Parts of Speaking Publishing

  This morning (the 7th) our pastor gave an advent sermon on a passage not usually used for such, but I'm not sure why it isn't. It is one of the most important Christological passages, but in a sense the "hymn" (as it is believed to be) is sort of a pericope between two passages of instruction.  Our pastor used a translation that states verse 6 as "did not consider his status as God something to be exploited," an interesting rendition. This passage touched me deeply about my own seeking for status and lack of anything looking like humility!  But in reflection on Advent and the Nativity, the absolute lowliness must never be forgotten in the discussion of a unique star and Three Kings. His parents were poor and temporarily homeless. Our spending at Christmas mocks this reality, I fear.  Instruction/Admonition:  Therefore if  there is  any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy...

 I confess that on the 6th of December I did not post. I was hosting a small life group luncheon at my house and those things tend to control me.  This morning we sang a new hymn for Christmas in "contemporary" church. It is beautiful.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYZ3RDse9Cc&list=RDaYZ3RDse9Cc&start_radio=1 How low was our Redeemer brought, the King who held the stars Lay helpless in a maiden’s arms and pressed against her heart While sheep and cattle raised their voice the babe could speak no words The ever flowing Spring of Joy had come to share our thirst Verse 2 How low was our Redeemer brought, the Lord the worlds obeyed Would stumble as He learned to walk upon the ground He’d made The One the angels bowed before would kneel to wash our feet And be at home among the poor though He owned everything Chorus Gloria, gloria in the highest Gloria, gloria in the highest Verse 3 How low was our Redeemer brought to raise us from our shame And now the highest prai...

. . . who died recently at 95.  IT IS AS IF INFANCY WERE THE WHOLE OF INCARNATION by Luci Shaw One time of the year the new-born child is everywhere, planted in madonnas’ arms hay mows, stables in palaces or farms, or quaintly, under snowed gables, gothic angular or baroque plump, naked or elaborately swathed, encircled by Della Robia wreaths, garnished with whimsical partridges and pears, drummers and drums, lit by oversize stars, partnered with lambs, peace doves, sugar plums, bells, plastic camels in sets of three as if these were what we need for eternity. But Jesus the Man is not to be seen. We are too wary, these days, of beards and sandalled feet. Yet if we celebrate, let it be that he has invaded our lives with purpose, striding over our picturesque traditions, our shallow sentiment, overturning our cash registers, wielding his peace like a sword, rescuing us into reality demanding much more than the milk a...

 It depends on what outcome you are looking for. But I would put social second.  https://www.foxnews.com/health/scientists-reveal-one-practice-could-prevent-dementia-you-age

 I think I'll ask for an executive order that will pay off my mortgage.  https://www.foxnews.com/sports/college-football-star-calls-trump-take-charge-college-football-playoff-decisions This country has lost total sense of the separation of powers and the constitutional roles of the Congress, president, and courts.  Heavenly Father, delivery us from ourselves and our ignorance. 

 I am writing this December 3 after looking at yesterday's post of a quote by Bonhoeffer. We might read it and say, "Oh, that's nice," but there really is nothing "nice and sweet" about it.  In fact, as I enter my eighth decade of living, I wonder if we are far too worried about nice and sweet and polite. A lot of it comes from not wanting to "get in trouble." Case in point. Yesterday I was at a luncheon with former colleagues (I recently retired, and they still work there). I learned a past employee was applying for a job in the organization again. Even though the HR Director was sitting there I said, "I know my opinion doesn't matter, but I wouldn't contact him about the job." I'm sure some of them were horrified and thought I was losing it. I was just being real. I wouldn't have said it if still employed there. The applicant was not someone I would want to deal with again if I were a supervisor, and I had been their sup...