The turn toward Advent is a difficult turn to make. We issue this ancient call to contemplation at the same time we receive calls for year-end reports, charity solicitations, academic finals,...

John the Baptist is preaching the good news of Jesus Christ. Because of the success of John’s mission, people are wondering if John himself is the promised one. But, no. John...

The message of John the Baptist was directed at all classes in the Pharisaic society. The people in the audience of John’s message were proud of being descendants of Abraham, but...

In today’s reading, the apostle Paul extols the Philippians to show their gentleness to all people. He also encourages them in their discipline of prayer. Their prayers, supplications, and requests should...

The apostle Paul instructs the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord. This kind of rejoicing is really the angels’ song of gladness. Paul exhorts his friends who share in the work...

The prophet Isaiah announces God’s deliverance of the remnant of the children of Israel from their captivity. This deliverance touches on all aspects of life—spiritual, physical, economic, and social. The prophet...

Our God, who loves all of humanity and indeed all of creation, is One who restores. After seeing the sufferings and sorrow of the Israelites, God promises them restoration. In exile,...

The prophecy of Zephaniah reveals God’s faithfulness to God’s people. The prophet had predicted the coming wrath of God upon the people because of their sin. But Zephaniah ends the dire...

John aims for his message to reach all people, putting no limits on who should hear him and carrying every expectation that his testimony will bear fruit. As he takes to...

There is something fascinating and inspiring about hearing words clearly and powerfully shared. Here John is without doubt as he cries out in the wilderness into that “region of the Jordan...