Scripture: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
We celebrate the Baptism of Jesus, recognizing that it does not promise us still waters, but it does offer us the promise of our own beloved-ness, that we might bring that reminder to the world…
Beneath the Surface
Author / geoffparker
Other Roads
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
The Feast of Epiphany arrives with wise ones “from away” inviting us to ponder how we encounter the holiness of other traditions and other travelers, living into the deep mystery of what Christ’s incarnation means for us as Christians, and for our relationships with all creation.
Dress Up
Scripture: Luke 2:41-52, Colossians 3:12-17
It’s Christmas-tide, and so we get a rare story of Jesus growing up, and wonder how he learned to be himself, and to hear God’s call on his life. Identity development and deepening never truly stops, though, and like the ancient church at Colossae, we wonder how we might try on new gifts, clothing ourselves in the Spirit as we discover who we truly are as a people of God, and as we share that gift with the world.
Silent, Holy, Here
Christmas Eve Reflection 2018
There is a song we sing on this Holy Night of Christmas that is not quite like the others. This year “Silent Night” is 200 years old, but it remains a part of our traditions and our cosmic telling of the Christ-child’s birth because it connects us to a tender moment of incarnation.
Songs and Streams of Joy
Scripture: Isaiah 12:2–6, Philippians 4:4–7
The prophet Isaiah and Apostle Paul call us to rejoice in song as we light the candle of joy, and a season of celebration sets in around us. In the midst of painful times, we find our traditions can be a connection to a deep well of joy, rather than a requirement of some cleaned-up happiness.
Walking in the ways of the ancestors.
Saturday well spent means extra Sunday breakfast.
Songs and Seeds of Hope
Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16
We join with the prophet Jeremiah in Advent songs of hope which tell of God’s planting of seeds which we believe come to bloom in Jesus. In a season of feeling buried by concerns for those seeking refuge in times of trial, we are glad to be reminded that is exactly how seeds work… and stretch to grow in compassion.
Hold Together
Scripture: Psalm 46, Colossians 1:11-20
Christ the King Sunday is not a blockbuster feast of the Christian year, but maybe it ought to be. It reminds us that our citizenship is to God’s realm beyond any border and boundary… in maybe a time when we need reminding… and that we should look at one another to see the face of Christ.
Enough – Thanksgiving
Scripture: Joel 2:21-27, Matthew 6:25-33
Jesus invites us to see ourselves as part of an ecology of belonging, and of grace. Even when fire has consumed so much, we can answer that call to be a part of God’s new life after the flames.