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:
joy
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 […]
Liturgy, Reflection, Benediction 2023.8.13
Liturgy God in heaven, you number the stars.You hold the pillars of the earth firm.You have searched each of us and known us.The inmost being of every personHas been created and gently held by you. We look to you and your strength,Seeking your face always. We see only from where we are,Guessing whether the other is friend or foe.Sometimes looking […]
Promise Keeper
What hope might you create space for in order to stay close to God’s promises? Virginia Cumberbatch opens up about audaciously holding on to hope through seasons of challenges, disappointments, and injustice. [Psalm 105:1-5] Reflection What would it look like to create space to reflect on the promises God has kept? How can the uncertainty or mystery of our human […]
Liturgy, Reflection, Benediction 2022.12.23
Liturgy Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace, good willtoward humankind. In the angel’s gentle greeting,teach us to hear your love. In Mary’s glad obedience,teach us to follow your light. In your lowly birth and lodging,teach us to embrace your humility. In the worship of poor shepherds,teach us to give our attention. We light the Advent candlesthat all […]
Unexpected Joy and Peace
What are we invited to do or change as we consider the unexpected disruption that the first Christmas brought with the birth of a baby? On the eve of Christmas Eve, Weylin Lee leads us in the practice of lectio divina through a reflection over the past year and through the Christmas story [Luke 2:8-15] Resources Book: Wholehearted Faith by […]
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 […]