Advent 2024: Silence

Advent Day 4, December 4, 2024 Lo, in the silent nightA child to God is bornAnd all is brought againThat ere was lost or lorn. Could but thy soul, O man,Become a silent night!God would be born in theeAnd set all things aright. Whoever wrote this 15th century verse knew a truth about the giftContinueContinue reading “Advent 2024: Silence”

When the Light Goes Out

For the first time in my life, I have a “Winter Tree” in my home.  After removing the Christmas ornaments, I felt a deep yearning for light and more light and was resistant to taking down the tree.  A friend of mine suggested that I replace the ornaments with snowflakes to make the tree seasonal,ContinueContinue reading “When the Light Goes Out”

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”

What does “lectio divina” mean?

Traveling the ancient paths of the dark seasons in search of the light often requires depending on ancient practices for our tools and compasses.  One such tool is called “lectio divina,” which means “sacred reading.”  Instead of reading a piece of text for information, lectio divina invites us to read the text for transformation, whichContinueContinue reading “What does “lectio divina” mean?”