All the streets are filled with laughter and light And the music of the season And the merchants’ windows are all bright With the faces of the children And the families hurrying to their homes While the sky darkens and freezes Will be gathering around the hearths and tables Giving thanks for God’s graces AndContinue reading “The Rebel Jesus”
Author Archives: Chaplainmike
Building a Cradle for Jesus
By Chaplain Mike Where meek souls will Receive Him still The dear Christ enters in. • “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” Brooks I am not good at working with my hands to fashion beautiful artistic creations. Never have been and probably never will be. I’m better with books and people and such, and have notContinue reading “Building a Cradle for Jesus”
Living In the In-Between
By Chaplain Mike We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. • Hebrews 6:11-12 (NIV) I amContinue reading “Living In the In-Between”
You Are What You Wear
By Chaplain Mike An illustration from my pastor’s sermon Sunday: Not too many years ago, my wife and I were on a rare date downtown Indianapolis. It was in the heat of August, so we were at an outside table on the sidewalk on Washington Street. There we were, enjoying the moment of closeness, whenContinue reading “You Are What You Wear”
Is There a Church There?
By Chaplain Mike Last week’s provocative bombing of Yeonpyeong Island by North Korea made us all feel a little more insecure, even as we read words about beating swords into plowshares on the first Sunday of Advent. Those who welcome the Prince of Peace at this time of year should be on the front linesContinue reading “Is There a Church There?”
My Christmas Poet
By Chaplain Mike For years now, a favorite book in my library has been an old worn copy of The Poetical Works of Christina Georgina Rossetti, published in 1904. A brief note in fountain pen ink inside the cover says that it was given as a Christmas gift in 1908, and a sticker in theContinue reading “My Christmas Poet”
Advent I—Fervent in Hope
By Chaplain Mike Text for Advent I—Isaiah 2:1-5 On each Sunday of Advent, we light a candle on the Advent Wreath, gradually turning darkness to light to mark the coming of Jesus. There is no universal liturgy attached to the candlelighting, but this year we will follow a common way of expressing its significance. TheContinue reading “Advent I—Fervent in Hope”
iMonk Classic: Does the Story Matter?
Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer From Dec 22, 2004 The other day, we were talking about Jesus’ command to “judge not,†and I said this in a post about how I have learned to think about judging others. Connected to this is the humility that needs to accompany all claims of knowledge of otherContinue reading “iMonk Classic: Does the Story Matter?”
Saturday Ramblings 11.27.10
What a feast we had here at the iMonastery. Thanksgiving is a time when we get together for food, food and more food. Mike Bell joined us, even though 1) Canada celebrated their Thanksgiving last month, and 2) it’s hockey season. Lisa and Damaris both brought great looking pies. We didn’t get to eat them,Continue reading “Saturday Ramblings 11.27.10”
Another Look: Evangelicalism and Special Seasons
By Chaplain Mike Note from CM: This article was originally posted on Dec. 2, 2009. As we prepare to mark Advent and Christmas again this year, I thought we might revisit it and discuss how our churches approach special seasons. When I ministered in suburban evangelical churches (nine years in one as worship pastor), thereContinue reading “Another Look: Evangelicalism and Special Seasons”
The Internet Monk Archives 