Reading Isaiah 9:5-7, NIV, printed below Reflection As winter begins, the evergreens of traditional Advent decorations remind us that spring is not far. The four candles, representing Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace, are both literal and symbolic lights in the darkness. … [Read more...] about Advent: Expecting Our Hope to Be Fulfilled (Scholar’s Compass)
Advent
Science Corner: Good Grief! Even My Dogma Has Gone Commercial!
Well, this is interesting. Over in Science, we have the headline "Wealth may have driven the rise of today's religions." Meanwhile, the Huffington Post's science blog says religious believers will become a world minority, and ultimately perhaps disappear entirely, thanks to economic prosperity. Seems like there's a need to get the story straight. … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Good Grief! Even My Dogma Has Gone Commercial!
Advent Awakening: How The Story of the Wise Men Can Transform Our Worship Once Again (Scholar’s Compass)
Reading Matthew 2:1-12 (Visit of the Wise Men) Reflection As I sank down in my chair, I felt deeply frustrated. Another ‘through the bible in a year' reading finished. My smartphone app congratulated me with a ‘great job,' but it felt hollow and empty. I had read the words, but they weren't transforming me. Have you ever felt that way? Like you understand what you're reading, but that it's doing little to reach the rest of you or impact your life? … [Read more...] about Advent Awakening: How The Story of the Wise Men Can Transform Our Worship Once Again (Scholar’s Compass)
Theotokos – Mary as the Mother of God. An Advent Devotional
In the history of theology, there have been many issues which for those who are not “professional” theologians seem rather abstract. I know that there are times when I drive my wife crazy talking about some minutia of theological detail which has no connection to her world as a pre-school teacher, and she has never had a taste for the kind of hypothetical speculation which makes systematic theologians so excited. She is, however, very patient and tolerant, and I can even get her to do final proof-reading of manuscripts … [Read more...] about Theotokos – Mary as the Mother of God. An Advent Devotional
Advent: Christ in Our Context
“ ‘Come thou now thyself, Sovran of Heaven! bring us salvation, weary thralls oppressed, worn out with weeping, with bitter burning tears. With thee alone resteth their cure for those in direst need. Visit us here, captives so sad of mood, nor leave behind thee, when thou turn'st from hence, so great a throng! But royally show forth thy mercy to us, O Saviour Christ! - Cynewulf's Christ (eighth century) Reflection In the corner of the South where I live, Jesus is contextualized everywhere. … [Read more...] about Advent: Christ in Our Context