~ Isaiah 43:1-3/Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 ~ This is where it begins – the baptism of Jesus. In all the gospels it is the baptism of Jesus where the story really begins. Everything before is merely prelude (although, using the term “merely” does an injustice to what Kelly’s preludes do for … Read More
~ Isaiah 60:1-6/Matthew 2:1-12 ~ Of all the ancient archeological sites in the Middle East, none is probably more spectacular and stunning than Petra, located in Jordan. You walk for ½ mile through a very narrow canyon only a few feet wide, before it opens up to reveal Al-Khaznah, The … Read More
~ Luke 2:41-52 ~ You’ve probably seen the advertisements. You may have even purchased one yourself. Or been given one for Christmas. On Thanksgiving weekend this product was in the top five products purchased on Amazon. Sales are in the millions. I’m talking about DNA kits – genetic testing programs … Read More
“Fall on your knees…” The music of Christmas is truly wonderful, isn’t it? It’s just so – joyful. “Joy to the world, the Lord is come.” I suppose one of the reasons we enjoy the music of Christmas so much is that we only bring it out once a year. … Read More
~ Luke 3:7-18 ~ Repent, I say, repent! Not a word one warms up to, is it? Street preachers, sweaty tent-meeting revivalists, “fire and brimstone” bible-thumpers all come to mind. Yet, here comes John the Baptizer telling people to repent. They didn’t warm up to the call for repentance any … Read More
~ Luke 1:26-38; 46-55 ~ I was introduced to a poignant poem this past week thanks to the musical inspiration of Bay Area composer, Frank La Rocca. The poem is written by Sister Columba Guare of the Sisters of the Mississippi Abbey in Dubuque, Iowa. The poem, itself, was inspired … Read More