Everywhere I go these days, I see giant inflatable Christmas characters: Santa, snowmen, reindeer, elves, Grinches, and even a Christmas dragon (whatever that means.) Every year, it seems to get a little more creative: an inflatable Santa clinging to the side of a chimney, kickboxing gingerbread men, and a Jedi warrior with a candy cane. Seriously. … Read more
We do not live in interesting times. These are extraordinary times. Artificial Intelligence is taking the digital age to a new level. AI is either the saviour of humankind by allowing us to progress technologically at a lightning pace and potentially solve all kinds of problems. Or it’s the advent of a super intelligence which … Read more
A song was heard at Christmas To wake the midnight sky A Saviour’s birth and peace on earth And praise to God on high. The Angels sang at Christmas With all the hosts above And still we sing the newborn King His glory and His love. This poem by Timothy Dudley-Smith is a song of … Read more
As a deprecating remark aimed at those who puff themselves up, we make light of the term “God’s gift to the world”. Heaven help those who use it on themselves. In truth, God’s gift refers to His Son. And it’s the historic reason for Christmas gift giving, modeled on the Magi who presented gold, frankincense, … Read more
As we are entering another new year, I am reminded of the apostle Paul's words, particularly in light of the Christmas story: the weakness of God is stronger than our strength and the foolishness of God is wiser than our wisdom. I can only imagine how weak and foolish God's response to this world appeared to so many: a baby lying in a manger. The troubles of that world were many and profound. Moreover, God's people were being oppressed by Rome … Read More
We don’t want to miss Him. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.” — Galatians 4:4-5 We don’t want to miss Him. Advent should … Read more
I had the opportunity to hear Rodger Nishioka (Associate Professor, Christian Education, at Columbia Theological Seminary) speak this past fall. One story he told was about a research interview he did with a woman who lived in an apartment building across from a church. She told him that nothing that happened there had any effect on her life. She said that if that local church ceased to exist, it wouldn’t make any difference to her. Dr. Nishioka then challenged us to think about whether … Read More
Helping Christmas visitors connect the dots. My two rural churches will open their doors to a good number of visitors this Christmas Eve, if history is any predictor of the future. As our context becomes more and more secular and un-churched, there is a growing challenge for us to convey more than a partial story … Read more
This is my favourite time of year. I suspect I am not alone. The time leading up to Christmas is full of planning and activity in every area of my life. Family plans are huge. Plans to get together with friends are also important. Shopping becomes a bigger focus and stores are full of seasonal goods and excited people. There is an increased pace in life. Churches are planning and presenting special services and programs … Read More
Christianity works best when worship, belief in Christ, and belonging through giving and worship come together. However, western young adults so easily separate behaviour, belief, and belonging. We need stronger links of faith, reasons, actions, and relationship, and see the damage of disconnecting them. … Read More