The Word Before the Baby Jesus

Why does Word that is God nearly completely disappear from the rest of the scriptures?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading: John 1:1-14

For Sunday, Dec. 25 , 2011: Year B—Christmas Day

Abandon the...

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No Kings (or heirs to the throne)

Isn’t the narrative of a venerable God enough?

by Russell Rathbun

Epistle Reading:  Hebrews 1:1-4

For Sunday, Dec. 25 , 2011: Year B—Christmas Day

The first four verses of Hebrews, tells of the...

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Mary, Mother of God

Temple of flesh and blood

By Debbie Blue

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:26-38

For Sunday, December 18, 2011: Year B—Advent 4

I’m never sure how a story as wild and pagan sounding, a story that resonates with...

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Delegitimizing the Witness

Why doesn’t he point out Jesus, who is standing among them?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading:  John 1:6-28

For Sunday, Dec. 11 , 2011: Year B—Advent 3

John 1 is always a lot of fun for an exegete....

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Go Ahead, Judge a Book By Its Title

The Beginning of the Good News

by Nadia Bolz-Weber

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:1–8

For Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011 Year B—Advent 2

I love that Mark’s gospel starts by saying: “The beginning of the good news of...

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Christmas, Apocalypse, Rebels and Bell Choirs

How are we to interrupt this call to follow Jesus from our place of privilege?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading:  Mark 13:24-37

For Sunday, Nov. 27 , 2011: Year B—Advent 1

The Legions are forming on...

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Drawing Lines Between // "The Other"

Is our tendency toward selfishness and judgment by nature, or by design?

by Mike Stavlund

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 25:31-46

For Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011: Year A—Christ the King Sunday

This passage...

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Reading the Text Abundantly or Protectively

What is the difference?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 25:14-30

For Sunday, Nov. 13 , 2011: Year A—Ordinary 33

Jesus never comes right out and says “The Kingdom of Heaven is…” He says...

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The Parable of Five Catty, Hard-Hearted, Virgins?

We’re supposed to be thinking about the bridegroom.

by Lauren F. Winner

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

For Sunday, November 6, 2011: Year A - Ordinary 32

If my biblical commentaries are any guide, I...

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Thessalonian Comfort

Do Paul’s words still solace today?

by Lauren F. Winner

Epistle Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

For Sunday, November 6, 2011: Year A - Ordinary 32

Someone in the Thessalonian community died before...

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