Tag: Mary

Categories
Poetry

Mary-ing

Christmas is a lot of Martha-ing
Not so much Mary-ing

I’d like to choose the good part
Alongside Mary

A Mary Christmas seems fitting

dw

38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who was also seated at the Lord’s feet, and was listening to His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do the serving by myself? Then tell her to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42, New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.
Categories
hope Poetry

Song of Hope – Finale

I believe in God the Father

maker of heaven and earth

And in Jesus Christ, his only

his only son, our Lord;

Conceived by the awesome power

of the Holy Spirit

And born in a lowly stable

of the virgin Mary;

Suffered under Pontius Pilate

was crucified, dead, and buried;

He descended to the dead,

on the third day rose again.

He ascended into heaven

and sits at God’s right hand.

He will come to judge all nations,

his kingdom will have no end.

Jesus came

Jesus died

Jesus rose up from the grave

Jesus reigns in heav’n above

Angels bow before Him.

Bridge and final Chorus of Song of Hope by dw

The remaining bit of Song of Hope – if you missed the first three verses and choruses, they are in my previous posts.

If you want to hear the song, here it is:

Song of Hope – 1999 recording – Copyright dw

Grace and peace to you…

dw

Categories
Bible reading

Begin well

The Bible isn’t a novel. It’s not meant to be read from beginning to end.

If you “start at the very beginning”, it probably isn’t “the very best place to start.”

The Bible does have a plot, a story that develops over thousands of years. But it’s really important to know the end of the story first. Knowing the end puts all the parts in perspective.

There is no bonus for being held in suspense about how the story ends.

Remember from last week: the whole point of the Bible is to lead us to Jesus, who described himself as “the beginning and the end.” As best we can, let’s make our reading begin and end with him.

The end of the Bible is Jesus. The whole story is about him. The beginning, the middle, the end – all about him…so we can know him.

So, to begin well let’s choose one of the four Gospels. I suggest starting with John or Mark.

Start with John to focus on who Jesus is. John had an especially close relationship with him and gives us a unique perspective. John adopted Jesus’ mother Mary into his home – I wonder how much his writing passes along Mary’s reflections.

Start with Mark if you prefer to focus on what Jesus did. They say that Mark’s gospel is likely to reflect Peter’s telling of events; Peter is a “get it done” kind of person.

Which ever one you pick, don’t rush. Give yourself time to pause, question, ponder.

Most importantly, pay attention to what your inner voice might be saying. You are reading to get to know a Person, not to pass a test.

I hope you find this hodgepodge of thoughts helpful. Grace and peace to you…

dw