Baptism of Our Lord Isaiah 42:1-9 Psalm 29 Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 3:13-17 Dear fellow ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ,  grace and peace to you  from the one who comes alongside us to fulfill all righteousness, Amen.   “What then are we to say about these things?”   This question from Paul in Romans chapter 8(v31-39)  echoed in my heart this week, not only was I spending time with the passage  in preparation for Denny’s funeral  but also I was,  to paraphrase Karl Barth

2nd Sunday of Christmas Jeremiah 31:7-14 Psalm 147:12-20 Ephesians 1:3-14 John 1:1-18 Dear fellow ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ, grace and peace to you from the one who is both vast and intimate Amen   Merry Christmas! I know, it may not feel like Christmas anymore, Especially since the hope for peace on earth Has been shattered once again. As we struggle to understand And Wonder what to say And Pray for those in Venezuela  Christmas feels like it is over.   And yet

Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20 Dear fellow ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ,  grace and peace to you from love born among us. Amen   Merry Christmas! People love Christmas for many reasons  but I suspect that underlying all of them  is the comfort of familiarity.   The essentials of Christmas rarely change all that much,  with Christmas you know what to expect each year,  no surprises other than what is under the tree    and for us who worship eac

4th Sunday in Advent Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7,17-19 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25 Dear fellow ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ,  grace and peace to you  from love who says we are necessary. Amen   Have you ever wondered if Joseph  is really all that necessary for the Christmas story?    He doesn’t say anything, he really just seems to be there for his family connections, which I’m sure God could find another way to make,  and let’s be honest, God and Mary are really