Scripture – Luke 1:57–66 “‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.” (Luke 1:66) Mary and her cousin Elizabeth had miraculous pregnancies. As first-time mothers, both were joyous, though like most parents,…
Read more »The heads of Christian churches in Jerusalem have issued a joint Christmas message for 2010 condemning violence in any form and saying that peace and reconciliation requires the active participation of people of faith. Full text of the message: “Glory…
Read more »Christmas Message 2010: The Rt. Rev. Munib Younan, Bishop ELCJHL. Bishop Younan, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, reflects on what he calls the first two words of Christmas: “Fear not.” These were the…
Read more »Scripture – Luke 1:46–55 The stories of the birth of Jesus are witnesses of the many ways in which people can experience the transformative power of God’s presence in their lives. They also are echoes of the powerful hope this…
Read more »Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 5:12–28 I gained a greater appreciation for Mary during two Advent seasons when I was either on maternity leave or pregnant. Sleep deprivation and morning sickness made it easy to empathize with Mary. Although to us…
Read more »Scripture – Luke 1:39–56 It is a challenge to live richly into the anticipation that is Advent—to keep the frenzy and the Christmas rush at bay. Yesterday we celebrated the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The Christmas Eve service is only…
Read more »Scripture – Luke 1:46–55 It’s no wonder Jesus grew up to be something of a revolutionary. Listen to the song he learned at his mother’s knee: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior ….
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