Another Poetry Link
Today’s Advent poem is by Lucy Shaw. Enjoy.
Bad Nativity Scene Round-Up
Just for fun, he’s a re-run of a humor column I wrote for RevGalBlogPals back in 2013. Christmas decorations are heavy on Santa and reindeer and snowmen and bells and glittery doodads of various kinds. But within the Christian tradition we also make space for nativity sets: scenes representing the biblical story of Christ’s humble…
John the Baptist
Luke 3:3-6 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley…
Holden Evening Prayer
Holden Evening Prayer, a contemplative, mostly sung, worship service written by Marty Haugen, has become an Advent tradition at Peace Mennonite. For those not able to join with Peace (or another congregation) for this worship, consider setting aside about twenty minutes to listen to (and sing with) this version on YouTube. Here is a link…
Beautiful Music
For your Advent inspiration today, a Christmas song from two of my favorite musicians:
Zechariah’s Advent Silence
Luke 1: 5-25 Advent is a time of expectation. It is a season of watching for the ways that God will be present with us. It is a period of waiting for God to transform us and our world. But, no one told Zechariah that he was supposed to kick off the Advent story. All…
Advent Inspirations
Happy New Year, everyone! (Or maybe I should say “Happy Liturgical New Year!”) This Advent season I plan to share some inspirations with you–things I have written and pieces from other people. Look for a little something new on the blog most days–an attempt to help keep us centered on Christ in the midst of…
A Reflection on Hope
In February of 2013, when my dad went into the hospital, I was overwhelmed by the intense, unbearable hope that my dad be made well. At first, this was hope for a diagnosis. I thought that if we could just name his disease, they could make Dad better. I was wrong. When I got what…
Some Timely Links
For this week: I love this week’s Lectionary readings from 1 Samuel and wanted to share links to a couple of things I’ve written about Hannah: Some thoughts on Hannah’s prayer: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 (with a link to a full sermon) Reflections on Hannah’s song: 1 Samuel 2:1-10 I’m less fond of this week’s Gospel…
A Pastor’s 12 Days of Christmas
We are in the midst of the 12 days of Christmas, which begin on Christmas day and end with Epiphany (January 6). Here is a new version of the famous song for all of my clergy colleagues trying to get a little rest and then lead God’s people into a new year. (Fortunately, this is…
