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””
Tag Archives: Advent
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”
“Preparation”
from Comfort & Joy: Readings and Praces for Advent, Herald Press, 2024. Preparation, then, is the perfect focus for this first week of reflections and practices. In Advent we prepare our hearts so that the outward signs of the season become acts of kindness and creativity instead of a frustrating list of seasonal to-dos. WeContinue reading ““Preparation””
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…”
Blessing
Christ, Emmanuel, God with us in a body…be working, walking, turning me, Lord, on my way to you. Amen. From our new book Comfort and Joy: Readings & Practices for Advent, available now from your favorite book retailer.
Reflection
What would it mean for me to make peace with the reality that our earthly time has limits? From our new book Comfort and Joy: Readings & Practices for Advent, available now from your favorite book retailer.
Emmanuel
“Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” -Luke 2:19 As you reflect on the experiences of your Christmas celebration, may you treasure and ponder all that has been stirred. From our new book Comfort and Joy: Readings & Practices for Advent, available now from your favorite book retailer.
Advent Reflection
What is true about God’s love for me? From our new book Comfort and Joy: Readings & Practices for Advent, available now from your favorite book retailer.
Love
“Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock at night. . .But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy. . .’” Luke 2: 8&10 From our new book Comfort and Joy: Readings &Continue reading “Love”
Advent Blessing
May you hold your plans and resolves loosely enough that you may flex with the wind of the Spirit. From our new book Comfort and Joy: Readings & Practices for Advent, available now from your favorite book retailer.
some comfort and joy 