Worship Words for Advent 2

Call to Worship from Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort, comfort each other. Speak tenderly.Prepare the holy way of God!Let us watch together as the way is made walkable:The valleys are lifted up, the mountains and hills made low.The rough places are smoothed out to ease our journey.We see the glory of God.We hear the word of God.We proclaim…

Entering Advent

Friends, believe it or not, Advent begins in just two days! I wanted to share a few resources with you all as we enter into this holy season. In this liminal season, I wish you holy excitement and the deep peace of Christ. Thanks for letting me be a small part of your Advent journey.…

Through the Line of Joseph, Mary

To the tune of Hyfrydol (“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”); also works with Beach Spring and JeffersonBy Joanna Harader (2022) Through the line of Joseph, Mary,Tamar, Judah, Rahab, Ruth,Comes a savior for the nations,born Messiah of humble birth.God’s eternal presence with usThrough the ages grace imparts.Holy power in fragile infantResting in his parents’ hearts. Mary welcomes…

Anticipating Advent

Advent begins in less than two weeks! That means it is a busy time for me both as a pastor and as an Advent devotional writer. I feel deeply encouraged and honored by the excitement people have expressed for my book Expecting Emmanuel: Eight Women Who Prepared the Way. I know that many of you…

The Books Are Here!

I have received my author copies of Expecting Emmanuel and the book officially launches tomorrow (September 6, 2022)! Those of you who have pre-ordered should receive your books soon, and hopefully you will be able to find the book in your local bookstore well before Advent begins. Launch Party, Party, Party I want to extend…

Thoughts on Luke 1:26-56

This piece was originally published at RevGalBlogPals on December 14, 2020. As the Narrative Lectionary moves into the Gospel of Luke, most of the people in the (virtual) pews will find themselves in more familiar territory. Mary, Gabriel, Elizabeth, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Ahhhh. There is, I think, a temptation to relish the familiarity;…