“…each year on December 26 or 28, I read Howard Thurman’s poem, The Work of Christmas, to remind myself what it is we Christians are called to do as followers of the Word made flesh.”

“As we transition from Advent to Christmas, let me share Schulte’s full poem. She doesn’t give into the romance of Christmas. Quite the opposite, through the experience of Mary she invites us to see the true miracle of God becoming one with us in Jesus.”

“…waiting in Advent becomes a microcosm of waiting in life. These days in December remind us that “every time is a time of waiting.” Waiting in Advent teaches us to practice patience, to make time to breathe, to accept occasional boredom as a gift, to find joy in our hope for the promise yet to be fulfilled. “

“Joy reminds. Not necessarily of better days, though this may be the case. Joy reminds us that, whatever we’re feeling today, in the past we have been loved and blessed by another. We have laughed and celebrated. We have experienced gladness and delight. These memories of past joy can, perhaps, spark joy in the present and give us hope for renewed joy in the future.”

“…we can reinterpret the story of Advent. It is not about power but about life, the divine life that flows from before time to the end of time. The divine life which was embodied in Jesus. The never-ending flow of grace, love and blessing which God offers us and all of creation.”

“What if we decide during the upcoming Advent and Christmas seasons to practice “the noble art of leaving things undone”? What if we prioritize our list of tasks, focus on the most essential, and let go of everything else? Would we really lose anything? Might we instead gain something more important?”

“The many people of genuine humility I meet day in and day out, those who remind me that generalizations about society often don’t fit the particular people who walk through this life with me. Perhaps it’s one of the best arguments for the importance of participating in an authentically accepting and loving church community. A diverse faith community that cares for and about the world, encourages me to focus not solely on my life but on the lives of others. “

“Whether someone you love died recently or many years ago. Whether today you are anticipating the death of a loved one or you are feeling your own mortality. Look to the horizon. Set yourself intentionally in the liminal space which already flows around you. Remember that you and all those you love are linked forever by the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”