Reading Collect for the First Sunday of Advent, Book of Common Prayer (see below) Reflection We are arrived at the beginning of the New Year. Yes, to the world, the New Year is still a month and two days off, but for the Church, the year begins in Advent. It is initially odd to think that the Church Calendar begins in Advent. Advent, after all, is a time of waiting, waiting for the coming of Christ. It is as if the New Year begins only to stop suddenly in its tracks, sit down and wait for something. Yet, on further … [Read more...] about Advent: The New Year Begins (Scholar’s Compass)
Advent
The Day After Christmas
On Sunday, December 29th, Gene Wingert[1] wove The Day After Christmas throughout the morning worship service at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church (referred to as EBIC in the PDF). The meditation was so stirring that I asked for a copy to share with you (click here for a PDF). How apt to post on Epiphany, The Day of Three Kings, and in anticipation of sharing gifts in ministry with InterVarsity staff at our triennial staff conference (January 7 - 11, St. Louis). As a teaser, below is the first part. May you … [Read more...] about The Day After Christmas
Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: Angels
This time of year in churches all over, little children dress up in white robes, put on wings and halos, and in general, look cute! Children dressed as angels are a staple of Christmas plays everywhere. Congregations voice their “Ahhhhs” and parents and family members hope that their “angels” behave themselves. This is as it should be – angels do play a part in the Christmas story. Christmas pageants are stylized portrayals of the story of Jesus' birth, and children dressed as angels fit right in. But we should, … [Read more...] about Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: Angels
An invitation to support ESN at year end . . .
The Emerging Scholars Network provides encouragement, vision, and connections that are vital to Christian students and faculty. In isolation, we wither; in community, we flourish. —David A. Vosburg, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Harvey Mudd College As we continue to await the coming of the Christ-child in these hopeful days of Advent, we are reminded of our call towards generosity in this season of gifts. InterVarsity's Emerging Scholars Network (ESN) could not exist without the generous efforts of its members … [Read more...] about An invitation to support ESN at year end . . .
What Books are on Your Christmas Lists?
What books are on your Christmas lists, not only your own wish list, but also ones you desire to give to others and/or suggest for a book discussion in the coming year? I am very interested in learning what Emerging Scholars desire to read, review, discuss, gift, possibly even teach (e.g., campus ministry, local congregation, even classroom). Please share . . . Note: No need for the book(s) to be "Christian". But yes, if you are looking for a suggestion (or two, three, four . . .), the Emerging Scholars Network … [Read more...] about What Books are on Your Christmas Lists?