In 1988 Bobby McFerrin released a little song that began with the lyrics: “Here’s a little song I wroteYou might want to sing it note for noteDon’t worry, be happy” The song seems to suggest an attitude of nonchalance, of unconcern for the troubles of the world, almost suggesting a flippant approach to life’s worries.Continue reading ““Don’t Worry Be … Joyful?””
Author Archives: Jory
Peace->Gratitude->Joy
Read: Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 3:13-18; Philippians 1:18b-26 Our Advent candle wreath that we use at church has five candles, three are purple, one is pink and the large one in the center is white. Purple has traditionally been the central color of Advent. This color signifies repentance and fasting. The Christian custom of withholding fromContinue reading “Peace->Gratitude->Joy”
Mary’s Magnificat
Read Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 3:5-12; Philippians 1:12-18a Before the shepherds, before the heavenly host or even the manger; Mary, having just recently received the news that she would be giving birth to the savior of the world, goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah had recently received their own heavenly visitorContinue reading “Mary’s Magnificat”
The Return of the King
Read: Psalm 90; Isaiah 1:24-31; Luke 11:29-32 To the small band of shepherds living out in the fields around Bethlehem and watching over their sheep, the sudden appearance of an angel of the Lord proclaiming the birth of Jesus must have been a life-changing experience. Luke tells us that as the glory of the LordContinue reading “The Return of the King”
Abide with Me
Read: Psalm 90; 2 Samuel 7:18-29; Revelation 22:12-16 When considering songs to sing for Advent and Christmas there are many great hymns and upbeat jingles to proclaim the coming of Christ our King. Very few would consider the hymn “Abide With Me: fast falls the eventide” by Henry F. Lyte to put it into anContinue reading “Abide with Me”
How the Grinch Stole Advent
Read: Psalm 90; Numbers 17:1-11; 2 Peter 3:1-18 In Theodor Geisel’s (better known as Dr. Seuss) kid’s book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, the title character is a miserable creature who lives alone in a cave high atop a mountain above Who-ville. The Whos love Christmas, but the Grinch, he does not. “Why may thisContinue reading “How the Grinch Stole Advent”
Long Suffering
Read: Psalm 25:1-10, Nehemiah 9:26-31, Luke 21: 20-24 “How long until Christmas?” my son Ben asks. The advantage of Advent calendars or count-down chains is that they give a visible answer to the question of time. My children find it difficult to understand the concept of time. To Olivia, “a long, long time ago” isContinue reading “Long Suffering”
Waiting for Godot and the Hope of Advent
Read Psalm 25; Nehemiah 9:6-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Samuel Beckett’s 1953 play “Waiting for Godot” is a tragicomedy in two acts. In the play two acquaintances, Vladimir and Estragon, wait on the road under the branches of a leafless tree. As they wait, the two men have an inane conversation that seems to lack anyContinue reading “Waiting for Godot and the Hope of Advent”
Advent 2024
Anticipation Tomorrow is Thanksgiving day, and my kids can already smell Christmas in the air. They are beginning to eagerly anticipate things like getting a Christmas tree, putting up the lights, presents, snow and everything else commonly associated with the Holiday. From a purely commercial standpoint, the anticipation for the Christmas season has already beenContinue reading “Advent 2024”
The Ends and the Means
Article 3: The Preaching of the GospelIn order that people may be brought to faith, God mercifully sends messengers of this very joyful message to the people and at the time he wills. By this ministry people are called to repentance and faith in Christ crucified. For “how shall they believe in him of whomContinue reading “The Ends and the Means”
Reformed in Tualatin 