Christ is with us.

 In the midst of a bleak mid-winter, Christ is with us.  Whether alone or in person with loved ones, we remember God's unconditional love in Jesus.

Winter light

 On this shortest day of the year, the sun and winter clouds shine through three of our nativity sets.

More than a Memory

 “Mayfield More than a Memory,” says a mural on the side of a downtown building that still stands in Mayfield, Kentucky. This 200 years old town of 10,000 had been working to revitalize itself for the 21st century. Some may believe that memories are all the people in Mayfield have after the huge tornado ripped through there last Friday night. 

I have such admiration for the mayor and governor, and other leaders who with calm, and courage carry on, giving thanks for the support they have received from the nation. Neighbors helped neighbors, pulling them out of the rubble. Mayfield is a community of people.  That's what makes a small city, a small town, and needs to make the world.

Only a memory? No, because we have a God who was, and is, and is to come. 

Our Hearts Go Out

 Burton wrote this in the snow across the street from our home for me on Saturday while I was taking a nap. (BE + NE in a heart). We had a slight snow storm; however, most of all we send our hearts and our support to those who experienced a storm of tornadoes in 6 states in the lower Midwest and Mid-South Saturday.

Angela Merkel: A Leader of Stability, Civility and Service

 I will miss Angela Merkel. She has been Chancellor of Germany for 16 years, since 2005. Before that she was leader of the opposition from 2002-2005. During her tenure as chancellor, Merkel frequently was referred to as the de facto leader of the European Union.

Angela Merkel grew up in East Germany, daughter of a Lutheran Clergyman. She obtained a doctorate in Quantum chemistry in 1986 and worked as a research scientist. At the age of 51 she became Germany's first woman Chancellor. 

Merkel hands over power to Olaf Scholz who becomes chancellor on Wednesday, Dec. 8, part of a 3-party, coalition.

Angela is a strong, modest, calm woman; she is seen as a political giant. Leading through many challenges in Germany and throughout the world, she believes in the importance of ongoing communication, saying, "Look at the world from other people's perspective." She always kept lines of communication open maintaining some kind of dialog even with those with whom she disagreed. Angela Merkel has constantly talked about and lived out the need for world cooperation. She became an icon of stability, civility, and service.

Angela knew how to sustain stability. She calmed the nation and the European Union during the global financial crisis. At the time of the refugee crisis, she left the German borders open; about one million people came into Germany.  She said that failure to integrate them was not an option.

A scientist herself, she did not hesitate to recognize the magnitude of Climate Change and the COVID pandemic. Angela Merkel has garnered widespread esteem and is deeply respected in many countries. What a role model for global leaders and for all of us!

The short days of winter

 Sunrise this morning: 7:30 (lower picture)

Sunset this evening: 4:30 (upper picture)

We used to sit out on our deck until 9:30 in the evening. Winter dark is here, but the temperature was almost 50 degrees so we went for a walk in Central Park this afternoon.  

BLM

 Black Lives Matter in Georgia today.  May they matter everywhere

Partnership: Not a Small Thing

 It was a little thing during such a momentous day.  Did you notice?  When President Biden sat down to sign the Infrastructure bill, about 30 people, Democrats, some Republicans, and others who had worked so hard for it, gathered around. 

Joseph Biden's name is short; there was no way he could have used thirty pens to write his signature. So he used only one. And then, quietly reached over his shoulder and gave the pen gently and respectfully to Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. She received it and then, just as quickly, with respect and care she slipped it back to the President, placing her hand on his in genuine partnership.

Night of Broken Glass

 My birth, November 6, 1938, is forever linked with the "Night of Broken Glass" three days later. On Kristallnacht (Crystal Night) Nov. 9-10, 1938, German Nazis attacked Jewish people and property. Just before midnight on Nov. 9 Gestapo chief sent telegrams to all police units informing them the attacks should not be interfered with. Rather, the victims should be arrested. Fire companies stood by as synagogues burned, with explicit instructions to let them burn.

That night led to the Holocaust where 6 million Jews were killed. In addition to those 6 million, millions of non-Jews, perhaps 5-6 million, were killed, including people with physical and mental disabilities, called "useless" people, homosexual men, Roma, Poles and other slavic people. All this because of Hitler's vision of a "master race."  

Beauty right in Front of Us

 I have seen some amazingly beautiful views: the Rocky Mountains, the bluffs on the Mississippi River, the Outback in. Australia, East Rock and West Rock in New Haven, Ct., villages in Africa. But there is also beauty outside one's own window, in one's own neighbor, such as the fall colors on the tree outside my window as I write this. What beauty do you see right in front of you?

Indigenous Peoples' Day

 Discovery? How can one person "discover" a land and disregard the over 550 tribes already here, considering them either part of the paradisiac landscape or horrid savages? I plan not to honor Columbus on Oct. 11. President Joe Biden issued a proclamation commemorating Indigenous Peoples' Day, the first U.S. president to do so.  The "discovery" led to annihilation of native peoples' identity, customs, languages, and death. Rather, I need to discover the truth, learn, restore, and do all I can to right wrongs

 

Marigolds: To Celebrate Hope

 I celebrate Marigolds. I know, this is the season for mums and pumpkins, but I celebrate Marigolds. They are huge and colorful right now. Hope! For years I have grown them in the inner city--the more children pick them, the more flowers come. I have grown them in our yard in four states.  They grow easily and everywhere. During this Fall when hope is slow to come by with unending COVID here and especially globally, when people have become everywhere rude, divided, frustrated, angry, when equal justice is no where near, I celebrate the endurance and hope of the Marigolds.

Men need to take responsibility for pregnancies

 Shared responsibility: It's all about power. The Texas law which encourages people to be vigilantes to sue women and anyone who helps a woman receive an abortion is spreading across the country.  Why not make it unlawful for any man to have sex with a woman without wearing protection? Sexual relationships are a gift in a loving relationship and a responsibility. Power over and punishment to women still reigns. With mutually planned parenthood, there would be no rape, no abuse, not need for abortions. Unthinkable? Think again!

Welcome to Iowa Anytime

 It was a beautiful evening as the Chicago White Sox and the New York Yankees played an exciting game on the Field of Dreams in Iowa Friday night. Eight home runs and a thrilling 9th inning!

The announcers seemed overwhelmed that the corn from which the players emerged was taller than the athletes.  I am pleased they loved beautiful Iowa.  I know the Midwest is often considered fly-over country, but, seriously, had the Fox announcers never been here before? (They talked about grass as so green it looked like pretend grass carpet.) Iowans often travel to Chicago, New York, California.  Many have been to most U.S. states and overseas. 

I have lived in Iowa over 60 years of my life, most close to Dyersville in Dubuque.  I went with my father to Des Moines Bruins (Chicago Cubs minor league team) as a child.  When I lived in St. Louis, we had the Cardinals. When we lived in Detroit, we cheered for the Tigers.  When we lived in Connecticut, one of our son's cheered the Yankees while another cheered the Boston Red Sox. 

One game announcer said, "Iowans have probably never seen a Major League game before" The other chimed in, "It may take awhile before the 8000 fans here realize this is a real ball game."  The cameras showed one out-of-Iowa player taking a bite of corn right off a stalk and then spitting it out, finding it was not sweet corn but field corn.

But the field WAS beautiful.  The weather was perfect, unlike the terrible storms in the days before. The sunset gorgeous.  Welcome to Iowa any time.

 While CVID roared across the world and the fires and floods from the Climate Crisis covered the earth, including Greece, the home of the Olympic games, we watch the global celebration. Japanese children, singing at the Closing Ceremony pointed us to an unknown future. Hope!

Athletes from over 200 teams participated in 339 events. People from 93 nations won metals. Yes, of the 11,090 participants, more women than men won. In the United States 66 of the 113 medals were won by women. Title Nine, past almost 50 years ago, has made a difference. The mayors of both Tokyo and Paris--which will host the 2024 Olympics--are women. However, the goal is not to have more women than men, but more equal numbers of women and men from all countries. 

Faster, higher, stronger, together!  That is our hope.

Bombs and Baptism

 Bombs and Baptism.  Today is Hiroshima Day when the United States dropped an Atomic bomb on Japan 76 years ago.  Today is also the Baptismal Day of myself and my son, Kirk; I, 6 years before August 6, 1945, and Kirk, 30 years after my baptism.  I was baptized in the home of my Aunt and Uncle in Garner, Iowa (we lived in Des Moines), and Kirk in the backyard of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Detroit, a statement to the neighborhood (many neighbors came) that we could be outside together one year after the Detroit Riots.  Bombs and guns are with us still.  Baptism in Christ joins us together now and forever.

Early morning walk

 Early Morning walk in East Park, Mason City, Iowa 

Lift Every Voice

 In the midst of voter suppression, threats to our democracy and deep divisions in our country, I was encouraged when I experienced choirs singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (known as the black national anthem) during the fireworks display in NYC and Washington D.C. It signaled hope in the midst of suffering, and inclusion of oppressed people.  We must continue to work on this democracy. 

July 1 in Canada and the Netherlands

 Today, July 1, is Canada Day (fete du Canada). This national day celebrate the anniversary of Canadian Confederation July 1, 1867. When living in Detroit we and Windsor, Ontario, across the river, would celebrate July - July 4 together with fireworks over the river. We watched from Gethsemane church tower.

July 1 is Day of Freedom in the Netherlands (Dag der Vrijheden). It marks the day when slavery was legally abolished in the Dutch colonies in 1863.  However, enslaved people in Surname and the Dutch Antilles would not be fully free until 1873 after a mandatory 10-year transition period during which time slaves were required to work on the plantations.  I and my friend, Duncan, originally from Suriname, now a religious educator in the Hague, recently talked about the delay in freedom for Dutch slaves and the delay of full emancipation in the United States (Juneteenth).

Juneteenth Conversation

 Juneteenth!  Parades and celebrations across the country. Here in my small city my husband Burton and I went to a gathering at Monroe Park.  It was small.  Mason City is small.  But no matter.  What I will remember the most is the three of us, Burton, Reginald, an African American man, and I sitting on a park bench together in the shade and talking. We had not met before, but we talked about Juneteenth and our lives and, well, a wide range of topics and issues.  We listened and learned from one another.

Between Juneteenth and July 4, I can just imagine what it might mean for each person in this country to have such a meeting and conversation, with one other person we had not met before of a different race or ethnicity.  Can you just imagine, 300 million such one-on-one conversations?  

Birth Stories

 Oldest son Mark's birthday was Saturday, June 12. Each of our three sons has a story.  Mark was born in 1963; We adopted him the day I graduated from seminary in 1964. Joel, was 10 two weeks late, born in 1967 the summer of the Detroit "riots" (Rebellion) He wasn't sure he wanted to come into this world of fire and guns. Kirk was born in 1969, the day the U.S. astronauts came back from their first trip to the moon. What are you stories? 

Mark with daughter Aimee

Joel and Kirk with Dad.

Joel with son Jackson and me

Kirk and me.

Mark and Dad Burton

 

Urgent Choices

 Insurrection                                                   Voter Suppression

Rioters running through the Capitol.             Voting Restrictions running through Rep. Legislatures

Priority? Keep people not like us from voting.  Priority? Ensure everyone's voice heard to preserve                                                                                                       democracy

The "Big Lie" lives on                                 Unless we tell the truth.

Girls Killed in Afghanistan; More guns in U.S.

 There have been at least 191 mass shootings in the U.S. since the beginning of the year. In Afghanistan over the weekend over 50 people were killed and over 100 injured in a bomb attack...mostly school girls. In Iowa as of July 1 anyone can carry a gun in public places, e.g. grocery stores, malls, without safety training or a permit. How many more people will have to die? We, too, are a killing culture. How do we live in the image of the Creating, Reconciling, Life-giving God? 

Witnesses to Truth

 Initial Milwaukee Police Department report: "Man dies after medical incident during police interaction." That would have been it after George Floyd's death, except for 17-year-old Darnella Frazier's camera witness to the world.

By-standers became witnesses to the truth, including the 9-year-old who said to the police, "Get off of him." And thanks be to the witness and work of Keith Ellison, and his team.  And thanks to . . . .

We are called to be witnesses to truth and to now work beyond accountability to systemic change.

Marigolds and the Climate Crisis

 

Marigolds! I planted marigolds in the city. Earth Day is this Thursday, April 22. Decades ago, at the time of the first Earth Day, we were living in the inner city of Detroit. Then we moved to the inner city of New Haven, CT.  Planting flowers in the city is not easy. They are easily uprooted, trodden down.  No roses. No fragile or tender plants.  So I planted Marigolds.  The more children picked them, the more they flourished. I love the varied colors, each flower unique.

And then we began to recycle cans, and then paper. (As a child we did save paper for wartime paper drives.) 

But now?  Climate Change!  I prefer calling it a Climate Crisis because it is, and we know it.  In fact, we know that doing things to steward the earth is already too late. I applaud Pres. Biden having the United States rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, the international accord designed to avert catastrophic global warming. Too late? It's never too late, to be serious, and to work boldly together in every way possible. . . and to plant some more Marigolds.

The United States in February this year  formally rejoined the Paris climate agreement, the international accord designed to avert catastrophic global warming.

 St. George's Chapel: Remembering Prince Philip.

Dignity, respect, loyalty, responsibility, love, companionship.  With family procession, the Queen walked alone. She will carry on.  The worship was calm, 30 people masked, distanced, and yet so much together. Beautiful music and prayer and the Word of God: "Your brother will rise again. . . I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they died, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" 

And they left.  And we in this country turn again to our challenges: guns and division, fear and barbed wire. Will we have the courage to carry on with love and responsibility and respect? Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

We Need Everyone to be Able to Vote

 Today, Sunday, March 7, is the 56th anniversary of the march over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama. John Lewis, having died last summer, is not with us this year.  The attack on the marchers by state troopers on "Bloody Sunday" 1965 awakened a nation then. The sweeping Voters Rights Act was passed later that year.

Today over 40 states are trying to pass--and many succeeding--voter suppression laws.  The U.S. House of Representatives this week passed HR 1, a voting rights bill, so essential now. But it faces fierce opposition in the Senate.  

The nation has gone through a bloody year of brutality against African Americans. Are we as a nation awakened? Can we care enough, work hard enough, to reject voter suppression bills this year?  Can we care enough, work hard enough to secure voting rights for all this year?

Oh, To Sing Again!

 With masks on, and being so very careful, Mason City High School Choral Music performed the 73rd Annual Follies last evening. What a joy! Grandchildren Jennaya, a junior, and Jackson, a freshman sang and danced and acted in skits.  Their mother, Rachel, played the piano wonderfully, for all the performers.  Son Joel has been choral director for over 25 years here in Mason City, Iowa.  The theme this year was the "Fifties" which brought back memories of when I sang in Mason City High School Follies from 1953-56, yes, 68 years ago. 

Mason City schools began the year with hybrid learning and recently went to full days.  Students, educators and parents have been very responsible in keeping people well.  We are thankful. The Follies this year could not be held at the local Community College where usually 1000 people each night for three nights fill the auditorium.  Changing plans and being creative in how to perform this year, the show was held in the FEMA room a the high school (Yes, built for a place to go during a tornado.) Only 199 people could come for each performance, and we sat with two empty seats between everyone, even family groups. Each student had two tickets for people who could attend. The crowd cheered, as though there were 1000 people present.

This is a public community school.  Joel and Rachel seek to build community through music.  What did we like best?  Everything!  But perhaps what I appreciated most was that Joel met with the student musicians before hand--as they do every year--this time in the large cafeteria, and had students tell each other what they personally appreciated about one another.  

Frivolous Fascination?

 Frivolous Fascination? I can't help noticing people's bookcases behind them when they are being interviewed on TV. Some are simply full of books, either nicely arranged or looking like they are actually used. (Of course, that doesn't exclude a book being nicely arranged AND used.) Many people, I've noticed, have a plant on a table nearby, usually a gorgeous big orchid. I have an orchid, too, in another room; it's two years old, not nice and new, but it's still blooming.

I've seen people who are being interviewed who have their own latest publication propped up in front.  One copy good, but five copies?  Some books are blurred by camera focus.  I can see clearly other bookcases; I enjoy seeing what people who are being interviewed have been studying.

I've seen books on a windowsill.  I've seen bookshelves with no books on them--only little treasures.  Now, I have little treasures on my bookshelf, too. But only little treasures and no books?

I noticed one person's books shelved color coded: all the red books, together, then the blue ones, the yellow ones, the black ones, etc.  Who designed that system?  I would never be able to find a book I needed. (I arranged my books in my faculty office by the areas of research and teaching.). One person's shelf really caught my attention: all the books had plain-clothed "dust jackets" put on them.  What secret is being kept so that we don't know what books are there? That may be understandable when some in our own Iowa legislature recently brought up the idea of doing away with tenure at the three state universities because the professors there were thought to be putting all those "liberal ideas" into students' heads.

PBS' Judy Woodruff has what I would call an "ordinary bookshelf." She is well-read and her books look used.  I kept trying to see the fat light blue one with the corner worn off.  I would say to my TV, "Please Judy, move over just an inch so I can tell what it is."  Last night I paused the TV so I could look closer. It's The History of the American People."  So, what's in your bookcase? What's in mine? Unfortunately, my largest bookcase is not behind me, but on a side wall, out of camera view, so, I'm sorry, my Zoom viewers simply won't know.

Frivolous Fascination! It's time to listen closely to the interviews: COVID-19 Budget Reconciliation Bill; diplomacy and airstrikes in Syria; threats to blow up the capitol during the President's State of the Union address; the race to vaccinate, and more. . . 

Troubling Terms in Difficult Times

 During these challenging, even dangerous, times, how we pick our metaphors matters greatly. Here are three I have heard used by news commentators, and officials lately that trouble me:

1. "We are like a third world country." This phrase has been used to describe the Texas disaster of people losing their power, water, and then having to boil water to drink, and drive to find bottled water and food. I find this term an insult to developing countries. I have been in countries where people have to boil their water every day. We have seen on television people, usually women, walking miles each day to obtain water at all.  I have been in countries where the power is on for only 3 hours a day, if that.  This is the "normal" difficult life for them.  I join in global efforts to help a community be able to dig a well that everyone in their area can use for regular, daily water.  Millions and millions of people struggle daily. This is not to diminish the suffering in Texas. (My son and family live there.) It is to remind us that such a phrase: "We are like a third world country" assumes implicitly that we as a privileged country should not have to be "like them." Rather this situation is a call to care for the earth and its resources, to work for structures and regulations that help us care for each other.  And this is a call to learn from developing nations and to participate in seeing that all people everywhere have clean water and power resources.

2. "He/she is missing in action" has been used lately to describe a leader who isn't leading.  Senator Ted Cruz leaving the country when the state of Texas which he represents is suffering is deplorable. But what other words could we use?  An MIA, a missing in action person, is one who was in the midst of a battle, risking his or her life.  "Missing in Action" often resulted in hearing later or never hearing that one's loved one was killed and the body was not found.  We indeed have had and still do have leaders who refuse to fill the office they hold.  These people were never actually suffering in the midst of the struggle at all, but could with their privilege and power simply avoid serving.  We have a call to be engaged, to help out, to lead where we can and to hold accountable those who do not lead well or do not lead at all.

3."Banana Republic." I've heard elected officials use this term. It's so derogatory on many levels. Perhaps the speaker wasn't thinking.  Or has our believing the United States is "God's chosen people" so permeated our views that we can't imagine this country having experienced an insurrection? Building and retaining a democracy is difficult everywhere. Having a dictator arise in one's midst is so dangerous and damaging.  Having militias take over or nearly take over a country is awful. Having leaders who are "in it" only for their own greed and gain and want to retain power forever cannot serve the country well.  That could not have happened here; or could it?  Rather than calling other countries in negative terms,  this is a call as citizens to be informed, be engaged, and committed to being a country with "liberty and justice for all."  And this is a call to be engaged globally to help--not judge--people in every place.  We are called to be global citizens and to think carefully about what we are saying and doing.

It's Time to Reconceive What "Evangelical" Means

 Global theologian and my friend, Dr. Karen Bloomquist recently wrote this, before the Insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, January 6, 2021. I find it particularly relevant since Epiphany is a time of being "born anew" with the "self- and world-changing power of belief" that cannot be limited.  At the core of beliefs of the insurrectionists is bigotry and white-privilege. To be evangelical is not to wrap the cross in the flag, but to be grounded in grace which calls us to love the neighbor.  NCE

It’s time to reconceive what “evangelical” means

by Rev. Dr. Karen L. Bloomquist

I am tired of how the word “evangelical” is repeatedly attached to and distorts what is at the core of Christianity. It is being used instead as a political weapon that polarizes (which it has often tragically done throughout history). The heart of the Christian message is the Gospel that liberates not only persons for also systems that discriminate from bondage. The political agenda of so-called “evangelical” Christianity often is used to excuse or reinforce this bondage, resulting in various forms of bigotry. When this occurs what is “Christian” is being prostrated: it is reinforcing patterns of sexism, racism, and “othering” that are contrary to the core of the Gospels, as known through what Jesus said and what he did, especially in how he related to those who were being marginalized. 

Throughout the centuries, “evangelical” has been quite contextual, and has varied greatly throughout history. When the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was formed over 30 years ago, many wondered what “evangelical” meant; I was contacted by media folks who assumed it must have very conservative social positions. At the turn of the 20^th century in America, many whom could hardly been thought of as “evangelical” today (such as Unitarian/Universalists) were often labeled with this word. At the time of the 16^th century Protestant Reformation those distinguished from Catholics were identified as “evangelical”, which continues throughout many places in the world today. In some places, “Christians” (i.e., “evangelicals”) are still distinguished from Catholics. Yet in recent years this is disputed, especially since the 1999 signing of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification between Lutheran and Catholic churches. Catholics also affirm salvation by grace alone.

Being “born anew” is hardly what makes one “evangelical” today. Being “born anew” with the revolutionary, self- and world-changing power of belief cannot be limited, as Mary’s revolutionary song proclaims (in Canticle of the Turning): God is turning the world around. What is key is challenging and changing systems of discrimination, not only personal attitudes.. Instead, “evangelical” – which often claims to be “spiritual but not political” – has become what is supportive of bigoted political agendas that are in opposition to those who are white, heterosexual, well-off and usually male. This betrays what we read in the Gospels of how Jesus actually related to those who were different sexually, racially, status-wise or by other forms of “otherness.” He was continually crossing boundaries of what was appropriate – and therein is the Good News for all today.

Abandoning the designation “evangelical” may not be appropriate or possible today – it is too widely and popularly used. But those who see it at the heart of what the Gospel means, which must be lived out because of what Jesus said and did, can provide a counter-witness to what evangelical means. It is the Good News of not fearing the future but embracing those who are different, of crossing boundaries and liberating from bondage. Many are yearning to hear and experience this Good News, especially in 2021, so let’s be bolder in doing so.

ELCA and NCC Call for Trump to be Removed from Office

 ELCA presiding bishop joins NCC leaders in letter to vice president, Cabinet and Congress

CHICAGO (Jan. 8, 2021) — The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), joined leaders from the National Council of Churches (NCC) in an open letter to Vice President Mike Pence, members of Congress and the Cabinet, calling for the removal of President Donald Trump from office.

The letter states: “Our faith instructs us to take seriously positions of leadership, not to lead others astray and to be careful about what we say and do.

“For the good of the nation, so that we might end the current horror and prepare the way for binding up the nation’s wounds, we, as leaders of the member communions of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC), believe the time has come for the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, to resign his position immediately.”

https://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/open-letter-to-vice.../

Click on to read the full letter, the church bodies that signed it and for an opportunity to add your name.

Insurrection

Insurrection. Yesterday I posted an Epiphany message: “Dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid. May God guide us and fill us with wisdom as we speak and live Christ in the world.” And then danger, incited by the sitting president. I was not surprised. Threat to our democracy, which will continue, even though the Congress thankfully did re-convene and complete the certification of the election of our next president and vice-president.

Not since August, 1814, has the U.S. capitol been as assaulted as it was January 6, 2021. During the War of 1812, the British invaded Washington, D.C. and were able to breach and burn down the U.S. Capitol building.

So, what do we do the morning after? On Epiphany morning I had a Zoom conversation with my friend, Duncan, in the Netherlands. He knew that Georgia had elected Warnock senator and that soon Ossoff would be declared the senator. He knew this would help Biden would help heal this nation. He said he believed the European Union would be very open to restoring good relations with the U.S. He looked forward to the U.S. again supporting NATO, the U.N., the World Health organization and that together we could help all nations of the world, rich and poor, receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

His knowledge and care helped lift the depression I had felt early yesterday morning. I sensed danger ahead. He did, too, and said he would be praying for the U.S. all day, for the sake of my country, and for the sake of the world.

Insurrection. And yes, Epiphany. God’s light for the world. Give us wisdom.

Nativity Scenes 20

 Final Nativity Sets #20 Epiphany "Guided by the star, they found him whose praise the ages sound. Christ, the way, the truth, the life. Christ, the way, the truth, the life." (ELW 301) This is the latest, made of cork and one more and one that is outside our door. Guide us into the world.

Nativity Scenes #19

 Nativity Sets #19 Epiphany "Brightest and best of the stars of the morning, dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid." (ELW 303) May God guide us and fill us with wisdom and persistence as we speak and live Christ in the world.

Nativity Scene # 18

 Nativity Set # 18 See how carefully crafted and woven is this nativity scene. (All pieces fit inside the shelter) How carefully God creates and redeems us in Christ. On this Eve of Epiphany we adore and rejoice so that we might live the Good News. "The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay . . . on a cold winter's night that was so deep." (ELW 300)

Nativity Scene #17

 Nativity Sets #17 "Oh, teach us. Lord, that we may teach." (676 ELW) Jesus calls us to learn and lead as an educated citizenry in this participatory democracy.

Nativity Scenes #16

 Nativity Sets #16 "Love has come, a light in the darkness! Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior! Love! Love! Glory to God on high." (ELW 292) May God guide each of us and our nation in the days ahead this week.

Nativity Scene #15

 Nativity Set #15 The earthquake in Haiti was Jan 12, 2010. Wartburg Seminary senior Ben Larson, as he was dying there, was singing, "O Lamb of God, you bear the sin of all away; eternal peace with God you made, God's peace to us we pray." This nativity set was made in Haiti. We treasure it. We treasure Ben. We treasure Renee and Jon who survived.

Nativity Sets #14

New Year's Day! Nativity Sets #14 The smallest, only 1 inch, and the heaviest remind us that in the heaviest and lightest days ahead, Christ holds us. "Christ is Alpha and Omega, he the source, the ending he, of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see" (ELW 295)