… you make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy. –  Psalm 65: 8 I have a wee little job right now driving a wee little neighbor to daycare every morning, and right now the timing is aligning with sunrise, and so I can assure you that the psalmist is correct … More Joy in the Morning

He came down with them and stood on a level place with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases, and those who were troubled with unclean spirits … More In Need

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are … More Love – The Fourth Sunday of Advent

O come all ye faithful, forgetful or fearful; o come those who aren’t quite yet sure they believe. O come and be with us, (yes, we too are seekers) — come gather together to give and receive. There are no credentials (in case you were worried), there’s nothing that you have to read or to … More O Come All Ye Faithful

“Surely God is my salvation;      I will trust and will not be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and my might;      he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say on that day: “Give thanks to the Lord;   … More Joy – The Third Sunday of Advent

Fear stood next to me at a parade yesterday. Or maybe his name was Intolerance – I didn’t ask. Could have been Arrogance or Disdain – not sure. What I am sure of is, since this person could not have been more than twelve years old, whatever name he goes by, he was given it. … More Fear Stood Next to Me at a Parade

“Because of the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” – Luke 1: 78-79 from Zechariah’s prophecy how loved are we that the maker of … More Peace – The Second Sunday of Advent

I am rattled this Advent. I keep having to take deep breaths. My insides twist up with worry, and I pray, and breathe, and look out the window. I worry about people I love. I want to throw myself in front of the metaphorical train that seems to be coming for my dear, open-hearted beloveds, … More Children Reading Scripture

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.  In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.  In those … More Hope – The First Sunday of Advent

Alright, it’s time to gather my people around me. I require the wisdom of the saints right now. Who are we grabbing – John Wesley, for sure. Christine Valters Paintner, without question. Henri Nouwen, oh bless, you are certainly coming. Peter Enns, make me laugh, friend. Carl McColman, carry the candle so I can see. … More Gather