Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be….’ — Luke 1:34 “How can this be? In the Advent season, we prepare to say yes to God’s call, to step forward in courage, faith and hope, whatever that might look like in each of our lives. God, forgive us for those times when we have […]
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Antonia writes of her paintings: ‘paintings that combine the divine with the mundane. I love the idea of taking a little sideways look at Christianity, and bringing the idea of Jesus and faith into our every day lives with a sense of humour. 1. the Male Madonna. If you change the gender of the holder […]
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Response-able Luke 1:26-32 (Jesus’ birth told to Mary) Advent 4, Year B Supplies: • Illustrated Bible – pictures of Mary & Angel, Nativity, adult Jesus • Strips of cloth – one for each child and leader • Baby doll – ideally brown-skinned like a baby Jesus of Palestine Empty manger, i.e. no baby Jesus yet […]
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Matthew 1:18-21 — Joseph’s Dream How often do you hear a voice telling you to not be afraid? Maybe it isn’t a “voice” exactly, but maybe more like a sense of something bigger than yourself. We live in times where there is much to fear. And, yet, I often find myself wondering about all times. […]
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You can make this a litany with the responses in bold italics, and substitute the indigenous, Māori language words with the English translations in square brackets—although you might appreciate the explanation of these concepts in the footnotes. By faith, Mary let go of fear, and engendered a mothering God. This faith may lead us through […]
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Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. –Isaiah 60:1 Originally written as an Advent reflection, this may be used in either Hemisphere as a Winter reflection. Life moves unrelentingly on. We tackle projects. We make connections and friendships. We earn our bread and sometimes break […]
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For more Christmas poems by Jim Burklo click here. I turn in shame, I toss in pain I cannot sleep: confusion reigns I cannot sort the wrong from right I groan in turmoil through the night. Across the town dear Mary rests; A baby grows below her breasts. Good sense suggests that it is mine […]
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‘Peace on earth, good will toward all.’ — Luke 2:14 ‘The Dayspring from on high hath visited us… to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ — Luke 1:78-79 ‘Peace on earth,’ the angels sang. We sing it too, in carols, oratorios. We talk of peace, put it on bumper stickers, print it on […]
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An Advent Reflection 525,600 minutes. The opening song to the Broadway musical “Rent” tells us that in a single year, there are 525,600 minutes. The song then asks, how do you measure a year? Is it in daylights? Sunsets? Midnights? Cups of coffee? Inches? Miles? Laugher? Smiles? Psalm 90 talks about time, both our own […]
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The Christmas season is not always a happy time. The Advent and Christmas seasons can remind us of loved ones or relationships we have lost. The sights and smells of the weeks approaching Christmas, rather than bring joy and delight, can bring sadness and grief. A Blue Christmas service provides an opportunity to address the […]
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Lectionary reading on Third Sunday of Advent, Year A Listen to the news of hope reborn from Isaiah 35. The desert will rejoice and flowers will bloom in the wild places. Everywhere will reflect God’s glory. Tired hands and bent knees will be strong again. Eyes will see again, ears be opened. The lame will […]
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Written for Advent (Third Sunday of Advent Year A; Second Sunday of Advent Year B) Tune: Cecilia (6.6.6.6) A desert voice rings out to bring the faithful near; a voice that’s firm and strong, a call that’s loud and clear. A voice that rings with truth reminds us how we fall but lifts us up […]
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