In the days of pandemic and polarity there seems to be so little wonder for us to hold. This story following Jesus' birth is filled with obedience, witness, and wonder. So often, we try and solve and resolve wonder. At…
Christmas always seems to bring the church into a strange intersection with culture. The Euro-centric celebration of Christmas affirms gift-giving, family gatherings, and general warm feelings. These feelings might be epitomized in holiday decorations, favorite indulgent foods, or the simple…
The birth of Jesus is a collision between the powerful and powerless. Like so many other occasions, the grace of God is revealed at the margins or the edges. Jesus' with happens in a small town, in a single family…
These days of preparation before Christmas are filled with a sense of wonder and awe. The church has its practice of preparation and so does the larger culture around us. These two preparations could hardly be less alike. Perhaps this…
We all have a story. That story is part of God's story which intersects the stories of others. Mary, the mother of Jesus, comes to share her story with Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. When their stories intersect…
During our Thanksgiving gathering I was asked this question: “What does it really mean to take the Lord’s Name in vain?” It is a fantastic question, especially in this season of pandemic and polarity. For me, the answer lies in…
During our holiday pause today, consider the gift of yourself that you can uniquely offer to others. Find a way to give it away with a generous spirit tomorrow. Redefine “Black Friday” as a day when you will lift someone…
It is hard to imagine thanksgiving without thanking someone. We usually don’t thank “things” or circumstances. We thank people. Let us not take for granted the lovely fabric of community in both the known and the stranger. Thanksgiving does not…
Giving thanks invites us to look back in time for moments when generosity was directed toward us. Beyond being thankful, perhaps we might focus even more on creating moments of thanksgiving in the future. How are you creating thanksgiving for…
The age of social media often invites us to make statements about politics, injustice, etc. Often we feel that the opinion we have on something equates with fruitful action about it. John the Baptist makes it clear in his witness…