Advent & Christmas

How can this be; called — Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson, USA

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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Advent affirmation — Bronwyn White, Aotearoa New Zealand

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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Airse, shine! — Barbara Wilkins-Crowder, USA

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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Joseph’s Ladder, an Advent Poem — Jim Burklo, USA

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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Measuring Time, an Advent reflection — Angie Combs, USA

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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Blue Christmas / Longest Night

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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Isaiah 35, responsive reading — Duncan Wilson, UK

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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Carol, A desert voice rings out — Duncan Wilson, UK

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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