When have you been surprised by joy? On the third Sunday of Advent, Christopher Mack ponders how Mary and Elizabeth found deep joy in challenging circumstances through gratitude, kindness, peacemaking, and solidarity. [Luke 1:46-56] Reflection How might I cultivate joy by practicing gratitude this week? Is there a person or situation where I might choose kindness and generosity? Where can […]
Stories tagged:
gratitude
Liturgy, Reflection & Benediction 2023.12.17
Liturgy Heavenly Lord GodMaker of Heaven and Earth,The hills and rivers sing out your name.As we light the candle for Joy,We pray to find peace and a moment of warmth.Call us into your light,We are ready to be still and listen.Jesus Christ, our Holy Savior,Your love shines out to usLike the star that led the Magi to a miracleTeach us […]
Daring Disruption
How might we foster hope among so much grief and cyclical injustice in the world? Christopher Mack begins this season of Advent slowing down to glimpse with the prophet Isaiah, a word that might remake our world. [Isaiah 2:1-5] Reflection What ruts of routine or quicksands of status quo are constraining your life or world? How might you move in […]
Dressed in Love
Weylin Lee reflects on what we are putting on ourselves that centers us around and embodies the love of God through the contemplative practice of Lectio Divina [Colossians 3:12-17]. Reflection How might you clothe yourself with more compassion and kindness in this coming year? What would it look like for you to practice more gratitude in the coming year? Resources […]
Joy in Distress
As we continue in the season of Advent, Weylin Lee reflects on what practices might invite us to embody joy as we continue to navigate distress and disruption both in and outside our lives [Philippians 4:4-7]. Reflection Who are those in our lives that we might need to embody gentleness towards? How might we hold the tension of practicing gratitude […]
Not Losing Heart
Gena St. David reflects on what helps us not lose heart in the midst of grief especially in our personal and communal experiences [2 Corinthians 4:13-16]. Reflection How is God renewing us as a Vox community? What do we need to grieve to make space for what’s next? And how might that grief moves us toward grace? Practice Express Grief. […]
Disorientation
Matt Inman reflects on how disorientation invites us to create space to honor both our hardship and a deepening gratitude and love. Erin Inman and Jason Ikpatt also share reflections from their own experiences [Mark 8:29-33]. Reflection What experiences do you find most difficult to validate or legitimize? Where were you most surprised by where love or connection showed up […]