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Life beyond the Usual

Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 18, 2011

If anything is possible with God, why do we have such a hard time believing it and embodying God to our world? (Photo by NASA used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Advent: Making Time for God

The season of Advent is meant for preparation and contemplation, but the world often sucks us into a mad rush of consumption and entertainment leaving God the most meager of our leftovers. Click here to read Kari Wyatt Kent’s thoughts on saying “yes” to God and “no” to all that would distract us from the… Read more»

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Time to Lighten Up!

Lectionary Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent
December 11, 2011

Now that we’ve swept clean the corners of our heart and mind, this Sunday invites us to fill our souls with light, rejoicing in the knowledge that the Light of Christ is coming into the world and we can point others to it. (Photo by cupcakes2 used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Advent Devotions for Youth and Young Adults

It’s not too late to participate in Advent daily devotions. Click here to access an online version designed for youth and young adults (and the young at heart!) called “Following the Star.” This fine resource is produced by d365.org and is part of Passport, Inc., an ecumenical cooperative ministry. (Photo by paral_lax used under Creative… Read more»

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A Touch of Advent Humor

Ed Spivey Jr., art director and humor columnist for Sojourners, offers “Nine Tips to Help You Survive Advent.” This tongue-in-cheek list will give you a chuckle and illumine the true importance and meaning of this season. (Photo by Paul Holloway used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Time for a Clean Sweep

Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent December 4, 2011 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  Mark 1:1 Advent is the beginning of the end of all in us that is not yet Christ.   — Thomas Merton My theory about major house cleaning works like this: if… Read more»

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Occupy Advent

Looking for ways to make sure that Advent isn’t overlooked in the mad dash for Christmas? Click here to visit the Occupy Advent Blog, where the stated purpose is “Reclaiming the holy season of waiting and watching for the Lord. Slow down. Simplify.” You’ll find plenty of good ideas, material to ponder, and ways to… Read more»

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Advent: A Time for Re-Forming

Lectionary Reflection, First Sunday in Advent, Year B
November 27, 2011

This Sunday’s lessons offer many options for fresh approaches to Advent. Now is the time to invite people into a spiritual season of re-formation, contemplation, readiness, and action. (Photo by BLW Photography used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

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Be Stewards, Not Consumers, this Christmas

The secularization of the “holiday season” is based upon rampant consumerism. Unfortunately many of us have become not disciples of the Lord, but consumers of religion. We want the Church to provide programs and services for us so that we will have options from which to pick and choose. (Photo by Brockvicky, used by Creative Commons license.Thanks!)

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Advent Practices: Water’s Wisdom

This reflection is the third installment in a weekly series from Christine Valters Paintner for Patheos. Consider how water might inform your Advent prayer and remind you of your baptismal identity. (Photo by Snap® used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)