Author: kyriss

Epiphany’s Glorious and Beautiful Revelations of Christ

Baptism of Jesus by Lorenzo Scott

This year, God has again called us before this Altar Table to hear of the Epiphany Season’s glorious and beautiful revelations of Christ. To that end, the calendar has given us opportunity to move from one traditional Epiphany reading, that of the visit of the Magi, to another of the traditional readings for that High Feast. It is almost as if there was a cinematic “fade-to-black” after last night’s service so that this day’s readings could move our thoughts from King Jesus’ appearance to the nations to that which He came to do for people from all nations. …For more, click on the title above.

Watching in the Faith for Christ’s glorious return

by Hermanoleon Clipart

This evening, the Word has again called us to continue watching in the faith for Christ’s glorious return. It has reminded us that no created entity has power to separate us, the faithful from the unconditional, sacrificial, enduring love of God. That He continues to pour out upon us in Christ Jesus.
This end-of-year service certainly reminds us of those realities. It comes each year to proclaim the Word that God continues to give to us to keep us in the Faith. It emphasizes that our confession remains that which was confessed by the Apostle Paul long ago in his letter to the Church at Rome.
…For more, click on the title above

At what do we marvel?

Simeon Blessing the Christ Child by Severino Blanco

Joseph and Mary are following the ritual law of purification for the mother. According to the Law of Moses, every first-born child had to be presented to the Lord, and a sacrifice made so that the mother could be declared clean by the priest.
Before this ritual could take place, a man, presumably unknown to either of them, approaches and takes the child in his arms, blesses God, and begins to speak. All of this had taken place prior to our pericope for today where the first words we read are,
“And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.”

Which brings us to our first question of the day: “What was said that made Jesus’ parents marvel?” …For more, click on the title above

A journey to Salvation

As Shepherds Watched Their Flock by Night by Kirt Harmon

Ah—Christmas Eve. The church is appropriately decorated. The candles are lit. The lights on the tree sparkle. It’s a brilliance, a special brilliance, because this is a night that is waited for, a night prepared for, a night longed for.
It is a celebration of an event more than 2,000 years old—one that has not been forgotten—nor will it ever be.
For more, click on the title above.

Rejoice, for the mystery of the ages has been revealed

Joy by Annabelle DB

Rejoice! That is, “feel great joy, be glad, take delight! “ Those are what that word means in English today. You might think: “Why should I rejoice, Pastor?”
After all, our world continues suffering on account of increasing chaos that is wrought among humans because of Adam’s Fall long ago. What reason do you have to rejoice when a lot of bad news—in personal lives, in families, in our communities, in this State, nation, and world—appears to inundate our lives? Why should you, dear Christian, feel great joy in this fallen world?…for more, click on the title above.

The power and peace of Holy Absolution

Peace by Paul Kaleb DB

So, what is this third Sacrament and how may it be used by us—by you? Today/tonight we will be exploring Holy Absolution. First, we should understand where this “sacrament” is found. Why is it called a sacrament? And finally, why do we need it or, how is it used?…For more, click on the title above.

A season of hope, peace, joy and love for God’s people

Hope by Isaac DB

Happy Holy Week! Today we celebrate Jesus’ Advent as the first half of this new Church Year begins again. All of you should know the season. It serves to prepare the Way for us to hear of, and rejoice in, the divine reasons the eternal Second Person of the Holy Trinity took on our flesh.
The rhythm of this season is used to return our thoughts and hearts to the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love God showed for sinners. He did so that they, you, might have the blessings of eternal life in Christ even now. …For more, click on the title above.