Blog Posts

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” –2 Timothy 3:16  Some of you will recall from a September post that my first full-time job after college was with the Bell System. I started at an office in…

“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you.” –Philippians 1:3-4 This post marks the completion of my blog’s first year.  I began Ordinary Grace in January and at least once each week since have offered…

“and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.” –Luke 2:7b The chapter from which the verse above comes is a beloved part of Scripture. It is often dramatized in churches during December. Despite that broad familiarity, every Christmas pageant I have seen…

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth” –Luke 2:7a During my last year of seminary, I had the opportunity to be in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve.  I was taking part in a two -week tour of Israel and Palestine and imagined that…

”He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged  and who was expecting a child.” –Luke 2:5 Once during the week before Christmas, I stopped by my local Post Office.  I had a few packages to mail. Given the late date, I went inside fully expecting to…

“In those days, a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.” –Luke 2:1-2 Those words open one of the most beloved passages in the Bible, Luke’s account of the events…

“Give thanks in all circumstances,  for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” –1 Thessalonians 5:18 Later this week, the people of this country will stop to give thanks. The first such celebration occurred in 1621 when the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people marked a good harvest.…