I have several friends who are doing Advent in their Baptist churches for the first time, and they have lots of questions about candles and logistics. I wish there were more questions about Advent itself. For example, the mood of Advent is dark and serious. It’s not the mood of Lent, which is a particularContinue reading “iMonk Classic: The Mood of Advent: We All Need A Savior”
Category Archives: Advent
Advent with Christina Rossetti (3)
The third Sunday in Advent is Gaudete Sunday. In the midst of the Advent fast, we encouraged to rejoice in the Lord. This day has a counterpart in Lent: Laetare Sunday. Both come just past the midpoint of a penitential season and are designed as merciful reprieves from the demands of fasting so that theContinue reading “Advent with Christina Rossetti (3)”
Advent with Christina Rossetti (2)
Friday was Christina Rossetti’s birthday. She was born December 5, 1830. During this Advent season we are considering some of her seasonal poems, using them as material for meditation and contemplation as we prepare for celebrating the birth of Christ. The following excerpt from Rossetti’s biographical page at The Poetry Foundation explains her religious affiliationContinue reading “Advent with Christina Rossetti (2)”
Advent with Christina Rossetti (1)
On Advent Sundays this year, we will encourage contemplation using some of the seasonal poems of Christina Rossetti. For years now, a favorite book in my library has been an old worn copy of The Poetical Works of Christina Georgina Rossetti, published in 1904. A brief note in fountain pen ink inside the cover saysContinue reading “Advent with Christina Rossetti (1)”
Homily for Advent IV: How Silently, How Silently
How Silently, How Silently A sermon for the fourth Sunday in Advent, 2013 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being aContinue reading “Homily for Advent IV: How Silently, How Silently”
What Is Advent?
We are now in the third week of the liturgical season of Advent. Okay, what does all that mean? What is Advent? To quote from my 1964 Mass missal (from the days when Mass was still said in Latin): The ecclesiastical year begins on the First Sunday of Advent. The season of Advent is aContinue reading “What Is Advent?”
Homily for Advent III: In a Prison Cell of Doubt
In a Prison Cell of Doubt A sermon for the third Sunday in Advent, 2013 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go andContinue reading “Homily for Advent III: In a Prison Cell of Doubt”
iMonk Classic: “Lo, How a Rose” – Experiencing The Power of Beauty
Note from CM: I remember reading this post as a fairly new reader to IM and feeling a strong connection to Michael and his experience. Yesterday morning, our choir sang a rendition of “Lo, How a Rose,” and my thoughts went back to the beauty of this season, the beauty of the Rose springing forthContinue reading “iMonk Classic: “Lo, How a Rose” – Experiencing The Power of Beauty”
Homily for Advent II: Four Metaphors for Advent
Four Metaphors for Advent A sermon for the second Sunday in Advent, 2013 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out inContinue reading “Homily for Advent II: Four Metaphors for Advent”
Lee Adams: Advent Hope
Note from CM: Thanks to IM friend Lee Adams, for today’s moving meditation on Advent. He blogs at Homilies, Prayers, and Bread for the Journey. * * * I stood and watched him sleeping in his grandmother’s bed. “His name is Ezekiel”, she said. “He blind.” He seemed normal enough. Small for his age, maybe, but any threeContinue reading “Lee Adams: Advent Hope”
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