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
John the Baptist
Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: Zechariah
In our first installment, we took a look at the shepherds. Last time we considered the Magi. Now it is time to learn from the story of Zechariah. Zechariah has been in the shadow of his famous son – John the Baptist. John certainly is an important character. But Zechariah was a man who had waited a long time, and so we can benefit from his story as we wait. First note that Zechariah was “getting on in years.” And he and his wife Elizabeth were childless. In our culture, childlessness has a definite sting. Many … [Read more...] about Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: Zechariah
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