Twelve Days of Christmas

Readings: John 1: 43-51, I John 3:11-21 For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another…We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life…

Readings: 1 John 3:7-10; John 1:35-42 The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. I John 3:8b Heather W. Peterson It’s the sleepy time after Christmas day before we return to work or school. The lights remain up, but the gifts are open and some of the new toys broken.  Today’s reading is a reminder that, as my life returns to its mundaneness, my participation in a divine drama hasn’t ceased. I John 3:8b…

Colten Wilson I’ve been thinking about how most of the historically significant events that happen in our lifetimes or that have happened in history are conveyed to us by witnesses. In our times we have near-instant access to pictures, videos, audio recordings of events, and sometimes listen and watch through these media as the events are unfolding (livestream!). But for the most part, we ourselves are not there but these cameras and recording devices are mechanical witnesses, beaming content to…

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”  John 1:19 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything,…

Readings: Psalm 8, Luke 2:15–21 Christmas for us in Christendom has become one thing, and in one sense even a simple thing. But like all the truths of that tradition, it is in another sense a very complex thing. Its unique note is the simultaneous striking of many notes; of humility, of gaiety, of gratitude, of mystical fear, but also of vigilance and of drama…All this indescribable thing that we call the Christmas atmosphere only hangs in the air as…

Readings: 1 John 2:18-21, John 1:1-18 John Lundgren  In John chapter One we learn that Jesus “came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…And from His fullness have we all received Grace upon Grace.”  This is Grace that we dare not refuse.   Our first “work” as believers is to receive. Our…

Readings:  I John 2:12-17, Luke 2:36-40 There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was well on in years.  Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow.  She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer.  She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the…

Readings: Psalm 126; Matthew 10:16-22 Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves … you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them … and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10 Andy Bramsen December 29th is the feast of Saint Thomas Becket, martyred in Canterbury Cathedral 850 years ago today. Becket was trained in…

Readings: Psalm 124; Matthew 2:13-18 [I]f the Lord himself had not been on our side, when men rose up against us, Then would they have swallowed us up alive… But praised be the Lord, who has not given us over to be prey for their teeth. Psalm 124 A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more. Matthew 2 Sara Bramsen December 28 marks the…

Readings:  Psalm 92; 1 John 1:1-9 [The righteous] still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright. Psalm 92:14-15a That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 1…