Month: December 2024

Tuesday, December 31 The Sixth Day Reading: “Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness…’” [1] Reflection: On the sixth day of the Bible’s allegorical story of creation, God created humankind. The reference to God in this passage is plural and the context is communal, which is a strong … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas

Sunday, December 29 The Fourth Day Reading: “And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.” [1] Reflection: The number four is reflected in many aspects of creation: the four seasons (winter, spring, summer, fall) and four directions (north, east, west, south). There are also the four base elements of earth, water, fire … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas

Saturday, December 28 The Third Day Reading: “And God said, ‘Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’” [1] Reflection: The gift of the third day of Christmas, in the song, is three French Hens. Traditionally, the three hens represent the virtues of faith, hope, … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas

Friday, December 27 The Second Day Reading: “God…separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome…the second day.” [1] Reflection: In the Christmas song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, the gift of the second day is two turtle doves, which are traditional symbols of love, peace, and sacrifice. … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas

Thursday, December 26 The First Day Reading: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord is One!” [1] Reflection: December 26th begins the Twelve Days of Christmas, the period of time between Christmas and Epiphany, or between the birth of Jesus and his revelation as a child of God. The twelve days of … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas

Wednesday, December 25 Christmas Day Reading: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” [1] Meditation: Embrace the Darkness Everything in creation manifests in darkness. The Bible’s first creation story reads: “…the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep…” All new life emerges from … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas

Tuesday, December 24 Advent: Joy, Day 3 Reading: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for you see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…’” [1] Reflection: When my children were born, as when Jesus was born, angels sang and rejoiced. Not the types of … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas

Monday, December 23 Advent: Joy, Day 2 Reading: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.” [1] Reflection: When Mary responded to the angel Gabriel’s message that she was pregnant with the son of God, she said, “My … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas

Sunday, December 22, 2024 Advent: Joy, Day 1 Reading: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” [1] Reflection: Joy, the fourth theme of Advent, contrasts with happiness, which is dependent on circumstances over which we have little control. Joy is a … Continue reading Contemplative Christmas