Advent (Day 16): A Time for Joy
Time is undone, and the light will swiftly come. Can you feel it? Can you begin to see it? We are still waiting, still it is dark night, and yet ... joy. We know the light is near because there is joy. “Let us View With Joy and Mirth” Let us view with joy and mirth All the clocks upon the earth Holding time...
Advent (Day 15)
We have turned a corner. Can you feel it? The word for this third week of Advent is Rejoice. It is a word associated most closely with Mary. Here is a prayer for this, the third Sunday of Advent. *** *** "Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the...
Advent (Day 14): These Farmhouse Bookshelves
It is at about this point in the season when I despair of reading every one of the books in our Advent / Christmas / Winter collection. But then I remember - Christmas lasts 12 days! Of course, we'll get to them. We only need a few more snow days to help us along. Here are three more of my favorite books for the time of year. ...
Advent (Day 12): Hymn for a Turning World
This Advent hymn is new to me this year. It is becoming a favorite. It makes me want to cry. It makes me want to shout. This is Mary's song for a turning, changing world. Canticle of the Turning 1. My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great, And my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to...
Advent (Day 10): Let Us Deck These Halls With Empty Space
On the first day of Advent, our church sanctuary was draped in evergreen. Bare evergreen. There were no shiny ornaments. There were no red or green ribbons. I looked at those unembellished greens and heard them say, “Not yet. Not yet.” Our home looks much the same. Undecorated, except for the white pumpkin still sitting on the front steps. It...
Advent (Day 9)
I've mentioned this book before. I'm keeping it close this Advent season. I find it incredible how an old, old form can open my eyes to everything New. Here is a poem for this, the second Monday of Advent. O Emmanuel O come, O come, and be our God-with-us, O long-sought with-ness for a world without, O secret seed, O...