As Advent unfolds, and we continue to watch and wait, this ancient hymn calls to us: let all mortal flesh keep silence! Silence is so difficult. Silence is so foreign. Silence is so … abnormal! But sometimes, silence is exactly what is required. This text is a poetic...
Messengers Story Lectionary 11 December 2016 Pregnant Hagar Encounters God as the Angel of the Lord Who Gives Her a Message (Genesis 16 and 21) The Angel of the Lord Speaks to Abraham Regarding His Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22) The Betrothal of Isaac and Rebecca...
The Final Four: Joy Lectionary 11 December 2016 Third Sunday in Advent Isaiah 35:1-10 Luke 1:46b-55 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 Text to Life The day Christmas is over, many of us start prepping for the next one. Some of us set up “Christmas clubs,” putting aside a...
Sometimes, especially at the holidays, we try to come up with a “new” message to give people about Christmas and Advent. But never forget, Jesus IS the message. No matter what spin you put on it, what container you present Him in, what new style you try, your message...
Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in the faith; strengthen me. I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor. I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am...
