Lent, one of my favorite listening to God seasons, begins with Ash Wednesday, Feb 22. Lent is the season before Easter lasting 40 days, not counting Sundays. It is a time to reflect and remember our relationship with God. This time presents an opportunity for us to focus and draw closer to our Lord. One Lenten practice is to read a particular book/devotional during the season. There are many great ones available, even one written by me a few years ago. 40 Voices – A Lenten Devotional captures the words and settings surrounding Jesus the final week of his human life. We hear the stories with new insights for us today and showing us the transformational power of the cross. Each devotion ends with an image, a question, and a prayer. Here is an excerpt from one chapter: “Hosanna! Not the most common word in our everyday language. I have said it during church services and sung it in hymns. I’ve read it in the Bible and heard it proclaimed on Easter morning. I assumed … [Read more...]
Moving from Christmas to the New Year
Some of us are still celebrating with family. Some of us are already packing away all the holiday decorations. Some of us are still on vacation mode not quite ready to go back to work. Some of us, pastors, law enforcement, EMT’S, nurses, never got the day off. (Thank you!) Some of us are still eating. Some of us faced the reality of the scale already. Some of us can’t quite grasp the end of the year. Some of us can’t wait to get rid of 2022 and move onto 2023. But we all look at the calendar and see 2022 quickly ending and December almost gone. I found this great song by Matthew West that seemed very appropriate for this week of in-betweeness. So take a moment, hit the pause button and listen to these lyrics. Such a great reminder. “Day After Christmas” Here comes the letdown Christmas is over Here comes the meltdown, there goes the cheer But before we have a breakdown, let us remember The light of the world is still … [Read more...]
A Christmas Blessing
God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ. Wilda English From my house and heart to yours: Merry Christmas! … [Read more...]
Advent Prayer
This Advent prayer was written by one of my Lamplighters, mentors, and guides - Henri Nouwen. The words shape my morning prayers in this season. May this prayer bless you too. Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day, We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!' Amen. What advent prayer lights your way right now? PS: Advent is a great time to pause, listen to God, and draw closer to the Creator and Gifter of all things. Many people chose to read a special Advent book during this season, and I will humbly … [Read more...]
Everything is a Gift
“Everything is a gift—one hundred percent pure gift. The reason any of us woke up this morning had very little to do with us and everything to do with God. All twenty-four hours today are total gift. And so, the only real prayer is to say “Thank you!” and to keep saying it. When our prayer is constantly “Thank you,” and we know we deserve nothing, and that everything is a gift, we stop counting. Only when we stop counting and figuring out what we deserve, will we move from the world of merit into the wonderful world of grace. And in the world of grace, everything is free.” These words were written by Richard Rohr in one of his weekly newsletters. What a great reminder and wisdom worth embracing into our lives. Everything is a gift. We are fast approaching the present-giving season. Advent begins November 28 and our church’s Advent theme this year is the Gifts of Advent. We are sharing scripture, messages, and prayer about the gifts of hope, patience, silence and speech, and … [Read more...]
What are Chrismons?
What are Chrismons? Chrismons are Christmas decorations styled with Christian symbols. These ornaments remind us of the true meaning of Christmas - the celebration of Jesus's birthday. Chrismon is a combination of two words Christ and monogram, meaning symbol. This idea was created by Frances Kipps Spencer for her church in Danville Virginia in 1957. The idea quickly spread to other churches and homes. Colors used in their creation are traditionally white and gold. White is the liturgical (or Church) color for Christmas and symbolizes that Jesus was pure and perfect. Gold symbolizes His Majesty and Glory. Ornaments can be made from nearly anything, but paper and embroidered ones are the most widely used. Symbols include various crosses, anchors, crowns, Alpha and Omega Greek letters, fish, and stars. Here are a few found on the tree at my church this year: Here are a few resources for you if you want to make some for your use: Chrismon patterns, Chrismons … [Read more...]
Pentecost Pondering
Pentecost is the coming Sunday, May 23 commemorating the arrival of the Holy Spirit and is often called the birthday of the church. The word Pentecost means “fiftieth day,” as it is celebrated fifty days after Easter. I have been listening to what others have to say about the Trinity– God, Jesus, and Spirit- and how they address them. The words they chose give us a glimpse into their faith. Many people know God and they describe their relationship with familiar names: God the Creator, Lord, Yahweh, the Holy One. One of my favorites is Abba. I love the intimacy of that word. God the Father took me a long time to embrace since my own dad died when I was a teenager and I had to work through abandonment issues. I know God the Father is difficult for many others too, but God can heal those wounds. Next, I hear beautiful names for Jesus: Alpha and Omega, Savior, Morning Light, Emmanuel, Christ, Master, Son of God, the Way, Good Shepherd, and so many more. But … [Read more...]
Living as Easter People in Eastertide
Eastertide is living as Easter people every day, not just on Easter Sunday, but as a way of life. In our local church, we start each worship service these next few weeks with this greeting: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Our traditional Easter greeting. April brings Easter and don't forget Easter isn't celebrating just one day but a full season. In the church calendar, the season of Easter runs for 50 days from sunset on the eve of Easter Day until Pentecost. This year this means we will greet each other from Sunday April 4 until Sunday, May 23. This a seven-week season of the church year is also called Eastertide. Eastertide is the time of new life. We see this reflected as spring bursts with buds, flowers, and nests full of eggs. We hear it in our music. The sun shines longer each day. My spirit lifts in this light and in the Light of New Life. Extending this season gives us time to rejoice and experience what it means when we say Christ is risen. … [Read more...]