Category Archives: Advent

Light (adj.): Advent Word 23 (Christmas Word)

The lectionary for Christmas Eve and Christmas is replete with references to light, used as a noun. Contrarian to the bitter end, however, I have chosen to write instead about light, the adjective. Jesus bids us, Come unto me, all … Continue reading

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Covenant: Advent Word 22

Covenant, “a mutual compact to do our not do something; a contract” came to English (through Old French) from the Latin for “come together.” The Hebrew word used in the Old Testament means the same thing, but its root sense … Continue reading

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Ponder: Advent Word 21

Today’s assigned word–ponder–seems to give me the license to reflect on my own experiences of this year’s Advent Word project. I realize that extended autobiography is neither the intended end nor means of the daily assignments. However, with all apologies … Continue reading

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Quench: Advent Word 20

When I saw today’s word, I immediately knew exactly what my subject would be. In order to provide context for my ideas, I began an Internet search that led me not only to Wikipedia and Britannica, but also to sites … Continue reading

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Laughter: Advent Word 19

According to a Yiddish proverb, “Man plans, and God laughs”–or, in Woody Allen’s famous paraphrase, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” It was this thought that first came to my mind as I pondered … Continue reading

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Dream: Advent Word 18

Psalm 126 A Song of Ascents 1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy. 3 Then they … Continue reading

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Give (Thanks): Advent Word 17

The epistle reading for Advent III provides the source for today’s word: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

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Repair: Advent Word 16

Context îs everything. Each day as I ponder my contribution for the Advent Word ministry, I like to check to see how my initial ideas conform to the scripture from which the day’s word was chosen. So today, my first … Continue reading

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Rejoice: Advent Word 15

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

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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