Something about “power,” in whatever form, or source, from which it may come or exist, can cause great things to happen. When God stood out on the banisters of nothingness and declared, “Let there be …,” no greater power in heaven nor on Earth could have ever been affirmed. Even since that time the essence […]
religion
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The promise of one world
We all know what a time waster surfing the internet can be yet, occasionally, something pops up which illustrates a truth, simply but profoundly. Sometime during the past year, I came upon such a story. It goes something like this. Somewhere in the U.S., a middle-aged man is standing in the checkout line at a […]
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The Passover Seder is an occasion for worship, storytelling and feasting
Before turning my attention to our Jewish festival of Passover, which will begin this year at sunset on Wednesday, April 1, I want to acknowledge the wonderful experience I recently had as a guest speaker at the motherhouse of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. In conjunction with the Lenten season and in anticipation of […]
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Reading the Bible through Jesus’ eyes
You may often hear how important it is for U.S. citizens to return to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights so we don’t lose sight of the wise but imperfect aspirations that birthed our nation into being. Equally for Christians, reading and praying with scripture keeps us grounded in the […]
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A call for humility
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:3,5 During this season of Lent, Christians around the world prepare for holy week which begins with Christ’s humble entrance into Jerusalem on Palm […]
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I shared the dream of Dr. King
The Bible records numerous “dreams” that invaded the minds of people. In many of those “dreams” and “visions,” God revealed his plans for his chosen people and leaders. They included visions of the present and the future that affected the lives of the “dreamers” and of those to whom God would vindicate. Of kings and […]
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A sacred journey
“and she gave birth to her firstborn son …” – Luke 2:7 During my tenure as the pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, one of the annual highlights each year was anticipating which newborn baby within the congregation would play the esteemed role of baby Jesus in our annual Christmas pageant. A human baby Jesus in […]
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Getting ready for the real Christmas
God’s salvation plan for fallen mankind was underway. That plan included and involved Zacharias and Elizabeth. Symbolic of God’s creation proclamation of “Let there Be,” plans for a forerunner of the savior were also underway. Many years had elapsed before the time for the savior to enter the salvation scene arrived. Elizabeth was already expecting […]
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The gift of silence
Knowing my own faults and foibles, I try to be tolerant of such things in others-even those who think that Brussels sprouts are actually edible or who don’t like animals! There is one habit I find difficult to understand, though: so many people seem to have an aversion to silence. More than one person has […]
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A season for being grateful, for sharing and for bonding
In this season of early sunsets, chilling winds, snow and ice and freezing temperatures, our holidays offset the bleakness and despair we might otherwise feel with joy, optimism and celebration. Thanksgiving has now come and gone. For Christians this is the season of Advent and preparing for Christmas. Two weeks from now Jews will be […]
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For what do you wait? For what do you hope?
This year Thanksgiving weekend is also the start of Advent, and Advent, the start of a new liturgical year in the Christian calendar. Happy Thanksgiving. Happy new year! Once again, we begin the cycle of the church year that flows from the birth of a child to His self-emptying sacrifice and resurrection, and on to […]
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Amazing grace
This Sunday Christians celebrate “Christ, The King” Sunday, the final Sunday of the liturgical year. Luke 23:33-43 references Christ on the cross between the two thieves, one of whom recognizes the injustice of Christ’s death and asks to be remembered by Christ when he comes into his kingdom. Westminster Presbyterian Church welcomes bagpipers on this […]
