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“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths,  but only what is useful for building up…” –Ephesians 4:29a  It’s been cold. As I write these words, we have just concluded a week in Southeast Pennsylvania with multiple days of single-digit temperatures. We just had our first significant snowfall, too.  While I enjoy the change Read more

“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 Gastonia, North Carolina, but after Read more

“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 a true story that spoke Read more

“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 has included a character and Read more

“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 being in the spot of Read more

”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 wait for a while.  My Read more

“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 we will celebrate again over Read more

“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. The modern observance dates to Read more