mystery man

The Mysterious Servant Speaks: Isaiah 49:1-7

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash Three mysterious contestants sat before the celebrity panel. Each of the contestants stood in turn and announced, "My name is Robert Ethan Miller." All three claimed the same name. It was the celebrities'…

Bruised and Burned Out, Like Us: Isaiah 42:1-4

Photo by Andres F. Uran on Unsplash The bruised poinsettia leaves and burned out Advent candles are finally in the trash. I know. It's almost the middle of January. In my defense I love the cheery glow of Christmas decorations so much that…
Isaiah predicts a rising storm

Waiting in the Storm: Isaiah 30

Photo by Stephen Walker on Unsplash   Welcome back to the waiting room. Yes, now that the cheer of Christmas and New Year's celebrations have passed, it's time to settle in. We've swept up the pine needles, taken down the lights,…
The Top Ten Things I Loved About 2020

The Top 10 Things I Loved About 2020

Photo by Deva Williamson on Unsplash   The Top 10 Things I Loved about 2020? The Top 10 Things I Hated might be a more appropriate title. At least that's what I hear from everyone around me: I'm so done with 2020. Let's hope 2021…

Prince of Peace: His Expanding Kingdom

Photo by Luke Tanis on Unsplash What would it feel like to not only have peace, but a Prince of Peace, one who would provide shalom. One who would bring a constantly expanding peace, that grows, puts out tendrils and takes new ground?…

Everlasting Father: Unwrapping Jesus’ Surprising Title

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash   How can Jesus be addressed as "Everlasting Father" when he's the Son? That was the starting point for the Third Sunday in Advent's sermon. And I was glad it was, because it happened to be my question…
muscular man's back

Mighty God: Jesus, the Conquering One

Photo by WALID CHARAFI on Unsplash What kind of leader do we need today?  A mighty man with a big mouth or a mild man with a bold VP? Ha! A full month after our election, we are still asking that question, even though no more uncounted…
advent wreath announces his coming
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Wonderful Counselor: Jesus, the Wise One

Photo by Max Beck on Unsplash I feel like I need a wonderful counselor while I'm wading through my Christmas shopping. Why? Because my inbox is filled with so many "wonderful offers!!!" Online Christmas shopping has begun in earnest and…
open hands offer gifts of color

Justice, Generosity, and the Kingdom of God

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash When Isaiah says, "Cleanse yourselves," do you and I immediately think of justice for the poor and marginalized? I usually don't. Instead, I think of my pet sins and my personal battle against them. In…
surprised by confetti

Surprised By Grace & Judgment, Isaiah 15-24

Photo by Erik Brolin on Unsplash Are you surprised by God's grace? Not always. We often take his grace for granted. What about his judgment? Does that surprise us? Actually, it shocks us, because we think, like Santa Claus, God will always…