Praise God! Creation as Balm for Grief – Emily Meyer reflects on the slaughter of the Innocents through lenses of culpability and grief – and how community and creation can move lament and grief toward gratitude and joy. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common Lectionary Readings for the First Sunday of Christmas, YearRead More →

Greater Courage and Imagination – Tom Mundahl reflects on standing up against those who would destroy. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common Lectionary Readings for the First Sunday of Christmas, Year A (2013, 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025) Isaiah 63:7-9 Psalm 148 Hebrews 2:10-18 Matthew 2:13-23 My late father-in-law kept mules and an impressive BelgianRead More →

All of Earth Rejoices at the Birth of Jesus – Dennis Ormseth reflects on the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day readings. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common Lectionary  Readings for Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Eve, Years A, B, & C Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) Readings for Nativity ofRead More →

Earth’s Child – Tom Mundahl reflects on the arrival of the Prince of Peace. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common Lectionary  Readings for Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Eve, Years A, B, & C Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) Christmas Eve worship offers nothing less than powerful simplicity.  Whether itRead More →

A Light Shining in the Darkness – Dennis Ormseth reflects on the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day readings. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Christmas Eve, Years A, B, & C Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] Readings for Christmas Day, Years A, B, & C Isaiah 62:6-12Read More →

A Time for Gathering – Tom Mundahl reflects on freeing all creatures to dwell in peace and mutual respect. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common Lectionary  Readings for second Sunday of Christmas, Years A, B, and C (2021, 2024) Jeremiah 31:7-14 Psalm 147:12-20 Ephesians 1:3-14 John 1:(1-9) 10-18 Gathering has always been at theRead More →

Giving, Receiving, and Giving Again – Dennis Ormseth reflects on the fullness of God. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common Lectionary  Readings for the Second Sunday of Christmas, All Years Jeremiah 31:7-14 or Sirach 24:1-2 Psalm 147:12-20 or Wisdom 10:15-21 Ephesians 1:3-14 John 1:[1-9] 10-18 With the texts for the Second Sunday of Christmas,Read More →

Holding All Things Together – Tom Mundahl reflects on being a new wearer of clothes. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common Lectionary  Readings for First Sunday of Christmas, Year C (2021, 2024) 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Psalm 148 Colossians 3:12-17 Luke 2:41-52 Many of us received new clothes as Christmas gifts.  Some years ago,Read More →

Wisdom’s Playfield – Dennis Ormseth reflects on partnering with Wisdom in the play of discovery and the exercise of responsibility. Care for Creation Commentary on the Revised Common Lectionary  Readings for First Sunday of Christmas, Year C (2012, 2015, 2018, 2021, 2024) 1 Samuel 2:18-20 Psalm 148 Colossians 3:12-17 Luke 2:41-52 The psalm for theRead More →

First Sunday of Christmas 2016 The Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, KY Author, Creation-Crisis Preaching: Ecology, Theology and the Pulpit (Chalice Press, 2016) Text:  Matthew 2:13-23 “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because theyRead More →