The last few days have been very hazy outside and I am told that is because of the wildfires burning in the West, and I have no reason to doubt that. It is very sad that since the year 2000 we have seen a uptick in acreage lost due to fire, especially when one considers... Continue Reading →
A Hollow Christmas
I recently saw an article which asked the question, "Why are there no modern classic Christmas Songs?" There is one short answer for this question, "Most people have nothing to celebrate". The simple fact is many people do not celebrate Jesus at Christmas and so December 25th has lost its importance. To illustrate my point,... Continue Reading →
Where are the Shepherds?
Art has a major impact on our lives, whether or not we fully understand or appreciate the art around us. Even the lack of art in our lives can have an impact on how we see the world. At Christmas we turn our homes into works of art as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.... Continue Reading →
Christmas Isn’t About Being Happy.
There are a few songs that I feel sum up how most Americans approach Christmas and one of those is Eddie Pola & George Wyle’S “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” It's the most wonderful time of the year With the kids jingle belling And everyone telling you be of good cheer It's... Continue Reading →
What do I Expect?
There are just times in life where I resonate with Charlie Brown, I ask, “Advent is a time of expectation and anticipation, but what am I expecting?” And I hear in response, “Well Christmas …Duh.” I look around and I ask, “Is that what everyone else is expecting?” “Well, yes.” “So, these people burning themselves... Continue Reading →
Christmas Worship or Family? The Great Dilemma.
Christmas is about family, celebrating the birth of Jesus with family, living in God’s joy with family. This year is one of those odd years where our normal family celebrations of Christmas come into conflict with our weekly worship celebrations (i.e. Christmas falls on Sunday). Families are debating how to handle this dilemma, “Do we... Continue Reading →
Do I want peace?
This time of year it is common to hear someone talk of peace on earth, we hear people wishing for it in songs and movies. This is based on the angels’ song to the shepherds in Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" (Luke... Continue Reading →
Lighting up Christmas
This morning I woke up around 6:30 am it was completely dark in my house, sometime around 7:00 the first rays of sun broke over the hilltops and by 7:30 sun was up. There was an obvious progression from dark to light, a progression which could be predicted and timed. We are all used to... Continue Reading →
From pity toward generosity
What does it mean to pity someone and who should we pity? As a rule, I hate resorting to the dictionary definition of a word, but, I do like the way the Oxford English Dictionary frames its definition: “The feeling of sorrow and compassion at the sufferings and misfortunes of others.” Sometimes suffering is easy... Continue Reading →
Stir Up Sunday
A somewhat lesser known holiday in the Church falls on the last Sunday of the Church calendar, November 22 this year, Stir-up Sunday. Stir-up Sunday gets its name from the Anglican collect for the day: Stir up; we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit... Continue Reading →
