from the conclusion of Unhappy Holidays: Blessings for a Blue Christmas (Herald Press, 2025). Nature’s rhythms remind us that fallow times are necessary, that periods of dormancy bring growth. We are now invited to a different kind of waiting. Throughout Advent, we have made our preparations. We have honed our skills for waiting, noticing, andContinue reading “A different kind of waiting…”
Author Archives: shergerber
Blessing for the Dawn
from Unhappy Holidays: Blessings for a Blue Christmas (Herald Press, 2025). As we mark the longest night and now anticipate the growing light… Blessing for the dawn On the wild edge, on the threshold, when you are unsure, longing, and vulnerable may you be held with love. In the distress, In the defeat, when youContinue reading “Blessing for the Dawn”
Blessing for the Waiting
from Unhappy Holidays: Blessings for a Blue Christmas (Herald Press, 2025) When the light is dim, and I wonder . . . Remind me that you come near; for I am waiting. I am expectant. I am preparing; for I know you work wonders. For healing, for reconciliation, I am waiting. You announce mysteries. YouContinue reading “Blessing for the Waiting”
Waiting with hope…
From the introduction of Unhappy Holidays: Blessings for a Blue Christmas (Herald Press, 2025). In an Advent sermon on hope, the preacher began with examples of things we wait for: a baby to be born, test results, voting outcomes, the storm to pass. I leaned forward in the pew, reaching for my bag. In theContinue reading “Waiting with hope…”
Take Heart
from the introduction of Unhappy Holidays: Blessings for a Blue Christmas (Herald Press, 2025). Despite the doctors’ earlier estimates, we now knew this would be our final holiday season together. After one last Christmas morning on the farm, we would move my mother-in-law into a facility where she could receive round-the-clock care as her bodyContinue reading “Take Heart”
The chaos of thresholds…
from Unhappy Holidays: Blessings for a Blue Christmas (Herald Press, 2025). Thresholds are times pregnant with possibility and rife with uncertainty. Sometimes they are welcomed, even chosen, but sometimes weare forced to stand on the ledge and face the murkiness of the unknown. Advent is a threshold season. The stretch between Thanksgiving (inthe United States)Continue reading “The chaos of thresholds…”
The Chaos of Thresholds
from Unhappy Holidays: Blessings for a Blue Christmas (Herald Press, 2025). The act of blessing is a way of recognizing sacredness. It is a way of inviting God into all that is unfolding, into our experience both in pain and petition. The words of invocation are offerings of care and courage for you as youContinue reading “The Chaos of Thresholds”
It’s the Holiday Season…
While Advent is still 19 days away, the first signs of snow in my area make it feel like the holiday season is upon us! And there is no doubt that the swirl of activities, opportunities (and stressors) that come with the holiday season are here. For some of us, it is a wonderful timeContinue reading “It’s the Holiday Season…”
And the winner is…
Congratulations to Maria, who can choose from this selection of custom mugs that Melinda Yoder of Muddy Creek Ceramics designed for the launch of Unhappy Holidays: Blessings for a Blue Christmas. We are so grateful for our Some Comfort & Joy community. Thank you for your kind comments, likes and shares which help others findContinue reading “And the winner is…”
Blessing (& Giveaway)
Blessing for the dawn* On the wild edge, on the threshold, when you are unsure, longing, and vulnerable may you be held with love In the distress, In the defeat, When you find that you dwell in the dust may you find the hidden place of peace In the long night, in the holding vigil,Continue reading “Blessing (& Giveaway)”
some comfort and joy 