Christmas

<sup>Praise be to Jesus Christ,

6</sup> who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

(Phil 2:6-11)

Christ and Culture

Over the issue of Christians, the Church and Culture, I lean heavily in a "Two-Kingdoms" perspective. This is an area of dialogue and debate in the Reformed World. Two articles have come out from two PCA pastors on different sides of the question. Tim Keller arguing for a more Transformationalist view and Horton for the Two Kingdom view. These are not formal or deep defenses but are an interesting introduction to the topic. I believe Horton has the better position, but read for yourself and enjoy:

Tim Keller: "Coming Together on Culture"

Michael Horton: "Christ and Culture Once More"

Joy and Sorrow

Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” (Luke 18:15-17)

My focus lately has been so much on our coming baby, but I'm reminded of the wisdom of Solomon: "It is better to go to a funeral than a feast. For death is the destiny of every person, and the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, because sober reflection is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of merrymaking." (Ecc 7:2-4)

My thoughts today are with a man I greatly admire and appreciate, my mentoring pastor, whose daughter would have been four today. He penned a sublime entry after his daughter went home.