Open the Gospel of Luke, right there in chapter one and begin reading. The physician-scribe throws us right into the middle of the action first with the warm-up of the dramatic events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist and then the history-splitting incarnation of the Lord Jesus. Luke has penned a real page-turner! A…

My husband and I had visited a church a few times, and invited the pastor and his wife over for a meal after having some pleasant post-service chat with them both. We told them we were looking forward to learning more about the church as well as enjoying a relaxing evening of conversation. It was…

The week between Christmas and New Years is filled with all manner of “Year In Review” lists. Biggest news stories, worst movies, best books, that sort of thing. My own 2009 list is a little more…uh…specific. When I think of this year, the list that’s easiest for me to make is that I managed to…

Click here to read Part 1, here for Part 2 and here for Part 3 of this series. At this time of year, the focus is on the Baby. If you focus on the incarnation long enough, you might also find yourself drawn to meditate on the Child’s future – and your own. The longing…

Click here to read Part 1 , and here to read Part 2. Jesus began his ministry with a very audacious-sounding statement of purpose torn right from the sacred scrolls before him: He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his…

Click here to read part one of the series. Jesus and religious insiders The Pharisees’ motto: We do life right! You don’t! Color in the lines. Drive 55 miles per hour. Obey the rules. Be an Eagle Scout. President of the Student Council. And while you’re at it, prom queen. It feels good to be…