Snow has fallen this past week throughout Minnesota and more will be falling tonight and tomorrow and the next day In Minnesota we are not dashing through the snow - this is appropriate for one horse open sleighs but not most cars We are however dashing through Advent or at least I am One

Behold the days are coming says the Lord when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David as king he will reign and govern wisely he shall do what is just and right in the land In his days we shall be saved we shall dwell in security This is the name they give him the Lord Jesus our savior

Jesus was on the cross three hours this thought makes us realize that Mark has chosen to tell his readers only a few moments of that terrible time the taunts against him by passers-by who recall his statement about destroying the Temple and by the chief priests and scribes who call for a s

Shout for joy Sing joyfully Be glad and exult with all your heart On that day it shall be said Fear not be not discouraged The Lord your God is in your midst A mighty savior He will sing joyfully because of you And renew you in His love Zephaniah 3 14-18

O God only you are the one I reverence and adore I have no other God For you my soul is thirsting My body pines for you like a dry weary land without water I look to see your face for your love for me is better than life My soul clings to you Your hands surely hold me fast

Purple was the color of the wealthy and of the highest nobility and royalty This purple garment put on Jesus together with the crown woven for the occasion from thorn branches witness to the fact that Rome has accepted kingship as the crime Jesus has made a crime worthy of death As one