“Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word,for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,a light for revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people Israel'” (Lk. 2:28-32, NRSV). What child is this? We have pondered this question for four weeks in Advent and now the fifth week, culminating in the … [Read more...] about 5th Week in Advent —“What Child is This? He is Emmanuel.”
Advent 2022
4th Week in Advent —“What Child is This? He is the Messiah.”
What child is this? This is the ancient question of incarnate mystery we have been pondering throughout the Advent season. What child is this, born of a woman and born of God—the Son of God? What child is this, who is to be named Jesus—"Yahweh saves?” What child is this, whom Malachi, Gabriel, Elizabeth, and Zechariah honor as “Lord?” This child is the Christ—the Messiah! “But the angel said to [the shepherds], ‘Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:to you is … [Read more...] about 4th Week in Advent —“What Child is This? He is the Messiah.”
Science Corner: The Case of a Curious Christmas
Among the holidays widely observed in the United States, Christmas strikes me as the one most concerned with curiosity. Several Christmas songs are posed as questions: "What Child is This?" and "Do You See What I See?" and "Mary, Did You Know?" OK, that last one has a real 'more of a comment than a question' energy, but still. There are the magi on a quest of discovery. There is the mystery and anticipation of a wrapped gift. And so I thought the science of curiosity would be an apt topic for this Advent season. … [Read more...] about Science Corner: The Case of a Curious Christmas
3rd Week in Advent —“What Child is This? He is the Son of God.”
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David” (Luke 1:32, NRSV). “The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God'” (Luke 1:35). What child is this? As we journey through Advent, preparing our hearts and anticipating the celebration of Christ's birth, we pause each week to ponder this … [Read more...] about 3rd Week in Advent —“What Child is This? He is the Son of God.”
2nd Week in Advent —“What Child is This? He is Jesus.”
“And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.” (Lk. 1:31) “She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Mt. 1:21) What child is this? Surely this question was at the forefront of both Mary's and Joseph's minds as each sought to comprehend the unexpected visit and shocking message from the angel Gabriel. Mary's annunciation came during waking hours, likely an ordinary day in Nazareth up to that moment, greatly startling … [Read more...] about 2nd Week in Advent —“What Child is This? He is Jesus.”