1. Repentance is meaningless unless we are willing to acknowledge who we are: sinners needing mercy.
  2. The law had to have its way with the expert to bring him around (and back) to Abraham's response.
  3. The nefarious thing about idolatry is that just about anything can become your idol: career, family, fame, wealth, status, spouse, you name it, any good thing can become a ‘god-thing” with ease. 
  4. Maybe, just maybe, our goal for 2023 should not be to live more but to die more.
  5. It makes perfect sense that the day honoring Jesus' birth would be observed in a decidedly less than refined manner.
  6. To trust in the Lord, the Messiah, the Deliverer, is our salvation and our only hope. Yet he does not trust us to have this “trust” on our own or of our own will.
  7. A.I. can’t make the proclamatory move that delivers God’s word in a way that is specifically for me.
  8. Take courage, you who were lost: Jesus comes to seek and save that which is lost. Ye sick, return to health: Christ comes to heal the contrite of heart with the balm of his mercy. Rejoice, all you who desire great things: the Son of God comes down to you that he may make you the co-heirs of his kingdom.
  9. Rejoice with Mary as she would rejoice with you. Be blessed, like her, with humility from God, so that you may serve joyfully and willingly wherever and in whatever role God has placed you.
  10. If Jesus shows up and you are a sinner, ‘tis more blessed to receive than to give
  11. The lesson of Malachi reveals God’s love for his people. When the people ask for proof of God’s love, he reminds them of their election.
  12. O weary ones, O long-time waiting and watching ones, O ones who are late to the game, he is your rest this busy season, and always.