Last Day in Oxford

My last day in Oxford began with a visit to the Lewis brothers' grave in the churchyard of Holy Trinity, Headington Quarry.

Upon arrival in central Oxford, I spent the morning in the Ashmolean museum.

While inside the Ashmolean I discovered that one can spy the location of "The Studio" where Sheldon and Jean Vanauken lived during part of their time in Oxford. The white building in the photo above stands on the spot where The Studio once stood, or as some called it "St. Udio's".

Following the aesthetic nourishment at the Ashmolean I stopped in at St. Mary Magdalen Church for some spiritual nourishment in the form of mid-day Eucharist.

A trip to Oxford is never complete without a visit to Blackwell's Bookshop where I picked up a little something.

From Blackwell's I strolled up Holywell, which to my mind has a "Rainbow Row" that rivals that of Charleston, South Carolina.

The highlight of my day was an hour spent with theologian and prolific author, Alister McGrath, discussing his forthcoming biography of C. S. Lewis. In fact, we chatted in a room at Harris Manchester College where Lewis once gave a lecture in 1924.

I finished out my time in Oxford by having the privilege of hanging out with some fine students from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California, who are studying at Oxford for a semester. We had some great "craic" (as the Irish say) at the Perch in Binsey, a favorite haunt of Sheldon and Jean Vanauken. Thanks for a fun evening Austin, Nick, Kate and Jess.....

Tomorrow, it's on to Watford for a book signing at The Storehouse.

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C. S. Lewis on Homosexuality

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A Prayer at Ground Zero

Does the Bible mention treating animals with kindness?

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Christmas Day Thought from Henri Nouwen

" I keep thinking about the Christmas scene that Anthony arranged under the altar. This probably is the most meaningful "crib" I have ever seen. Three small woodcarved figures made in India: a poor woman, a poor man, and a small child between them. The carving is simple, nearly primitive. No eyes, no ears, no mouths, just the contours of the faces. The figures are smaller than a human hand - nearly too small to attract attention at all. "But then - a beam of light shines on the three figures and projects large shadows on the wall of the sanctuary. That says it all. The light thrown on the smallness of Mary, Joseph, and the Child projects them as large, hopeful shadows against the walls of our life and our world. "While looking at the intimate scene we already see the first outlines of the majesty and glory they represent. While witnessing the most human of human events, I see the majesty of God appearing on the horizon of my existence. While...

Glenmerle

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Will Vaus

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