Today’s passage opens with John naming three elements associated with baptism: water, Holy Spirit, and fire. While John baptizes with water, Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. While...

I find the magi mysterious. They come to King Herod from the east—far from Israel—in search of the newborn king of the Jews. Do they assume that King Herod has recently...

There’s always more to say about the complexity and urgency to live out the gospel in ways that are truly inclusive of everyone. I could spend more words on race, gender,...

Paul has a purpose, and he makes it clear in this passage. He has been sent by God through Jesus Christ to let the world know that non-Jews—the Gentiles—are included in...

The psalm describes how this just king is respected by other rulers because he cares about “the needy.” He is revered because he champions those who are poor. Many Christians may...

In this reading the psalmist prays for God to instill justice in the king. In the psalmist’s social and political context the king has exclusive power to make history-altering decisions, so...

During election season, political candidates often say, “Our best days are still to come!” It’s a rallying cry, a rhetorical flourish aimed to lift the audience. And yet in recent years...

John 1 tells us God’s word is life, and that life is light, and the light shines in the darkness. As a writer, I especially love words. An app I use...

I love to worship. I grew up in the church and have experienced many different kinds of worship over time. Yet admittedly, I sometimes watch other Christians worship and realize we...

This week’s scripture passages repeatedly invite all of us into singing with thanksgiving and praise. And while there are many ways to give thanks and praise, there is something powerful about...