We have now entered the season of the church year called Epiphany. The word “Epiphany” has roots in a Greek word meaning ”to shine forth.” While we celebrate the birth of Jesus as Israel’s Messiah in the Christmas season, Epiphany celebrates the revelation or shining forth of the Messiah as the light of the world, a light to all nations.
Reflections on Epiphany 2021 Read More »
Advent joy is different than the fleeting happiness of a “Merry Christmas.” Elizabeth and Mary sing a song that envisions God’s saving power over the oppressive powers of this world.
Whose Song Will We Sing? Read More »
“Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (Jesus in John 12:24) We live in an age of great change, and great change usually means great losses. How will we respond?
Institutions and Loss Read More »
Have you ever been in a situation where you simply could not convince someone of a truth you felt was obvious and self-evident? It can be frustrating. “Why won’t they believe me?” The temptation is to become angry, to lose your temper, and swear.
Telling the Truth with Patience: Oaths Revisited Read More »
The blessings of Jesus reflect the values of the Kingdom (Empire) of Heaven which run counter the happiness the world seeks.
The Happiness of True Blessings Read More »
God blesses us. We can bless God in return. However, because of sin, our words of blessing don’t match our attitudes and actions. Then, our blessings become curses.
When Blessings Become Curses Read More »
Many of us have an ambivalent relationship with law. Just mentioning the word “law” brings up many different images in our minds. For most of us, the law means a set of fixed rules and regulations that we are supposed to live by. We operate by law at many different levels. Most of us in
Law and Relationships Read More »
After the children of Israel were delivered from slavery in Egypt, they spent 40 years wandering in the desert before entering the land God had promised to them. Why?
Repentance and Consequences Read More »
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. A look at two key terms: (1) peacemakers, and (2) sons (children) of God.
God’s Children as Peacemakers Read More »
The concept of race leads to the power of racism used by a predominantly white society to control non-white people.
Racism: A Rebellious Power Read More »
