RCL Reflection, First Sunday of Advent, Year B. December 3, 2023. How do we preach the Lectionary’s apacolyptic reading from Mark as we begin Advent? One possibility is to talk about Advent as a time of faithful waiting and watching. The Rev. Elisabeth Hartwell explores. (Photo: Creative Commons)
A very COVID Advent: from formless to faithful
First Sunday of Advent Year B, November 29, 2020
The Year B readings are just about right for these crazy times, calling us to a different way of preparing for the arrival of the Messiah. The lessons this week don’t fall into the warm and fuzzy category, rather they are designed to shake us out of our complacency, seasonal nostalgia, and consumption. (Image: Turalbus, Creative Commons)
Advent: Wake, Wide Awake, and Woke
RCL Reflection, 1st Sunday of Advent, Year B, Dec. 3, 2017
Advent calls us to be fully present, alert for signs of Jesus’ inbreaking into our lives and neighborhoods, and holding to the hope that is promised to us. Unfortunately, there are plenty of distractions and temptations, pushes and pulls on our time and resources. Perhaps the biggest gift we can share is to give each other permission to slow down so that God can work in and through and with us. (Photo: Cat Branchman, Creative Commons)
Stewards of Advent Time: Awake
First Sunday of Advent, Year B, November 30, 2014
It’s Advent again. What’s a Christian to do? We wait, we hope, we sin, we mess up: wash, rinse, repeat. According to Jesus in Mark’s gospel this week, we must remain awake and be fully present and attentive every day. (Photo: Alan Turkus, Creative Commons)
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!)