Tag Archives: advent

Candlelighting in the Shadows of Advent

Advent begins with one candle flickering in the shadows. It is then that we start to pay attention. It is when that match strikes that we start to notice the fullness of the shadows. It is not just dark or there would not be shadows. The light never disappeared. It was always there for weContinue reading “Candlelighting in the Shadows of Advent”

Pandemic Prayers for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

This lovely meditation on the Magnificat was in my email from The Work of the People a few days ago. I love the slightest twist on the more familiar words from those verses in Luke’s first chapter. If you’re looking for another paraphrase to bring these words to life, there is this adaptation by JimContinue reading “Pandemic Prayers for the Fourth Sunday of Advent”

Pandemic Prayers for the Third Sunday of Advent

A few years ago, I heard Gaudete by Brad Reynolds in worship and I loved it so much that I have no idea what happened through the rest of the service. I was lost in wonder of these joy-filled words. I am not sure I am one of those people that does joy well. IContinue reading “Pandemic Prayers for the Third Sunday of Advent”

Pandemic Prayers for the Second Sunday of Advent

Last week, I shared my own candle lighting liturgy for Advent but then Maren Tirabassi posted this beautifully simply liturgy inspired by Howard Thurman and I love it. If you haven’t chosen something because you’re exhausted and it’s Thanksgiving and all of the other things that are taking up your time, go and find thisContinue reading “Pandemic Prayers for the Second Sunday of Advent”

Pandemic Prayers for the First Sunday of Advent

It was just yesterday that I was in a Zoom meeting daydreaming about what Advent might look like in 2022 with my collaborators at Seasons of the Spirit FUSION. It was such a fun conversation with so many ideas on how we might claim ritual and community in whatever stage of the pandemic we mightContinue reading “Pandemic Prayers for the First Sunday of Advent”

Pandemic Lighting of the Advent Wreath

There are some readings that can be handed out to the families of your church without explanation. They know to read the script and light the candles. This is not that. This Advent is not that. We have learned to do worship differently in the past two years. Our traditions have shifted and we haveContinue reading “Pandemic Lighting of the Advent Wreath”

An Advent Invocation

Remember when I said I wasn’t going to offer weekly prayers? That is still my intention but it seems that I cannot write Christmas Eve without first wandering into the lamentation and hope of Advent. I have been working on a service for the Longest Night and Christmas Eve but couldn’t quite get into theContinue reading “An Advent Invocation”

Pandemic Prayers for Advent and Christmas

Though I am not posting weekly prayers during these four weeks, I do not want to leave you orphaned. I also do not think that I am Jesus. For some reason, that Gospel Lesson is working on me so there it is. If you are looking for prayers for this season, I am here forContinue reading “Pandemic Prayers for Advent and Christmas”

Pandemic Prayers for Proper 29, Thanksgiving and Keeping Watch Under Pandemic Skies Release

I have already moved into Advent. I made the leap. The Christmas carols have been turned on though I’m refusing to put the tree until after Thanksgiving. It feels like it has been Advent for months already though, doesn’t it? Still, the huge uptick in COVID-19 cases across this nation mean that any worship plansContinue reading “Pandemic Prayers for Proper 29, Thanksgiving and Keeping Watch Under Pandemic Skies Release”