At the time of the first Christmas, the magi looked to the heavens for signs about their life on Earth. And they were not disappointed; the journey they undertook because of what they saw in those heavens enabled them to participate in one of the most significant events in human history. To us, their intracontinental, purely terrestrial trip might seem trivial, but they likely felt they were traversing a sizable portion of the world. So I wonder if those magi could have conceived of the heavens themselves as a … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Star Signs in the Space Age
Magi
What is the “Good News” of Jesus Christ? Part 5
A number of my colleagues recommended I read What is the “Good News” of Jesus Christ?*, delivered by David Suryk at the 2016 Midwest Faculty Conference (Cedar Campus, 6/19/2016). When I had opportunity to connect with David at this summer's Midwest Faculty Conference, I asked him not only for a copy of What is the “Good News” of Jesus Christ?, but also the permission to share the sermon with the Emerging Scholars Network via a series on the blog (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4). "Thank-you!" to David for the series and … [Read more...] about What is the “Good News” of Jesus Christ? Part 5
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)
Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: The Magi
Last time we looked at the shepherds, wondering what they could teach us. Now we are headed to the other end of the cultural spectrum to the Magi. A few picky details to clear up: they were probably not kings. Most likely they are Persian astrologers. We don't know how many of them there were, but three gifts are mentioned - gold, frankincense (incense), and myrrh (perfume). Talking about the Magi pushes the boundaries for thinking about Advent, because the Magi don't enter into the story until almost two years after … [Read more...] about Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: The Magi