Here we are in the season after the Epiphany. On Epiphany, the three magi symbolize other nations recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, affirming that Jesus was born for other people, not just the Jewish community. In our lectionary, the season after the Epiphany is the time where Jesus goes public – events describing Jesus’ divinity

In his book Abide in Peace: Healing and Reconciliation,the Rev. Marcus George Halley says,“The Gospel is an invitation to die to a worldthat is enamored of degradation, discrimination, and deathand rise into a worldwhose foundations are‘eternal in the heavens’ (2 Cor. 5:1).It is a call to a cross-shaped life,one which stands awkwardly and uncomfortablyin the

St. John Chrysostompreached this Christmas sermonin 386.It was preached at Antioch in Asia Minor–during the first year of his public ministry.Later, he became Bishop of Constantinople.It was his skillful preachingthat earned him the nickname “Chrysostom,”which means “Golden-Mouthed.” Behold a new and wondrous mystery. My ears resound to the Shepherd’s song,piping no soft melody,but chanting full

In the name of the Father,and of the Son,and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.Merry Christmas!What a year we’ve had:the pandemic phase of COVID is official over,but COVID itself isn’t.The war in Ukraine continuesas elections throughout the worldhave yielded interesting results.There’s unrest in the Democratic Republic of the Congoand there was an attempted coup in Sierra

“Let it be with me according to your word.”“Let it be with me according to your word.”Our passages todayserve as nice bridgebetween the early advent readingsabout the end of the worldand what we’ll hear tonight and tomorrowabout Jesus’ birth.David wants to build God a house,so that God’s presencehas somewhere nice and permanent to stay.God has