John the Baptist calls out, “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.”But how do we prepare for the Christ? Don’t cheat. Don’t harass others. Share what you have. Don’t rely upon the ancestors to cover up your…
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Following the One in Whom God Delights
Posted in Call to Worship, Isaiah, Isaiah 42, Isaiah 42:1, Luke, Luke 3, Luke 3:1-22, narrative lectionary, New Testament, Old Testament
Jubilation will come.
The people were finally home.After generations in exile, they returned to their ancestral land. The joy that was anticipated was real,but it was also different to return home.Though they yearned for the way it was, the future is a place…
What if?
Though the earth is ravaged by pandemic and climate change…What if there is still reason to hope? Though the earth is ravaged by a people bent upon polarization and war…What if there is still a chance for peace? Though the…
Gathering in Hope
In a time when hope was veiled beneath laws prohibiting prayer…Daniel worshiped the God of extravagant love. In a time when the price of hope was to be thrown into a pit of hungry lions…Daniel worshiped the God of abundant…
Make Us Like Isaiah
We create images of you,placing you within the constraints of our humanity.But you are beyond our imaginings. You call upon us to be your people,pushing the limits of who we think we can be.But you know we can be so…
Not so unnatural
A scavenger delivers food to a man twice a day in the wilderness.It’s unnatural. In the middle of a famine, a jar of flour never decreases no matter how often used.It’s unlikely. A stranger heals a widow’s son with only…
What if our job is to build a new post-pandemic church?
The Creator is worthy!God is worthy indeed! The cool breezes, grey and damp days, and blowing leaves remind us of the divinity that undergirds the world.The Creating One is worthy! In each generation a particular purpose and particular tasks become…
Our Authentic Purpose
Hannah yearned for purpose in a world in which women’s worth was only childbirth and nurturing children. Like Hannah, we live in a world which defines our worth by standards not all of us can meet. Like Hannah, we hurt…
According to God’s Menu
At the Passover, the people gathered around the table with symbols of their liberation. The blood on the doorpost reminds them that God heard their cries and acted as protector and liberator. The unleavened bread marks the flight out of bondage.…
Posted in Exodus, Exodus 12, Exodus 12:1-13, Exodus 13, Exodus 13:1-8, narrative lectionary, Old Testament
Sibling Rivalry (Joseph)
Sibling rivalry.“Dad loves me the most!” Rivalry exacerbated.“Dad gave me this long robe!” Siblings responding.“We hate him.” Rivalry turns to plotting.“Throw him in the pit! Sell him into slavery.” Story turns. Released from slavery.“I have power in Egypt.” Sibling rivals…
