Christmas Day 2023

May you richly experience the blessings of Christmas on this Holy Day. Instead of sharing today regarding our lesson for this coming Sunday, let’s turn our attention to the account of the birth of Jesus Christ as recorded in the … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections December 19 2021 Isaiah 9:2–7 Post 2

IV.This passage ends with – “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” The New Living Translation has it this way, “The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” Do you think it … Continue reading

ISSL Reflections, January 3, 2021, Luke 4:14-22, Post 3

Welcome to a New Year, 2021. VII.As you take a moment to turn your attention to this week’s Scripture passage –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%204%3A14-22&version=NRSV;MSG Pay particular attention to – “…to set the burdened and battered free, to announce, ‘This is God’s year to … Continue reading

December 27, 2020, Matthew 3:1-12, ISSL Reflections, Post 3

May you be blessed on this Christmas Day! The traditional Scripture reading for Christmas is the account found in the Gospel of Luke, Luke 2:1-20 –https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A1-20&version=NRSV Whether you are reading the above passage or our Scripture lesson for this week, … Continue reading

… where will he appear …

Allow me a moment the Christmas Day to share a few words from the sermon “The Face in the Sky” by Frederick Buechner. You can find the full text of the sermon at https://www.frederickbuechner.com/blog/2019/12/24/weekly-sermon-illustration-the-face-in-the-sky Those who believe in God can … Continue reading

December 22, 2019, Luke 1:38-56 – Post 3 – ISSL Reflections

IX. I have asked several times this week that we pay attention to Mary’s song, and I ask that again of us today. What draws you? Here is her song once again, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit … Continue reading

December 22, 2019, Luke 1:38-56 – Post 2 – ISSL Reflections

VI. Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my distress, that your promise gives me life. (Psalm 119:49-50) VII. I asked you the other day to spend time with … Continue reading

December 22, 2019, Luke 1:38-56 – ISSL Reflection

I. This coming Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Advent and the last Sunday before Christmas Day and we will depart from our consideration of the building of the Temple this week. Of course, maybe this is not too much … Continue reading