“…and his name shall be called…Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Advent is a two-pronged season – first, and most obvious, it is about the coming of the Infant King at Bethlehem; secondly, it is a sobering reminder of the final coming, someday, which is meant to be a joyous occasion...
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) With the events of the last few days— from the jury’s decision to the riots in the streets (which overshadows the number of peaceful protests to be sure), we...
This is the Gospel for Sunday, which—by the way—is the last Sunday of the church year. One doesn’t know whether to say, “Happy New Year” or “Woe is me!” after reading this Gospel that bears potential doom and gloom. No wonder the 26th chapter of Matthew bears the heading in...
Agape. That is the way one says the word in English. It is one of a number of words in Greek that is translated “love.” There is words meaning a platonic love or a more brotherly/sisterly love or an erotic love. The word “agape” is the perfect love which comes...
“…to meet the Lord in the air…” (I Thessalonians 4:17) With Halloween just past, we’re mindful of the phenomenon of people who love to be scared this time of year. Blood and fangs, dark cloaks and pale faces – vampires and zombies – all the rage these days (but not...
“Though hordes of devils fill the land, all threat’ning to devour us;”* It’s the week of All Hallow’s Eve. I suppose if one googled the history of “Halloween” one would discover a number of descriptions and reasons why it came to be what it is today. From the Druids centuries...
Lutherans hear this in one way or the other every Sunday: “We are justified by Grace through faith.” (Thank you Dr. Luther!) Two years before the penning of his infamous Ninety-Five Theses for the church door in Wittenberg, Luther had been asked to prepare lectures on the Book of Romans. ...
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15) This time of year, the world takes on a beauty all its own. As leaves begin to turn color, what an amazing palate of hues we see! It’s...