The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor...
Unlikely Carols: Dave Matthews Christmas Song
posted by DJL
I’ve said before – more than a few times, actually ☺ – that I love just about everything about Advent and Christmas, and that I especially love the music of the season. Ancient and modern, sacred and secular, I love them all. (Well, not all, but a whole lot!) So in the spirit of the season I want to share a few of my favorite Christmas songs, some of which you may know, others that perhaps are less familiar, but all of which representatives of what that I like to call “unlikely Christmas carols.” They’re unlikely not because there is something wrong or inappropriate about them. Indeed I find each one points out something...
Luke 1:26-29
posted by DJL
Luke 1:26-29 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But...
The Ahn Trio
posted by DJL
There just seems to be a delightful synchronicity about following last week’s TED video of the three brothers from Jersey playing blue grass with this one of the Ahn sisters and their wonderful spin on a classical trio. Born in Korea and trained at Julliard, Maria (cello), Lucia (piano), and...
Luke 1:21-25
posted by DJL
Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. When his time of service was...
Moneyball and the Future of the Church, Pt. 4
posted by DJL
4. Look for Signs of Growth Another trait of adaptive leaders: they see the signs of renewal and invest there, in the people and endeavors that are working, even if they are unusual or unlikely. Here’s the thing: challenges, disappointments, and setbacks abound right now in the church. From declining attendance and giving to the recent Pew report about the rise of the “nones,” it’s not hard to find signs of our demise. But if you know where to look – or, actually, if you just keep your eyes open – you’ll also see signs of renewal. Sometimes they come in the most unlikely of people and places. A high school kid who’s a whiz...
Luke 1:5-20
posted by DJL
In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of...
Advent in 2 Minutes!
posted by DJL
In case you haven’t guessed yet, I love Advent and Christmas. This is, in fact, my favorite time of the year. The anticipation; the growing darkness and the warmth of our lights intended not only to hold the darkness at bay but to illumine its secrets; the planning and preparation; and all...
Luke 1:1-4
posted by DJL
Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first,...
My Name
posted by DJL
Warm summer nights are a long way off, both behind in memory and ahead in anticipation. But for some reason I found Mark Strand’s evocative description of one such night speak to me. Part of it, I think, is that I’ve had similar moments while laying atop a snowbank at night – more in...
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