Winter Lament

Faith traditions across the United States, perhaps across the world, are offering a special service this time of year as the longest night, December 21, approaches.  These services are often called “The Longest Night” or “Blue Christmas,” and their intention is to recognize, not shy away from or deny, the pain, grief, and loneliness thatContinueContinue reading “Winter Lament”

Keeping Hope in Hopeless Times

A neighbor in an adjoining subdivision to ours is Jewish.  At least that is my supposition since the family keeps an 8’ metal menorah cemented to the ground in their front yard year-round.  We pass this house when we head to town, and I’ve come to call it “The Menorah House.”  I am moved byContinueContinue reading “Keeping Hope in Hopeless Times”

Lighting Our Own Flame

Today, December 11, marks the second day of the eight day Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, the festival of lights. For those not familiar with this celebration, here is a synopsis: In the second century BCE, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who tried to force the people of Israel to accept Greek culture andContinueContinue reading “Lighting Our Own Flame”

An Advent Meditation on Surrender

Yesterday, I offered to pray for anyone with a specific request and asked that you use the email to send your concern. I understand that some people had a problem trying to click on that link, so please cut and paste 20rosepoet20@gmail.com to whatever email platform you use.  If you did not get a reply fromContinueContinue reading “An Advent Meditation on Surrender”