December 25, 2013 – Christmas Day
by Rev. Julie G. Hutson In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. -Luke 2:8 Of all of the characters in the cast of the nativity story, I wonder the most about the shepherds. After all, they were not like the magi, who were expecting the Messiah to come. And they weren’t like Mary and Joseph who clearly knew that…
December 24, 2013 – Christmas Eve
by Rev. Julie G. Hutson For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders… -Isaiah 9: 6a On this holy night, you come. Not as a mighty warrior, or an earthly king, but as a babe. And yet, all authority rests upon your shoulders. You will bear the weight of all the world, on shoulders small and soft with baby down. We have prayed for…
December 23, 2013
by Paul Allen Magnificat – A Reflection on Luke 1:46b-55 In Mary’s extravagant hymn of praise to God, which we call the Magnificat, she says, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Why? Well, besides her joy at learning she is the bearer of the Christ, the Savior of the world, Mary lays out a few other reasons,…