Yesterday I changed the church lawn sign to announce “Christmas Eve 4:00” worship. I confess to being a little annoyed at having to spell out “Christmas,” which is much longer than “Xmas.” I was trying to be sensitive to those who object to “Xmas” as a crass or irreverent treatment of the season. I get that. “Xmas” could appear to be a capitulation to popular culture: X-Files, X-Men, xBox, X Factor, and yes, x-rated. But that’s not how I see it. “X” is a cross! The birth of Jesus is just the … [Read more...]
Blog Archive
Christmas Truce
As we approach Christmas Eve I find myself preoccupied with “amazing grace.” Specifically, I’m thinking of the Christmas Truce of WWI in which enemies put down their arms and granted the world a glimpse of Isaiah’s vision of turning “swords into plowshares”—or, in this case, soccer balls. This Christmas Eve marks the 100th anniversary of this stupendous moment in history. Tragically—predictably—it was short-lived. Even so, it remains a symbol of hope in a world that seems to have learned little … [Read more...]
The Seasons of Poverty
Advent tries to tell the truth about the need of the world. As the world grows darker--at least in the northern hemisphere--the readings and the hymnody of the Christian assembly, its simplicity, and the slowly growing light of its wreath of candles all speak of waiting and hoping. The point is not a pretended waiting, as if Jesus were not yet born and we were waiting for his coming. That use of Advent inevitably short-circuits its elemental power. Rather, Advent helps the church tell the … [Read more...]
Nine Months of Advent
by Carrie Cates, MDiv Student, Seattle School of Theology & Psychology I have a proposal: I think we should practice Advent for nine months of the year before we celebrate Christmas. This four-weeks-before-Christmas thing with its purple candles is all well and good, I suppose, but if Advent is meant to be a season of waiting and anticipation, then I don’t think it’s doing us any favors towards increasing our capacity for wonder, awe, or celebration by cramming our tidy observations of … [Read more...]
With A Stone
A recent blog post Michael Denton, United Church of Christ Conference Minister... Before you demand that someone puts down that stone or puts down those matches let me suggest that you first know why they picked it up and ask (pray, maybe) ask If you would speak to Christ this way. Yes, I mean Jesus that young man of color born in an occupied state; that Child of God; that son of Mary; KILLED BY THE STATE AND THE CHURCH who Got so angry he turned over tables … [Read more...]
The Invitation of Advent
Following is an Advent reflection by Samuel Ramey, a 2008 graduate of the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. The Invitation of Advent I don’t know all of what Mary feared, but I can imagine she had good reason to be afraid—as did Joseph, Zechariah, and the Shepherds. The Angels spoke directly to them, offering each of them the same message about the coming of Jesus: “be not afraid.” They were afraid, with good reason. And so are we. My guess is that your fears are similar to … [Read more...]
The Power of Gratitude (2)
Following Thanksgiving, a local story on the power of gratitude to overcome despair: The Power of Gratitude … [Read more...]
The Power of Gratitude (1)
Yesterday marked the beginning of Advent, a season of waiting. But fighting the human impulse toward instant gratification isn't easy. This New York Times article seems to be about how to resist seasonal impulse buying but it's more than that. It's about the power of gratitude: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/opinion/sunday/with-holiday-shopping-willpower-isnt-enough.html?_r=0http:// … [Read more...]
Fall
It has felt more like winter these past weeks but by the calendar we’re only mid-way through fall. The word “fall” lately has been showing up regularly in my life. It’s our informal word for “autumn.” But its most common use describes moving from “upright” to “face-plant.” I’ve had some painful, first-hand experience with this use of the word. Two months ago I slipped on a large boulder while walking along a river. I hit the rock full force on my back. More recently, I fell off a … [Read more...]
“Maybe”
Following Tuesday's election, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky vowed that the new Republican majority is "going to pass legislation." While the prospect of an end to Congressional gridlock sounds hopeful, McConnell's statement begs the question: "What KIND of legislation?" Will the new majority set as their priority Biblical values such as economic justice for the poor and careful stewardship of God's good earth? Or, will its priorities represent a headlong rush to preserve and add to power, … [Read more...]