Advent is a time of preparation. It is the four weeks leading up to Christmas and the anticipation of the coming of Jesus into the world. Candles are used to symbolize this journey. The first candle is the Prophecy or Hope candle. Typically a purple candle, it is in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, […]
It seems that bells aren’t used as much anymore. I remember the long rope to the bell tower and the deep “tong” would toll, announcing the church service was beginning. Not sure if its real purpose was a shaming technique – hey sleepy heads, you missed church again. Town squares used to have chimes that […]
Often we hear that Advent is the season of waiting but I think we need to refer to Advent as the season of anticipation and preparation. Do you like waiting in line at the grocery store? Maybe you enjoy waiting at the doctor’s office? How about the security line at an airport? Or to use […]
Driving in Dallas this week, they have an astounding complex of elevated roads, express roads, and road roads. It’s incredible to think of the planning (and the expense) of putting this matrix of highways into place. Along with the matrix comes an abundance of signs. At the beginning, it was a little overwhelming to figure […]
Recently we attended a Phillips, Craig & Dean concert with friends. After singing the song You Are God Alone, one of the performers talked about the lyrics: And right now In the good times and bad You are on Your throne You are God alone He reflected how we all go through good times and […]
It was time to register, so travel they did Even the family with a pregnant woman Looking for a place to give birth to a first-born son One who would bring Peace and Joy Even the shepherds were afraid But the angels said good news Could be found in a manger bed All within a […]
The first Sunday of Advent is one of Hope. I asked friends to help me and to post – what do you hope for? Some of the responses were: Kindness A new job Harmony Love for one another Progress on climate talks Peace Hope for the world, people, the church Good health World without terror […]
We were having a family discussion about the meaning of the Advent candles and came up with differing opinions on the “names” of each of the candles. After a bit of discussion I consulted two experts – Google and my dad. What I found from both was there are differing beliefs on the meanings and […]
Still, still, still One can hear the falling snow. For all is hushed, The world is sleeping, Holy Star its vigil keeping. Still, still, still, One can hear the falling snow. We attended a Madrigal production and one of the numbers was the hauntingly beautiful song Still, Still, Still. What a contrast to what really […]
Many of you know my dad is a retired United Methodist pastor. For us, Santa came after the Christmas Eve service. We’d squirm through the program and then have to wait until he shook everyone’s hand, gave everyone their holiday greetings, clean up after the service, and then after two eternities, he’d come home and […]