What’s in a name? Identity and even destiny—in just about any culture but ours. Certainly in biblical times naming held the authority of creation in it: “God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” From this understanding we get Adam, whose name means created from earth, and Eve, mother of all the living.

Who are the future leaders in your community? Invite those younger than 20 to stand in your assembly. These children and teenagers are the hope of the future. They may not seem like leaders at the moment, with roving eyes, poor posture, questionable taste in fashion, and a universal reluctance to be scrutinized by grown-ups.

In this country we gave up celebrating kings right around the time of the Boston Tea Party. Our national story was framed against the notion that kings are better than anybody else.

"Beloved, we are God's children now." That is such a beautiful idea I can't help repeating it from John's letter. To be a child is to inherit the attributes of the parent.

What makes Christians different from other holiday shoppers during the month of December? That’s not a trick question. What makes believers different from party planners, pageant organizers, or mere Santa fans?

Some of us don’t do well with imperatives. But at times we all benefit from clearly defined do's and don’ts we can follow to avoid disaster or achieve success.

Advent is the season of hope. But what power does hope have in this world? It seems such a frail thing, a mere disposition.

Some surprises may be sweet, and wrapped boxes may hold hidden treasures awaiting discovery. But too many times we've had the opposite experience.

Power is a tricky business. Many will try to win it, buy it, or obtain it by whatever means necessary. Yet power remains elusive even to those who seek and desire it.

The truth is, we're sinners, locked into mortal limits where actions invariably meet and embrace consequences.