These graces remain more than regional fashion; they intend respect and appreciation, expressing our mutual recognition of one another, even in disagreement …

John’s account says nothing about a manger—nothing about Mary and Joseph—no mention of a baby. But the Church [makes] the claim that both Luke’s Nativity and John’s Prologue are equally Christmas stories. Both Christmas stories are true.

Stories are told over and over again and with each messenger the story comes to life for those who hear it, never underestimate your role in hearing and carrying the Christmas message of love in this world that is in desperate need of your feet and hearts to share it!

Image credit: Jonathan Beckley

The God we are anticipating may not be the God who comes to us. But the God who comes to us, abides with us, reconciles us, will be the God who loves us, and in whom we are made whole.

For those of us who grew up somewhere other than LA, New York, or Boston, bands provided a taxonomic shorthand for identity that could counter the happenstance of our geography, the cut of our cheek bones, and the financial circumstances of our homes…

Punishment and possession … rage and suffering … orthodontia …

From the foundation of the world, from the dying Jesus and forever, God is singing to us, “heart of my own heart, whatever, befall, whatever, befall, I am with you.”

Jesus is honest about the fragility of even our grandest man-made structures. Jesus normalizes chaos as the way of the world. And Jesus calls us to testify – to proclaim Christian hope – in the midst of that chaos.

Hebrew tradition asks for the tithe, ten percent of one’s income. The Portrieux fishermen contributed one-seventh of their life and labors. And the poor widow? She gave everything she had. How generously does God call you to give?