   Sometimes the traditional worship service is criticized as being the “same old thing,” week after week. There is indeed something in us all that tires of the ‘same old thing’ over and over again. But there is also a part of us that wants that; we want the same old thing over and […]
1736) Same Old Thing Read More »
   What do Louie Armstrong, Elvis Presley, and Martin Luther have in common?  They all initiated a revolution in the music of their time and culture.  Louie Armstrong introduced New Orleans jazz to the nation and then to the world.  Elvis Presley introduced rock and roll to the nation and then to the world.
1735) Louie, Elvis, and Martin Read More »
Above painting: “Silent Night” 1891, Viggo Johansen (Denmark, 1851-1935) ————————–     (…continued) Whether or not an evergreen tree ever grew on the spot where Boniface cut down the sacred Oak of Thor, the connection of the Christmas tree to that legend is a reminder that the birth of Jesus in that lonely stable led to
1718) Christmas Traditions (part three of three) Read More »
    (…continued) One of the most universal of Christmas traditions is the Christmas tree. Putting up a Christmas tree in a public area is much safer than putting up a nativity scene; but even the tree has in many places become controversial.  To make sure no one is offended, many have taken to calling them
1717) Christmas Traditions (part two of three) Read More »
   Two old girl-friends from high school ran into each other as they were going into a high priced restaurant.  They introduced their husbands, chatted a bit about school days, and then each said they had to leave. They were meeting some others inside for dinner.  “We are here for our wedding anniversary,” said one,
1716) Christmas Traditions (part one of three) Read More »
 Above picture:  North Korean Christians gathering in secret for prayer. —————– From the December 5, 2017 reading of “Standing Strong Through the Storm,” posted at: http://www.opendoorsusa.org  (no author’s name is listed) ——————— In the United States we have the freedom to worship when and where and however often we choose. Many Christians take this great privilege for
1703) Worship in North Korea Read More »
   (…continued) Ernie was able thank his neighbor in person for the money. But how do we thank God, who we cannot see, for all he has given us? Prayer is one way, but the emphasis in this Psalm is on worship—“Worship the Lord with gladness,” it says. “Enter his gates and his courts
1532) Psalm 100 (b) Read More »
   Once upon a time there was a single dad named Ernie, who had two kids in elementary school. His ex-wife had abandoned the family, was nowhere to be found, and contributed nothing. Ernie’s factory job paid the bills, but just barely. As long as there were no extra expenses, he was able to
1531) Psalm 100 (a) Read More »
From a funeral sermon.      It has been said that every time someone dies it is like a whole library has been destroyed, because the accumulated knowledge, experience, and wisdom of a lifetime is lost. I thought about when I heard Ed died. Ed experienced so much, read so much, and
By ELCA pastor James D. Engh, in the November 1995 issue of The Lutheran, pages 20-21. ———————    I face the altar on Sunday mornings before I turn to greet the congregation. And I pray silently: “O Lord, our maker, redeemer and comforter, we are assembled in Thy presence to hear Thy holy word.
1322) Treasure in Soiled Hands Read More »
