The eighth and final installment of the Harry Potter film franchise, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II, has broken box-office records. While the theme of self-giving, self-sacrificial love is at play throughout the Potter books and movies, it is especially apparent toward the end of the final episode. This sort of love is at the very heart of our Christian faith. LinC reminds us how Christ sacrificed himself on our behalf and calls us to give of ourselves for God and others. Key Scriptures: Song of Songs 8:6-7; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:1-11; 1 John 4:7-12. The President and members of both houses of Congress spent the last several weeks negotiating a plan to address the nation’s debt. While they were busy debating the debt ceiling, the NFL and its Players’ Association reached a new collective bargaining agreement, saving the 2011 football season. Such negotiations and deliberations often occur in government and business, but the church also has a rich history of councils and conferencing, one that goes back to Scripture. Next week LinC looks at how God is at work in our debates, discussions, and even disagreements.
