How Lent Leads to Kingdom Blessing

The Kingdom that begins with Lent leads us to blessing.  There is the call to turn—repent!—which is Lent.  There then comes a pronouncement: “Blessed!”  Consider how stunning this is. When Jesus begins to teach about the Kingdom of God, the first word is “Blessed!”  This is not what we expected, not from God almighty in …

THE GOOD HANDS OF CHRISTMAS

In late November and early December 2012, Lavone and I were priviledged to be on sabbatical in the Holy Land.  During that time we visited Bethlehem and found this nativity carving.  It has since become a Christmas icon in our home during Advent and Christmas. We love the symbolism of this nativity—the Holy Couple, with …

No, Mary Didn’t Know

Of course, that is the point of the song, isn’t it?  Mary could never have guessed all that her child, hers yet God’s, would do.  The exploits, the healing, the mastery of all powers earthly and heavenly, and the use of them all to love people whole and well.  Then again, had Mary thought about what …

Praying for a Mary-Christmas

How surprised Mary was!  One day—I imagine it to be morning, but maybe it was at night, just before sleeping—an angel appears.  I resist the temptation to mythologize the story by assuming that angel-appearances were to be expected, since this is the Bible.  No, Mary had never seen an angel, and wasn’t sure about the …

The Politics of The Lord’s Prayer I

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.Thy kingdom come.   Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:For thine is the kingdom, and …