To many people, the highlight service of the church year is Christmas Eve. Let’s be honest: to some people, the only service of the church year is Christmas Eve. But I don’t find that service to be truly what Christmas is all about, in my experience as someone who lives with depression. To me, Christmas … Continue reading Christmas Eve & Blue Christmas
Tag: Advent
Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year A)
The lectionary readings for December 22 (Advent IV) are Isaiah 7:10-16; Romans 1:1-7; and Matthew 1:18-25. This week I want to look at the gospel reading, and I want to talk about one of the most cherished stories in scripture, a story that nevertheless can be very problematic and even dangerous for those with certain … Continue reading Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year A)
Third Sunday of Advent (Year A)
Today we are looking at the readings for the Third Sunday in Advent, Year A. December 15, 2019. The lectionary readings are Isaiah 35:1-10; James 5:7-10; and Matthew 11:2-11. This week’s reading from Isaiah sounds in a lot of ways like a repeat of last week, a sign of amazing hope and grace to come … Continue reading Third Sunday of Advent (Year A)
Second Sunday of Advent (Year A)
The lectionary readings are Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; and Matthew 3:1-12. I want to focus primarily today on the first reading, from Isaiah. This is a very familiar reading, the story of the wolf lying down with the lamb, the prophecy Isaiah made about the so-called “Peaceable Kingdom,” which would one day come to pass. … Continue reading Second Sunday of Advent (Year A)
First Sunday of Advent (Year A)
Today we are looking at the readings for the First Sunday in Advent, Year A. Sunday, December 1, 2019. The Revised Common Lectionary readings are Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:1-11; and Matthew 24:36-44. Both the Romans and Matthew readings today talk about keeping awake, and waking from sleep. Sleep patterns are a huge issue for people … Continue reading First Sunday of Advent (Year A)
Biblia Luna 