There are two moments when our theology tends to go askew, one is at funerals when seeking to comfort the bereaved. The other is at Christmas. Thanks s year, I’ve seen the sound bite going around that “Jesus risked everything.”. This perhaps links to the song “Reckless Love”. It’s problematic because it begins to make… Continue reading Jesus did not risk everything
Tag: Christmas
Worthy – Christmas and the tale of two sons
A downloadable pdf -e-book version of this is available here Where the lost things go Jesus tells three parables about lost things in Luke 15. First, he describes a sheep lost out in the darkness, away from the rest of the flock. The shepherd leaves 99 behind to go and find the one that is… Continue reading Worthy – Christmas and the tale of two sons
Someone is Worthy
As the prodigal son set off on his journey home, he kept rehearsing the little speech he had prepared. “Dad, I’ve done you wrong and I’ve sinned against God too. I’m not worthy to be your son anymore, please take me back as one of your hired workers.” Someone was looking out for him. His… Continue reading Someone is Worthy
Blue Christmas … What I need for Christmas
Some people have started a tradition of using the shortest day and longest night to specifically mark the occasion for those who for various reasons will find Christmas especially hard. I wrote this article two years ago in the face of raw grief. I am reposting it today hoping it will be of help to… Continue reading Blue Christmas … What I need for Christmas
Don’t serve thin gruel. Offer them a “better than” Christmas
A friend posted on facebook a comment to the effect that Christmas decorations are not meant to be understated, they are meant to be over the top, exuberant as though someone has “vomited up joy.” Well, I’m not sure if he went a little bit too far with that image but I think you get… Continue reading Don’t serve thin gruel. Offer them a “better than” Christmas
The difference between Jesus and Santa
I once made the mistake of provocatively stating that “Santa” about as close as you can get to the Anit-Christ. The mistake I made was not checking who was in the room. One of the youngsters in the church was present. Fortunately, I made the mistake in a Bible study/prayer meeting and not in a… Continue reading The difference between Jesus and Santa
Unworthy
A Son is along way from home, homeless, treated as an outcaste, on the brink of death. This could in fact describe two sons. In the story that Jesus has been telling, the younger son has left home for a far off country. There, he has wasted everything and at that point, famine hits. Penniless… Continue reading Unworthy
Worthy: What are you worth this Christmas?
Are you looking for something to give away to friends at Christmas that communicates the Gospel? Here’s a little booklet that we are going to be using as a giveaway at our church Christmas events. It’s based on some of the advent reflections I’ve been sharing over the past few weeks. Worthy tells the story… Continue reading Worthy: What are you worth this Christmas?
Because I’m worth it
“Because you’re worth it” the L’Oreal advertisements used to announce. The younger brother in Jesus’ parable believed that he was worth it (Luke 15:11-32). He went to his father to demand his share of the inheritance. In effect, he was telling dad that he was as good as dead to him. To impatient to wait… Continue reading Because I’m worth it
Where the lost things go
Jesus tells three parables about lost things in Luke 15. First he describes a sheep lost out in the darkness, away from the rest of the flock. The shepherd leaves 99 behind to go and find the one that is missing. This has famously been portrayed as an act of recklessness. Why doesn’t he settle… Continue reading Where the lost things go
Faithroots 