I came across this poem recently--hope you enjoy it as much as my family did.
Farm Country
by Mary Oliver
I have sharpened my knives, I have
Put on the heavy apron.
Maybe you think life is chicken soup, served
In blue willow-pattern bowls.
I have put on my boots and opened
The kitchen door and stepped out
Into the sunshine. I have crossed the lawn,
I have entered
The hen house.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Christians, Churches, and Christmas
For some Christians, the season of Christmas brings about a question of debate: should we celebrate Christmas? After all, we're not commanded in scripture to observe Christmas, Advent, or Easter.
I've often thought that the reason we in the mainline church have "Easter and Christmas Christians" was that in emphasizing these high points of the church year, we in some way diminish the weekly Lord's Day. Why come every Sunday when the big holidays are the times that really count?
Despite these misgivings, I have come back around recently to appreciating a basic church calendar. By remembering the high points of Christ's life on the calendar, the church declares that our faith is rooted in history. We are also reclaiming time for the kingdom of God.
Pastor Gregg Strawbridge wrote an excellent overview of these points in this article on his website at All Saints Presbyterian Church. I encourage you to read it and leave me your comments.
LATE ADDITION: If you have all night and a day, here's another article I came across that defends Christmas celebrations. Happy Holidays!
I've often thought that the reason we in the mainline church have "Easter and Christmas Christians" was that in emphasizing these high points of the church year, we in some way diminish the weekly Lord's Day. Why come every Sunday when the big holidays are the times that really count?
Despite these misgivings, I have come back around recently to appreciating a basic church calendar. By remembering the high points of Christ's life on the calendar, the church declares that our faith is rooted in history. We are also reclaiming time for the kingdom of God.
Pastor Gregg Strawbridge wrote an excellent overview of these points in this article on his website at All Saints Presbyterian Church. I encourage you to read it and leave me your comments.
LATE ADDITION: If you have all night and a day, here's another article I came across that defends Christmas celebrations. Happy Holidays!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)