Presby-Musings

During my recent trip to the Holy Land, I had the opportunity to officiate at a service of Holy Communion with our group of pilgrims at the Garden Tomb.   There is some debate as to whether the Garden Tomb complex just outside the Old City in Jerusalem is the actual site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus.  I have to admit, each time I hear the arguments for the Garden Tomb as the actual site, I am swayed a bit.   Having the opportunity to officiate at a Communion service in the Holy Land is always an honor, but this year was very special.  As I stood before our group, I felt the presence of Christ so deeply it moved me to tears.   The reading I chose for the services was from Luke chapter 24--the story of the two disciples who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus.   These two followers of Jesus were heading out of Jerusalem, presumably to ensure that they weren't caught up in any further arrests.  Jesus meets them on the road, but they don't...

Later this month, my wife Merideth and I will be leading a group of over 35 people from several different churches on what will be our third trip to the Holy Land as a couple.  Honestly, I can’t wait to return to Israel .  It is a special place to me personally—a feeling I am sure that anyone who has been there shares with me. While we are on tour in Jerusalem , we will visit a first century tomb on a site that has come to be known as “The Garden Tomb .” Whether it is the actual site of the tomb of Christ, as opposed to the traditional site under the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is a matter of some debate. But what I do know for sure is that the tomb we’ll visit at the Garden Tomb site is empty.  So is the tomb under the Church of the Holy Sepulcher—it’s empty as can be.  And, for that matter, so is any other tomb that might be uncovered and thought to be the real tomb of Jesus . Because Jesus is risen, my brothers and sisters.  He is risen indeed. ...

This Sunday is Easter. I have been waiting for it for a while.  I need me some Easter.  I need the dawn to break and to know that the sun is coming up and that the night is about to be over.  I need to feel resurrected. Maybe you've been feeling that way, too. When you go to church this Sunday, if you're the church-going type, you'll undoubtedly hear the story of Jesus' resurrection read at some point.  You will at my church...at both services. A friend of mine asked what I was preaching on this Sunday.  He was being funny.  I thought about being funny back and saying something like, "Actually, I am going to be preaching on Giving this Easter.  I figure since I've got a full house, why waste it?" So when you hear the story of the Resurrection read from one of the Gospel accounts on Easter Sunday morning, what do you think?  Most people who find themselves sitting in a church pew on Easter morn typically know at least a little about the...