Author Archives: joyocala

As the calendar turns and a new year begins, many of us feel a renewed sense of hope and possibility. New Year’s resolutions often focus on health, finances and personal goals which are all good places to start, but how … Continue reading →

Or is it? We do not know how long the wait will be until the Son returns to earth for the Final Judgement. We have waited through Advent, and the Christ Child has been born. Soon, he will receive a visit from the three Wise Men with special gifts of gold, frankincense and … Continue reading →

It occasionally bugs people that the Lutheran Church observes January 1 as the Festival of the Name of Jesus rather than New Years Day. It’s the way this kind of thing works. The church largely ignores the civil calendar and … Continue reading →

I think I was in the 4 year old class at Sunday School when we had to memorize the Lord’s Prayer. Most folks say it every Sunday so it is familiar and albeit comforting and comfortable for us. In confirmand … Continue reading →

The daily drowning of ourselves reminds us of the new life that comes through the waters of Holy Baptism. We get to be partakers in the sacred mystery that is dying, being buried, then resurrected. Sent forth to be servants … Continue reading →

Before the lights stop sparkling, while the carols still ring in our hearts, I’d like to share with you the beautiful hymn, Love Came Down at Christmas.  Words to this lovely poem were written by Christina Rosetti in 1885.  The … Continue reading →

My husband is a “never give up” on the team kinda’ guy.  He loves baseball and always watches his favorite Mets’ games. Sometimes they are amazing, but sadly, for years, they have not made it to the playoffs.  Baseball is … Continue reading →

Another year is over in a few days. This year has gone by faster than any other I have experienced in my life. I wonder if each year will go by faster than the year before? As you begin 2026, … Continue reading →

This is the way the church calendar works. Instead of telling us all about the birth of Jesus, letting us in on the laughter and love that surrounded that little manager in Bethlehem, we are brought to the story of Saint … Continue reading →

AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the … Continue reading →