The midday sun beat down on Myra, its rays glistening off the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. The air was thick with the scent of spices and the cacophony of bartering voices in the bustling marketplace. Amidst the throng, Bishop Nicholas, his silver beard flowing down his chest, moved with a serene grace. His … Continue reading Saint Nicholas: The Bishop & The Innocents
This is an image that wrecks me every time I see it: The Pietà by Michelangelo. Carved out of marble by the great master, it depicts the aftermath of the crucifixion. The dead body of Jesus Christ, held delicately by His grief-stricken mother.
Every time I see it, I think of Simeon’s words to Mary and Joseph when they brought their infant son to the temple. Out of his profound joy for being able to see the salvation of the world, Simeon blessed the child and praised God. But he also spoke prophecy, saying:
Hundreds of years later, in 1865, a certain man read this verse. Recently afflicted with a sudden severe illness, he underwent a dramatic spiritual renewal upon recovering.
Inspired by the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, this man William Chatterton Dix composed a poem called “The Manger Throne.” The verses were set to the classic tune “Greensleeves” and became the immortal Christmas carol we know today.
Continue reading “Advent IV: Pierced, Crushed, Wounded, Broken”
There’s hardship at home, anxiety at work, serious health problems for friends or family members. There’s the personal sense of alienation, desolation, and heartache for millions impacted by seasonal affective disorder, or clinical depression. There’s an unceasing season of domestic discord and volatility across the globe.
But hey, have a holly-jolly Christmas, right?
A Place To Stand 