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…”
Tag Archives: inspirational
“Embodied Christ”
from Comfort & Joy: Readings and Practices for Advent (Herald Press, 2024) Our embodied existence includes times of great joy and times of suffering—both can even be wrapped into one experience. Sometimes my middle schooler will exclaim, “I am so sore!” after a particularly taxing game of soccer or a demanding physical education class. WhenContinue reading ““Embodied Christ””
“Blessing to Love”
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””
“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””
“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””
“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””
“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””
“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””
Joy: Practicing Wholeness (Luke 8:48)
“Jesus said, ‘Daughter, you took a risk trusting me, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed!’” -Luke 8:48 If you didn’t get a chance to read Sherah-Leigh’s reflection on Monday take a moment to do that now! Take time this week to journal or think about your hopes for healing and comfort.Continue reading “Joy: Practicing Wholeness (Luke 8:48)”
Comfort: Suffering (2 Corinthians 12:10)
“Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 The Message Human beings all suffer. Some of us suffer through prolonged physical painContinue reading “Comfort: Suffering (2 Corinthians 12:10)”
some comfort and joy 