by Kent French, December 28, 2023
For this Advent and Christmastide, we are deepening into the question of How Does a Weary World Rejoice? You can follow along with daily devotionals on our Facebook and Instagram pages. After the shepherds and angels depart, after being counted for the census, after the wise ones drop off their gifts, then what? Mary and Joseph needed to make their way back home. But first, they had an important ritual — the Jewish rite of circumcision for an eight-day-old male. So they headed to the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:21-38). There they encounter Simeon, who had long awaited to meet… Read More
by Amy Norton, December 20, 2023
Dear Ones, The fourth Sunday of Advent is upon us again, bringing us to the morning when we help re-tell the story of the first Christmas (an unrehearsed event, much like our pageant). We’ll hear the call of the angels, follow the star to Bethlehem, pay homage to the infant Christ, and return home by another way. All ages are welcome to take part in our pageant; if your idea of fun is to ham it up as Herod, gallop around the Sanctuary as a Magi, or snore with the shepherds and sheep, this is your opportunity! We’ll be putting… Read More
by Amy Norton, December 14, 2023
For this Advent and Christmastide, we are deepening into the question of How Does a Weary World Rejoice? You can follow along with daily devotionals on our Facebook and Instagram pages. This Sunday, we’re focusing in on some of the songs featured in Luke’s Gospel, which a dear colleague compared to a musical. She is not wrong. The songs featured in a musical offer a view into the inner life of the characters, their deepest hopes, fears, poignant loves, their anguish and pain…Think Hamilton, Spring Awakening, Rent, The Secret Garden…even Mamma Mia. I believe that the enduring popularity of musical theater speaks to our human tendency… Read More
by Kent French, December 07, 2023
For this Advent and Christmastide, we are deepening into the question of How Does a Weary World Rejoice? You can follow along with daily devotionals on our Facebook and Instagram pages. When was the last time you remember being really amazed? Not just surprised, but dumbstruck with amazement. Reflecting on the rhythm and events of your week, you might find it hard to bring this easily to mind. One of my early mentors told me that the heart of the spiritual life is gratitude and wonder. And yet, the more we lean into adulthood, the more responsibilities we have, the… Read More
