The king liked the plan, as did the other men, and he did just what Memucan said. He sent written orders to all the king’s provinces. Each province received it written in its own alphabet and each people received it in its own language. It said that each husband should rule over his own house.

^{Esther 1:21-22}

There are many heroes and heroines of the Old Testament who act to save others, just as Jesus would do in his life. We saw one such heroine in Ruth, during Advent. As we move soon into the Epiphany season, the special woman that will be with us on Tuesdays, is Esther. Like Jesus, Esther will risk her life for her people.

Make a comparison with the simple, poor way of Jesus’ birth with the big show that King Ahasuerus and Queen Vashti put on. Take this first chapter and see its vanity and pride set against the simplicity of Jesus. Go to the humble manger in your mind and heart and continue to spend time there with the shepherds, Mary and Joseph.
Happy New Year!

Esther 1

Here is a sample of a seven-syllable breath-prayer
from today’s reading:
Slow to anger, breathing peace v. 12
For more information about this creative way to pray, see Bible Breaths.

This is Christmas Week
Winter in the north.  Year C
Tuesdays are dedicated in this season to the Book of Esther

Seasons of Grace – A Calendar for 2019

Solar and Sacred Seasons
Some adjustments to make the church year simpler.

These Firestarters are from a new edition of The Bible Through the Seasons being developed for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand Firestarters with you on your phone or tablet.  More information…