Author Archives: Boz

Rejoice: Advent Word 15

Posted on December 17, 2023 by Boz

Today is Gaudete Sunday, named for the Latin rejoice. The other three candles on the Advent wreath are purple, symbolizing penitential preparation for the coming of Jesus. However, today’s candle is pink to remind us of the entire purpose of … Continue reading →

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Begin: Advent Word 14

Posted on December 16, 2023 by Boz

Mark 1:1, the scripture from which today’s Advent Word was taken, is a mere preface: “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ.” In the verses that follow, Mark pinpoints that beginning in a passage from Isaiah about the … Continue reading →

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Paradox: Advent Word 13

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Boz

Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit—Divine Subcommittee for Selection of Advent Words—are having a good chuckle as they watch from on high the consternation of avid participants in their program, all of whom are scratching our heads as we ponder … Continue reading →

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Patience: Advent Word 12

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Boz

Advent is all about waiting. However, I don’t believe it was standing in lines at Walmart, checking the door every five minutes for the UPS man, or even children sleeping with one eye open on Christmas Eve that inspired today’s … Continue reading →

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Truth: Advent Word 11

Posted on December 13, 2023 by Boz

Postmodernism as articulated in the mid-20th century was bad enough—bad enough, in fact, to persuade me not to pursue a PhD in English when I realized how thoroughly that philosophy of deconstruction, epistemological and moral relativism, and rejection of meaning … Continue reading →

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Valley: Advent Word 10

Posted on December 12, 2023 by Boz

When I think of scriptural valleys, my mind always goes first to the 23rd Psalm, memorized in King James majesty as a child in Sunday school: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will … Continue reading →

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Wait without Hope: Advent Word 9

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Boz

At a loss for words In truth, today’s official Advent Word is herald. However, other than a vain effort at wordplay because of the homophonic association with my father’s name, Harold, I could think of nothing original to offer for this … Continue reading →

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Glory: Advent Word 8

Posted on December 10, 2023 by Boz

I often get my ideas for these assignments with a quick round of  “Advent Word Association.” Today, the first thought that came to mind was the poignant plea of the once and future king at the end of Camelot. Addressing the boy … Continue reading →

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Awake: Advent Word 7

Posted on December 9, 2023 by Boz

Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme” was first performed  on November 25, 1731, the 27th Sunday after Trinity. Based on the parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25: 1-13), this message of this stunning cantata … Continue reading →

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Watch: Advent Word 6

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Boz

Words are my lifeblood, so I want to understand them deeply and fully–to know them and to own them. Thus, I frequently consult the Online Etymology Dictionary, a favorite site for enriching my store of words as I explore their … Continue reading →

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