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The Bible

We took a look through our Bibles. Among our observations: --It is a "book of books," one of our class members said. --66 books in all, containing the stories of God and God's people. --The catalogue is separated into two sections or testaments. --The Hebrew Scriptures, comprising 39 of the books, are often referred to as 'The Old Testament." --The Christian Scriptures, comprising 27 books, are often referred to as "The New Testament." --Much of the Bible was first shared orally: the stories and teachings were told and learned and passed from generation to generation. --The Bible is a story book, with rich narratives and an overarching story. --Although Genesis is the first book in our Bibles, it was not the first one in written form (the Book of Amos was). --Exodus is a freedom story. --The Psalms (150 in all) are hymns, poems, and liturgies used in worship. --The Prophets are people sent by God to u at different times to speak Go...
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Artistic Renderings of The Annunciation

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Last week we revisited the two Gospel stories, in Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-25, where the angel of God comes to speak to Mary and Joseph about God's plan.  In Mary's case, the angel reveals that young Mary will be the bearer of God's new life for the world, carrying and giving birth to the Son of God.  In Joseph's case, the angel intervenes when Joseph is temtped to quietly abandon Mary and the unborn child.  Joseph is en-couraged, and the two humble (and initially overwhelmed) people dedicate their lives in a remarkable faithfulness that can encourage us and stimulate our imaginations. The renderings of the angel and Mary are from Collier, DaVinci, Nesterov, and Caravaggio. The one of the angel and Jospeh is unattributed.  Are there any of them that really engage your attention?  
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Seasons of the Church Year

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In response to a fine question, we explored the different seasons of the Church Year. It was observed that there are different liturgical colors for each season, and that the color of the   paraments  on the altar, pulpit, and lectern change according to the season. Unlike a calendar year, the Church Year begins in late November or early December,with the season of Advent : The name Advent  means "coming."  This season comprises the four Sundays before Christmas. We prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus' coming into the world and to receive him anew into our own lives (as Tony Campolo might say, to welcome his "invasion" of our hearts and souls). The seasons that follow are: Christmas : This season begins Christmas Eve and lasts through the "twelve days of Christmas," including one or two Sundays following Christmas Day.   We joyfully celebrate the birth of our Lord,  the "Word becoming human" and dwelling among us.  The lit...
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