Christmas Blessing (with Festive Beverage Recipes)

May you wake to the possibility of a miracle in your midst. May the twinkle of lights reflect the sparkle of joy in your world on this Christmas morning. May the unfolding of this day bring a sense of peace to your soul. May you unwrap the gift of hope anew.  (…and may there beContinue reading Christmas Blessing (with Festive Beverage Recipes)

Advent Comfort: Making Space (Matthew 1:18-25)

“But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid…” -Matthew 1:20 Decision fatigue. Analysis paralysis. Perfect is the enemy of good. We’ve all been there! If only God would send an angelic messenger myContinue reading Advent Comfort: Making Space (Matthew 1:18-25)

Advent Joy: Gift of Tradition & Fruitcake Recipe (Luke 1:46-56)

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…” -Luke 1:46 Songs connect with a deeper part of ourselves. Familiar melodies and lyrics memorized long ago can stir a well of emotion in us with just a few notes. The familiar words of Mary’s song recorded in the gospel of LukeContinue reading Advent Joy: Gift of Tradition & Fruitcake Recipe (Luke 1:46-56)

Advent Comfort: Hope is Alive (Luke 1:39-45)

“And blessed is she who believed that here would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” -Luke 1:45 While many of us are doing the things of this week with much haste, this familiar story of scripture offers new depths, promises and surprises when we make space to reflect.  MaryContinue reading Advent Comfort: Hope is Alive (Luke 1:39-45)

Coming Soon: Advent!

It is Advent: a season of preparation; a time of anticipation. The concepts of seasons and remembering, of ritual and meaning making, are the foundation for Some Comfort and Joy– our free online devotional resource rooted in an Anabaptist-Mennonite reading of scripture.  Following the liturgical year, we have written bi-weekly devotionals that offer a comfortContinue reading “Coming Soon: Advent!”

Advent Reflection: Earthy Jesus (Galatians 4)

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.” Galatians 4:4-5 One personality typing model designates a person as either earth, fire, or water.  Without muchContinue reading “Advent Reflection: Earthy Jesus (Galatians 4)”

Advent Practice of Joy: Music (Luke 1)

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’” Luke 1:46 Finding ways to experience the hope of Christmas may take some extra intentionality this year.  Music is one tradition that seems to connect our souls to God!  One new way I have learned to enjoy music isContinue reading “Advent Practice of Joy: Music (Luke 1)”