The biblical patriarch Jacob was opportunist. He took advantage of his brother Esau’s weak character and bought the birthright inheritance on the cheap for a bowl of stew. He took advantage of his father Isaac’s poor sensory perception and got…
The Heart of Corporate Worship
The purpose of corporate worship is not to induce personal euphoria. If someone says to me, “I didn’t get anything out of worship this morning,” I need to say, “Good, it wasn’t for you anyway.” When someone says to me,…
Iranian Astrologers and True Worship
One of my many roles at church is Keeper of the Sign. That isn’t an official title, but it is in keeping with my British sense of pomp and majesty. In the execution of my official duties, I have avoided…
On the Eighth Day of Christmas
The Octave Day of Christmas is quite exciting. Since ancient times it has been observed as both the Solemnity of the Mother of God and the Circumcision of Jesus. In the first observance, we recognize that the baby born in…
On the Seventh Day of Christmas
If you are in central Europe or Israel, Happy Silvester! Or however it is said in your language. That’s what New Year’s Eve is called in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg,…
On the Sixth Day of Christmas
At the mid-point of the Christmas season, there are no major saints’ days. So it is a good time to remember that there are no minor saints. If you are in Christ, that includes you. But God, who is rich…
On the Fifth Day of Christmas
Today is a feast commemorating another martyr and the conflict between Church and State. The Eastern Church is now venerating the Holy Innocents, but in the West it is the 843rd anniversary of the death of Thomas Becket. For the…
On the Fourth Day of Christmas
Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, one of the ancient feasts of the Church. It appears in Rome probably sometime between 455 and 480, but may have been celebrated elsewhere earlier. It commemorates the events recorded in Matthew…
On the Third Day of Christmas
With Boxing Day behind us, the celebration of Christmas is done for most people, even those in the UK and Commonwealth. For Eastern Christians it is the last days of the three-day Nativity of Christ, with the rest of the…
On The Second Day of Christmas
Of all the days of Christmas, the second day has had the most durability as a celebration. It’s Boxing Day in the UK and Commonwealth with an extra day off for many people. In the Eastern Church it is the…