Solstice
A poem for December 21 by Scott Barton.
When History Repeats Itself
A poem on Luke 2:1–20 by Scott Barton.
Making my kids go to church on Christmas morning
Pastor/parents are faced with a conundrum this year: do they force (or strongly encourage) their children to go to Sunday worship on Christmas? Andrew Taylor Troutman has decided yes, and here’s why.
With race in mind, Christians reconsider language of dark and light at Advent
‘The idea that darkness is inherently bad needs no reinforcement,’ said one pastor.
What is Advent?
When did Advent start? Why decorate with purple? When did the Advent wreath become popular? Katy Shevel answers all these questions and more.
An Advent with grit
This Advent, Karie Charlton turns to biblical women with stories that are brutal and beautiful, messy and good.
Order of worship — December 18, 2022
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
The fourth Sunday in Advent — Weekly Christian ed lesson
In this lesson, children will explore love through the story of a pregnant Mary and Elizabeth and they will also consider the ways that the four Advent themes connect.
Fourth Sunday of Advent — December 18, 2022
Christmas is difficult, bringing up painful memories for many. But, as John Wurster writes while reflecting on Joseph’s story, Christmas has been difficult from the beginning.
A prayer for light in Advent
Daniel Heath writes a prayer that focuses on light in a dark season.
Let’s not skip Advent
When life gets hectic, Advent invites us to slow down. We all need that, writes Maggie Alsup.
An Advent word from the Stated Clerk
In this season of Advent, the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) encourages the church to pause, reflect, meditate, and pray. The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, offers words of encouragement in this week’s devotional.
Our two Christmas mothers
Looking at Mary and Elizabeth, Eliza Jaremko ponders the gift of companionship.
The third Sunday in Advent — Weekly Christian ed lesson
On the third Sunday of Advent, children will explore Mary’s song, the Magnificat, discovering the multi-layered joy that Jesus brings to the world.
Order of worship — December 11, 2022
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Third Sunday of Advent — December 11, 2022
For the third Sunday of Advent, Teri McDowell Ott explores joy as the antidote to despair.
Advent and the repair of a liberating love
Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks reflects on the celebration of Advent, with its proximity to Thanksgiving, and the nation’s troubling past of erasing non-White voices and cultures.
How Congress can bring good news to the poor this Advent
When something works to solve poverty the way the child tax credit has, it’s immoral to end it.
Sanctuary on the street corner
Josefina Ahumada reflects on sanctuary and Advent in the context of serving migrant workers in Tuscon, Arizona.
Welcome to Advent
What is Advent anyway? Should we be happy? Sad? Contemplative? Expectant? And why is that one candle pink? Walter Canter reflects on this liturgical season's absurdity and beauty.
The second Sunday in Advent — Weekly Christian ed lesson
On this second Sunday in Advent, children will explore what peace looks like to God and how they might help bring about peace in the world.
Order of worship — December 4, 2022
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
Second Sunday of Advent — December 4, 2022
In this lectionary reflection, Teri McDowell Ott explores the spiritual opportunity John the Baptist presents on this second Sunday of Advent.
Order of worship — November 27, 2022
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
First Sunday of Advent — November 27, 2022
Barbara A. Chaapel examines this week's apocalyptic Gospel text, exploring how the call to watch and wait is related to the call to act.
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