We often forget how awfully terrible the birth of Jesus was. When we look at our nativity scenes, with cheerful people adoringly staring at a smiling happy baby in a manger, we forget the mess: The mess of politics that drove the young couple from their home nearly 100 miles away to an overcrowded townContinue reading “The Messiness of Christmas”
Category Archives: Musings
He came here. For you.
Relax. It’s Just Dinner.
Today’s one of those holidays that comes with a lot of pressure. The pressure of perfection, felt in everything from food to family, and I want to encourage you to look at this day and let all that it has the potential to be and then forget about it. Relax. It’s just a meal. WhetherContinue reading “Relax. It’s Just Dinner.”
Forget Thanksgiving.
The holiday tomorrow is a weird one. Ostensibly, Thanksgiving Day is set aside for our nation to give thanks to God for His unexpected and undeserved blessings (inspired by President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation in 1863 and set as law by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941). It’s now a day where we eat, watch a paradeContinue reading “Forget Thanksgiving.”
Don’t Forget the Wonder
There’s an important story in the life of Christ that might be good for us to take a look at before we jump into the busy holiday season that really kicks off for most of us this week. As we get ready for the familiar feelings of baking, being with friends and family, decorating forContinue reading “Don’t Forget the Wonder”
Paul’s Incredible Juxtaposition
I love the book of Acts. It’s an adventure story, full of leadership lessons, a lot of interpersonal drama. After countless incredible miracles and moments, churches being planted, and the Good News spreading from Jerusalem to the capital of the Roman Empire, the unlikely hero, the apostle Paul, nears the end of his life. While […]
Disney’s “Zootopia” is a Powerful Fable About What it Means to Be Human
The first thing you need to know about Disney’s Zootopia: it’s funny. It’s also clever, very witty, beautifully animated, and has a lot to say about life. In short, it’s more than just a cute idea–it’s a crime film, a comedy, and ultimately, a surprisingly deep study of what it means to be, well, human. “In Zootopia,Continue reading “Disney’s “Zootopia” is a Powerful Fable About What it Means to Be Human”
Too Much of a Good Thing
As a parent, I frequently think about what my kids pay attention to. I can tell when they begin to spend too much time thinking about things that distract them from what’s important. When they think too much about a video game, I limit their game time. When they get obsessive over an artist orContinue reading “Too Much of a Good Thing”
I Really Don’t Care How You Feel About Red Cups
In 1997, Starbucks introduced a special new cup to hold its beverages during the holiday season. “The theme for holiday was “Give in to the Rhythm,” and the red festive cups punctuated the jewel-toned palate of deep reds, greens, blues and yellows and a jazzy Santa with a profile that evoked the Starbucks siren,” accordingContinue reading “I Really Don’t Care How You Feel About Red Cups”
ABC’s “The Muppets” is More Like the Original than You May Remember
Last week, ABC premiered a new show which was the highest-rated new comedy of the year. Called The Muppets, it was a brand-new take on the classic characters created in the 1970’s by Jim Henson, who got his start in creating puppet-based sketches for adult television, broke into children’s entertainment with Sesame Street and went on to createContinue reading “ABC’s “The Muppets” is More Like the Original than You May Remember”
Duane S. Montague 