The Christmas story of the baby born in Bethlehem is often demeaned and pushed aside because of misunderstanding. So what if scholars tell us Jesus wasn’t born on December 25 in the year 0, or if we don’t get the gifts we wanted, or our family is scattered and we won’t be able to see […]
Week 50 Mission |
Week 49 Character |
Making Sense of His Suffering
Jews for Jesus reported that recently 100 Jews on the streets of Tel Aviv were asked, “Who do you think the 53rd chapter of Isaiah describes?” Most were unfamiliar with the passage and were asked to read it before answering. After doing so, many conceded that they did not know to whom it referred. Christians […]
Week 49 Mission |
The Gospel According to Christmas
Are you like me? Do you suffer from Christmas failure? I know Jesus is the reason for the season. That he’s the best gift of all. I can recite Luke 2 and sing every verse of O Come, O Come Emmanuel. I give generously and in Jesus’ name. I even remind my grandchildren that Santa […]
Week 48 Character |
The Death of Self
Death may be certain, but it’s not a good destination; unless of course it was to lead to something far, far better. In the Bible, “death of self” is a spiritual result, the portal to true life—life that is eternal and pure. Conventional wisdom suggests we order our lives. The lives of our acquaintances, our […]
Week 48 Mission |
More than a Ritual
How do you take your coffee? In a monogrammed travel mug, from a single-serving coffee pod, by the trayful at the drive thru? Whether it’s three cups before noon or the return of a seasonal flavor, many of our routines revolve around where we get our morning caffeine. Routines are comfortable, for better or for […]
