The Journey of Advent ends with Christmas. We have sought hope, peace, joy, and love this Advent, and now we celebrate the birth of Jesus. So long ago Joseph and Mary traveled to the city of Bethlehem, to be registered as was required by the Emperor’s decree. Luke 2 tells us that while they wereContinue reading “Christmas”
Tag Archives: Advent
Advent 4: Love
The magi, or wise men, observed a star in the East (Matthew 2:1-12). They interpreted it as a fulfilling of prophecy that the King of the Jews had been born. Unfortunately, they went to King Herod, who became frightened by their belief. Yet, Herod encouraged them to follow the star, so that he might learnContinue reading “Advent 4: Love”
Advent 3: JOY
In the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke, we read the story of Jesus’ mother, Mary (1:26-56). Mary’s faithfulness and joy is a powerful witness. Yet, the angel’s message must have been frightening. What would it have been like to have to tell Joseph or her parents? I often wonder if she went toContinue reading “Advent 3: JOY”
Advent Week 2: PEACE
“Comfort, o comfort my people, says your God.” The Prophet Isaiah (40:1) reminds us that when we are not at peace, God provides comfort. God is always there, ready and willing, for us to turn over all our problems. However, sometimes our lack of peace stems from our hearts breaking for the many around usContinue reading “Advent Week 2: PEACE”
Advent Week 1: HOPE
Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus” meaning coming. During the season of Advent, we prepare and wait with hope to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas. Advent can be a season where we open our hearts to the presence of God. As we sing in “Silent Night,” Jesus is “Son of God, Love’s pure light.”Continue reading “Advent Week 1: HOPE”
Advent Devotions
Advent runs November 30-December 24 in 2025. It is the season of preparing our hearts to once again receive the baby Jesus on Christmas. United Methodist Communications is sharing my weekly Advent devotions again this year. Included is an idea for an activity/craft each week. The first week is making an Advent wreath for theContinue reading “Advent Devotions”
Advent Week 4: Love
December 22 Micah 5:2-5 – But you, O Bethlehem of Eprathah, who are the one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time whenContinue reading “Advent Week 4: Love”
The Longest Night
Psalm 130 – Out of the depths, I cry to you, O Lord! Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! If you, or Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered. I wait for theContinue reading “The Longest Night”
Bonus: Podcast devotion
Trinity Cathedral in Portland, Oregon invited me to turn one of my Advent devotions into a podcast. Their theme for this year is the Divine Feminine. Listen here. I have been enjoying others’ episodes as well. This is my first podcast, and it was a great learning experience.
Advent Week 3: Joy
December 15 Isaiah 61: 1-4, 10-11 – The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year ofContinue reading “Advent Week 3: Joy”
Redheadedrev 