In a world of broken promises, a world of broken peace, a world of brokenness, oh how we need the promises of God, fulfilled in Jesus! Today, more than ever, I am praying for peace for people everywhere, especially for those who cannot call Christmas "merry." Advent Wreath Candlelighting for Christmas – The Promise Fulfilled … Continue reading Merry Christmas 2016!
Tag: Advent
Advent Wk3 – The Song of Glory
Years ago a pastor-friend shared from the Sunday chancel that, each year during Advent, he awaits the moment when Christmas will arrive. That feeling of wonder, the child-like joy-filled Christmas spirit, or truly, the Spirit of God who dreamed the first dreams of Christmas. Every year since I've readily anticipated that moment and still every year … Continue reading Advent Wk3 – The Song of Glory
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
Advent Week 1 -The Promise of Joy
No matter how far in advance I begin preparing for Advent--and as church Communication Director, that can be much farther in advance than you'd think--the first Sunday of Advent always strikes me as a bit of a surprise. End-August through end-November are my professional busy season, reflecting on the past year as I compile the annual report and … Continue reading Advent Week 1 -The Promise of Joy
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 4 – Knowing Peace
Around the time Teen hit middle school I began encouraging him each time he walked away: "Be your best you," meaning make good choices and do your best and stay true to yourself. You can be yourself, but it takes intentionality to be your best version of yourself. So maybe it shouldn't have surprised me … Continue reading Advent 4 – Knowing Peace
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 2 – Finding Peace
Ironically, during a week in which I've intentionally focused on expecting peace, I've found distress more often. The same hour I learned about the mass shooting in San Bernardino, I also heard that a neighbor, husband of an acquaintance, was in a suicidal stand-off with police. He alternately pointed a pistol at his temple and his mouth and, after hours of … Continue reading Advent 2 – Finding 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
Hope Has Come
Hope. What is it, even? Does it make any difference? I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight... But hope is more than wishing. Hope is expectancy, pregnant with anticipated reality. Hope gives us strength to muster on, to slog through the daily reality, harsh as it some days may be. … Continue reading Hope Has Come