...

Are You an Administrator of Grace?

In the first two chapters of Ephesians, Paul paints in broad strokes a picture of God's saving, unifying work in the cosmos...

Christmas Scriptures: Looking for God at Work: Matthew 2 and Luke 2 Sermon Notes

Overview: Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, anticipation, looking for God’s coming into our experience as...

Christmas Scriptures: Little Saints: Matthew 2 Sermon Notes

Gifts. Perhaps most of our concern, energy, financial resources at Christmas involve the selection, purchase, and giving of gifts. Often this concern...

Christmas Scriptures: Home By Another Way: Matthew 2 and 7 Sermon Notes

Overview: Sermon explores possible implications of Christmas for work. Does the Incarnation influence, shape our understanding of the purpose or manner of...

Christmas Day (Nativity of the Lord I) Year CView All >

Peace and Prosperity (Isaiah 9ff.)

In contrast to the arrogant pride and self-sufficiency that will bring us down or the exploitation of the poor in order to...

Advent Reflection: The Child to Be Born

Perhaps one of the clearest prophetic texts in all of Scripture appears in Isaiah 9. I cannot read Isaiah 9:6 without imagining...

For Unto Us a Child Is Born

I can’t read this passage without hearing echoes of the glorious chorus from Handel’s Messiah: “For unto us a child is born. . . .” I envision a booming choir and a sanctuary...

The Biblical Imperative We Love to Ignore

Psalm 96 begins with a simple imperative: “Sing a new song to the LORD!” If you look up all of the Hebrew...

Titus: Working for Good Deeds

Paul’s letter to Titus is the final Pastoral Epistle and has many similarities to 1 and 2 Timothy. (For Titus 1:5–9, see 1 Timothy 3:1–13 above. For Titus 2:1–10, see 1 Timothy 5:1–6:...

Good Relationships Arise From Genuine Respect (1 Timothy 5:1–6:2; Titus 2:1–10)

First Timothy 4:6–16 is full of specific directives Paul gives to Timothy. It would be helpful for...

God at Work (Luke 1, 2, and 4)

Luke’s Gospel begins in a workplace.

Advent Reflection: The Roman Empire

If you’re ever in Rome, you might visit the Piazza del Popolo (the People’s Square). This large square is famous for, among...

Christmas Day (Nativity of the Lord II) Year CView All >

Work’s Ultimate Meaning (Isaiah 60ff.)

Throughout the book, Isaiah encourages Israel with the hope that God will eventually put to right the wrongs the people are suffering...

Are You Waiting for the Perfect Gift?

When my daughter was six years old, I got an idea for the perfect Christmas for her: a book written just for...

Above All Gods

In 1977, as the praise and worship wave was just beginning to crash on the beaches of the American church, Pete Sanchez, Jr., took Psalm 97:9 in the King James version and wrote...

Is It Always Wrong to Hate?

When I was young, my parents taught me that it is wrong to hate. In fact, I was prohibited from using the word "hate." If I said, "I hate peas" or "I hate...

Titus: Working for Good Deeds

Paul’s letter to Titus is the final Pastoral Epistle and has many similarities to 1 and 2 Timothy. (For Titus 1:5–9, see 1 Timothy 3:1–13 above. For Titus 2:1–10, see 1 Timothy 5:1–6:...

Advent Reflection: Stepping Out of the Fast Lane

I approach life at a fast pace. The Rule of St. Benedict would tell me to slow down, to keep watch, to...

The Kingdom of God Shows Up at Work (Luke 1-5)

The Kingdom of God shows up at work in the Christmas story and beyond in the book of Luke.

Christmas Scriptures: Looking for God at Work: Matthew 2 and Luke 2 Sermon Notes

Overview: Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, anticipation, looking for God’s coming into our experience as...

Shining a Spotlight on What Christmas Is All About

At our house, we love our Christmas movies and Christmas specials. During Advent, we watch Elf and the original animated Grinch and...

Keeping Christmas Well: Like Ebenezer Scrooge

In the first stave of Charles Dickens’ classic story, A Christmas Carol, Ebenezer Scrooge didn’t have much enthusiasm for Christmas.

O Come, All Ye Faithful

The focal prayer of Advent is: "Come, Lord!" Remembering the yearning of Israel, we prepare to celebrate the first coming of the Messiah at Christmas. We also look forward to his second coming. And...

Christmas Day (Nativity of the Lord III) Year CView All >

Servant at Work (Isaiah 40ff.)

Isaiah paints a picture of the values that must characterize the people of God.

Earthquake Poem by Thomas Merton, Based on Isaiah 52

Prayer

Go tell the earth to shake for a new world is born.

Christmas Reflection: Good News!

The middle section of Isaiah 52 celebrates the coming of God’s salvation to the whole world.

Joy to the World!

Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and...

Christ Created and Sustains the World (Hebrews 1:1–2:8)

Critical to the theology in Hebrews is that Christ created and sustains the world. He is the Son “through whom [God] also...

In the Beginning Was the Word (John 1:1-18)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in...

Christmas I Year CView All >

The Calling of Samuel (1 Samuel 1-3)

From the closing words of the book of Judges and the opening chapters of 1 Samuel we know that the Israelites are...

Psalm 148

Unlike Psalms 146, 147, and 149, Psalms 148 and 150 do not depict God at work, but skip directly to our response of praise for the work he has already done. Psalm 14...

An Expansive Call to Worship

As a pastor for more than twenty years, I have "called people to worship" dozens, if not hundreds, of times. As the first action in a worship service, I would stand up before...

Set Your Mind on Things Above: Heavenly Living for Earthly Good (Colossians 3:1–16)

This call to reorientation means that we reshape our lives to think and do according to Jesus’...

Dressed Up for God

The bulk of Exodus 39 describes the making of the sacred garments for the High Priest. Aaron and his successors were to wear these vestments “while ministering in the Holy Place” (39:1). Remember...

God at Work (Luke 1, 2, and 4)

Luke’s Gospel begins in a workplace.

Best of Daily Reflections: Faithfulness at a Snail’s Pace

So much of life involves waiting.

Whose Children Are They, Really?

His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” “But why...

Christmas II Year CView All >

The Goodness of Work Restored (Jeremiah 30-33)

For twenty-three years, Jeremiah prophesied the coming destruction of Jerusalem (from God’s case against Judah in chapter 2 through chapter 28).[1] Then...

The End of Jeremiah’s Messages

Although the book of Jeremiah includes a fifty-second chapter, the prophet’s messages come to an end in chapter fifty one. Most of this chapter contains an ongoing prophecy of the fall of Babylon....

Psalm 147

God gathers the outcasts (Ps. 147:2), as do Sisters of Charity, teachers in prisons, and community organizers. He heals the brokenhearted (Ps. 147:3), as do grief counselors, matchmakers, humorists, and blues singers. He...

Redefining Work by Tim Keller (Video)

Video

Tim Keller lays out a theology of vocation. What was God's original intent for our work? How does everyday work fit in...

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

God's restoring work involves human beings both as recipients of grace and as participants in the work.

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

Full Christianity: Doing, Thinking, and Being (Click here to read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling Mark Roberts considers how...

Paul’s Eulogy

I know what you may be thinking. That doesn't sound like a eulogy. I have called this reflection "Paul's Eulogy," but there's nothing in Ephesians 1:3 that meets our expectations for what a eulogy...

In the Beginning Was the Word (John 1:1-18)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in...

New Year’s DayView All >

Timing (Eccl 3:1-4:6)

If work has no single, unchanging purpose, perhaps it has a myriad of purposes, each meaningful in its own time. The Teacher explores this in the famous chapter beginning, “For everything there is...

A Time to Kill and a Time to Heal

Editor's Note: According to Ecclesiastes 3, "There is a time for everything...." Not everything on that list, however, comes to us easily. Some items confound, others liberate, and none of them...

Authority (Psalm 8)

Psalm 8 is an exception in Book 1, as it does not pertain specifically to David. Its concern is with all human authority, not only David’s rule. Although God created the entire universe...

Real, Basic Stewardship

You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority. Psalm 8:4 At this time of year, many churches focus on stewardship. For sixteen years as pastor of Irvine...

Babylon and the New Jerusalem: A Tale of Two Cities (Revelation 17-22)

A city that renounces God is condemned, but paradise bustles with meaningful work.

Sheep and Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)

Jesus’ final teaching in this section examines how we treat those in need. In this account, when Jesus returns in his glory...

When Did We See You?

“Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, ...

Holy NameView All >

Aaron’s Blessing for the People (Numbers 6:22–27)

Aaron's blessing, given by God to Moses in Numbers 6:22-27, says "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his...

Authority (Psalm 8)

Psalm 8 is an exception in Book 1, as it does not pertain specifically to David. Its concern is with all human authority, not only David’s rule. Although God created the entire universe...

Real, Basic Stewardship

You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority. Psalm 8:4 At this time of year, many churches focus on stewardship. For sixteen years as pastor of Irvine...

Understanding Life in Christ (Galatians 1:6–4:31)

Paul begins by identifying the problem among the Galatians. They “are turning to a different gospel” (Gal. 1:6). This “gospel” requires Gentiles...

God at Work (Luke 1, 2, and 4)

Luke’s Gospel begins in a workplace.

Christmas Scriptures: Looking for God at Work: Matthew 2 and Luke 2 Sermon Notes

Overview: Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, anticipation, looking for God’s coming into our experience as...

O Come, All Ye Faithful

The focal prayer of Advent is: "Come, Lord!" Remembering the yearning of Israel, we prepare to celebrate the first coming of the Messiah at Christmas. We also look forward to his second coming. And...

Epiphany of the LordView All >

Work’s Ultimate Meaning (Isaiah 60ff.)

Throughout the book, Isaiah encourages Israel with the hope that God will eventually put to right the wrongs the people are suffering...

The Glory of the Lord Revealed

If, like me, you’re a lover of Handel’s Messiah, then you can’t read Isaiah 60:2-3 without hearing it in your mind sung by a deep bass voice: “For, behold, darkness shall cover the...

Praying for Our Leaders

Psalm 72 is identified as “psalm of Solomon” (72:1). This means either that it was composed by Solomon or in his honor. This psalm is a prayer for the king of Israel, a...

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

God's restoring work involves human beings both as recipients of grace and as participants in the work.

God’s Grand Plan: A Theological Vision (Ephesians 1:1–3:21)

Full Christianity: Doing, Thinking, and Being (Click here to read) In this daily reflection from The High Calling Mark Roberts considers how...

Are You an Administrator of Grace?

In the first two chapters of Ephesians, Paul paints in broad strokes a picture of God's saving, unifying work in the cosmos...

Christmas Scriptures: Looking for God at Work: Matthew 2 and Luke 2 Sermon Notes

Overview: Advent is a time of spiritual preparation, anticipation, looking for God’s coming into our experience as...

Christmas Scriptures: Little Saints: Matthew 2 Sermon Notes

Gifts. Perhaps most of our concern, energy, financial resources at Christmas involve the selection, purchase, and giving of gifts. Often this concern...

Christmas Scriptures: Home By Another Way: Matthew 2 and 7 Sermon Notes