simply, Christian
Christmas break from blogging
I got an early Christmas present--a cold and fever--and writing is definitely not something enjoyable right now. I was planning on taking a break until the new year anyway, I'm just going to start a few days early.
Looking forward to resuming in 2019...
lection reflection (18 Dec 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Isaiah 9.1-7
Today's Old Testament reading in Isaiah contains one of the most familiar and beloved prophecies of the coming Messiah. "For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace" . . .
Posted in: reflections
advent quote of the day (17 Dec 2018)
It is [Jesus'] love alone that lets him become guilty. Out of his selfless love, out of his sinless nature, Jesus enters into the guilt of human beings; he takes it upon himself. A sinless nature and guilt bearing are bound together in him indissolubly. As the sinless one Jesus takes guilt upon himself, and under the burden of this . . .
advent quote of the day (16 Dec 2018)
Jesus does not want to be the only perfect human being at the expense of humankind. He does not want, as the only guiltless one, to ignore a humanity that is being destroyed by guilt...Jesus becomes the one burdened by guilt--indeed, the one upon whom all human guilt ultimately falls and the one who does not turn it away but bears it . . .
advent quote of the day (15 Dec 2018)
In an incomprehensible reversal of all righteous and pious thinking, God declares himself guilty to the world and thereby extinguishes the guilt of the world. God himself takes the humiliating path of reconciliation and thereby sets the world free. God wants to be guilty of our guilt and takes upon himself the punishment and suffering . . .
advent quote of the day (14 Dec 2018)
No priest, no theologian stood at the manger of Bethlehem. And yet all Christian theology has its origin in the wonder of all wonders: that God became human. Holy theology arises from knees bent before the mystery of the divine child in the stable. Without the holy night, there is no theology. "God is revealed in flesh," the . . .
lection reflection (14 Dec 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Isaiah 7.10-25
The manner of his birth proves the truth about the Lord: a virgin conceived without knowing a man; her belly was filled, having been touched by no embrace; and her chaste womb received the Holy Spirit, whom her pure members preserved and her unsullied body carried. Behold the miracle of the mother of the Lord! She . . .
Posted in: reflections