advent
A Flicker of Hope
One dark, early morning last week I stood silently at my bathroom window and listened to the croak of one last frog in our pond, the same kind of frog who is the first to wake up in the spring. It seems like so long ago, but I remember when Matt found me one early…
The Light of the World
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined (Isaiah 9:2 NRSV). What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the…
Do Not Be Afraid
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah” (Luke 1:13 ESV). And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary” (Luke 1:30 ESV). An angel of the Lord appeared to [Joseph} in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear” (Matthew 1:20 ESV) And the angel said to…
A Window Into Hope
And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You (Psalm 39:7 NKJV). On this first Sunday morning of Advent, we light the candle of Hope. Hope is closely tied to the word advent, which derives from a Latin word that means “coming” or “arrival.” On this…
Why I Celebrate Advent
Today I was surprised to read someone’s prickly remarks about Advent. Their comments watered the sacred tradition of Advent, its candles and liturgy and reflections, into the spiritual equivalent of weak tea. I was startled. And confused. But those comments led me to reflect and ask myself the question, “Why do I celebrate Advent?” I celebrate Advent…