What we often refer to as “The Christmas Story” is a combination of stories from different sources. You probably already new that. Some are biblical, some are tradition. The naming of the magi, for instance, is a tradition. The story from Matthew’s gospel doesn’t name them, but over the centuries...
I’m sure it’s a long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem when you’re walking. It’s only a little over 100 km, but, back in the day, there’d only be a dusty dirt road made by the caravans and soldiers who travelled the route. It sure would have felt long. Even more...
We have a Christmas play in our church service this Sunday. Lots of churches do a Christmas play. Usually on the third or fourth Sunday of Advent, but sometimes, really daring churches will do it on Christmas Eve. It’s a great idea, the Christmas play. It can be anything from...
Heather, Justin and their two young children have been in lockdown mode since the middle of March. This is their 10th month of isolation as a family, because Justin is severely immunocompromised and would likely not survive a case of COVID-19. Heather shares what this journey has been like for...
I think this might be the year I don’t say “Merry Christmas.” No, I’m not replacing it with “bah, humbug.” Nor do I think the “War on Christmas” is a real thing. It’s not. And I’m not looking to be politically correct, either, whatever that really means. Sure, I think...
In the weeks of Advent, leading up to Christmas, we meet some of the characters of the Christmas Story. The angel Gabriel (who really should have appeared nine months ago), Mary, Joseph, we’ll meet other angels, shepherds, an innkeeper, maybe even the magi (they seem to arrive earlier every year)...
(from the 1993 classic “The Sign” by Ace of Base) In the weeks leading up to Advent, many churches will be hearing stories from the gospels about “the end times.” Not from the Book of Revelation, but from the gospels. This is Jesus talking about the end of things and,...
I try to be consistent. As much as one can be in such a diverse and complicated world. But I try to be consistent, especially in what I share about what I believe Jesus is about. Jesus is about life. Yes, Jesus provides comfort about where we’re going next, but...
I know I say it a lot, but I just don’t think Jesus is an either/or kind of guy. I think Jesus is an and/with person. Person. I know, here I am again treating Jesus like, well, one of us. Like a friend or a neighbour, even, rather than with...
Most of us are fortunate to know war, conflict and violence not as our own personal memories, but as a historical concept or as a present day far away reality. Still, we know the importance of pausing to reflect and appreciate, and remember, what other have lost in order that...