No nativity scene would be complete without those three wise men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, kneeling reverently before the manger while their faithful camels look on. And of course, there’s one African, one Caucasian, and one Asian in appearance. Who knew that the first Christmas was so diverse and inclusive, even before that was a … Continue reading We Three… Kings?
It surprises many to learn that the Twelve Days of Christmas (birds and all) are not the days leading up to Christmas, but the days of Christmas, beginning on Christmas Day and leading up to Epiphany. First off, the month of December – contrary to popular belief – is not Christmas time. The roughly four … Continue reading The Twelve Days of… Not Yet
I want to thank so many of you for reaching out to let me know how much you miss reading my posts. I know it's been a long time since I've posted. It's not that I don't have anything to say, it's just hard to know what to say and how to say it these … Continue reading Back to It
Ah, yes. The topic everyone has an opinion on, and a topic most people even agree on: churches should spend a whole lot less time talking about and asking for my money. But why do churches take offerings, preach about giving, hold "Stewardship" Sundays and even hold fundraisers? The answer has to do with two … Continue reading Why Do We Do That: Churches and Money
I’m on vacation this week. Lent was a long and challenging six weeks, broken up by some tremendous worship services. It was time to shut off for a while. Time alone. Time with God. Time with my family. No schedules, no email, no appointments. Time outside. Time reading a book for fun. Staying up too … Continue reading Away.
This is the final post in a series on death and dying, and looks at the question, "How should a Christian view death?" Why Do People have to Die? Because of the curse that happened after humanity’s fall into sin, even Christians must pass through death to receive everlasting life. This is because our bodies … Continue reading Should a Christian Mourn?
This is the sixth in a series of posts about issues of death and dying, looking at the questions I receive as a pastor. In this week's post, I take a look at the end of life, and the decisions that we can sometimes face. Before We Begin Let me first say that this is … Continue reading When Death Is Imminent (or Not)
This is the fifth in a series addressing some of the questions people have that center around the topic of death, based on what I hear as a pastor. This week's question has to do with suicide, and what to believe about someone who takes their own life. I am often asked whether someone who … Continue reading Is Suicide an Unforgivable Sin?
This is the fourth in a series of posts answering questions about death that I am frequently asked as a pastor. Previous posts involve death, the dead, and final arrangements. This week: what do you say to someone whose world has fallen apart? How can you find the right words - and how can you … Continue reading What to Say to a Grieving Soul
This is the third in a series on the topic of death, in which I address some of the most frequently asked questions I get as a pastor, including what happens when we die, and whether or not people become ghosts or angels after death. Oddly, I think the question about whether or not cremation … Continue reading Can I Choose Cremation?
Honest Musings from a Regular Guy... Who Also Happens to Be a Lutheran Pastor 