One of Scripture’s many blessings comes its invitation to see ourselves in its story. With the insight of the Holy Spirit, you see yourself in a character, living in a community, having a conversation with another. Maybe even with the Lord himself! The poetry of ancient psalms lifts your heart to God in praise andContinue reading “Not Now, Not Yet”
Tag Archives: First Sunday of Advent
Turtle-Watching
The Lord God sometimes – oftentimes – appears in unlikely places to share the unexpected gift of undeserved grace. Whenever that happens – whenever the joy of heaven to earth comes down, great, beautiful, and wonderful things begin to happen: Shadow becomes light. Darkness gives way to brightness. Wee hours dawn a brand-spanking new day,Continue reading “Turtle-Watching”
Even in a Broken World
Our journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus begins this first Sunday of Advent with the Gospel of Luke and the story of a faithful, long-serving priest named Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth. For years, Zechariah prays anxiously for the birth of a son only to get back what he hears as a great-bigContinue reading “Even in a Broken World”
Like Those Who Dream
Even as most of us are flipping the switch that turns on the holiday lights, the Church points us toward a Gospel reading for the first Sunday of Advent that looks ahead to that great, coming day when all the lights will go out – for good! As we prepare to celebrate assurance of theContinue reading “Like Those Who Dream”
Video meditation: Lighting the First Candle of Advent
The opening verses of Psalm 126 provide the theme for our celebration of Advent and Christmas this year: “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.” What does it look like to live as those who dream? The biblical characters of Advent and Christmas – John the Baptist, Mary,Continue reading “Video meditation: Lighting the First Candle of Advent”