Category Archives: Christian Seasons

It’s a Wonderful Gospel

By Chaplain Mike What do you need when you have spent your whole life giving to others, sacrificing your dreams to do the responsible thing, being the person others count on when the chips are down; when you are tired of being “that guy” that everyone looks to but no one appreciates? What do youContinue reading “It’s a Wonderful Gospel”

Ben Hur and the Nativity

Guest Post by Andy Zehner The readers of iMonk can, I’m sure, give a very good account of the theology of the Incarnation and the fulfillment in Christ of Messianic prophesies. Many can recite the second chapter of Luke from “And it came to pass in those days . . .” to “But Mary keptContinue reading “Ben Hur and the Nativity”

The Real “Santa Claus”

By Chaplain Mike In this morning’s post, we talked about the difference between Biblical Christianity and the “Disney-ized” version so prevalent in America today. Another example of turning a classic tale into a shallow, sentimentalized version for mass consumption (more in our culture than in the church) is what we have done to the storyContinue reading “The Real “Santa Claus””

Christ’s Good Works and Mine

By Chaplain Mike The Advent and Christmas season is traditionally a time for participating in good works and giving to those around us. For your contemplation today, here is a passage from one of Martin Luther’s Advent sermons on the subject. I find his words wonderfully down-to-earth and clear. In summary, Luther teaches: To God,Continue reading “Christ’s Good Works and Mine”

Advent II—How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place

Note from CM: As we light the second Advent candle, we thank God for his gift of peace. Ephesians 2 speaks of the peace Christ brings to those far and near, calling them together into the one household of God (Eph 2:11-22). Thanks to Damaris today for the following meditation on God’s dwelling place. “HowContinue reading “Advent II—How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place”

The New Liturgical Gangstas (4)

Today, we present the fourth installment renewing IM’s popular feature, “The Liturgical Gangstas,” a panel discussion involving representatives from different liturgical traditions who will be answering questions regarding theology and church practice. Lord willing, the Gangstas will appear near the end of each month to share with our IM audience. Today two of our GangstasContinue reading “The New Liturgical Gangstas (4)”

And One Final List of Christmas Favorites

Yesterday, Jeff and I posted lists of some favorite Christmas albums. Music is such an important part of the Advent and Christmas season! I got into a habit early in our adult life of buying Christmas CD’s as gifts to mark my wife’s November birthday (she loves music as much as I do), and soContinue reading “And One Final List of Christmas Favorites”

…And a Few More Christmas Favorites

By Chaplain Mike In usual fashion, the Very Right Reverend Jeff Dunn has thrown down the gauntlet by posting five of his favorite Christmas music selections. You didn’t think I would keep quiet and not respond, did you? Actually, I’m going to give you two lists. Jeff focused on folk and contemporary expressions of seasonalContinue reading “…And a Few More Christmas Favorites”

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”