“In one sense, of course, Jesus is the reason for the season. But in another fundamental sense, sin is the reason for the season. We have not entered into a season of feel-goodism, where we think about soft snow and candlelight, with silver bells in the distance. Remember Ramah weeping for her children, remember our …
Beyond Mortal Reckoning
“The doctrine of the Incarnation proclaims frankly and without embarrassment the most stupendous miracle that can be imagined” (God Rest Ye Merry, p. 22).
Authoritative Stooping
“The one who spoke the galaxies into existence at the beginning of all things took on human flesh and consented to have his diapers changed. But He did not do this in order to demonstrate how low He could stoop, as though that stooping were arbitrary or aimless. Rather, He ordained that stooping this low …
Worshiping Irony
“The first Christmas was the time in history when God began announcing His mastery of irony . . . The great day of resurrection, the eschatological climax, will be what Tolkien called eucatastrophe, and will be literary catharsis writ large, although large is far too small a word for it . . . In worshiping …
Brace Yourself
“The apostle Paul said that it was designed this way — eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, what God has prepared for those who love Him. Do you love Him? Then brace yourself, and sing to a world that needs to brace itself” (God Rest Ye Merry, p. 15).
And No Way to Catch It All
“Our good God, our overflowing God, our God of yes and amen, has always been able to promise far more than we are able to believe . . . God loves to bury [our faith] under an avalanche of promises. We serve and worship the God who overwhelms, who delights to overwhelm. At His right …
Opening Gambit
“Bethlehem was the opening gambit in the last campaign of a long war” (God Rest Ye Merry, p. 13).
Of a Novel, Not a Collection of Short Stories
“If the history of the world is a story, then theology is a type of literary criticism” (God Rest Ye Merry, p. 11).
Sacramental Living
“Though there are only two sacraments, they give sacramental significance to our entire lives” (For a Glory and a Covering, p. 146).
Morality and Moralism
“There is a stark difference between morality and moralism. The problem we face in the conservative church can be seen in treatments of subjects like this one . . . “What about the children?” Let us consider the question this way: Is the book of Leviticus PG-13? Is the Song of Solomon an R? What …