Separation of church and state benefits both the church and the state. When religion is connected with power it almost always leads to oppression. And when political ideals become intertwined with religion, God is reduced to an idea that serves the idol of political gain.

On the Sabbath we celebrate the shalom we have in the kingdom of God. How do we rest in a world of unrest? Because we rest in the hope of Christ’s coming to set it right.

That doesn’t dismiss our part in bringing shalom, but we will not find peace in our own lives unless we rest from life’s chaos.

Jerusalem’s temple in Jesus’s day had become a symbol of both the deliverance of God and religious corruption.

Could we say similar things about the cross?

“Hallowed be your name” is a plea for the restoration of God’s reputation in the world as holy. This is something we long for during Advent.

This is an Advent poem I wrote a couple years ago, inspired by some works of C.S. Lewis. Wanted to share at the beginning of this Advent season.

Since it’s the first Sunday of Advent, I figure I’d share my Liturgy on Peace.