"If you indeed cry out for insight, and raise your voice for understanding; if you seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures -- then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."    (Proverbs 2:3-5)

On July 21, the seventh and final Harry Potter book was released. There has been much hoopla surrounding this publication -- parties, midnight lines at bookstores, conjecture as to how the series will end. Some Christian groups have boycotted the entire series stating that all the witchcraft, wizardry and magic is anti-Christian.

In our household, my children and I have eagerly awaited and read each book that has come out. From the time my children could read, they have loved this series. We have read the books together and listened as one or another of us has read out loud. We have discussed the books and their meanings and in our discussions have talked about good vs. evil, friendships, family, etc. We have even had some pretty profound theological conversations as a result of reading these books.

But it is not just the Harry Potter series of books that has shown us something of God, we search for deeper meanings in many of the books we read. Sometimes we are surprised by the places where God is revealed or when a new understanding of Christianity emerges for us.

Have you read a book lately that has surprised you by its theological insights? Has God been revealed to you through a character you never expected? Are there "secular" books you would recommend to others to learn something new about our Christian life?

Thank you, Gracious God, for revealing yourself to us in many and various ways. Thank you for the gift of stories through which we meet you and learn more about the ways we can live together in you. Keep us curious and excited to learn more and more about your love for us in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Contributed by Tracie
Sunday July 29, 2007
Liturgical Year C Week 35