Posted by hlewis |
This Sunday we will celebrate the Magi giving their precious gifts to Jesus, as we prepare for the season of Epiphany. Did you know that many countries celebrate gifts from the Magi instead of Santa? Children in Latin America write letters to the Magi detailing their good behavior and asking for presents, while children in Spain leave straw in their shoes by the door for the Magi’s horses on the…
Posted by lhigbee |
The Gospel reading this week is Luke 2:1-14, but I would like to write about Luke 2:1-20, because I find the shepherds fascinating. Most of the sermons I heard in childhood only talked about how Jesus was born in a stable and how he was just wrapped in what they had to keep him warm. I want to focus on the shepherds.
During the time that Jesus was born, shepherds were considered lowly,…
Posted by jbrudvig |
I have a confession to make. As a child, I thought Christmas was all about presents, especially the ones with my name on them under the Christmas tree. Brightly colored packages that I hoped included items on my Christmas list. By making Christmas all about the presents, I now realize that I overlooked the gift that Christmas brings, the gift of presence.
The older and wiser version of myself…
Posted by svanbaale |
This week’s Gospel begins with some strong words. John addresses the crowd who have come to be baptized by him with the words, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” I am sure those harsh words got their attention!
He goes on to say, “every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Posted by hlewis |
As I try to stay calm and focused, working through all of the details for what is happening in the next few weeks, I’m taking a moment just for me. I’ve lit a fire in my fireplace, made a mug of chai tea, and I am breathing deeply. My guess is that everyone is feeling a bit overwhelmed right now as we prepare for the holidays.
One of the calming moments I’m looking forward to are our…
Posted by lhigbee |
I don’t know how many of you know this, but I am a historian at heart. My bachelor’s degree focused on Latin American history, but I took a lot of U.S. history classes. I thought it would be interesting to look at Thanksgiving as we know it today. I must remind myself and some family members that it isn’t just about football. GO CHIEFS! But I digress.
I remember as a child thinking…
Posted by jbrudvig |
Recently, while reading The Broken Way: A Daring Path into The Abundant Life by the bestselling author Ann Voskamp, I was challenged to consider the claim, “Learning the art of living is learning the art of giving.”
Then it dawned on me, “Isn’t this what God does for us?” A reality proclaimed loud and clear in the familiar refrain from John 3:16,…
Posted by svanbaale |
The month of November in the church calendar starts with All Saints Day and ends with or near Advent, depending on the year. Between those, Christ the King Sunday is also observed. We also have the American holiday of Thanksgiving, a time to gather with friends and family and celebrate our gratitude and blessings, and Election Day, which may or may not be a time to celebrate, depending if your chosen…
Posted by hlewis |
There’s a beautiful song called “How You Live” by Point of Grace. It talks about taking chances and living life to the fullest by loving yourself and others. Here are some of my favorite lines:
“Don’t run from the truth, ‘cause you can’t get away — just face it and you’ll be ok.”
“So give to the needy, and pray for the grieving, even when you don't think that you can.”
“Wherever…
Posted by lhigbee |
I do not know about you, but when we read this week’s Gospel reading (John 11:32-44) in staff meeting, I was drawn to the section that if we believe, we will see the glory of God and that God always hears us. Our prayers will always get an answer, whether it be yes, no, or not now.
The crowd questioned Jesus, saying that if he could open the eyes of a blind man, he could have healed…