This Christmas Eve commentary reflects on the familiar narrative of Jesus' birth, emphasizing clarity, courage, and joy in preaching. It explores the translation of "guest room," suggesting a lack of welcome rather than mere unavailability. The shepherds, marginalized figures, are the first to celebrate this transformative event, highlighting God's attention to those overlooked.
Luke 19:1-10 (All Saints & 21st Sunday after Pentecost) – November 2, 2025
The story of Zacchaeus in Luke's Gospel illustrates themes of grace, redemption, and community. A chief tax collector, he transforms from isolation to joy by encountering Jesus. This narrative emphasizes the scandal of Christ’s willingness to engage with the unworthy, highlighting that salvation comes not from merit, but through restoration and reconciliation within the community.
Luke 15:1-10 (14th Sunday after Pentecost) – September 14, 2025
Luke 15, the "lost and found" chapter, presents parables illustrating God's relentless love for the lost and the joy of reconciliation. These parables target both sinners and religious insiders, emphasizing the need for honest confession and repentance. Genuine repentance leads to freedom and restoration, allowing God's grace to transform lives and relationships.
Luke 8:26-39 (2nd Sunday after Pentecost) – June 22, 2025
The passage discusses Jesus' encounter with a demon-possessed man in Gentile territory, illustrating themes of marginalization, liberation, and community restoration. It highlights how addiction, racism, and other societal issues act as modern "demon possessions," distorting identities and isolating individuals. The narrative emphasizes the importance of healing and reconciliation within communities.
John 2:1-11 (2nd Sunday after Epiphany) – January 19, 2025
The author, an alcoholic in recovery, reflects on the challenge of preaching about Jesus turning water into wine, especially in the context of addiction. Emphasizing Mary’s faith, and the servant's actions, the piece illustrates the importance of trusting Jesus in moments of scarcity. It encourages believers to act in faith, allowing God’s transformation to manifest.
After Ten Years (Sobriety Journey)
In reflecting on his ten years of sobriety, Micah contemplates the nature of lost time and the importance of community. Inspired by Dietrich Bonhoeffer's writings, he acknowledges the struggle of addiction, emphasizing that recovery is a collective journey supported by friends and mentors. Ultimately, he expresses gratitude for those who have stood by him.
Confusion can be a Gift from God
What the 12-step program tells us, what our readings today tell us, what the season of Advent reminds us, is that the world is always going to try and speed us up and move us toward rapid action. But when that happens, when things are getting chaotic and confusing, we are reminded time and time again to take it one day at a time.
A Companion Guide to Dry January
But this year, there are more people trying Dry January than ever before and it’s no wonder why. According to a recent survey, there has been a predictable increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic. More people are drinking greater amounts of alcohol. What this pandemic drinking tells us is that it’s not just social events, peer pressure, or societal expectation that inspires drinking. But drinking, even more than before, can take place in isolation.
Always on the Verge of Relapse
I have more supports, more accountability, and more experience than ever before and I am so grateful and so much healthier for it. But I am just as close, if not closer to relapsing.
Addiction in the Time of COVID-19
Because sitting at home in isolation today, I know that I could fall into the temptation of substance bliss all over again. And unfortunately, if I can feel that temptation, I know that there are hundreds (probably thousands) of people that are experiencing that temptation too. And I know that there are hundreds (probably thousands) of young people that may be learning the power of alcohol or other substances during this time of isolation. Getting lost in whatever brief euphoria they can manufacture in attempts to numb the pain and release anger and frustration.
Micah Krey 