Tag Archives: advent

Advent 2 C: Omicron as Refining Fire

Posted on December 3, 2021 by John

The readings for this Second Sunday of Advent are Old Testament      Malachi 3:1–4 Psalm                    Luke 1:68–79 New Testament     Philippians 1:3–11 Gospel                   Luke 3:1–6 This past week a wave of panic has swept the globe. We know … Continue reading →

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Advent 1 C: Heads-up Christianity

Posted on November 24, 2021 by John

The lessons for the First Sunday of Advent are: Old Testament      Jeremiah 33:14–16 Psalm                    Psalm 25:1–10 New Testament     1 Thessalonians 3:9–13 Gospel                   Luke 21:25–36 Today I had yet another conversation about yet another person quitting their … Continue reading →

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Pentecost 25 B: Beyond Dystopia

Posted on November 12, 2021 by John

The readings for this 25th Sunday after Pentecost are: Old Testament      Daniel 12:1–3 Psalm                    Psalm 16 New Testament     Hebrews 10:11–14 (15–18) 19–25 Gospel                   Mark 13:1–8 Christians have a wondrous asset to share with the world. It … Continue reading →

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Advent 4 B: Look Up to God And Down on None

Posted on December 16, 2020 by John

The Gospel Lesson for this Sunday is the Annunciation: Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that, though a virgin, she will bear the Son of the Most High God, the Messiah of the lineage of King David (Luke 1:26-38). The Psalm that … Continue reading →

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Advent 3 B: Smiling as Resistance

Posted on December 10, 2020 by John

This Sunday’s Readings Old Testament      Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11 Psalm                    Psalm 126 or Luke 1:46b–55 New Testament     1 Thessalonians 5:16–24 Gospel                   John 1:6–8, 19–28 My sainted former colleague, Pastor Paul Fuchs, used to jokingly tell of how … Continue reading →

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Advent 2 B: Plague Days as Messy Beginning

Posted on December 3, 2020 by John

It’s starting to look a lot like winter here on the farm. First things first: Out of bed just as dawn is breaking I fortify myself with warm clothes from head to toe, and brave the dark, cold and windy … Continue reading →

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Advent 1B Becoming the Answer

Posted on November 25, 2020 by John

Douglas Adams wrote hysterical science fiction, the humor of which sometimes hid gems of insights into the human condition. In his “Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe” series he told the story of how a society built a computer with a … Continue reading →

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Take Virgin Mary Off The Pedestal

Posted on December 20, 2017 by John

There is nothing worse than being put up on a pedestal. And there has perhaps been no one whose usefulness to humanity has been more misused than the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Our Lord. When we hear this Gospel … Continue reading →

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Winter Pounces

Posted on December 12, 2016 by John

Advent is perfectly placed in the liturgical and meteorological calendar. It provides a natural faith lesson. Jesus says, “Stay awake! Be ready!” This was a winter arrival to test readiness. The sheep were grazing on lush grass right up to … Continue reading →

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The Animals Teach Us Advent Expectation

Posted on December 6, 2016 by John

‘Tis the season for expectation. Pregnant waiting. Yearning flavored with confidence. Confidence born of experience. Advent has always been a favorite time for me. Of course, as a child, it all led up to that moment when we drove home … Continue reading →

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