The four acts of advent are adoration, activism, community-building and – our theme this week – expansion. Today we look at the message of the Angels from Luke 2: 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Mary’s Magnificat does not envision the inclusion of the world in the Messianic kingdom; Zechariah’s Benedictus... Read more
We’ve talked a time or two about Inspired By The Bible Experience: The Complete Bible. I’ve listened to a number of NT books and most of the Psalms, and I’m wondering what you think of this wonderful tool. You might ask what it is. It is the whole Bible read aloud by Hollywood actors and actresses — with some background sounds for effects — and I really like it. What has stood out for you who have listened to it?... Read more
Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Read more
Today we relight the first three candles of the Advent Wreath — the candles of HOPE, PEACE and JOY. Now we light the fourth candle of Advent. This is the candle of LOVE. |inline Read more
Skating in Millennium Park:Good reminder from CNN about the sleep needs of teenagers. Before I forget, I have to say that I’m liking that little mouse the ads have for the Tale of Despereaux … a kind of reepicheep thing for me. Excellent discussion of the gospel by Tim Keller and Dave Dunbar addresses the question about “missional.” Speaking of which …. David Fitch announces a non/conference on missional. Andy Rowell chimes in on the missional vs. attractional conversation provoked... Read more
Skating in Millennium Park:Good reminder from CNN about the sleep needs of teenagers. Before I forget, I have to say that I’m liking that little mouse the ads have for the Tale of Despereaux … a kind of reepicheep thing for me. Excellent discussion of the gospel by Tim Keller and Dave Dunbar addresses the question about “missional.” Speaking of which …. David Fitch announces a non/conference on missional. Andy Rowell chimes in on the missional vs. attractional conversation provoked... Read more
At Beliefnet I am participating with other bloggers in nominating my top books of the year and here are my top picks. I’ve chosen books I’ve reviewed here and ones that drew either strong affirmation and great discussions. Klyne Snodgrass’ complete study of the parables: Stories With Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus. Tom Wright’s wondrous and suggestive book on the resurrection: Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church. Chris Wright’s... Read more
Most of the time I hand off anything about science to “RJS” but the next two chps in Adam Hamilton’s Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White: Thoughts on Religion, Morality, and Politics are about Galileo and evolution and the Bible … and I thought I’d see if I can ride this bike with no hands! (My image for doing this on my own.) The Tribunal of the Supreme Inquisition — what a title! — made this finding: “We... Read more
This just added: Beliefnet has a discussion group about Anne Rice. Recently I read Anne Rice’s new memoir, I reviewed it on this blog (part one, part two), and Beliefnet found a way for us to get in contact with Anne to interview her for this blog. Her memoir is called Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession Here is the second set of questions I asked Anne: The tell-tale sign of conversion is the re-working or re-imagining of one’s... Read more
We can’t neglect Anna this Christmas. Here is her story from Luke 2: 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty‑four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke... Read more
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