Luke 2

Which mother, I wonder, has more heartbreak. Hannah sacrifices the dailiness of raising her first-born son. Mary keeps her son with her, but as he grows she can surely see that he is heading down a dangerous path.

There are many ways we receive the gift of Jesus badly.

Luke’s first two chapters are a metaphorical retirement home for elders who are “looking forward to the consolation of Israel.”

It is not as though Mary and Joseph have a choice.

Like Simeon and Anna, I had a rough Advent.

For sermon-prep help, I frequently look at hymns, paintings, novels, poems, etc. Also Bach cantatas. Meinen Jesus laß ich nicht, written for the first Sunday after Epiphany, has intrigued me with its interpretation of Luke 2:41-52.

After 48 years as a minister of word and sacrament, I will retire at the end of January.

This month could be consecrated to all hidden preparations, to children in the womb and to those who long to conceive. In February all is potency, awaiting God's redeeming act.