Worship God. Form Faith. Live Love.
The readings for the fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas both include the announcement of good news by angels and end with glorifying and praising God. Part 1 (Advent 4, December 22) This is it, the home stretch for Advent. … Continue reading
In a time of suffering, God gives the people a promise of good things to come. God will reverse their oppression, bringing justice and shalom. Exile and Return Overall, life has sucked for God’s people up to the point of … Continue reading
Through the prophet Joel, God urges us to repent with our bodies and hearts, our whole selves, turning from our selfish ways to follow God’s path of love, forgiveness, and justice. Our reading from Joel 2 marks the second Sunday … Continue reading
Daniel and the Lions’ Den is a fun and meaningful story that teaches the audience that God is faithful to us and will reward faithful living. I love a good story. One might say I’m a story addict (to use … Continue reading
For anyone struggling about what to do with Advent 4 and Christmas Eve being on the same day, here is a reflection on how the two readings (the births of John and Jesus) are connected. It Probably Seemed Like a … Continue reading
In this Advent reading from Ezra, we can rejoice and weep with the Jews returning from exile and hear the echo of God’s promises from the exodus to the Messiah. Gaudete et Flete We have passed the midway point in … Continue reading
While the injustice of the people of Judah led to their downfall by the Babylonians, God promises the One who will bring life, justice, and righteousness to the broken people. Welcome to Advent The first Sunday of Advent is considered, … Continue reading
We end the Advent season with Joseph, Mary’s almost-husband, as he waits with dread, anticipation, and finally, hope. Almost Over This reading marks the fourth and final Sunday of Advent, as well as the transition in the Narrative Lectionary from … Continue reading
In Isaiah 42, we glimpse a promised Servant who will bring mishpat to the world. We have seen this Servant in Jesus but still await justice in full. As we wait, we must also do justice! We continue in our … Continue reading
This week, we encounter a non-Advent-y reading from Esther where God is not mentioned. How do we trust in God’s promises when we can’t see God? Faith in God’s Promises We are now in the second week of Advent and … Continue reading