Posts Categorized: Advent

Advent Devotional: Third Week of Advent: Saturday, December 22

  All you need is love … and sent the rich away empty. — Luke 1:53 My brother was a huge Beatles fan as a teenager. Inspired by the Fab Four, he would sign birthday cards with the words “All you need is love.” Sound advice from a child of God whom the world might… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Third Week of Advent: Friday, December 21

  God eases the hungering Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. — James 4:8 He has filled the hungry with good things … — Luke 1:53 Empty calories. I am an expert on that subject and, like others who indulge in too many Christmas cookies, I will greet the new… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Third Week of Advent: Thursday, December 20

  Who’s lighting the Advent wreath? We, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. — Romans 12:5 … and lifted up the lowly. — Luke 1:52 Growing up, it always seemed that the same families were invited to light the church Advent wreath. And they were… Read more »

just-leros: more than nonsense / más que disparates

Inhabit our souls A Revised Common Lectionary resource for December 23 by Magdalena I. García And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the LORD, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…’ – Luke 1:46-47 Read the full lectionary passage here Mary faced adversity with a daring song. Come, Holy Spirit, inhabit our souls, and make… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Third Week of Advent: Wednesday, December 19

  Silencing Mary So the last will be first, and the first will be last. — Matthew 20:16 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones … — Luke 1:52 She had cornered the market on playing Mary. There was just no competing with her Mary costume, the best of the best when it… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Third Week of Advent: Tuesday, December 18

  A special angel Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God … — 1 Peter 5:6 … He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. — Luke 1:51 I was intrigued when an angel of color was placed on the tree in the sanctuary. I was especially surprised after hearing… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Third Week of Advent: Monday, December 17

  Leaps of faith Do not fear, for I am with you … — Isaiah 41:10 He has shown strength with his arm … — Luke 1:51 The climb up the tree wasn’t hard; it was the climb down that had me fearful. My brother stood with his arms outstretched, telling me to jump. I… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Third Sunday of Advent, December 16

  He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. — Luke 1:51–53 When love takes over When… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Second Week of Advent: Saturday, December 15

  Front row saints Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. — Matthew 5:5 I was once senior pastor of a church that had a longstanding Bible study for special-needs adults. Its faithful teacher, Helen, was nicknamed “Sunshine” by its members, a recognition of her radiant compassion. During worship, the class sat… Read more »

Advent Devotional: Second Week of Advent: Friday, December 14

  Passion play … the mystery … hidden throughout the ages and generations … has now been revealed to his saints. — Colossians 1:26 … from generation to generation. — Luke 1:50 Mary had a prophetic premonition that her role in God’s passion play would reverberate for generations. As we celebrate seasons like Advent, we… Read more »