Barbara Bowyer writes: This past Sunday, the Adult Forum continued its Advent study under the guidance of Pastor Travis. Our reading for the day was Genesis 32: 22-32, where Jacob wrestles all night with God. Unlike the WWE, however, this was not entertainment-based performance theater, featuring storyline-driven, scripted and partially choreographed matches. The struggle was real; I imagine God then Jacob seemingly having the upper hand in the contest only to have the other to find a second wind to continue the struggle. Neither side has a clear advantage and so the wrestling continues throughout the night. After he prevails in his fight and receives his desired blessing, Jacob is injured at the hip, an injury he will carry with him the rest of his life. The sun rises, and he's given a new name — Israel — which means 'he who wrestles with God.' The new name reflects his struggle, and the destiny of an entire people. As I considered the passage, I was struck by the lengt...

And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind.”  (Genesis 9:12-15) Photo taken from our front yard yesterday afternoon after a day of heavy rain (Tim Woodcock)