God’s covenantal binding is expressed in interpersonal rather than tribal relationships, but with universal scope.

God transforms the secular motivation for covenant from acquisition, profit, and control to suffering relational love.

In the face of evil and hatred, God unilaterally disarms human ways of responding and chooses, instead, to bind Godself to a covenant of grace.

“There was nothing exalted about Christ’s life and death…unless you had faith to see through them. To stand up in front of people twirling your tongue about them was to parade a fundamental misunderstanding of the gospel.” Barbara Brown Taylor

Scripture Readings 

Karen Bart

Old Testament: Psalm 50:1-6   (Link to text:  https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=572961664)

New Testament: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6   (Link to text:  https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=572961688)

“Christ’s death has somehow put us right with God and has given us a fresh start. Theories as to how it did this are another matter.” --C.S. Lewis

“We become free as we let go of our three primary energy centers: our need for power and control, our need for safety and security, and our need for affection and esteem.” –Richard Rohr

“There is meaning in every journey that is unknown to the traveler.”

― Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Being a Christian means we are lifelong learners to love God and all our neighbors.

The baptism of Jesus invites us into a life of loving relationships.

Christmas begins by receiving the light of Christ and holding it in our hearts.