I have a friend who, when discussing people or individuals, will often say, “That person has a unique story, and his/her story should be honored.”  I share this statement because on this day, it is important to remember that each … read full post

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah American political satirist and journalist, P. J. O’Rourke, once said, “Family love is messy, clinging, and of an annoying and repetitive pattern, like bad wallpaper.”  I agree with him – family love is very … read full post

I have a quotation by theologian, Soren Kierkegaard, hanging above my desk and I read it every week. His words have meaning for me as I work on my sermon.  This is what he said, “People have an idea that … read full post

Today, we come to the end of the church year calendar and the end of our year-long focus on Matthew’s version of the Jesus story.  And, as we read today’s gospel passage, we get high drama, harsh judgment, words of … read full post

I think I’ve shared before that during my first semester of seminary I had an introductory assignment where I openly stated that when I read the Bible my first assumption is that it will oppress me.  I’m thankful (and you … read full post

I love the gospel of Matthew.  Matthew was written to communicate the Jesus story to early Jewish Christians and, let me tell you, the writer of this gospel really knew how to tell a story!  Beginning with Chapter one, verse … read full post

For those of you familiar with William Shakespeare’s work, you will remember that one line from his play The Tempest is “Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows.”  Over time, that line has morphed into the phrase, “Politics makes strange … read full post

I am really exhausted by the chaos, the perpetual lies, the brokenness, the dysfunction, the hatred, the stoking of racism and white supremacy, the despair, the gaslighting, the lack of care for neighbor, the abuse perpetrated on the American people, … read full post

Friends, this past week has been one for the record books.  I don’t care which side of the political spectrum you happen to support, what we saw on Tuesday night can only be described as bullying, mean, cruel, and abusive. … read full post

Charles Campbell, professor of homiletics at Duke University, when commenting on today’s gospel reading, shares this memory and amusing thought.  He writes: A few years ago, while channel surfing, I paused and watched part of an interview with television psychologist … read full post