Before our family entered Christmas gatherings with extended family, I reminded myself of various sections from On the Incarnation,* by Saint Athanasius (c. 297 – 373). Here is a passage regarding "the greatest Christmas gift of all" which came to the forefront for me as I sought to articulate the meaning of Christmas, place earthly gifts in perspective, and remind myself of my call/vocation "To see students & faculty transformed. Campuses renewed. World Changers Developed." . ... What was God to do … [Read more...] about Advent Table Topic: The Greatest Christmas Gift of All
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Before the Presence of God
No Week-in-Review this week. May this quotation from Living the Christian Year help put your Christmas in proper perspective. So in this season we come once more to Bethlehem in the poverty of the shepherds and humility of the Magi. We bow before the feedbox which holds the Bread of Life, the gift by which we're enriched. We find our words, even our poetry, failing us, as Dietrich Bonheoffer so eloquently discerned: "Our words rush out at the sight of the divine child; we try to put into language what is implied … [Read more...] about Before the Presence of God
The Coming of the Lord is Near
Amen! A sincere and heartfelt thank-you to our sister in Christ Christine Sine for this Advent meditation. Inspired/thirsting to take more time away from the busy-ness of the holiday season and focus upon the Christ of Christmas? I'd encourage you to take a few minutes to visit these three sites: Christine Sine's Godspace Following the Star (HT Arlene). Susan Boyle, Handel's Messiah, Silent Monks & God's Good Intentions for Our Redemption (By Lael Arrington, bible.org, December 4th, 2009) If you … [Read more...] about The Coming of the Lord is Near
Week in Review: Last Minute Shopping Edition
What are you reading, watching, thinking about this week? Anything special with some time off or is there too much going on with the holiday? As usual, here's a few which have been on our mind. Let us know your thoughts on any/all of them. In addition, if you have items you'd like us to consider for the top five, add them in the comments or send them to Tom or Mike. 1. In Star-Studded Wise Men: Rethinking the Christmas Story (December 7, 2009), Ben Witherington delivers a strong corrective regarding some … [Read more...] about Week in Review: Last Minute Shopping Edition
Week in Review: Advent Edition
What are you reading, watching, thinking about this week? Anything special with some time off or is there too much going on with the holiday? As usual, here's a few which have been on our mind. Let us know your thoughts on any/all of them. In addition, if you have items you'd like us to consider for the top five, add them in the comments or send them to Tom or Mike. 1. Sabbath? Who has time for a sabbath? - Regular reader Tobin sends us this from the always funny PhD ("Piled Higher and Deeper") Comics. 2. … [Read more...] about Week in Review: Advent Edition