Series editor’s note: This article kicks off the 2026 theme for “Deeper understandings”: faithful witness in challenging times. In the coming year, various authors will explore what it means for…
Lectionary blog for December 28 First Sunday of Christmas Isaiah 63:7-9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2:10-18; Matthew 2:13-23 My “side hustle” is sometimes teaching Hebrew Bible classes at ELCA seminaries. One…
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19). What does it mean to wait with hope? The upcoming months…
Lectionary blog for Dec. 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25 Like many families, my wife and I have a “Covid baby” (a…
We all know the story of the angel appearing to shepherds on the night Jesus was born. In church, we’ll hear Matthew’s version this year, but many will think of…
Lectionary blog for Dec. 14 Third Sunday of Advent Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11 Have you ever been in a desert or wilderness area? Most of us…
Focal verse “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people’” (Luke 2:10). Reflection The…
Lectionary blog for Dec. 7, 2025 Second Sunday of Advent Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12 One of my favorite parts of Advent is the lectionary readings…
Lectionary blog for Nov. 30, 2025 First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44 I hope you’re ready! Advent has rolled around once again. It is…
Series editor’s note: In 2025, “Deeper understandings” is focusing on the ELCA social statements. We hope to reintroduce them to readers as a means of provoking fruitful, enriching conversation between Christians with different…
Lectionary blog for Nov. 23, 2025 Christ the King Sunday Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 46; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43 Did you ever help elect someone to a position of responsibility, only…
Lectionary blog for Nov. 16, 2025 23rd Sunday after Pentecost Malachi 4:1-2a; Psalm 98; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19 My family recently celebrated my birthday. I was really looking forward…
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