Christmas — Proper 2
Isaiah 62:6-12 After many years during which the grain and the wine from the vineyards of Jerusalem had been given by the Lord God to the enemies of its people, the people of Israel are depicted here as streaming back to the city from the broad highway cleared of all stones and obstructions over which [...]
Christmas — Proper 1
Isaiah 9:2-7 The usage of religious traditions affects the form and even the content of those traditions. For example, usage of evergreen trees that are brought into our homes, stores, and churches during the season of Christmas over periods of time has affected the trees themselves. The use of such trees, especially when they are [...]
Advent 4, Cycle B (by Norman Beck — 2008)
If we concentrate on the Luke 1:26-38 Gospel account exclusively or even primarily, we will probably emphasize the person of Mary along with her relationships with God, with the angel Gabriel, and with Elizabeth. On the other hand, if we utilize all of the texts appointed for this day, we will probably in some way apply to our own life situation the Jewish and the Christian “Messianic expectations” regarding the promise of the Lord of an everlasting throne of David, a house, a kingdom that will endure forever.
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Advent 3, Cycle B (by Norman Beck — 2008)
How shall we put together a well constructed worship service based upon Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 and Psalm 126 with their liberation theology for Zion, the Magnificat from Luke 1:47-55 with its emphasis on God bringing down those who are mighty and exalting those who are lowly, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 regarding appropriate behavior for the Thessalonians as they wait for the Day of the Lord, and John 1:6-8, 19-28 with its depiction of John the Baptizer as a man sent from God to be a witness to the Light, one who was much less worthy than was Jesus?
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Advent 2, Cycle B
In each of these texts God’s grace is proclaimed in typical Advent season form in part as a gift already received and in part as a gift anticipated for the future. In Isaiah 40:1-11, in Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, in 2 Peter 3:8-15a, and in Mark 1:1-8 the hearers of the message are urged to prepare [...]
