Let There Be Light: Part 4
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it. [...]
Faith
Kneel
Yes, my stomach was in knots…just as it always feels the first time I hear a Christmas carol, or see Christmas anything…every year it’s the same feeling. And it hurts. Actually, it hurts badly. [...]
Let There Be Light: Part 3
Will there ever be a king on a throne, full of power with a sword in his fist? [...]
When Christmas Disappoints
Maybe your family gathering hasn’t been the same since Mom died, you got divorced, or since your family moved away. Some people’s family gatherings are not a Norman Rockwell picture and that alone may be reason to mourn. When some of you read “special worship services,” maybe you think, “I’m not ready to sing Joy to the World because there is no joy in my life.” [...]
Light in the Darkness: Part 2
It wasn’t enough. The prince and the princess aspired to be instead the king and the queen. [...]
Light in the Darkness: The ancient story of Christmas
Are you ready? It begins with four words. Do you know them? I have a feeling they speak to that deepest hunger inside of you. Are you ready?... [...]
Happy 6 Months of the918!
The918.org is six months old! It’s been a great half-year, and I am so thankful for everyone who has contributed to make the918.org a success. [...]
Punk Rock Advent
To be perfectly honest, one of the (many) things that draws me to the Christian faith is its subversive, counter-cultural, punk-rock quality. I know, “Christian faith” and “punk rock.” But go with me on this. [...]
Finding Jesus in the Place You Most Expect
Where is Jesus? He is in the imperfect church, and he has been there all along. I know this is what you would expect to hear from a pastor, and you think I’m supposed to say these things. But isn’t finding purpose, hope, community, and love worth trying to find? [...]
The Problem of the Pharisees
However, I sometimes wonder what we might have thought about the Pharisees if we had lived with them in the same time and culture. After all, they knew their Bible. They were faithful in church. They were experts in following the religious laws and rituals. And they had both political and social power. Would we have been impressed? [...]