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Epiphany: The Season of Glory
Epiphany: The Season of Glory
by Fleming Rutledge
If you didn’t know anything about Fleming Rutledge before you began her tome on Epiphany, you would certainly quickly ascertain for yourself that she is a theological scholar. One of the first women to be ordained by the Episcopal church, she has spent her life studying the Bible and serving as a priest. As an author she has written many books and is known as an expert on the works of Tolkien. There is no fluff to be found in Epiphany: The Season of Glory.
Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 as the day the Magi brought their gifts to the Christ child, manifesting the glory of God and acknowledging the inclusion of Gentiles in the worship of Jesus. The day in many churches is extended into a season which celebrates other events in which the glory of God is preeminent: the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, the miracle of wine at Cana, and the transfiguration on the mountain top.
This book explains why we celebrate the day and season of Epiphany. It is a deep study which answers many questions for the reader and may well initiate many new questions. It is a work that requires time, careful reading, and thought. As other theological books, there are footnotes at the end. Many are reference sources for ideas and quotes in the book. Rutledge’s footnotes, however, include expansions on the various topics within and enlarge the experience for the reader. They are as interesting and thought provoking as the main body of the book.
Epiphany: The Season of Glory is part of the Fullness of Time Series which seeks to explain the liturgical calendar of many churches such as Anglican, Episcopal, and Lutheran. Many other churches are also finding renewal through experiencing the traditional seasons. As the editor of the series states “We want readers to understand how the church is forming them in the likeness of Christ through the church calendar.” The six books in the series are by different authors and can be read as standalones. This book is more intellectually challenging than the other books in the series, but they are all worthy reads.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Nonfiction, Christian, Religion
Notes: standalone, but part of the Fullness of Time Series
Publication: 2023—InterVarsity Press
Memorable Lines:
There will always be those who do not recognize him, but they will nevertheless be in his sight and have a part in his eternal plan (see Romans 11). The church, however, in its observance of Epiphany, is to take care of its calling, to point to Christ’s glory, and let his glory take care of itself.
Telling stories about Jesus, what he said and what he did, is an essential part of spreading the gospel. But without the doxa, the glory of the only Son from the Father, it is an incomplete gospel.
The season teaches us to value the entire fellowship of believers, because Jesus calls persons to himself without regard to their station, reputation, accreditation, or accomplishments—and we see how we can begin to be transformed by the action of his Hoy Spirit working through the unearned and undeserved gifts that he bestows.
You Are Never Alone: Trust in the Miracle of God’s Presence and Power
You Are Never Alone: Trust in the Miracle of God’s Presence and Power
by Max Lucado
The focus is on Jesus. The focus is always on Jesus in Max Lucado’s writing—on how much God loves YOU, enough to send His Son Jesus to cover your sins with His shed blood. The God of the universe loves you and wants to have a relationship with you. That is the message of You Are Never Alone.
Max Lucado’s style of writing is so appealing; it’s like sitting down with an old friend who loves you and has great anecdotes and wisdom to share. He has a way with words. Even his acknowledgements section, often the boring part of a book, is a masterpiece of prose. Lucado can paint word pictures that make you feel you are right there in that hospital waiting room with a hurting mom or having a fish breakfast on the beach with Jesus, risen from the dead, and Peter who denied him. The writing can grip your heart as you see yourself as Jesus does, make you smile as you respond to the humor in a situation, and bring you to your knees as you realize the enormity of God’s love for you.
You Are Never Alone weaves anecdotes Lucado has collected along the way with Scriptural lessons from the book of John in the New Testament. He writes in everyday language with inspiration that will keep you turning pages. Look for theological soundness that never seems pompous and scenarios that depict life as we know it in vivid language we understand. There is a lot of tongue-in-cheek that you are not meant to take literally but which elucidate the heart meaning of the passages. He jumps from Jesus cooking “fish tacos” for His disciples to earlier references of art restoration as Jesus wipes away “layers of guilt and shame” in Peter’s heart with a “cotton swab of grace.” Lucado makes these complex connections seamlessly, and the reader emerges with a new understanding of the old story of God’s redemption of man.
This inspirational book can be devoured as a whole, read chapter by chapter over several days, or studied in depth using the “Questions for Reflection” prepared by Andrea Lucado. This section occupies one quarter of the text and takes the reader through thought provoking questions that encourage you to invest yourself, including your imagination and feelings, in the study which never strays from the Scripture. This book is an examination of the themes and miracles found in the Gospel of John. It is inspirational, humorous, and insightful. You Are Never Alone is yet another of Max Lucado’s books that will encourage you to trust in God during life’s storms.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Christian
Publication: September 15, 2020—Thomas Nelson
Memorable Lines:
If you see your troubles as nothing more than isolated hassles and hurts, you’ll grow bitter. But if you see your troubles as opportunities to trust God and his ability to multiply what you give him then even the smallest incidents take on significance.
John did the math: the stone rolled away, the now-tenantless tomb, the linens in their original state. Only one explanation made sense. Jesus himself did this! He passed through the burial wrap as if it were a sunrise mist.
Call me simple, but I think God is a good Father. I think he knows something about life. And I think he invites us to take the step, to take the plunge, to jump—not into a pool but into a relationship with him that is vibrant, joyous, and, yes, fun!
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