In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas!
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Advent and John the Baptist
If Advent is new to you, I don't blame you for feeling a bit confused. Advent as preparation for Christmas is a no-brainer. All these other things, like Jesus' return, that are a part of Advent, can seem beside the point. But in the second week of Advent, a figure takes center stage who both completely makes sense and who stretches our brains: John the Baptist. It makes sense to speak of John in Advent. John the Baptist is the one we know is coming to “prepare the way.” Listen to what the angel says to his father … [Read more...] about Advent and John the Baptist
Are There Any Books That You Revere?
In my continued reading of Alan Jacobs' A Theology of Reading, I've come to his chapter “Kenosis.” He addresses the question of whether someone can love a text in the same self-giving way that one can —even ought to —love another person. Kenosis is the Greek word used in Philippians 2:7 to describe the “self-emptying” movement of Christ in his Incarnation: [Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the … [Read more...] about Are There Any Books That You Revere?
Where Is God When It Rains?
As I write this, several million homes are without power on the East Coast due to Hurricane Sandy. Except for natural disasters like this one, it's easy to forget our connection to the weather, nature, and the rest of Creation. Even for those in the midst of the hurricane, modern comforts —like Netflix, which experienced a boost in online streaming in the areas affected by severe weather —help take the edge off of the danger outside. In the most recent episode of Mars Hill Audio, Norman Wirzba discusses his new book … [Read more...] about Where Is God When It Rains?
What keeps Jim Sire believing?
What keeps me believing, what holds my faith, is not the way I understand Scripture, but the fantastic way Scripture explains me to myself. I am particularly struck by the way Jesus, who amazes me every time I think of him, becomes personal to me as I read the Gospels and as I see his presence in the saints and the sinners around me. And, O yes, in God's creation -- those magnificent Sandhills, the Holy Land of Nebraska, icon of the near edge of eternity. -- Jim Sire. Conclusion to "Chapter 11: A Final Apologetic: Why I … [Read more...] about What keeps Jim Sire believing?