“This is no time for a child to be born, With the earth betrayed by war and hate And a comet slashing the sky to warn That time runs out and the sun burns late. That was no time for a child to be born, In a land in the crushing grip of Rome; Honor … read
In preparing for the sermon this week, I came across a delightful sonnet about this Bible story. It’s called “The Visitation” by Malcolm Guite. As you hear these words, picture older pregnant Elizabeth greeting the young and pregnant Mary. Here is a meeting made of hidden joys Of lightenings cloistered in a narrow place From … read
Will you pray with me? Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for being a gentle and humble king, a king that we willingly choose to follow because you are good and loving and worthy of our worship. In the name of Christ, AMEN. Today is Christ the King Sunday. It is a day in our church … read
I grew up listening to my mother practice her strong, high soprano at the piano in our living room. When I was in middle school, we stood side by side in the church pew, singing “It Is Well with My Soul.” She pointed me to the alto line, and I stumbled through it. So began … read
Truth be told, this is not my favorite parable. I find it both annoying and ominous, if a parable can be both of those things at the same time. I find it annoying because there is something about women being called foolish that does not sit well with me. As I looked at some of … read
A few months ago, the husband of one of my college friends died. She shared these words of Shakespeare, from Romeo and Juliet, and I find them so beautiful. “… and when he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That … read