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Whipping Up Something New – Advent in a Divided Kingdom
In preparing for major events, most of us clean house. God is no different. Do you remember Jesus cleansing the temple? When we clean, there is a sorting out. What have we accumulated that is unnecessary? What is unlovely and should be discarded? What has entered that isn’t in line with our values or that …[ read more ]
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Prepare to Be Comforted, People
There are people who are ready to receive comfort and joy And people who deflect comfort and joy like they’re playing badminton with the gifts of A loving God. Trouble comes to us all. No one escapes adversity in this life. But we can choose how we respond. In the years before Jesus was born, …[ read more ]
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An Ancient Light for a Present Darkness
And they were a people longing, Yearning to escape captivity. For as long as they could remember, there had been chains – chains and shackles and heavy yokes Weighing them down, Until even their young children were crushed beneath their father’s bonds. At first, they had cried out With angry protests, shaking fists, and proud …[ read more ]
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The Light Shines in the Darkness
Father? Yes, my child? This is a very dark place that you have sent me. Yes, I know. You are the Light. The people here are lost. Yes, I know. You are the Way. They believe lies about you. I know. You are the Truth. There is the stench of death all around. You are …[ read more ]
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Like a House Afire – Further Adventures in the Advent of a New Tradition
Every year around this time in New England, there are reports of homes destroyed by chimney fire. It’s natural that as fires burn in the fireplace through the year, that layer after layer of soot collects inside the chimney stack and if it is not cleaned out, it reaches a dangerous level. This accumulation of …[ read more ]