Before us this week are the books of James, I and II Peter, and I John. That means we have just four books out of 66 left to read in our journey through the Bible!

Professor Craig Koester at Luther Seminary in St. Paul says of the book of James: "This book is in the Bible in order to keep Lutherans honest!" With that in mind, read the book, and you will understand quickly what he means. James is all about faith in action, and faith and works. It is difficult to read this book alongside passages like Ephesians 2:8-9. We are left to struggle with the place of good works. Which one is it: we are saved by grace through faith and not by works, or, faith by itself is dead? or, can both be equally true? I think so.

The opening verses of I Peter make it clear that this is a letter. We know who it is to, the exiles in dispersion. The word "exile" is an interesting choice in this context. An exile is one who has been barred from one's own country. This letter is addressed to people who have not been forced to leave their homes or their country. Clearly, this is about another kind of exile; the exile of not belonging, or not fitting in.

We also know who it is from, Peter the Apostle. We know Peter quite well: he is the brother of Andrew, a fisherman, a disciple of Jesus, an amazing preacher (remember Acts 2), healer of his Mother-in-law, eyewitness, and the church is built on him.

Finally, to understand I, II, and III John, it is helpful to have a working understanding of Gnosticism. Gnosticism is built on the belief that salvation could be gained by secret knowledge. The name comes from the Greek word gnosis, meaning "to know." Gnosticism was popular in the second century and nearly divided the church. These writings are arguments against that kind of thinking.

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We began our journey appropriately in the season of Christmas on Jan. 1, the eighth day. And, we will conclude our reading also in the season of Christmas on Dec. 31, the seventh day. And in between the two, we have had 363 days to reflect on the Incarnation of God; the Word become Flesh, Immanuel, God with us! What great joy the Word brings.