Tuesday Tidings, February 3, 2026

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

This coming Sunday evening is the “Super Bowl.”  Super Bowl Sunday has become something akin to a national holiday.  People spend the day in preparation; there’s shared food, festivities, and family traditions.  Which I think is just great.

Now, as you reach your hand down into the chip bowl this evening, for one more handful of nachos… you might be thinking, why do we call this game the “Super Bowl?” And as a matter of fact, how about “bowl” games in general?  Isn’t that an interesting bit of nomenclature?  So where did the name originate from?

Well, many suggest that the “bowl” designation came from the “Rose Bowl,” where football games of significance were played.  And of course, the “Rose Bowl” was named the “Rose Bowl” because it resembled a giant, well… bowl.  Clever, huh?

Anyway, this little bit of research got me thinking about how we traditionally name things.  Furthermore, I immediately began to think about the implications for the faithful.

For instance, why would we name a “church,” a “church?”  Does it look like a church, does it meet the criteria of a church?  What should a church be all about?  Not a bad question, is it?

And how about this one; someone who is called a Christian, why is it that they are called a Christian?  Do they resemble Christ?  I am most certainly not talking about the oft depicted beard, sandals, and robe.  I am wondering if Jesus’ defining characteristics might be manifest in our lives in such a way that they would be discernible by others.

The most astute Lutheran Christians among us are getting uneasy at the moment… please relax, I fully understand that there’s absolutely nothing that we can “do,” that will make us Christian.  It is indeed in baptism that we are named and claimed as children of God, and made Christian in and through the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.

But I am also increasingly convicted that doesn’t let us off the hook entirely, that we need to be faithfully deliberating about whether what we are up to in the world is really reflective of the Savior in whom we believe.

Now, none of us have to be “Super” Christians, but I pray most fervently that when we are letting are our light shine, it really is bringing glory to our Father in heaven… and our best efforts are offering at least a glimpse of the goodness of that Father’s Son.

Question for reflection: Is there anything else we might take for granted, whose origin story is worth thinking through?

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

God of light and life, compel us to be compassionate, urge us to be generous, and persistently provoke us to provide for the most needy in our midst.  This is the way of Jesus, and this is the way we should be!  In Christ’s name we pray, amen.

*Please note, there will be no Tuesday Tidings on February 10th, regularly scheduled mailing will resume on the 17th.