Advent, Day 22: Love comes home…

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 7:1-11, 16I have been with you wherever you went... (v. 9)wherever we went,You were therein citiesacross desertsover mountainsthrough seasthough we were travelers,we were always homebecauseYou were therewith usYou moved(packed Your suitcases,cardboard boxes labelledwith Your Name)among us,You moved(in hearts,in minds,in strength--though we werefaint,fickle,and weak,we knewYou were there)and nowat Christmas,      this …

Advent, Day 21: When joy speaks

Today's reading: John 1:19-28I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness... (v. 23a)God,give us clear voices.Help us understand who we areand who we are not.Make us transparentso others may seeYou shining through us--even in our brokenness.God,give us firm voices.Help us confess who You areand where You summon.Make us trustworthyso others may knowYou …

Advent, Day 19: How joy flows

Today's reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. (v. 23-24)"God's will" is an idea and a phrase …

Advent, Day 18: How joy thrives

Today's reading: Luke 1:44-56And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant." (v. 46)andRejoice always; pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 …

Advent, Day 17: A Prayer of Joy

Taking a little break from regularly scheduled programming; on Tuesdays a group of women at our church are meeting to share the Advent journey together, discussing the history, themes, and daily experiences of the season. Today (and every Tuesday) I'll use the blog post to share the prayer that we use in our group. Tomorrow …