First Reading

Shepherd kneels in front of baby Jesus
Commentary on Isaiah 9:2-7

A “zealous” God. Isaiah 9:2-7 (1-6 in the Hebrew) paints a picture of God’s zealousness, [...]

Stone carving of Mary and Elizabeth touching hands
Commentary on Micah 5:2-5a

As I read Micah 5:2-5a, the Christmas carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” comes to [...]

water splashing in a pool
Commentary on Zephaniah 3:14-20

For, if it is true that the child was born [...]

Sunrise rays shine over valley
Commentary on Malachi 3:1-4

In Malachi 3:1-4, God announces that he is sending a messenger to prepare for his [...]

Mosaic of Christ from Vatican
Commentary on Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

What is your spatial metaphor for heaven? Many of the [...]

Figure standing amid rubble after earthquake
Commentary on Daniel 12:1-3

Daniel 12:1–3 has become one of the touchstones of the Christian doctrine of the resurrection. [...]

Shadow figures on a brick wall
Commentary on 1 Kings 17:8-16

This week’s text is one in a series of miracle stories in the books of [...]

Votive candles in darkened space
Commentary on Isaiah 25:6-9

I have a confession to make: I am a little bit obsessed with the “Below [...]

Protest signs with
Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:1-9

In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses sets out to instruct [...]

Mosaic of Martin Luther's rose on white stucco wall
Commentary on Jeremiah 31:31-34

Jeremiah 31:31-34 is such a beautiful text for Reformation Sunday! [...]