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: faith
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”
Diversity
Diversity has become a buzz word, and lately with a negative connotation. However, in his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul writes about the importance of diversity within the church. You can read my latest article on umc.org here. 1 Corinthians 12 precedes the famous chapter on love that is often read at weddings.Continue reading “Diversity”
Advent, Week 1: HOPE
All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). December 1 Luke 21:34-36 – Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who liveContinue reading “Advent, Week 1: HOPE”
Preaching: Mark 6:30-32
I have been doing some supply preaching this summer. This past weekend, I was back at the Coppertop, FUMC, Duluth. You can watch it on YouTube Here. At the end I quote Rev. Joanne Harader, who writes at spaciousfaith.com. She is a Pastor at Peace Mennonite Church in Lawrence, KS. You can read the SummerContinue reading “Preaching: Mark 6:30-32”
More Poetry
Though I am no longer writing a poem a day, now that Lent is over, I am still writing them at least weekly. I have been reading a lot of poetry, too. Some of the poets I have recently discovered are Amanda Lovelace, Melody Godfred, Tania Runyan, Caroline Kaufman, and Lightsey Darst. I find poetryContinue reading “More Poetry”
Redheadedrev 