We think of Christmas as merry and bright. Yet we are living through political turmoil, economic confusion, and personal losses, so we may not be sure how to approach Christmas this year. Perhaps the Christmas story can help us rekindle hope for the future amid hardship. The following is a… Read More »Christmas: Hope in Hardship
The Winter holidays are difficult for many people. There are high expectations, mixed with frustrations and even grief. But the nature of the holidays draws us to the interplay of darkness and light that is the foundation of these celebrations. The following is a text version of this posting. In… Read More »The Holidays: Encountering Darkness and Finding Light
The Winter holidays are difficult for many people. There are high expectations, mixed with frustrations and even grief. But the nature of the holidays draws us to the interplay of darkness and light that is the foundation of these celebrations. Join me in reflecting on the significance of finding light… Read More »The Holidays: Encountering Darkness, Finding Light
Encountering God begins with our willingness to make space in our lives. Encountering God leads us to prepare with concrete actions. As we prepare for Christmas and the celebration of God-in-our midst, join me in reflecting on what it means to encounter God. Thanks. The following is a text version… Read More »Encountering God: Get Ready!
When I was in my twenties, I was uncomfortable with the importance placed on Christmas. At that time, I thought that the birth of Jesus was, well, sort of important. But everyone is born. I reasoned that what was really important is the death and resurrection of Jesus. After all,… Read More »The Tender, Vulnerable Jesus
The Christmas Story. Yes, it’s a familiar tale that fills us with a bit of sentimentality and a kind of romantic sensibility. We think of the silent night, the angelic choirs, and the star that led the magi. But when we pay close attention to the details of the story,… Read More »Christmas: Hope in Hardship
Waiting. We all do it. At red lights. In doctor’s offices. When meeting up with friends. Waiting creates a space, an openness in our lives. Time slows as we anticipate what will come next. The experience of waiting has implications for spiritual practice, too. By creating space in our lives,… Read More »Waiting, Peace, and Hope
To call the familiar story of Ebenezer Scrooge a “holiday classic” is something of an understatement. The name “Scrooge” and his hallmark phrase “bah humbug!” are part of our lexicon. The unfolding of the story and its various apparitions led Ebenezer to have a change of heart, to experience compassion… Read More »The Ghosts of Christmases Past
