Everyday Lutherans

My first Christmas as a Pastor just took place this last week and it was quite different.  It will definitely take some getting use to.  While I did not have Sunday worship to plan and lead, I did have two jammed packed Christmas Eve services.  Both were fantastic. I did not do anything out of the ordinary for a sermon but the Christmas sermon and how we gather to be like the shepherds, to hear and see the good news of the angels.  Following the services, I attended a wonderful meal with a family from the congregation.  It was great to get to know them and their family a little bit better. Then when I got home, I went straight to bed because I was exhausted from all the festivities.  On Christmas day, I got up and started getting ready for the day.  Then my phone went off and it was my mom, we were going to open presents via google chat.  It was fantastic.  I was able to see the presents that they had received and the ones that were given to me.  We stayed on and talked for a while unt

When you think of the Old Testament, you can begin to think of the Creation story, you may think of the Israelites being in the land of Egypt and then Moses leading them out, Moses bringing the Ten Commandments down the mountain to the people so that they will have order within their life.  You may be think of the stories of kings and the kingdom of Israel or Judah.  There are several prophets who speak words of God.  There are many writings of wisdom and even songs of joy and lament.  Yet what is the common thread that unites them all?  The relationship between God and God's creation. When you think of the New Testament, you can begin to think of Jesus, his many teachings and even his death and Resurrection.  You may also begin to think of the many letters that are written to congregations or individuals that we can read and learn many things about faithful living after Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, has come and ascended into heaven. When you look at the whole picture of