On this final week of Advent, we are reminded that we are not alone, for God is with us. God’s messenger to both Ahaz in the Old Testament lesson and to Joseph in the Gospel uses the word Emmanuel to promise the presence of God. In all circumstances...

Advent is more than a four-week baby shower. We look forward to opening the “Gift” of the Infant King, and in these four weeks before Christmas, as the clock ticks down, the church prepares itself to meet its King with words and acts of repentance...

At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases, we turn toward the light of Christ’s coming. That light shines in and through the people of God. From the...

The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather...

By virtue of our baptism into his name, our Lord Jesus Christ rules in our hearts and in our lives. King of all creation, Lord of the Church, Alpha and Omega, he again invites and welcomes us into his embrace. As grateful and loyal subjects of our...

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus offers signs of the end time—wars, famine, fearful events, and… opportunities for witness. The baptized know how to live in the “meantimes”. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in Word and...

Being about The Lord’s Business calls for us to look and listen—to have eyes and ears that are OPEN to the needs of the people around us who struggle with consequences of living in a fallen and broken world. This has and always will be the business of...

Reformation Day calls to remembrance the centrality of Jesus for the church. In Jesus alone, we have the grace, faith, and word that rescue us from sin, death, and the devil. In Jesus alone, the church is united. As we look forward to all that God...

Hearts touched by the love of Jesus are compelled to reach out to others. The world comes to know our Lord by the compassion and generosity shown by the Christian community. God calls and equips his people to be agents of his love and peace here on...

Love… it’s an easy word to say and a tough thing to do. Following Jesus means going to the foot of the cross to be schooled in the complex nature of love. You can’t just love God; you also have to love your neighbor. You can’t just love your neighbor...