Author: Greg Hildenbrand

I am a contemplative spiritual director, author, and a leader of contemporary and blended worship at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Kansas. I am a happily married father of two awesome, adult children. I write a blog, Life Notes, every week and have published numerous books and music CDs, all of which are available on my website and other typical outlets. I enjoy writing, both music and text, and exploring and experiencing where spirit meets matter, in both seen and unseen ways.

Podcast of “Baptism by Fire, Part 4”

February 2, 2025January 31, 2025 by Greg Hildenbrand, posted in Podcasts

Baptism with Fire, Part 4

January 30, 2025January 29, 2025 by Greg Hildenbrand, posted in devotion, Life Notes, meditation, Spirituality

Baptism by Fire, Part 4 I baptize you with water…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. [1] After my children were baptized, both as infants, our extended family went out for a nice dinner. It was a celebration of a happy, traditional ritual, after which we all returned to life as usual. … Continue reading Baptism with Fire, Part 4

Podcast of “Baptism by Fire, Part 3”

January 26, 2025January 24, 2025 by Greg Hildenbrand, posted in Podcasts

Baptism by Fire, Part 3

January 23, 2025January 22, 2025 by Greg Hildenbrand, posted in devotion, Life Notes, meditation, Spirituality

Baptism by Fire, Part 3 I baptize you with water…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.[1] When John the Baptist was asked if he was the Messiah – the anointed one chosen by God to save the Jewish people – he responded that one greater than he would come as the Messiah. … Continue reading Baptism by Fire, Part 3

Podcast of “Baptism by Fire, Part 2”

January 19, 2025January 18, 2025 by Greg Hildenbrand, posted in Podcasts

Baptism by Fire, Part 2

January 16, 2025January 15, 2025 by Greg Hildenbrand, posted in devotion, Life Notes, meditation, Spirituality

Baptism by Fire, Part 2 I baptize you with water…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.[1] Lest anyone write off baptism as a trite or minimally-meaningful religious rite, there are interesting psychological and symbolic aspects to baptism by water that are worth considering. Bodies of water are common archetypes for the unconscious, … Continue reading Baptism by Fire, Part 2

Podcast of “Baptism by Fire”

January 12, 2025January 9, 2025 by Greg Hildenbrand, posted in Podcasts

Baptism by Fire

January 9, 2025January 8, 2025 by Greg Hildenbrand, posted in devotion, Life Notes, meditation, Spirituality

Baptism by Fire I baptize you with water…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.[1] John the Baptist plays an interesting, if abbreviated, role in the life and teachings of Jesus the Christ. Described as a relative of Jesus’ through their mothers, John’s biblical role seems to primarily be one of announcing the … Continue reading Baptism by Fire

Contemplative Christmas

January 6, 2025January 5, 2025 by Greg Hildenbrand, posted in devotion, meditation

Monday, January 6 Epiphany Reading: “…(Magi) from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?’” [1] Reflection: The gift of the twelfth day of Christmas, according to the song, is twelve drummers drumming. The number 12 is associated with perfection, completeness, and harmony. Drumming symbolizes … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas

Contemplative Christmas

January 5, 2025January 4, 2025 by Greg Hildenbrand, posted in devotion, meditation

Sunday, January 5 The Eleventh Day Reading: “…one of the men who have accompanied us…must become a witness with us to his resurrection.” [1] Reflection: The gift of the eleventh day of Christmas in the song is eleven pipers piping. Eleven refers to the 11 faithful disciples, which excludes Judas. Pipers are known to lead … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas