Tag: Advent

Blessed Are The Speechless

December 15, 2025

We are only reading half the story if we focus only on the speechlessness of Zechariah. Before long the mute becomes a minstrel, the silenced one a songbird, the castigated becomes a crooner for Christ. From that day forward, Mercy and Joy are the theme of Mr. and Mrs. Zechariah’s song. Blessed are those who have been mesmerized by God’s mercy, silenced by salvation, flabbergasted by forgiveness, and enraptured by God’s rescue. … More Blessed Are The Speechless

Blessed Are the Underachievers

December 5, 2025

The central message of Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom is that He offers good news to the poor and needy losers, and offers a stern warning for the proud and self-sufficient winners in society. He’s not opposed to the winners and hard-working overachievers; he just knows that such folks tend to be less receptive, and at times openly hostile, to His gospel message about free handouts of grace and forgiveness to undeserving screw-ups.  … More Blessed Are the Underachievers

Prepare the Way (Advent 2025)

November 14, 2025

This year we’re going to honor the real mood and message of Advent, which is a starker season of preparation for the different comings of God — first, in the events of Jesus’ birth and, second, at the Final Judgment. Advent is for waiting and longing and repenting in anticipation for invasion of Light into our darkness. We will be sitting in a classic Advent text from Isaiah 40:3-5. … More Prepare the Way (Advent 2025)

A Contemplative Christmas

November 15, 2024

Are you ready to leave the noise of the election behind and move into the stillness and wonder Advent?Join us this Advent as we explore Zechariah being struck dumb, resulting in a forced silent retreat; ponder Elizabeth’s inner leaping, and wonder if our soul is more apt to leap, flee or slumber in God’s presence; marvel at Mary’s inner hospitality, and wonder what it means for us to cultivate an inner sanctuary for the dwelling of God. And more. … More A Contemplative Christmas

Justice & Peace Have Kissed! (Psalm 85)

December 28, 2022

The Prince of Peace himself wants to hold classes in every church across the globe this New Year “that He may teach us concerning His ways, and that we may walk in His paths” (Isaiah 2:3). What are the key topics of his seminar? The psalmist gives us the curriculum. Jesus wants to teach his people that in Him “unfailing love and truth have met together” (v. 10a). … More Justice & Peace Have Kissed! (Psalm 85)

Blessed are the Underachievers

November 29, 2020

While the “Most Likely To Succeed” badge may come with a superstitious curse attached, the “Class Mooch” has a very real cultural curse attached to it. In America we celebrate self-made successful people, and look down on the moochers who are dependent on others. What do we make of Jesus’s 3rd Beatitude that seems to promise the farm to the underachieving brother? … More Blessed are the Underachievers

Boyhood Epiphany on a Garage Roof

November 19, 2020

Thirty years have passed since I sat on the garage roof staring up at the night sky. The worries and cares of a middle schooler have been upgraded to the burdens of a father, husband and pastor living in this current moment of darkness and fear. Perhaps, this Advent, you also feel like we’re sitting collectively on a cold and icy roof, staring up at the Heavens and badly need to hear these words this Advent: “The people sitting in a pandemic have seen a great light, and to those sitting in the land and shadow of covid, a light has dawned on them” (Matt 4:16). … More Boyhood Epiphany on a Garage Roof

O Eve!

December 13, 2018

This was passed along to me – a very powerful image to ponder in this season of waiting, expecting, longing and hoping for the Christ who steps into the Darkness of our fractured world. -JB From Ben Sternke: The painting below was created by Sister Grace Remington of Our Sister of the Mississippi Abbey in Dubuque, Iowa. Try … More O Eve!

Scandalous Incarnation!

December 12, 2018

Perhaps we’ve let the graceless moralism of too many Santa songs taint our view of the One who truly comes to town on Christmas. For the miracle of the incarnation is for the naughty and nice. He’s already made His list and He’s checked it twice, and all are on it until we choose to reject His gift and thereby remove our own name from it. … More Scandalous Incarnation!