Stupid Joy Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 John 1:6-8, 19-28 How does one begin to analyze joy? What is the deep biblical meaning of joy? The passage from Isaiah refers to God as the “joy in my soul”. John the Baptist is often associated with the joy of religious ecstasy. Honestly, the process of analyzing joy as a useful function tends to …
Advent Week 2
The Story that is Coming The Scripture this week, whether in Isaiah or Mark, Peter or the Psalms, tells us of what is to come. But it’s the advent season, it’s Christmas time, and we know what is coming. The baby Jesus is coming, the heralded birth of the Messiah. We know the story. Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem, …
Advent Week 1
Advent 2011: Hope The Text This Week: Mark 13:24-37 Excerpt, Inclusive Translation: (vs. 33-37) “Be constantly on the watch! Stay awake! You do not know when the appointed time will come. It is like an owner traveling abroad. They leave their home and put the workers in charge, each with a certain task, and those who watch at the front …