Introduction to a series of Reflections on "Living Christmasly":For most of us, Christmas is over. It’s still okay to play Christmas music and leave the tree up, at least for a few more...
The prologue of John’s Gospel tells the story of Christmas, but not in the usual manner. We don’t have angels and shepherds here, or wise men and a star. We don’t even have...
In our translation, Micah 5:2 describes Bethlehem as “a small village.” Its diminutive size is forever enshrined in the opening of Phillips...
We can only imagine how Joseph must have felt when Mary told him that she was pregnant. Given the fact that he had decided to break their engagement (1:19), it’s clear that he...
This may sound odd, but Christians are to work with an eye toward obedience—not toward a paycheck. We are work for God, and our money is a reward for our obedience rather than...
One day when I was walking along the Hudson River on a crisp winter's day, I caught a glimpse of my reflection. The face staring back at me bore little resemblance to the...
We can only begin to imagine the shock Mary must have felt when hearing the news that she would bear a child, even though she had not been sexually intimate with a man...
L.L. here. Just a little busy. Okay, a lot busy. Would drowning be too strong a word?
When we read the accounts of the birth of Jesus, we often feel a connection with the primary characters. A young woman might sense a bond with Mary as she thinks of what...
Lord, where is your unfailing love? You promised it to David with a faithful pledge. Psalm 89:49 If you were to read only the first 37 verses of Psalm 89, you’d think it...
Collecting sample job descriptions for a client, I began to wonder, "Which of these jobs would Jesus take?" Assume he wasn't a...
Being an advertising critic, I’ve been mindful of the commercialization of Christmas for years. I see many of the problems and temptations...
I met this guy (we'll call him Joshua) on the street in a popular downtown area one night while he was waiting for a taxi. The first question that I asked him was...
Work is sacred space for the believer.Please forgive me, but I'm going to whine a little here. People in the church need to think more accurately about work. There is no such thing...
Sometimes I'm tempted to negotiate with God like Abraham did: "How about if there's 25 of your people left in town, Lord—are you going to burn it down? How about 20? What might...
L.L. here. Reading Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up. And thinking how easy it is to be with you. Why?
I have had vivid dreams before.
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A couple times this week I've seen people asking about the church and social media. David Tonen shared a video on social...
He sat on a short stool in the entrance of a high-end jewelery shop after it had closed for the day playing his guitar. He was singing the Elton John classic Levon. I...
