Speed Trap

Driving down the highway the other day, my backseat passenger asks, "Mom, why are all the other cars passing us?"

Indeed, it did seem as though we were being passed quite often. I checked my speed. I'm going 5 over. Hmmm? First inclination was to give it more gas and keep up with traffic. After all, who wants to be the driver everyone is passing? But instead I thought Teachable Moment! And I slowed down to the speed limit.

Then everyone really was passing us (old ladies in Buicks, Amish buggies...) But I kept the needle right on the speed limit and drove along, nose in the air, because I was in the right, a law-abiding good citizen.

Yes, look at me! I don't speed. Go ahead and pass me, sinner. I'm taking the slow lane to heaven. So full of self-righteousness and sanctimony. Halo over my head. It is a wonder I didn't sprout angel wings then and there. I am so good, I am so good, na-na-nana-na, I am so good.

Ugh. I just can't win.

Back to going 5 over.

Why Christmas is December 25

I little late, since it is already Epiphany, but here goes....

Early Christians celebrated Our Lord's conception on March 25 (or April 6 - orthodox).
Why? Because that date corresponds to Nisan 10.
What is so special about Nisan 10? It is the date given in Exodus 12 that the lambs without blemish are to locked away until their sacrifice for the Passover.
So....9 months after March 25/Nisan 10 is December 25 (or January 6 orthodox Christmas).

We celebrate His Holy Conception with the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25.

It's not pagan. It's the liturgical calendar.

Song In My Heart This November

Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, Leads against the Foe;
Forward into battle See His banners go!
Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.

Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God;
Brothers, we are treading Where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, All one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, One in charity.
Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.

Crowns and thrones may perish, Kingdoms rise and wane,
But the Church of Jesus Constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never 'Gainst that Church prevail;
We have Christ's own promise, And that cannot fail.
Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.

Onward, then, ye faithful, Join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices In the triumph-song;
Glory, laud, and honor Unto Christ the King;
This, through countless ages, Men and angels sing.
Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.

- Sabine Baring-Gould, 1864

Feast of the Presentation

Time to put away the Christmas decorations!

40 days after His birth, Jesus was presented at the temple (Luke 2:22-36). The church celebrates this event in Jesus's life with the Feast of the Presentation.

It is also the source of beautiful song of Simeon which is a part of our liturgy known as nunc dimittis (Latin for "now dismiss"). Lutherans sing this following the celebration of communion.

Now dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, In peace,

according to Thy word:

For mine own eyes hath seen Thy salvation,

Which Thou hast prepared in the sight of all the peoples,

A light to reveal Thee to the nations

And the glory of Thy people Israel.

#3

Sleep!!! 8 hours a night. Every night.

Zzzzzz Zzzzzz

Resolution #2

Drink water. 8x8

Slosh. Slosh. Slosh.

New Year's Resolution #1

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Yes, in an election year. I like a challenge.