I have wrestled this week with what to write. Then this blog came across my social media and it spoke to me and for me. I am sharing it here because it is powerful. It embodies the Advent season of waiting. I am weary and waiting, and I know many of you are as well. … Continue reading Advent ~ The Christ Candle
Advent
Advent ~ Week 4 ~Love
The fourth candle. A light in the darkness. Whatever the darkness is in this season. For me loss. For others anxiety. Or fear. Or heaviness. The love candle is lit in the midst of it all to remind us that love wins. It always wins, even when I cannot see it. “Let there be light.” … Continue reading Advent ~ Week 4 ~Love
Advent ~ Week 3 ~ Joy
A word for all who mourn this holiday season. For those who long for joy to break through the sorrow. For those who know the joy of the Lord even when they don't feel it. Weep, Beloved. Tears release the pressure. As they run down your cheeks, the pain is leaking out. Falling away. I … Continue reading Advent ~ Week 3 ~ Joy
Advent ~ Week 2 ~ Peace
The Bethlehem Candle represents the light of the world breaking through the darkness. The Prince of Peace coming to rescue us all. I think of the carol Silent Night, and while I know silence wasn’t likely true in a barn full of animals and a newborn, I do think there is a kind of spiritual … Continue reading Advent ~ Week 2 ~ Peace
Advent ~ Week 1 ~ Hope
I did some errands last week. Pre-Thanksgiving. I was not there to Christmas shop, I just needed a couple of items. A quick run in and out I thought. However, when I walked into the door of the store I was hit in the face with hundreds of Christmas items, crowded isles, and long lines. … Continue reading Advent ~ Week 1 ~ Hope
Broken Candle
My candle was broken. When I selected it from the box at the church door it was intact. I didn’t intend to break it. I stood to worship on Christmas Eve. Singing all my favorites of the season. A much-needed heart lift. Of course, all my favorites are also Mom’s favorites, so my vision got … Continue reading Broken Candle
Like a Baby
Love wrapped in flesh. Limited by skin and bones. The bottomless well of love, capped…trapped in a body. Love so strong, so determined, it came in raw form. Naked. Unashamed. Like before the fig leaves. Like before the serpent. Like before the fall. A baby. Innocent love. Pure. Not tainted. No masks are needed with … Continue reading Like a Baby
Finding Joy
Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let Earth receive her King. If only it were that easy. If only we could all receive him. The joy of the Lord is our strength. Do you feel strong? Maybe you’re missing his joy. Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! Always? Even … Continue reading Finding Joy
Prepare the Way of the Lord
This time of year, prepare is a word we hear often. This scripture in Isaiah is commonly quoted during advent, “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall … Continue reading Prepare the Way of the Lord
Everlasting Peace
There is more to peace than the absence of war. Though the absence of war is certainly something we all wish for, peacetime can still be filled with turmoil. The anxiety we currently feel in our country is but one example. There is something to be said for peace of mind in addition to cessation … Continue reading Everlasting Peace