Ebenezer Scrooge had a hard time grasping and embracing the spirit and message of Christmas. The rich and self-sufficient always do. Their own personal kingdoms loom so large that they have a hard time making room for God’s Kingdom—and all the poor and lowly riff-raff to whom it belongs. … More Blessed are the Poor Shepherds
I’m so glad the shepherd’s near Bethlehem didn’t have smartphones or Netflix that first Christmas. Can you imagine the scene? … More Keeping Watch in the New Year
“It’s all upside down!” was the perfect remark by a 14-year old after our youth group gathered in my cozy study to discuss the story of Christmas. … More The Nativity: “It’s All Upside Down!”
Have you ever met a traveling salesperson who refuses to leave the office? Have you ever met a daycare provider who can’t stand kids? How about an illiterate librarian? These are oxymorons and contradictions. I worked on the grounds crew at a golf course in high school. I spent most of my summer cutting grass. I loved … More Going Green 6: Nomadic Gardening?
Jeff Dunn has a nice piece at iMonk today on the scandal of those shepherds being in our nativity displays. He begins: If I were to be in a Christmas play, I would want to play a shepherd. I mean, they get to wear cool robes and carry a stick. I like carrying sticks. I … More “Losers Who Win” (Dunn)
Jeremy Berg 