[Pause warning below.] “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night” (Luke 2:8). On that now-famous night the angels appeared to shepherds to announce the Messiah’s birth. Why shepherds? You sometimes hear it said that shepherding was looked down upon. Generally speaking, the reason is because … Continue reading And there were shepherds…
advent
Why are we doing this?
“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done…” (1 Chronicles 16:11-12) With December comes traditions. People start to sing carols, light candles, put up Christmas trees, buy gifts, and send cards. Traditions can be good. But not if they obscure the meaning of what we’re supposed … Continue reading Why are we doing this?
Advent: preparing for Jesus
The season of Advent has begun. Some of you will know what that means. Others won’t. That’s because some Christian traditions have emphasized it and others have not. It is the four-week season that leads up to Christmas. The word “advent” itself means “coming,” referring to the coming of Christ. On one level is about … Continue reading Advent: preparing for Jesus
An alien visitor at Christmas
It’s December. Christmas is approaching. Indulge me with an illustration. Imagine an alien from another planet was sent on a mission to earth to learn about Christmas. And imagine that it came to your house to watch your celebrations and to collect data. And then imagine that it had to report back to its mothership … Continue reading An alien visitor at Christmas
It’s okay to simplify Christmas
Christmas is coming. “It’s practically here!” So sayeth the Grinch. This past Sunday marked the beginning of Advent. That’s a word which means “coming,” referring to the coming of Christ. It’s the four-week period leading up to Christmas. As December 25th draws near, so do many complicated feelings. Because of the pandemic, our celebrations have … Continue reading It’s okay to simplify Christmas
Pay attention to the music
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). December can be a rush. Plus, our world is kind of insane right now. Have you noticed? That’s why we need to stay focused on what and who matters most: Jesus. Something that helps us … Continue reading Pay attention to the music
Pondering the nativity
The season of Advent and Christmas can be such a blur. As a result, we can easily leap-frog the biblical story of Jesus’ birth as we mad-dash to the mall, or attend to a dozen other dizzying responsibilities. 'But don’t we hear that story on Christmas Eve?' Yes, but Christmas Eve sermons tend to be … Continue reading Pondering the nativity
The definition of hope
Sunday marked the start of Advent, a Latin word meaning “coming.” It refers to the coming of Christ, either as a baby at Christmas, or as Saviour and Judge at his return. A repeated theme during Advent is hope. But what is hope? My son and I were brainstorming things we hope for. We hope for … Continue reading The definition of hope
Pray attention
“pray continually…” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) “Pray attention” is a phrase coined by Ross Lockhart in his book Beyond Snakes and Shamrocks.* Ross is the intelligent, energetic, and mission-focused Dean of St. Andrew’s Hall at the Vancouver School of Theology. Plus, he can rock a bowtie like nobody else I know! Here’s how he explains it: … Continue reading Pray attention
Full of yourself, or the Spirit?
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them…” (Luke 2:8-9) Have you ever wondered, “Why shepherds?” Why did the angel come to them of all people while they were actively watching against thieves and prey? There are probably … Continue reading Full of yourself, or the Spirit?
