The Fifth Lesson: Luke 2:1-7 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee … Continued

The Fourth Lesson: Luke 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is … Continued

The Third Lesson: Isaiah 11:1-9 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,    and a branch shall grow out of his roots.The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,    the spirit of wisdom and understanding,    the spirit of counsel and might,    the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. … Continued

The Second Lesson: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, … Continued

The First Lesson: Genesis 1: 1-5 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And … Continued

In preparing for our Advent theme, In Light & Darkness, I’ve been spending a lot of time considering the ways in which many of us often perceive our lived experience in terms of dualities.  As far back as opening words to Genesis 1, people of our Judeo-Christian faith have been concerned with the separateness of … Continued

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being…” (Jn 1:1-3, NRSV).  The logos, the Word of God, can be thought of as the primordial sounding, … Continued

It might seem that in 2020, there hasn’t been much to be collectively joyful about. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the election cycle actively driving our communities apart both physically and socially, it has been easy to fall prey to feelings of anxiety and loneliness. However, our isolation has also forced us to adapt, and it has … Continued

In his Confessions, Augustine of Hippo (354-430 CE) wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” I think all of us can relate to this feeling of restlessness we find within ourselves when we are chasing after things that are not of God. Thankfully, we … Continued

Originally from Macon, Georgia, John Mark Heard (1951-1992) wrote songs that were “at once visceral and philosophical to a degree uncommon in contemporary music,” and he had the ability to “consistently integrate the sacred and the profane, the spiritual and the humane, [and provide] nourishment in a way so few others ever have.”  While he … Continued