Our scripture this morning is Luke 2:9-11 (RSV). And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come …
Read More “12/23/2024”
Our scripture this morning is Luke 2:6-7 (RSV). And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Mary and Joseph were …
Read More “12/22/2024”
Our scripture this morning is Matthew 1:20-21 (RSV). But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, …
Read More “12/21/2024”
Our scripture this morning is Luke 1:45-47 (RSV). “And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,” “The Magnificat”, Mary’s song which glorifies the Lord, is one …
Read More “12/20/2024”
Our scripture this morning is Luke 1:35 (RSV). And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.” There are several instances of angels appearing to people in …
Read More “12/19/2024”
Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 9:6-7 (RSV). For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Of the increase of his government and of peace there will …
Read More “12/18/2024”
Our scripture this morning is Micah 5:2 (RSV). But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. This passage, repeated in Matthew 2:6, indicates how …
Read More “12/17/2024”
Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 7:14 (RSV). Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanu-el. The prophet Isaiah offered these words some 600 years before the birth of Jesus. In Isaiah we find many references pointing to …
Read More “12/16/2024”
Our scripture this morning is Jeremiah 23:5-6 (RSV). Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell …
Read More “12/15/2024”
This Advent I’m rediscovering the Revised Standard Version, which was the first Bible I was given as a third grader and used in church for many years. It is a revision of the American Standard Version which came from the King James Version. The language is older but still speaks to me, especially beautiful and …
Read More “12/14/2024”