Even though we often think of “Blessed are those who mourn” as applying to another person's grief, when Jesus taught this Beatitude, mourning had less to do with someone grieving, and more to do with those experiencing intense sorrow for their own broken ways and for the brokenness of the world.
Read MoreIn general, most people would agree that the reality of death sucks. It is everywhere and influences all things. Everything is breaking down, and the reality of our death "one day" has a huge effect on our quality of life because of what that impending reality evokes within us.
Read MoreTraditionally, Advent was more akin to Lent - a time of preparation for the arrival of the Lord Jesus. It was somber. Christmas hymns were not sung (those were reserved for the Christmas Eve and the Christmas season). Followers of Jesus focused on preparing their hearts and lives to receive the Lord Jesus once again, which often meant taking time for prayer, fasting, and reflection.
In other words, it was nothing like it is today.
Read MoreIn his version of the birth narratives, Matthew introduces Jesus to us as Emmanuel, or "God with us." The gospel author John does not have a birth narrative per se to open his story of Jesus, but he does say one thing very similar to Emmanuel: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.'"
That line is probably the best synopsis of the Christmas story of all time.
Read MoreI saw a creepy white van early this morning. Later, when I sat down for some quiet time, my thoughts drifted back to the van and I became curious: "Why was my first reaction to be suspicious?"
Read MoreWhat kind of church do you think Jesus would attend today? Big? Small? Liturgical? Charismatic? Would he want smoke machines or not? Would he prefer the beautiful, stained glass cathedral or the humble pig pen converted into a church?
Perhaps a better question is: would Jesus enjoy attending your church today?
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