An earlier version of this article first appeared in Christian Citizen, Jan 12, 2021 Photo by Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash As the calendar turns and an extraordinary 2020 concludes, advertisers for gyms and weight loss programs bombard us with some version of, “A New Year, a new you!” The fitness industry’s perennial pursuit of profit based on our … Continue reading New Year, New You
Advent is a Season Between
The original version of this article appeared in Christian Citizen December 3, 2020 The church calendar is an amazing resource to us as followers of Jesus. It helps us live into a different rhythm than that of the world around us. Like the classic Spirograph toy from our childhood, Christians observe repetitive seasons that focus … Continue reading Advent is a Season Between
Do You Believe in Advent?
As seen in Word&Way December 2, 2020 I did not grow up following a Christian liturgical calendar, utilizing its rhythms of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. But I have noticed a trend in our Baptist churches toward at least acknowledging these classic Christian seasons more often, even if we do not fully understand … Continue reading Do You Believe in Advent?
Celebration is Complete when Shared with Others
This article was first published by the Christian Citizen November 6, 2020. Used with permission. Fall in the Midwest is a season of long hours, hard work, and celebration. Dust clouds form in fields as perpetually running combine harvester tractors scoop crops from the earth. Kernels of corn, soybeans, sugar beets, and wheat grains are … Continue reading Celebration is Complete when Shared with Others
Living with Redemption
This article first was published in Word and Way October 21, 2020. Luke 8.26-39 tells the encounter between Jesus and a Garasene community. Among their citizenry was a man overwhelmed by the constant presence of a Legion of demons. For as long as he had been under demonic control, his community stood in solidarity beside … Continue reading Living with Redemption
