When I was a pastor, one Sunday in Advent I called the kids forward for the children’s sermon. I told my three-to-seven-year-old congregation Today I’m going to tell you the truth about Santa Claus. Usually the kids were pretty wriggly. This time the parents were squirming. Here is what I told them. Long, long ago, […]
Advent 1: Thinking About Christ’s Return (Heidelberg Catechism, Q.52)
A lot of us got a bit of a shock last Sunday. Actually it happens on the first Sunday of Advent every year. We show up ready to get ready for the Babe in the manger, and what do we get? Apocalypse. The Gospel readings for Advent 1 in the Revised Common Lectionary sort of […]
Advent Begins: Thinking About the Son of God (Heidelberg Catechism Q. 33)
Last Sunday was “Christ the King” for those churches guided by the liturgical year. This Sunday we begin a new year with the First Sunday of Advent. Advent is not Christmas — that is the celebration that Christ has come. Advent is about getting ready for his coming. Now, before Advent begins, is a great […]
So Give Thanks! (Heidelberg Catechism Q. 43)
In this week when my country celebrates a day of thanksgiving, my mind, of course, turns to the Heidelberg Catechism. (Okay, maybe yours doesn’t. But you probably haven’t been blogging about it all year.) There are lots of ways Christians can summarize the Christian life. This 450 year old introduction to biblical teaching tells me […]
Note to Hymn Writers: Tell the Truth
Fairly frequently in mainline churches Sunday morning worship brings me hymns and songs from many different eras. John Wesley might come in the same service as Matt Redman, and Fanny Crosby might sneak in on the same day. Sometimes a hymn works. Sometimes it doesn’t. I can’t influence Crosby or Wesley, but I would love […]
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