The "wars and rumors of wars" that Jesus said would be a sign of the Last Days are continuing. The world seems to be preparing for a major conflict, with few evidences of caution. Ironically, Donald Trump is emerging as a force for peace. All of this is a "sign" of human foolishness and depravity. But Jesus tells us, "do not be alarmed."
Our national debt in light years. Google's woes. And Bible sales are up 22%.
Advent is the appointed time to contemplate Christ's return. But we need to be careful not to do that in a "Left Behind" kind of way. Those who speculate about the End Time and calculate its day and hour often get lost in interpreting current events and trying to identify the anti-Christ, while neglecting who Jesus is and why He is returning. Luther offers a corrective.
Continuing our series of non-political, non-adversarial discussion topics, what's good on TV? What is something you've watched that you would recommend to your fellow Cranach subscribers, or at least those who might share your tastes? I discuss as an example "A Man on the Inside."
General and President Dwight Eisenhower laid out some principles for the vocation of staff member. These were based on his own experience both as a staffer working his way up the unforgiving meritocracy of the military and as the man at the top of the hierarchy being served by his staff. As such, they apply not only to government and the military, but also to business, academia, non-profits, and religious organizations.
What if, instead of writing out a pardon that frees Hunter from the consequences of his crimes, President Biden said, "Look, my son Hunter is guilty. So I will go to jail in his place." That is more what God has done for us. The doctrine of the Atonement has become controversial recently, even among evangelicals. But it is grounded in mind-blowing realities.
Advent celebrates Christ's coming, which happened in the past in Bethlehem, will happen in the future in the End Times, and happens now in the Word and Sacraments.
The unintended consequences of deportation. A 40-cent bitcoin is now worth nearly $100,000. And Australia bans social media for under-16 year-olds.
One of the few fronts in the culture wars that Christians are winning is in the crucial sphere of education. A major reason is the academic superiority of classical Christian education. The Heritage Foundation has published a study of 882 of these schools, including members of the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education.
What suggestions would you have for your fellow Cranachers trying to think of a good present to give someone? What was a Christmas gift to you that you really appreciated and that other people might appreciate also? What books, games, or gadgets do you know of that would make a good gift? I'll go first. . . .
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