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…

Mary’s Birth Plan

This post by Caitlin Desjardins was originally published on December 24, 2014. “She gave birth to her firstborn, a son; she put him in a simple cloth wrapped like a receiving blanket, and laid him in a feeding trough for cattle, because there was no room for them at the inn.”  Luke 2:7, The Inclusive…

Snow Falling Down on Bethlehem

The song below was written by Susan Gascho-Cooke, who serves as pastor at Community Mennonite Church of Lancaster. You can hear an audio version here.  Snow Falling Down on Bethlehem written in December, 2013 chorus: snow falling down on brown skin snow falling down on Bethlehem snow falling down on a traveling family snow falling…

Psalm 89: God’s Fidelity

This post by June Mears Driedger was originally published on December 23, 2014. June is a writer and spiritual director. She lives in Lansing, Michigan with her partner, Kevin. They attend Lansing Church of the Brethren. When we look at the lectionary texts for the fourth Sunday of Advent we often focus on Mary’s wondrous prayer…

Joyful is the Dark

Partners Jamie Haskins and Sarah Klaassen are Disciples of Christ pastors living in the lovely Columbia, Missouri. Sarah pastors Rock Bridge Christian Church, and Jamie serves as chaplain, instructor, and director of the Center for Faith and Service at Westminster College. This piece was originally published on December 20, 2014. – – – – – – –…