Humans desire belonging. God fulfills our longing by adopting us as His children. Ancient adoption practices shed light on our identity in God’s family.

Every detail of scripture has meaning. Every word carefully chosen. The shepherds were intentionally chosen, too, to recognize the Lamb of God.

Repentance once caused fear, seeming like a threat: Repent or else! But Rosh Hashanah presents repentance as an invitation to return home to God’s loving arms.

What if following the letter of the law misses the underlying intention? Jesus challenges us to love ‘neighbors’ we don’t like (maybe even hate). Here’s why?

Step into the Temple as shouts and screams interrupt Jesus’ morning lesson. He’s trapped into making judgment and enforcing her sentence: sin no more.

We like shortcuts to the finish line, ways to make the journey easier. The devil offers Jesus a shortcut that avoids the pain and suffering. Jesus’ response?

Showing is better than telling which makes object lessons more memorable. Jesus brings his disciples to Caesarea Philippi for this lesson and a mid-term exam.

Before Christmas existed as its own holiday, the church celebrated Epiphany. Jesus’ birth was part of the church feast, but another event was primary. Which event? Why? What does it tell us?

Epiphany, or Three Kings Day, isn’t a day I learned about growing up. The Magi’s visit is displays the inclusiveness of God’s love for humanity.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! announces more than a baby in a manger. It defines Jesus’ mission as Savior King and subtly introduces a new kind of kingdom.