When I was young, I thought manger meant “stable.” I was well into my adult years before I realized that a manger...
During the holiday season, we often encounter the phrase “Peace on Earth.” It shows up in popular songs such as “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” It appears on banners and Christmas cards.
After his son, John, was born, Zechariah “was filled with the Holy Spirit” and uttered a “prophecy” (1:67). His prophecy is often...
I have a friend who tends to look on the dark side of things. No matter the subject, he'll say something negative. Now I like my friend, but I wish he was more positive.
Every church creates its own culture—a blend of leaders, congregations, neighborhood, city, state and nation, along with language(s) spoken and theological orientation...
Every now and then while I’m channel surfing on TV, I pause to listen to a preacher. It’s not uncommon to hear televangelists talk about how faith is the key to being blessed...
In yesterday’s reflection, we consider Zechariah’s hesitant and doubtful response to the angel’s news that Elizabeth, his elderly wife, would bear a son.
The cafeteria was mostly dark. A few dim lights kept me from stepping on homeless men sleeping in orderly rows on the...
When we get tempted to click away in the middle of a work day, we can remember Christ’s example.
I work in one of the upper floors of a very large building. I was told the year it was built, it was the largest building project in the state of Vermont. It...
The Seven Last Words of Christ for Holy Week
A week of little deaths, that’s what Holy Week is for us.
For centuries, Holy Week was the focal point of the Christian calendar.
Every now and then, people ask me how a pastor in Southern California ended up serving in a family foundation in Texas. Usually, I explain how much I admired the work of the...
This time of year there’s a lot to be excited about. Especially if you’re a working mom like me, it’s easy to...
At our house, we love our Christmas movies and Christmas specials. During Advent, we watch Elf and the original animated Grinch and...
Recall a Christmas when your entire life seemed to wait for one never-to-be-forgotten present. For me it was a tennis racket. My parents had great fun presenting it to me that Christmas morning. I...
With Christmas just around the bend, gifts are on my mind. Sunday, my family will light the third Advent candle in church, reminding us of the gift chosen for Mary to bear. Last...
It’s Sunday evening, the third day since Jesus of Nazareth was crucified in Jerusalem.
This parable is one of the most well-known of all the stories Jesus told. It is about...
