Joseph, a dream, and Jesus—again we find meaning in relating this story to the saga of the patriarch, Joseph, read on Saturdays.

Today’s reading is the sequel to the account of the Magi and Herod proclaimed next week on Epiphany Sunday. We read of the aftermath of Herod’s rage in the terrible massacre of the Holy Innocents and the safe refuge of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Egypt. From the very beginning, Jesus is one with his people, at first protected in Egypt, then delivered from the slavery that would develop.

Follow the journey of the Holy Family to and from Egypt; join them as they settle in Nazareth for the long, quiet years of the presence of God in Jesus. He becomes ready for the saving ministry that will unfold.

As you quietly live each day, God continues to prepare you for your unique ministry that is unfolding.

Matthew 2:13–23

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: With the Holy Family v. 14

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year A, we generally read from the Gospel of St. Matthew.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

 Joseph is a supreme example of what God can do to a heart disposed to serve even one’s enemies. He was free of rancor and of being a victim, either of his brothers’ betrayal, or of Egyptian injustice. He slept each night in peace, and so God was able to use his dreams as a way of freeing him to find favor with Pharaoh.

Will you allow yourself to be the answer to Pharaoh’s question in the verse for today? If the Patriarch Joseph has the Spirit of God, how much more do you who have received the promise, the regeneration, and renewal of the Holy Spirit! Once again, open your heart. Renounce resentment and hostility to any who have declared themselves to be your enemies. For you, there need be no enemies of your naming, for God is with you in Jesus.

Genesis 41:1–52
This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion,
Mikketz (At the End) 
The entire portion is
Genesis 41:1—44:17

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: In me, the Spirit of God v. 38

The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information

Movement and stillness are carefully contrasted in the Christmas Story. First, there is the tedious moving of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a journey by donkey of some seventy miles. Accompany them. Take the reigns of the donkey so that Joseph can tend to Mary without distraction. Kneel with them in the stillness and awesomeness of the birth. Drink in all the power of that silent night.

Energy shifts to the angels announcing and singing before the shepherds. By faith your spirit mounts with theirs. From the stillness of a winter’s night-watch over their sheep, they run in haste to the manger. Their outof-breath-ness slows to an immense peace, and then energy again as they become the first missionaries of the new presence.

Where does all this leave you? Take your cue from Mary who “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

Luke 2:1–20

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Examples: The donkey to Bethlehem v. 4 Laying Him in a manger v. 7
Hosanna in excelsis v. 14 Mary ponders in her heart. v. 19

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Luke 1 2; Matthew 1 7.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.