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
Advent Week 1 – 10,000 Places
Take a close read of the quotes and poem on the previous journal post. They point to, in a profound way, the “from his fullness” reality of God. As we started throwing this idea around for the season of Advent, I remembered an experience I had a few years ago. I was on a study week on Flathead Lake in … Read More
John 1 The Prologue
Throughout the season you are invited to interiorize these words. Read them and study them. Get them inside. And open yourself and listen to what God might be speaking to you through them. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came … Read More
From His Fullness
The Incarnation of Jesus reveals the most fundamental parts of God’s nature, heart for his people, and salvation plan for the world. It is light out of darkness, it is grace out of sin and pain. And it all comes from the fullness of God. From his fullness. Fullness is both the source and the goal. We live our days … Read More