The Snakes of Advent?

Snakes are not something I normally associate with Advent but maybe I should rethink that. Two of the most common Biblical texts read during the season of Advent mention snakes. First, there is Isaiah 11:8–9: “The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on…

St. Michael Defeats Satan

Several things struck me about this portrait of St. Michael the archangel defeating the devil that I recently discovered. First, his sword. It is more like a lightsaber than a sword. Although the handle looks like a regular sword handle the blade looks like it is made of fire. This goes along with what Paul…

Different Aspects of the Power of God’s Word

Genesis 3:1-21, Romans 5:12-19 and Matthew 4:1-11 are the appointed Scripture readings for the First Sunday in Lent this year. These readings show the power of God’s Word but in different ways. Genesis 3:1-21 is the story of Adam and Eve’s fall into sin. This fascinating story shows the power of God’s Word in a…