by jakeowensby | Dec 23, 2022 | Luke 2:1-20
This year I’ve been asking people what they’re favorite Christmas movie or TV special is. The answers have varied by people’s generation. The titles I’ve heard include: “It’s a Wonderful Life” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” “Elf” “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, and...
by jakeowensby | Dec 18, 2021 | Luke 2:1-20
The angels said to the shepherds, “To you is born this day … a Savior.” And once the angels had gone, the shepherds headed into Bethlehem to see for themselves. What they found there was an exhausted young mother. A vigilant new father. And a baby. A baby lying in a...
by jakeowensby | Nov 26, 2021 | grace
We’re ready for Christmas. Oh we’ve got gifts to buy. There’s a house to decorate, parties to throw, and cards to send. So we still have lots to do before the big day arrives. But I had something else in mind when I said that we’re ready. The past year and a half has...
by jakeowensby | Dec 18, 2020 | Christmas, grace
Christmas decorations went up especially early this year, even among some who are normally scrupulous about keeping the church’s liturgical seasons. No wonder. Times are tough. People need something to lift our spirits and give us hope. Lights and garland and baubles...
by jakeowensby | Dec 15, 2020 | Uncategorized
Mary and Joseph got imperial notice that they had to make their way to Bethlehem. Caesar Augustus had ordered a census. The authorities were forcing everyone to return to their hometown. Magistrates would add their names to the tax roles there. I imagine Joseph...
