First Sunday after Christmas (Year B, RCL)

No one and nothing escapes Psalm 148’s exhortation.

The hymns of Mary, Zechariah, and Simeon reflect the worship material of early Christians.

Simeon and Anna echo the worship material of ancient Israel.

The Spirit’s presence often feels like winter’s dry wind.

I don’t know if this is the pandemic’s end game. I do know that new things are already being born in us.

Six markers of what this means in the wake of the incarnation.

We should all be a little eccentric.

Preachers who value their pulpit would be wise to avoid Isaiah 9 this Christmas Eve.

God called all of them good. Humans are rapidly destroying them.

The psalmist puts out a clarion call.

The beloved song can contain God’s glory no more than the scripture it’s based on.

Anna and Simeon’s hope precedes their encounter with Jesus.

Luke insists that Jesus is a child of Israel.

On a shelf in our church library you can find a “Reading Guide” made by a fourth grader. It lists the types of books appropriate for different age groups and advises: “Remember--Kids (8-12) when you start the Bible, go at your own pace. It's a long book!”

Luke’s first two chapters are a metaphorical retirement home for elders who are “looking forward to the consolation of Israel.”