Epiphany 5A2023 Matthew 5:13-20 We are probably all aware that the Bible was not written, originally, in English. What language was the Old Testament originally written in? (a little portion in Aramaic too) What about the New Testament? (koine Greek, …
Epiphany 3A2023 Matthew 4:12-23 I’m in this to follow Jesus. Granted, there is something alluring about mystery and ritual and the rhythm of the church seasons. Granted, there is gift in connecting with people of various religious traditions as one …
Epiphany 2A2023 John 1:29-42 Two of John the Baptist’s disciples hear John declare: Look, here is the Lamb of God! Seeing Jesus walk by and hearing John’s words, they follow Jesus. When Jesus turns around and sees them following, he …
Christmas 1A2023 Matthew 2:13-23 Imagine, having just been visited by wise men from the east, Joseph receiving the angel of the Lord in a dream. Imagine Joseph hearing of King Herod’s plan-to kill all children in and around Bethlehem two …
Christmas Day C2022 John 1:1-14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, the first chapter of John tells us. At the very beginning of all things, before Earth and sun, …
Christmas Eve C2022 Luke 2:1-20 Tonight, I’m in awe of the shepherds. While to us Mary and Joseph are the shining stars of the Christmas play, a young couple who have been immortalized in countless pieces of art, played by …
Advent 3A2022 Matthew 11:2-11 A few months after I bought my house near downtown Phoenix, I excitedly poured over the University of Arizona extension office planting guide to discover what vegetables I could seed in what seasons. With the help …
Advent 2A2022 Matthew 3:1-9 On Friday morning, I curled up on my couch with my laptop in my lap, wrapped in a blanket, shivering. After spending all day Thursday flat on my back with a horribly sore throat and brain …
Advent 1A2022 Matthew 24:36-44, Isaiah 2:1-5 Jesus sits outside the temple in Jerusalem with his disciples and teaches them about the destruction of the temple which would happen in 70 of the common era, about what would happen to them …
Thanksgiving Eve C2022 @ Mountain View Lutheran Church, Phoenix, joint service John 6:25-35 You may know that I served Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Phoenix for 12 years, and many in the Grace community struggle for daily bread. Many are …