There’s one person in the Christmas story we don’t like to talk about – the guy who tried to kill Jesus, and in the process visited an atrocity on the families of Bethlehem. That’s right: Herod the Great, the original Christmas Grinch. But is it possible we have more in common with Herod than we might think? Is it possible that we’re grinchier than we realize? Join us for New Year’s Day (and the 8th day of Christmas) as we explore how we can begin our new year taking our call to follow Jesus more seriously!
Continue readingIf Only in My Dreams
Christmas is a season of new life, of impossible possibility. Joseph illustrates for us the sort of faith that finds hope in the most unlikely places. As we approach Christmas, how can we attend to the Holy Spirit, particularly in those least likely places?
Continue readingJohn Had a Point
We’re about to the time in the Advent season when the Christmas cheer begins to feel oppressive. After all, we know the world isn’t really characterized by peace on earth or goodwill to all peoples. We might relate to John the Baptizer, who, after preparing the people for Jesus’ ministry, found himself in prison. What do we make of Jesus’ mysterious response to John? How do John and Jesus help us navigate the tension inherent in the Christmas season?
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