This week’s text is broken down into 3 stories of argument and challenge to the status quo. First, the friends of a man who is paralyzed fight their way through a crowd to reach Jesus for healing.

As we honor the profound legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on this special day, we find inspiration in his tireless pursuit of justice, equality, and love. Dr. King’s teachings resonate not only in the context of civil rights but also echo the timeless wisdom found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Into the rich story of human existence, Jesus emerged not as a mere historical figure but as a living embodiment of transformative renewal. Journeying through the dusty lanes of Galilee, he defied the norms of his era, inviting us to address age-old dilemmas with fresh perspectives. As we continue wondering “why now?” we should explore the profound significance of Jesus’ birth, urging us to confront perennial challenges with innovative solutions.

“Once upon a time” many years ago, a second grade Sunday school teacher was sick on a Sunday morning. I, being the pastor, was asked to fill in for her. It happens occasionally that pastors are conscripted to help out when leaders in various roles are absent. Since I did not know what the class was studying, I thought I should keep the lesson simple.

When I was a junior in college, I lived in the basement of Fjelstad Hall, a gorgeous 1938 English Tudor-style dormitory. Even though I couldn’t see anything other than a tree stump when I looked out the small window of my room, I loved the arrangement in our corner of the basement – four dorm rooms, all opening up to a cozy living room where my friends and I would often talk late into the evening.

In the church calendar, the Day of Epiphany is January 6. The length of the season of Epiphany depends on the date of Easter and lasts till the beginning of Lent. This year there are just six Sundays in Epiphany because Easter is relatively early, and Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14.

Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Gary Olson. Photo by Jordan Wozniak on Unsplash Mark...

arlier in December, while practicing yoga with our YogaDevotion group who meets on Tuesdays, I felt particularly touched by the devotions read as we listened and sat quietly, focusing on breathing in God’s presence.

The Peace Prayer attributed to St. Francis is an anchor of my faith, but the opening line has really haunted me this season.

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

Our journey through Advent is already at a close. It feels like the time has passed so quickly, especially with no snow on the ground (at least as of the moment I write this). We have heard portions of today’s story from Luke 1 about the priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth.

In the quiet mystery of a Bethlehem stable, God’s promises have unfolded in the fragile cry of a newborn. This Christmas Day, we stand at the threshold of an ancient tale, where divinity is wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. It is a story of unlikely beginnings, a divine paradox, and the fulfillment of God’s covenant with humanity.

In the quiet hush, when the sky is at its darkest, there is a divine whisper, a murmur from the heart of eternity. Zechariah, the old priest and new father, invites us into a sacred moment, a promise yet to unfold. “The dawn from on high will break upon us,” he declares with a poetic resonance that resonates through the corridors of time.

It’s the time of year for waiting.
Waiting for the presents to arrive. Waiting for the new PBS season to start. Waiting for…. Santa or dinner to be done or even Christmas events to be done.
Goodness, waiting is not my strong point.

There was Prince of Peace front and center with an article about our Sacred Settlement. It highlighted our mission and the new house.

News stories of the on-going wars in Ukraine and the Holy Land are amplifying my Advent longings this year. Like any beloved holiday treat missing a key ingredient, the Advent season-ings of hope, joy, and love are left lacking in the absence of peace.

This week’s text is broken down into 3 stories of argument and challenge to the status quo. First, the friends of a man who is paralyzed fight their way through a crowd to reach Jesus for healing.

As we honor the profound legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on this special day, we find inspiration in his tireless pursuit of justice, equality, and love. Dr. King’s teachings resonate not only in the context of civil rights but also echo the timeless wisdom found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Into the rich story of human existence, Jesus emerged not as a mere historical figure but as a living embodiment of transformative renewal. Journeying through the dusty lanes of Galilee, he defied the norms of his era, inviting us to address age-old dilemmas with fresh perspectives. As we continue wondering “why now?” we should explore the profound significance of Jesus’ birth, urging us to confront perennial challenges with innovative solutions.

“Once upon a time” many years ago, a second grade Sunday school teacher was sick on a Sunday morning. I, being the pastor, was asked to fill in for her. It happens occasionally that pastors are conscripted to help out when leaders in various roles are absent. Since I did not know what the class was studying, I thought I should keep the lesson simple.

When I was a junior in college, I lived in the basement of Fjelstad Hall, a gorgeous 1938 English Tudor-style dormitory. Even though I couldn’t see anything other than a tree stump when I looked out the small window of my room, I loved the arrangement in our corner of the basement – four dorm rooms, all opening up to a cozy living room where my friends and I would often talk late into the evening.

In the church calendar, the Day of Epiphany is January 6. The length of the season of Epiphany depends on the date of Easter and lasts till the beginning of Lent. This year there are just six Sundays in Epiphany because Easter is relatively early, and Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14.

Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Gary Olson. Photo by Jordan Wozniak on Unsplash Mark...

arlier in December, while practicing yoga with our YogaDevotion group who meets on Tuesdays, I felt particularly touched by the devotions read as we listened and sat quietly, focusing on breathing in God’s presence.

The Peace Prayer attributed to St. Francis is an anchor of my faith, but the opening line has really haunted me this season.

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

Our journey through Advent is already at a close. It feels like the time has passed so quickly, especially with no snow on the ground (at least as of the moment I write this). We have heard portions of today’s story from Luke 1 about the priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth.

In the quiet mystery of a Bethlehem stable, God’s promises have unfolded in the fragile cry of a newborn. This Christmas Day, we stand at the threshold of an ancient tale, where divinity is wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. It is a story of unlikely beginnings, a divine paradox, and the fulfillment of God’s covenant with humanity.

In the quiet hush, when the sky is at its darkest, there is a divine whisper, a murmur from the heart of eternity. Zechariah, the old priest and new father, invites us into a sacred moment, a promise yet to unfold. “The dawn from on high will break upon us,” he declares with a poetic resonance that resonates through the corridors of time.

It’s the time of year for waiting.
Waiting for the presents to arrive. Waiting for the new PBS season to start. Waiting for…. Santa or dinner to be done or even Christmas events to be done.
Goodness, waiting is not my strong point.

There was Prince of Peace front and center with an article about our Sacred Settlement. It highlighted our mission and the new house.

News stories of the on-going wars in Ukraine and the Holy Land are amplifying my Advent longings this year. Like any beloved holiday treat missing a key ingredient, the Advent season-ings of hope, joy, and love are left lacking in the absence of peace.

This week’s text is broken down into 3 stories of argument and challenge to the status quo. First, the friends of a man who is paralyzed fight their way through a crowd to reach Jesus for healing.

As we honor the profound legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on this special day, we find inspiration in his tireless pursuit of justice, equality, and love. Dr. King’s teachings resonate not only in the context of civil rights but also echo the timeless wisdom found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Into the rich story of human existence, Jesus emerged not as a mere historical figure but as a living embodiment of transformative renewal. Journeying through the dusty lanes of Galilee, he defied the norms of his era, inviting us to address age-old dilemmas with fresh perspectives. As we continue wondering “why now?” we should explore the profound significance of Jesus’ birth, urging us to confront perennial challenges with innovative solutions.

“Once upon a time” many years ago, a second grade Sunday school teacher was sick on a Sunday morning. I, being the pastor, was asked to fill in for her. It happens occasionally that pastors are conscripted to help out when leaders in various roles are absent. Since I did not know what the class was studying, I thought I should keep the lesson simple.

When I was a junior in college, I lived in the basement of Fjelstad Hall, a gorgeous 1938 English Tudor-style dormitory. Even though I couldn’t see anything other than a tree stump when I looked out the small window of my room, I loved the arrangement in our corner of the basement – four dorm rooms, all opening up to a cozy living room where my friends and I would often talk late into the evening.

In the church calendar, the Day of Epiphany is January 6. The length of the season of Epiphany depends on the date of Easter and lasts till the beginning of Lent. This year there are just six Sundays in Epiphany because Easter is relatively early, and Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 14.

Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Gary Olson. Photo by Jordan Wozniak on Unsplash Mark...

arlier in December, while practicing yoga with our YogaDevotion group who meets on Tuesdays, I felt particularly touched by the devotions read as we listened and sat quietly, focusing on breathing in God’s presence.

The Peace Prayer attributed to St. Francis is an anchor of my faith, but the opening line has really haunted me this season.

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”

Our journey through Advent is already at a close. It feels like the time has passed so quickly, especially with no snow on the ground (at least as of the moment I write this). We have heard portions of today’s story from Luke 1 about the priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth.

In the quiet mystery of a Bethlehem stable, God’s promises have unfolded in the fragile cry of a newborn. This Christmas Day, we stand at the threshold of an ancient tale, where divinity is wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. It is a story of unlikely beginnings, a divine paradox, and the fulfillment of God’s covenant with humanity.

In the quiet hush, when the sky is at its darkest, there is a divine whisper, a murmur from the heart of eternity. Zechariah, the old priest and new father, invites us into a sacred moment, a promise yet to unfold. “The dawn from on high will break upon us,” he declares with a poetic resonance that resonates through the corridors of time.

It’s the time of year for waiting.
Waiting for the presents to arrive. Waiting for the new PBS season to start. Waiting for…. Santa or dinner to be done or even Christmas events to be done.
Goodness, waiting is not my strong point.

There was Prince of Peace front and center with an article about our Sacred Settlement. It highlighted our mission and the new house.

News stories of the on-going wars in Ukraine and the Holy Land are amplifying my Advent longings this year. Like any beloved holiday treat missing a key ingredient, the Advent season-ings of hope, joy, and love are left lacking in the absence of peace.