Monthly Archives: December 2015

When Nothing Rules Your Life – reflections on a novel of theology and faith

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Tim

Lucy’s capacity for doing nothing was almost endless. So the title character is described in Josephine Tey’s 1947 novel Miss Pym Disposes. It’s not that Lucy Pym lives a life of idleness, but that she has a knack for living in … Continue reading →

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Jesus in Advent – the joy of our desiring

Posted on December 13, 2015 by Tim

[For this Joy Sunday of Advent, it is good to reflect on the joy that God’s people have anticipated and partaken through his word word and the music of the church. I hope this archived post brings you joy as … Continue reading →

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Advent With The People Who Welcomed Jesus First

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Tim

[From the archives.] Anticipation Christmas carols. They’re all over. From the radio to shopping malls and even in churches. Yes, I said even in churches. We sing about the events surrounding Jesus’ birth, angels proclaiming and shepherds watching and a … Continue reading →

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The Civil War Was About Enslaving Black People

Posted on December 10, 2015 by Tim

[This month marks the 150th anniversary of the 13th Amendment, so I offer this post from the archives to commemorate the abolition of slavery in the United States.] *** There are still people  – in the north and the south … Continue reading →

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Freedom From Spiritual Paralysis

Posted on December 9, 2015 by Tim

Standing Still If there’s one thing this set of signs sign could do for you, it’s give you a good reason to stay in one place. But while you’re sitting there you’ll probably also wonder how you could ever get … Continue reading →

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Chocolate Communion

Posted on December 8, 2015 by Tim

*** Taste and see that the Lord is good … (Psalm 34:8.) ***

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Joseph’s Pregnant Advent

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Tim

[I’ve been imagining what that first Advent must have been like for Joseph. This is what I came up with.] *** I didn’t get any sleep last night. I haven’t been sleeping well for a while, in fact. My friends … Continue reading →

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Painted Pumpkins and Christmas Cheer

Posted on December 5, 2015 by Tim

[I’ve been painting pumpkins today: They are drying now and will soon receive their ribbons so they look like the ones in the archived post below.] Our front door is adorned by painted pumpkins. They look like this: For years … Continue reading →

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The Bible and Combat Women

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Tim

[The Secretary of Defense announced that all combat positions will be open to any woman or man who can meet the rigorous qualifications. As Marine Lance Corporal Brittany Dunklee said in NPR’s story yesterday: I know a lot of males … Continue reading →

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A Question of Tragedy

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Tim

Peaceful Nigerian villagers are killed in their homes. Parisians out for a night on the town are gunned down. A holiday party is targeted and a celebration turns to tragedy. Beirut shoppers in an open air market are blasted to death … Continue reading →

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