Category Archives: Advent

Advent Aslant: WaitIng without Hope

Posted on December 5, 2024 by Boz

The poetry that followed T. S. Eliot’s 1927 conversion to Anglicanism has informed my life ever since my own similarly startling embrace of that faith 70 years later.  The First World War-inspired despair of such poems as The Waste Land … Continue reading →

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

Posted on December 25, 2023 by Boz

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

Posted on December 24, 2023 by Boz

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

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Boz

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

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Boz

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

Posted on December 21, 2023 by Boz

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

Posted on December 20, 2023 by Boz

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

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Boz

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

Posted on December 18, 2023 by Boz

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

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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