from Comfort and Joy: Readings and Practices for Advent (Herald Press, 2025) May we graspimpossiblythe breadth of God’s Love May we be transformedmiraculouslyin the height of God’s Love May we overflowabundantlyfilled with the depth of God’s Love We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting andContinue reading ““Blessing to Love””
Category Archives: Advent 2025
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”
“Grace and Peace to You”
from Comfort & Joy: Readings and Practices for Advent (Herald Press, 2025) In Matthew 1, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream. Most likely Joseph did not have access to written scriptures. He wasn’t part of a culture where the wonders of dreaming were explained through psychology. God used an avenue to communicate thatContinue reading ““Grace and Peace to You””
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…”
“Welcoming Joy”
from Comfort & Joy: Readings and Practices for Advent (Herald Press, 2024) Children bring a special wonder and delight to Christmas endeavors, especially to creative projects. There’s plenty we can learn from their carefree, experiential attitudes. When my now-grown son was a preschooler, I dreaded going into any store with TVs, computers, or any applianceContinue reading ““Welcoming Joy””
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”
“Blessing for the New Day”
from Comfort & Joy: Readings and Practices for Advent (Herald Press, 2024) Breathe deeply of the precipitous air Unfurl your shoulders turn your face toward the rising sun Allow the crisp morning air to fill your lungs Savor the quietmoment Gather what you need to face the new day -by Sherah-Leigh Gerber Consider an AdventContinue reading ““Blessing for the New Day””
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…”
“Releasing Expectations”
from Comfort & Joy: Readings and Practices for Advent (Herald Press, 2025) Spend some time reflecting on your own expectations for the holiday season. Since Advent can be especially busy, finding time for reflection might be challenging. However, carving out at least one time during the week when you can be alone and quiet isContinue reading ““Releasing Expectations””
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”
some comfort and joy 