Browning Ware, wrote about the grace of Christ’s coming. He wrote: “When I was younger, I thought there was an answer to every problem. And for a time, I knew all of the answers. “I‘m not as impressed with answers as I once was. Answers seem so pallid, sucked dry of blood and void of… Continue reading What’s important and satisfying than getting all the answers?
Tag: Advent
Welcome the mess.
In his Advent devotional – Low: An Honest Advent Devotional – John Pavlovitz greets us, regarding this time of year, with, “Welcome the mess.” As odd as that sounds, it really resonated with me. That is, we paint a Norman Rockwellian picture of how this season should be with people behaving perfectly. We expect people to… Continue reading Welcome the mess.
Taking the wrinkle out of the irony of Advent
Advent is a complex season of ironies – Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love are contrary to how the world operates. Advent is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus; yet it’s also a penitential season in which we examine and prepare ourselves for his promised return. During Advent we remember the first witnesses to… Continue reading Taking the wrinkle out of the irony of Advent
Broken people
When Wendy and I got married, money was tight. She had an art class in which part of the supply list was a huge set of oil pastel, every color of the rainbow and then some. Let me tell ya, they weren’t cheap. But, oh, they looked so good, just like the ones real art… Continue reading Broken people
What’s filled with awesomeness and is fantabulous?
I like to make up words – taking obvious phrases and expanding upon them. I figure, if Shakespeare could invent words, why can’t I? I often use these made-up words in notes and in conversations. Communicating things like: “You are filled with awesomeness” and “You are so fantabulous.” These are familiar parts of my vocabulary.… Continue reading What’s filled with awesomeness and is fantabulous?
The Race Is On
By now, the race is on. Thanksgiving leftovers are history, shoppers have come home with bags and bargains in tow, Amazon / UPS / Fed-ex are dropping off the online purchases, and the festivities have officially begun. For the next week or so, advertisements will dominate the airwaves, catalogs will clutter our mailboxes, and coupons… Continue reading The Race Is On
Advent is a season full of strikingly different juxtapositions
This is a challenging season for us. We know the stories of Jesus’ birth so well that they can easily become clichés, obscuring the awesome message that God has taken human form as a vulnerable child. So, what can we learn? Advent is a season which is full of strikingly different juxtapositions. The focus of… Continue reading Advent is a season full of strikingly different juxtapositions
Advent & Christmas Top Ten List
10.Q: Christmas is on a Sunday, what are we going to do?A: Celebrate! That’s right, celebrate! “Celebrate” is the simplest and yet the most profound answer to that query. Come & Join us! 9.Q: Are there any other details about Christmas Day we need to know?A: There will be no fellowship time after worship. PJ’s… Continue reading Advent & Christmas Top Ten List
Not an Advent tradition most folks ever consider
The world just topped 8 billion in human population. Is there room in the inn for you, me, and all of God’s children? Advent is a season when we intentionally prepare our hearts and make room. That means removing the clutter and junk from our lives to allow space for Christ’s coming. This season is… Continue reading Not an Advent tradition most folks ever consider
The ABCs of Christmas!
During this Advent season, an elf helped remind me of the ABC’s of Christmas: Anticipate joyBe kindCount your blessingsDreamExpress gratitudeForgiveGive cheerfullyHarm no oneImagine possibilitiesJettison angerKeep confidencesMake peaceNurture hopeOpen your mindPlay fairQuell rumorsReciprocate goodnessSeek wisdomTouch heartsUnderstandValue truthWelcome diversityXeriscapeYearn for holinessZealously care for others Wait, I Love this list, but the elf left out a letter! Noel! Noel! Noel!… Continue reading The ABCs of Christmas!