Seeing Emmanuel- Our God who has come into the world and is with us!

This post first appeared on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020 on the Nebraska Synod Blog. Merry Christmas, People of God!!! What joy it is to think about God’s presence with me and with all of you on this most holy of days. Admittedly it’s been a hard year. It’s been a weird year. It has not been one that anyone could have dreamed of, imagined, … Continue reading Seeing Emmanuel- Our God who has come into the world and is with us!

“Salvation Has Come Near” – Let us Join in with Simeon and Anna

I was invited to preach by my wife, the Rev. Allison Siburg, on the First Sunday of Christmas at Salem Lutheran in Fontanelle. What follows is the majority of the manuscript that I preached from, based especially on the readings appointed for Christmas 1B, and particularly Luke 2:22-40. If you would rather listen to or watch the sermon, you can find it in the video … Continue reading “Salvation Has Come Near” – Let us Join in with Simeon and Anna

It’s All About that Grace- Called, Claimed, Baptized, Charged & Sent

I had the pleasure and privilege of being with the good people of American Lutheran Church in Gothenburg, Nebraska this weekend. As part of this, I participated in their joint Epiphany celebration with Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday January 6, 2018; and then I preached in worship for Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, helping kick off American Lutheran’s stewardship theme, “It’s All About that Grace,” … Continue reading It’s All About that Grace- Called, Claimed, Baptized, Charged & Sent

Joy to the World- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 5, 2018

During the Twelve Days of Christmas, just as in the Advent season, I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might … Continue reading Joy to the World- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 5, 2018

Angels We Have Heard on High- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 4, 2018

During the Twelve Days of Christmas, just as in the Advent season, I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might … Continue reading Angels We Have Heard on High- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 4, 2018

Angels, from the Realms of Glory- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 3, 2018

During the Twelve Days of Christmas, just as in the Advent season, I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might … Continue reading Angels, from the Realms of Glory- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 3, 2018

This Week’s Links

Happy New Year! Tuesdays on the blog mean that I have the pleasure of sharing some links to things that I have found interesting and thought provoking over the previous week with all of you. Because it has been a few weeks since the last issue of the links, there are quite a few posts related to Christmas, Advent, and New Year’s in here. To … Continue reading This Week’s Links

‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 2, 2018

During the Twelve Days of Christmas, just as in the Advent season, I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might … Continue reading ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 2, 2018

The Bells of Christmas- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 1, 2018

During the Twelve Days of Christmas, just as in the Advent season, I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might … Continue reading The Bells of Christmas- a Christmas devotional for Jan. 1, 2018

Cold December Flies Away- a Christmas devotional for Dec. 31, 2017

During the Twelve Days of Christmas, just as in the Advent season, I am going to reflect on a hymn or carol daily as part of my spiritual practices. I am not sure where all these reflections will take me, but in conversation with my spiritual director, I am going to leave room for both “the head stuff” and “the heart stuff.” Some days might … Continue reading Cold December Flies Away- a Christmas devotional for Dec. 31, 2017