Reflections Blog

Advent Christmas Epiphany 21-22, Christmas, 2021 Howard Edwards Advent Christmas Epiphany 21-22, Christmas, 2021 Howard Edwards

The ornaments and images of Christmas

The Martyrdom of Stephen 2021

It might disturb us that brutal stories with images of hate and violence are traditionally told so close upon the heels of the Christmas story. It is shocking that violence so quickly breaks in upon the peaceful worship and contemplation of the Christ child. But we must never forget, the image of the Cross is never far from the cradle in which Christ was laid.

Read More
Advent Christmas Epiphany 21-22, Christmas, 2021 Howard Edwards Advent Christmas Epiphany 21-22, Christmas, 2021 Howard Edwards

Unwrapping the Gift of Christmas

Christmas Day 2021

To get at the crux of Christmas, the Gift of Christmas needs to be unwrapped and disentangled from all the consumerization, commercialization, secularization, and the hoards of other “izations” too numerous to mention that hide the true meaning of Christmas from us, and it needs to be returned to the profound celebration that the angel proclaimed and the star points us toward.

Read More
Advent, Christmas Eve, 2021 Howard Edwards Advent, Christmas Eve, 2021 Howard Edwards

Who is this Child?

The Eve of Christmas 2021

Christmas Day we recount the history of a unique virgin birth, we will hear about the awe of shepherds and the celebration of this birth by angels … we ponder the events of that critical moment more than 2000 years ago, and at the heart of all this we ask the question that lies at the very crux of Christmas, do you know this Child in the manger?

Read More
Advent Christmas Epiphany 21-22, Advent, 2021 Howard Edwards Advent Christmas Epiphany 21-22, Advent, 2021 Howard Edwards

Where is this peace?

Advent 4 2021

As we have moved through Advent, many of us will have heard songs and carols proclaiming “peace on earth” and heard Jesus called the “Prince of peace” - and quite understandably, many of us will ask “Where is this peace?” We live in what is often called a fast paced chaotic world … so where is this peace Christians claim?

Read More