The start of February is filled with significance. For many pagans it marks the holiday of Imbolc, seen by some as the start of Spring (and by many others as the height of winter). Millions more celebrate it as Candlemass (or the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple). In the United States February 2...
It feels a bit odd to write an Epiphany article on the heels of Christmas because we’re still in the midst of Christmastide. But even in the days after Christmas, it may be helpful to explain why “Jesus born in Bethlehem” (Matthew 2:1) is something we experience in Holy Communion. Bethlehem literally means “house...
When I was in seminary, we learned how to become detectives as it related to scripture. We were taught to ask questions about the author’s intended message, and to gain insights into how his own readers would have heard and understood it. And generally speaking, we explored the texts according to five categories, or...
A Seven-Week Advent Redux When I was growing up, there were certain things you just couldn’t buy on Sunday. Entire sections of department stores were simply roped off, and retailers respected the rhythms (and boundaries) of the religious and secular holiday seasons. We didn’t see Christmas displays or hear Christmas music or notice any...
On June 19, 2021, I celebrated –– albeit quietly –– my eleventh ordination anniversary. On September 18, I celebrated –– also quietly –– my tenth anniversary of serving Ascension Lutheran Church and The Church of the Holy Cross. On November 18, 2021, Joel and I will have been “together” for twenty-one years and married...