‘Twas the morning of Christmas, when Love came to earth, By way of a tiny and humble child’s birth; His parents had traveled so far from their home, For the census decreed by Augustus, in Rome. Arriving in Bethlehem, with no place to stay, The new baby slept in a manger of hay; With cattle … Continue reading The Morning of Christmas
Category: meditation
Podcast of Contemplative Practices, Part 1
Contemplative Practices, Part 1
Contemplative Practices, Part 1 Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. 1 Timothy 4:15 I frequently make references to contemplative practices without describing what they are. I will describe a few of the practices that are a part of my daily routine. Before I do so, … Continue reading Contemplative Practices, Part 1
The Certainty of Uncertainty
The Certainty of Uncertainty O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! Romans 11:33 What does it take to feel confident in or comfortable with our life in this world? If God loves us; indeed, if God is love, why is … Continue reading The Certainty of Uncertainty
The Contemplative Symbolism of the Cross
The Contemplative Symbolism of the Cross For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 To Christians, the cross symbolizes the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is a sign of pain and suffering, … Continue reading The Contemplative Symbolism of the Cross
Dying Before We Die, Part 2
Dying Before We Die, Part 2 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die... Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a Nature has no edges. Sharp, straight edges and clear lines of demarcation are human, not divine inventions. In my former work as a … Continue reading Dying Before We Die, Part 2
Dying Before We Die, Part 1
Dying Before We Die, Part 1 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. Romans 8:13-14 Many people fear death more … Continue reading Dying Before We Die, Part 1
Our Ego vs Our Essence, Part 2
Our Ego vs Our Essence, Part 2 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who want to lose their … Continue reading Our Ego vs Our Essence, Part 2
Our Ego vs Our Essence, Part 1
Our Ego vs Our Essence, Part 1 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who want to lose their … Continue reading Our Ego vs Our Essence, Part 1
The Seen and Unseen
The Seen and Unseen So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at … Continue reading The Seen and Unseen
Contemplating Grace 