​This fall, my prayer for all of us is that this “Back To School” theme feed our own longing for God’s Word and our Lord's blessed re-appearing therein promised!
                                                - Pastor Mike
BACK TO SCHOOL...
You want your “laurel berries,” don’t you? Wait - what exactly are laurel berries, and what do they have to do with education? Welcome back! School is now in session… Laurel (or bay) berries are from the bay tree common in Europe, especially Greece (from L. baca, for berry; also similar to the Spanish, baya. Think bay-ree). So, laurel berries, along with the corresponding bay leaves with which they grow, are what we see woven into the wreathes adorning all those Greek statues. Laurel wreathes are worn by ancient scholars and other champions of significant achievement. In modern times, this educational achievement includes baccalaureates (literally, “laurel berries”). But on the heads of today’s graduating scholars, we replace berries with tassels (they don’t decompose). So, if you want your laurel berries (ie, your bachelor’s degree), you best mind your schoolwork! Biblical writers, as well, allude to this ancient symbol of recognition & reward (e.g., Js 1:12, Rev 2:10). St. Paul to his protogé writes, “Now there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” (2 Tim 4:8). In the end, that’s the heart’s desire of every Christian - to receive the Lord’s gracious reward. Adds Paul, this crown goes “not only to me, but also to all who long for His appearing.” 

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