What do we need to release this season?How can I prepare myself for the arrival of Jesus when the Christmas season can bring about some unpleasant feelings? The Christmas season can be a time of trouble and worry for many people. It can be a hectic season, a rough reality, and our hearts may be …
Embracing Advent: Preparing Our Hearts for a Meaningful Christmas Celebration
The lights are up. The stores are bursting with tinsel, decorative trees and gifts galore. All around the world, a great "to-do" is made about Christmas. But just what are we really celebrating? The coming of Christ is undoubtedly one of the most monumental events in history; however, …
Holding onto Hope
I’ve been thinking a lot about the first Advent and the early years of Jesus’ childhood. I wonder what Mary was thinking as she brought her son into the world, so far from home. Instead of nesting she had to flee to Bethlehem. So much for planning a cozy home birth. And yet, she held …
Our Turn to Wonder
Week One: WonderAdvent Blog Series featuring the Women of Cohort 8The first Sunday in December marks the beginning of Advent, a season of expectant waiting and preparation of the coming Messiah. Our culture characterizes the season with carols, gift giving, and cheer. But, what many of us …
Lenten Immerse: Prayers from the Holy Land
This week’s blog contains images from Lisa Rodriguez-Watson’s recent trip to the Holy Land. These images were taken in Bethlehem on the separation wall between the West Bank and Israel. As we observe Holy Week, these images and corresponding prayers can serve as reminder of the purpose of the cross …
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Lenten Immerse: Hope
Spring - she’s the audacious, extravagant sister of all the seasons. Breaking through death, she burgeons in both vibrant and pastel hues, and her flowers emanate abundant fragrance. The sights, the smells and even the sounds of Spring can seem an exaggeration after the long darkness of …
Lenten Immerse: Hospitality
Can you think of a time when you received hospitality from someone? Maybe it was an expression of kindness, a welcoming embrace, a warm meal, or a listening ear. Perhaps it took the form of someone who supported you when you didn’t feel you deserved it, or a new friend in an unfamiliar place. Take a …
Lenten Immerse: Silence
Silence can be an uncomfortable experience. It might feel awkward in a group setting. It can indicate tension in a relationship. However, silence can also be healthy - even necessary. Lent, a 40 day period of fasting and repentance, offers us an opportunity to practice silence and listening as …
