DECEMBER 17TH | BRING US BACK TOGETHER

“I WILL SEND MY MESSENGER, WHO WILL PREPARE THE WAY BEFORE ME. THEN SUDDENLY THE LORD YOU ARE SEEKING WILL COME TO HIS TEMPLE... HE WILL BE LIKE A REFINER’S FIRE OR A LAUNDERER’S SOAP. HE WILL SIT AS A REFINER AND PURIFIER OF SILVER; HE WILL PURIFY THE LEVITES AND REFINE THEM LIKE GOLD AND SILVER.”

— Malachi 3:1-4

We are masters of pretense. We try to be what we think we should be, always wanted to be or who we think others think we are. 

When the human race fell in the Garden of Eden, we became separated from our true selves, from each other and from the earth. Not only were we faced with lives of struggle with the land and those around us, now we must fight with ourselves to be real. To let ourselves be loved for who we are.

Madeleine L’Engle wrote in A Circle of Quiet, that perhaps the burning bush wasn’t destroyed because it was unselfconscious and egoless. It was simply a bush. And perhaps that’s what the purifying fires of judgement are about. Those who have become complete artifices of themselves will burn away. But those who have fought to part the veil and glimpse their true selves will find themselves whole, no longer separated into two parts. 

Sometimes we can glimpse our true selves. When spending time with kindred spirits. When reading a brilliant book. When dancing in the falling snowflakes. Then, the veil parts for a moment and I grin at the sky, feeling as though I might explode. But most of the time I strive toward the image of who I want to be. 

Immanuel, God with us, comes to bring us back together not only with himself, but to rejoin us with ourselves. When we love an idea of ourselves, there is little space for Jesus’ birth to truly come alive in us. We must rest in simply being who he created us to be. 

So as we prepare to celebrate God coming in human form, let’s put aside the images we hold dear. If we like to think of ourselves as better than our neighbor, lay that down; Jesus comes as a baby in a manger. If we struggle to see our worth, lay it down; Jesus comes as a baby in a manger. If we are afraid of what others think of us, lay it down; Jesus comes as a baby in a manger.

Who are we when we put aside our ego, and simply be in all our fullness as beloved children of God? Open yourself to the gift of God with us, and his promise of wholeness. Take a moment to be yourself, whether that means catching snowflakes on the tip of your tongue or baking for the joy of it or resting for a moment in the light of Christmas. 

Reflection by
CHAVALA YMKER
Wandering Storyteller

DECEMBER 16TH | HOPE HOLDS ON

“IN THOSE DAYS, JOHN THE BAPTIST CAME, PREACHING IN THE WILDERNESS OF JUDEA AND SAYING, ‘REPENT, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN HAS COME NEAR.’ THIS IS HE WHO WAS SPOKEN OF THROUGH THE PROPHET ISAIAH: A VOICE OF ONE CALLING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD, MAKE STRAIGHT PATHS FOR HIM.’”

— Matthew 3:1-3

Whether it’s a new job, a new baby, a new house, we rarely feel "ready.” To be honest, dread may be more likely. It’s true of the holidays, too.

The pressure of perfection, the haunting “shoulds,” the daunting ideals, and the longing for the elusive “something meaningful” can create a rocky road as we careen towards the new normal.

THIS time though, we decide to pause in the midst of tangled lights and messy souls. We can slow down in the candlelight of an Advent flame. We can take a breath and thank God for His forgiveness and a chance to start anew. We can prepare for His coming with a flicker of anticipation of His amazing grace. We hold on to this hope because what else is there? And in the end, we discover that Hope holds on to us.

So, gather around as we can take this truth to heart: Hope has come, bringing Light in to our darkest places.

Yes, you're right. It's certainly not all Hallmark movies, spiced-cider and rosy-cheeked caroling. Along with the sweet memories, painful ones rise, too. The world is a hurting place. We ache with the losses, the feuds, the wearisome questions and the never-ending messes. But, for a time, in spite of everything, we clear away the soul-clutter and find a moment of waking hope.

So, let the glistening tears flow as you prepare to share your lighted candle to another candle, while singing Silent Night on Christmas Eve.

Stand as you join the Hallelujah Chorus and rejoice when the Grinch's heart grows three times its size and laugh as Scrooge learns it's not too late to be generous. Listen to what the king says: Pray for peace, people everywhere for the Child will bring goodness and light. 

Most of all, prepare the way and prepare Him room as the weary world rejoices the long-expected Jesus. For truly He taught us to love one another, for His law is love and His gospel is peace. Together we fall on our knees before Him, our Emmanuel, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Reflection by
KRIS WOOD

DECEMBER 15TH | A CALL TO FAITH

“BUT YOU, BETHLEHEM EPHRATHAH, THOUGH YOU ARE LITTLE AMONG THE THOUSANDS OF JUDAH, YET OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH TO ME THE ONE TO BE RULER IN ISRAEL.” ”

— Micah 5:2

Mary, a very young woman betrothed to be married finds herself pregnant with the Son of God. Her contract for marriage at this time, in this place, and to Joseph was no accident. God had promised the Messiah would be born of the line of King David in Bethlehem. And God knew Mary was the only one who could carry out this arduous assignment, because she possessed the faith and humility needed to walk the path He had destined for her.

In Isaiah 7:14 the word of God came forth regarding these things. “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call His name Immanuel.”

Imagine what it must have felt like to be told your part in God’s plan was to be the vessel that would bring Jesus here. Whatever she was thinking or feeling, Mary did not hesitate to be obedient to God’s call. Records tell us she asked how this could happen, as she was a virgin.  Once her question was answered, her response was quick to follow:“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) If only we all had the same kind of response whenever God called us to accept an assignment!

How often do we get presented with the smallest of requests from the Lord and hesitate, weigh all our options, make pro-con lists, consult our friends and mentors, and still doubt that we heard correctly? We tell ourselves, “He could not possibly mean us”. We ask Him to tell us His plan and then ask for confirmation over and over. The angel told Mary not to be afraid, as she had found favor with God. She did not ask for time to think it over.  She simply obeyed. As sons and daughters of God, we could accomplish so much for the Kingdom if we put our trust in Him and gave no thought to the what-ifs. After all, He is the one who knows our Story in its entirety, while we can only see what is in front of us.

Joseph, too, is another perfect example of the same kind of faith. While he had the right to divorce her or publicly shame her, he did neither. He followed the direction from the angel of the Lord and took her and her unborn child as his own. He did not question the instructions God gave him. He simply got up and did what he was directed to do.  

Mary and Joseph had a life.  They had plans. They were preparing to be married, dreaming of what their new life would be like, the children they would have, where they would live.  It was most likely a happy, joyous time for them. God stepped in and turned everything upside down. They were now pregnant before the marriage ceremony with a baby that was not conceived through their union. How frightening that must have been.  They had no idea what life was going to look like from that point on.  They chose to trust in the process and accept the call.

As you go through this third week of advent, a time to help us prepare for the blessed event of Jesus’ birth, imagine what this world would look like today if we were all as ready and willing to drop our plans and do as God called us to? What if we responded like Mary? “Let it be to me according to your word.” Her decision to put her faith in God gave us the most important gift we will ever receive. She did not question His choice in her or doubt that what He said could be accomplished. Joseph did not hesitate when the Angel of the Lord told him he could believe Mary’s story. They both accepted His calling and brought forth our savior.

Father God, as we go through this season of Advent in preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, I pray that you reveal to each of us the area(s) in which we have been lacking faith in you. I ask that as we repent of any doubt and disobedience we have had, we might receive another opportunity to be used as a vessel for your purposes. That we all grow stronger in our faith and keep our trust in you and not in ourselves. Thank you for your abundant grace that brought forth our salvation and allows for us to return to you when we stumble. Amen.

Reflection by
JANICE SIMPSON

THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT | THE JOY OF PREPARATION

Today, our little house in the city will be filled with cooking and cleaning, baking and decorating - and later, the hustle and bustle of welcomes and greetings; and then, tonight, the great feast! 

Among others, there will be empanadas, Spanish rice, African rice pudding, Jewish latke’s, a French Bûche de Noël, and the dangerously delicious authentic Mexican coquitos.  

I am thankful for a friend and roommate who shares the same love of culture, diversity, and community. Naturally, we decided our Christmas party this year should be “Around the World” themed.

This deep reverence for diversity is something that has always been a part of me. I’ve loved culture from a young age, and only now can I look back and see how my fascination with certain experiences were only destined to culminate in an anthropology degree.

I can remember the International Faire in elementary school - the older students were assigned to research a country and set up a booth, while the younger students were led “around the world” throughout the student projects. This was one of my favorite days of the school year, and finally being able to research and lead my own booth as a 6th grader was even more exciting. Visiting Epcot in Disney World was like a dream, literally getting to visit multiple “countries” all in one day. My little sister wanted to see Mickey, and I wanted to go to Canada. My favorite movies were The Jungle Book, The Lion King, Aladdin, Pocahontas. 

I could never quite put a name to the seemingly inherent fascination I’ve always had with culture; a paradoxical excitement and longing, mixed with a sense of comfort.

This past week’s contributions spoke of ancient promises, family trees, prayers and songs for future generations. David prayed a prayer of permanent blessing over his family, delighted and in awe of a God who promised to do so.

This week as I reflected on peace and promise and David’s conversation with God, I realized that this ever-present longing and fascination with humanity is indeed instinctual. Of course, it is.

 For we have all been conceived in promise, and birthed into the Hope of Nations. The longing is in our blood.

We feel excitement because we are experiencing a part of Home already among us, accessible here and now. We can listen to other languages, eat food from each other’s homes, have conversations that span beyond borders or difference, share the traditions of Christmas with one another. We’ve been offered a taste of Home on earth - in our diverse neighborhoods, in cooking food and sharing recipes, in school projects, even through a child’s eyes at Epcot.

In moments like these, we are catching glimpses of the House our Father promised to one man long ago.

Yet still we yearn because this is only just a delicious taste of the glory and beauty and color and flavors to come. 

A little baby boy was born so we could be grafted in to this eternal promise, and as we light the third candle this week, let us find joy as we prepare for His coming, and meditate on this prayer together:

“LABORING GOD,
WITH AXE AND WINNOWING FORK
YOU CLEAR A HOLY SPACE
WHERE HURT AND DESTRUCTION HAVE NO PLACE,
AND A LITTLE CHILD HOLDS SWAY.
CLEAR OUR LIVES OF HATRED AND DESPAIR,
SOW SEEDS OF JOY AND PEACE,
THAT SHOOTS OF HOPE MAY SPRING FORTH
AND WE MAY LIVE IN HARMONY
WITH ONE ANOTHER.

AMEN.”

— From The Revised Common Lectionary: Vanderbilt Divinity Library

DECEMBER 14TH | THE GOOD BOOK

“AND NOW, LORD GOD, KEEP FOREVER THE PROMISE YOU HAVE MADE CONCERNING YOUR SERVANT AND HIS HOUSE. DO AS YOU PROMISED, SO THAT YOUR NAME WILL BE GREAT FOREVER. YOU HAVE REVEALED THIS TO YOUR SERVANT, SAYING ‘I WILL BUILD A HOUSE FOR YOU.’ NOW BE PLEASED TO BLESS THE HOUSE OF YOUR SERVANT, THAT IT MAY CONTINUE FOREVER IN YOUR SIGHT.”

— II Samuel 7:25-29

Born in the flatlands of Texas, I am the daughter of a mad poet and a troubled woman. Growing up in the country, Daddy would take me on long drives at nighttime so I could see the sunset, the rolling prairies in the springtime after the rains came, and the golden grass spinning in the wind during summer. I felt Something in those moments with my father; it existed just beyond my reach because I also felt this Something in the wind when I played with friends, when I prayed while my mother kept me out too late on a school night, and in high school, when I grabbed a paper copy of the Lord’s prayer in high school Spanish class.

It was out of the question for me to locate the Lord’s prayer in one of our unused Bibles. If Daddy saw me with the Bible, who knows what would happen? His moods were cantankerous at best and foul at worst. Staying out of the Good Book was the sanest course of action while living at home. High school friends slowly moved away from me when they found out I didn’t go to church. If only they knew the trouble I had when I attempted, I thought ruefully. Daddy prohibited me from attending any religious services because he lived in cold-blooded fear that I would learn the secrets of the universe and worship God instead of him.

The truth is he was right to be afraid because I did just that. I discovered the Something I sensed throughout my life was the strong and holy embrace of a God who surely did love all of me. I celebrate the coming birth of Christ with joyful expectancy and longing. That Something feeling comes over me again when I attend midnight mass and spend time in beloved community. Perhaps this is one of the greatest gifts of Christmas, that Christ came to earth and gave us each other?

***

As I prepared for writing this essay, I fretted and fumbled over the obscure passage from 2 Samual 7. Checking with my seminarian friend Adam, I learned the passage alludes to the second coming of Christ in addition to evidence that Jesus came from the line of David. After I heard that, I wanted to throw the Good Book across the room; never in my life have I felt so distant from a piece of scripture.

As a last resort, I pulled down The Message, a simple paraphrase Bible. It’s not considered a legitimate study bible, but I like bending rules; I recited the passage over and over, trying to ingest it, make it a part of me. But still, it fell flat on my face.

Until I read these lines:

And now, Master God, being the God you are, speaking sure words as you do, and having just said this wonderful thing to me, please, just one more thing: Bless my family; keep your eye on them always. You’ve already as much as said that you would, Master God! Oh, may your blessing be on my family permanently. (2 Sam. 7:28-29; emphasis mine)

Sitting back in my chair, I looked out the window at the huge oak tree, stunned at the latest spiritual epiphany. God is the roots of the tree and the transgendered community and the gays and queers and refugees and children in cages at the US border and the sex slaves and homeless and low-income Medicaid clients and the Muslims and Jews and Hindus and Buddhists and everyone from all walks of life are the branches of the glorious tree, the living body of Christ.

I’ve stumbled onto something because when I write next, the words flow; like a primed pump, the water pours out freely and easily, and I am lost in the river, enjoying the dancing current. The Spirit leads the way and like a wise and joyful mother, She takes the whole world to her bosom and laughs confidently and with great hope. The Holy One affirms me with words of love and kindness, laughter and welcome, saying “Honey, you have been in the fold since before you were born, just like everyone else. Now relax into My peace and enjoy your life. Bring your friends too. Everybody’s in, baby. Everybody.”

And when the Spirit beckons, we listen to Her words and we sway to the beat of Her confident dance, laughing through tears, leaning into the vulnerability of living together. 

Awakened. Hopeful. Alive.

Reflection by
JENN ZATOPEK
The Holy Absurd

Artwork by
MEGAN KENYON
”Hope of Nations” - Pastel and charcoal on mi-tienes paper.

DECEMBER 13TH | DAVID WENT IN AND SAT

“THEN KING DAVID WENT IN AND SAT BEFORE THE LORD, AND HE SAID, ‘WHO AM I, SOVEREIGN LORD, AND WHAT IS MY FAMILY, THAT YOU HAVE BROUGHT ME THUS FAR? AND AS IF THIS WERE NOT ENOUGH IN YOUR SIGHT, SOVEREIGN LORD, YOU HAVE ALSO SPOKEN ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE HOUSE OF YOUR SERVANT - AND THIS DECREE, SOVEREIGN LORD, IS FOR A MERE HUMAN!”

— II Samuel 7: 18-19

David went in and sat.
Who am I, Lord
that you would invite me
to sit before you?
To be touched by the
ageless current of
your intention?

Who am I, Lord
that your thoughts would
reach my human hearing
and in that graced speaking
would be a word
for me
and my family.
Who am I, Lord?

I come in,
I sit.
My crown slips
and I become the servant
at the feet
of a much mightier king,
whose majesty
ignites my family tree.

Who am I?
I am the Lord’s servant,
and my offspring
will take root inside
your knowing us,
chosen,
for humbled glory.
And our consent
will echo into future
generations,
tied to this memory
and surpassing me
“Oh Lord, let it be.”

Reflection and artwork by
AMY SEIDLITZ
”Generations” - Digital design via Sketchbook

DECEMBER 12TH | SONNET OF ANTICIPATION

“I HAVE BEEN WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU HAVE GONE, AND I HAVE CUT OFF ALL YOUR ENEMIES FROM BEFORE YOU. NOW I WILL MAKE YOUR NAME GREAT, LIKE THE NAMES OF THE GREATEST MEN ON EARTH. AND I WILL PROVIDE A PLACE FOR MY PEOPLE ISRAEL AND WILL PLANT THEM SO THAT THEY CAN HAVE A HOME OF THEIR OWN AND NO LONGER BE DISTURBED... I WILL ALSO GIVE YOU REST FROM ALL YOUR ENEMIES....WHEN YOUR DAYS ARE OVER AND YOU REST WITH YOUR ANCESTORS, I WILL RAISE UP YOUR OFFSPRING TO SUCCEED YOU, YOUR OWN FLESH AND BLOOD, AND I WILL ESTABLISH HIS KINGDOM. HE IS THE ONE WHO WILL BUILD A HOUSE FOR MY NAME, AND I WILL ESTABLISH THE THRONE OF HIS KINGDOM FOREVER. I WILL BE HIS FATHER, AND HE WILL BE MY SON. ”

— II Samuel 7: 9-13

Promises are seeds buried in tiny

spaces -- soil block, womb, imagination.

Each speck a world of shrouded potential

labyrinthine orbit, quiet stillness

universe sown in fidelity's soil

promise of scarlet tomato, of tents

remade in stone, and little fingers curled

around your wondering heart; fruition

is promises built from atoms shot through

with light, life incarnate from wind and dust.

Look for seedlings bursting forth, infant wails,

strong walls telling stories of a promise:

one day you'll wake in love's re-membered light,

hope and faith burned to mere warm memory.

Poem by
AMANDA BRINDLEY
The Tiny Burrow

Artwork by
GARRETT MOORE
”Dwell.” Plastina on paper.
@garrettmoore_documentary

DECEMBER 11TH | EVERGREEN

“THEREFORE I WILL PRAISE YOU AMONG THE GENTILES; I WILL SING THE PRAISES OF YOUR NAME.” AGAIN, IT SAYS, “REJOICE, YOU GENTILES, WITH HIS PEOPLE.” AND AGAIN, “PRAISE THE LORD, ALL YOU GENTILES; LET ALL THE PEOPLES EXTOL HIM.” AND AGAIN, ISAIAH SAYS, “THE ROOT OF JESSE WILL SPRING UP, ONE WHO WILL ARISE TO RULE OVER THE NATIONS; IN HIM THE GENTILES WILL HOPE.” MAY THE GOD OF HOPE FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE AS YOU TRUST IN HIM, SO THAT YOU MAY OVERFLOW WITH HOPE BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.”

— Romans 15:9-13

sprout, seed
tombed in earth
children long
for their rebirth

stretch, shoots
up through soil
children long
to rest from toil

grow, branch
lengthen limb
children all
to gather in

soar, tree
rooted deep
children nevermore
shall weep

sing, children
evergreen
peace at last
your Healer brings

Poem by
AMELIA FREIDLINE
@innocentabroad

DECEMBER 10TH | A SECRET LIED WITHIN THE ROOT

“A SHOOT WILL COME UP FROM THE STUMP OF JESSE; FROM HIS ROOTS A BRANCH WILL BEAR FRUIT. THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD WILL REST ON HIM— THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND OF UNDERSTANDING, THE SPIRIT OF COUNSEL AND OF MIGHT, THE SPIRIT OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND FEAR OF THE LORD— AND HE WILL DELIGHT IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD.”

— Isaiah 11:1-3

Just as a mustard seed, small as seeds come,
grows into a tree that birds choose to nest in,
So Bethlehem, small among the clans of Judah,
Gave root to the seed that would grow to be the ultimate tree of life.

This root of Jesse,
Modest in its appearance,
Unassuming in its entrance,
Was planted in the spot
Predicted by tales and prophesies of old.

As it took hold in the fertile soil,
Signs and wonders in the heavens
Bore witness
While the forces of man attempted 
To halt its growth.

The wind tore its branches away,
Hail rained down,
And death attempted to destroy it completely.

But the secret that lied within the root
Was that it could not fail.
Its fruit would bring sustenance to the weary,
Nourishment for the faint of heart,
Life to the lifeless.

Its branches would extend to the far reaches of the earth,
Providing shade to the wanderer,
A place of rest for all creatures great and small. 

Its promise will always hold true -
And one day,
When all have gazed upon its beauty,
It will stand as the centerpiece of our lives -
Where it will stay for all of time.

Poem by
MORGAN BURKE
www.morganburkewrites.com

Artwork by
KRISTIN KJORLAUG DOBROWOLSKI
”The Family Tree of Christmas.” Charcoal on paper.
www.kristinkjorlaug.com

DECEMBER 9TH | AN ABUNDANT PROMISE

“SPRINGS WILL GUSH FORTH IN THE WILDERNESS, AND STREAMS WILL WATER THE WASTELAND. THE PARCHED GROUND WILL BECOME A POOL, AND SPRINGS OF WATER WILL SATISFY THE THIRSTY LAND.
MARSH GRASS AND REEDS AND RUSHES WILL FLOURISH WHERE DESERT JACKALS ONCE LIVED. AND A GREAT ROAD WILL GO THROUGH THAT ONCE DESERTED LAND. IT WILL BE NAMED THE HIGHWAY OF HOLINESS.”

— Isaiah 35:6-8

Think back to Christmases past. Did you ever find yourself just going through the motions? 

Did you make the prerequisite cookies and build the traditional gingerbread house just because that’s what you always do?

Did you attend Christmas Eve service at your church only because it was the right thing to do?

Did you donate to the Salvation Army kettles because you knew you should?

Going through the motions at Christmastime is probably more common than you think. The busyness of the season pushes us to fit all the traditions in, buy all the gifts and make all the food, desserts and candies.

Instead of a time of gratitude and peace, we are left with a time of exhaustion with little energy left to focus on our Savior.

Jesus came to earth for so many reasons. We know He was born to become the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, but He was also born to free us from meaningless life.

Jesus came to awaken us to abundance.

The scripture in Isaiah predicts this wonderful coming of the Messiah. Picture the scene the verses above describe. Gushing springs. Streams in the wasteland. Pools instead of parched ground. Thirst satisfied.

All of those descriptions paint the picture of abundance and provision and satisfaction.

Jesus alone can satisfy all of our needs and can save us from a life of just “going through the motions.” Jesus brings purpose to all we do when we do everything for His glory.

In John 10:10, Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (ESV).

As we anticipate the birth of our Savior, let’s also anticipate the abundant life he came to bring. As we celebrate this season, let’s remove anything that keeps us from experiencing this abundance, so we can focus on the gift of Jesus alone.

Let’s anticipate the promise of Jesus, the only one who can satisfy our souls with His abundant grace and love. 

Reflection by:
KRISTEN KAY JOHNSON
www.kristenkayjohnson.com