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
Tag: christmas
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
Choosing the work of Christmas now and throughout the year
The season of Christmas follows Advent. I am drawn to Howard Thurman during this season. He wrote the poem, I Will Light Candles this Christmas. It comes from the book The Mood of Christmas… I will light Candles this Christmas,Candles of joy despite all the sadness,Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,Candles of courage for fears ever present,Candles… Continue reading Choosing the work of Christmas now and throughout the year
10 Things NOT to Do at Christmas
“The most wonderful time of the year” has arrived – a time to gather with family and friends and for church activities. To help you and me make it through this wonderful time, here are 10 Things NOT to Do at Christmas: 10) Don’t Forget Those Without Food — Jesus once said that when we feed the… Continue reading 10 Things NOT to Do at Christmas
My “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version”
Bringing the Bible to today’s world is a goal for many of us. Sharon Jaynes used a familiar Bible verse (1 Corinthians 13) to bring out that love is the reason for the season in her, “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version.” I’ve tweaked it to apply to us at The Palms. If we decorate God’s… Continue reading My “1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Version”
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?
I see Jesus in other ways.
Now that Christmas day is over, what does Jesus look like to you? We’ve just managed to make it through another season of shopping, rushing, parties, cooking, relatives, food, and such. So, what did you learn about what Jesus looks like? Well, the baby born in Bethlehem looks like anything but a king to me.… Continue reading I see Jesus in other ways.
Christmas Blessings to all
As we await the coming of the Christ Child, take heart in the hope, joy, light, and love that Jesus brings. Christmas blessings to all this holiday season from the United Church of Christ, and peace in the New Year.
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 & 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