Christmas: Empty and Full; Philippians 2:5-11
It's Christmas morning, and not a creature is stirring except for me (and one cat). My mornings usually start early anyway, but this morning I found myself lying awake in bed, contemplating getting up...
25 Dec 202218min
God in Swaddling Cloths
It's such a small detail and seems so insignificant. All babies were wrapped in swaddling cloths in those days! Why does Luke feel the need to mention it twice? Because there's mystery in the ordina...
25 Dec 202225min
The Supreme Savior; Hebrews 1:1-4
A dog chewed up my first image of Jesus. I should probably explain that better, right? When I was a child, we had a Christmas tree ornament that was a tiny nativity scene. I was allowed to hang it o...
18 Dec 202220min
The Gift of Belonging: Colossians 1:15-20
DNA kits have become a popular Christmas present in the last few years, enabling people to discover connections they never realized they had. In some cases, these have led to awkward conversations abo...
11 Dec 202222min
The Word Became Flesh; John 1:1-18
There’s some debate on whether or not we should call them “Wise Men.” Matthew uses the word “magi,” from which we get “magician.” Scholar Richard Vinson wonders if their presence is an allusion to the...
4 Dec 202221min
What Child is This? Galatians 4:4-7
My first pastor passed away yesterday. Dave Butts was, among other things (like a friend and former boss), my pastor for many years. I realize that much of my ministry has been shaped by how I saw Dav...
27 Nov 202228min
His Love Endures Forever; Psalm 136
His Love Endures Forever; Psalm 136 by Bret Hammond
20 Nov 202224min
An Invitaton to Thanksgiving; Psalm 118
This past Friday, I gathered with friends to say goodbye to a wonderful lady named Joyce Hemingway. Joyce's generous spirit was repeatedly mentioned at her funeral—not just generous in how she gave bu...
13 Nov 202223min
