No matter how you are approaching this Advent season, there is good news. The words of scripture, written long ago, demonstrate again and again that God is at work. God is present. God is always surprising God’s people by moving and making something new. In the midst of a weary world and fragile hope, weContinue reading “Advent is coming…”
Author Archives: shergerber
Comfort & Joy
We are excited that so many of you have chosen Comfort & Joy as your guide for the Advent season. It is our hope and prayer that the words of reflection, invitations to practice, and tender blessings will nurture and inspire you this Christmastide. Even with all of our literary knowledge and experience, the publishingContinue reading “Comfort & Joy”
Blessing
Just as every good and perfect gift comes from above May the beauty of your life be an offering to the world Just as a tree planted by a stream yields fruit in all seasons May the beauty of your flourishing bring much joy Just as the earth is full of God’s good creatures MayContinue reading “Blessing”
Joy: Beauty is a Gift
“Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above.” -James 1:17 The crunch of leaves underfoot, the riot of color in waving petunias, overhearing a giggle shared between young siblings. There are many ways that beauty breaks into the ordinary of our lives. Something given voluntarily without payment in return. Something bestowed or acquired withoutContinue reading “Joy: Beauty is a Gift”
Comfort: Beauty is a Counterpoint to Despair
“God has made everything suitable for its time;” –Ecclesiastes 3:11 One of my morning rituals is to read through the newspaper. Of course there is no shortage of griefs. From droughts and famines, wars and rumors of war. On the days this practice proves more devastating than delightful, I remind myself it is important toContinue reading “Comfort: Beauty is a Counterpoint to Despair”
Joy: Beauty Draws Us Closer to God
Spend time today with a form of sacred beauty. Perhaps it’s a beloved scripture passage, a song that makes your heart swell, or taking a walk in a place that brings peace to your soul. Consider the places and spaces in which you feel the presence of God. In the face of limitations, whether thatContinue reading “Joy: Beauty Draws Us Closer to God”
Comfort: Experiencing Beauty as Human Connection
“…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” –Philippians 4:8 Often the best memories come from the times when things didn’t go to plan. At least we’ll haveContinue reading “Comfort: Experiencing Beauty as Human Connection”
Joy: Awe & Wonder
A few times each year, our family would take a trip to Lancaster, PA. My sisters and I loved going to visit our cousins. My mom’s youngest brother has four boys, and I am the oldest of three girls. Our ages lined up pretty nicely, and we had a ball playing together. We had lotsContinue reading “Joy: Awe & Wonder”
Comfort: Beauty in Creation
“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” –Psalm 104:24 When you don’t know any differently, it is easy to take the seemingly ordinary parts of life for granted. While I have a deep love for the rhythm of the year andContinue reading “Comfort: Beauty in Creation”
Book Birthday!
For our mothers and grandmothers,who passed on their faith and creativity despite adversity.And for our families, who have shown us the sacred in the ordinary. -Dedication from Comfort & JOy Today is the day that Comfort and Joy: Reading & Practices for Advent officially enters the world! We are so grateful for the kind andContinue reading “Book Birthday!”
