Tag: advent wreath

Advent 2018 Wk4 – Worship

Too often we think Worship = Going to Church. We hustle-bustle out the door. We sit, stand, sing, shake hands in the pews, listen. We greet our neighbors and head home, worship-job done. That's too narrow. Worship = recognizing and reflecting back to God His incredible worth, to love Him and love our neighbor with … Continue reading Advent 2018 Wk4 – Worship

Advent 2018 Wk3 – Faith

The year C20 had his first birthday, Guy and I both turned 30 a few weeks before and after. Our birthdays span November to January so Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's got wrapped up in the fun. We created a list of small celebrations we could enjoy each day during those eight weeks, simple activities … Continue reading Advent 2018 Wk3 – Faith

Advent 2018 Wk 2 – Joy

Lately I have been impressed with stories of joy: people enduring difficult circumstances with genuine smiles lighting their faces and claims of, "Laugh or cry, I choose to laugh," or "I was born a happy child," or "I choose to do something I enjoy every day." People who, in witness to others' difficult circumstances, decide … Continue reading Advent 2018 Wk 2 – Joy

Advent 2018 Wk1 – Hope

Recently I had a conversation with a friend who admitted she is looking forward to the holidays and, truly, next year. She's had a rough few months and needs some joy and a fresh start. Same. And, from conversations with others, I know we aren't alone. It seems so many people are up against so … Continue reading Advent 2018 Wk1 – Hope

Merry Christmas – The Messiah Has Come

“O Lord, you are the musician, and we are all your instruments. You breathe, and we come to life. You breathe, and we are horns for your glory. You blow through the world the winds of the spirit, and we like chimes cannot keep silent. You pluck the strings of our hearts, and we become … Continue reading Merry Christmas – The Messiah Has Come

Advent Week 2 -The Promise of a King

In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel announces the divinely-appointed births of two world-changing babies. First he tells Zechariah that Elizabeth will give birth to John the Baptist. Next he tells Mary that she will give birth to the King, the long-awaited Messiah. Zechariah and Mary both respond with a question. Zechariah: "How can I be sure of … Continue reading Advent Week 2 -The Promise of a King

Merry Merry

In my work as Church Communication Director, I have the privilege and honor of working with a talented graphic designer, an artist in her own right and also thankfully, my friend, Nancy Ingersoll. She gave me permission to share her beautiful Silent Night which she created for an Advent art display of peace-ful imagery. Please … Continue reading Merry Merry

Advent 3 – Making Peace

Our friendship burned hot and fizzled furiously like a sparkler on Fourth of July. I can't explain it, but the first time we laid eyes on each other we decided to become fast friends. Within a week I had invited her in to all of my intimate circles. We had coffee so often Guy asked if … Continue reading Advent 3 – Making Peace

Advent 1 – Expecting Peace

Stating the obvious: we do not live in a peaceful world. War and rumors of war. School shootings. Crime in all its variety. Job stress. Illness. Divorce. Even in my everyday mundane suburban life, peace seems elusive. So today's title made me wonder: do I expect peace? Maybe my faith is too small. Maybe my … Continue reading Advent 1 – Expecting Peace