If Christ's approach to all the unlovely and unlovable people is just to love them more -- love them out of it -- what allows me to take any different approach?

Life in the church should logically be a foretaste of life in heaven, right? So much for logic.

"Are you only a stranger in Jerusalem?" - Cleopas to Jesus, Luke 24:18

"He is not here, but is risen." - Luke 24:6

The manger in a stable led directly to the tomb in a rock. Then death began working backwards.

"Remember ye not the former things." - Isaiah 43:18

No wonder Christmas is a stressful time.  Mary's child is the serpent's worst nightmare.

"Examine me, O Lord." - Psalm 26:2

"From you, little Bethlehem,  shall He come forth that is to be ruler in Israel." - Micah 5:2

There is no worse malnutrition than to starve ourselves of the honey-sweet Bible.

I pledge allegiance to... who, what, how, and why?

"I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness." - Psalm 17:15

How it must grieve the Lord when we doze at our sentry post.

"We have found the Messiah." - Andrew to Peter, John 1:41

How would I use this day if it were my last?

"Behold, Satan hath desired to have you." - Jesus to Peter, Luke 22:31

At the very meal where Jesus' selfless teaching, example, and sacrifice are nearing their climax, his eleven closest friends break into a selfish quarrel. Incredible.

"Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda hath prevailed to open the book." - Revelation 5:5

Black Friday? I hope not for you and me! Wishing merchants the best, may this be a bright and shining day for the rest of  ud-- a day when the attitude of gratitude stays with us long after the turkey is gone.

"Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?" - Luke 17:17