Second Reading

Joseph and Mary walking in front of pyramid in Egypt
Commentary on Hebrews 2:10-18

Much of our reflection about Christmas focuses on the who and the what. We ponder [...]

Jesus mural with man looking up at it.
Commentary on Galatians 4:4-7

Galatians 4 is one of the most discussed passages in Paul’s letters. No wonder: it [...]

candle burning with Christmas decorations in background
Commentary on Titus 3:4-7

I have argued in the previous commentary that the Pastoral Epistles weave together clear, practical, [...]

christmas candles with greens
Commentary on Titus 2:11-14

For the Nativity of Our Lord, the Revised Common Lectionary proposes two texts from one [...]

silhouetted figure looking up at stars
Commentary on Romans 1:1-7

Paul’s greeting in his letter to the Romans (1:1–7) immediately focusses the audience’s attention on [...]

spring in wilderness
Commentary on James 5:7-10

A central theological and pastoral thrust of Advent is the correlation between God’s impending endgame [...]

solitary walker on mountain path in cloud
Commentary on Romans 15:4-13

There are many striking features of Romans 15:4–13 that might stimulate a preacher’s imagination. It [...]

single candle lit
Commentary on Romans 13:11-14

In Romans 13:11–14, Paul exhorts believers to live fully into the new identity given to [...]

neon crown
Commentary on Colossians 1:11-20

This is a tough passage to unravel. Like most of [...]

Figure holding torch under large stone arch
Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

In this short passage at the conclusion of 2 Thessalonians, [...]