The Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf exists to reach, teach and nurture the Deaf of Jamaica. Many students arrive as young as three years old without a language or the ability to communicate. Through dedicated teachers and staff they receive language and through communication gain access to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This work begins in residential schools and … Read More
The Hour Has Come
Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. (John 13:1) Jesus knew that his hour had come… John is serious with the use of the word “hour” throughout his Gospel. Jesus’ first public moment of ministry, … Read More
Using This Journal
Lent is the season of the year Christians set aside to open their hearts’ affections and their minds’ attention to the way that led Christ to the cross. The selfless way, the sacrificial way, the way of love. In an effort to be on that way, Christians throughout history have devoted themselves to the practices of prayer, fasting and giving … Read More
Another Prayer
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)
Advent Week 4 – A Depth of Embryonic Hope
Consider this center image from a triptych of the Annunciation, painted by Robert Campin Netherlandish ca. 1427–32, on view at the Met Cloisters, NYC. When you look closely at the top left corner of the painting, you’ll see the tiny, embryonic baby Jesus, already carrying a cross, making his way through the sunbeam toward Mary’s womb. The artist provides a … Read More
Another Poem
Give you joy, wolf, when Messiah makes you meek and turns your roar into a cry that justice has been done for the poor. Give you joy, lamb, when Messiah saves you from jeopardy and all fear is overwhelmed by his converting grace. Give you joy, wolf and lamb together, as Messiah brings worldwide peace and, side by side, you … Read More
Advent Week 3 – A Lot of Houses
“Mommy, why is the church Jesus’ house?” Our four year old asked from the backseat on the way home from church on a recent Sunday. His question came on the heels of my admonishment at the end of the 10:30 service, when I’d had enough of his running through pews and wrestling with an older brother while we chatted with … Read More
A Prayer
God of salvation, in Christ you have done great things— our hearts are filled with joy. By your power you lifted us out of the wasteland of sin and brought us with joy and laughter into your kingdom. Salvation is your gift to us. But we confess that often we try to replace your gift with our own efforts. We … Read More
Advent Week 2 – Full Focus
When “golden October” turns to “somber November” (T.S. Eliot), holidays are on the horizon. For those of us living in the Northern hemisphere, the darkness comes early; the palpable bite in the air carries with it the first rumors of winter. In one sense, the natural instinct is to huddle around the open fire and prepare for the long hibernation. … Read More
A Poem – Advent Sunday by Christina Rossetti
BEHOLD, the Bridegroom cometh: go ye out With lighted lamps and garlands round about To meet Him in a rapture with a shout. It may be at the midnight, black as pitch, Earth shall cast up her poor, cast up her rich. It may be at the crowing of the cock Earth shall upheave her depth, uproot her rock. For … Read More