Come and See
Sabbath Day Thoughts — “Come and See” John 1:35-42 Let me tell you a story. The news swam up the river, all the way from Bethany beyond the Jordan. A prophet came, striding out of the wilderness, his beard grown long, his hair a tangle of knots. His eyes burned and his voice boomed above…
Be Loved
Sabbath Day Thoughts — “Be Loved” Matthew 3:13-17 Baptism of the Lord Sunday often gets ministers thinking about baptisms they have been involved with over the years. One of my most memorable baptisms was during the height of the pandemic. A local neighbor, who was often down on his luck and suffered from serious mental…
Follow the Star
Sabbath Day Thoughts — “Follow the Star” Rev. Dr. Joann White No characters in the birth story of Jesus have drawn more attention and speculation than the Magi. Conditioned by years of Christmas pageants, carol singing, and Hollywood movies, we can tell you stories about the Wise Ones that are more fantasy than fact. Bible…
Banjo Cheer
Sabbath Day Thoughts — “Banjo Cheer” by John Douglas “Banjo Cheer” by John Douglas “Banjo Cheer” was written by John Douglas. It first appeared in the December 1911 issue of The Cadenza, a string instrument magazine of the time. This reading was shared by Dr. Joann with accompaniment on the banjo by Duane Keith Gould.…
Big Dreams
Sabbath Day Thoughts — “Big Dreams” Matthew 1:18-25 Eugenia Bergstrom pulled the last batch of Christmas cookies from the oven. Her cheeks had that rosy glow that comes from working all morning in a kitchen superheated by holiday baking. She pushed a damp strand of hair out of her eyes and surveyed her work: crispy…
Unprepared
Sabbath Day Thoughts — “Unprepared” Matthew 3:1-12 It was finals week. An entire semester’s worth of work depended upon some big tests. I was cramming for my exams, making the most of reading week. I felt good about my impending tests. Then, I suddenly realized that there was one exam that I was completely unprepared…
Come, Let Us Walk in the Light
Sabbath Day Thoughts — “Come, Let Us Walk in the Light” Isaiah 2:1-5 It was a tough Thanksgiving for Sharon and Tim. Family gathered from far and wide. The food was delicious. Laughter sounded around the table. Everyone cheered and jeered in goodhearted rivalry as the Detroit Lions took on the Green Bay Packers. It…
Jesus, Remember Us
Sabbath Day Thoughts — “Jesus, Remember Us” Luke 23:33-43 The world has known many kings. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Roman Emperor was Tiberias Julius Caesar Augustus. Born to an ancient Roman noble family, Tiberias rose to power as a military man. Under his leadership, the Roman armies extended the boundaries of the empire north,…
A Peaceable Kingdom
Sabbath Day Thoughts — “A Peaceable Kingdom” Isaiah 65:17-25 Edward Hicks was a Quaker sign painter born in Pennsylvania in 1780. He is acknowledged as one of America’s greatest folk artists. In 1820, when Edward was forty years old, he painted Isaiah’s vision of “The Peaceable Kingdom.” Against a green landscape and blue skies, a…
Blest Be the Tie — half off!
Are you looking for a Christmas gift for a favorite reader? How about a relevant read for your church’s book group? Do you have a heart for small churches? Wipf and Stock is offering my story collection Blest Be the Tie at half off through November 30. Use the code CONFSHIP when placing your order.…
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Joann White 