Reading Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot--- Yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. -- Isaiah 11:1 … [Read more...] about Advent: The Problem of What Matters
Messiah
Advent: The Paradox of What Matters
Reading Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot--- yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him--- the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. In that day the heir of David's throne will be the banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to Him, and the land where He lives will be a glorious place. -- Isaiah 11:1-2, 10 … [Read more...] about Advent: The Paradox of What Matters
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
Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: Shepherds
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Luke 2:8 KJV) The season of Advent is once again upon us. Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas and is a time to prepare for Christmas. This year I want to ponder some of the “supporting cast” of the Christmas story. Specifically, I want to look at the ones who are waiting; in the case of the first Christmas, waiting for the coming of the Messiah. First up will be the shepherds. There has been some … [Read more...] about Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: Shepherds