Category Archives: Advent

The Telescoping Reality of Christmas

Posted on December 27, 2025 by salooper57

An hour or two ago, I left the hospital after reading the Christmas story to a man and his wife and praying with them. The man has been in the hospital for 18 days. Each time that it looks like he will be able to leave, something happens to extend his stay. Yesterday or the day before, he developed a pulmonary embolism Continue reading →

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Bedlam to Bethlehem

Posted on December 25, 2025 by salooper57

I started by speaking of “thin places,” where heaven and earth meet, but the barrier between heaven and earth is not permeable in a place; it is permeable in a person: Jesus. It is in a manger that heaven and earth meet and kiss. And it is at a cross that the gate of heaven opens. Continue reading →

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You Better Find Somebody to Love (4th Sunday of Advent)

Posted on December 21, 2025 by salooper57

You may say, “But I do know God. He takes care of me. He provides for my needs.” But because he cares for you does not mean that you know him in any way more meaningful than the golden retriever knows the owner who feeds him. Continue reading →

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The Christmas Day Invasion

Posted on December 20, 2025 by salooper57

But there has never been an infiltration so complete as the one performed in “Operation Bethlehem.” For this was an infiltration of our race, our biological make-up even, by one whose secret entrance into our world came through the Virgin’s womb. Continue reading →

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Joy: It’s Not Optional

Posted on December 17, 2025 by salooper57

And he will say: “Child, I know all, and we will talk about those things. But first, you must tell me why you were not more joyful. Do you have any explanation for that? Because, if you had just been more joyful, the grudge, the divorce, the cheating never would have happened.” Continue reading →

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The Coming Invasion

Posted on December 13, 2025 by salooper57

When humans stopped acknowledging God’s ownership of the planet, they became squatters. When they refused to submit to his rule, they became rebels. At some point … God will take back what is rightfully his. Continue reading →

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Peace: What It Is, How to Experience It

Posted on December 10, 2025 by salooper57

Ms. Fader said, “If you’re a human being … and you’re not anxious, there’s something wrong with you.” Or just maybe, there is something right with you. Maybe what’s right, or what’s coming right, are your relationships. Continue reading →

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Hebrews 10:5-10 (Fourth Sunday in Advent)

Posted on January 3, 2025 by salooper57

But the Son of God did not undergo incarnation – bilaminar disc formation, cell mass differentiation, organogenesis, and nine month’s internment in a womb – to make people religious. Continue reading →

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The Visited Planet

Posted on December 21, 2024 by salooper57

If we were to make a list of the things from which we need to be saved, sin would probably not be at the top. If it made the list at all, it would come somewhere after hair loss and high cholesterol. Continue reading →

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Mary Knew Who (No, it’s not a Dr. Seuss Story)

Posted on December 19, 2024 by salooper57

But when you don’t know Who, Why can ground you into dust. Why, God, did you allow this to happen to me? Why did you let my wife suffer this illness? Why let the business I work for close down? Why make me the way you did? Why? Why? Why? Continue reading →

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