Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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Finding the Real Meaning of Christmas: The Apolytikion of the Forefeast of the Nativity

December 20, 2018 by Gary Neal Hansen 7 Comments

Apolytikion of the Forefeast of the Nativity

If you are part of a Western church that tries to live into the Church year, Protestant or Catholic, you know that in Advent there is a battle afoot. Our churches tell us to focus on Advent. Advent is the ramp-up to Christmas. This season is about waiting for Christ to come — remembering Christmas […]

Filed Under: Bible, Music, Worship Tagged With: Advent, Apolytikion of the Forefeast of the Nativity, Meaning of Christmas

Monday Meditation: RCL Year C, Advent 4, Luke 1:39-55

December 18, 2018 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Luke 1:39-55

On the fourth Sunday of Advent the lectionary Gospel finally brings us to what we thought the whole of Advent should be about: the anticipation of the birth of Jesus. No more of John the Baptist and his wild preaching about turning the world upside down, leveling the mountains and filling up the valleys with […]

Filed Under: Bible, Church Year, Monday Meditation, Saints Tagged With: Advent 4, Luke 1:39-55, RCL Year C

Monday Meditation: RCL Year C, Advent 3, Luke 3:7-18

December 11, 2018 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Luke 3:7-18

On the third Sunday of Advent in Year C, the lectionary continues Luke’s telling of the story of John the Baptist’s ministry. That’s right: a month into the period where every store and many a radio station plays nothing but Christmas carols, the Church steadfastly resists. No baby in Bethlehem just yet. We wait, on […]

Filed Under: Bible, Church Year, Monday Meditation Tagged With: Advent 3, John the Baptist, John the Forerunner, Luke 3:7-18, RCL Year C

Monday Meditation: RCL Year C, Advent 2, Luke 3:1-6

December 4, 2018 by Gary Neal Hansen 4 Comments

Last week, as Advent began, the lectionary Gospel turned our focus from the present to the future. If we were expecting something about a baby in a manger we were disappointed. We were firmly planted in this present troubled world, looking for  Christ’s coming at the end of the age. On the Second Sunday of […]

Filed Under: Bible, Church Year, Monday Meditation Tagged With: 2nd Sunday of Advent, John the Baptist, Luke 3:1-6, RCL Year C

Monday Meditation: RCL Year C, Advent 1, Luke 21:25-36

November 27, 2018 by Gary Neal Hansen 3 Comments

Luke 21:25-36

Sunday the new year officially begins for the Western Church — it is the first Sunday of Advent. Everything starts with four weeks of waiting for the coming of Christ. Year C And with that a new cycle of the Lectionary begins: we now are in “Year C” in which the Gospel readings will mostly […]

Filed Under: Church Year, Monday Meditation Tagged With: Luke 21:25-36

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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