Category Archives: Christmas

Turn to Wonder

“I have wonderful news:the Hoped-for-One,the Birthing you’ve longed forin the depths of your soul,has come, oh yes, has come!”— Joyce Rupp Really?I can’t see it happening.I long to be birthed into long stretches of unrattled moments,moments of easeand wholenessuntinged with disappointment. Will Your coming calm the sea of my lifefree me from my paralyzing thoughtssatisfy my hunger?This wafer … Continue reading

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Advent 4: Silence

As I began my four-day retreat last week, I became aware of how uncomfortable I was with the silence–especially in the evening when it was dark, and I couldn’t go for walk or gaze at the sea. I wanted something … Continue reading

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Advent 3: Restless

And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” –Luke 9:58 (NRSVUE) I want to lay my head on the satisfactionof believing that … Continue reading

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Advent 2: Trust

Life is a succession of dyings and risings. At the center of the Eucharist, we proclaim, “Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again.”–Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation, November 27, 2022 This morning I saw minuscule buds on my … Continue reading

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Advent 1: Touch

I waited for You at the door of wordsbut they were little more thanletters on a pageundecipherable my feelings far away.Did I have any? I fidgeteddistractedpowerless.  Then, through the locked door,You came. “Touch my face,” You said Lost feelingsfound tears. … Continue reading

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As You Step into the New Year

As 2021 comes to a close, I’m becoming more aware of what I’m leaving behind and what I want to take with me into the New Year. This year we’ve all had significant losses of one kind or another. We’ve … Continue reading

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Christmas: As Is

I wonder if Joseph was peevedwhen Mary, between contractions,ordered him to close the doorthen,as soon as he did,wanted it open again. I wonder if,in that chorus of angels,one or two sang flatand if some shepherds,feeling and smelling sheepish,were hesitant to go. I wonder if–after Mary gave … Continue reading

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What Can I Bring Him?

What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; –Christina Rosetti, In the Bleak Mid-Winter Oftentimes it is easier … Continue reading

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Preparing the Way Home

From the moment I stepped into this chapel, it felt like home. Wood, stone, glass, and flame together breathed a silent welcome. . . . Advent invites us to prepare the way for the Holy One who comes to meet … Continue reading

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The Fourth Event

On Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost, the fourth big event chronicled in the New Testament. Christmas names the first one: the incarnation of Christ. God comes into our lives–into our joy and suffering. They called him Immanuel, “God with us.” Reading the … Continue reading

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