Image via WikipediaLord 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 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!" Henri J. M. Nouwen … [Read more...]
Themes of Advent – Emmanuel
Advent is the four weeks preceding Christmas and is a time of waiting and preparation for the arrival of the Christ Child. More and more church traditions are celebrating this special time of year. The last few weeks I have been posting information and reflections about the colors and meaning of AdventEmmanuelChristmas “should” be a joyous time.We are supposed to look forward to all the get togethers.Our expectation is peace on earth and within our hearts.Then why am I sad? I feel a shroud of melancholy over my shoulders as Christmas approaches.This time of year does bring lots of smiles, joys, sharing and celebrating.But the holidays also come loaded with negative feelings.I am missing those no longer with us.My parents died a number of years ago, but still the child within me wants to be with them during this season.Many of you may remember I lost my 991/2-year-old best friend last May. I pass Esther’s house and think I should stop and go in for a visit. But she is not there any … [Read more...]
The Colors of Advent – White
Advent is the four weeks preceding Christmas and is a time of waiting and preparation for the arrival of the Christ Child. More and more church traditions are celebrating this special time of year. The next few weeks I have been posting information and reflections about the colors and meaning of Advent and will finish this series on Thursday.WhiteMany churches light an Advert wreath during this time of expectation before Christmas. In my church we light the next candle during the children’s sermon, telling the story of each week.The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. In the center of the wreath shines the white Christ candle. Usually this candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with all five candles … [Read more...]
God Never Fails – Lectio Divina
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth … [Read more...]
Christmas Quote – The All of Christmas
Image by paparutzi via FlickrGod 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 … [Read more...]
Themes of Advent – Pay Attention! Something Greater is Coming!
Image via WikipediaAdvent is the four weeks preceding Christmas and is a time of waiting and preparation for the arrival of the Christ Child. More and more church traditions are celebrating this special time of year. The next few weeks I will be posting information and reflections about the colors and meaning of Advent.The word Advent means coming or arrival. This season calls us to focus on Jesus’ coming as a baby in Bethlehem and His second coming when He returns.Our noisy culture that values busyness demands we turn our attention to the glint and glitter and not the true Light of Advent. Advent means to be aware. To pay attention. To be awaken like the shepherds.To be alert like the Wise Men. To anticipate something special that deep down we know will be a life changing wonder.The birth of the Messiah, the son of God. Advent is a season of looking forward, anticipating something Greater. I love this prayer by Henri Nouwen:Lord Jesus,Master of both the light and the darkness,Send … [Read more...]
The Colors of Advent – Pink
Image by Lawrence OP via FlickrPinkAdvent is the four weeks preceding Christmas and is a time of waiting and preparation for the arrival of the Christ Child. More and more church traditions are celebrating this special time of year. The next few weeks I will be posting information and reflections about the colors and meaning of Advent.Newborns bring to mind the color of pink and blue. I would have never thought of these colors for the season of Advent before until I began this blog series.Last week I featured blue – the color of hope and anticipation. Today is PINK.Yes pink. Pink symbolizes joy and happiness. In various churches it is used either for the third or fourth Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Joy at the impending birth of Jesus.Yesterday at church we lit the third candle of the Advent wreath and it was pink. The pink candle marks a shift from the more solemn tone of the first two Sundays of Advent that focus on Preparation and Hope, to a more joyous atmosphere of anticipation … [Read more...]
Themes of Advent – Prepare
Image by Calsidyrose via FlickrAdvent is the four weeks preceding Christmas and is a time of waiting and preparation for the arrival of the Christ Child. More and more church traditions are celebrating this special time of year. The next few weeks I will be posting information and reflections about the colors and meaning of Advent.PrepareHow do you prepare for Christmas? I make lists – lists of gifts to buy, cards to send, goodies to make to share with neighbors and friends. I double-check the calendar when we will see the kids. With adult children there are multiple schedules to coordinate – not a simple as it once was.But I stop now and ponder: how do I really prepare myself spiritually for Christmas?I have an advent devotional that to be honest, lies unopened on my nightstand. We have been traveling so I haven’t attended the Advent services on Wednesday night held at my church. I don’t feel prepared for Advent at all. Too often we miss Advent's power … [Read more...]