In the First Sanctuary, or Holy Place, of the Old Testament Temple there were three pieces of furniture: the Altar of Incense, the Menorah, and the Table of Showbread.
Author Archives: Mike Mason
Easter Breakfast with Jesus: The Primacy of Peter
When the disciples landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. –John 21:9
Betrayal: The Deepest Pain (Part Two)
My last post explored the subject of betrayal, and this time I offer some thoughts on how to deal with this greatest (I believe) of all pains.
Betrayal: The Deepest Pain (Part One)
Here in the middle of Lent, as we journey towards Good Friday, I present a two-part series on the subject of betrayal.
The Fire of Joy: Thomas Merton on Happiness
I became a Christian largely through reading Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk and author of many books. Initially I was attracted to Merton by what a wonderful writer he is, and then to his luminous faith.
Jesus in the Wilderness: The Mount of Temptation
As we enter into the season of Lent, may I remind you of my book Jesus: His Story In Stone, whose one-page devotional chapters on the life of Christ make a good companion for the journey toward Easter. Here’s a sample chapter, about Jesus’ time in the wilderness.
Prevenient Grace: A Visit to Brockville
In my mid-40’s I returned for the first time, after 25 years away, to my hometown of Brockville, Ontario.
My Favorite Christmas Gift: The Power of Memory
On December 25, after watching that classic movie “A Christmas Story,” I sat with my family sharing stories about the best Christmas gifts we’d ever received.
The Three Fools: An Epiphany Story
It’s easy to forget that the wise men did not visit Jesus in the manger as a baby. No, according to the information they gave to King Herod, they must have found the Christ child some two years later living in a house on the outskirts of Bethlehem. This is important.
Romanos the Melodist: A Christmas Eve Poem
Christmas Eve, Constantinople, 505 AD