Tag Archives: spirituality

Communal Light

An old, old story goes like this:  Once upon a time, a young king desired to build the biggest, most magnificent, cathedral in all of Europe.  He spared no cost in workmanship and in construction, and people came from far and near to watch the progress.  Gold, marble, frescoes, mosaics, silver, the finest woods—all ofContinueContinue reading “Communal Light”

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”

Soul Song

Ancient guides, ancient paths, ancient stories.  Winter seasons throughout the beginning of time have drawn humanity to seek solace in these places, to discern wisdom in the darkness of shadows.  I have always found it to be Truth that when I am on a journey through the shadows, the Spirit somehow knows what I needContinueContinue reading “Soul Song”

The Meaning of Joy in Advent

In the Christian tradition, the focus or theme of the third week of the four-week season of Advent is joy.  In this dark time of year, in a “holiday” season that for many of us will be different from what it has ever been before, where do we find joy?  If this is our firstContinueContinue reading “The Meaning of Joy in Advent”

Loss of a Mother in December

Today marks the sixth anniversary of my mother’s death.  Catherine H. Rice, as she always called herself, was 94 when she died due to complications from Parkinson’s and dementia.  Her illness was what a friend accurately called “the long goodbye” as this woman who was once the matriarch and centerpiece of the house slowly gaveContinueContinue reading “Loss of a Mother in December”

Sky Lights

If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore; and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God which had been shown! But every night come out these envoys of beauty, and light the universe with their admonishing smile. Ralph Waldo Emerson In this winter seasonContinueContinue reading “Sky Lights”

Invitation for Prayer Requests

In yesterday’s blog, I wrote about peace and how it is so often sung about in Christmas carols and proclaimed in scriptures.  At this point in history, the image of a lion lying down with a lamb is one for which we all long.  But for peace to become a reality in our lives, homes,ContinueContinue reading “Invitation for Prayer Requests”