Advent is a season of anticipation, and each year I find myself looking for two things: perfect and imperfect. As I wrote about here, I look for that moment when the Spirit of Christmas arrives. When I can't shut out sublime tears, when goosebumps shake me with shivers of joy and revelry and hope: Christmas is … Continue reading “Come & See…”
Tag: Christmas
Meatless Monday – Ginger Stout Cake
I remember the first time I tasted real gingerbread: I was 20 years old, on a college study abroad program. Walking in the English Lake District, we stopped to warm ourselves in a bakery. Of course I'd had gingerbread before--gingerbread cookies, ginger snaps, even the bread--but I'd had nothing like this, so gingery-fierce it seemed … Continue reading Meatless Monday – Ginger Stout Cake
Merry Christmas 2016!
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!
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
Meatless Monday – Cauliflower Soup
A year ago I wrote this post about lining up my expectations with my Quirky Christmas reality. Always a struggle, during this month between Thanksgiving and Christmas the house has been clean for about three-quarters of one day; the cards still haven't been mailed; worse yet, the packages will cost us a mint to ship … Continue reading Meatless Monday – Cauliflower Soup
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
Meatless Monday – Veggie “Meat” Balls
Yes, I know it's Tuesday and this post says "Meatless Monday." That's how things go sometimes, especially in a busy holiday season. No judgment, lots of grace! Because their parents turned veggie before they were born, our kids have been vegetarian their whole lives. They've never had a beef burger. They've only had meat by accident. At … Continue reading Meatless Monday – Veggie “Meat” Balls