The Coming – Advent Reflections, Part 3: Joy

Christmas is a time of joy. Everyone knows that. Whether because Santa is coming, gifts are being exchanged, or loved ones are uniting, Christmas is generally known for being a time of cheer. For a moment, amidst all those lovely Christmas festivities, I’d like to take a moment to examine the joy that was felt that […]

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The Coming – Advent Reflections, Part 2: Hope

Hope is essential. It’s what carries us forward in dark times. It’s the ability to see beyond what is now, to what could be, to what will be. God was silent for 400 years before Jesus came, but some did not lose hope, including Simeon, a man who was “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (Luke […]

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The Coming – Advent Reflections, Part 1: Faith

At my church growing up, we celebrated Advent. I miss it sometimes. The countdown of the weeks until Christmas with the traditional Scripture readings. The prayers led by families holding hands. And the candles. I always associate Christmas and Advent with candles. My church now doesn’t observe Advent, but I decided to prepare myself for Christmas more intentionally this year by […]

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One of Those Beautifully Overwhelming Moments

Sometimes I feel like an old woman. Especially when I try to get up after sitting in one position for too long. (My joints aren’t what they used to be…sad but true.) I also felt like an old woman on Christmas Eve when I was watching my little siblings (ages 5-10) sing Christmas carols up on […]

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Home for Christmas

This is my first time being home for Christmas in three years. It’s rather nice. Listening to my little siblings read Advent excerpts, watching the packages from Amazon pile up by the front door, driving by houses sparkling with lights, feeling the anticipation in the air. I used to resist the Christmas hype fiercely and […]

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White Christmas

I had a surprisingly lovely Christmas this year, full of laughter and love. One of the most wonderful moments was walking home in the snow by myself late Christmas Eve after a party with friends. I caught white snowflakes on my new black gloves and marveled at the endless creativity of God. For the brief moments […]

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