Happy Epiphany! Jan 6 is the day Christians celebrate Epiphany based on the first twelve verses of the second chapter of Matthew which tells the story of the Magi following the star to Bethlehem. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’ Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had … [Read more...]
One Word – One Verse
Many people skip New Year’s resolutions and let one word guide them throughout the year. I have embraced one word for the last few years and found it’s fun to see how its meaning threads itself among the details of daily life. Often I don’t see it until I “harvest” my journal in a day of reflection. My word for 2014 was ENFOLD. If you have asked me a few weeks ago I would have told you I failed to hear my one word much last year. That is until I spent time rereading my journal and reflecting on the year – a wonderful spiritual practice, by the way. In hindsight I saw how God ENFOLDED me at multiple points of last year. And I know with some sadness that I have missed experiencing His hug by not paying attention. I focused more on discouragement, disappointment, and difficulties than on God’s presence. I hope not to live so mindlessly in 2015 and miss his lessons next year. Last year I even discovered a second word, an “UN” word that evolved as a compass for the year: … [Read more...]
The Spiritual Practice of Taking Your Tambourine
Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourines and danced. Exodus 15: 20 “Don’t forget your tambourine,” the speaker said. Once she explained her meaning, I never thought of tambourines the same. She was referring to the verse above from the Exodus story. Miriam, Moses, Aaron and all the Hebrews were leaving Egypt. They packed in a hurry, taking only a few precious possessions that they could carry. Amid the chaos of a sudden escape, being chased by the Egyptian army, they headed to the Promised Land. Dusty bedlam, unknown future and fear also pursued them. God interceded and the waters crushed Pharaoh’s horses and chariots. They were safe on the other side of the sea and leaving the past behind, they began their journey into a new future. This is when Miriam and the women brought out their tambourines. Do you see it? I missed it the first time. See it? Before they left. Before … [Read more...]
Christmas Characters – The Shepherds
The shepherds are my favorite group of Christmas characters. I think if I could choose to be at one place during that miraculous event or be one of the characters myself – it would have been the shepherds. I love their enthusiasm. Their willingness to go. How they told others the good news. I have been rereading slowly the Christmas story as part of my Advent preparation, finding new insights and lessons. What did the shepherds show me this year? “So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger”. Be open to change – I resist shifts in my plans. I get my to do list ready, my trajectory in line and I start. Don’t stop me once I begin my routine. I hate getting sidetracked. But the shepherds knew better. They knew God likes to surprise us and reminds us He is in charge. And what a gift to follow God’s unexpected leads in life. One night, one moment in time one powerful encounter with God will forever change our lives if we only follow and … [Read more...]
Christmas Characters – Who Delivered Jesus?
Did you ever stop to consider who actually delivered Jesus when he was born? This year during Advent I have been slowly rereading the story of Christ’s birth, relooking at some of the characters and listening for new lessons. Many of you know I am an RN and the nurse in me became a bit puzzled, curious and more than a little interested thinking about the actual childbirth scene in Bethlehem that night. We really don’t know the technicalities of Jesus’ birth but this nurse wondered. Who delivered Jesus? Mary was young. This was her first baby. She went into labor away from her home. Bethlehem at that time was quite small – I read some sources saying maybe 200 or 500 people lived there. Who helped her? Perhaps Joseph. After all he was present and tenderly cared for Mary. But men usually didn’t assist with childbirth. Perhaps some other unnamed female traveler provided aid. Perhaps a local midwife. I did read that our perception of the manger scene is unrealistic … [Read more...]
Christmas Characters – Zachariah
Zachariah is one of the Christmas characters we often don’t deliberately ponder this season. I thought this year I would slowly read the story of Christ’s birth, relook at some of the characters and listen for new lessons. Zachariah invited me in to sit with him for a while. I reread his story from Luke. I remembered he served as a priest, was married to Elizabeth, was the father, late in his life, of John the Baptist, and when he doubted Gabriel’s message about the coming baby, he became mute until John was born. 6 Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. 8 Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. 10 Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole … [Read more...]
Testify to the Light – Lectio Divina
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. John 1: 6-8 Lord, let your presence burn inside me, casting light onto my path. Pierce me with your presence. Lord let your brillance shine within my heart, guiding my way and helping others see you. As I ponder our Christmas tree, forever pointing heavenward, leading my eyes up to you, may my life, my attitude, my smile, my compassion, my actions all face your wisdom and love. Clean the mirror of my soul to reflect you better. Show me the ways I hid your radiance and help me remove those barriers. The darkness around me and within me has no power in your presence. You are the light of the world. I am only your echo. Help me tell your good news, the story of your never-ending, all encompassing love. May I be open to your brilliant shining in my … [Read more...]
Indecisive Discernment
I had a discernment dilemma this week. I was indecisive. Waffling. Uncertain which to choose. The phone rang about a month ago and the voice on the other end was a long time friend whom I had worked with professionally in my former life in health administration. He knew I was a writer and needed someone on his staff with that skill plus knowledge of community politics and collaboration building. He would pay me well. I could name my hours. A wonderful use of my gifts. Good deal he said. My ego swelled. Someone wanted me. Wanted me back and based on my new role in life. The money sounded tempting too. He was traveling and said he would get back with me. So I pondered. I prayed. I listened. To God. To my heart. To my dreams. To my already packed schedule where I am not spending time on what is truly important to me, but only responding to the urgent and other people’s desires. But my self-conceit … [Read more...]